Sample records for type electrostatic chuck

  1. Electrostatically screened, voltage-controlled electrostatic chuck

    DOEpatents

    Klebanoff, Leonard Elliott

    2001-01-01

    Employing an electrostatically screened, voltage-controlled electrostatic chuck particularly suited for holding wafers and masks in sub-atmospheric operations will significantly reduce the likelihood of contaminant deposition on the substrates. The electrostatic chuck includes (1) an insulator block having a outer perimeter and a planar surface adapted to support the substrate and comprising at least one electrode (typically a pair of electrodes that are embedded in the insulator block), (2) a source of voltage that is connected to the at least one electrode, (3) a support base to which the insulator block is attached, and (4) a primary electrostatic shield ring member that is positioned around the outer perimeter of the insulator block. The electrostatic chuck permits control of the voltage of the lithographic substrate; in addition, it provides electrostatic shielding of the stray electric fields issuing from the sides of the electrostatic chuck. The shielding effectively prevents electric fields from wrapping around to the upper or front surface of the substrate, thereby eliminating electrostatic particle deposition.

  2. A novel measuring method of clamping force for electrostatic chuck in semiconductor devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kesheng, Wang; Jia, Cheng; Yin, Zhong; Linhong, Ji

    2016-04-01

    Electrostatic chucks are one of the core components of semiconductor devices. As a key index of electrostatic chucks, the clamping force must be controlled within a reasonable range. Therefore, it is essential to accurately measure the clamping force. To reduce the negative factors influencing measurement precision and repeatability, this article presents a novel method to measure the clamping force and we elaborate both the principle and the key procedure. A micro-force probe component is introduced to monitor, adjust, and eliminate the gap between the wafer and the electrostatic chuck. The contact force between the ruby probe and the wafer is selected as an important parameter to characterize de-chucking, and we have found that the moment of de-chucking can be exactly judged. Moreover, this article derives the formula calibrating equivalent action area of backside gas pressure under real working conditions, which can effectively connect the backside gas pressure at the moment of de-chucking and the clamping force. The experiments were then performed on a self-designed measuring platform. The de-chucking mechanism is discussed in light of our analysis of the experimental data. Determination criteria for de-chucking point are summed up. It is found that the relationship between de-chucking pressure and applied voltage conforms well to quadratic equation. Meanwhile, the result reveals that actual de-chucking behavior is much more complicated than the description given in the classical empirical formula. Project supported by No. 02 National Science and Technology Major Project of China (No. 2011ZX02403-004).

  3. Micromachined silicon electrostatic chuck

    DOEpatents

    Anderson, R.A.; Seager, C.H.

    1996-12-10

    An electrostatic chuck is faced with a patterned silicon plate, created by micromachining a silicon wafer, which is attached to a metallic base plate. Direct electrical contact between the chuck face (patterned silicon plate`s surface) and the silicon wafer it is intended to hold is prevented by a pattern of flat-topped silicon dioxide islands that protrude less than 5 micrometers from the otherwise flat surface of the chuck face. The islands may be formed in any shape. Islands may be about 10 micrometers in diameter or width and spaced about 100 micrometers apart. One or more concentric rings formed around the periphery of the area between the chuck face and wafer contain a low-pressure helium thermal-contact gas used to assist heat removal during plasma etching of a silicon wafer held by the chuck. The islands are tall enough and close enough together to prevent silicon-to-silicon electrical contact in the space between the islands, and the islands occupy only a small fraction of the total area of the chuck face, typically 0.5 to 5 percent. The pattern of the islands, together with at least one hole bored through the silicon veneer into the base plate, will provide sufficient gas-flow space to allow the distribution of the helium thermal-contact gas. 6 figs.

  4. Compliant layer chucking surface

    DOEpatents

    Blaedel, Kenneth L [Dublin, CA; Spence, Paul A [Pleasanton, CA; Thompson, Samuel L [Pleasanton, CA

    2004-12-28

    A method and apparatus are described wherein a thin layer of complaint material is deposited on the surface of a chuck to mitigate the deformation that an entrapped particle might cause in the part, such as a mask or a wafer, that is clamped to the chuck. The harder particle will embed into the softer layer as the clamping pressure is applied. The material composing the thin layer could be a metal or a polymer for vacuum or electrostatic chucks. It may be deposited in various patterns to affect an interrupted surface, such as that of a "pin" chuck, thereby reducing the probability of entrapping a particle.

  5. A variable stiffness dielectric elastomer actuator based on electrostatic chucking.

    PubMed

    Imamura, Hiroya; Kadooka, Kevin; Taya, Minoru

    2017-05-14

    Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA) are one type of promising artificial muscle; however, applications of bending-type DEA for robotic end-effectors may be limited by their low stiffness and ability to resist external loads without buckling. Unimorph DEA can produce large out-of-plane deformation suitable for use as robotic end effectors; however, design of such actuators for large displacement comes at the cost of low stiffness and blocking force. This work proposes and demonstrates a variable stiffness dielectric elastomer actuator (VSDEA) consisting of a plurality of unimorph DEA units operating in parallel, which can exhibit variable electrostatic chucking to modulate the structure's bending stiffness. The unimorph DEA units are additively manufactured using a high-resolution pneumatic dispenser, and VSDEA comprising various numbers of units are assembled. The performance of the DEA units and VSDEA are compared to model predictions, exhibiting a maximum stiffness change of 39.2×. A claw actuator comprising two VSDEA and weighing 0.6 grams is demonstrated grasping and lifting a 10 gram object.

  6. Micromachined silicon electrostatic chuck

    DOEpatents

    Anderson, Robert A.; Seager, Carleton H.

    1996-01-01

    An electrostatic chuck is faced with a patterned silicon plate 11, created y micromachining a silicon wafer, which is attached to a metallic base plate 13. Direct electrical contact between the chuck face 15 (patterned silicon plate's surface) and the silicon wafer 17 it is intended to hold is prevented by a pattern of flat-topped silicon dioxide islands 19 that protrude less than 5 micrometers from the otherwise flat surface of the chuck face 15. The islands 19 may be formed in any shape. Islands may be about 10 micrometers in diameter or width and spaced about 100 micrometers apart. One or more concentric rings formed around the periphery of the area between the chuck face 15 and wafer 17 contain a low-pressure helium thermal-contact gas used to assist heat removal during plasma etching of a silicon wafer held by the chuck. The islands 19 are tall enough and close enough together to prevent silicon-to-silicon electrical contact in the space between the islands, and the islands occupy only a small fraction of the total area of the chuck face 15, typically 0.5 to 5 percent. The pattern of the islands 19, together with at least one hole 12 bored through the silicon veneer into the base plate, will provide sufficient gas-flow space to allow the distribution of the helium thermal-contact gas.

  7. Analytical treatment of the deformation behavior of EUVL masks during electrostatic chucking

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brandstetter, Gerd; Govindjee, Sanjay

    2012-03-01

    A new analytical approach is presented to predict mask deformation during electro-static chucking in next generation extreme-ultraviolet-lithography (EUVL). Given an arbitrary profile measurement of the mask and chuck non-flatness, this method has been developed as an alternative to time-consuming finite element simulations for overlay error correction algorithms. We consider the feature transfer of each harmonic component in the profile shapes via linear elasticity theory and demonstrate analytically how high spatial frequencies are filtered. The method is compared to presumably more accurate finite element simulations and has been tested successfully in an overlay error compensation experiment, where the residual error y-component could be reduced by a factor 2. As a side outcome, the formulation provides a tool to estimate the critical pin-size and -pitch such that the distortion on the mask front-side remains within given tolerances. We find for a numerical example that pin-pitches of less than 5 mm will result in a mask pattern-distortion of less than 1 nm if the chucking pressure is below 30 kPa.

  8. Analytical treatment of the deformation behavior of extreme-ultraviolet-lithography masks during electrostatic chucking

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brandstetter, Gerd; Govindjee, Sanjay

    2012-10-01

    A new analytical approach is presented to predict mask deformation during electrostatic chucking in next-generation extreme-ultraviolet-lithography. Given an arbitrary profile measurement of the mask and chuck nonflatness, this method has been developed as an alternative to time-consuming finite element simulations for overlay error correction algorithms. We consider the feature transfer of each harmonic component in the profile shapes via linear elasticity theory and demonstrate analytically how high spatial frequencies are filtered. The method is compared to presumably more accurate finite element simulations and has been tested successfully in an overlay error compensation experiment, where the residual error y-component could be reduced by a factor of 2. As a side outcome, the formulation provides a tool to estimate the critical pin-size and -pitch such that the distortion on the mask front-side remains within given tolerances. We find for a numerical example that pin-pitches of less than 5 mm will result in a mask pattern distortion of less than 1 nm if the chucking pressure is below 30 kPa.

  9. Flexible Electrostatic Technologies for Capture and Handling, Phase 1

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bryan, Thomas

    2015-01-01

    Fundamental to many of NASA's in-space transportation missions is the capture and handling of various objects and vehicles in various orbits for servicing, debris disposal, sample retrieval, and assembly without the benefit of sufficient grapple fixtures and docking ports. To perform similar material handling tasks on Earth, pincher grippers, suction grippers, or magnetic chucks are used, but are unable to reliably grip aluminum and composite spacecraft, insulation, radiators, solar arrays, or extra-terrestrial objects in the vacuum of outer space without dedicated handles in the right places. The electronic Flexible Electrostatic Technologies for space Capture and Handling (FETCH) will enable reliable and compliant gripping (soft dock) of practically any object in various orbits or surfaces without dedicated mechanical features, very low impact capture, and built-in proximity sensing without any conventional actuators. Originally developed to handle semiconductor and glass wafers during vacuum chamber processing without contamination, the normal rigid wafer handling chucks are replaced with thin metal foil segments laminated in flexible insulation driven by commercial off-the-shelf solid state, high-voltage power supplies. Preliminary testing in NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC's) Flat Floor Robotics Lab demonstrated compliant alignment and gripping with a full-sized, 150-lb microsat mockup and translation before a clean release with a flip of a switch. The flexible electrostatic gripper pads can be adapted to various space applications with different sizes, shapes, and foil electrode layouts even with openings through the gripper pads for addition of guidance sensors or injection of permanent adhesives. With gripping forces estimated between 0.5 and 2.5 lb/in2 or 70-300 lb/ft2 of surface contact, the FETCH can turn on and off rapidly and repeatedly to enable sample handling, soft docking, in-space assembly, precision relocation, and surface translation for accurate anchoring.

  10. Determination of electrostatic force and its characteristics based on phase difference by amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Kesheng; Cheng, Jia; Yao, Shiji; Lu, Yijia; Ji, Linhong; Xu, Dengfeng

    2016-12-01

    Electrostatic force measurement at the micro/nano scale is of great significance in science and engineering. In this paper, a reasonable way of applying voltage is put forward by taking an electrostatic chuck in a real integrated circuit manufacturing process as a sample, applying voltage in the probe and the sample electrode, respectively, and comparing the measurement effect of the probe oscillation phase difference by amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy. Based on the phase difference obtained from the experiment, the quantitative dependence of the absolute magnitude of the electrostatic force on the tip-sample distance and applied voltage is established by means of theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. The results show that the varying characteristics of the electrostatic force with the distance and voltage at the micro/nano scale are similar to those at the macroscopic scale. Electrostatic force gradually decays with increasing distance. Electrostatic force is basically proportional to the square of applied voltage. Meanwhile, the applicable conditions of the above laws are discussed. In addition, a comparison of the results in this paper with the results of the energy dissipation method shows the two are consistent in general. The error decreases with increasing distance, and the effect of voltage on the error is small.

  11. Fabrication of dense yttrium oxyfluoride ceramics by hot pressing and their mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tahara, Ryuki; Tsunoura, Toru; Yoshida, Katsumi; Yano, Toyohiko; Kishi, Yukio

    2018-06-01

    Excellent corrosion-resistant materials have been strongly required to reduce particle contamination during the plasma process in semiconductor production. Yttrium oxyfluoride can be a candidate as highly corrosion-resistant material. In this study, three types of dense yttrium oxyfluoride ceramics with different oxygen contents, namely, YOF, Y5O4F7 and Y5O4F7 + YF3, were fabricated by hot pressing, and their mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties were evaluated. Y5O4F7 ceramics showed an excellent thermal stability up to 800 °C, a low loss factor, and volume resistivity comparable to conventional plasma-resistant oxides, such as Y2O3. From these results, yttrium oxyfluoride ceramics are strongly suggested to be used as electrostatic chucks in semiconductor production.

  12. Petrogenesis of the Pd-rich intrusion at Salt Chuck, Prince of Wales island: an early Paleozoic Alaskan-type ultramafic body

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Loney, R.A.; Himmelberg, G.R.

    1992-01-01

    The early Paleozoic Salt Chuck intrusion has petrographic and chemical characteristics that are similar to those of Cretaceous Alaskan-type ultramafic-mafic bodies. The intrusion is markedly discordant to the structure of the early Paleozoic Descon Formation, in which it has produced a rather indistinct contact aureole a few meters wide. Mineral assemblages, sequence of crystallization, and mineral chemistry suggest that the intrusion crystallized under low pressures (~2 kbar) with oxidation conditions near those of the NNO buffer, from a hydrous, silica-saturated, orthopyroxene-normative parental magma. The Salt Chuck deposit was probably formed by a two-stage process: 1) a stage of magmatic crystallization in which the sulfides and PGE accumulated in a disseminated manner in cumulus deposits, possibly largely in the gabbro, and 2) a later magmatic-hydrothermal stage during which the sulfides and PGE were remobilized and concentrated in veins and fracture-fillings. In this model, the source of the sulfides and PGE was the magma that produced the Salt Chuck intrusion. -from Authors

  13. CD and defect improvement challenges for immersion processes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ehara, Keisuke; Ema, Tatsuhiko; Yamasaki, Toshinari; Nakagawa, Seiji; Ishitani, Seiji; Morita, Akihiko; Kim, Jeonghun; Kanaoka, Masashi; Yasuda, Shuichi; Asai, Masaya

    2009-03-01

    The intention of this study is to develop an immersion lithography process using advanced track solutions to achieve world class critical dimension (CD) and defectivity performance in a state of the art manufacturing facility. This study looks at three important topics for immersion lithography: defectivity, CD control, and wafer backside contamination. The topic of defectivity is addressed through optimization of coat, develop, and rinse processes as well as implementation of soak steps and bevel cleaning as part of a comprehensive defect solution. Develop and rinse processing techniques are especially important in the effort to achieve a zero defect solution. Improved CD control is achieved using a biased hot plate (BHP) equipped with an electrostatic chuck. This electrostatic chuck BHP (eBHP) is not only able to operate at a very uniform temperature, but it also allows the user to bias the post exposure bake (PEB) temperature profile to compensate for systematic within-wafer (WiW) CD non-uniformities. Optimized CD results, pre and post etch, are presented for production wafers. Wafer backside particles can cause focus spots on an individual wafer or migrate to the exposure tool's wafer stage and cause problems for a multitude of wafers. A basic evaluation of the cleaning efficiency of a backside scrubber unit located on the track was performed as a precursor to a future study examining the impact of wafer backside condition on scanner focus errors as well as defectivity in an immersion scanner.

  14. Projection lithography with distortion compensation using reticle chuck contouring

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

    Tichenor, Daniel A.

    2001-01-01

    A chuck for holding a reflective reticle where the chuck has an insulator block with a non-planer surface contoured to cause distortion correction of EUV radiation is provided. Upon being placed on the chuck, a thin, pliable reflective reticle will conform to the contour of the chuck's non-planer surface. When employed in a scanning photolithography system, distortion in the scanned direction is corrected.

  15. Ball mounting fixture for a roundness gage

    DOEpatents

    Gauler, Allen L.; Pasieka, Donald F.

    1983-01-01

    A ball mounting fixture for a roundness gage is disclosed. The fixture includes a pair of chuck assemblies oriented substantially transversely with respect to one another and mounted on a common base. Each chuck assembly preferably includes a rotary stage and a wobble plate affixed thereto. A ball chuck affixed to each wobble plate is operable to selectively support a ball to be measured for roundness, with the wobble plate permitting the ball chuck to be tilted to center the ball on the axis of rotation of the rotary stage. In a preferred embodiment, each chuck assembly includes a vacuum chuck operable to selectively support the ball to be measured for roundness. The mounting fixture enables a series of roundness measurements to be taken with a conventional rotating gagehead roundness instrument, which measurements can be utilized to determine the sphericity of the ball.

  16. Schema vs. primitive perceptual grouping: the relative weighting of sequential vs. spatial cues during an auditory grouping task in frogs.

    PubMed

    Farris, Hamilton E; Ryan, Michael J

    2017-03-01

    Perceptually, grouping sounds based on their sources is critical for communication. This is especially true in túngara frog breeding aggregations, where multiple males produce overlapping calls that consist of an FM 'whine' followed by harmonic bursts called 'chucks'. Phonotactic females use at least two cues to group whines and chucks: whine-chuck spatial separation and sequence. Spatial separation is a primitive cue, whereas sequence is schema-based, as chuck production is morphologically constrained to follow whines, meaning that males cannot produce the components simultaneously. When one cue is available, females perceptually group whines and chucks using relative comparisons: components with the smallest spatial separation or those closest to the natural sequence are more likely grouped. By simultaneously varying the temporal sequence and spatial separation of a single whine and two chucks, this study measured between-cue perceptual weighting during a specific grouping task. Results show that whine-chuck spatial separation is a stronger grouping cue than temporal sequence, as grouping is more likely for stimuli with smaller spatial separation and non-natural sequence than those with larger spatial separation and natural sequence. Compared to the schema-based whine-chuck sequence, we propose that spatial cues have less variance, potentially explaining their preferred use when grouping during directional behavioral responses.

  17. Ball mounting fixture for a roundness gage

    DOEpatents

    Gauler, A.L.; Pasieka, D.F.

    1983-11-15

    A ball mounting fixture for a roundness gage is disclosed. The fixture includes a pair of chuck assemblies oriented substantially transversely with respect to one another and mounted on a common base. Each chuck assembly preferably includes a rotary stage and a wobble plate affixed thereto. A ball chuck affixed to each wobble plate is operable to selectively support a ball to be measured for roundness, with the wobble plate permitting the ball chuck to be tilted to center the ball on the axis of rotation of the rotary stage. In a preferred embodiment, each chuck assembly includes a vacuum chuck operable to selectively support the ball to be measured for roundness. The mounting fixture enables a series of roundness measurements to be taken with a conventional rotating gagehead roundness instrument, which measurements can be utilized to determine the sphericity of the ball. 6 figs.

  18. Inductively coupled plasma etching of GaAs low loss waveguides for a traveling waveguide polarization converter, using chlorine chemistry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lu, J.; Meng, X.; Springthorpe, A. J.; Shepherd, F. R.; Poirier, M.

    2004-05-01

    A traveling waveguide polarization converter [M. Poirier et al.] has been developed, which involves long, low loss, weakly confined waveguides etched in GaAs (epitaxially grown by molecular beam epitaxy), with electroplated ``T electrodes'' distributed along the etched floor adjacent to the ridge walls, and airbridge interconnect metallization. This article describes the development of the waveguide fabrication, based on inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching of GaAs using Cl2 chemistry; the special processes required to fabricate the electrodes and metallization [X. Meng et al.], and the device characteristics [M. Poirier et al.], are described elsewhere. The required waveguide has dimensions nominally 4 μm wide and 2.1 μm deep, with dimensional tolerances ~0.1 μm across the wafer and wafer to wafer. A vertical etch profile with very smooth sidewalls and floors is required to enable the plated metal electrodes to be fabricated within 0.1 μm of the ridge. The ridges were fabricated using Cl2 ICP etching and a photoresist mask patterned with an I-line stepper; He backside cooling, combined with an electrostatic chuck, was employed to ensure good heat transfer to prevent resist reticulation. The experimental results showed that the ridge profile is very sensitive to ICP power and platen rf power. High ICP power and low platen power tend to result in more isotropic etching, whereas increasing platen power increases the photoresist etch rate, which causes rougher ridge sidewalls. No strong dependence of GaAs etch rate and ridge profile were observed with small changes in process temperature (chuck temperature). However, when the chuck temperature was decreased from 25 to 0 °C, etch uniformity across a 3 in. wafer improved from 6% to 3%. Photoresist and polymer residues present after the ICP etch were removed using a combination of wet and dry processes. .

  19. Defense.gov Special Report: Travels With Hagel

    Science.gov Websites

    of Defense Chuck Hagel's meeting with Amir Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah and Minister of Defense Khalid al-Jarrah al-Sabah of Kuwait About the Secretary U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Chuck Hagel

  20. Coatings on reflective mask substrates

    DOEpatents

    Tong, William Man-Wai; Taylor, John S.; Hector, Scott D.; Mangat, Pawitter J. S.; Stivers, Alan R.; Kofron, Patrick G.; Thompson, Matthew A.

    2002-01-01

    A process for creating a mask substrate involving depositing: 1) a coating on one or both sides of a low thermal expansion material EUVL mask substrate to improve defect inspection, surface finishing, and defect levels; and 2) a high dielectric coating, on the backside to facilitate electrostatic chucking and to correct for any bowing caused by the stress imbalance imparted by either other deposited coatings or the multilayer coating of the mask substrate. An film, such as TaSi, may be deposited on the front side and/or back of the low thermal expansion material before the material coating to balance the stress. The low thermal expansion material with a silicon overlayer and a silicon and/or other conductive underlayer enables improved defect inspection and stress balancing.

  1. Convenient mounting method for electrical measurements of thin samples

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Matus, L. G.; Summers, R. L.

    1986-01-01

    A method for mounting thin samples for electrical measurements is described. The technique is based on a vacuum chuck concept in which the vacuum chuck simultaneously holds the sample and established electrical contact. The mounting plate is composed of a glass-ceramic insulating material and the surfaces of the plate and vacuum chuck are polished. The operation of the vacuum chuck is examined. The contacts on the sample and mounting plate, which are sputter-deposited through metal masks, are analyzed. The mounting method was utilized for van der Pauw measurements.

  2. Nutrient database improvement project: the influence of USDA quality and yield grade on the separable components and proximate composition of raw and cooked retail cuts from the beef chuck.

    PubMed

    West, S E; Harris, K B; Haneklaus, A N; Savell, J W; Thompson, L D; Brooks, J C; Pool, J K; Luna, A M; Engle, T E; Schutz, J S; Woerner, D R; Arcibeque, S L; Belk, K E; Douglass, L; Leheska, J M; McNeill, S; Howe, J C; Holden, J M; Duvall, M; Patterson, K

    2014-08-01

    This study was designed to provide updated information on the separable components, cooking yields, and proximate composition of retail cuts from the beef chuck. Additionally, the impact the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Quality and Yield Grade may have on such factors was investigated. Ultimately, these data will be used in the USDA - Nutrient Data Laboratory's (NDL) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR). To represent the current United States beef supply, seventy-two carcasses were selected from six regions of the country based on USDA Yield Grade, USDA Quality Grade, gender, and genetic type. Whole beef chuck primals from selected carcasses were shipped to three university laboratories for subsequent retail cut fabrication, raw and cooked cut dissection, and proximate analyses. The incorporation of these data into the SR will improve dietary education, product labeling, and other applications both domestically and abroad, thus emphasizing the importance of accurate and relevant beef nutrient data. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  3. A Comparison of Zero Mean Strain Rotating Beam Fatigue Test Methods for Nitinol Wire

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Norwich, Dennis W.

    2014-07-01

    Zero mean strain rotating beam fatigue testing has become the standard for comparing the fatigue properties of Nitinol wire. Most commercially available equipment consists of either a two-chuck or a chuck and bushing system, where the wire length and center-to-center axis distance determine the maximum strain on the wire. For the two-chuck system, the samples are constrained at either end of the wire, and both chucks are driven at the same speed. For the chuck and bushing system, the sample is constrained at one end in a chuck and rides freely in a bushing at the other end. These equivalent systems will both be herein referred to as Chuck-to-Chuck systems. An alternate system uses a machined test block with a specific radius to guide the wire at a known strain during testing. In either system, the test parts can be immersed in a temperature-controlled fluid bath to eliminate any heating effect created in the specimen due to dissipative processes during cyclic loading (cyclic stress induced the formation of martensite) Wagner et al. ( Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 378, p 105-109, 1). This study will compare the results of the same starting material tested with each system to determine if the test system differences affect the final results. The advantages and disadvantages of each system will be highlighted and compared. The factors compared will include ease of setup, operator skill level required, consistency of strain measurement, equipment test limits, and data recovery and analysis. Also, the effect of test speed on the test results for each system will be investigated.

  4. Effect of wafer geometry on lithography chucking processes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Turner, Kevin T.; Sinha, Jaydeep K.

    2015-03-01

    Wafer flatness during exposure in lithography tools is critical and is becoming more important as feature sizes in devices shrink. While chucks are used to support and flatten the wafer during exposure, it is essential that wafer geometry be controlled as well. Thickness variations of the wafer and high-frequency wafer shape components can lead to poor flatness of the chucked wafer and ultimately patterning problems, such as defocus errors. The objective of this work is to understand how process-induced wafer geometry, resulting from deposited films with non-uniform stress, can lead to high-frequency wafer shape variations that prevent complete chucking in lithography scanners. In this paper, we discuss both the acceptable limits of wafer shape that permit complete chucking to be achieved, and how non-uniform residual stresses in films, either due to patterning or process non-uniformity, can induce high spatial frequency wafer shape components that prevent chucking. This paper describes mechanics models that relate non-uniform film stress to wafer shape and presents results for two example cases. The models and results can be used as a basis for establishing control strategies for managing process-induced wafer geometry in order to avoid wafer flatness-induced errors in lithography processes.

  5. Development of elastomeric isolators to reduce roof bolting machine drilling noise

    PubMed Central

    Michael, Robert; Yantek, David; Johnson, David; Ferro, Ernie; Swope, Chad

    2015-01-01

    Among underground coal miners, hearing loss remains one of the most common occupational illnesses. In response to this problem, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR) conducts research to reduce the noise emission of underground coal-mining equipment, an example of which is a roof bolting machine. Field studies show that, on average, drilling noise is the most significant contributor to a roof bolting machine operator’s noise exposure. NIOSH OMSHR has determined that the drill steel and chuck are the dominant sources of drilling noise. NIOSH OMSHR, Corry Rubber Corporation, and Kennametal, Inc. have developed a bit isolator that breaks the steel-to-steel link between the drill bit and drill steel and a chuck isolator that breaks the mechanical connection between the drill steel and the chuck, thus reducing the noise radiated by the drill steel and chuck, and the noise exposure of the roof bolter operator. This paper documents the evolution of the bit isolator and chuck isolator including various alternative designs which may enhance performance. Laboratory testing confirms that production bit and chuck isolators reduce the A-weighted sound level generated during drilling by 3.7 to 6.6 dB. Finally, this paper summarizes results of a finite element analysis used to explore the key parameters of the drill bit isolator and chuck isolator to understand the impact these parameters have on noise. PMID:26568650

  6. Beef muscle isolation has no detrimental effect on premium ground beef programs.

    PubMed

    Ohman, C E; Wiegand, B R; Gruen, I U; Lorenzen, C L

    2015-08-01

    This experiment evaluated whether isolating certain muscles from the chuck for retail sale and excluding them from ground beef mix changes the number of days that ground chuck is acceptable to consumers. Chucks were harvested from twenty-four beef steers, and were allocated to either traditional or innovative fabrication methods. Resulting ground beef patties were stored in retail simulation conditions for 7days to determine color and oxidative stability. Raw patties were analyzed for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), oxymyoglobin concentration, objective color by Minolta Chromameter, and by a trained sensory panel for odor, color and percent discoloration. No differences (P>0.05) were observed between traditional and innovative style patties for TBARS, sensory odor or color, or oxymyoglobin concentration. Minolta Chromameter readings revealed more substantial fading (P<0.05) in traditional patties compared with innovative style patties. This study demonstrated that removing certain muscles from the ground chuck mix does not cause detrimental consequences in resulting ground chuck patties. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  7. Bifacial solar cell measurements under standard test conditions and the impact on cell-to-module loss analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Jai Prakash; Chai, Jing; Hsian Saw, Min; Khoo, Yong Sheng

    2017-08-01

    Bifacial cells are conventionally measured using gold-plated chuck, which is conductive and reflective. This measurement setup does not portray the actual operating conditions of the bifacial cells in a module. The reflective chuck causes an overestimation of the current due to the cell transmittance for the infrared light. The conductive chuck creates a shorter current flow path in the rear side of the cell and causes an over inflation of the fill factor measurement. In this study, we characterize and quantitatively analyze the difference between the bifacial cell measurements on different mounting chucks and calculate the cell-to-module (CTM) loss. To characterize the optical behavior of the bifacial cell and module, we perform external quantum efficiency, reflectance and transmittance measurements. The electrical behavior of the bifacial cell is studied using in-house developed software Griddler. Using Griddler, we calculate the difference in the fill factor of the bifacial cell due to the measurement using a conductive and non-conductive chuck, and estimate the corresponding CTM resistive losses.

  8. Chuck Booten | NREL

    Science.gov Websites

    -3167 Chuck joined NREL in 2010. His research is focused on heat transfer modeling, heating, ventilating background is in experimental heat transfer and fluid mechanics. Education Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering

  9. Self-aligning lathe chuck jaws

    DOEpatents

    Peterson, William R.

    1982-01-01

    A lathe chuck jaw for a lathe chuck having a radially moving actuator which radially moves the jaw in to and out from the workpiece. A jaw base part is rigidly connected to the actuator. A jaw shoe part is rotatably attached to the base part. The shoe part has a workpiece-comforming surface which can hold the workpiece. The rotatable attachment of the shoe part allows it to match the general orientation of the workpiece, including a nonlongitudinal orientation due to a workpiece's imperfect shape.

  10. Self-aligning lathe chuck jaws

    DOEpatents

    Not Available

    1980-08-26

    A lathe chuck jaw for a lathe chuck having a radially moving actuator which radially moves the jaw into and out from the workpiece is described. A jaw base part is rigidly connected to the actuator. A jaw shoe part is rotatably attached to the base part. The shoe part has a workpiece-conforming surface which can hold the workpiece. The rotatable attachment of the shoe part allows it to match the general orientation of the workpiece, including a nonlongitudinal orientation due to a workpiece's imperfect shape.

  11. Chuck Richards

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Scordato, Julie

    2005-01-01

    Chuck Richards, author/illustrator of "Jungle Gym Jitters," shares his views on art education and artistic process. Details on how Richards moved from creating art for adult audiences to creating his picture book for children are presented.

  12. Tennessee Representative Chuck Fleischmann Visit to MSFC

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2017-06-11

    Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tn) being briefed on additive manufacturing at MSFC during a tour of Marshall facilities. Rep. Fleischmann was accompanied by Darrell Akins, Executive Manager of the Tennessee Valley corridor.

  13. Chuck for delicate drills

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Copeland, C. S.

    1972-01-01

    Development of oil film technique to couple power between drive spindle and drill chuck for delicate drilling operations is discussed. Oil film permits application of sufficient pressure, but stops rotating when drill jams. Illustration of equipment is provided.

  14. Contribution of flexor pollicis longus to pinch strength: an in vivo study.

    PubMed

    Goetz, Thomas J; Costa, Joseph A; Slobogean, Gerard; Patel, Satyam; Mulpuri, Kishore; Travlos, Andrew

    2012-11-01

    To estimate the contribution of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) to key pinch strength. Secondary outcomes include tip pinch, 3-point chuck pinch, and grip strength. Eleven healthy volunteers consented to participate in the study. We recorded baseline measures for key, 3-point chuck, and tip pinch and for grip strength. In order to control for instability of the interphalangeal (IP) joint after FPL paralysis, pinch measurements were repeated after immobilizing the thumb IP joint. Measures were repeated after subjects underwent electromyography-guided lidocaine blockade of the FPL muscle. Nerve conduction studies and clinical examinations were used to confirm FPL blockade and to rule out median nerve blockade. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and postblock means for both unsplinted and splinted measures. The difference in means was used to estimate the contribution of FPL to pinch strength. All 3 types of pinch strength showed a significant decrease between pre- and postblock measurements. The relative contribution of FPL for each pinch type was 56%, 44%, and 43% for key, chuck, and tip pinch, respectively. Mean grip strength did not decrease significantly. Splinting of the IP joint had no significant effect on pinch measurements. FPL paralysis resulted in a statistically significant decrease in pinch strength. IP joint immobilization to simulate IP joint fusion did not affect results. Reconstruction after acute or chronic loss of FPL function should be considered when restoration of pinch strength is important. Copyright © 2012 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Self-aligning fixture used in lathe chuck jaw refacing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Linn, C. C.

    1965-01-01

    Self-aligning tool positions and rigidly holds lathe chuck jaws for refacing and truing of the clamping surface. The jaws clamp the fixture in the manner of clamping a workpiece. The fixture can be modified to accommodate four-jawed checks.

  16. Factors influencing intermuscular fat and other measures of beef chuck composition.

    PubMed

    Christensen, K L; Johnson, D D; West, R L; Hargrove, D D; Marshall, T T; Rogers, A L

    1991-11-01

    Carcasses from 59 steers produced from the mating of Braford, Simbrah, Senepol, and Simmental bulls to Brahman- and Romana Red-sired cows and Brahman bulls mated to Angus cows were used in this study. Effects of sire breed and feeding calves vs yearlings on fat depots in the chuck, when steers were fed to 1.0 cm external fat, were determined. Breed of sire and feeding calves vs yearlings had no effect (P greater than .05) on percentage of intermuscular fat. However, carcasses from Braford-sired steers had a higher (P less than .05) percentage of dissectable subcutaneous fat on the chuck than did those from other breed groups. Carcasses from Simmental-sired steers were superior (P less than .05) to those from Braford-sired steers in USDA yield grade and had a higher average marbling score (P less than .05) than the Simbrah-sired group. Estimated kidney, pelvic, and heart (KPH) fat was higher (P less than .05) in carcasses from Brahman-, Simbrah-, and Senepol-sired steers than in Braford-sired steers. Steers fed as calves had higher percentages (P less than .05) of KPH fat and major chuck muscles than did those fed as yearlings. The best single predictor of percentage of intermuscular fat within the chuck was adjusted fat over the ribeye (R2 = .46).

  17. Chuck Warnath: Visionary Gadfly of Professional Counseling.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mallinckrodt, Brent; Sprinkle, Mary Ann

    1991-01-01

    Charles F. "Chuck" Warnath, professor emeritus and former university counseling center director, was interviewed about his personal life, early training with Donald Super, counseling center experiences, convictions about professional counseling, dedication to issues of equality, and current struggles with the progressive effects of retinitis…

  18. Publications - GMC 233 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    Tidal Datum Portal Climate and Cryosphere Hazards Coastal Hazards Program Guide to Geologic Hazards in geologic field program in Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska Authors: Roberts, Chuck, Coastal Science Laboratories publication sales page for more information. Bibliographic Reference Roberts, Chuck, Coastal Science

  19. Due Process Hearing Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bateman, David F.

    2009-01-01

    "Chuck" is a 10-year-old student residing in an unnamed District ("the District"), identified as eligible for specially designed instruction because of a specific learning disability. His parents' due process complaint (filed in December 2008) requested compensatory education for the period September 2006 to June 2008. They believed that Chuck,…

  20. Defense.gov Special Report: Travels with Hagel

    Science.gov Websites

    May 2014 Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spent two days in Illinois to participate in a change-of , Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said in Chicago. Story Hagel Presides Over Transcom Change of Command . Fraser III, who will retire after 40 years of service. Story Hagel Visits Illinois for Transcom Change of

  1. 9 CFR 317.344 - Identification of major cuts of meat products.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... products. 317.344 Section 317.344 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE... meat products are: Beef chuck blade roast, beef loin top loin steak, beef rib roast large end, beef round eye round steak, beef round top round steak, beef round tip roast, beef chuck arm pot roast, beef...

  2. 9 CFR 317.344 - Identification of major cuts of meat products.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... products. 317.344 Section 317.344 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE... meat products are: Beef chuck blade roast, beef loin top loin steak, beef rib roast large end, beef round eye round steak, beef round top round steak, beef round tip roast, beef chuck arm pot roast, beef...

  3. 9 CFR 317.344 - Identification of major cuts of meat products.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... products. 317.344 Section 317.344 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE... meat products are: Beef chuck blade roast, beef loin top loin steak, beef rib roast large end, beef round eye round steak, beef round top round steak, beef round tip roast, beef chuck arm pot roast, beef...

  4. Nutrient Database improvement project: Separable components and proximate composition of retail cuts from the beef chuck

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    This study was designed to provide updated information on the separable components, cooking yields, and nutrient values of retail cuts from the beef chuck. Ultimately, these data will be used in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Data Laboratory’s (NDL) National Nutrient Da...

  5. Impact of Steel Fiber Size and Shape on the Mechanical Properties of Ultra-High Performance Concrete

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-08-01

    32 Appendix B: DTT Specimens Pretest / Posttest ..................................................................................... 36 Appendix C...type and then subsequently compared to that material’s UCS. Figure 6 shows the splitting tensile testing set-up, both pretest and posttest . Figure...9 show the actual test configuration, pretest and posttest , respectively. This configuration utilized a chucking mechanism suited to the shape of

  6. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Saving Fuel in the Garden State with Truck

    Science.gov Websites

    . " Chuck Feinberg, Coordinator New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition Long-haul truck drivers throughout ," said Chuck Feinberg of the New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition (NJCCC). The Garden State has two major sites--one in the northern part of the state, at the New Jersey Turnpike's Vince Lombardi Travel

  7. 6. VIEW OF BORING MILL. Chuck action of locomotive wheel ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    6. VIEW OF BORING MILL. Chuck action of locomotive wheel Wheel weight 1200 pounds, 3'-0' diameter. Table 53' in diameter Wheel is 48'. Largest hole that can be bored is 9-1/2' plus (GE axle is 10'). - Juniata Shops, Erecting Shop & Machine Shop, East of Fourth Avenue, between Fourth & Fifth Streets, Altoona, Blair County, PA

  8. High-density plasma deposition manufacturing productivity improvement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Olmer, Leonard J.; Hudson, Chris P.

    1999-09-01

    High Density Plasma (HDP) deposition provides a means to deposit high quality dielectrics meeting submicron gap fill requirements. But, compared to traditional PECVD processing, HDP is relatively expensive due to the higher capital cost of the equipment. In order to keep processing costs low, it became necessary to maximize the wafer throughput of HDP processing without degrading the film properties. The approach taken was to optimize the post deposition microwave in-situ clean efficiency. A regression model, based on actual data, indicated that number of wafers processed before a chamber clean was the dominant factor. Furthermore, a design change in the ceramic hardware, surrounding the electrostatic chuck, provided thermal isolation resulting in an enhanced clean rate of the chamber process kit. An infra-red detector located in the chamber exhaust line provided a means to endpoint the clean and in-film particle data confirmed the infra-red results. The combination of increased chamber clean frequency, optimized clean time and improved process.

  9. Meet Cover Directors--Steve Albert, Rainbow School, Kahuku, Hawaii; Chuck Larson, Seagull Schools, Honolulu, Hawaii.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Child Care Information Exchange, 1994

    1994-01-01

    Profiles Chuck Larson and Steve Albert, each of whom directs a multi-site child care organization in Hawaii. Larson directs Rainbow School, dedicated to the idea that learning is a natural, joyful accomplishment of living. Albert directs Seagull School, responding to the early educational needs of Hawaii's diverse community by offering affordable,…

  10. TVDG Contacts

    Science.gov Websites

    for Sandy Fax By Fax: 1 631 344 4583 Attention Chuck Carlson EMail By E-Mail: Send E-Mail to Chuck Group Leader James Alessi Telephone: 1-631-344-4004 E-Mail: Peter Thieberger Information can be returned 1 631 344 4581. An organizational list of staff members and how to contact them. The BNL E-Mail and

  11. Defense.gov Special Report: Travels With Hagel

    Science.gov Websites

    . November 2014 Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is on a five-day trip to meet with the men and women of the enterprise on Minot Air Force Base, N.D. Story Hagel Begins a Five-day Domestic Trip Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel was scheduled to visit Minot Air Force Base, N.D., in the first stop of a five-day trip to "

  12. Micrometer for Measuring Trepanned Grooves

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bird, S. K.

    1983-01-01

    Special micrometer measures diameter of circular groove on face of large part, while part is mounted in lathe chuck. Tool has curved frame so it can reach around obstruction on centerline of part. At one end of frame is blade/ micrometer spindle for reaching into groove to be measured; this type of spindle does not rotate when micrometer thimble is turned in taking measurement. Other end of frame has sliding foot with blade.

  13. Characteristics of n-GaN after ICP etching

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Yanjun; Xue, Song; Guo, Wenping; Hao, Zhi-Biao; Sun, Changzheng; Luo, Yi

    2002-09-01

    In this work, a systematic study on the plasma-induced damage on n-type GaN by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching is presented. After n-contact metal formation and annealing, electrical property is evaluated by the I-V characteristics. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) measurement of etched GaN surfaces is performed to investigate the etching damage on the optical properties of n-type GaN. Investigation of the effect of additive gas RF chuck power on these characteristics has also been carried out. The better etching conditions have been obtained based on these results.

  14. Design and Development of Anthropometrically Correct Head Forms for Joint Strike Fighter Ejection Seat Testing

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-02-01

    Testing John A. Plaga Air Force Research Laboratory Chris Albery Mark Boehmer Chuck Goodyear Glenn Thomas Advanced...PROJECT NUMBER 7184 5e. TASK NUMBER 02 6. AUTHOR(S) John A. Plaga *Chris Albery *Mark Boehmer *Chuck Goodyear *Glenn Thomas 5f. WORKUNIT...laser scan 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON: John A. Plaga a. REPORT U b. ABSTRACT U c. THIS PAGE U 17

  15. Toolmarks made by lathe chuck jaws.

    PubMed

    Finkelstein, Nir; Aronson, Ayal; Tsach, Tsadok

    2017-06-01

    This paper presents a forensic method to evidentially tie a workpiece with a specific lathe. Examining using this method can prove or exclude a connection between the two. The importance of this method is mostly due to the growing trend among lawbreakers of manufacturing improvised firearm parts using machining processes. This method is based on comparing jaw impressions made by the chuck on a workpiece. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Effect of Aging Time on Physicochemical Meat Quality and Sensory Property of Hanwoo Bull Beef.

    PubMed

    Cho, Soohyun; Kang, Sun Moon; Seong, Pilnam; Kang, Geunho; Kim, Yunseok; Kim, Jinhyung; Lee, Seounghwan; Kim, Sidong

    2016-01-01

    This study was conducted to investigate the meat quality and sensory properties of 12 major cuts from 10 Hanwoo bulls (25-32 mon of age) after they were aged at 2℃ for 0, 7, 14, and 21 d. Protein content (%) was between 19.17 and 22.50%. Intramuscular fat content ranged from 2.79 to 8.39%. The collagen content of the chuck roll, chuck tender, and short plate muscles was higher (1.97-2.04%) than that of the striploin muscles (1.48%) (p<0.05). CIE lightness (L*) values increased with an increase in aging days for tenderloin, loin, chuck roll, oyster blade, short plate, top sirloin, and eye of round muscles (p<0.05). Most muscles, except the short plate, showed no significant changes in redness CIE (a*) and yellowness (b*) color values during aging. The tenderloin, loin, and striploin showed significantly higher water holding capacity (58.60-62.06%) than that of chuck roll and short plate (53.86-57.07%) muscles (p<0.05). The Warner-Bratzler shear force values of most muscles decreased significantly as the aging period increased (p<0.05), exception the tenderloin. The chuck tender muscles showed the highest cooking loss, whereas tenderloin muscle showed the lowest (p<0.05). The tenderloin muscle had the longest sarcomere length (SL) (3.67-3.86 μm) and the bottom round muscle had the shortest SL (2.21-2.35 μm) (p<0.05). In the sensory evaluation, tenderness and overall-likeness scores of most muscles increased with increase in aging days. The tenderloin and oyster blade showed relatively higher tenderness and overall-likeness values than did the other muscles during the aging period. No significant differences were noted in juiciness and flavor-likeness scores among muscles and aging days.

  17. Effect of Aging Time on Physicochemical Meat Quality and Sensory Property of Hanwoo Bull Beef

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Seounghwan

    2016-01-01

    This study was conducted to investigate the meat quality and sensory properties of 12 major cuts from 10 Hanwoo bulls (25-32 mon of age) after they were aged at 2℃ for 0, 7, 14, and 21 d. Protein content (%) was between 19.17 and 22.50%. Intramuscular fat content ranged from 2.79 to 8.39%. The collagen content of the chuck roll, chuck tender, and short plate muscles was higher (1.97-2.04%) than that of the striploin muscles (1.48%) (p<0.05). CIE lightness (L*) values increased with an increase in aging days for tenderloin, loin, chuck roll, oyster blade, short plate, top sirloin, and eye of round muscles (p<0.05). Most muscles, except the short plate, showed no significant changes in redness CIE (a*) and yellowness (b*) color values during aging. The tenderloin, loin, and striploin showed significantly higher water holding capacity (58.60-62.06%) than that of chuck roll and short plate (53.86-57.07%) muscles (p<0.05). The Warner-Bratzler shear force values of most muscles decreased significantly as the aging period increased (p<0.05), exception the tenderloin. The chuck tender muscles showed the highest cooking loss, whereas tenderloin muscle showed the lowest (p<0.05). The tenderloin muscle had the longest sarcomere length (SL) (3.67-3.86 μm) and the bottom round muscle had the shortest SL (2.21-2.35 μm) (p<0.05). In the sensory evaluation, tenderness and overall-likeness scores of most muscles increased with increase in aging days. The tenderloin and oyster blade showed relatively higher tenderness and overall-likeness values than did the other muscles during the aging period. No significant differences were noted in juiciness and flavor-likeness scores among muscles and aging days. PMID:27499666

  18. W-Band On-Wafer Measurement of Uniplanar Slot-Type Antennas

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Raman, Sanjay; Gauthier, Gildas P.; Rebeiz, Gabriel M.

    1997-01-01

    Uniplanar slot-type antennas such as coplanar waveguide fed single- and dual-polarized slot-ring antennas and double folded-slot antennas are characterized using a millimeter-wave network analyzer and on-wafer measurement techniques. The antennas are designed to be mounted on a dielectric lens to minimize power loss into substrate modes and realize high-gain antenna patterns. On-wafer measurements are performed by placing the antenna wafer on a thick dielectric spacer of similar e(sub t) and eliminating the reflection from the probe station chuck with time-domain gating. The measured results agree well with method-of-moments simulations.

  19. Method and device for determining bond separation strength using induction heating

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Coultrip, Robert H. (Inventor); Johnson, Samuel D. (Inventor); Copeland, Carl E. (Inventor); Phillips, W. Morris (Inventor); Fox, Robert L. (Inventor)

    1994-01-01

    An induction heating device includes an induction heating gun which includes a housing, a U-shaped pole piece having two spaced apart opposite ends defining a gap there between, the U-shaped pole piece being mounted in one end of the housing, and a tank circuit including an induction coil wrapped around the pole piece and a capacitor connected to the induction coil. A power source is connected to the tank circuit. A pull test machine is provided having a stationary chuck and a movable chuck, the two chucks holding two test pieces bonded together at a bond region. The heating gun is mounted on the pull test machine in close proximity to the bond region of the two test pieces, whereby when the tank circuit is energized, the two test pieces are heated by induction heating while a tension load is applied to the two test pieces by the pull test machine to determine separation strength of the bond region.

  20. Special issue of Computers and Fluids in honor of Cecil E. (Chuck) Leith

    DOE PAGES

    Zhou, Ye; Herring, Jackson

    2017-05-12

    Here, this special issue of Computers and Fluids is dedicated to Cecil E. (Chuck) Leith in honor of his research contributions, leadership in the areas of statistical fluid mechanics, computational fluid dynamics, and climate theory. Leith's contribution to these fields emerged from his interest in solving complex fluid flow problems--even those at high Mach numbers--in an era well before large scale supercomputing became the dominant mode of inquiry into these fields. Yet the issues raised and solved by his research effort are still of vital interest today.

  1. Special issue of Computers and Fluids in honor of Cecil E. (Chuck) Leith

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

    Zhou, Ye; Herring, Jackson

    Here, this special issue of Computers and Fluids is dedicated to Cecil E. (Chuck) Leith in honor of his research contributions, leadership in the areas of statistical fluid mechanics, computational fluid dynamics, and climate theory. Leith's contribution to these fields emerged from his interest in solving complex fluid flow problems--even those at high Mach numbers--in an era well before large scale supercomputing became the dominant mode of inquiry into these fields. Yet the issues raised and solved by his research effort are still of vital interest today.

  2. Research on the tool holder mode in high speed machining

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhenyu, Zhao; Yongquan, Zhou; Houming, Zhou; Xiaomei, Xu; Haibin, Xiao

    2018-03-01

    High speed machining technology can improve the processing efficiency and precision, but also reduce the processing cost. Therefore, the technology is widely regarded in the industry. With the extensive application of high-speed machining technology, high-speed tool system has higher and higher requirements on the tool chuck. At present, in high speed precision machining, several new kinds of clip heads are as long as there are heat shrinkage tool-holder, high-precision spring chuck, hydraulic tool-holder, and the three-rib deformation chuck. Among them, the heat shrinkage tool-holder has the advantages of high precision, high clamping force, high bending rigidity and dynamic balance, etc., which are widely used. Therefore, it is of great significance to research the new requirements of the machining tool system. In order to adapt to the requirement of high speed machining precision machining technology, this paper expounds the common tool holder technology of high precision machining, and proposes how to select correctly tool clamping system in practice. The characteristics and existing problems are analyzed in the tool clamping system.

  3. The Differences in Chemical Composition, Physical Quality Traits and Nutritional Values of Horse Meat as Affected by Various Retail Cut Types

    PubMed Central

    Seong, Pil Nam; Park, Kyoung Mi; Kang, Geun Ho; Cho, Soo Hyun; Park, Beom Young; Chae, Hyun Seok; Van Ba, Hoa

    2016-01-01

    The effects of retail cut type on chemical, quality and nutritional characteristics of horse meat were studied. Jeju female breed horses (n = 9) at 32-mo-old were slaughtered and the carcasses at 24 h post-mortem were fabricated into 10 retail cuts including: tender-loin, loin, strip-loin, shoulder-chuck-roll, shoulder-clod, top-round, outside-round, brisket, short-plate-brisket, and shank. The results revealed that all of parameters (chemical, meat quality and nutritional composition) examined significantly (p<0.05) differed between the cuts. The chemical composition range (minimum to maximum) of cuts was found as such: moisture 65.06% to 71.69%; protein 19.07% to 21.28%; collagen 1.40% to 2.45%; fat 2.56% to 12.14% and cholesterol 55.76 to 79.50 mg/100 g. Shoulder-chuck-roll had the highest pH and water-holding capacity, while top-round had the highest cooking loss. Shear force ranged between the cuts from 2.80 kg/cm2 to 4.98 kg/cm2. The Cu, Fe, and Zn contents ranged between the cuts from 1.52 mg/kg to 2.75 mg/kg, 21.25 mg/kg to 30.85 mg/kg, and 16.51 mg/kg to 40.42 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, most of the cuts studied showed favorable polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid, n-3/n-6 and essential amino acid/non-essential amino acid ratios. PMID:26732332

  4. The Differences in Chemical Composition, Physical Quality Traits and Nutritional Values of Horse Meat as Affected by Various Retail Cut Types.

    PubMed

    Seong, Pil Nam; Park, Kyoung Mi; Kang, Geun Ho; Cho, Soo Hyun; Park, Beom Young; Chae, Hyun Seok; Van Ba, Hoa

    2016-01-01

    The effects of retail cut type on chemical, quality and nutritional characteristics of horse meat were studied. Jeju female breed horses (n = 9) at 32-mo-old were slaughtered and the carcasses at 24 h post-mortem were fabricated into 10 retail cuts including: tender-loin, loin, strip-loin, shoulder-chuck-roll, shoulder-clod, top-round, outside-round, brisket, short-plate-brisket, and shank. The results revealed that all of parameters (chemical, meat quality and nutritional composition) examined significantly (p<0.05) differed between the cuts. The chemical composition range (minimum to maximum) of cuts was found as such: moisture 65.06% to 71.69%; protein 19.07% to 21.28%; collagen 1.40% to 2.45%; fat 2.56% to 12.14% and cholesterol 55.76 to 79.50 mg/100 g. Shoulder-chuck-roll had the highest pH and water-holding capacity, while top-round had the highest cooking loss. Shear force ranged between the cuts from 2.80 kg/cm(2) to 4.98 kg/cm(2). The Cu, Fe, and Zn contents ranged between the cuts from 1.52 mg/kg to 2.75 mg/kg, 21.25 mg/kg to 30.85 mg/kg, and 16.51 mg/kg to 40.42 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, most of the cuts studied showed favorable polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid, n-3/n-6 and essential amino acid/non-essential amino acid ratios.

  5. First qualification and selection of the eROSITA PNCCDs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schächner, G.; Andritschke, R.; Hälker, O.; Herrmann, S.; Kimmel, N.; Meidinger, N.; Strüder, L.

    2010-12-01

    For the X-ray astronomy instrument eROSITA a framestore PNCCD was developed by the MPI Halbleiterlabor. The PNCCD has an image area of 384×384 pixels with a size of 75 μm×75 μm. Each channel of the PNCCD has an own readout anode which allows parallel amplification and signal processing of the CCD signals of one row. The first measurements for the spectroscopic characterization of the PNCCDs are made with a special measurement setup—the so-called Cold Chuck Probe Station. The Cold Chuck Probe Station allows to fully operate the CCD without mounting and bonding the chip on a PCB as the CCD is contacted only with needles. Thus all eROSITA PNCCDs can be qualified under the same measurement conditions and with an identical electronic setup. Therefore the results can be compared directly. The spectroscopic properties of the PNCCDs, like the charge transfer efficiency and the energy resolution are measured. Also pixel defects such as bright pixels or non-transferring pixels are detected. With the Cold Chuck Probe Station a readout noise of 2.7 e - ENC can be achieved and reliable measurement results obtained. Based on these results the best PNCCDs will be selected for eROSITA.

  6. The effect of breed of sire and age at feeding on muscle tenderness in the beef chuck.

    PubMed

    Christensen, K L; Johnson, D D; West, R L; Marshall, T T; Hargrove, D D

    1991-09-01

    Steers (n = 59) produced from the mating of Braford, Simbrah, Senepol, and Simmental bulls to Brahman- and Romana Red-sired cows and Brahman bulls to Angus cows were used in this study. Effects of sire breed and age at feeding on muscle tenderness in the major muscles of the chuck when steers were fed to 1.0 cm 12th rib fat were determined. There were no muscle tenderness effects due to sire breed group, with the exception of the serratus ventralis muscle, which was more tender in Brahman- and Braford-sired steers than in Simmental-sired steers. Additionally, the supraspinatus muscle from the yearlings was lower in shear value than that from the calves. The Brahman-sired steers had serratus ventralis muscles with higher percentages (P less than .05) of intramuscular fat than those of Braford-, Simbrah-, and Simmental-sired steers. Fat deposited within the muscle or between muscles in the chuck was not related to muscle tenderness as measured by Warner-Bratzler shear values. Also, percentages of intramuscular fat of the triceps brachii, serratus ventralis, or supraspinatus muscles were not influenced (P greater than .05) by age at feeding.

  7. Evaluating the point of separation, during carcass fabrication, between the beef wholesale rib and the beef wholesale chuck.

    PubMed

    Reuter, B J; Wulf, D M; Shanks, B C; Maddock, R J

    2002-01-01

    This study determined whether there is a logical point of value change, related to either tenderness or consumer acceptance, at which to separate the beef carcass within the rib/chuck region. Rib/chuck rolls (RCR); (n = 30) consisting of the ribeye roll and chuck eye roll subprimals (2nd through 12th rib locations) were cut into 22 steaks each (two steaks per rib location), and Warner-Bratzler shear force and consumer purchase preference were evaluated for steaks at each rib location. Steaks from different locations of the RCR were composed of differing proportions of several muscles: longissimus muscle (LM), spinalis dorsi and multifidus dorsi (SM), and complexus (CO). The LM (4th to 12th rib) contained three tenderness regions: 7th through 12th rib, 5th and 6th ribs, and 4th rib regions (lowest, intermediate, and highest shear force values, respectively; P < 0.01). Shear force differed (P < 0.05) among rib locations for the SM (2nd to 9th rib), but no logical pattern was evident. The CO (2nd to 7th rib) was more tender toward the anterior end (P < 0.05). The region of the RCR represented by the 4th through 6th rib locations had steaks with higher weighted-average shear force (average shear force of each steak, weighted for surface area of each muscle) values than the remainder of the RCR (P < 0.05). Animal-to-animal variation in shear force was 36% greater than rib-to-rib variation in shear force; thus, statistically significant differences in tenderness among rib locations may be undetectable by consumers. Steaks (n = 330) were offered for sale at a retail supermarket and case time was monitored on each steak to determine consumer purchase preference. Steaks from the 2nd through 4th rib locations required more time to sell (P < 0.01) than steaks from the 5th through 12th rib locations. Two alternative locations for the rib/chuck separation point could be between the 6th and 7th ribs, yielding a ribeye subprimal useful in marketing a "premium quality" product, or between the 4th and 5th ribs, which would yield four more 2.5-cm ribeye steaks per carcass.

  8. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In a brief ceremony in the Space Station Processing Facility, Chuck Hardison (left), Boeing senior truss manager, turns over the “key” for the starboard truss segment S3/S4 to Scott Gahring, ISS Vehicle Office manager (acting), Johnson Space Center. The trusses are scheduled to be delivered to the International Space Station on mission STS-117.

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2004-02-12

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In a brief ceremony in the Space Station Processing Facility, Chuck Hardison (left), Boeing senior truss manager, turns over the “key” for the starboard truss segment S3/S4 to Scott Gahring, ISS Vehicle Office manager (acting), Johnson Space Center. The trusses are scheduled to be delivered to the International Space Station on mission STS-117.

  9. Assessment and control of electrostatic charges. [hazards to space missions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Barrett, M.

    1974-01-01

    The experience is described of NASA and DOD with electrostatic problems, generation mechanisms, and type of electrostatic hazards. Guidelines for judging possible effects of electrostatic charges on space missions are presented along with mathematical formulas and definitions.

  10. The development of 8 inch roll-to-plate nanoimprint lithography (8-R2P-NIL) system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Lai Seng; Mohamed, Khairudin; Ooi, Su Guan

    2017-07-01

    Growth in semiconductor and integrated circuit industry was observed in the past decennium of years for industrial technology which followed Moore's law. The line width of nanostructure to be exposed was influenced by the essential technology of photolithography. Thus, it is crucial to have a low cost and high throughput manufacturing process for nanostructures. Nanoimprint Lithography technique invented by Stephen Y. Chou was considered as major nanolithography process to be used in future integrated circuit and integrated optics. The drawbacks of high imprint pressure, high imprint temperature, air bubbles formation, resist sticking to mold and low throughput of thermal nanoimprint lithography on silicon wafer have yet to be solved. Thus, the objectives of this work is to develop a high throughput, low imprint force, room temperature UV assisted 8 inch roll to plate nanoimprint lithography system capable of imprinting nanostructures on 200 mm silicon wafer using roller imprint with flexible mold. A piece of resist spin coated silicon wafer was placed onto vacuum chuck drives forward by a stepper motor. A quartz roller wrapped with a piece of transparent flexible mold was used as imprint roller. The imprinted nanostructures were cured by 10 W, 365 nm UV LED which situated inside the quartz roller. Heat generated by UV LED was dissipated by micro heat pipe. The flexible mold detaches from imprinted nanostructures in a 'line peeling' pattern and imprint pressure was measured by ultra-thin force sensors. This system has imprinting speed capability ranging from 0.19 mm/s to 5.65 mm/s, equivalent to imprinting capability of 3 to 20 pieces of 8 inch wafers per hour. Speed synchronization between imprint roller and vacuum chuck was achieved by controlling pulse rate supplied to stepper motor which drive the vacuum chuck. The speed different ranging from 2 nm/s to 98 nm/s is achievable. Vacuum chuck height was controlled by stepper motor with displacement of 5 nm/step.

  11. Correlation study of actual temperature profile and in-line metrology measurements for within-wafer uniformity improvement and wafer edge yield enhancement (Conference Presentation)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fang, Fang; Vaid, Alok; Vinslava, Alina; Casselberry, Richard; Mishra, Shailendra; Dixit, Dhairya; Timoney, Padraig; Chu, Dinh; Porter, Candice; Song, Da; Ren, Zhou

    2018-03-01

    It is getting more important to monitor all aspects of influencing parameters in critical etch steps and utilize them as tuning knobs for within-wafer uniformity improvement and wafer edge yield enhancement. Meanwhile, we took a dive in pursuing "measuring what matters" and challenged ourselves for more aspects of signals acquired in actual process conditions. Among these factors which are considered subtle previously, we identified Temperature, especially electrostatic chuck (ESC) Temperature measurement in real etch process conditions have direct correlation to in-line measurements. In this work, we used SensArray technique (EtchTemp-SE wafer) to measure ESC temperature profile on a 300mm wafer with plasma turning on to reproduce actual temperature pattern on wafers in real production process conditions. In field applications, we observed substantial correlation between ESC temperature and in-line optical metrology measurements and since temperature is a process factor that can be tuning through set-temperature modulations, we have identified process knobs with known impact on physical profile variations. Furthermore, ESC temperature profile on a 300mm wafer is configured as multiple zones upon radius and SensArray measurements mechanism could catch such zonal distribution as well, which enables detailed temperature modulations targeting edge ring only where most of chips can be harvested and critical zone for yield enhancement. Last but not least, compared with control reference (ESC Temperature in static plasma-off status), we also get additional factors to investigate in chamber-to-chamber matching study and make process tool fleet match on the basis really matters in production. KLA-Tencor EtchTemp-SE wafer enables Plasma On wafer temperature monitoring of silicon etch process. This wafer is wireless and has 65 sensors with measurement range from 20 to 140°C. the wafer is designed to run in real production recipe plasma on condition with maximum RF power up to 7KW. The wafer surface is coated with Yttrium oxide film which allows Silicon Etch chemistry. At Fab-8, we carried investigations in 14 nm FEOL critical etch process which has direct impact on yield, using SensorArray EtchTemp-SE wafer, we measured ESC temperature profile across multiple chambers, for both plasma on and plasma off, promising results achieved on chamber temperature signature identification, guideline for chamber to chamber matching improvement. Correlation between wafer mean temperature and determining criticality-process parameters of recess depth and CD is observed. Furthermore, detail zonal temperature/profile correlation is investigated to identify individual correlation in each chuck zone, and provided unique process knobs corresponding to each chunk. Meanwhile, passive ESC Chuck DOE was done to modulate wafer temperature at different zones, and Sensor Array wafer measurements verified temperature responding well with the ESC set point. Correlation R2 = 0.9979 for outer ring and R2 = 0.9981 for Mid Outer ring is observed, as shown in . Experiments planning to modulate edge zone ESC temperature to tune profile within-wafer uniformity and prove gain in edge yield enhancement and to improve edge yield is underway.

  12. Genesis Ultrapure Water Megasonic Wafer Spin Cleaner

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Allton, Judith H.; Stansbery, Eileen K.; Calaway, Michael J.; Rodriquez, Melissa C.

    2013-01-01

    A device removes, with high precision, the majority of surface particle contamination greater than 1-micron-diameter in size from ultrapure semiconductor wafer materials containing implanted solar wind samples returned by NASA's Genesis mission. This cleaning device uses a 1.5-liter/minute flowing stream of heated ultrapure water (UPW) with 1- MHz oscillating megasonic pulse energy focused at 3 to 5 mm away from the wafer surface spinning at 1,000 to 10,000 RPM, depending on sample size. The surface particle contamination is removed by three processes: flowing UPW, megasonic cavitations, and centripetal force from the spinning wafer. The device can also dry the wafer fragment after UPW/megasonic cleaning by continuing to spin the wafer in the cleaning chamber, which is purged with flowing ultrapure nitrogen gas at 65 psi (.448 kPa). The cleaner also uses three types of vacuum chucks that can accommodate all Genesis-flown array fragments in any dimensional shape between 3 and 100 mm in diameter. A sample vacuum chuck, and the manufactured UPW/megasonic nozzle holder, replace the human deficiencies by maintaining a consistent distance between the nozzle and wafer surface as well as allowing for longer cleaning time. The 3- to 5-mm critical distance is important for the ability to remove particles by megasonic cavitations. The increased UPW sonication time and exposure to heated UPW improve the removal of 1- to 5-micron-sized particles.

  13. TVDG Organization Page

    Science.gov Websites

    -Booster-AGS Coordinator John Benjamin Accelerator Development, Maintenance and Operation Chuck Carlson Hans Abendroth Ion Source Develoment and Maintenance John Benjamin Dannie Steski Electrical and

  14. ARC-2006-ACD06-0177-010

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2006-10-10

    CEV (Crew Escape Vehicle) capsule Balistic Range testing to examine static and dynamic stability characteristics (at the Hypervelocity Free-Flight Facility) HFF Chuck Cornelison operating 'Firing' control pannel

  15. Sine-Bar Attachment For Machine Tools

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mann, Franklin D.

    1988-01-01

    Sine-bar attachment for collets, spindles, and chucks helps machinists set up quickly for precise angular cuts that require greater precision than provided by graduations of machine tools. Machinist uses attachment to index head, carriage of milling machine or lathe relative to table or turning axis of tool. Attachment accurate to 1 minute or arc depending on length of sine bar and precision of gauge blocks in setup. Attachment installs quickly and easily on almost any type of lathe or mill. Requires no special clamps or fixtures, and eliminates many trial-and-error measurements. More stable than improvised setups and not jarred out of position readily.

  16. ARC-2006-ACD06-0177-012

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2006-10-04

    CEV (Crew Escape Vehicle) capsule Balistic Range testing to examine static and dynamic stability characteristics (at the Hypervelocity Free-Flight Facility) HFF - Chuck Cornelison viewing 8x10 shadowgraph images

  17. EFFECT OF LOADING DUST TYPE ON THE FILTRATION EFFICIENCY OF ELECTROSTATICALLY CHARGED FILTERS

    EPA Science Inventory

    The paper gives results of an evaluation of the effect of loading dust type on the filtration efficiency of electrostatically charged filters. Three types of filters were evaluated: a rigid-cell filter charged using an electrodynamic spinning process, a pleated-panel filter cha...

  18. "Diabetes has instant consequences…"

    MedlinePlus

    ... Javascript on. Feature: Diabetes Stories "Diabetes has instant consequences…" Past Issues / Fall 2009 Table of Contents Photo: ... to chuck it all. But Diabetes has instant consequences. You learn to be responsible pretty quickly, or ...

  19. Perceived Synchrony of Frog Multimodal Signal Components Is Influenced by Content and Order.

    PubMed

    Taylor, Ryan C; Page, Rachel A; Klein, Barrett A; Ryan, Michael J; Hunter, Kimberly L

    2017-10-01

    Multimodal signaling is common in communication systems. Depending on the species, individual signal components may be produced synchronously as a result of physiological constraint (fixed) or each component may be produced independently (fluid) in time. For animals that rely on fixed signals, a basic prediction is that asynchrony between the components should degrade the perception of signal salience, reducing receiver response. Male túngara frogs, Physalaemus pustulosus, produce a fixed multisensory courtship signal by vocalizing with two call components (whines and chucks) and inflating a vocal sac (visual component). Using a robotic frog, we tested female responses to variation in the temporal arrangement between acoustic and visual components. When the visual component lagged a complex call (whine + chuck), females largely rejected this asynchronous multisensory signal in favor of the complex call absent the visual cue. When the chuck component was removed from one call, but the robofrog inflation lagged the complex call, females responded strongly to the asynchronous multimodal signal. When the chuck component was removed from both calls, females reversed preference and responded positively to the asynchronous multisensory signal. When the visual component preceded the call, females responded as often to the multimodal signal as to the call alone. These data show that asynchrony of a normally fixed signal does reduce receiver responsiveness. The magnitude and overall response, however, depend on specific temporal interactions between the acoustic and visual components. The sensitivity of túngara frogs to lagging visual cues, but not leading ones, and the influence of acoustic signal content on the perception of visual asynchrony is similar to those reported in human psychophysics literature. Virtually all acoustically communicating animals must conduct auditory scene analyses and identify the source of signals. Our data suggest that some basic audiovisual neural integration processes may be at work in the vertebrate brain. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology 2017. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.

  20. RoboSimian and Friends

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2014-07-16

    Limbed robot RoboSimian was developed at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, seen here with Brett Kennedy, supervisor of the JPL Robotic Vehicles and Manipulators Group, and Chuck Bergh, a senior engineer in JPL Robotic Hardware Systems Group.

  1. 50 CFR 300.67 - Charter halibut limited access program.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ..., Metlakatla, Meyers Chuck, Pelican, Point Baker, Port Alexander, Port Protection, Tenakee, Thorne Bay, Whale... retained must begin or end at a location(s) specified on the application for a community charter halibut...

  2. 50 CFR 300.67 - Charter halibut limited access program.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... Chuck, Naukati Bay, Pelican, Point Baker, Port Alexander, Port Protection, Tenakee, Thorne Bay, Whale... retained must begin or end at a location(s) specified on the application for a community charter halibut...

  3. 50 CFR 300.67 - Charter halibut limited access program.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ..., Metlakatla, Meyers Chuck, Pelican, Point Baker, Port Alexander, Port Protection, Tenakee, Thorne Bay, Whale... retained must begin or end at a location(s) specified on the application for a community charter halibut...

  4. Metal bellows custom-fabricated from tubing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1965-01-01

    Mandrel assembly mounted in a lathe chuck is used with a forming wheel to roll-form bellows from standard sheet metal tubing. Spacers and mandrels of various sizes custom-fabricate bellows of any desired dimensions.

  5. Postglacial volcanic deposits at Glacier Peak, Washington, and potential hazards from future eruptions; a preliminary report

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Beget, J.E.

    1982-01-01

    Eruptions and other geologic events at Glacier Peak volcano in northern Washington have repeatedly affected areas near the volcano as well as areas far downwind and downstream. This report describes the evidence of this activity preserved in deposits on the west and east flanks of the volcano. On the west side of Glacier Peak the oldest postglacial deposit is a large, clayey mudflow which traveled at least 35 km down the White Chuck River valley sometime after 14,000 years ago. Subsequent large explosive eruptions produced lahars and at least 10 pyroclastic-flow deposits, including a semiwelded vitric tuff in the White Chuck River valley. These deposits, known collectively as the White Chuck assemblage, form a valley fill which is locally preserved as far as 100 km downstream from the volcano in the Stillaguamish River valley. At least some of the assemblage is about 11,670-11,500 radiocarbon years old. A small clayey lahar, containing reworked blocks of the vitric tuff, subsequently traveled at least 15 km down the White Chuck River. This lahar is overlain by lake sediments containing charred wood which is about 5,500 years old. A 150-m-thick assemblage of pyroclastic-flow deposits and lahars, called the Kennedy Creek assemblage, is in part about 5,500-5,100 radiocarbon years old. Lithic lahars from this assemblage extend at least 100 km downstream in the Skagit River drainage. The younger lahar assemblages, each containing at least three lahars and reaching at least 18 km downstream from Glacier Peak in the White Chuck River valley, are about 2,800 and 1,800 years old, respectively. These are postdated by a lahar containing abundant oxyhornblende dacite, which extends at least 30 km to the Sauk River. A still younger lahar assemblage that contains at least five lahars, and that also extends at least 30 km to the Sauk River, is older than a mature forest growing on its surface. At least one lahar and a flood deposit form a low terrace at the confluence of the White Chuck and Sauk Rivers, and were deposited before 300 years ago, but more recently than about 1,800 years ago. Several small outburst floods, including one in 1975, have affected Kennedy and Baekos Creek and the upper White Chuck River in the last hundred years. East of Glacier Peak the oldest postglacial deposits consist of ash-cloud deposits that underlie tephra erupted by Glacier Peak between 12,750 and 11,250 radiocarbon years ago. Although pyroclastic-flow deposits correlative with the ash-cloud deposits have not been recognized, late Pleistocene pumiceous lahars extend at least 50 km downstream in the Suiattle River valley. A younger clayey mudflow extends at least 6 km down Dusty Creek. This lahar is overlain by deposits of lithic pyroclastic flows and lahars that form the Dusty assemblage. This assemblage is at least 300 m thick in the upper valleys of Dusty and Chocolate Creeks, and contains more than 10 km3 of lithic debris. Lahars derived from the Dusty assemblage extend at least 100 km down the Skagit River valley from Glacier Peak. This assemblage is younger than tephra layer 0 from Mount Mazama, and older than tephra layer Yn from Mount St. Helens, and thus was formed between about 7,000 and 3,400 years ago. The Dusty assemblage may have been formed at the same time as the Kennedy Creek assemblage. A 100-m-thick assemblage of pyroclastic flows and lahars preserved in the Chocolate Creek valley is about 1,800 radiocarbon years old. A clayey lahar in the upper Chocolate Creek valley extended at least 2 km downvalley after 1,800 years ago, but before pyroclastic flows and lahars were deposited in upper Chocolate Creek 1,100 radiocarbon years ago. Several clayey lahars in the Dusty Creek valley east of Glacier Peak are also about 1,100 years old. A lahar in the valley of Dusty Creek, which contains rare prismatically jointed blocks of vesiculated dacite, and a white ash that is locally as much as 50 cm thick may be the products of small

  6. Evaluation of photomask flatness compensation for extreme ultraviolet lithography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ballman, Katherine; Lee, Christopher; Zimmerman, John; Dunn, Thomas; Bean, Alexander

    2016-10-01

    As the semiconductor industry continues to strive towards high volume manufacturing for EUV, flatness specifications for photomasks have decreased to below 10nm for 2018 production, however the current champion masks being produced report P-V flatness values of roughly 50nm. Write compensation presents the promising opportunity to mitigate pattern placement errors through the use of geometrically adjusted target patterns which counteract the reticle's flatness induced distortions and address the differences in chucking mechanisms between e-beam write and electrostatic clamping during scan. Compensation relies on high accuracy flatness data which provides the critical topographical components of the reticle to the write tool. Any errors included in the flatness data file are translated to the pattern during the write process, which has now driven flatness measurement tools to target a 6σ reproducibility <1nm. Using data collected from a 2011 Sematech study on the Alpha Demo Tool, the proposed methodology for write compensation is validated against printed wafer results. Topographic features which lack compensation capability must then be held to stringent specifications in order to limit their contributions to the final image placement error (IPE) at wafer. By understanding the capabilities and limitations of write compensation, it is then possible to shift flatness requirements towards the "non-correctable" portion of the reticle's profile, potentially relieving polishers from having to adhere to the current single digit flatness specifications.

  7. Versatile Optical Bench for Teaching, Development, and Testing of Electron and Ion Optical Systems

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bhiday, M. R.; And Others

    1977-01-01

    Describes a versatile apparatus for demonstrating the imaging properties of various types of electrostatic lenses. The apparatus can be used to study the focusing properties of different types of electrostatic electron or ion lenses or their combinations. (MLH)

  8. Contribution of electrostatics to the binding of pancreatic-type ribonucleases to membranes.

    PubMed

    Sundlass, Nadia K; Eller, Chelcie H; Cui, Qiang; Raines, Ronald T

    2013-09-17

    Pancreatic-type ribonucleases show clinical promise as chemotherapeutic agents but are limited in efficacy by the inefficiency of their uptake by human cells. Cellular uptake can be increased by the addition of positive charges to the surface of ribonucleases, either by site-directed mutagenesis or by chemical modification. This observation has led to the hypothesis that ribonuclease uptake by cells depends on electrostatics. Here, we use a combination of experimental and computational methods to ascertain the contribution of electrostatics to the cellular uptake of ribonucleases. We focus on three homologous ribonucleases: Onconase (frog), ribonuclease A (cow), and ribonuclease 1 (human). Our results support the hypothesis that electrostatics are necessary for the cellular uptake of Onconase. In contrast, specific interactions with cell-surface components likely contribute more to the cellular uptake of ribonuclease A and ribonuclease 1 than do electrostatics. These findings provide insight for the design of new cytotoxic ribonucleases.

  9. 2017 Solar Eclipse, Ames Research Center

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2017-08-21

    Taking a break from their duties at the Ames Vertical Gun Range to look up at the eclipse over Ames Research Center in Mountain View are from left to right are Alfredo "Freddie" Perez, Chuck Cornelison, Don Bowling, Adam Parish

  10. Defense.gov Special Report: Travels with Hagel

    Science.gov Websites

    Afghanistan Flag of Pakistan Flag of Saudi Arabia Flag of Qatar December 2013 News Stories Hagel Concludes Six -day Troop, Partner Nation Visits Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel wrapped up a six-day trip to the Middle

  11. 75 FR 859 - Exposure Modeling Public Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-06

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0879; FRL-8806-4] Exposure Modeling Public Meeting AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of Cancellation and Rescheduling of... S. Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chuck Peck, Environmental...

  12. 77 FR 74822 - Petition for Reconsideration of Action in Rulemaking Proceeding

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-18

    ... proceeding by Chuck Powers, Director, Engineering and Technology Policy, on the behalf of Motorola Solutions... (TETRA) Technology; Request by the TETRA Association for Waiver of Sec. Sec. 90.209, 90.210 and 2.1043 of...

  13. 78 FR 45911 - Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 38-Spartanburg County, South Carolina, Notification of Proposed...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-07-30

    ... chargers; magnets; magnetic chucks; lead-acid, power pack, NiMH and lithium ion batteries; SA battery packs...-bags; battery caps; blister packs; shrink-heat tubing; plastic handles and knobs; O- rings; seals...

  14. ELECTROSTATIC ACCELERATORS (in French)

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

    Gerbier, R.

    1962-04-01

    The various methods presently in use for producing the continuous high voltage necessary for the operation of electrostatic accelerators are reviewed. The methods considered are voltage multiplier units (Greinacher and Morganstern types) and electrostatic instruments (Van de Graaff and Trump machines and Felici rotnting cylinder instruments). The electrostatic accelerators used at Grenoble which give currents of several milliamperes at voltages up to 1.2 Mv are described. In this energy region electron accelerators and neutron generators offer very interesting possibilities. (auth)

  15. The Effect of Visual Devices Based on Bruner's Modes of Representation on Teaching Concepts of Electrostatics to Elementary School Children

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McIntyre, Patrick J.; Reed, Jack A.

    1976-01-01

    Visual devices were used, corresponding to Bruner's three types of information-processing models: enactive (action), iconic (imagery), and symbolic (language). Concluded that the type of visual device had no significant effect on the subjects' achievement on an electrostatics concepts test. (MLH)

  16. Fun!

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Horne, Thomas

    1988-01-01

    Describes four IBM compatible flight simulator software packages: (1) "Falcon," air to air combat in an F-16 fighter; (2) "Chuck Yeager's Advanced Flight Trainer," test flight 14 different aircraft; (3) "Jet," air to air combat; and (4) "Flight Simulator," a realistic PC flight simulator program. (MVL)

  17. SUPPORT FOR USEPA'S PATHOGEN EQUIVALENCY COMMITTEE

    EPA Science Inventory

    This presentation will discuss recommended and new resources for the USEPA's Pathogen Equivalency Committee including: 1) Committee's creation in 1985 and its purpose 2) Drexel University Professor Chuck Haas' 2001 report (Assessment of the PEC Process) and its findings 3) NAS/NR...

  18. Electrostatic Explorations.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gallai, Ditta; Stewart, Gay

    1998-01-01

    Presents a set of hands-on electrostatics experiments in the form of an activity guide and worksheet through which students discover the different types of electric charge, Coulomb's Law, induced charge separation, and grounding. (DDR)

  19. Stigmatellin Probes the Electrostatic Potential in the QB Site of the Photosynthetic Reaction Center

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

    Gerencsér, László; Boros, Bogáta; Derrien, Valerie

    2015-01-01

    The electrostatic potential in the secondary quinone (QB) binding site of the reaction center (RC) of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides determines the rate and free energy change (driving force) of electron transfer to QB. It is controlled by the ionization states of residues in a strongly interacting cluster around the QB site. Reduction of the QB induces change of the ionization states of residues and binding of protons from the bulk. Stigmatellin, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial and photosynthetic respiratory chain, has been proven to be a unique voltage probe of the QB binding pocket. It binds to themore » QB site with high affinity, and the pK value of its phenolic group monitors the local electrostatic potential with high sensitivity. Investigations with different types of detergent as a model system of isolated RC revealed that the pK of stigmatellin was controlled overwhelmingly by electrostatic and slightly by hydrophobic interactions. Measurements showed a high pK value (>11) of stigmatellin in the QB pocket of the dark-state wild-type RC, indicating substantial negative potential. When the local electrostatics of the QB site was modulated by a single mutation, L213Asp/Ala, or double mutations, L213Asp-L212Glu/Ala-Ala (AA), the pK of stigmatellin dropped to 7.5 and 7.4, respectively, which corresponds to a >210 mV increase in the electrostatic potential relative to the wild-type RC. This significant pK drop (DpK > 3.5) decreased dramatically to (DpK > 0.75) in the RC of the compensatory mutant (AAþM44Asn/AAþM44Asp). Our results indicate that the L213Asp is the most important actor in the control of the electrostatic potential in the QB site of the dark-state wild-type RC, in good accordance with conclusions of former studies using theoretical calculations or light-induced charge recombination assay.« less

  20. Power-Tool Adapter For T-Handle Screws

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Deloach, Stephen R.

    1992-01-01

    Proposed adapter enables use of pneumatic drill, electric drill, electric screwdriver, or similar power tool to tighten or loosen T-handled screws. Notched tube with perpendicular rod welded to it inserted in chuck of tool. Notched end of tube slipped over screw handle.

  1. 213. Frank Deras Jr., Photographer May 1998 DETAIL VIEW OF ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    213. Frank Deras Jr., Photographer May 1998 DETAIL VIEW OF ROCKER ARM IN YERBA BUENA ANCHORAGE, NORTHWEST CORNER (HUMAN SCALE: CHUCK HAZELWOOD, CALTRANS EMPLOYEE), FACING WEST. - San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge, Spanning San Francisco Bay, San Francisco, San Francisco County, CA

  2. Ionizable Nitroxides for Studying Local Electrostatic Properties of Lipid Bilayers and Protein Systems by EPR

    PubMed Central

    Voinov, Maxim A.; Smirnov, Alex I.

    2016-01-01

    Electrostatic interactions are known to play one of the major roles in the myriad of biochemical and biophysical processes. In this Chapter we describe biophysical methods to probe local electrostatic potentials of proteins and lipid bilayer systems that is based on an observation of reversible protonation of nitroxides by EPR. Two types of the electrostatic probes are discussed. The first one includes methanethiosulfonate derivatives of protonatable nitroxides that could be used for highly specific covalent modification of the cysteine’s sulfhydryl groups. Such spin labels are very similar in magnetic parameters and chemical properties to conventional MTSL making them suitable for studying local electrostatic properties of protein-lipid interfaces. The second type of EPR probes is designed as spin-labeled phospholipids having a protonatable nitroxide tethered to the polar head group. The probes of both types report on their ionization state through changes in magnetic parameters and a degree of rotational averaging, thus, allowing one to determine the electrostatic contribution to the interfacial pKa of the nitroxide, and, therefore, determining the local electrostatic potential. Due to their small molecular volume these probes cause a minimal perturbation to the protein or lipid system while covalent attachment secure the position of the reporter nitroxides. Experimental procedures to characterize and calibrate these probes by EPR and also the methods to analyze the EPR spectra by least-squares simulations are also outlined. The ionizable nitroxide labels and the nitroxide-labeled phospholipids described so far cover an exceptionally wide pH range from ca. 2.5 to 7.0 pH units making them suitable to study a broad range of biophysical phenomena especially at the negatively charged lipid bilayer surfaces. The rationale for selecting proper electrostatically neutral interface for calibrating such probes and example of studying surface potential of lipid bilayer is also described. PMID:26477252

  3. Bernoulli potential in type-I and weak type-II superconductors: II. Surface dipole

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lipavský, P.; Morawetz, K.; Koláček, J.; Mareš, J. J.; Brandt, E. H.; Schreiber, M.

    2004-09-01

    The Budd-Vannimenus theorem is modified to apply to superconductors in the Meissner state. The obtained identity links the surface value of the electrostatic potential to the density of free energy at the surface which allows one to evaluate the electrostatic potential observed via the capacitive pickup without the explicit solution of the charge profile.

  4. Telecommunications in Education (T.I.E.) News. 1996-1997.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Owen, Trevor, Ed.

    1997-01-01

    This document consists of one volume year (four quarterly issues) of the journal "Telecommunications in Education News." Each issue contains a call for articles and three regular columns: "Editor's Message" (Trevor Owen), "President's Message" (Chuck Lynd), and "NewsBits" (Gleason Sackman, Ed.). Article…

  5. A resolution honoring the life and career of Charles "Chuck" Noll.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Toomey, Pat [R-PA

    2014-07-09

    Senate - 07/09/2014 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  6. The Challenge of Technological Superiority

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-08-01

    direct support to the Defense Innovation Initiative ( DII ). Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel launched the DII with a goal of identifying new and...warfighters. Defense Innovation Initiative The DII was launched to harness the brightest minds inside and outside the DoD to identify current and emerging

  7. 78 FR 39017 - Proposal Review Panel for Materials Research, Notice of Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-06-28

    ... NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Proposal Review Panel for Materials Research, Notice of Meeting In... Foundation announces the following meeting: Name: Site visit review of the Materials Research Science and...: Part open. Contact Person: Dr. Chuck Bouldin, Program Director, Materials Research Science and...

  8. 1988 Year End Report for Road Following at Carnegie Mellon

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-05-01

    Christophe Robert, David Simon , Hans Thomas, Eddie Wyatt Visiting scientists: Yoshi Goto, Taka Fujimori, Keith Gremban, Hide Kuga, Masatoshi Okutomi Graduate...Acknowledgements Mike Blackwell, James Frazier, and David Simon made the NAVLAB experiments possible. Chuck Thorpe provided the path planner used in

  9. Extreme-UV scanning wafer and reticle stages

    DOEpatents

    Williams, Mark E.

    2002-01-01

    A stage for precise positioning of a chuck in three orthogonal linear axes and in three orthogonal rotation axes that includes first and second subassemblies. The a first subassembly includes (i) a monolithic mirror that supports the chuck wherein the monolithic mirror has at least two polished orthogonal faces for interferometric determination of the X, Y, and .THETA.z positions; (ii) a plurality of electromagnetic actuators that control fine positioning in all six axes and coarse positioning in one axis; (iii) a position sensor for measuring the vertical Z position of the monolithic mirror; and (iv) a Lorentz actuator, that includes magnet array, for effecting motion in the Y axis. The a second subassembly comprising a stepping axis beam over which the first subassembly is suspended, wherein the stepping axis beam includes a drive coil array for the Lorentz actuator. T the stage can also include a cable stage subassembly that is positioned a fixed distance away from the monolithic mirror and/or a mechanical zero reference for the first subassembly.

  10. Consumer sensory evaluation, fatty acid composition, and shelf-life of ground beef with subcutaneous fat trimmings from different carcass locations.

    PubMed

    Kerth, Chris R; Harbison, Amanda L; Smith, Stephen B; Miller, Rhonda K

    2015-06-01

    Brisket, chuck, plate, flank, and round subcutaneous fat trim were used to produce ground beef patties then evaluated for color, lipid oxidation, fatty acid composition, volatile chemical compounds and consumer sensory evaluation. Color, TBARS, consumer sensory evaluation, and cook/freezer loss did not differ (P>0.05) among carcass fat locations. Percentage stearic acid was lower (P=0.044) in the ground beef using brisket fat than using the chuck and flank fat. Patties made with brisket fat were higher in cis-vaccenic acid (P=0.016) and the saturated to monounsaturated fatty acid ratio (P=0.018) than all other sources of subcutaneous fat. Butanedione was highest (P=0.013) in patties using flank and plate fat. Ground beef with brisket fat was higher (P=0.003) than all other sources for beefy aroma. Altering the profile of non-polar, triglyceride fatty acids has no effect on sensory flavor or major volatile chemical compounds. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Triboelectrification of active pharmaceutical ingredients: week acids and their salts.

    PubMed

    Fujinuma, Kenta; Ishii, Yuji; Yashihashi, Yasuo; Yonemochi, Estuo; Sugano, Kiyohiko; Tarada, Katsuhide

    2015-09-30

    The effect of salt formulation on the electrostatic property of active pharmaceutical ingredients was investigated. The electrostatic property of weak acids (carboxylic acids and amide-enole type acid) and their sodium salts was evaluated by a suction-type Faraday cage meter. Free carboxylic acids showed negative chargeability, whereas their sodium salts showed more positive chargeability than the free acids. However, no such trend was observed for amide-enole type acids. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. NREL: News - 15 Home Builders Earn Energyvalue Awards

    Science.gov Websites

    builders who voluntarily integrate energy and resource efficiency into the design, construction and successful approaches to resource-efficient construction. The 2002 EVHA winners are: Tierra Concrete Homes , Sioux City, IA Artistic Homes, Albuquerque, NM Chuck Miller Construction, Hidden Springs ID Enviro

  13. Copyboard Quickly Makes Clean Printing Plates

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Balandis, W. D.

    1985-01-01

    Vacuum-chuck eliminates glass and sponge artwork support. Vacuum copyboard allows camera-ready original slid on top plate for proper positioning, then holds securely for photography. Bleed valve allows vacuum in copyboard box adjusted for small or large originals. With new copyboard, time-consuming and costly procedures unnecessary.

  14. Modular Building Institute 2002 Educational Showcase.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Modular Building Inst., Charlottesville, VA.

    This publication contains brief articles concerned with modular school structures. Some articles offer examples of such structures at actual schools. The articles in this issue are: (1) "Re-Educating Schools" (Chuck Savage); (2) "Tax-Exempt Financing for Public Schools" (John Kennedy); (3) "Help Us Rebuild America" (Michael Roman); (4) "Case…

  15. Human Intelligence: All Humans, All Minds, All the Time

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-05-01

    CNSNews.com Staff, March 16, 2006. The lack of an independent Operational Test & Evaluation Agency (OTEA) has been a back- burner issue since Chuck Spin- ney...trapped in a bubble with industrial era carpetbaggers. From Small is Beautiful: Eco - nomics As If People Mattered to Human Scale to ELECTION 2008

  16. Defense.gov Special Report: Travels With Hagel

    Science.gov Websites

    Germany January 2014 News Stories Hagel: Future Requires Renewed Era of Partnership In a changing security 50th Munich Security Conference in Germany today, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met with leaders from Germany, the United Kingdom, Israel, Georgia and India to discuss military relationships and common

  17. Creative Strategies in Difficult Times

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lucas, Susann

    2003-01-01

    It is a frequent, if not ongoing, problem: deep funding cuts despite increased enrollments, and accompanying need for more instructors and updated technology. According to Joe Barwick, Roy Flores, Bernadine Chuck Fong, Al Lorenzo, Judith Redwine, and Jerry Sue Thornton, community colleges should start at the top when they deal with institutional…

  18. Swiveling Lathe Jaw Concept for Holding Irregular Pieces

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    David, J.

    1966-01-01

    Clamp holds irregularly shaped pieces in lathe chuck without damage and eliminates excessive time in selecting optimum mounting. Interchangeable jaws ride in standard jaw slots but swivel so that the jaw face bears evenly against the workpiece regardless of contour. The jaws can be used on both engine and turret lathes.

  19. A Revised STONEMAN for Distributed Ada (Trademark) Support Environments.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-01-01

    MA 02154 San Diego, CA 92152 Chuck Waltrip Philip Myers Johns Hopkins University Dave Pasterchik Applied Physics Lab NRVELEX Johns Hopkins Road FLEX...Georgia Tech Atlanta, GA 30332 Reed Kotler Lockheed Missiles & Space Dick Drake 1111 Lockheed Way IBM Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Federal Systems Division 102/075

  20. A new two-roll electrostatic separator for recycling of metals and nonmetals from waste printed circuit board.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Wu; Jia, Li; Zhen-Ming, Xu

    2009-01-15

    The electrostatic separation is an effective method for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The efficiency of electrostatic separation processes depends on the ability of the separator. As a classical one, the roll-type corona-electrostatic separator has some advantages in recycling metals and plastics from waste printed circuit board (PCB). However, its industry application still faces some problems, such as: the further disposal of the middling products of the separation process; the balance of the production capacity and the good separation efficiency; the separation of the fine granular mixture and the stability of the separation process. A new "two-roll-type corona-electrostatic separator" was built to overcome the limitation of the classical one. The experimental data were discussed and the results showed that the outcome of the separation process was improved by using the new separator. Compared with the classical machine, the mass of conductive products increases 8.9% (groups 2 and 3) and10.2% (group 4) while the mass of the middling products decreases 45% (groups 2 and 3) and 31.7% (group 4), respectively. The production capacity of the new machine increases, and the stability of the separation process is enhanced.

  1. Controlling the electronic properties of van der Waals heterostructures by applying electrostatic design

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Winkler, Christian; Harivyasi, Shashank S.; Zojer, Egbert

    2018-07-01

    Van der Waals heterostructures based on the heteroassembly of 2D materials represent a recently developed class of materials with promising properties especially for optoelectronic applications. The alignment of electronic energy bands between consecutive layers of these heterostructures crucially determines their functionality. In the present paper, relying on dispersion-corrected density-functional theory calculations, we present electrostatic design as a promising tool for manipulating this band alignment. The latter is achieved by inserting a layer of aligned polar molecules between consecutive transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) sheets. As a consequence, collective electrostatic effects induce a shift of as much as 0.3 eV in the band edges of successive TMD layers. Building on that, the proposed approach can be used to design electronically more complex systems, like quantum cascades or quantum wells, or to change the type of band lineup between type II and type I.

  2. Computational Methods for Biomolecular Electrostatics

    PubMed Central

    Dong, Feng; Olsen, Brett; Baker, Nathan A.

    2008-01-01

    An understanding of intermolecular interactions is essential for insight into how cells develop, operate, communicate and control their activities. Such interactions include several components: contributions from linear, angular, and torsional forces in covalent bonds, van der Waals forces, as well as electrostatics. Among the various components of molecular interactions, electrostatics are of special importance because of their long range and their influence on polar or charged molecules, including water, aqueous ions, and amino or nucleic acids, which are some of the primary components of living systems. Electrostatics, therefore, play important roles in determining the structure, motion and function of a wide range of biological molecules. This chapter presents a brief overview of electrostatic interactions in cellular systems with a particular focus on how computational tools can be used to investigate these types of interactions. PMID:17964951

  3. A Feasability Study of the Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johansen, Michael Ryan; Phillips, James Ralph; Kelley, Joshua David; Mackey, Paul J.; Holbert, Eirik; Clements, Gregory R.; Calle, Carlos I.

    2014-01-01

    Mars rover missions rely on time-consuming, power-exhausting processes to analyze the Martian regolith. A low power electrostatic sensor in the wheels of a future Mars rover could be used to quickly determine when the rover is driving over a different type of regolith. The Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center developed the Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer as a feasibility study to investigate this option. In this paper, we discuss recent advances in this technology to increase the repeatability of the tribocharging experiments, along with supporting data. In addition, we discuss the development of a static elimination tool optimized for Martian conditions.

  4. Electrostatic separation for recovering metals and nonmetals from waste printed circuit board: problems and improvements.

    PubMed

    Wu, Jiang; Li, Jia; Xu, Zhenming

    2008-07-15

    Electrostatic separation is an effective and environmentally friendly method for recycling comminuted waste printed circuit boards (PCB). As a classical separator, the roll-type corona-electrostatic separator (RTS) has some advantages in this field. However, there are still some notable problems, such as the middling products and their further treatment, impurity of nonconductive products because of the aggregation of fine particles, and stability of the separation process and balance between the production capacity and the separation quality. To overcome these problems, a conception of two-step separation is presented, and a new two-roll type corona-electrostatic separator (T-RTS) was built As compared to RTS, the conductive products increase by 8.9%, the middling products decrease by 45%, and the production capacity increases by 50% in treating comminuted PCB wastes by T-RTS. In addition, the separation process in T-RTS is more stable. Therefore, T-RTS is a promising separator for recycling comminuted PCB.

  5. NREL Solar Technology Will Warm Air at 'Home' | News | NREL

    Science.gov Websites

    . "That's one of those moments when you realized you are obviously going in the right direction when efficient solar collectors," Chuck Kutscher, principal engineer and group manager of the Thermal Systems Group, said. "These collectors can get 75 to 80 percent of the energy of the sunlight

  6. 30 CFR 77.1010 - Collaring holes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Collaring holes. 77.1010 Section 77.1010... Control § 77.1010 Collaring holes. (a) Starter steels shall be used when collaring holes with hand-held drills. (b) Men shall not hold the drill steel while collaring holes, or rest their hands on the chuck or...

  7. 30 CFR 77.1010 - Collaring holes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Collaring holes. 77.1010 Section 77.1010... Control § 77.1010 Collaring holes. (a) Starter steels shall be used when collaring holes with hand-held drills. (b) Men shall not hold the drill steel while collaring holes, or rest their hands on the chuck or...

  8. 30 CFR 77.1010 - Collaring holes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Collaring holes. 77.1010 Section 77.1010... Control § 77.1010 Collaring holes. (a) Starter steels shall be used when collaring holes with hand-held drills. (b) Men shall not hold the drill steel while collaring holes, or rest their hands on the chuck or...

  9. 30 CFR 77.1010 - Collaring holes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Collaring holes. 77.1010 Section 77.1010... Control § 77.1010 Collaring holes. (a) Starter steels shall be used when collaring holes with hand-held drills. (b) Men shall not hold the drill steel while collaring holes, or rest their hands on the chuck or...

  10. Mounting Thin Samples For Electrical Measurements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Matus, L. G.; Summers, R. L.

    1988-01-01

    New method for mounting thin sample for electrical measurements involves use of vacuum chuck to hold a ceramic mounting plate, which holds sample. Contacts on mounting plate establish electrical connection to sample. Used to make electrical measurements over temperature range from 77 to 1,000 K and does not introduce distortions into magnetic field during Hall measurements.

  11. 75 FR 3936 - Notice of Determinations Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-25

    ... investigation resulting in-- (A) An affirmative determination of serious injury or threat thereof under section... Manpower, Mount Vernon, IL: October 15, 2008. TA-W-72,051; Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing Company, Danaher... from Manpower and Aerotek, Inc., Littlestown, PA: May 27, 2008. TA-W-70,898; Ram Tool Company, Inc...

  12. Chuck Kutscher | NREL

    Science.gov Websites

    , building energy efficiency, solar industrial process heat, geothermal power, and concentrating solar power . He is an American Solar Energy Society (ASES) Fellow and served as the ASES Chair in 2000-2001. He is editor of the 200-page ASES report, Tackling Climate Change in the U.S., which details how energy

  13. 30 CFR 77.1010 - Collaring holes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Collaring holes. 77.1010 Section 77.1010... Control § 77.1010 Collaring holes. (a) Starter steels shall be used when collaring holes with hand-held drills. (b) Men shall not hold the drill steel while collaring holes, or rest their hands on the chuck or...

  14. Defense.gov Special Report: Travels With Hagel

    Science.gov Websites

    . Flag of Mexico. Flag of Guatemala. April 2014 Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel began a three-day trip to troops who conduct military-to-military engagements in the region. He then visited Mexico City to attend the second U.S.-Canada-Mexico North American Defense Ministerial conference before heading to

  15. A Specification Technique for the Common APSE (Ada Programming Support Environments) Interface Set.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-04-01

    NOSC So fTech Code 8322 460 Totten Pond Road San Diego, CA 92152 Waltham, MA 02154 Philip Myers Chuck Waltrip Dave Pasterchik Johns Hopkins University...06856 Georgia Tech Atlanta, GA 30332 Reed Kotler Lockheed Missiles & Space Dick Drake 1111 Lockheed Way IBM Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Federal Systems

  16. Restoring a More Productive College Curriculum

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stetson, Chuck

    2013-01-01

    More and more Americans are recognizing just how inadequate their system of higher education is, in large part because the ever-increasing costs of attending a college or university are accompanied by an ever-decreasing value in the education they purport to give the student. At the venture capital firm, PEI, founded by Chuck Stetson, the author…

  17. Defense.gov Special Report: Travels With Hagel

    Science.gov Websites

    Thanks Warriors, Staff at Medical Center Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel made his first official visit to Brooke Army Medical Center Wednesday. Hagel was welcomed by BAMC Commander Col. Kyle Campbell and Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Pumphrey at San Antonio Military Medical Center followed by a meet-and-greet with

  18. Special mandrel permits uniform welding of out-of-round tubing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dor, M. E.; Fueg, L. B.; Whiffen, E. L.

    1966-01-01

    Clamp holds irregularly shaped pieces in lathe chuck without damage and eliminates excessive time in selecting optimum mounting. Interchangeable jaws ride in standard jaw slots but swivel so that the jaw face bears evenly against the workpiece regardless of contour. The jaws can be used on both engine and turret lathes.

  19. 9 CFR 316.9 - Products to be marked with official marks.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... marks. 316.9 Section 316.9 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF... liver, beef tongue, and beef heart which has been inspected and passed shall be marked with the official... round, flank, loin, rib, plate, brisket, chuck, and shank are primal parts of beef carcasses. Veal...

  20. 9 CFR 316.9 - Products to be marked with official marks.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... marks. 316.9 Section 316.9 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF... liver, beef tongue, and beef heart which has been inspected and passed shall be marked with the official... round, flank, loin, rib, plate, brisket, chuck, and shank are primal parts of beef carcasses. Veal...

  1. 9 CFR 317.344 - Identification of major cuts of meat products.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... products. 317.344 Section 317.344 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE... 82165, Dec. 29, 2010. The major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat products are: Beef chuck blade roast, beef loin top loin steak, beef rib roast large end, beef round eye round steak, beef round top round...

  2. 9 CFR 316.9 - Products to be marked with official marks.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... marks. 316.9 Section 316.9 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF... liver, beef tongue, and beef heart which has been inspected and passed shall be marked with the official... round, flank, loin, rib, plate, brisket, chuck, and shank are primal parts of beef carcasses. Veal...

  3. 9 CFR 317.344 - Identification of major cuts of meat products.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... products. 317.344 Section 317.344 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE... major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat products are: Beef chuck blade roast, beef loin top loin steak, beef rib roast large end, beef round eye round steak, beef round top round steak, beef round tip roast...

  4. 9 CFR 316.9 - Products to be marked with official marks.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... marks. 316.9 Section 316.9 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF... liver, beef tongue, and beef heart which has been inspected and passed shall be marked with the official... round, flank, loin, rib, plate, brisket, chuck, and shank are primal parts of beef carcasses. Veal...

  5. 9 CFR 316.9 - Products to be marked with official marks.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... marks. 316.9 Section 316.9 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF... liver, beef tongue, and beef heart which has been inspected and passed shall be marked with the official... round, flank, loin, rib, plate, brisket, chuck, and shank are primal parts of beef carcasses. Veal...

  6. Psychologists Back Women, Chuck Magazine, Gear up for NHI

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Science, 1977

    1977-01-01

    Last year the American Psychological Association (APA) voted not to hold future conventions in states where the Equal Rights Amendment has not been passed. At its annual meeting, the APA also decided not to print a quarterly psychology magazine. Meeting emphasis concerning psychotherapy was in anticipation of Natural Health Insurance. (MA)

  7. Electrostatic design of protein-protein association rates.

    PubMed

    Schreiber, Gideon; Shaul, Yossi; Gottschalk, Kay E

    2006-01-01

    De novo design and redesign of proteins and protein complexes have made promising progress in recent years. Here, we give an overview of how to use available computer-based tools to design proteins to bind faster and tighter to their protein-complex partner by electrostatic optimization between the two proteins. Electrostatic optimization is possible because of the simple relation between the Debye-Huckel energy of interaction between a pair of proteins and their rate of association. This can be used for rapid, structure-based calculations of the electrostatic attraction between the two proteins in the complex. Using these principles, we developed two computer programs that predict the change in k(on), and as such the affinity, on introducing charged mutations. The two programs have a web interface that is available at www.weizmann.ac.il/home/bcges/PARE.html and http://bip.weizmann.ac.il/hypare. When mutations leading to charge optimization are introduced outside the physical binding site, the rate of dissociation is unchanged and therefore the change in k(on) parallels that of the affinity. This design method was evaluated on a number of different protein complexes resulting in binding rates and affinities of hundreds of fold faster and tighter compared to wild type. In this chapter, we demonstrate the procedure and go step by step over the methodology of using these programs for protein-association design. Finally, the way to easily implement the principle of electrostatic design for any protein complex of choice is shown.

  8. EFFECTS ON ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATION OF CHANGES IN GRAIN LOADING, SIZE DISTRIBUTION, RESISTIVITY, AND TEMPERATURE

    EPA Science Inventory

    The paper discusses the simulation of the effects of changes to particle loading, particle size distribution, and electrostatic precipitator (ESP) operating temperatures using ESP models. It also illustrates the usefulness of modern ESP models for this type of analysis. Increasin...

  9. A Nonlinear Elasticity Model of Macromolecular Conformational Change Induced by Electrostatic Forces

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Y. C.; Holst, Michael; McCammon, J. Andrew

    2008-01-01

    In this paper we propose a nonlinear elasticity model of macromolecular conformational change (deformation) induced by electrostatic forces generated by an implicit solvation model. The Poisson-Boltzmann equation for the electrostatic potential is analyzed in a domain varying with the elastic deformation of molecules, and a new continuous model of the electrostatic forces is developed to ensure solvability of the nonlinear elasticity equations. We derive the estimates of electrostatic forces corresponding to four types of perturbations to an electrostatic potential field, and establish the existance of an equilibrium configuration using a fixed-point argument, under the assumption that the change in the ionic strength and charges due to the additional molecules causing the deformation are sufficiently small. The results are valid for elastic models with arbitrarily complex dielectric interfaces and cavities, and can be generalized to large elastic deformation caused by high ionic strength, large charges, and strong external fields by using continuation methods. PMID:19461946

  10. Hydrogen bonding. Part 25. The nature of the hydrogen bond in hydroxytropenylium chloride (tropone hydrochloride)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harmon, Kenneth M.; Cross, Joan E.; Toccalino, Patricia L.

    1988-08-01

    Hydroxytropenylium iodide and bromide contain normal electrostatic OH⋯X - hydrogen bonds. Hydroxytropenylium chloride, however, contains a hydrogen bond intermediate between the normal electrostatic type and the very strong covalent type, similar to the hydrogen bonds found in choline fluoride or the Type I C∞v hydrogen dihalide ions. Infrared comparisons with compounds previously studied demonstrate that the hydroxytropenylium ion is a stronger hydrogen bond donor than either choline cation or protonated betaine cation, and suggest that hydroxytropenylium fluoride, if it can be prepared, should contain a three-center covalent hydrogen bond.

  11. Electrostatics effects in granular materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sarkar, Saurabh; Chaudhuri, Bodhisattwa

    2013-06-01

    This purpose of this study is to investigate the role of physiochemical properties and operational conditions in determining the electrostatic interactions between two species on a surface under typical industrial conditions. The variables considered for the study were particle type, particle size and shape, loading mass, surface type, angle of inclination of chute, nature and concentration of additive. Triboelectrification of simple and binary mixtures in a simple hopper and chute geometry was observed to be strongly linked to work function and moisture content of the powdered material.

  12. A teaching proposal on electrostatics based on the history of science through the reading of historical texts and argumentative discussions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Castells, Marina; Konstantinidou, Aikaterini; Cerveró, Josep M.

    2016-05-01

    Researches on electrostatics' conceptions found that students have ideas and conceptions that disagree with the scientific models and that might explain students' learning difficulties. To favour the change of student's ideas and conceptions, a teaching sequence that relies on a historical study of electrostatics is proposed. It begins with an exploration of electrostatics phenomena that students would do with everyday materials. About these phenomena they must draw their own explanations that will be shared and discussed in the class. The teacher will collect and summarize the ideas and explanations which are nearer the history of science. A brief history of electrostatics is introduced then, and some texts from scientists are used in an activity role-play-debate type in which the "supporters of a single fluid" and "supporters of two fluids" have to present arguments for their model and/or against the other model to explain the phenomena observed in the exploration phase. In the following, students will read texts related to science applications, the main aim of this activity is to relate electrostatics phenomena with current electricity. The first text explains how Franklin understood the nature of the lightning and the lightning rod and the second is a chapter of a roman about one historical episode situated in the Barcelona of the XVIII Century. Students will use the historical models of one and of two fluids to explain these two phenomena, and will compare them with the scientific explanation of the "accepted" science of nowadays introduced by the teacher. With this type of teaching proposal, conceptual aspect of electrostatics will be learnt, but also the students will learn about the nature and history of science and culture, as well as about the practice of argumentation.

  13. Electrostatically Embedded Many-Body Approximation for Systems of Water, Ammonia, and Sulfuric Acid and the Dependence of Its Performance on Embedding Charges.

    PubMed

    Leverentz, Hannah R; Truhlar, Donald G

    2009-06-09

    This work tests the capability of the electrostatically embedded many-body (EE-MB) method to calculate accurate (relative to conventional calculations carried out at the same level of electronic structure theory and with the same basis set) binding energies of mixed clusters (as large as 9-mers) consisting of water, ammonia, sulfuric acid, and ammonium and bisulfate ions. This work also investigates the dependence of the accuracy of the EE-MB approximation on the type and origin of the charges used for electrostatically embedding these clusters. The conclusions reached are that for all of the clusters and sets of embedding charges studied in this work, the electrostatically embedded three-body (EE-3B) approximation is capable of consistently yielding relative errors of less than 1% and an average relative absolute error of only 0.3%, and that the performance of the EE-MB approximation does not depend strongly on the specific set of embedding charges used. The electrostatically embedded pairwise approximation has errors about an order of magnitude larger than EE-3B. This study also explores the question of why the accuracy of the EE-MB approximation shows such little dependence on the types of embedding charges employed.

  14. Chuck out the Chintz? "Stripped Floor" Writing and the Catalogue of Convention: Alternative Perspectives on Management Inquiry

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harvey, Brendon

    2004-01-01

    Contends that the conventions of writing about management inquiry limit the choices for creativity, and potential wider audiences. Using examples taken from teaching and PhD research, critical incidents are explored to demonstrate different forms of writing that offer the potential for alternative ways of sense making. Research indicates the…

  15. 50 CFR 100.24 - Customary and traditional use determinations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... Alexander, Port Protection, Pt. Baker, and Meyer's Chuck. Unit 3, Wrangell and Mitkof Islands Moose... Federal subsistence priority. Unit 6A Wolf Residents of Units 5A, 6, 9, 10 (Unimak Island only), 11-13 and... Island only), 11- 13 and the residents of Chickaloon, and 16-26. Unit 7 Brown Bear No Federal subsistence...

  16. 50 CFR 100.24 - Customary and traditional use determinations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... Alexander, Port Protection, Pt. Baker, and Meyer's Chuck. Unit 3, Wrangell and Mitkof Islands Moose... Federal subsistence priority. Unit 6A Wolf Residents of Units 5A, 6, 9, 10 (Unimak Island only), 11-13 and... Island only), 11- 13 and the residents of Chickaloon, and 16-26. Unit 7 Brown Bear No Federal subsistence...

  17. Defense.gov Special Report: Travels with Hagel - July 2013

    Science.gov Websites

    troops at the Stone Bay facility at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Story Hagel Joint Base Charleston, S.C. Story Hagel Announces Cuts to Headquarters Staffs Pentagon leaders will Defense Chuck Hagel holds a town hall meeting at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. Also available in high

  18. Defense.gov Special Report: Travels With Hagel

    Science.gov Websites

    institution in ways that we've never had to." Story Hagel Discusses Transitions at Marine Corps Base Base Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel opened his final domestic trip with a stop at Whiteman Air Force Base, home of the 509th Bomb Wing -- the world's only B-2 Spirit stealth bomber unit, where he told

  19. Safely splicing glass optical fibers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Korbelak, K.

    1980-01-01

    Field-repair technique fuses glass fibers in flammable environment. Apparatus consists of v-groove vacuum chucks on manipulators, high-voltage dc power supply and tungsten electrodes, microscope to observe joint alignment and fusion, means of test transmission through joint. Apparatus is enclosed in gas tight bos filled with inert gas during fusion. About 2 feet of fiber end are necessary for splicing.

  20. Veterans and Colleges Have a Lot to Offer Each Other

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Byman, Daniel

    2007-01-01

    Senators James H. Webb Jr. and Chuck Hagel, in their eloquent call for a new GI Bill for today's veterans, convincingly argue that troops deserve more educational support than the government provides. The senators, both Vietnam veterans themselves, point out that today's educational benefits cover only 13 percent of the cost of attending Columbia…

  1. Total Warrant Officer System (TWOS). Volume 1

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-08-30

    Compensation DiGirolamo, Nicholas A. CW4 OD ARNG Representative Dougherty, John R. CW4 AV Action Officer Hawk, Chuck CW4 AV Branch Chief Jinks, Dennis M. CW4...NCOIC Knight, Lewis D. SSG 81E Illustrator Cunningham, Linda L. SGT 71C Secretary/ Steno Grigsby, Steven A. SP4 64C Driver iv - ---- . "%o EXECUTIVE

  2. ZHE: [Noun] Undefined--An Interview with Performers Antonia Kemi Coker and Tonderai Munyevu

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shaskan, Victoria

    2013-01-01

    In February 2012, London-based theatre company Collective Artistes previewed "ZHE: [noun] Undefined," a new play created by director Chuck Mike and performers Tonderai Munyevu and Antonia Kemi Coker. The play follows the true life stories of the two performers, both British Africans, living at the intersections of culture, nationality, gender and…

  3. Energy Action Day

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2017-10-25

    Chuck Tatro of NASA's Launch Services Program discusses the use of solar arrays on space science missions during the Energy Action Day employee event held in Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility. Part of Energy Awareness Month, the event featured subject matter experts in the area of solar energy, its connections to the space program and options for residential solar power.

  4. Holder for rotating glass body

    DOEpatents

    Kolleck, Floyd W.

    1978-04-04

    A device is provided for holding and centering a rotating glass body such as a rod or tube. The device includes a tubular tip holder which may be held in a lathe chuck. The device can utilize a variety of centering tips each adapted for a particular configuration, such as a glass O-ring joint or semi-ball joint.

  5. On the Relativistic Correction of Particles Trajectory in Tandem Type Electrostatic Accelerator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Minárik, Stanislav

    2015-08-01

    A constant potential is applied to the acceleration of the ion-beam in the tandem type electrostatic accelerator. However, not just one voltage is applied, but instead a number of applications can be made in succession by means of the tandem arrangement of high voltage tubes. This number of voltage applications, which is the number of so-called "stages" of a tandem accelerator, may be two, three, or four, depending on the chosen design. Electrostatic field with approximately constant intensity acts on ions in any stage. In general, non-relativistic dynamics is used for the description of the ion transport in tandem accelerator. Energies of accelerated ions are too low and relativistic effects cannot be commonly observed by standard experimental technique. Estimation of possible relativistic correction of ion trajectories is therefore only a matter of calculation. In this note, we briefly present such calculation. Our aim is to show how using the relativistic dynamics modifies the particles trajectory in tandem type accelerator and what parameters determine this modification.

  6. 21 CFR 892.1630 - Electrostatic x-ray imaging system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Electrostatic x-ray imaging system. 892.1630 Section 892.1630 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... visible image. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and...

  7. 21 CFR 892.1630 - Electrostatic x-ray imaging system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Electrostatic x-ray imaging system. 892.1630 Section 892.1630 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... visible image. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and...

  8. 21 CFR 892.1630 - Electrostatic x-ray imaging system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Electrostatic x-ray imaging system. 892.1630 Section 892.1630 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... visible image. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and...

  9. Physical and chemical test results of electrostatic safe flooring materials

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gompf, R. H.

    1988-01-01

    This test program was initiated because a need existed at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to have this information readily available to the engineer who must make the choice of which electrostatic safe floor to use in a specific application. The information, however, should be of value throughout both the government and private industry in the selection of a floor covering material. Included are the test results of 18 floor covering materials which by test evaluation at KSC are considered electrostatically safe. Tests were done and/or the data compiled in the following areas: electrostatics, flammability, hypergolic compatibility, outgassing, floor type, material thickness, and available colors. Each section contains the test method used to gather the data and the test results.

  10. Electrostatic coating enhances bioavailability of insecticides and breaks pyrethroid resistance in mosquitoes

    PubMed Central

    Andriessen, Rob; Snetselaar, Janneke; Suer, Remco A.; Osinga, Anne J.; Deschietere, Johan; Lyimo, Issa N.; Mnyone, Ladslaus L.; Brooke, Basil D.; Ranson, Hilary; Knols, Bart G. J.; Farenhorst, Marit

    2015-01-01

    Insecticide resistance poses a significant and increasing threat to the control of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. We present a novel method of insecticide application based on netting treated with an electrostatic coating that binds insecticidal particles through polarity. Electrostatic netting can hold small amounts of insecticides effectively and results in enhanced bioavailability upon contact by the insect. Six pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles mosquito strains from across Africa were exposed to similar concentrations of deltamethrin on electrostatic netting or a standard long-lasting deltamethrin-coated bednet (PermaNet 2.0). Standard WHO exposure bioassays showed that electrostatic netting induced significantly higher mortality rates than the PermaNet, thereby effectively breaking mosquito resistance. Electrostatic netting also induced high mortality in resistant mosquito strains when a 15-fold lower dose of deltamethrin was applied and when the exposure time was reduced to only 5 s. Because different types of particles adhere to electrostatic netting, it is also possible to apply nonpyrethroid insecticides. Three insecticide classes were effective against strains of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes, demonstrating that electrostatic netting can be used to deploy a wide range of active insecticides against all major groups of disease-transmitting mosquitoes. Promising applications include the use of electrostatic coating on walls or eave curtains and in trapping/contamination devices. We conclude that application of electrostatically adhered particles boosts the efficacy of WHO-recommended insecticides even against resistant mosquitoes. This innovative technique has potential to support the use of unconventional insecticide classes or combinations thereof, potentially offering a significant step forward in managing insecticide resistance in vector-control operations. PMID:26324912

  11. Ionizable Nitroxides for Studying Local Electrostatic Properties of Lipid Bilayers and Protein Systems by EPR.

    PubMed

    Voinov, Maxim A; Smirnov, Alex I

    2015-01-01

    Electrostatic interactions are known to play a major role in the myriad of biochemical and biophysical processes. Here, we describe biophysical methods to probe local electrostatic potentials of proteins and lipid bilayer systems that are based on an observation of reversible protonation of nitroxides by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Two types of probes are described: (1) methanethiosulfonate derivatives of protonatable nitroxides for highly specific covalent modification of the cysteine's sulfhydryl groups and (2) spin-labeled phospholipids with a protonatable nitroxide tethered to the polar head group. The probes of both types report on their ionization state through changes in magnetic parameters and degree of rotational averaging, thus, allowing the electrostatic contribution to the interfacial pKa of the nitroxide, and, therefore, the local electrostatic potential to be determined. Due to their small molecular volume, these probes cause a minimal perturbation to the protein or lipid system. Covalent attachment secures the position of the reporter nitroxides. Experimental procedures to characterize and calibrate these probes by EPR, and also the methods to analyze the EPR spectra by simulations are outlined. The ionizable nitroxide labels and the nitroxide-labeled phospholipids described so far cover an exceptionally wide range of ca. 2.5-7.0 pH units, making them suitable to study a broad range of biophysical phenomena, especially at the negatively charged lipid bilayer surfaces. The rationale for selecting proper electrostatically neutral interface for probe calibration, and examples of lipid bilayer surface potential studies, are also described. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Thinking inside the Tool Box: Creativity, Constraints, and the Colossal Portraits of Chuck Close

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stokes, Patricia D.

    2014-01-01

    This article presents a problem-solving model to examine the often problematic relationship between expertise and creativity. The model has two premises, each the opposite of a common cliché. The first cliché asserts that creativity requires thinking outside-the-box. The first premise argues that experts can only think and problem solve inside the…

  13. 50 CFR 100.24 - Customary and traditional use determinations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    .... Baker, and Meyers Chuck. Unit 3, Wrangell and Mitkof Islands Moose Residents of Units 1B, 2, and 3. Unit... Units 5A, 6, 9, 10 (Unimak Island only), 11-13, Chickaloon, and 16-26. Unit 6, remainder Wolf Residents of Units 6, 9, 10 (Unimak Island only), 11-13, Chickaloon, and 16-26. Unit 7 Brown Bear No Federal...

  14. 50 CFR 100.24 - Customary and traditional use determinations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    .... Baker, and Meyers Chuck. Unit 3, Wrangell and Mitkof Islands Moose Residents of Units 1B, 2, and 3. Unit... Units 5A, 6, 9, 10 (Unimak Island only), 11-13, Chickaloon, and 16-26. Unit 6, remainder Wolf Residents of Units 6, 9, 10 (Unimak Island only), 11-13, Chickaloon, and 16-26. Unit 7 Brown Bear No Federal...

  15. 50 CFR 100.24 - Customary and traditional use determinations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    .... Baker, and Meyers Chuck. Unit 3, Wrangell and Mitkof Islands Moose Residents of Units 1B, 2, and 3. Unit... Units 5A, 6, 9, 10 (Unimak Island only), 11-13, Chickaloon, and 16-26. Unit 6, remainder Wolf Residents of Units 6, 9, 10 (Unimak Island only), 11-13, Chickaloon, and 16-26. Unit 7 Brown Bear No Federal...

  16. 2010 Tactical Wheeled Vehicles Conference

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-02-09

    Golf Tournament Player check-in & Continental Breakfast Black Horse Golf Course, Seaside, California (Golf Tournament Chair: Chuck...Restructuring materiel modernization strategies • Fielding “incremental” vs. “big bang” solutions • Transitioning to support the establishment of the...Executing a r esponsible draw down from Iraq  Building cap acity in Afghani stan to achieve U.S. objectives  Fielding impr oved Soldier cap abilities

  17. Summary of a Forum Series on Leveling the Playing Field--Technology as an Equalizer in Education, Transition to Careers and Daily Life.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pearson, Sarah S.

    This booklet summarizes three forums on current issues related to the use of technology for youth with disabilities. Forum 1, "Accessing the General Curriculum: Promoting a Universal Design for Learning" (November 3, 2001), featured David Rose and Chuck Hitchcock examining how universal design, recent neuro-scientific research, and…

  18. Research on precision grinding technology of large scale and ultra thin optics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Lian; Wei, Qiancai; Li, Jie; Chen, Xianhua; Zhang, Qinghua

    2018-03-01

    The flatness and parallelism error of large scale and ultra thin optics have an important influence on the subsequent polishing efficiency and accuracy. In order to realize the high precision grinding of those ductile elements, the low deformation vacuum chuck was designed first, which was used for clamping the optics with high supporting rigidity in the full aperture. Then the optics was planar grinded under vacuum adsorption. After machining, the vacuum system was turned off. The form error of optics was on-machine measured using displacement sensor after elastic restitution. The flatness would be convergenced with high accuracy by compensation machining, whose trajectories were integrated with the measurement result. For purpose of getting high parallelism, the optics was turned over and compensation grinded using the form error of vacuum chuck. Finally, the grinding experiment of large scale and ultra thin fused silica optics with aperture of 430mm×430mm×10mm was performed. The best P-V flatness of optics was below 3 μm, and parallelism was below 3 ″. This machining technique has applied in batch grinding of large scale and ultra thin optics.

  19. Understanding response proclivity and the limits of sensory capability: What do we hear and what can we hear?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leek, Marjorie R.; Neff, Donna L.

    2004-05-01

    Charles Watson's studies of informational masking and the effects of stimulus uncertainty on auditory perception have had a profound impact on auditory research. His series of seminal studies in the mid-1970s on the detection and discrimination of target sounds in sequences of brief tones with uncertain properties addresses the fundamental problem of extracting target signals from background sounds. As conceptualized by Chuck and others, informational masking results from more central (even ``cogneetive'') processes as a consequence of stimulus uncertainty, and can be distinguished from ``energetic'' masking, which primarily arises from the auditory periphery. Informational masking techniques are now in common use to study the detection, discrimination, and recognition of complex sounds, the capacity of auditory memory and aspects of auditory selective attention, the often large effects of training to reduce detrimental effects of uncertainty, and the perceptual segregation of target sounds from irrelevant context sounds. This paper will present an overview of past and current research on informational masking, and show how Chuck's work has been expanded in several directions by other scientists to include the effects of informational masking on speech perception and on perception by listeners with hearing impairment. [Work supported by NIDCD.

  20. Electrostatic complementarity at protein/protein interfaces.

    PubMed

    McCoy, A J; Chandana Epa, V; Colman, P M

    1997-05-02

    Calculation of the electrostatic potential of protein-protein complexes has led to the general assertion that protein-protein interfaces display "charge complementarity" and "electrostatic complementarity". In this study, quantitative measures for these two terms are developed and used to investigate protein-protein interfaces in a rigorous manner. Charge complementarity (CC) was defined using the correlation of charges on nearest neighbour atoms at the interface. All 12 protein-protein interfaces studied had insignificantly small CC values. Therefore, the term charge complementarity is not appropriate for the description of protein-protein interfaces when used in the sense measured by CC. Electrostatic complementarity (EC) was defined using the correlation of surface electrostatic potential at protein-protein interfaces. All twelve protein-protein interfaces studied had significant EC values, and thus the assertion that protein-protein association involves surfaces with complementary electrostatic potential was substantially confirmed. The term electrostatic complementarity can therefore be used to describe protein-protein interfaces when used in the sense measured by EC. Taken together, the results for CC and EC demonstrate the relevance of the long-range effects of charges, as described by the electrostatic potential at the binding interface. The EC value did not partition the complexes by type such as antigen-antibody and proteinase-inhibitor, as measures of the geometrical complementarity at protein-protein interfaces have done. The EC value was also not directly related to the number of salt bridges in the interface, and neutralisation of these salt bridges showed that other charges also contributed significantly to electrostatic complementarity and electrostatic interactions between the proteins. Electrostatic complementarity as defined by EC was extended to investigate the electrostatic similarity at the surface of influenza virus neuraminidase where the epitopes of two monoclonal antibodies, NC10 and NC41, overlap. Although NC10 and NC41 both have quite high values of EC for their interaction with neuraminidase, the similarity in electrostatic potential generated by the two on the overlapping region of the epitopes is insignificant. Thus, it is possible for two antibodies to recognise the electrostatic surface of a protein in dissimilar ways.

  1. Optimization of metals and plastics recovery from electric cable wastes using a plate-type electrostatic separator.

    PubMed

    Richard, Gontran; Touhami, Seddik; Zeghloul, Thami; Dascalescu, Lucien

    2017-02-01

    Plate-type electrostatic separators are commonly employed for the selective sorting of conductive and non-conductive granular materials. The aim of this work is to identify the optimal operating conditions of such equipment, when employed for separating copper and plastics from either flexible or rigid electric wire wastes. The experiments are performed according to the response surface methodology, on samples composed of either "calibrated" particles, obtained by manually cutting of electric wires at a predefined length (4mm), or actual machine-grinded scraps, characterized by a relatively-wide size distribution (1-4mm). The results point out the effect of particle size and shape on the effectiveness of the electrostatic separation. Different optimal operating conditions are found for flexible and rigid wires. A separate processing of the two classes of wire wastes is recommended. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. On the correct implementation of Fermi-Dirac statistics and electron trapping in nonlinear electrostatic plane wave propagation in collisionless plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schamel, Hans; Eliasson, Bengt

    2016-05-01

    Quantum statistics and electron trapping have a decisive influence on the propagation characteristics of coherent stationary electrostatic waves. The description of these strictly nonlinear structures, which are of electron hole type and violate linear Vlasov theory due to the particle trapping at any excitation amplitude, is obtained by a correct reduction of the three-dimensional Fermi-Dirac distribution function to one dimension and by a proper incorporation of trapping. For small but finite amplitudes, the holes become of cnoidal wave type and the electron density is shown to be described by a ϕ ( x ) 1 / 2 rather than a ϕ ( x ) expansion, where ϕ ( x ) is the electrostatic potential. The general coefficients are presented for a degenerate plasma as well as the quantum statistical analogue to these steady state coherent structures, including the shape of ϕ ( x ) and the nonlinear dispersion relation, which describes their phase velocity.

  3. NREL Engineers Look for a Cool Way to Make AC Units an Affordable Snap |

    Science.gov Websites

    installing the components of the EcoSnap-AC. Photo by Dennis Schroeder Engineers Chuck Booten and Jon Winkler Booten drills a hole in the wall to mount the EcoSnap-AC. Photo by Dennis Schroeder The Evolution of an , and eliminating air leaks and water intrusion. Photo by Dennis Schroeder Looking Ahead to a Cooler

  4. Gradient-Index Optics

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-03-31

    A Extruder B Melt Pump B Melt Pump A AB Feedblock Layer Multipliers Surface Layer Feedblock Surface Layer Extruder Skin Skin Nanolayers Number of...enough to enable accurate machining. Customarily, optics are held in place using vacuum chucks during the diamond turning process. The force with...which optics can be secured this way is proportional to their surface area. By ensuring that the vacuum force is larger than any forces imparted on

  5. Charles L Drake (1924-1997)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    AGU has lost a former President and staunch supporter with the death of Chuck Drake from a heart attack on July 8. A member of AGU since 1950, Drake was a Union Fellow and President of the Union from 1984-1986. His other leadership positions and scientific honors included fellowship in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the presidency of the Geological Society of America.

  6. Start-Up Response of Fluid Film Lubricated Cryogenic Turbopumps (Preprint)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-06-13

    Northrop Grumman Space & Mission Systems Corp. Space Technology One Space Park Redondo Beach CA 90278 AFRL-PR-ED-TP-2007-332 9. SPONSORING...Chuck Papesh and Mr. Gordon Dressler ( Northrop Grumman ) for their interest in the work. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics 11...phn.tamu.edu/TRIBGroup http://phn.tamu.edu/me626 Thanks to AFRL & Northrop Grumman for interest & financial support

  7. Temperature measuring device

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

    Lauf, R.J.; Bible, D.W.; Sohns, C.W.

    1999-10-19

    Systems and methods are described for a wireless instrumented silicon wafer that can measure temperatures at various points and transmit those temperature readings to an external receiver. The device has particular utility in the processing of semiconductor wafers, where it can be used to map thermal uniformity on hot plates, cold plates, spin bowl chucks, etc. without the inconvenience of wires or the inevitable thermal perturbations attendant with them.

  8. Temperature measuring device

    DOEpatents

    Lauf, Robert J.; Bible, Don W.; Sohns, Carl W.

    1999-01-01

    Systems and methods are described for a wireless instrumented silicon wafer that can measure temperatures at various points and transmit those temperature readings to an external receiver. The device has particular utility in the processing of semiconductor wafers, where it can be used to map thermal uniformity on hot plates, cold plates, spin bowl chucks, etc. without the inconvenience of wires or the inevitable thermal perturbations attendant with them.

  9. Mergers and acquisitions. Frequently asked questions and answers.

    PubMed

    Lin, S M; Smeltzer, C H; Thomas, C

    2000-03-01

    This article is structured in a question/answer format based on interviews with Dr. Carolyn Hope Smeltzer and Salima Manji Lin of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Chicago, and Chuck Thomas of Hinshaw & Culbertson, Rockford. The questions come from CEO's, healthcare executives, and nurse executives at hospitals that are contemplating mergers or that have both succeeded and failed to merge their institutions. The experts share their knowledge.

  10. Improving controllable adhesion on both rough and smooth surfaces with a hybrid electrostatic/gecko-like adhesive

    PubMed Central

    Ruffatto, Donald; Parness, Aaron; Spenko, Matthew

    2014-01-01

    This paper describes a novel, controllable adhesive that combines the benefits of electrostatic adhesives with gecko-like directional dry adhesives. When working in combination, the two technologies create a positive feedback cycle whose adhesion, depending on the surface type, is often greater than the sum of its parts. The directional dry adhesive brings the electrostatic adhesive closer to the surface, increasing its effect. Similarly, the electrostatic adhesion helps engage more of the directional dry adhesive fibrillar structures, particularly on rough surfaces. This paper presents the new hybrid adhesive's manufacturing process and compares its performance to three other adhesive technologies manufactured using a similar process: reinforced PDMS, electrostatic and directional dry adhesion. Tests were performed on a set of ceramic tiles with varying roughness to quantify its effect on shear adhesive force. The relative effectiveness of the hybrid adhesive increases as the surface roughness is increased. Experimental data are also presented for different substrate materials to demonstrate the enhanced performance achieved with the hybrid adhesive. Results show that the hybrid adhesive provides up to 5.1× greater adhesion than the electrostatic adhesive or directional dry adhesive technologies alone. PMID:24451392

  11. Effects of conformational ordering on protein/polyelectrolyte electrostatic complexation: ionic binding and chain stiffening

    PubMed Central

    Cao, Yiping; Fang, Yapeng; Nishinari, Katsuyoshi; Phillips, Glyn O.

    2016-01-01

    Coupling of electrostatic complexation with conformational transition is rather general in protein/polyelectrolyte interaction and has important implications in many biological processes and practical applications. This work studied the electrostatic complexation between κ-carrageenan (κ-car) and type B gelatin, and analyzed the effects of the conformational ordering of κ-car induced upon cooling in the presence of potassium chloride (KCl) or tetramethylammonium iodide (Me4NI). Experimental results showed that the effects of conformational ordering on protein/polyelectrolyte electrostatic complexation can be decomposed into ionic binding and chain stiffening. At the initial stage of conformational ordering, electrostatic complexation can be either suppressed or enhanced due to the ionic bindings of K+ and I− ions, which significantly alter the charge density of κ-car or occupy the binding sites of gelatin. Beyond a certain stage of conformational ordering, i.e., helix content θ > 0.30, the effect of chain stiffening, accompanied with a rapid increase in helix length ζ, becomes dominant and tends to dissociate the electrostatic complexation. The effect of chain stiffening can be theoretically interpreted in terms of double helix association. PMID:27030165

  12. ELISA - an electrostatic storage ring for low-energy ions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pape Moeller, Soeren

    1997-05-01

    The design of a new type of storage ring for low-energy ions using electrostatic deflection and focusing devices is described. Electrostatic bends and quadrupoles are used since they are more efficient than magnetic ones for low-velocity heavy ions. Furthermore, electrostatic devices are more compact and easier to construct than magnetic devices. In comparison to an electromagnetic trap, one important advantage of the elecrostatic ring is the easy access to the circulating beam and its decay products. These and other features, e.g. no magnetic fields, makes such storage devices attractive for many atomic-physics experiments. Also neigboring fields as chemistry and biology might benefit from such an relatively inexpensive device. One important difference between an electrostatic and a magnetic ring is, that the longitudinal energy is not conserved for the electrostatic ring. The actual ring will have a race-track shape as defined by two straight sections each with two quadrupole doublets connected by 180-degrees bends. The bends will consist of 160-degrees spherical deflection plates surrounded by two parallel plate 10-degrees bends. The storage ring ELISA, currently being built, will have a circumference of 6 meters. The first beam tests will take place during summer 1996.

  13. Dual actuation micro-mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alneamy, A. M.; Khater, M. E.; Al-Ghamdi, M. S.; Park, S.; Heppler, G. R.; Abdel-Rahman, E. M.

    2018-07-01

    This paper investigates the performance of cantilever-type micro-mirrors under electromagnetic, electrostatic and dual actuation. We developed and validated a two-DOFs model of the coupled bending-torsion motions of the mirror and used it in conjunction with experiments in air and in vacuum to compare all three actuation methods. We found that electromagnetic actuation is the most effective delivering a scanning range of  ± out of a geometrically allowable range of  ± at a current amplitude i  =  3 mA and a magnetic field of B  =  30 mT. Electrostatic actuation, whether alone or in conjunction with electromagnetic actuation, limited the stable angular range to smaller values (as small as ) due to the presence of spurious piston motions. This is an innate characteristic of micro-scale electrostatic actuation, the electrostatic force and the undesirable piston motion grow faster than the electrostatic torque and the desired angular displacement as the voltage is increased and they limit the stable angular range. Finally, we found that the dual actuation can be used to design two-DOF mirrors where electromagnetic actuation drives angular motion for optical beam steering and electrostatic actuation drives piston motion to control the mirror focus.

  14. Measurement System of Surface Electrostatic Potential on Insulation Board in Vacuum and its Application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Morita, Hiroshi; Hatanaka, Ayumu; Yokosuka, Toshiyuki; Seki, Yoshitaka; Tsumuraya, Yoshiaki; Doi, Motomichi

    The measurement system of the surface electrostatic potential on a solid insulation board in vacuum has been developed. We used this system to measure the electrostatic potential distribution of the surface of a borosilicate glass plate applied a high voltage. A local increase in the electric field was observed. It is considered that this phenomenon is caused by a positive electrostatic charge generated by a secondary emission of field emission electrons from an electrode. On the other hand, a local increase in the electric field was not observed on a glass plate coated with silica particles and a glass plate roughened by sandblast. We reasoned that this could be because the electrons were trapped by the roughness of the surface. It is considered that these phenomena make many types of equipment using the vacuum insulation more reliable.

  15. Optimization of binding electrostatics: Charge complementarity in the barnase-barstar protein complex

    PubMed Central

    lee, Lee-Peng; Tidor, Bruce

    2001-01-01

    Theoretical and experimental studies have shown that the large desolvation penalty required for polar and charged groups frequently precludes their involvement in electrostatic interactions that contribute strongly to net stability in the folding or binding of proteins in aqueous solution near room temperature. We have previously developed a theoretical framework for computing optimized electrostatic interactions and illustrated use of the algorithm with simplified geometries. Given a receptor and model assumptions, the method computes the ligand-charge distribution that provides the most favorable balance of desolvation and interaction effects on binding. In this paper the method has been extended to treat complexes using actual molecular shapes. The barnase-barstar protein complex was investigated with barnase treated as a target receptor. The atomic point charges of barstar were varied to optimize the electrostatic binding free energy. Barnase and natural barstar form a tight complex (Kd ∼ 10−14 M) with many charged and polar groups near the interface that make this a particularly relevant system for investigating the role of electrostatic effects on binding. The results show that sets of barstar charges (resulting from optimization with different constraints) can be found that give rise to relatively large predicted improvements in electrostatic binding free energy. Principles for enhancing the effect of electrostatic interactions in molecular binding in aqueous environments are discussed in light of the optima. Our findings suggest that, in general, the enhancements in electrostatic binding free energy resulting from modification of polar and charged groups can be substantial. Moreover, a recently proposed definition of electrostatic complementarity is shown to be a useful tool for examining binding interfaces. Finally, calculational results suggest that wild-type barstar is closer to being affinity optimized than is barnase for their mutual binding, consistent with the known roles of these proteins. PMID:11266622

  16. Ion-acoustic and electron-acoustic type nonlinear waves in dusty plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Volosevich, A.-V.; Meister, C.-V.

    2003-04-01

    In the present work, two three-dimensional nonlinear theoretical models of electrostatic solitary waves are investigated within the frame of magnetohydrodynamics. Both times, a multi-component plasma is considered, which consists of hot electrons with a rather flexible distribution function, hot ions with Boltzmann-type distribution, and (negatively as well as positively charged) dust. Additionally, cold ion beams are taken into account in the model to study ion-acoustic structures (IAS), and cold electron beams are included into the model to investigate electron-acoustic structures (EAS). The numerical results of the considered theoretical models allow to make the following conclusions: 1) Electrostatic structures with negative potential (of rarefaction type) are formed both in the IAS model and in the EAS model, but structures with negative potential (of compressional type) are formed in the IAS model only. 2) The intervals of various plasma parameters (velocities of ion and electron beams, temperatures, densities of the plasma components, ions' masses), for which the existence of IAS and EAS solitary waves and structures is possible, are calculated. 3) Further, the parameters of the electrostatic structures (wave amplitudes, scales along and perpendicular to the magnetic field, velocities) are estimated. 4) The application of the present numerical simulation for multi-component plasmas to various astrophysical systems under different physical conditions is discussed.

  17. An Improved NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) Capability for Aerospace Components.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-12-21

    proposed design will use the scintillator/fiber-optic Reticon detector which was investigated in the eperimental studies discussed above. The x rays...practical operation. Experimental studies of a microfocal x-ray source and the SFRD pinpointed current proklems and capabilities. A conceptual design ...authors would like to acknowledge the following important contributions to this effort: Chuck Isaacson for his help in the design and implementation of

  18. Nanotechnology-Enabled Optical Molecular Imaging of Breast Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-07-01

    Abbreviations Ab antibody AF-Ab Alexa Fluor labeled antibody CCD charge coupled device CTAB cetyltrimethylammonium bromide EDC 1-ethyl-[3-dimethylaminopropyl...mPEG-SH in figure 1. The carboxy-terminal nanorods were conjugated to antibodies using the zero-length crosslinker EDC stabilized by NHS [38]. Standard...multimode fiber coupler /positioner (Newport, model: F-915T) is utilized to mount the objective lens and a fiber chuck (Newport, model: FPH-DJ). With

  19. Electrostatically Biased Binding of Kinesin to Microtubules

    PubMed Central

    Zheng, Wenjun; Alonso, Maria; Huber, Gary; Dlugosz, Maciej; McCammon, J. Andrew; Cross, Robert A.

    2011-01-01

    The minimum motor domain of kinesin-1 is a single head. Recent evidence suggests that such minimal motor domains generate force by a biased binding mechanism, in which they preferentially select binding sites on the microtubule that lie ahead in the progress direction of the motor. A specific molecular mechanism for biased binding has, however, so far been lacking. Here we use atomistic Brownian dynamics simulations combined with experimental mutagenesis to show that incoming kinesin heads undergo electrostatically guided diffusion-to-capture by microtubules, and that this produces directionally biased binding. Kinesin-1 heads are initially rotated by the electrostatic field so that their tubulin-binding sites face inwards, and then steered towards a plus-endwards binding site. In tethered kinesin dimers, this bias is amplified. A 3-residue sequence (RAK) in kinesin helix alpha-6 is predicted to be important for electrostatic guidance. Real-world mutagenesis of this sequence powerfully influences kinesin-driven microtubule sliding, with one mutant producing a 5-fold acceleration over wild type. We conclude that electrostatic interactions play an important role in the kinesin stepping mechanism, by biasing the diffusional association of kinesin with microtubules. PMID:22140358

  20. The Effect of Lipopolysaccharide Core Oligosaccharide Size on the Electrostatic Binding of Antimicrobial Proteins to Models of the Gram Negative Bacterial Outer Membrane

    PubMed Central

    2016-01-01

    Understanding the electrostatic interactions between bacterial membranes and exogenous proteins is crucial to designing effective antimicrobial agents against Gram-negative bacteria. Here we study, using neutron reflecometry under multiple isotopic contrast conditions, the role of the uncharged sugar groups in the outer core region of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in protecting the phosphate-rich inner core region from electrostatic interactions with antimicrobial proteins. Models of the asymmetric Gram negative outer membrane on silicon were prepared with phopshatidylcholine (PC) in the inner leaflet (closest to the silicon), whereas rough LPS was used to form the outer leaflet (facing the bulk solution). We show how salt concentration can be used to reversibly alter the binding affinity of a protein antibiotic colicin N (ColN) to the anionic LPS confirming that the interaction is electrostatic in nature. By examining the interaction of ColN with two rough LPS types with different-sized core oligosaccharide regions we demonstrate the role of uncharged sugars in blocking short-range electrostatic interactions between the cationic antibiotics and the vulnerable anionic phosphate groups. PMID:27003358

  1. An improved model for computing the trajectories of conductive particles in roll-type electrostatic separator for recycling metals from WEEE.

    PubMed

    Wu, Jiang; Li, Jia; Xu, Zhenming

    2009-08-15

    Electrostatic separation presents an effective and environmentally friendly way for recycling metals and nonmetals from ground waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). For this process, the trajectory of conductive particle is significant and some models have been established. However, the results of previous researches are limited by some simplifying assumptions and lead to a notable discrepancy between the model prediction and the experimental results. In the present research, a roll-type corona-electrostatic separator and ground printed circuit board (PCB) wastes were used to investigate the trajectory of the conductive particle. Two factors, the air drag force and the different charging situation, were introduced into the improved model. Their effects were analyzed and an improved model for the theoretical trajectory of conductive particle was established. Compared with the previous one, the improved model shows a good agreement with the experimental results. It provides a positive guidance for designing of separator and makes a progress for recycling the metals and nonmetals from WEEE.

  2. Efficiency of Tungsten Dust Collection of Different Types of Dust Particles by Electrostatic Probe

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Begrambekov, L. B.; Voityuk, A. N.; Zakharov, A. M.; Bidlevich, O. A.; Vechshev, E. A.; Shigin, P. A.; Vayakis, J.; Walsh, M.

    2017-12-01

    Formation of dust particles and clusters is observed in almost every modern thermonuclear facility. Accumulation of dust in the next generation thermonuclear installations can dramatically affect the plasma parameters and lead to the accumulation of unacceptably large amounts of tritium. Experiments on collection of dust particles by a model of electrostatic probe developed for collection of metallic dust at ITER are described in the article. Experiments on the generation of tungsten dust consisting of flakes formed during the destruction of tungsten layers formed on the walls of the plasma chamber sputtered from the surface of the tungsten target by plasma ions were conducted. The nature of dust degassing at elevated temperatures and the behavior of dust in an electric field were studied. The results obtained are compared with the results of the experiments with dust consisting of crystal particles of simple geometric shapes. The effectiveness of collection of both types of dust using the model of an electrostatic probe is determined.

  3. Manipulation of electron transport in graphene by nanopatterned electrostatic potential on an electret

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xiaowei; Wang, Rui; Wang, Shengnan; Zhang, Dongdong; Jiang, Xingbin; Cheng, Zhihai; Qiu, Xiaohui

    2018-01-01

    The electron transport characteristics of graphene can be finely tuned using local electrostatic fields. Here, we use a scanning probe technique to construct a statically charged electret gate that enables in-situ fabrication of graphene devices with precisely designed potential landscapes, including p-type and n-type unipolar graphene transistors and p-n junctions. Electron dynamic simulation suggests that electron beam collimation and focusing in graphene can be achieved via periodic charge lines and concentric charge circles. This approach to spatially manipulating carrier density distribution may offer an efficient way to investigate the novel electronic properties of graphene and other low-dimensional materials.

  4. Active site electrostatics protect genome integrity by blocking abortive hydrolysis during DNA recombination

    PubMed Central

    Ma, Chien-Hui; Rowley, Paul A; Macieszak, Anna; Guga, Piotr; Jayaram, Makkuni

    2009-01-01

    Water, acting as a rogue nucleophile, can disrupt transesterification steps of important phosphoryl transfer reactions in DNA and RNA. We have unveiled this risk, and identified safeguards instituted against it, during strand cleavage and joining by the tyrosine site-specific recombinase Flp. Strand joining is threatened by a latent Flp endonuclease activity (type I) towards the 3′-phosphotyrosyl intermediate resulting from strand cleavage. This risk is not alleviated by phosphate electrostatics; neutralizing the negative charge on the scissile phosphate through methylphosphonate (MeP) substitution does not stimulate type I endonuclease. Rather, protection derives from the architecture of the recombination synapse and conformational dynamics within it. Strand cleavage is protected against water by active site electrostatics. Replacement of the catalytic Arg-308 of Flp by alanine, along with MeP substitution, elicits a second Flp endonuclease activity (type II) that directly targets the scissile phosphodiester bond in DNA. MeP substitution, combined with appropriate active site mutations, will be useful in revealing anti-hydrolytic mechanisms engendered by systems that mediate DNA relaxation, DNA transposition, site-specific recombination, telomere resolution, RNA splicing and retrohoming of mobile introns. PMID:19440204

  5. Planetary exploration with electrically propelled vehicles.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stuhlinger, E.

    1972-01-01

    The characteristics of propulsion systems required for carrying out flight missions within the solar system, as desired by planetary physicists and astronomers, are reviewed. It is shown that an encouraging answer to these requirements is available in the form of electrostatic or ion propulsion systems. The design and performance characteristics of an electrostatic thrustor employing an ion source, accelerating electrode, beam neutralizer, and power source are discussed, together with those of the Kaufmann engine (electrostatic thrustor employing bombardment type ionization). More demanding missions which will become feasible with the advent of nuclear-electric power sources (such as the incore thermionic reactor) may include close orbiters around all the planets, and asteroid and cometary missions.

  6. ELECTROSTATIC SURFACE STRUCTURES OF COAL AND MINERAL PARTICLES

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

    NONE

    It is the purpose of this research to study electrostatic charging mechanisms related to electrostatic beneficiation of coal with the goal of improving models of separation and the design of electrostatic separators. Areas addressed in this technical progress report are (a) electrostatic beneficiation of Pittsburgh #8 coal powders as a function of grind size and processing atmosphere; (b) the use of fluorescent micro-spheres to probe the charge distribution on the surfaces of coal particles; (c) the use of electrostatic beneficiation to recover unburned carbon from flyash; (d) the development of research instruments for investigation of charging properties of coal. Pittsburghmore » #8 powders were beneficiated as a function of grind size and under three atmosphere conditions: fresh ground in air , after 24 hours of air exposure, or under N2 atmosphere. The feed and processed powders were analyzed by a variety of methods including moisture, ash, total sulfur, and pyritic sulfur content. Mass distribution and cumulative charge of the processed powders were also measured. Fresh ground coal performed the best in electrostatic beneficiation. Results are compared with those of similar studies conducted on Pittsburgh #8 powders last year (April 1, 1997 to September 30, 1997). Polystyrene latex spheres were charged and deposited onto coal particles that had been passed through the electrostatic separator and collected onto insulating filters. The observations suggest bipolar charging of individual particles and patches of charge on the particles which may be associated with particular maceral types or with mineral inclusions. A preliminary investigation was performed on eletrostatic separation of unburned carbon particles from flyash. Approximately 25% of the flyash acquired positive charge in the copper tribocharger. This compares with 75% of fresh ground coal. The negatively charged material had a slightly reduced ash content suggesting some enrichment of carbonaceous material. There was also evidence that the carbon is present at a higher ratio in larger particles than in small particles. An ultraviolet photoelectron counter for use in ambient atmosphere is nearing completion. The counter will be used to measure work functions of different maceral and mineral types in the coal matrix. A Particle Image Analyzer for measuring size and charge of airborne particles is also under contruction and its current status is presented. A charged, monodisperse, droplet generator is also being constructed for calibration of the Particle Image Analyzer and other airborne particle analyzers in our labs.« less

  7. A mechanically driven switch for decoupling cryocoolers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van der Laan, M. T. G.; Tax, R.; Ten Kate, H. H. J.; van de Klundert, L. J. M.

    A superconductive magnet system solely cooled by thermal conduction and two Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers has been developed. One cooler is redundant to obtain reliable and serviceable operation. The magnet operates at a temperature of 12 K. In order to reduce the heat flux into the system when one cooler is out of service, two thermal switches were developed with the following features. In both cases, thermal contact is made by pressing two or more pieces of metal against each other. The first switch is a lathe-chuck type and consists of three metal pieces symmetrically arranged around a metal bar. They are simultaneously pushed in a radial direction thus making mechanical and thermal contact. The second is a bench-vise type. A metal bar is clamped between two metal jaws by means of the action of a screw driven by an external torque. In both cases, relatively fast switching is possible. The thermal resistance obtained in the on-state was better than 0.5 W/K, and in the off-state at least a factor of 1000 less. Thermal and mechanical cycling appeared to have no large influence on the switch performance.

  8. Determination of the electrostatic potential distribution in Pt/Fe:SrTiO3/Nb:SrTiO3 thin-film structures by electron holography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marchewka, Astrid; Cooper, David; Lenser, Christian; Menzel, Stephan; Du, Hongchu; Dittmann, Regina; Dunin-Borkowski, Rafal E.; Waser, Rainer

    2014-11-01

    We determined the electrostatic potential distribution in pristine Pt/Fe:SrTiO3/Nb:SrTiO3 structures by electron holography experiments, revealing the existence of a depletion layer extending into the Nb-doped bottom electrode. Simulations of potential profiles in metal-insulator-metal structures were conducted assuming different types and distributions of dopants. It is found that the presence of acceptor-type dopant concentrations at the Fe:SrTiO3/Nb:SrTiO3 interface with a donor-doped insulating layer provides a good match to the measured profile. Such acceptor-type interface concentrations may be associated with Sr vacancies on the Nb:SrTiO3 side of the bottom interface.

  9. Determination of the electrostatic potential distribution in Pt/Fe:SrTiO₃/Nb:SrTiO₃ thin-film structures by electron holography.

    PubMed

    Marchewka, Astrid; Cooper, David; Lenser, Christian; Menzel, Stephan; Du, Hongchu; Dittmann, Regina; Dunin-Borkowski, Rafal E; Waser, Rainer

    2014-11-10

    We determined the electrostatic potential distribution in pristine Pt/Fe:SrTiO3/Nb:SrTiO3 structures by electron holography experiments, revealing the existence of a depletion layer extending into the Nb-doped bottom electrode. Simulations of potential profiles in metal-insulator-metal structures were conducted assuming different types and distributions of dopants. It is found that the presence of acceptor-type dopant concentrations at the Fe:SrTiO3/Nb:SrTiO3 interface with a donor-doped insulating layer provides a good match to the measured profile. Such acceptor-type interface concentrations may be associated with Sr vacancies on the Nb:SrTiO3 side of the bottom interface.

  10. Compact RF ion source for industrial electrostatic ion accelerator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kwon, Hyeok-Jung; Park, Sae-Hoon; Kim, Dae-Il; Cho, Yong-Sub

    2016-02-01

    Korea Multi-purpose Accelerator Complex is developing a single-ended electrostatic ion accelerator to irradiate gaseous ions, such as hydrogen and nitrogen, on materials for industrial applications. ELV type high voltage power supply has been selected. Because of the limited space, electrical power, and robust operation, a 200 MHz RF ion source has been developed. In this paper, the accelerator system, test stand of the ion source, and its test results are described.

  11. Compact RF ion source for industrial electrostatic ion accelerator.

    PubMed

    Kwon, Hyeok-Jung; Park, Sae-Hoon; Kim, Dae-Il; Cho, Yong-Sub

    2016-02-01

    Korea Multi-purpose Accelerator Complex is developing a single-ended electrostatic ion accelerator to irradiate gaseous ions, such as hydrogen and nitrogen, on materials for industrial applications. ELV type high voltage power supply has been selected. Because of the limited space, electrical power, and robust operation, a 200 MHz RF ion source has been developed. In this paper, the accelerator system, test stand of the ion source, and its test results are described.

  12. Maximum Langmuir Fields in Planetary Foreshocks Determined from the Electrostatic Decay Threshold

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Robinson, P. A.; Cairns, Iver H.

    1995-01-01

    Maximum electric fields of Langmuir waves at planetary foreshocks are estimated from the threshold for electrostatic decay, assuming it saturates beam driven growth, and incorporating heliospheric variation of plasma density and temperature. Comparisons with spacecraft observations yields good quantitative agreement. Observations in type 3 radio sources are also in accord with this interpretation. A single mechanism can thus account for the highest fields of beam driven waves in both contexts.

  13. Internal force field in proteins seen by divergence entropy

    PubMed Central

    Marchewka, Damian; Banach, Mateusz; Roterman, Irena

    2011-01-01

    The characteristic distribution of non-binding interactions in a protein is described. It establishes that hydrophobic interactions can be characterized by suitable 3D Gauss functions while electrostatic interactions generally follow a random distribution. The implementation of this observation suggests differentiated optimization procedure for these two types of interactions. The electrostatic interaction may follow traditional energy optimization while the criteria for convergence shall measure the accordance with 3-D Gauss function. PMID:21769190

  14. Electric field numerical simulation of disc type electrostatic spinning spinneret

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wei, L.; Deng, ZL; Qin, XH; Liang, ZY

    2018-01-01

    Electrospinning is a new type of free-end spinning built on electric field. Different from traditional single needle spinneret, in this study, a new disc type free surface spinneret is used to produce multiple jets, this will greatly improve production efficiency of nanofiber. The electric-field distribution of spinneret is the crux of the formation and trajectory of jets. In order to probe the electric field intensity of the disc type spinneret, computational software of Ansoft Maxwell 12 is adopted for a precise and intuitive analysis. The results showed that the whole round cambered surface of the spinning solution at edge of each layer of the spinneret with the maximum curvature has the highest electric field intensity, and through the simulation of the electric field distribution of different spinneret parameters such as layer, the height and radius of the spinneret. Influences of various parameters on the electrostatic spinning are obtained.

  15. Flying Faster Than The Speed of Sound

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2017-10-10

    It's been 70 years since Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in his experimental airplane, the X-1. Today, NASA is working to make supersonic air travel across the U.S. a reality with its Low Boom Flight Demonstration aircraft. Decades of NASA research in supersonics have gone into the unique design of this aircraft, which aims to reduce the loudness of the sonic boom associated with planes traveling faster than the speed of sound.

  16. Development of a Comprehensive Base-Level Environmental Training Program for Total Environmental Compliance

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-09-01

    Business Managers. Ed. Betty Seldner. San Francisco : McGraw Hill, Inc., 1994 11. Gunderson, John. "Federal Facilities Compliance Act," in Environmental...Decision Making for Engineering and Business Managers. Ed. Betty Seldner. San Francisco : McGraw Hill, Inc., 1994 105 12. Heyman, Glenn. "The Role and...San Francisco . McGraw Hill, Inc., 1994 13- Hill, Chuck. Environmental Oversight Branch, Headquarters Air Combat Command. Personal Correspondence

  17. KSC-03pd0332

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2003-02-07

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (right) visits the Thermal Protection System Facility. At left is Chuck Fontana, associate program manager, Integrated Logistics. O'Keefe is visiting the site to learn more about the TPS products and process in protecting orbiters from the intense heat of launch and re-entry. TPS tiles have been discussed in the investigation into the Columbia tragedy that destroyed the orbiter and claimed the lives of seven astronauts..

  18. The Strategic Plan: Is There Such a Thing for the Remotely Piloted Aircraft?

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-12-10

    use this corporate definition, it provides useful insight. It accounts for the human element, or a thinking competitor, who exerts known and...in a while, everything about the world changes at once. This is one of those times. ―Chuck Klosterman quoted in Singer, Wired for War: The Robotics ...replacement to conventional forces on the battlefield. In the commercial sector, unmanned and robot technology is also increasing at unprecedented rates

  19. Transition Workbook for Combat Veterans. Postdeployment User Guide

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-01-01

    red meats, including pork, and especially fatty cuts (eg, prime, chuck). 4. CARBOHYDRATES • Eat whole grains , fresh fruits , and vegetables that are high... add some more challenges and solutions to your troubleshooting plan and then keep going. 3. Plan some celebrations along the way. What benchmarks...Bring my pictures in and ask some other work colleagues who knew him/her if they have any pictures of the Marine that they could add . Collect any

  20. Constant Conflict (Parameters, Winter 2010-11)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-01-01

    warfare is a matter of technology, which is akin to believing that your stereo system is more important to music than the musicians . Fear not. We are...this young , embittered male gets his skewed view of us from reruns of Dynasty and Dallas, or from satellite links beaming down Baywatch, sources...Mandalay. They are even more popular than our music , because they are easier to understand. The action films of a Stallone or Schwarzenegger or Chuck

  1. Energy Action Day

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2017-10-25

    Anuj Chokshi of FPL, center, speaks during the Energy Action Day employee event held in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility. Part of Energy Awareness Month, the event featured subject matter experts in the area of solar energy, its connections to the space program and options for residential solar power. From left to right are Chuck Tatro of NASA's Launch Services Program; Sam Ball of NASA Kennedy's Engineering directorate; Chokshi; and Bill McMullen of Southern Power.

  2. Calibration of Linked Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Model for Santa Margarita Lagoon

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-07-01

    was used to drive the transport and water quality kinetics for the simulation of 2007–2009. The sand berm, which controlled the opening/closure of...TECHNICAL REPORT 3015 July 2016 Calibration of Linked Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Model for Santa Margarita Lagoon Final Report Pei...Linked Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Model for Santa Margarita Lagoon Final Report Pei-Fang Wang Chuck Katz Ripan Barua SSC Pacific James

  3. Electrostatic Interactions in the Binding Pathway of a Transient Protein Complex Studied by NMR and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry*

    PubMed Central

    Meneses, Erick; Mittermaier, Anthony

    2014-01-01

    Much of our knowledge of protein binding pathways is derived from extremely stable complexes that interact very tightly, with lifetimes of hours to days. Much less is known about weaker interactions and transient complexes because these are challenging to characterize experimentally. Nevertheless, these types of interactions are ubiquitous in living systems. The combination of NMR relaxation dispersion Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (CPMG) experiments and isothermal titration calorimetry allows the quantification of rapid binding kinetics for complexes with submillisecond lifetimes that are difficult to study using conventional techniques. We have used this approach to investigate the binding pathway of the Src homology 3 (SH3) domain from the Fyn tyrosine kinase, which forms complexes with peptide targets whose lifetimes are on the order of about a millisecond. Long range electrostatic interactions have been shown to play a critical role in the binding pathways of tightly binding complexes. The role of electrostatics in the binding pathways of transient complexes is less well understood. Similarly to previously studied tight complexes, we find that SH3 domain association rates are enhanced by long range electrostatics, whereas short range interactions are formed late in the docking process. However, the extent of electrostatic association rate enhancement is several orders of magnitudes less, whereas the electrostatic-free basal association rate is significantly greater. Thus, the SH3 domain is far less reliant on electrostatic enhancement to achieve rapid association kinetics than are previously studied systems. This suggests that there may be overall differences in the role played by electrostatics in the binding pathways of extremely stable versus transient complexes. PMID:25122758

  4. Accelerating Electrostatic Surface Potential Calculation with Multiscale Approximation on Graphics Processing Units

    PubMed Central

    Anandakrishnan, Ramu; Scogland, Tom R. W.; Fenley, Andrew T.; Gordon, John C.; Feng, Wu-chun; Onufriev, Alexey V.

    2010-01-01

    Tools that compute and visualize biomolecular electrostatic surface potential have been used extensively for studying biomolecular function. However, determining the surface potential for large biomolecules on a typical desktop computer can take days or longer using currently available tools and methods. Two commonly used techniques to speed up these types of electrostatic computations are approximations based on multi-scale coarse-graining and parallelization across multiple processors. This paper demonstrates that for the computation of electrostatic surface potential, these two techniques can be combined to deliver significantly greater speed-up than either one separately, something that is in general not always possible. Specifically, the electrostatic potential computation, using an analytical linearized Poisson Boltzmann (ALPB) method, is approximated using the hierarchical charge partitioning (HCP) multiscale method, and parallelized on an ATI Radeon 4870 graphical processing unit (GPU). The implementation delivers a combined 934-fold speed-up for a 476,040 atom viral capsid, compared to an equivalent non-parallel implementation on an Intel E6550 CPU without the approximation. This speed-up is significantly greater than the 42-fold speed-up for the HCP approximation alone or the 182-fold speed-up for the GPU alone. PMID:20452792

  5. Branches of electrostatic turbulence inside solitary plasma structures in the auroral ionosphere

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

    Golovchanskaya, Irina V.; Kozelov, Boris V.; Chernyshov, Alexander A.

    2014-08-15

    The excitation of electrostatic turbulence inside space-observed solitary structures is a central topic of this exposition. Three representative solitary structures observed in the topside auroral ionosphere as large-amplitude nonlinear signatures in the electric field and magnetic-field-aligned current on the transverse scales of ∼10{sup 2}–10{sup 3} m are evaluated by the theories of electrostatic wave generation in inhomogeneous background configurations. A quantitative analysis shows that the structures are, in general, effective in destabilizing the inhomogeneous energy-density-driven (IEDD) waves, as well as of the ion acoustic waves modified by a shear in the parallel drift of ions. It is demonstrated that the dominatingmore » branch of the electrostatic turbulence is determined by the interplay of various driving sources inside a particular solitary structure. The sources do not generally act in unison, so that their common effect may be inhibiting for excitation of electrostatic waves of a certain type. In the presence of large magnetic-field-aligned current, which is not correlated to the inhomogeneous electric field inside the structure, the ion-acoustic branch becomes dominating. In other cases, the IEDD instability is more central.« less

  6. Long-ranged electrostatic repulsion and crystallization of emulsion droplets in an ultralow dielectric medium supercritical carbon dioxide.

    PubMed

    Ryoo, Won; Webber, Stephen E; Bonnecaze, Roger T; Johnston, Keith P

    2006-01-31

    Electrostatic repulsion stabilizes micrometer-sized water droplets with spacings greater than 10 microm in an ultralow dielectric medium, CO2 (epsilon = 1.5), at elevated pressures. The morphology of the water/CO2 emulsion is characterized by optical microscopy and laser diffraction as a function of height. The counterions, stabilized with a nonionic, highly branched, stubby hydrocarbon surfactant, form an extremely thick double layer with a Debye screening length of 8.9 microm. As a result of the balance between electrostatic repulsion and the downward force due to gravity, the droplets formed a hexagonal crystalline lattice at the bottom of the high-pressure cell with spacings of over 10 microm. The osmotic pressure, calculated by solving the Poisson-Boltzmann equation in the framework of the Wigner-Seitz cell model, is in good agreement with that determined from the sedimentation profile measured by laser diffraction. Thus, the long-ranged stabilization of the emulsion may be attributed to electrostatic stabilization. The ability to form new types of colloids in CO2 with electrostatic stabilization is beneficial because steric stabilization is often unsatisfactory because of poor solvation of the stabilizers.

  7. Controlled electrostatic methodology for imaging indentations in documents.

    PubMed

    Yaraskavitch, Luke; Graydon, Matthew; Tanaka, Tobin; Ng, Lay-Keow

    2008-05-20

    The electrostatic process for imaging indentations on documents using the ESDA device is investigated under controlled experimental settings. An in-house modified commercial xerographic developer housing is used to control the uniformity and volume of toner deposition, allowing for reproducible image development. Along with this novel development tool, an electrostatic voltmeter and fixed environmental conditions facilitate an optimization process. Sample documents are preconditioned in a humidity cabinet with microprocessor control, and the significant benefit of humidification above 70% RH on image quality is verified. Improving on the subjective methods of previous studies, image quality analysis is carried out in an objective and reproducible manner using the PIAS-II. For the seven commercial paper types tested, the optimum ESDA operating point is found to be at an electric potential near -400V at the Mylar surface; however, for most paper types, the optimum operating regime is found to be quite broad, spanning relatively small electric potentials between -200 and -550V. At -400V, the film right above an indented area generally carries a voltage which is 30-50V less negative than the non-indented background. In contrast with Seward's findings [G.H. Seward, Model for electrostatic imaging of forensic evidence via discharge through Mylar-paper path, J. Appl. Phys. 83 (3) (1998) 1450-1456; G.H. Seward, Practical implications of the charge transport model for electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA), J. Forensic Sci. 44 (4) (1999) 832-836], a period of charge decay before image development is not required when operating in this optimal regime. A brief investigation of the role played by paper-to-paper friction during the indentation process is conducted using our optimized development method.

  8. Biomolecular electrostatics and solvation: a computational perspective

    PubMed Central

    Ren, Pengyu; Chun, Jaehun; Thomas, Dennis G.; Schnieders, Michael J.; Marucho, Marcelo; Zhang, Jiajing; Baker, Nathan A.

    2012-01-01

    An understanding of molecular interactions is essential for insight into biological systems at the molecular scale. Among the various components of molecular interactions, electrostatics are of special importance because of their long-range nature and their influence on polar or charged molecules, including water, aqueous ions, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and membrane lipids. In particular, robust models of electrostatic interactions are essential for understanding the solvation properties of biomolecules and the effects of solvation upon biomolecular folding, binding, enzyme catalysis, and dynamics. Electrostatics, therefore, are of central importance to understanding biomolecular structure and modeling interactions within and among biological molecules. This review discusses the solvation of biomolecules with a computational biophysics view towards describing the phenomenon. While our main focus lies on the computational aspect of the models, we provide an overview of the basic elements of biomolecular solvation (e.g., solvent structure, polarization, ion binding, and nonpolar behavior) in order to provide a background to understand the different types of solvation models. PMID:23217364

  9. Biomolecular electrostatics and solvation: a computational perspective.

    PubMed

    Ren, Pengyu; Chun, Jaehun; Thomas, Dennis G; Schnieders, Michael J; Marucho, Marcelo; Zhang, Jiajing; Baker, Nathan A

    2012-11-01

    An understanding of molecular interactions is essential for insight into biological systems at the molecular scale. Among the various components of molecular interactions, electrostatics are of special importance because of their long-range nature and their influence on polar or charged molecules, including water, aqueous ions, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and membrane lipids. In particular, robust models of electrostatic interactions are essential for understanding the solvation properties of biomolecules and the effects of solvation upon biomolecular folding, binding, enzyme catalysis, and dynamics. Electrostatics, therefore, are of central importance to understanding biomolecular structure and modeling interactions within and among biological molecules. This review discusses the solvation of biomolecules with a computational biophysics view toward describing the phenomenon. While our main focus lies on the computational aspect of the models, we provide an overview of the basic elements of biomolecular solvation (e.g. solvent structure, polarization, ion binding, and non-polar behavior) in order to provide a background to understand the different types of solvation models.

  10. The Future of Mexico’s Drug War - Balancing Security and Rule of Law Against Cartel Freedom of Maneuver

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-10-28

    of municipal police, politicians and other officials having been investigated or removed from duty in the last five years suggests the problem was... removed or resigned. See Chuck Neubauer, "Mexican Prosecutors Step Down Amid Purge," The Washington Times, August 2, 2011, http://www.washingtontimes...financial regimes in Mexico have posed a barrier to success. Too few meaningful cartel members are effectively brought to justice due to

  11. The Effect of Values on System Development Project Outcomes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-03-01

    before me and upon whose broad shoulders I stand. Men like Col John Boyd (USAF, ret), Col Chet Richards (USAF, ret), Col James Burton (USAF, ret), Chuck...with new homes that could have housed more than 8,000 people. - President Dwight D. Eisenhower, April 19, 1953 I. Introduction This research...Boyne, 2007 RUBRIC SCORE: 30 F-Score:10 I-Score: 5 S-Score:10 T-Score:5 OUTCOME: A SAMPLE STATEMENTS: FAST “The Navy men liked everything

  12. Reflexive Control in Operational Art: Designing Emergent Opportunity in the Vicksburg Campaign

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-05-25

    relating to game theory and deception. This theory relates to a human phenomenon not strictly tied to any specific systems or actors at any level of war... game theory.10 It is worth emphasizing that reflexive control theory is neither synonymous with, nor did it evolve specifically from, maskirovka or... Game of ? And ?," edited by Chet Richards and Chuck Spinney (Defense and the National Interest, 2006). 19 Field Manual 6-0, Mission Command

  13. Can SOF Assist USPACOM in Building a Stronger Link to China’s PLA?

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-05-15

    April 27, 2014. 7 Leon E . Panetta, Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21 st Century Defense (Washington DC: Office of the Secretary...9 Leon E . Panetta, Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21 st Century Defense, p. 2. 10 Ibid, pp. 1-3. 11 Chuck Hagel...20 Leon E . Panetta, Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2013 (Washington DC: Office of the Secretary

  14. KSC-04pd0207

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2004-02-12

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Surrounded by workers in the Space Station Processing Facility, Chuck Hardison (left), Boeing senior truss manager, presents the “key” for the starboard truss segment S3/S4 to Scott Gahring (center), ISS Vehicle Office manager (acting), Johnson Space Center. The trusses are scheduled to be delivered to the International Space Station on mission STS-117. Holding the tip of the key at right is astronaut Patrick Forrester, who is a mission specialist on the flight.

  15. Postdeployment User Guide: Transition Workbook for Combat Veterans

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-12-07

    including pork, and especially fatty cuts (eg, prime, chuck). 4. CARBOHYDRATES • Eat whole grains , fresh fruits , and vegetables that are high in fiber...periods of time without eating. Have a healthy snack between meals. 4. Increase complex carbohydrates (eg, whole grains ) and starches in your diet ...back to baseline at some point or having a particularly bad stretch does not mean you have to start again. It just means you may need to add some

  16. KSC-04PD-0207

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2004-01-01

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. Surrounded by workers in the Space Station Processing Facility, Chuck Hardison (left), Boeing senior truss manager, presents the key for the starboard truss segment S3/S4 to Scott Gahring (center), ISS Vehicle Office manager (acting), Johnson Space Center. The trusses are scheduled to be delivered to the International Space Station on mission STS-117. Holding the tip of the key at right is astronaut Patrick Forrester, who is a mission specialist on the flight.

  17. Particle contamination effects in EUVL: enhanced theory for the analytical determination of critical particle sizes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brandstetter, Gerd; Govindjee, Sanjay

    2012-03-01

    Existing analytical and numerical methodologies are discussed and then extended in order to calculate critical contamination-particle sizes, which will result in deleterious effects during EUVL E-chucking in the face of an error budget on the image-placement-error (IPE). The enhanced analytical models include a gap dependant clamping pressure formulation, the consideration of a general material law for realistic particle crushing and the influence of frictional contact. We present a discussion of the defects of the classical de-coupled modeling approach where particle crushing and mask/chuck indentation are separated from the global computation of mask bending. To repair this defect we present a new analytic approach based on an exact Hankel transform method which allows a fully coupled solution. This will capture the contribution of the mask indentation to the image-placement-error (estimated IPE increase of 20%). A fully coupled finite element model is used to validate the analytical models and to further investigate the impact of a mask back-side CrN-layer. The models are applied to existing experimental data with good agreement. For a standard material combination, a given IPE tolerance of 1 nm and a 15 kPa closing pressure, we derive bounds for single particles of cylindrical shape (radius × height < 44 μm) and spherical shape (diameter < 12 μm).

  18. Removal of nickel from electroplating rinse waters using electrostatic shielding electrodialysis/electrodeionization.

    PubMed

    Dermentzis, Konstantinos

    2010-01-15

    Electrostatic shielding zones made of electrode graphite powder were used as a new type of ionic and electronic current sinks. Because of the local elimination of the applied electric field, voltage and current within the zones, ions are led inside them and accumulate there. The current sinks were implemented in electrostatic shielding electrodialysis of a simulated nickel plating rinse water containing 100 mg L(-1) nickel and electrodeionization of a 0.001 M NiSO(4) solution with simultaneous electrochemical regeneration of the ion exchange resin beds. Pure water was obtained with a Ni(2+) ion concentration of less than 0.1 mg L(-1) at a flow rate of 2.02 x 10(-4)dm(3)s(-1) diluate stream and a current density of 30 Am(-2).

  19. Temperature Controlled Electrostatic Disorder and Polymorphism in Ultrathin Films of α-Sexithiophene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoffman, Benjamin; Jafari, Sara; McAfee, Terry; Apperson, Aubrey; O'Connor, Brendan; Dougherty, Daniel

    Competing phases in well-ordered alpha-sexithiophene (α-6T) are shown to contribute to electrostatic disorder observed by differences in surface potential between mono- and bi-layer crystallites. Ultrathin films are of key importance to devices in which charge transport occurs in the first several monolayers nearest to a dielectric interface (e.g. thin film transistors) and complex structures in this regime impact the general electrostatic landscape. This study is comprised of 1.5 ML sample crystals grown via organic molecular beam deposition onto a temperature controlled hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) passivated SiO2 substrate to produce well-ordered layer-by-layer type growth. Sample topography and surface potential were characterized simultaneously using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy to then isolate contact potential differences by first and second layer α-6T regions. Films grown on 70° C, 120° C substrates are observed to have a bilayer with lower, higher potential than the monolayer, respectively. Resulting interlayer potential differences are a clear source of electrostatic disorder and are explained as subtle shifts in tilt-angles between layers relative to the substrate. These empirical results continue our understanding of how co-existing orientations contribute to the complex electrostatics influencing charge transport. NSF CAREER award DMR-1056861.

  20. Accelerating electrostatic surface potential calculation with multi-scale approximation on graphics processing units.

    PubMed

    Anandakrishnan, Ramu; Scogland, Tom R W; Fenley, Andrew T; Gordon, John C; Feng, Wu-chun; Onufriev, Alexey V

    2010-06-01

    Tools that compute and visualize biomolecular electrostatic surface potential have been used extensively for studying biomolecular function. However, determining the surface potential for large biomolecules on a typical desktop computer can take days or longer using currently available tools and methods. Two commonly used techniques to speed-up these types of electrostatic computations are approximations based on multi-scale coarse-graining and parallelization across multiple processors. This paper demonstrates that for the computation of electrostatic surface potential, these two techniques can be combined to deliver significantly greater speed-up than either one separately, something that is in general not always possible. Specifically, the electrostatic potential computation, using an analytical linearized Poisson-Boltzmann (ALPB) method, is approximated using the hierarchical charge partitioning (HCP) multi-scale method, and parallelized on an ATI Radeon 4870 graphical processing unit (GPU). The implementation delivers a combined 934-fold speed-up for a 476,040 atom viral capsid, compared to an equivalent non-parallel implementation on an Intel E6550 CPU without the approximation. This speed-up is significantly greater than the 42-fold speed-up for the HCP approximation alone or the 182-fold speed-up for the GPU alone. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Spectroscopic and DFT Studies of Second Sphere Variants of the Type 1 Copper Site in Azurin: Covalent and Non-Local Electrostatic Contributions to Reduction Potentials

    PubMed Central

    Hadt, Ryan G.; Sun, Ning; Marshall, Nicholas M.; Hodgson, Keith O.; Hedman, Britt; Lu, Yi; Solomon, Edward I.

    2012-01-01

    The reduction potentials (E0) of type 1 (T1) or blue copper (BC) sites in proteins and enzymes with identical first coordination spheres around the redox active copper ion can vary by ~400 mV. Here, we use a combination of low temperature electronic absorption and magnetic circular dichroism, electron paramagnetic resonance, resonance Raman, and S K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopies to investigate a series of second sphere variants—F114P, N47S, and F114N in Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin (Az)—which modulate hydrogen bonding to and protein derived dipoles nearby the Cu-S(Cys) bond. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations correlated to the experimental data allow for the fractionation of the contributions to tuning E0 into covalent and non-local electrostatic components. These are found to be significant, comparable in magnitude, and additive for active H-bonds, while passive H-bonds are mostly non-local electrostatic in nature. For dipoles, these terms can be additive to or oppose one another. This study provides a methodology for uncoupling covalency from non-local electrostatics, which, when coupled to X-ray crystallographic data, distinguishes specific local interactions from more long range protein/active interactions, while affording further insight into the second sphere mechanisms available to the protein to tune the E0 of electron transfer sites in biology. PMID:22985400

  2. Statistical field theory description of inhomogeneous polarizable soft matter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martin, Jonathan M.; Li, Wei; Delaney, Kris T.; Fredrickson, Glenn H.

    2016-10-01

    We present a new molecularly informed statistical field theory model of inhomogeneous polarizable soft matter. The model is based on fluid elements, referred to as beads, that can carry a net monopole of charge at their center of mass and a fixed or induced dipole through a Drude-type distributed charge approach. The beads are thus polarizable and naturally manifest attractive van der Waals interactions. Beyond electrostatic interactions, beads can be given soft repulsions to sustain fluid phases at arbitrary densities. Beads of different types can be mixed or linked into polymers with arbitrary chain models and sequences of charged and uncharged beads. By such an approach, it is possible to construct models suitable for describing a vast range of soft-matter systems including electrolyte and polyelectrolyte solutions, ionic liquids, polymerized ionic liquids, polymer blends, ionomers, and block copolymers, among others. These bead models can be constructed in virtually any ensemble and converted to complex-valued statistical field theories by Hubbard-Stratonovich transforms. One of the fields entering the resulting theories is a fluctuating electrostatic potential; other fields are necessary to decouple non-electrostatic interactions. We elucidate the structure of these field theories, their consistency with macroscopic electrostatic theory in the absence and presence of external electric fields, and the way in which they embed van der Waals interactions and non-uniform dielectric properties. Their suitability as a framework for computational studies of heterogeneous soft matter systems using field-theoretic simulation techniques is discussed.

  3. Statistical field theory description of inhomogeneous polarizable soft matter.

    PubMed

    Martin, Jonathan M; Li, Wei; Delaney, Kris T; Fredrickson, Glenn H

    2016-10-21

    We present a new molecularly informed statistical field theory model of inhomogeneous polarizable soft matter. The model is based on fluid elements, referred to as beads, that can carry a net monopole of charge at their center of mass and a fixed or induced dipole through a Drude-type distributed charge approach. The beads are thus polarizable and naturally manifest attractive van der Waals interactions. Beyond electrostatic interactions, beads can be given soft repulsions to sustain fluid phases at arbitrary densities. Beads of different types can be mixed or linked into polymers with arbitrary chain models and sequences of charged and uncharged beads. By such an approach, it is possible to construct models suitable for describing a vast range of soft-matter systems including electrolyte and polyelectrolyte solutions, ionic liquids, polymerized ionic liquids, polymer blends, ionomers, and block copolymers, among others. These bead models can be constructed in virtually any ensemble and converted to complex-valued statistical field theories by Hubbard-Stratonovich transforms. One of the fields entering the resulting theories is a fluctuating electrostatic potential; other fields are necessary to decouple non-electrostatic interactions. We elucidate the structure of these field theories, their consistency with macroscopic electrostatic theory in the absence and presence of external electric fields, and the way in which they embed van der Waals interactions and non-uniform dielectric properties. Their suitability as a framework for computational studies of heterogeneous soft matter systems using field-theoretic simulation techniques is discussed.

  4. ARC-2006-ACD06-0179-003

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2006-10-12

    Ames holds a Media Day at the Hypervelocity Free Flight facility where Ames is conducting high-speed tests of small models of the agency's new Orion CEV to learn about stability during flight. The hypervelocity test facility uses a gun to shoot Orion models between 0.5 and l.5 inches (1.25 - 3.75 centimeters in diameter. The facility can conduct experiments with speeds up to 19,000 miles per hour (30,400 kilometers per hour) with John Bluck (Ames PAO) and Chuck Cornelison Ames Engineer

  5. ARC-2006-ACD06-0179-005

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2006-10-12

    Ames holds a Media Day at the Hypervelocity Free Flight facility where Ames is conducting high-speed tests of small models of the agency's new Orion CEV to learn about stability during flight. The hypervelocity test facility uses a gun to shoot Orion models between 0.5 and l.5 inches (1.25 - 3.75 centimeters in diameter. The facility can conduct experiments with speeds up to 19,000 miles per hour (30,400 kilometers per hour) - Gary Reyes, San Jose mercury New interviews Chuck Cornelison

  6. Getting back in the race. Retired healthcare executives are being lured back into the office as organizations look for experienced leaders to take the reins.

    PubMed

    Jaklevic, Mary Chris

    2003-09-15

    All the young whippersnappers better look out--the veterans are coming back to show how it's done. More and more as of late, executives who chucked the 80-hour workweek grind are coming out of retirement to take the helm at beleaguered healthcare systems. MedCath Corp. board Chairman Steve Puckett, at left, says experience counts for a lot when handing over such responsibility.

  7. MARS PATHFINDER LANDER REMOVED FROM SHIPPING CONTAINER IN SAEF-2

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1996-01-01

    In the SAEF-2 spacecraft checkout facility at Kennedy Space Center, engineers and technicians from Jet Propulsion Laboratory remove the Mars Pathfinder lander from its shipping container, still covered in protective wrapping. Pictured from L-R, Linda Robeck, Jerry Gutierrez, Lorraine Garcia, Chuck Foehlinger of JPL. The arrival of the spacecraft at KSC from Pasadena, CA occurred on Aug. 13, 1996. Launch of Mars Pathfinder aboard a McDonnell Douglas Delta II rocket will occur from Pad B at Complex 17 on Dec. 2.

  8. Day of Remembrance

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2018-01-25

    Mike Oldak, Resnik Family member, left, Chuck Resnik, brother of the late space shuttle Challenger astronaut Judy Resnik, Amy Resnik, sister-in-law of the late Judy Resnik and acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, right, are seen after laying a wreath at the Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

  9. Policing Toward a De-Clawed Jihad: Antiterrorism Intelligence Techniques for Law Enforcement

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-12-01

    particularly young Muslim adults who prefer the Internet as their primary news source over traditional print and broadcast media.35 Al-Qa’eda boasts a...first-hand knowledge and helped me give this thesis some real-world perspective. And whenever I’d feel the crunch, I’d reflect on Chuck Daenzer’s...Qa’eda hackers might disrupt an electronic commerce system or launch a denial of service attack, temporarily disabling part of a network, but such an

  10. Victory From Above. Air Power Theory and the Conduct of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-06-01

    Or Why Did We Do It That Way?’ in Air Power. CollectedffEsay on Doctrine ed. Andrew Vallance (London: Her Askleatys Stationery Office, 1990), 17-30...York: National Strategy Information Center, 1983); Richard K Bette, Surprise Attack: Lessons for Defense Planning (Washington, D.C.: Brookings...Chart MI.H.3; Cordesman, 570. 21. Richard Mackenxie, "A Conversation with Chuck Homer,’ Air Force Magazine, June 1991, 57-58; Blackwell, 85-86. 22

  11. Air Force Civil Engineer, Volume 10, Number 1, Spring 2002

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-01-01

    gone into the 823rd Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron�s military construction (MILCON) funded ramp project at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar , and the main...AE W P ub lic A ff ai rs an Air Base RED HORSE builds MILCON project in Qatar SSgt Chuck Risinger, 823rd RHS, operates a slip form paver March 24...and were not designed to limit or contain the migration of lead into the environ- ment and sub-surface groundwater aquifers . An estimated 2,000

  12. Close-Out Report for FY2002 - FY2005, DARPA Agreement

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-06-29

    controls, programming and software design . Specialized technologies and state-of-the-art and -market equipment available to private industry on a shared...Rest and Following Rest Designed to satisfy machinists’ needs, the Easy Turn represents high quality and value with trouble free use. This model is...fitted with a 3 % inch hole through spindle and a 12 inch chuck. It can handle parts up to 44 inches in length. • Cincinnati U5 6-axis CNC Machining

  13. Evaluation of Type II Fast Packs for Electrostatic Discharge Properties.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-08-01

    34 x 8" x 1 3/4") consisting of a reclosable cushioned carrier which mates into an outer fiberboard sleeve. A cushioning insert is used consisting of a... RECLOSABLE CUSHIONED CARRIER TEST LOAD FIGURE 1: Cancel Caddy Pack * CONVOLUTED 4* CUSHIONED I FIGURE 2: Type II Fast Pack (PPP-B-1672) TYPE II FAST PACK

  14. Laboratory investigation of surface processes on airless bodies due to electrostatic dust mobilization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, X.; Hood, N.; Schwan, J.; Hsu, H. W.; Horanyi, M.

    2017-12-01

    Electrostatic dust mobilization on the surfaces of airless bodies due to direct exposure to solar wind and solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been suggested from a number of unusual planetary observations and supported by our recent laboratory experiments. This electrostatic process may have a significant contribution in the evolution of these surfaces in addition to other surface processes, e.g., thermal fragmentation. The critical questions are how this process changes the surface physical characteristics and how efficient this process can be. We report new laboratory experiments that record dust activities as function of the incoming fluxes of photons or energetic electrons over a long exposure time under Earth gravity. Dust is observed to hop and move on the surface, causing the significant change in surface morphology and becoming smoother over time. Our results indicate that the dynamics of dust mobilization may be complicated by temporal charging effect as dust moves. Various sizes and types of dust are examined, showing large effects on dust mobilization. These laboratory data will help us to predict the electrostatic surface processes and estimate their timescales in space conditions.

  15. Comparative study of 2-DOF micromirrors for precision light manipulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Young, Johanna I.; Shkel, Andrei M.

    2001-08-01

    Many industry experts predict that the future of fiber optic telecommunications depends on the development of all-optical components for switching of photonic signals from fiber to fiber throughout the networks. MEMS is a promising technology for providing all-optical switching at high speeds with significant cost reductions. This paper reports on the the analysis of two designs for 2-DOF electrostatically actuated MEMS micromirrors for precision controllable large optical switching arrays. The behavior of the micromirror designs is predicted by coupled-field electrostatic and modal analysis using a finite element analysis (FEA) multi-physics modeling software. The analysis indicates that the commonly used gimbal type mirror design experiences electrostatic interference and would therefore be difficult to precisely control for 2-DOF motion. We propose a new design approach which preserves 2-DOF actuation while minimizing electrostatic interference between the drive electrodes and the mirror. Instead of using two torsional axes, we use one actuator which combines torsional and flexural DOFs. A comparative analysis of the conventional gimbal design and the one proposed in this paper is performed.

  16. Electrostatic interaction between stereocilia: I. Its role in supporting the structure of the hair bundle.

    PubMed

    Dolgobrodov, S G; Lukashkin, A N; Russell, I J

    2000-12-01

    This paper provides theoretical estimates for the forces of electrostatic interaction between adjacent stereocilia in auditory and vestibular hair cells. Estimates are given for parameters within the measured physiological range using constraints appropriate for the known geometry of the hair bundle. Stereocilia are assumed to possess an extended, negatively charged surface coat, the glycocalyx. Different charge distribution profiles within the glycocalyx are analysed. It is shown that charged glycocalices on the apical surface of the hair cells can support spatial separation between adjacent stereocilia in the hair bundles through electrostatic repulsion between stereocilia. The charge density profile within the glycocalyx is a crucial parameter. In fact, attraction instead of repulsion between adjacent stereocilia will be observed if the charge of the glycocalyx is concentrated near the membrane of the stereocilia, thereby making this type of charge distribution unlikely. The forces of electrostatic interaction between stereocilia may influence the mechanical properties of the hair bundle and, being strongly non-linear, contribute to the non-linear phenomena that have been recorded from the periphery of the auditory and vestibular systems.

  17. LEO high voltage solar array arcing response model, continuation 5

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Metz, Roger N.

    1989-01-01

    The modeling of the Debye Approximation electron sheaths in the edge and strip geometries was completed. Electrostatic potentials in these sheaths were compared to NASCAP/LEO solutions for similar geometries. Velocity fields, charge densities and particle fluxes to the biased surfaces were calculated for all cases. The major conclusion to be drawn from the comparisons of our Debye Approximation calculations with NASCAP-LEO output is that, where comparable biased structures can be defined and sufficient resolution obtained, these results are in general agreement. Numerical models for the Child-Langmuir, high-voltage electron sheaths in the edge and strip geometries were constructed. Electrostatic potentials were calculated for several cases in each of both geometries. Velocity fields and particle fluxes were calculated. The self-consistent solution process was carried through one cycle and output electrostatic potentials compared to NASCAP-type input potentials.

  18. Test progress on the electrostatic membrane reflector

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mihora, D. J.

    1981-01-01

    An extemely lightweight type of precision reflector antenna, being developed for potential deployment from the space shuttle, uses electrostatic forces to tension a thin membrane and form it into a concave reflector surface. The typical shuttle-deployed antenna would have a diameter of 100 meters and an RMS surface smoothness of 10 to 1 mm for operation at 1 to 10 GHz. NASA Langley Research Center built and is currently testing a subscale (16 foot diameter) model of the membrane reflector portion of such an antenna. Preliminary test results and principal factors affecting surface quality are addressed. Factors included are the effect of the perimeter boundary, splicing of the membrane, the long-scale smoothness of commercial membranes, and the spatial controllability of the membrane using voltage adjustments to alter the electrostatic pressure. Only readily available commercial membranes are considered.

  19. Lone pairs: an electrostatic viewpoint.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Anmol; Gadre, Shridhar R; Mohan, Neetha; Suresh, Cherumuttathu H

    2014-01-16

    A clear-cut definition of lone pairs has been offered in terms of characteristics of minima in molecular electrostatic potential (MESP). The largest eigenvalue and corresponding eigenvector of the Hessian at the minima are shown to distinguish lone pair regions from the other types of electron localization (such as π bonds). A comparative study of lone pairs as depicted by various other scalar fields such as the Laplacian of electron density and electron localization function is made. Further, an attempt has been made to generalize the definition of lone pairs to the case of cations.

  20. Some improvements in DNA interaction calculations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Egan, J. T.; Swissler, T. J.; Rein, R.

    1974-01-01

    Calculations are made on specific DNA-type complexes using refined expressions for electrostatic and polarization energies. Dispersion and repulsive terms are included in the evaluation of the total interaction energy. It is shown that the expansion of the electrostatic potential to include multipole moments up to octopole is necessary to achieve convergence of first-order energies. Polarization energies are not as sensitive to this expansion. The calculations also support the usefulness of the hard sphere model for DNA hydrogen bonds and indicate how stacking interactions are influenced by second-order energies.

  1. Electrostatic separation for recycling silver, silicon and polyethylene terephthalate from waste photovoltaic cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Zisheng; Sun, Bo; Yang, Jie; Wei, Yusheng; He, Shoujie

    2017-04-01

    Electrostatic separation technology has been proven to be an effective and environmentally friendly way of recycling electronic waste. In this study, this technology was applied to recycle waste solar panels. Mixed particles of silver and polyethylene terephthalate, silicon and polyethylene terephthalate, and silver and silicon were separated with a single-roll-type electrostatic separator. The influence of high voltage level, roll speed, radial position corona electrode and angular position of the corona electrode on the separation efficiency was studied. The experimental data showed that separation of silver/polyethylene terephthalate and silicon/polyethylene terephthalate needed a higher voltage level, while separation of silver and silicon needed a smaller angular position for the corona electrode and a higher roll speed. The change of the high voltage level, roll speed, radial position of the corona electrode, and angular position of the corona electrode has more influence on silicon separation efficiency than silver separation efficiency. An integrated process is proposed using a two-roll-type corona separator for multistage separation of a mixture of these three materials. The separation efficiency for silver and silicon were found to reach 96% and 98%, respectively.

  2. Measurement Uncertainty Analysis of an Accelerometer Calibration Using a POC Electromagnetic Launcher

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

    Timpson, Erik J.; Engel, T. G.

    A pulse forming network (PFN), helical electromagnetic launcher (HEML), command module (CM), and calibration table (CT) were built and evaluated for the combined ability to calibrate an accelerometer. The PFN has a maximum stored nergy of 19.25 kJ bank and is fired by a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), with appropriate safety precautions. The HEML is constructed out of G-10 fiberglass reinforced epoxy and is designed to accelerate a mass of 600 grams to a velocity of 10 meters per second. The CM is microcontroller-based running Arduino Software. The CM has a keypad input and 7 segment outputs of the PFNmore » voltage and desired charging voltage. After entering a desired PFN voltage, the CM controls the charging of the PFN. When the two voltages are equal it sends a pulse to the SCR to fire the PFN and in turn, the HEML. The HEML projectile’s tip hits a target that is held by the CT. The CT consists of a table to hold the PFN and HEML, a vacuum chuck, air bearing, velocimeter and catch pot. The target is held with the vacuum chuck awaiting impact. After impact, the air bearing allows the target to fall freely so that the velocimeter can accurately read. A known acceleration is determined from the known change in velocity of the target. Thus, if an accelerometer was attached to the target, the measured value can be compared to the known value.« less

  3. Calibrating Accelerometers Using an Electromagnetic Launcher

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

    Erik Timpson

    A Pulse Forming Network (PFN), Helical Electromagnetic Launcher (HEML), Command Module (CM), and Calibration Table (CT) were built and evaluated for the combined ability to calibrate an accelerometer. The PFN has a maximum stored energy of 19.25 kJ bank and is fired by a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), with appropriate safety precautions. The HEML is constructed out of G-10 fiberglass and is designed to accelerate 600 grams to 10 meters per second. The CM is microcontroller based running Arduino Software. The CM has a keypad input and 7 segment outputs of the bank voltage and desired voltage. After entering amore » desired bank voltage, the CM controls the charge of the PFN. When the two voltages are equal it allows the fire button to send a pulse to the SCR to fire the PFN and in turn, the HEML. The HEML projectile's tip hits a target that is held by the CT. The CT consists of a table to hold the PFN and HEML, a vacuum chuck, air bearing, velocity meter and catch pot. The Target is held with the vacuum chuck awaiting impact. After impact, the air bearing allows the target to fall freely for the velocity meter to get an accurate reading. A known acceleration is determined from the known change in velocity of the target. Thus, if an accelerometer was attached to the target, the measured value can be compared to the known value.« less

  4. Thick adherent dielectric films on plastic substrates and method for depositing same

    DOEpatents

    Wickboldt, Paul; Ellingboe, Albert R.; Theiss, Steven D.; Smith, Patrick M.

    2002-01-01

    Thick adherent dielectric films deposited on plastic substrates for use as a thermal barrier layer to protect the plastic substrates from high temperatures which, for example, occur during laser annealing of layers subsequently deposited on the dielectric films. It is desirable that the barrier layer has properties including: a thickness of 1 .mu.m or greater, adheres to a plastic substrate, does not lift-off when cycled in temperature, has few or no cracks and does not crack when subjected to bending, resistant to lift-off when submersed in fluids, electrically insulating and preferably transparent. The thick barrier layer may be composed, for example, of a variety of dielectrics and certain metal oxides, and may be deposited on a variety of plastic substrates by various known deposition techniques. The key to the method of forming the thick barrier layer on the plastic substrate is maintaining the substrate cool during deposition of the barrier layer. Cooling of the substrate maybe accomplished by the use of a cooling chuck on which the plastic substrate is positioned, and by directing cooling gas, such as He, Ar and N.sub.2, between the plastic substrate and the cooling chucks. Thick adherent dielectric films up to about 5 .mu.m have been deposited on plastic substrates which include the above-referenced properties, and which enable the plastic substrates to withstand laser processing temperatures applied to materials deposited on the dielectric films.

  5. Carrier polarity engineering in carbon nanotube field-effect transistors by induced charges in polymer insulator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aikawa, Shinya; Kim, Sungjin; Thurakitseree, Theerapol; Einarsson, Erik; Inoue, Taiki; Chiashi, Shohei; Tsukagoshi, Kazuhito; Maruyama, Shigeo

    2018-01-01

    We present that the electrical conduction type in carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNT-FETs) can be converted by induced charges in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) insulator. When the CNT channels are covered with pure PVA, the FET characteristics clearly change from unipolar p-type to ambipolar. The addition of ammonium ions (NH4+) in the PVA leads to further conversion to unipolar n-type conduction. The capacitance - voltage characteristics indicate that a high density of positive charges is induced at the PVA/SiO2 interface and within the bulk PVA. Electrons are electrostatically accumulated in the CNT channels due to the presence of the positive charges, and thus, stable n-type conduction of PVA-coated CNT-FETs is observed, even under ambient conditions. The mechanism for conversion of the conduction type is considered to be electrostatic doping due to the large amount of positive charges in the PVA. A blue-shift of the Raman G-band peak was observed for CNTs coated with NH4+-doped PVA, which corresponds to unipolar n-type CNT-FET behavior. These results confirm that carrier polarity engineering in CNT-FETs can be achieved with a charged PVA passivation layer.

  6. Electrostatic potential calculation for biomolecules--creating a database of pre-calculated values reported on a per residue basis for all PDB protein structures.

    PubMed

    Rocchia, W; Neshich, G

    2007-10-05

    STING and Java Protein Dossier provide a collection of physical-chemical parameters, describing protein structure, stability, function, and interaction, considered one of the most comprehensive among the available protein databases of similar type. Particular attention in STING is paid to the electrostatic potential. It makes use of DelPhi, a well-known tool that calculates this physical-chemical quantity for biomolecules by solving the Poisson Boltzmann equation. In this paper, we describe a modification to the DelPhi program aimed at integrating it within the STING environment. We also outline how the "amino acid electrostatic potential" and the "surface amino acid electrostatic potential" are calculated (over all Protein Data Bank (PDB) content) and how the corresponding values are made searchable in STING_DB. In addition, we show that the STING and Java Protein Dossier are also capable of providing these particular parameter values for the analysis of protein structures modeled in computers or being experimentally solved, but not yet deposited in the PDB. Furthermore, we compare the calculated electrostatic potential values obtained by using the earlier version of DelPhi and those by STING, for the biologically relevant case of lysozyme-antibody interaction. Finally, we describe the STING capacity to make queries (at both residue and atomic levels) across the whole PDB, by looking at a specific case where the electrostatic potential parameter plays a crucial role in terms of a particular protein function, such as ligand binding. BlueStar STING is available at http://www.cbi.cnptia.embrapa.br.

  7. Vibrational Stark effect spectroscopy at the interface of Ras and Rap1A bound to the Ras binding domain of RalGDS reveals an electrostatic mechanism for protein-protein interaction.

    PubMed

    Stafford, Amy J; Ensign, Daniel L; Webb, Lauren J

    2010-11-25

    Electrostatic fields at the interface of the Ras binding domain of the protein Ral guanine nucleotide dissociation stimulator (RalGDS) with the structurally analogous GTPases Ras and Rap1A were measured with vibrational Stark effect (VSE) spectroscopy. Eleven residues on the surface of RalGDS that participate in this protein-protein interaction were systematically mutated to cysteine and subsequently converted to cyanocysteine in order to introduce a nitrile VSE probe in the form of the thiocyanate (SCN) functional group. The measured SCN absorption energy on the monomeric protein was compared with solvent-accessible surface area (SASA) calculations and solutions to the Poisson-Boltzmann equation using Boltzmann-weighted structural snapshots from molecular dynamics simulations. We found a weak negative correlation between SASA and measured absorption energy, indicating that water exposure of protein surface amino acids can be estimated from experimental measurement of the magnitude of the thiocyanate absorption energy. We found no correlation between calculated field and measured absorption energy. These results highlight the complex structural and electrostatic nature of the protein-water interface. The SCN-labeled RalGDS was incubated with either wild-type Ras or wild-type Rap1A, and the formation of the docked complex was confirmed by measurement of the dissociation constant of the interaction. The change in absorption energy of the thiocyanate functional group due to complex formation was related to the change in electrostatic field experienced by the nitrile functional group when the protein-protein interface forms. At some locations, the nitrile experiences the same shift in field when bound to Ras and Rap1A, but at others, the change in field is dramatically different. These differences identify residues on the surface of RalGDS that direct the specificity of RalGDS binding to its in vivo binding partner, Rap1A, through an electrostatic mechanism.

  8. Searching the Force Field Electrostatic Multipole Parameter Space.

    PubMed

    Jakobsen, Sofie; Jensen, Frank

    2016-04-12

    We show by tensor decomposition analyses that the molecular electrostatic potential for amino acid peptide models has an effective rank less than twice the number of atoms. This rank indicates the number of parameters that can be derived from the electrostatic potential in a statistically significant way. Using this as a guideline, we investigate different strategies for deriving a reduced set of atomic charges, dipoles, and quadrupoles capable of reproducing the reference electrostatic potential with a low error. A full combinatorial search of selected parameter subspaces for N-methylacetamide and a cysteine peptide model indicates that there are many different parameter sets capable of providing errors close to that of the global minimum. Among the different reduced multipole parameter sets that have low errors, there is consensus that atoms involved in π-bonding require higher order multipole moments. The possible correlation between multipole parameters is investigated by exhaustive searches of combinations of up to four parameters distributed in all possible ways on all possible atomic sites. These analyses show that there is no advantage in considering combinations of multipoles compared to a simple approach where the importance of each multipole moment is evaluated sequentially. When combined with possible weighting factors related to the computational efficiency of each type of multipole moment, this may provide a systematic strategy for determining a computational efficient representation of the electrostatic component in force field calculations.

  9. The role of surface electrostatics on the stability, function and regulation of human cystathionine β-synthase, a complex multidomain and oligomeric protein.

    PubMed

    Pey, Angel L; Majtan, Tomas; Kraus, Jan P

    2014-09-01

    Human cystathionine β-synthase (hCBS) is a key enzyme of sulfur amino acid metabolism, controlling the commitment of homocysteine to the transsulfuration pathway and antioxidant defense. Mutations in hCBS cause inherited homocystinuria (HCU), a rare inborn error of metabolism characterized by accumulation of toxic homocysteine in blood and urine. hCBS is a complex multidomain and oligomeric protein whose activity and stability are independently regulated by the binding of S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) to two different types of sites at its C-terminal regulatory domain. Here we study the role of surface electrostatics on the complex regulation and stability of hCBS using biophysical and biochemical procedures. We show that the kinetic stability of the catalytic and regulatory domains is significantly affected by the modulation of surface electrostatics through noticeable structural and energetic changes along their denaturation pathways. We also show that surface electrostatics strongly affect SAM binding properties to those sites responsible for either enzyme activation or kinetic stabilization. Our results provide new insight into the regulation of hCBS activity and stability in vivo with implications for understanding HCU as a conformational disease. We also lend experimental support to the role of electrostatic interactions in the recently proposed binding modes of SAM leading to hCBS activation and kinetic stabilization. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Proton conduction within the reaction centers of Rhodobacter capsulatus: the electrostatic role of the protein.

    PubMed

    Maróti, P; Hanson, D K; Baciou, L; Schiffer, M; Sebban, P

    1994-06-07

    Light-induced charge separation in the photosynthetic reaction center results in delivery of two electrons and two protons to the terminal quinone acceptor QB. In this paper, we have used flash-induced absorbance spectroscopy to study three strains that share identical amino acid sequences in the QB binding site, all of which lack the protonatable amino acids Glu-L212 and Asp-L213. These strains are the photosynthetically incompetent site-specific mutant Glu-L212/Asp-L213-->Ala-L212/Ala-L213 and two different photocompetent derivatives that carry both alanine substitutions and an intergenic suppressor mutation located far from QB (class 3 strain, Ala-Ala + Arg-M231-->Leu; class 4 strain, Ala-Ala + Asn-M43-->Asp). At pH 8 in the double mutant, we observe a concomitant decrease of nearly 4 orders of magnitude in the rate constants of second electron and proton transfer to QB compared to the wild type. Surprisingly, these rates are increased to about the same extent in both types of suppressor strains but remain > 2 orders of magnitude smaller than those of the wild type. In the double mutant, at pH 8, the loss of Asp-L213 and Glu-L212 leads to a substantial stabilization (> or = 60 meV) of the semiquinone energy level. Both types of compensatory mutations partially restore, to nearly the same level, the original free energy difference for electron transfer from primary quinone QA to QB. The pH dependence of the electron and proton transfer processes in the double-mutant and the suppressor strains suggests that when reaction centers of the double mutant are shifted to lower pH (1.5-2 units), they function like those of the suppressor strains at physiological pH. Our data suggest that the main effect of the compensatory mutations is to partially restore the negative electrostatic environment of QB and to increase an apparent "functional" pK of the system for efficient proton transfer to the active site. This emphasizes the role of the protein in tuning the electrostatic environment of its cofactors and highlights the possible long-range electrostatic effects.

  11. On the importance of electrostatic interactions between cell penetrating peptides and membranes: a pathway toward tumor cell selectivity?

    PubMed

    Jobin, Marie-Lise; Alves, Isabel D

    2014-12-01

    Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are small molecules of major interest due to their ability to efficiently transport cargos across cell membranes in a receptor- and energy-independent way and without being cytotoxic to cells. Since their discovery 20 years ago their potential interest in drug delivery and diagnosis became undeniable. CPPs are being used to deliver inside cells a large variety of cargos such as proteins, DNA, antibodies, imaging agents and nanoparticle drug carriers. Their cellular uptake mechanisms are still debated and may vary depending on their structure, nature and size of cargo they transport and type of cell line targeted. CPPs are generally rich in positively charged residues, thus they are prone to establish electrostatic interactions with anionic membrane components (sugars and lipids). Understanding the molecular basis of CPP membrane interaction and cellular uptake is crucial to improve their in vivo efficiency target-specificity. A great number of studies demonstrated the high potential of CPPs to translocate efficiently therapeutic cargos into cells and some peptides are even in clinical phase studies. Although these molecules seem perfect for a therapeutic or diagnosis purpose, they still possess a small but non negligible drawback: a complete lack of cell type specificity. Tumor cells have recently been shown to over-express certain glycosaminoglycans at the cell membrane surface and to possess a higher amount of anionic lipids in their outer leaflet than healthy cells. Such molecules confer the cell membrane an enhanced anionic character, property that could be used by CPPs to selectively target these cells. Moreover previous studies demonstrate the importance of electrostatic interactions between basic residues in the peptide, especially Arg, and the lipid headgroups and glycosaminoglycans in the cell membrane. Electrostatic interactions put at stake in this process might be one of the keys to resolve the puzzle of CPP cell type specificity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  12. Photoresponse of an electrically tunable ambipolar graphene infrared thermocouple.

    PubMed

    Herring, Patrick K; Hsu, Allen L; Gabor, Nathaniel M; Shin, Yong Cheol; Kong, Jing; Palacios, Tomás; Jarillo-Herrero, Pablo

    2014-02-12

    We explore the photoresponse of an ambipolar graphene infrared thermocouple at photon energies close to or below monolayer graphene's optical phonon energy and electrostatically accessible Fermi energy levels. The ambipolar graphene infrared thermocouple consists of monolayer graphene supported by an infrared absorbing material, controlled by two independent electrostatic gates embedded below the absorber. Using a scanning infrared laser microscope, we characterize these devices as a function of carrier type and carrier density difference controlled at the junction between the two electrostatic gates. On the basis of these measurements, conducted at both mid- and near-infrared wavelengths, the primary detection mechanism can be modeled as a thermoelectric response. By studying the effect of different infrared absorbers, we determine that the optical absorption and thermal conduction of the substrate play the dominant role in the measured photoresponse of our devices. These experiments indicate a path toward hybrid graphene thermal detectors for sensing applications such as thermography and chemical spectroscopy.

  13. Electrostatic forces in the Poisson-Boltzmann systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiao, Li; Cai, Qin; Ye, Xiang; Wang, Jun; Luo, Ray

    2013-09-01

    Continuum modeling of electrostatic interactions based upon numerical solutions of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation has been widely used in structural and functional analyses of biomolecules. A limitation of the numerical strategies is that it is conceptually difficult to incorporate these types of models into molecular mechanics simulations, mainly because of the issue in assigning atomic forces. In this theoretical study, we first derived the Maxwell stress tensor for molecular systems obeying the full nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation. We further derived formulations of analytical electrostatic forces given the Maxwell stress tensor and discussed the relations of the formulations with those published in the literature. We showed that the formulations derived from the Maxwell stress tensor require a weaker condition for its validity, applicable to nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann systems with a finite number of singularities such as atomic point charges and the existence of discontinuous dielectric as in the widely used classical piece-wise constant dielectric models.

  14. Improvement of energy conversion effectiveness and maximum output power of electrostatic induction-type MEMS energy harvesters by using symmetric comb-electrode structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Honma, H.; Mitsuya, H.; Hashiguchi, G.; Fujita, H.; Toshiyoshi, H.

    2018-06-01

    We introduce symmetric comb-electrode structures for the electrostatic vibrational MEMS energy harvester to lower the electrostatic constraint force attributed to the built-in electret potential, thereby allowing the harvester device to operate in a small acceleration range of 0.05 g or lower (1 g  =  9.8 m s‑2). Given the same device structure, two different potentials for the electret are tested to experimentally confirm that the output induction current is enhanced 4.2 times by increasing the electret potential from  ‑60 V to  ‑250 V. At the same time, the harvester effectiveness has been improved to as high as 93%. The device is used to swiftly charge a 470 µF storage capacitor to 3.3 V in 120 s from small sinusoidal vibrations of 0.6 g at 124 Hz.

  15. Two-stage electrostatic precipitator using induction charging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takashima, Kazunori; Kohno, Hiromu; Katatani, Atsushi; Kurita, Hirofumi; Mizuno, Akira

    2018-05-01

    An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) without using corona discharge was investigated herein. The ESP employed a two-stage configuration, consisting of an induction charging-based particle charger and a parallel plate type particle collector. By applying a high voltage of several kV, under which no corona discharge was generated in the charger, particles were charged by induction due to contact with charger electrodes. The amount of charge on the charged particles increased with the applied voltage and turbulent air flow in the charger. Performance of the ESP equipped with the induction charger was investigated using ambient air. The removal efficiency for particles ranging 0.3 µm to 5 µm in diameter increased with applied voltage and turbulence intensity of gas flow in the charger when the applied voltage was sufficiently low not to generate corona discharge. This suggests that induction charging can be used for electrostatic precipitation, which can reduce ozone generation and power consumption significantly.

  16. Study of the electrostatic effects of mutations on the surface of dehaloperoxidase-hemoglobin A.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Junjie; Rowe, Jennifer; Franzen, Jocelyn; He, Chi; Franzen, Stefan

    2012-04-20

    Point mutations of dehaloperoxidase-hemoglobin A (DHP A) that affect the surface charge have been prepared to study the interaction between DHP A with its substrate 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP). Kinetic studies of these surface mutations showed a correlation, in which the more positively charged mutants have increased catalytic efficiency compared with wild type DHP A. As a result, the hypothesis of this study is that there is a global electrostatic interaction between DHP A and TCP. The electrostatic nature of substrate binding was further confirmed by the result that kinetic assays of DHP A were affected by ionic strength. Furthermore, isoelectric focusing (IEF) gel study showed that the pI-6.8 for DHP A, which indicates that DHP A has a slight negative charge pH 7, consistent with the kinetic observations. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Ultrafast collisional ion heating by electrostatic shocks.

    PubMed

    Turrell, A E; Sherlock, M; Rose, S J

    2015-11-13

    High-intensity lasers can be used to generate shockwaves, which have found applications in nuclear fusion, proton imaging, cancer therapies and materials science. Collisionless electrostatic shocks are one type of shockwave widely studied for applications involving ion acceleration. Here we show a novel mechanism for collisionless electrostatic shocks to heat small amounts of solid density matter to temperatures of ∼keV in tens of femtoseconds. Unusually, electrons play no direct role in the heating and it is the ions that determine the heating rate. Ions are heated due to an interplay between the electric field of the shock, the local density increase during the passage of the shock and collisions between different species of ion. In simulations, these factors combine to produce rapid, localized heating of the lighter ion species. Although the heated volume is modest, this would be one of the fastest heating mechanisms discovered if demonstrated in the laboratory.

  18. Electrostatic-Assisted Liquefaction of Porous Carbons

    DOE PAGES

    Li, Peipei; Schott, Jennifer A.; Zhang, Jinshui; ...

    2017-10-10

    Porous liquids are a newly developed porous material that combine unique fluidity with permanent porosity, which exhibit promising functionalities for a variety of applications. However, the apparent incompatibility between fluidity and permanent porosity makes the stabilization of porous nanoparticle with still empty pores in the dense liquid phase a significant challenging. For this study, by exploiting the electrostatic interaction between carbon networks and polymerized ionic liquids, we demonstrate that carbon-based porous nanoarchitectures can be well stabilized in liquids to afford permanent porosity, and thus opens up a new approach to prepare porous carbon liquids. Furthermore, we hope this facile synthesismore » strategy can be widely applicated to fabricate other types of porous liquids, such as those (e.g., carbon nitride, boron nitride, metal–organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks etc.) also having the electrostatic interaction with polymerized ionic liquids, evidently advancing the development and understanding of porous liquids.« less

  19. Determination of the effect of brand and product identification on consumer palatability ratings of ground beef patties.

    PubMed

    Wilfong, A K; McKillip, K V; Gonzalez, J M; Houser, T A; Unruh, J A; Boyle, E A E; O'Quinn, T G

    2016-11-01

    The objective of this study was to determine the effect of brand and product identification on consumer palatability ratings of ground beef patties. Six treatments were used in the study: 90/10 Certified Angus Beef (CAB) ground sirloin, 90/10 ground beef, 80/20 CAB ground chuck, 80/20 ground chuck, 80/20 ground beef, and 73/27 CAB ground beef. Ground beef was processed into 151.2-g patties using a patty former with 2 consecutively formed patties assigned to blind consumer testing and the following 2 assigned to informed testing. Following cooking to 74°C, patties were cut into quarters and served to consumers. Consumers ( = 112) evaluated samples in 2 rounds for tenderness, juiciness, flavor liking, texture liking, and overall liking. Each trait was also rated as either acceptable or unacceptable. In the first round of testing, samples were blind evaluated, with no information about the treatments provided to consumers, but in the second round, product type and brand were disclosed prior to sample evaluation. Additionally, texture profile and shear force analyses were performed on patties from each treatment. Few differences were observed for palatability traits during blind consumer testing; however, during informed testing, 90/10 CAB ground sirloin was rated greatest ( < 0.05) for all palatability traits other than juiciness. Also, 90/10 CAB ground sirloin had increased ( < 0.05; (consumer informed score - consumer blind score)/consumer blind score) ratings for tenderness (17.4%), juiciness (36.5%), flavor liking (23.3%), texture liking (18.2%), and overall liking (24.7%) due to brand disclosure. Increased ( < 0.05) ratings were found for CAB products for multiple traits due to treatment disclosure, whereas the only non-CAB-branded product that received increased ( < 0.05) ratings during informed testing was 90/10 ground beef for tenderness and juiciness. Texture results indicated that decreased fat level increased hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness. These results indicate that when sampling ground beef without brand and product information, few consumers find differences in eating quality among ground beef treatments; however, when consumers are aware of the brand, fat level, and subprimal blend prior to sampling, these factors have a large impact on consumer eating satisfaction.

  20. Manipulating semiconductor colloidal stability through doping.

    PubMed

    Fleharty, Mark E; van Swol, Frank; Petsev, Dimiter N

    2014-10-10

    The interface between a doped semiconductor material and electrolyte solution is of considerable fundamental interest, and is relevant to systems of practical importance. Both adjacent domains contain mobile charges, which respond to potential variations. This is exploited to design electronic and optoelectronic sensors, and other enabling semiconductor colloidal materials. We show that the charge mobility in both phases leads to a new type of interaction between semiconductor colloids suspended in aqueous electrolyte solutions. This interaction is due to the electrostatic response of the semiconductor interior to disturbances in the external field upon the approach of two particles. The electrostatic repulsion between two charged colloids is reduced from the one governed by the charged groups present at the particles surfaces. This type of interaction is unique to semiconductor particles and may have a substantial effect on the suspension dynamics and stability.

  1. Modeling of equilibrium hollow objects stabilized by electrostatics.

    PubMed

    Mani, Ethayaraja; Groenewold, Jan; Kegel, Willem K

    2011-05-18

    The equilibrium size of two largely different kinds of hollow objects behave qualitatively differently with respect to certain experimental conditions. Yet, we show that they can be described within the same theoretical framework. The objects we consider are 'minivesicles' of ionic and nonionic surfactant mixtures, and shells of Keplerate-type polyoxometalates. The finite-size of the objects in both systems is manifested by electrostatic interactions. We emphasize the importance of constant charge and constant potential boundary conditions. Taking these conditions into account, indeed, leads to the experimentally observed qualitatively different behavior of the equilibrium size of the objects.

  2. A novel multi-actuation CMOS RF MEMS switch

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Chiung-I.; Ko, Chih-Hsiang; Huang, Tsun-Che

    2008-12-01

    This paper demonstrates a capacitive shunt type RF MEMS switch, which is actuated by electro-thermal actuator and electrostatic actuator at the same time, and than latching the switching status by electrostatic force only. Since thermal actuators need relative low voltage compare to electrostatic actuators, and electrostatic force needs almost no power to maintain the switching status, the benefits of the mechanism are very low actuation voltage and low power consumption. Moreover, the RF MEMS switch has considered issues for integrated circuit compatible in design phase. So the switch is fabricated by a standard 0.35um 2P4M CMOS process and uses wet etching and dry etching technologies for postprocess. This compatible ability is important because the RF characteristics are not only related to the device itself. If a packaged RF switch and a packaged IC wired together, the parasitic capacitance will cause the problem for optimization. The structure of the switch consists of a set of CPW transmission lines and a suspended membrane. The CPW lines and the membrane are in metal layers of CMOS process. Besides, the electro-thermal actuators are designed by polysilicon layer of the CMOS process. So the RF switch is only CMOS process layers needed for both electro-thermal and electrostatic actuations in switch. The thermal actuator is composed of a three-dimensional membrane and two heaters. The membrane is a stacked step structure including two metal layers in CMOS process, and heat is generated by poly silicon resistors near the anchors of membrane. Measured results show that the actuation voltage of the switch is under 7V for electro-thermal added electrostatic actuation.

  3. Electrostatic Safety with Explosion Suppressant Foams.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-03-01

    the foam, and (2) sorption of alkylphenol type substances, present as oxidation inhibitors in the fuel, by the foam. It had been previously reported... alkylphenol type substances. The use of antistatic ingredients in the reticulated polyurethane foam was suggested as a means of minimizing static...foam with JP-4 are: o Removal of diethylhexyl phthalate from the foam. o Sorption of alkylphenol type compounds by the foam. Tne latter of these two

  4. Prediction of Protein-Protein Interaction Sites Using Electrostatic Desolvation Profiles

    PubMed Central

    Fiorucci, Sébastien; Zacharias, Martin

    2010-01-01

    Abstract Protein-protein complex formation involves removal of water from the interface region. Surface regions with a small free energy penalty for water removal or desolvation may correspond to preferred interaction sites. A method to calculate the electrostatic free energy of placing a neutral low-dielectric probe at various protein surface positions has been designed and applied to characterize putative interaction sites. Based on solutions of the finite-difference Poisson equation, this method also includes long-range electrostatic contributions and the protein solvent boundary shape in contrast to accessible-surface-area-based solvation energies. Calculations on a large set of proteins indicate that in many cases (>90%), the known binding site overlaps with one of the six regions of lowest electrostatic desolvation penalty (overlap with the lowest desolvation region for 48% of proteins). Since the onset of electrostatic desolvation occurs even before direct protein-protein contact formation, it may help guide proteins toward the binding region in the final stage of complex formation. It is interesting that the probe desolvation properties associated with residue types were found to depend to some degree on whether the residue was outside of or part of a binding site. The probe desolvation penalty was on average smaller if the residue was part of a binding site compared to other surface locations. Applications to several antigen-antibody complexes demonstrated that the approach might be useful not only to predict protein interaction sites in general but to map potential antigenic epitopes on protein surfaces. PMID:20441756

  5. Uncovering Specific Electrostatic Interactions in the Denatured States of Proteins

    PubMed Central

    Shen, Jana K.

    2010-01-01

    The stability and folding of proteins are modulated by energetically significant interactions in the denatured state that is in equilibrium with the native state. These interactions remain largely invisible to current experimental techniques, however, due to the sparse population and conformational heterogeneity of the denatured-state ensemble under folding conditions. Molecular dynamics simulations using physics-based force fields can in principle offer atomistic details of the denatured state. However, practical applications are plagued with the lack of rigorous means to validate microscopic information and deficiencies in force fields and solvent models. This study presents a method based on coupled titration and molecular dynamics sampling of the denatured state starting from the extended sequence under native conditions. The resulting denatured-state pKas allow for the prediction of experimental observables such as pH- and mutation-induced stability changes. I show the capability and use of the method by investigating the electrostatic interactions in the denatured states of wild-type and K12M mutant of NTL9 protein. This study shows that the major errors in electrostatics can be identified by validating the titration properties of the fragment peptides derived from the sequence of the intact protein. Consistent with experimental evidence, our simulations show a significantly depressed pKa for Asp8 in the denatured state of wild-type, which is due to a nonnative interaction between Asp8 and Lys12. Interestingly, the simulation also shows a nonnative interaction between Asp8 and Glu48 in the denatured state of the mutant. I believe the presented method is general and can be applied to extract and validate microscopic electrostatics of the entire folding energy landscape. PMID:20682271

  6. Electrostatic potential of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 and rhesus macaque simian immunodeficiency virus capsid proteins.

    PubMed

    Bozek, Katarzyna; Nakayama, Emi E; Kono, Ken; Shioda, Tatsuo

    2012-01-01

    Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) and simian immunodeficiency virus isolated from a macaque monkey (SIVmac) are assumed to have originated from simian immunodeficiency virus isolated from sooty mangabey (SIVsm). Despite their close similarity in genome structure, HIV-2 and SIVmac show different sensitivities to TRIM5α, a host restriction factor against retroviruses. The replication of HIV-2 strains is potently restricted by rhesus (Rh) monkey TRIM5α, while that of SIVmac strain 239 (SIVmac239) is not. Viral capsid protein is the determinant of this differential sensitivity to TRIM5α, as the HIV-2 mutant carrying SIVmac239 capsid protein evaded Rh TRIM5α-mediated restriction. However, the molecular determinants of this restriction mechanism are unknown. Electrostatic potential on the protein-binding site is one of the properties regulating protein-protein interactions. In this study, we investigated the electrostatic potential on the interaction surface of capsid protein of HIV-2 strain GH123 and SIVmac239. Although HIV-2 GH123 and SIVmac239 capsid proteins share more than 87% amino acid identity, we observed a large difference between the two molecules with the HIV-2 GH123 molecule having predominantly positive and SIVmac239 predominantly negative electrostatic potential on the surface of the loop between α-helices 4 and 5 (L4/5). As L4/5 is one of the major determinants of Rh TRIM5α sensitivity of these viruses, the present results suggest that the binding site of the Rh TRIM5α may show complementarity to the HIV-2 GH123 capsid surface charge distribution.

  7. Binding of an antibody mimetic of the human low density lipoprotein receptor to apolipoprotein E is governed through electrostatic forces. Studies using site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling.

    PubMed

    Raffaï, R; Weisgraber, K H; MacKenzie, R; Rupp, B; Rassart, E; Hirama, T; Innerarity, T L; Milne, R

    2000-03-10

    Monoclonal antibody 2E8 is specific for an epitope that coincides with the binding site of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) on human apoE. Its reactivity with apoE variants resembles that of the LDLR: it binds well with apoE3 and poorly with apoE2. The heavy chain complementarity-determining region (CDRH) 2 of 2E8 shows homology to the ligand-binding domain of the LDLR. To define better the structural basis of the 2E8/apoE interaction and particularly the role of electrostatic interactions, we generated and characterized a panel of 2E8 variants. Replacement of acidic residues in the 2E8 CDRHs showed that Asp(52), Glu(53), and Asp(56) are essential for high-affinity binding. Although Asp(31) (CDRH1), Glu(58) (CDRH2), and Asp(97) (CDRH3) did not appear to be critical, the Asp(97) --> Ala variant acquired reactivity with apoE2. A Thr(57) --> Glu substitution increased affinity for both apoE3 and apoE2. The affinities of wild-type 2E8 and variants for apoE varied inversely with ionic strength, suggesting that electrostatic forces contribute to both antigen binding and isoform specificity. We propose a model of the 2E8.apoE immune complex that is based on the 2E8 and apoE crystal structures and that is consistent with the apoE-binding properties of wild-type 2E8 and its variants. Given the similarity between the LDLR and 2E8 in terms of specificity, the LDLR/ligand interaction may also have an important electrostatic component.

  8. Novel single nucleotide polymorphisms of the bovine methyltransferase 3b gene and their association with meat quality traits in beef cattle.

    PubMed

    Liu, X; Guo, X Y; Xu, X Z; Wu, M; Zhang, X; Li, Q; Ma, P P; Zhang, Y; Wang, C Y; Geng, F J; Qin, C H; Liu, L; Shi, W H; Wang, Y C; Yu, Y

    2012-08-16

    DNA methylation is essential for adipose deposition in mammals. We screened SNPs of the bovine DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) gene in Snow Dragon beef, a commercial beef cattle population in China. Nine SNPs were found in the population and three of six novel SNPs were chosen for genotyping and analyzing a possible association with 16 meat quality traits. The frequencies of the alleles and genotypes of the three SNPs in Snow Dragon beef were similar to those in their terminal-paternal breed, Wagyu. Association analysis disclosed that SNP1 was not associated with any of the traits; SNP2 was significantly associated with lean meat color score and chuck short rib score, and SNP3 had a significant effect on dressing percentage and back-fat thickness in the beef population. The individuals with genotype GG for SNP2 had a 25.7% increase in lean meat color score and a 146% increase in chuck short rib score, compared with genotype AA. The cattle with genotype AG for SNP3 had 35.7 and 24% increases in dressing percentage and 28.8 and 29.2% increases in back-fat thickness, compared with genotypes GG and AA, respectively. Genotypic combination analysis revealed significant interactions between SNP1 and SNP2 and between SNP2 and SNP3 for the traits rib-eye area and live weight. We conclude that there is considerable evidence that DNMT3b is a determiner of beef quality traits.

  9. Teaching Ion-Ion, Ion-Dipole, and Dipole-Dipole Interactions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yoder, Claude H.

    1977-01-01

    Discusses how electrostatic interactions can be taught quantitatively through Coulomb's Law at a variety of points in a chemistry curriculum. Each type of interaction is shown at both the intramolecular and the inter-"molecular" levels. (MR)

  10. Role of electrostatic interactions in determining the G-quadruplex structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Jinkeong; Im, Haeri; Chong, Song-Ho; Ham, Sihyun

    2018-02-01

    We investigate the energetics of the antiparallel, hybrid and parallel type G-quadruplex structures of the human telomere DNA sequence. We find that both the conformational energy and solvation free energy of these structures are roughly inversely proportional to their radii of gyration. We rationalize this finding in terms of the dominance of the electrostatic contributions. We also show that the solvation free energy is more significant than the conformational energy in determining the G-quadruplex structures, which is in contrast to the canonical B-DNA structures. Our work will contribute to an understanding of the molecular mechanisms dictating various G-quadruplex topologies.

  11. New technology for separating resin powder and fiberglass powder from fiberglass-resin powder of waste printed circuit boards.

    PubMed

    Li, Jia; Gao, Bei; Xu, Zhenming

    2014-05-06

    New recycling technologies have been developed lately to enhance the value of the fiberglass powder-resin powder fraction (FRP) from waste printed circuit boards. The definite aim of the present paper is to present some novel methods that use the image forces for the separation of the resin powder and fiberglass powder generated from FRP during the corona electrostatic separating process. The particle shape charactization and particle trajectory simulation were performed on samples of mixed non-metallic particles. The simulation results pointed out that particles of resin powder and particles of fiberglass powder had different detach trajectories at the conditions of the same size and certain device parameters. An experiment carried out using a corona electrostatic separator validated the possibility of sorting these particles based on the differences in their shape characteristics. The differences in the physical properties of the different types of particles provided the technical basis for the development of electrostatic separation technologies for the recycling industry.

  12. Characterization of Dielectric Nanocomposites with Electrostatic Force Microscopy

    PubMed Central

    El Khoury, D.; Fedorenko, V.; Castellon, J.; Laurentie, J.-C.; Fréchette, M.; Ramonda, M.

    2017-01-01

    Nanocomposites physical properties unexplainable by general mixture laws are usually supposed to be related to interphases, highly present at the nanoscale. The intrinsic dielectric constant of the interphase and its volume need to be considered in the prediction of the effective permittivity of nanodielectrics, for example. The electrostatic force microscope (EFM) constitutes a promising technique to probe interphases locally. This work reports theoretical finite-elements simulations and experimental measurements to interpret EFM signals in front of nanocomposites with the aim of detecting and characterizing interphases. According to simulations, we designed and synthesized appropriate samples to verify experimentally the ability of EFM to characterize a nanoshell covering nanoparticles, for different shell thicknesses. This type of samples constitutes a simplified electrostatic model of a nanodielectric. Experiments were conducted using either DC or AC-EFM polarization, with force gradient detection method. A comparison between our numerical model and experimental results was performed in order to validate our predictions for general EFM-interphase interactions. PMID:29109811

  13. Investigation of the biofuel flue and producer gases cleaning efficiency using ESP

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Poškas, Robertas; Sirvydas, Arūnas; Poškas, Povilas; Striūgas, Nerijus; Pedišius, Nerijus; Valinčius, Vitas

    2017-11-01

    The use of biofuel has been increasing in Europe over the last years, and the reason for that is acceptable cost and the least negative impact on the environment. However, NOx and emissions of fine particulates are important, and biofuel is still a disadvantage compared to oil and natural gas fired systems. Usually, flue gas is filtered in multicyclones or fibre filters before discharge into the atmosphere. Yet, in the case of fine particulates, the filters of such type do not show high effectiveness, thus electrostatic precipitators are used. In this comparative study on biofuel (wood pellets), the collection efficiency of solid particles from a class 3 boiler (50 kW) and from a gasification unit (100 kW) was investigated. Although releases of solid particles from modern boilers are low, a combination of such a boiler with an electrostatic precipitator may reduce the releases of particles to the minimum, and the collection efficiency of the electrostatic precipitator obtained during the investigation was 98-99%. There is a big difference in particle concentrations comparing the systems with flue gas and producer gas. As the working conditions in the test section with producer gas were harder, it led to lower efficiency of the electrostatic precipitator ( 75%).

  14. Acoustic performance of dual-electrode electrostatic sound generators based on CVD graphene on polyimide film.

    PubMed

    Lee, Kyoung-Ryul; Jang, Sung Hwan; Jung, Inhwa

    2018-08-10

    We investigated the acoustic performance of electrostatic sound-generating devices consisting of bi-layer graphene on polyimide film. The total sound pressure level (SPL) of the sound generated from the devices was measured as a function of source frequency by sweeping, and frequency spectra were measured at 1/3 octave band frequencies. The relationship between various operation conditions and total SPL was determined. In addition, the effects of changing voltage level, adding a DC offset, and using two pairs of electrodes were evaluated. It should be noted that two pairs of electrode operations improved sound generation by about 10 dB over all frequency ranges compared with conventional operation. As for the sound-generating capability, total SPL was 70 dBA at 4 kHz when an AC voltage of 100 V pp was applied with a DC offset of 100 V. Acoustic characteristics differed from other types of graphene-based sound generators, such as graphene thermoacoustic devices and graphene polyvinylidene fluoride devices. The effects of diameter and distance between electrodes were also studied, and we found that diameter greatly influenced the frequency response. We anticipate that the design information provided in this paper, in addition to describing key parameters of electrostatic sound-generating devices, will facilitate the commercial development of electrostatic sound-generating systems.

  15. Anisotropic solvent model of the lipid bilayer. 1. Parameterization of long-range electrostatics and first solvation shell effects.

    PubMed

    Lomize, Andrei L; Pogozheva, Irina D; Mosberg, Henry I

    2011-04-25

    A new implicit solvation model was developed for calculating free energies of transfer of molecules from water to any solvent with defined bulk properties. The transfer energy was calculated as a sum of the first solvation shell energy and the long-range electrostatic contribution. The first term was proportional to solvent accessible surface area and solvation parameters (σ(i)) for different atom types. The electrostatic term was computed as a product of group dipole moments and dipolar solvation parameter (η) for neutral molecules or using a modified Born equation for ions. The regression coefficients in linear dependencies of solvation parameters σ(i) and η on dielectric constant, solvatochromic polarizability parameter π*, and hydrogen-bonding donor and acceptor capacities of solvents were optimized using 1269 experimental transfer energies from 19 organic solvents to water. The root-mean-square errors for neutral compounds and ions were 0.82 and 1.61 kcal/mol, respectively. Quantification of energy components demonstrates the dominant roles of hydrophobic effect for nonpolar atoms and of hydrogen-bonding for polar atoms. The estimated first solvation shell energy outweighs the long-range electrostatics for most compounds including ions. The simplicity and computational efficiency of the model allows its application for modeling of macromolecules in anisotropic environments, such as biological membranes.

  16. Electrostatics of Granular Materials

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Marshall, John

    2004-01-01

    The purpose of the research was to continue developing an understanding of electrostatic phenomena in preparation for any future flight opportunities of the EGM experiment, originally slated for a 2004 Space Station deployment. Work would be based on theoretical assessments, ground-based lab experiments, and reduced-gravity experiments. The ability to examine dipoles in the lab proved to be elusive, and thus, effort was concentrated on monopoles -how materials become charged, the fate of the charge, the role of material type, and so forth. Several significant milestones were achieved in this regard. In regard of the dipoles, experiments were designed in collaboration with the University of Chicago school district who had access to reduced gravity on the KC-135 aircraft. Two experiments were slated to fly last year but were cancelled after the Columbia accident. One of the experiments has been given a second life and will fly sometime in 2005 if the Shuttle flights resume. There remains active interest in the question of electrostatic dipoles within the educational community, and experiments using magnetic dipoles as a substitute are to be examined. The KC-135 experiments will also examine dispersion methods for particles as a verification of possible future techniques in microgravity. Both laboratory and theoretical work established a number of breakthroughs in our understanding of electrostatic phenomena. These breakthroughs are listed in this paper.

  17. Crystal Field in Rare-Earth Complexes: From Electrostatics to Bonding.

    PubMed

    Alessandri, Riccardo; Zulfikri, Habiburrahman; Autschbach, Jochen; Bolvin, Hélène

    2018-04-11

    The flexibility of first-principles (ab initio) calculations with the SO-CASSCF (complete active space self-consistent field theory with a treatment of the spin-orbit (SO) coupling by state interaction) method is used to quantify the electrostatic and covalent contributions to crystal field parameters. Two types of systems are chosen for illustration: 1) The ionic and experimentally well-characterized PrCl 3 crystal; this study permits a revisitation of the partition of contributions proposed in the early days of crystal field theory; and 2) a series of sandwich molecules [Ln(η n -C n H n ) 2 ] q , with Ln=Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm and n=5, 6, and 8, in which the interaction between Ln III and the aromatic ligands is more difficult to describe within an electrostatic approach. It is shown that a model with three layers of charges reproduces the electrostatic field generated by the ligands and that the covalency plays a qualitative role. The one-electron character of crystal field theory is discussed and shown to be valuable, although it is not completely quantitative. This permits a reduction of the many-electron problem to a discussion of the energy of the seven 4f orbitals. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  18. Effects of system net charge and electrostatic truncation on all-atom constant pH molecular dynamics.

    PubMed

    Chen, Wei; Shen, Jana K

    2014-10-15

    Constant pH molecular dynamics offers a means to rigorously study the effects of solution pH on dynamical processes. Here, we address two critical questions arising from the most recent developments of the all-atom continuous constant pH molecular dynamics (CpHMD) method: (1) What is the effect of spatial electrostatic truncation on the sampling of protonation states? (2) Is the enforcement of electrical neutrality necessary for constant pH simulations? We first examined how the generalized reaction field and force-shifting schemes modify the electrostatic forces on the titration coordinates. Free energy simulations of model compounds were then carried out to delineate the errors in the deprotonation free energy and salt-bridge stability due to electrostatic truncation and system net charge. Finally, CpHMD titration of a mini-protein HP36 was used to understand the manifestation of the two types of errors in the calculated pK(a) values. The major finding is that enforcing charge neutrality under all pH conditions and at all time via cotitrating ions significantly improves the accuracy of protonation-state sampling. We suggest that such finding is also relevant for simulations with particle mesh Ewald, considering the known artifacts due to charge-compensating background plasma. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Effects of system net charge and electrostatic truncation on all-atom constant pH molecular dynamics †

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Wei; Shen, Jana K.

    2014-01-01

    Constant pH molecular dynamics offers a means to rigorously study the effects of solution pH on dynamical processes. Here we address two critical questions arising from the most recent developments of the all-atom continuous constant pH molecular dynamics (CpHMD) method: 1) What is the effect of spatial electrostatic truncation on the sampling of protonation states? 2) Is the enforcement of electrical neutrality necessary for constant pH simulations? We first examined how the generalized reaction field and force shifting schemes modify the electrostatic forces on the titration coordinates. Free energy simulations of model compounds were then carried out to delineate the errors in the deprotonation free energy and salt-bridge stability due to electrostatic truncation and system net charge. Finally, CpHMD titration of a mini-protein HP36 was used to understand the manifestation of the two types of errors in the calculated pK a values. The major finding is that enforcing charge neutrality under all pH conditions and at all time via co-titrating ions significantly improves the accuracy of protonation-state sampling. We suggest that such finding is also relevant for simulations with particle-mesh Ewald, considering the known artifacts due to charge-compensating background plasma. PMID:25142416

  20. Progress in ab initio QM/MM free-energy simulations of electrostatic energies in proteins: accelerated QM/MM studies of pKa, redox reactions and solvation free energies.

    PubMed

    Kamerlin, Shina C L; Haranczyk, Maciej; Warshel, Arieh

    2009-02-05

    Hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) approaches have been used to provide a general scheme for chemical reactions in proteins. However, such approaches still present a major challenge to computational chemists, not only because of the need for very large computer time in order to evaluate the QM energy but also because of the need for proper computational sampling. This review focuses on the sampling issue in QM/MM evaluations of electrostatic energies in proteins. We chose this example since electrostatic energies play a major role in controlling the function of proteins and are key to the structure-function correlation of biological molecules. Thus, the correct treatment of electrostatics is essential for the accurate simulation of biological systems. Although we will be presenting different types of QM/MM calculations of electrostatic energies (and related properties) here, our focus will be on pKa calculations. This reflects the fact that pKa's of ionizable groups in proteins provide one of the most direct benchmarks for the accuracy of electrostatic models of macromolecules. While pKa calculations by semimacroscopic models have given reasonable results in many cases, existing attempts to perform pKa calculations using QM/MM-FEP have led to discrepancies between calculated and experimental values. In this work, we accelerate our QM/MM calculations using an updated mean charge distribution and a classical reference potential. We examine both a surface residue (Asp3) of the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor and a residue buried in a hydrophobic pocket (Lys102) of the T4-lysozyme mutant. We demonstrate that, by using this approach, we are able to reproduce the relevant side chain pKa's with an accuracy of 3 kcal/mol. This is well within the 7 kcal/mol energy difference observed in studies of enzymatic catalysis, and is thus sufficient accuracy to determine the main contributions to the catalytic energies of enzymes. We also provide an overall perspective of the potential of QM/MM calculations in general evaluations of electrostatic free energies, pointing out that our approach should provide a very powerful and accurate tool to predict the electrostatics of not only solution but also enzymatic reactions, as well as the solvation free energies of even larger systems, such as nucleic acid bases incorporated into DNA.

  1. Water Resources Research supports water economics submissions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Griffin, Ronald C.

    2012-09-01

    AGU's international interdisciplinary journal Water Resources Research (WRR) publishes original contributions in hydrology; the physical, chemical, and biological sciences; and the social and policy sciences, including economics, systems analysis, sociology, and law. With the rising relevance of water economics and related social sciences, the editors of WRR continue to encourage submissions on economics and policy. WRR was originally founded in the mid 1960s by Walter Langbein and economist Allen Kneese. Several former WRR editors have been economists—including David Brookshire, Ron Cummings, and Chuck Howe—and many landmark articles in water economics have been published in WRR.

  2. United States Air Force F-35A Operational Basing Environmental Impact Statement. Appendix E: Final EIS Public Comments and Responses

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-09-01

    NO-12, PA-1, SA-1, SO-1 Bouvier Eileen R0627 So. Burlington - GO-1 Bowden Seth R0823 Burlington - GS-1 Bowley Ronald R. R0355 Colchester - GS-1...R0501 - - GS-1 Gibson Leanne R0176 - - NO-15 Gilchrist Glenn R0144 - - GO-1 Gillespie George Ann R0459 Burlington - GO-1, SO-1 Gillim Seth R0622...Burlington - GS-1 Lemieux Pierre and Madeleine R0698 - - GS-1 Leonard Seth R0387 Winooski - GO-1 Letourneau Susan R0168 - - GO-3, PI-2 Letourneau Chuck

  3. Information Theory Applied to Dolphin Whistle Vocalizations with Possible Application to SETI Signals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Doyle, Laurance R.; McCowan, Brenda; Hanser, Sean F.

    2002-01-01

    Information theory allows a quantification of the complexity of a given signaling system. We are applying information theory to dolphin whistle vocalizations, humpback whale songs, squirrel monkey chuck calls, and several other animal communication systems' in order to develop a quantitative and objective way to compare inter species communication systems' complexity. Once signaling units have been correctly classified the communication system must obey certain statistical distributions in order to contain complexity whether it is human languages, dolphin whistle vocalizations, or even a system of communication signals received from an extraterrestrial source.

  4. Proteus DSA control room in Mojave, CA

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2003-04-03

    Proteus DSA control room in Mojave, CA (L to R) Jean-Pierre Soucy; Amphitech International Software engineer Craig Bomben; NASA Dryden Test Pilot Pete Siebold; (with headset, at computer controls) Scaled Composites pilot Bob Roehm; New Mexico State University (NMSU) UAV Technical Analysis Application Center (TAAC) Chuck Coleman; Scaled Composites Pilot Kari Sortland; NMSU TAAC Russell Wolfe; Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. Scaled Composites' unique tandem-wing Proteus was the testbed for a series of UAV collision-avoidance flight demonstrations. An Amphitech 35GHz radar unit installed below Proteus' nose was the primary sensor for the Detect, See and Avoid tests.

  5. Energy Action Day

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2017-10-25

    NASA Kennedy Space Center's Sam Ball, third from left, speaks during the Energy Action Day employee event held in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility. Part of Energy Awareness Month, the event featured subject matter experts in the area of solar energy, its connections to the space program and options for residential solar power. From left to right are Nick Murdock, energy and water program manager at Kennedy; Chuck Tatro of NASA's Launch Services Program; Ball; Anuj Chokshi of FPL; Bill McMullen of Southern Power; John Sherwin of the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa; and Lorraine Koss of the Brevard County Solar Co-op.

  6. Detectability of electrostatic decay products in Ulysses and Galileo observations of type 3 solar radio sources

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cairns, Iver H.

    1995-01-01

    Recent in situ Ulysses and Galileo observations of the source regions of type 3 solar radio bursts appear to show an absence of ion acoustic waves S produced by nonlinear Langmuir wave processes such as the electrostatic (ES) decay, in contradiction with earlier ISEE 3 observations and analytic theory. This letter resolves these apparent contradictions. Refined analyses of the maximum S-wave electric fields produced by ES decay and of the characteristics of the Ulysses Wave Form Analyzer (WFA) instrument show that the bursty S waves observed by the ISEE 3 should be essentially undetectable by the Ulysses WFA. It is also shown that the maximum S-wave levels predicted for the Galileo event are approximately less than the instrumental noise level, thereby confirming an earlier suggestion. Thus, no contradictions exist between the ISEE 3 and Ulysses/Galileo observation, and no evidence exists against ES decay in the published Ulysses and Galileo data. All available data are consistent with, or at worst not inconsistent with, the ES decay proceeding and being the dominant nonlinear process in type 3 bursts.

  7. Multipolar electrostatics for proteins: atom-atom electrostatic energies in crambin.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Yongna; Mills, Matthew J L; Popelier, Paul L A

    2014-02-15

    Accurate electrostatics necessitates the use of multipole moments centered on nuclei or extra point charges centered away from the nuclei. Here, we follow the former alternative and investigate the convergence behavior of atom-atom electrostatic interactions in the pilot protein crambin. Amino acids are cut out from a Protein Data Bank structure of crambin, as single amino acids, di, or tripeptides, and are then capped with a peptide bond at each side. The atoms in the amino acids are defined through Quantum Chemical Topology (QCT) as finite volume electron density fragments. Atom-atom electrostatic energies are computed by means of a multipole expansion with regular spherical harmonics, up to a total interaction rank of L = ℓA+ ℓB + 1 = 10. The minimum internuclear distance in the convergent region of all the 15 possible types of atom-atom interactions in crambin that were calculated based on single amino acids are close to the values calculated from di and tripeptides. Values obtained at B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ and MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ levels are only slightly larger than those calculated at HF/6-31G(d,p) level. This convergence behavior is transferable to the well-known amyloid beta polypeptide Aβ1-42. Moreover, for a selected central atom, the influence of its neighbors on its multipole moments is investigated, and how far away this influence can be ignored is also determined. Finally, the convergence behavior of AMBER becomes closer to that of QCT with increasing internuclear distance. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. Prediction of protein-protein interaction sites using electrostatic desolvation profiles.

    PubMed

    Fiorucci, Sébastien; Zacharias, Martin

    2010-05-19

    Protein-protein complex formation involves removal of water from the interface region. Surface regions with a small free energy penalty for water removal or desolvation may correspond to preferred interaction sites. A method to calculate the electrostatic free energy of placing a neutral low-dielectric probe at various protein surface positions has been designed and applied to characterize putative interaction sites. Based on solutions of the finite-difference Poisson equation, this method also includes long-range electrostatic contributions and the protein solvent boundary shape in contrast to accessible-surface-area-based solvation energies. Calculations on a large set of proteins indicate that in many cases (>90%), the known binding site overlaps with one of the six regions of lowest electrostatic desolvation penalty (overlap with the lowest desolvation region for 48% of proteins). Since the onset of electrostatic desolvation occurs even before direct protein-protein contact formation, it may help guide proteins toward the binding region in the final stage of complex formation. It is interesting that the probe desolvation properties associated with residue types were found to depend to some degree on whether the residue was outside of or part of a binding site. The probe desolvation penalty was on average smaller if the residue was part of a binding site compared to other surface locations. Applications to several antigen-antibody complexes demonstrated that the approach might be useful not only to predict protein interaction sites in general but to map potential antigenic epitopes on protein surfaces. Copyright (c) 2010 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Ultrafast and low barrier motions in the photoreactions of the green fluorescent protein.

    PubMed

    van Thor, Jasper J; Georgiev, Georgi Y; Towrie, Michael; Sage, J Timothy

    2005-09-30

    Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fluoresces efficiently under blue excitation despite major electrostatic rearrangements resulting from photoionization of the chromophore and neutralization of Glu-222. A competing phototransformation process, which ionizes the chromophore and decarboxylates Glu-222, mimics the electrostatic and structural changes in the fluorescence photocycle. Structural and spectroscopic analysis of the cryogenically stabilized photoproduct at 100 K and a structurally annealed intermediate of the phototransformed protein at 170 K reveals distinct structural relaxations involving protein, chromophore, solvent, and photogenerated CO2. Strong structural changes of the 100 K photoproduct after decarboxylation appear exclusively within 15 angstroms of the chromophore and include the electrostatically driven perturbations of Gln-69, Cys-70, and water molecules in an H-bonding network connecting the chromophore. X-ray crystallography to 1.85 angstroms resolution and static and picosecond time-resolved IR spectroscopy identify structural mechanisms common to phototransformation and to the fluorescence photocycle. In particular, the appearance of a 1697 cm(-1) (+) difference band in both photocycle and phototransformation intermediates is a spectroscopic signature for the structural perturbation of Gln-69. This is taken as evidence for an electrostatically driven dynamic response that is common to both photoreaction pathways. The interactions between the chromophore and the perturbed residues and solvent are decreased or removed in the T203H single and T203H/Q69L double mutants, resulting in a strong reduction of the fluorescence quantum yield. This suggests that the electrostatic response to the transient formation of a buried charge in the wild type is important for the bright fluorescence.

  10. Effective solutions for monitoring the electrostatic separation of metal and plastic granular waste from electric and electronic equipment.

    PubMed

    Senouci, Khouira; Medles, Karim; Dascalescu, Lucian

    2013-02-01

    The variability of the quantity and purity of the recovered materials is a serious drawback for the application of electrostatic separation technologies to the recycling of granular wastes. In a series of previous articles we have pointed out how capability and classic control chart concepts could be employed for better mastering the outcome of such processes. In the present work, the multiple exponentially weighted moving average (MEWMA) control chart is introduced and shown to be more effective than the Hotelling T2 chart for monitoring slow varying changes in the electrostatic separation of granular mixtures originating from electric and electronic equipment waste. The operation of the industrial process was simulated by using a laboratory roll-type electrostatic separator and granular samples resulting from shredded electric cable wastes. The 25 tests carried out during the observation phase enabled the calculation of the upper and lower control limits for the two control charts considered in the present study. The 11 additional tests that simulated the monitoring phase pointed out that the MEWMA chart is more effective than Hotelling's T(2) chart in detecting slow varying changes in the outcome of a process. As the reverse is true in the case of abrupt alterations of monitored process performances, simultaneous usage of the two control charts is strongly recommended. While this study focused on a specific electrostatic separation process, using the MEWMA chart together with the well known Hotelling's T(2) chart should be applicable to the statistical control of other complex processes in the field of waste processing.

  11. Collection of biological and non-biological particles by new and used filters made from glass and electrostatically charged synthetic fibers.

    PubMed

    Raynor, P C; Kim, B G; Ramachandran, G; Strommen, M R; Horns, J H; Streifel, A J

    2008-02-01

    Synthetic filters made from fibers carrying electrostatic charges and fiberglass filters that do not carry electrostatic charges are both utilized commonly in heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The pressure drop and efficiency of a bank of fiberglass filters and a bank of electrostatically charged synthetic filters were measured repeatedly for 13 weeks in operating HVAC systems at a hospital. Additionally, the efficiency with which new and used fiberglass and synthetic filters collected culturable biological particles was measured in a test apparatus. Pressure drop measurements adjusted to equivalent flows indicated that the synthetic filters operated with a pressure drop less than half that of the fiberglass filters throughout the test. When measured using total ambient particles, synthetic filter efficiency decreased during the test period for all particle diameters. For particles 0.7-1.0 mum in diameter, efficiency decreased from 92% to 44%. It is hypothesized that this reduction in collection efficiency may be due to charge shielding. Efficiency did not change significantly for the fiberglass filters during the test period. However, when measured using culturable biological particles in the ambient air, efficiency was essentially the same for new filters and filters used for 13 weeks in the hospital for both the synthetic and fiberglass filters. It is hypothesized that the lack of efficiency reduction for culturable particles may be due to their having higher charge than non-biological particles, allowing them to overcome the effects of charge shielding. The type of particles requiring capture may be an important consideration when comparing the relative performance of electrostatically charged synthetic and fiberglass filters. Electrostatically charged synthetic filters with high initial efficiency can frequently replace traditional fiberglass filters with lower efficiency in HVAC systems because properly designed synthetic filters offer less resistance to air flow. Although the efficiency of charged synthetic filters at collecting non-biological particles declined substantially with use, the efficiency of these filters at collecting biological particles remained steady. These findings suggest that the merits of electrostatically charged synthetic HVAC filters relative to fiberglass filters may be more pronounced if collection of biological particles is of primary concern.

  12. Computer-generated formulas for three-center nuclear-attraction integrals (electrostatic potential) for Slater-type orbitals

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, H. W.

    1984-01-01

    The computer-assisted C-matrix, Loewdin-alpha-function, single-center expansion method in spherical harmonics has been applied to the three-center nuclear-attraction integral (potential due to the product of separated Slater-type orbitals). Exact formulas are produced for 13 terms of an infinite series that permits evaluation to ten decimal digits of an example using 1s orbitals.

  13. PCE: web tools to compute protein continuum electrostatics

    PubMed Central

    Miteva, Maria A.; Tufféry, Pierre; Villoutreix, Bruno O.

    2005-01-01

    PCE (protein continuum electrostatics) is an online service for protein electrostatic computations presently based on the MEAD (macroscopic electrostatics with atomic detail) package initially developed by D. Bashford [(2004) Front Biosci., 9, 1082–1099]. This computer method uses a macroscopic electrostatic model for the calculation of protein electrostatic properties, such as pKa values of titratable groups and electrostatic potentials. The MEAD package generates electrostatic energies via finite difference solution to the Poisson–Boltzmann equation. Users submit a PDB file and PCE returns potentials and pKa values as well as color (static or animated) figures displaying electrostatic potentials mapped on the molecular surface. This service is intended to facilitate electrostatics analyses of proteins and thereby broaden the accessibility to continuum electrostatics to the biological community. PCE can be accessed at . PMID:15980492

  14. Magnetic radiation shielding - An idea whose time has returned?

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Landis, Geoffrey A.

    1991-01-01

    One solution to the problem of shielding crew from particulate radiation in space is to use active electromagnetic shielding. Practical types of shield include the magnetic shield, in which a strong magnetic field diverts charged particles from the crew region, and the magnetic/electrostatic plasma shield, in which an electrostatic field shields the crew from positively charged particles, while a magnetic field confines electrons from the space plasma to provide charge neutrality. Advances in technology include high-strength composite materials, high-temperature superconductors, numerical computational solutions to particle transport in electromagnetic fields, and a technology base for construction and operation of large superconducting magnets. These advances make electromagnetic shielding a practical alternative for near-term future missions.

  15. How electrostatic networks modulate specificity and stability of collagen.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Hongning; Lu, Cheng; Lan, Jun; Fan, Shilong; Nanda, Vikas; Xu, Fei

    2018-06-12

    One-quarter of the 28 types of natural collagen exist as heterotrimers. The oligomerization state of collagen affects the structure and mechanics of the extracellular matrix, providing essential cues to modulate biological and pathological processes. A lack of high-resolution structural information limits our mechanistic understanding of collagen heterospecific self-assembly. Here, the 1.77-Å resolution structure of a synthetic heterotrimer demonstrates the balance of intermolecular electrostatics and hydrogen bonding that affects collagen stability and heterospecificity of assembly. Atomistic simulations and mutagenesis based on the solved structure are used to explore the contributions of specific interactions to energetics. A predictive model of collagen stability and specificity is developed for engineering novel collagen structures.

  16. ELECTROSTATIC MEMORY SYSTEM

    DOEpatents

    Chu, J.C.

    1958-09-23

    An improved electrostatic memory system is de scribed fer a digital computer wherein a plarality of storage tubes are adapted to operate in either of two possible modes. According to the present irvention, duplicate storage tubes are provided fur each denominational order of the several binary digits. A single discriminator system is provided between corresponding duplicate tubes to determine the character of the infurmation stored in each. If either tube produces the selected type signal, corresponding to binazy "1" in the preferred embodiment, a "1" is regenerated in both tubes. In one mode of operation each bit of information is stored in two corresponding tubes, while in the other mode of operation each bit is stored in only one tube in the conventional manner.

  17. Electrostatic differences: A possible source for the functional differences between MCF7 and brain microtubules.

    PubMed

    Feizabadi, Mitra Shojania; Rosario, Brandon; Hernandez, Marcos A V

    2017-11-04

    Recent studies suggested a link between diversity of beta tubulin isotypes in microtubule structures and the regulatory roles that they play not only on microtubules' intrinsic dynamic, but also on the translocation characteristics of some of the molecular motors along microtubules. Remarkably, unlike porcine brain microtubules, MCF7 microtubules are structured from a different beta tubulin distribution. These types of cancer microtubules show a relatively stable and slow dynamic. In addition, the translocation parameters of some molecular motors are distinctly different along MCF7 as compared to those parameters on brain microtubules. It is known that the diversity of beta tubulin isotypes differ predominantly in the specifications and the electric charge of their carboxy-terminal tails. A key question is to identify whether the negative electrostatic charge of tubulin isotypes and, consequently, microtubules, can potentially be considered as one of the sources of functional differences in MCF7 vs. brain microtubules. We tested this possibility experimentally by monitoring the electro-orientation of these two types of microtubules inside a uniform electric field. Through this evaluation, we quantified and compared the average normalized polarization coefficient of MCF7 vs. Porcine brain microtubules. The higher value obtained for the polarization of MCF7 microtubules, which is associated to the higher negative charge of these types of microtubules, is significant as it can further explain the slow intrinsic dynamic that has been recently reported for single MCF7 microtubules in vitro. Furthermore, it can be potentially considered as a factor that can directly impact the translocation parameters of some molecular motors along MCF7 microtubules, by altering the mutual electrostatic interactions between microtubules and molecular motors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Effects of electrostatic interactions on ligand dissociation kinetics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Erbaş, Aykut; de la Cruz, Monica Olvera; Marko, John F.

    2018-02-01

    We study unbinding of multivalent cationic ligands from oppositely charged polymeric binding sites sparsely grafted on a flat neutral substrate. Our molecular dynamics simulations are suggested by single-molecule studies of protein-DNA interactions. We consider univalent salt concentrations spanning roughly a 1000-fold range, together with various concentrations of excess ligands in solution. To reveal the ionic effects on unbinding kinetics of spontaneous and facilitated dissociation mechanisms, we treat electrostatic interactions both at a Debye-Hückel (DH) (or implicit ions, i.e., use of an electrostatic potential with a prescribed decay length) level and by the more precise approach of considering all ionic species explicitly in the simulations. We find that the DH approach systematically overestimates unbinding rates, relative to the calculations where all ion pairs are present explicitly in solution, although many aspects of the two types of calculation are qualitatively similar. For facilitated dissociation (FD) (acceleration of unbinding by free ligands in solution) explicit-ion simulations lead to unbinding at lower free-ligand concentrations. Our simulations predict a variety of FD regimes as a function of free-ligand and ion concentrations; a particularly interesting regime is at intermediate concentrations of ligands where nonelectrostatic binding strength controls FD. We conclude that explicit-ion electrostatic modeling is an essential component to quantitatively tackle problems in molecular ligand dissociation, including nucleic-acid-binding proteins.

  19. VHDL-AMS modelling and simulation of a planar electrostatic micromotor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Endemaño, A.; Fourniols, J. Y.; Camon, H.; Marchese, A.; Muratet, S.; Bony, F.; Dunnigan, M.; Desmulliez, M. P. Y.; Overton, G.

    2003-09-01

    System level simulation results of a planar electrostatic micromotor, based on analytical models of the static and dynamic torque behaviours, are presented. A planar variable capacitance (VC) electrostatic micromotor designed, fabricated and tested at LAAS (Toulouse) in 1995 is simulated using the high level language VHDL-AMS (VHSIC (very high speed integrated circuits) hardware description language-analog mixed signal). The analytical torque model is obtained by first calculating the overlaps and capacitances between different electrodes based on a conformal mapping transformation. Capacitance values in the order of 10-16 F and torque values in the order of 10-11 N m have been calculated in agreement with previous measurements and simulations from this type of motor. A dynamic model has been developed for the motor by calculating the inertia coefficient and estimating the friction-coefficient-based values calculated previously for other similar devices. Starting voltage results obtained from experimental measurement are in good agreement with our proposed simulation model. Simulation results of starting voltage values, step response, switching response and continuous operation of the micromotor, based on the dynamic model of the torque, are also presented. Four VHDL-AMS blocks were created, validated and simulated for power supply, excitation control, micromotor torque creation and micromotor dynamics. These blocks can be considered as the initial phase towards the creation of intellectual property (IP) blocks for microsystems in general and electrostatic micromotors in particular.

  20. Free energy landscapes of encounter complexes in protein-protein association.

    PubMed

    Camacho, C J; Weng, Z; Vajda, S; DeLisi, C

    1999-03-01

    We report the computer generation of a high-density map of the thermodynamic properties of the diffusion-accessible encounter conformations of four receptor-ligand protein pairs, and use it to study the electrostatic and desolvation components of the free energy of association. Encounter complex conformations are generated by sampling the translational/rotational space of the ligand around the receptor, both at 5-A and zero surface-to-surface separations. We find that partial desolvation is always an important effect, and it becomes dominant for complexes in which one of the reactants is neutral or weakly charged. The interaction provides a slowly varying attractive force over a small but significant region of the molecular surface. In complexes with no strong charge complementarity this region surrounds the binding site, and the orientation of the ligand in the encounter conformation with the lowest desolvation free energy is similar to the one observed in the fully formed complex. Complexes with strong opposite charges exhibit two types of behavior. In the first group, represented by barnase/barstar, electrostatics exerts strong orientational steering toward the binding site, and desolvation provides some added adhesion within the local region of low electrostatic energy. In the second group, represented by the complex of kallikrein and pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, the overall stability results from the rather nonspecific electrostatic attraction, whereas the affinity toward the binding region is determined by desolvation interactions.

  1. Electrostatic Control of Protein-Surface Interactions

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-10-21

    occurs in numerous human diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and type II diabetes (which are associated with the aggregation of the...demonstrates how examples of how a model α- helical peptide that contains positively charged lysine residues along one face and hydrophobic leucines and our

  2. OZONE GENERATION IN DC-ENERGIZED ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPATORS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Ozone emissions from a short wire-plate precipitator and three commercial electronic air cleaners were measured. Ozone generation was most strongly affected by the corona current and polarity of the discharge electrode. To a lesser extent, the type of corona (i.e. whether tuft or...

  3. Vertical Silicon Nanowire Field Effect Transistors with Nanoscale Gate-All-Around

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guerfi, Youssouf; Larrieu, Guilhem

    2016-04-01

    Nanowires are considered building blocks for the ultimate scaling of MOS transistors, capable of pushing devices until the most extreme boundaries of miniaturization thanks to their physical and geometrical properties. In particular, nanowires' suitability for forming a gate-all-around (GAA) configuration confers to the device an optimum electrostatic control of the gate over the conduction channel and then a better immunity against the short channel effects (SCE). In this letter, a large-scale process of GAA vertical silicon nanowire (VNW) MOSFETs is presented. A top-down approach is adopted for the realization of VNWs with an optimum reproducibility followed by thin layer engineering at nanoscale. Good overall electrical performances were obtained, with excellent electrostatic behavior (a subthreshold slope (SS) of 95 mV/dec and a drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) of 25 mV/V) for a 15-nm gate length. Finally, a first demonstration of dual integration of n-type and p-type VNW transistors for the realization of CMOS inverter is proposed.

  4. Delivery of RNA and its intracellular translation into protein mediated by SDS-CTAB vesicles: potential use in nanobiotechnology.

    PubMed

    Russo, Laura; Berardi, Valerio; Tardani, Franco; La Mesa, Camillo; Risuleo, Gianfranco

    2013-01-01

    Catanionic vesicles are supramolecular aggregates spontaneously forming in water by electrostatic attraction between two surfactants mixed in nonstoichiometric ratios. The outer surface charges allow adsorption to the biomembrane by electrostatic interactions. The lipoplex thus obtained penetrates the cell by endocytosis or membrane fusion. We examined the possible cytotoxic effects and evaluated the transfection efficiency of one vesicle type as compared to known commercial carriers. We show that the individual components of two different vesicles types, CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) and DDAB (didodecyldimethylammonium bromide) are detrimental for cell survival. We also assayed the cytotoxicity of SDS-DDAB vesicles and showed dose and time dependency, with the DDAB component being per se extremely cytotoxic. The transfection efficiency of exogenous RNA mediated by SDS-CTAB increases if vesicles assemble in the presence of the reporter RNA; finally, freezing abrogates the transfection ability. The results of our experimental strategy suggest that catanionic vesicles may be adopted in gene therapy and control of antiproliferative diseases.

  5. Resource Recovery Technology Application Document.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-06-01

    B-6 Electrostatic Precipitator (APC-C) ......................B-1O Venturi Scrubber (APC D) B-15 C Combustion Equipment (CE) C-1 Modular... Scrubber APC-D P. 1 of 4 CONTROLIII COMPONENT DESCRIPTION Types Available - Competing Components Type a. Venturi e. Moving bed Venturi b. Flooded disc f...Clean Gas to Demister (Used Separate Liquid from Gas Stream) / F C Scrubber Wall Liquid Inlet D Scrubber Liquid at Venturi Throat Inlet B E Venturi

  6. Electrostatic Hazards of Urethane Packed Fuel Tanks.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-03-01

    Monsanto concluded (Appendix D) that the foam was absorbing substances ( alkylphenols ) from the fuel and that the fuel was extracting chemicals (the most...experienced fuel impingement exhibited very strong absorption at 2.9 pm which is attributed to the alkylphenol type substances extracted by the foam...from the foam. - Absorption of alkylphenol type compounds by the foam. The latter of these compositional changes is believed to have a relatively

  7. Electrodiffusion: a continuum modeling framework for biomolecular systems with realistic spatiotemporal resolution.

    PubMed

    Lu, Benzhuo; Zhou, Y C; Huber, Gary A; Bond, Stephen D; Holst, Michael J; McCammon, J Andrew

    2007-10-07

    A computational framework is presented for the continuum modeling of cellular biomolecular diffusion influenced by electrostatic driving forces. This framework is developed from a combination of state-of-the-art numerical methods, geometric meshing, and computer visualization tools. In particular, a hybrid of (adaptive) finite element and boundary element methods is adopted to solve the Smoluchowski equation (SE), the Poisson equation (PE), and the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equation (PNPE) in order to describe electrodiffusion processes. The finite element method is used because of its flexibility in modeling irregular geometries and complex boundary conditions. The boundary element method is used due to the convenience of treating the singularities in the source charge distribution and its accurate solution to electrostatic problems on molecular boundaries. Nonsteady-state diffusion can be studied using this framework, with the electric field computed using the densities of charged small molecules and mobile ions in the solvent. A solution for mesh generation for biomolecular systems is supplied, which is an essential component for the finite element and boundary element computations. The uncoupled Smoluchowski equation and Poisson-Boltzmann equation are considered as special cases of the PNPE in the numerical algorithm, and therefore can be solved in this framework as well. Two types of computations are reported in the results: stationary PNPE and time-dependent SE or Nernst-Planck equations solutions. A biological application of the first type is the ionic density distribution around a fragment of DNA determined by the equilibrium PNPE. The stationary PNPE with nonzero flux is also studied for a simple model system, and leads to an observation that the interference on electrostatic field of the substrate charges strongly affects the reaction rate coefficient. The second is a time-dependent diffusion process: the consumption of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase, determined by the SE and a single uncoupled solution of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. The electrostatic effects, counterion compensation, spatiotemporal distribution, and diffusion-controlled reaction kinetics are analyzed and different methods are compared.

  8. Origin of higher affinity to RNA of the N-terminal RNA-binding domain than that of the C-terminal one of a mouse neural protein, musashi1, as revealed by comparison of their structures, modes of interaction, surface electrostatic potentials, and backbone dynamics.

    PubMed

    Miyanoiri, Youhei; Kobayashi, Hisanori; Imai, Takao; Watanabe, Michinao; Nagata, Takashi; Uesugi, Seiichi; Okano, Hideyuki; Katahira, Masato

    2003-10-17

    Musashi1 is an RNA-binding protein abundantly expressed in the developing mouse central nervous system. Its restricted expression in neural precursor cells suggests that it is involved in maintenance of the character of progenitor cells. Musashi1 contains two ribonucleoprotein-type RNA-binding domains (RBDs), RBD1 and RBD2, the affinity to RNA of RBD1 being much higher than that of RBD2. We previously reported the structure and mode of interaction with RNA of RBD2. Here, we have determined the structure and mode of interaction with RNA of RBD1. We have also analyzed the surface electrostatic potential and backbone dynamics of both RBDs. The two RBDs exhibit the same ribo-nucleoprotein-type fold and commonly make contact with RNA on the beta-sheet side. On the other hand, there is a remarkable difference in surface electrostatic potential, the beta-sheet of RBD1 being positively charged, which is favorable for binding negatively charged RNA, but that of RBD2 being almost neutral. There is also a difference in backbone dynamics, the central portion of the beta-sheet of RBD1 being flexible, but that of RBD2 not being flexible. The flexibility of RBD1 may be utilized in the recognition process to facilitate an induced fit. Thus, comparative studies have revealed the origin of the higher affinity of RBD1 than that of RBD2 and indicated that the affinity of an RBD to RNA is not governed by its fold alone but is also determined by its surface electrostatic potential and/or backbone dynamics. The biological role of RBD2 with lower affinity is also discussed.

  9. Progresses in Ab Initio QM/MM Free Energy Simulations of Electrostatic Energies in Proteins: Accelerated QM/MM Studies of pKa, Redox Reactions and Solvation Free Energies

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

    Kamerlin, Shina C. L.; Haranczyk, Maciej; Warshel, Arieh

    2009-03-01

    Hybrid quantum mechanical / molecular mechanical (QM/MM) approaches have been used to provide a general scheme for chemical reactions in proteins. However, such approaches still present a major challenge to computational chemists, not only because of the need for very large computer time in order to evaluate the QM energy but also because of the need for propercomputational sampling. This review focuses on the sampling issue in QM/MM evaluations of electrostatic energies in proteins. We chose this example since electrostatic energies play a major role in controlling the function of proteins and are key to the structure-function correlation of biologicalmore » molecules. Thus, the correct treatment of electrostatics is essential for the accurate simulation of biological systems. Although we will be presenting here different types of QM/MM calculations of electrostatic energies (and related properties), our focus will be on pKa calculations. This reflects the fact that pKa of ionizable groups in proteins provide one of the most direct benchmarks for the accuracy of electrostatic models of macromolecules. While pKa calculations by semimacroscopic models have given reasonable results in many cases, existing attempts to perform pKa calculations using QM/MM-FEP have led to large discrepancies between calculated and experimental values. In this work, we accelerate our QM/MM calculations using an updated mean charge distribution and a classical reference potential. We examine both a surface residue (Asp3) of the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, as well as a residue buried in a hydrophobic pocket (Lys102) of the T4-lysozyme mutant. We demonstrate that by using this approach, we are able to reproduce the relevant sidechain pKas with an accuracy of 3 kcal/mol. This is well within the 7 kcal/mol energy difference observed in studies of enzymatic catalysis, and is thus sufficient accuracy to determine the main contributions to the catalytic energies of enzymes. We also provide an overall perspective of the potential of QM/MM calculations in general evaluations of electrostatic free energies, pointing out that our approach should provide a very powerful and accurate tool to predict the electrostatics of not only solution but also enzymatic reactions, as well as the solvation free energies of even larger systems, such as nucleic acid bases incorporated into DNA.« less

  10. QM/MM hybrid calculation of biological macromolecules using a new interface program connecting QM and MM engines

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hagiwara, Yohsuke; Ohta, Takehiro; Tateno, Masaru

    2009-02-01

    An interface program connecting a quantum mechanics (QM) calculation engine, GAMESS, and a molecular mechanics (MM) calculation engine, AMBER, has been developed for QM/MM hybrid calculations. A protein-DNA complex is used as a test system to investigate the following two types of QM/MM schemes. In a 'subtractive' scheme, electrostatic interactions between QM/MM regions are truncated in QM calculations; in an 'additive' scheme, long-range electrostatic interactions within a cut-off distance from QM regions are introduced into one-electron integration terms of a QM Hamiltonian. In these calculations, 338 atoms are assigned as QM atoms using Hartree-Fock (HF)/density functional theory (DFT) hybrid all-electron calculations. By comparing the results of the additive and subtractive schemes, it is found that electronic structures are perturbed significantly by the introduction of MM partial charges surrounding QM regions, suggesting that biological processes occurring in functional sites are modulated by the surrounding structures. This also indicates that the effects of long-range electrostatic interactions involved in the QM Hamiltonian are crucial for accurate descriptions of electronic structures of biological macromolecules.

  11. Do surfaces of positive electrostatic potential on different halogen derivatives in molecules attract? like attracting like!

    PubMed

    Varadwaj, Arpita; Varadwaj, Pradeep R; Yamashita, Koichi

    2018-03-15

    Coulomb's law states that like charges repel, and unlike charges attract. However, it has recently been theoretically revealed that two similarly charged conducting spheres will almost always attract each other when both are in close proximity. Using multiscale first principles calculations, we illustrate practical examples of several intermolecular complexes that are formed by the consequences of attraction between positive atomic sites of similar or dissimilar electrostatic surface potential on interacting molecules. The results of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and symmetry adapted perturbation theory support the attraction between the positive sites, characterizing the F•••X (X = F, Cl, Br) intermolecular interactions in a series of 20 binary complexes as closed-shell type, although the molecular electrostatic surface potential approach does not (a failure!). Dispersion that has an r -6 dependence, where r is the equilibrium distance of separation, is found to be the sole driving force pushing the two positive sites to attract. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. M2-F1 in flight over lakebed on tow line

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1963-08-30

    Following the first M2-F1 airtow flight on 16 August 1963, the Flight Research Center used the vehicle for both research flights and to check out new lifting-body pilots. These included Bruce Peterson, Don Mallick, Fred Haise, and Bill Dana from NASA. Air Force pilots who flew the M2-F1 included Chuck Yeager, Jerry Gentry, Joe Engle, Jim Wood, and Don Sorlie, although Wood, Haise, and Engle only flew on car tows. In the three years between the first and last flights of the M2-F1, it made about 400 car tows and 77 air tows.

  13. Apparatus for use in examining the lattice of a semiconductor wafer by X-ray diffraction

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Parker, D. L.; Porter, W. A. (Inventor)

    1978-01-01

    An improved apparatus for examining the crystal lattice of a semiconductor wafer utilizing X-ray diffraction techniques was presented. The apparatus is employed in a method which includes the step of recording the image of a wafer supported in a bent configuration conforming to a compound curve, produced through the use of a vacuum chuck provided for an X-ray camera. The entire surface thereof is illuminated simultaneously by a beam of incident X-rays which are projected from a distant point-source and satisfy conditions of the Bragg Law for all points on the surface of the water.

  14. KSC-2011-7962

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2011-11-26

    CAPE CANAVERAL – Chuck Duvale, deputy director of the Launch Services Program, left, and Bob Cabana, Kennedy Space Center director, oversee the countdown in the Atlas V Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC) before the launch of the Mars Science Laboratory on an Atlas V rocket. MSL lifted off at 10:02 a.m. EST Nov. 26, beginning a 9-month interplanetary cruise to Mars. MSL's components include a car-sized rover, Curiosity, which has 10 science instruments designed to search for signs of life, including methane, and help determine if the gas is from a biological or geological source. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

  15. KSC-08pd3586

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-10-15

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the NASA Railroad and Transportation Management Team poses alongside NASA Railroad locomotive 3. From left are John Muzzy, with EG&G, Sandeep Wilkhu, with NASA, and Tony Adrade and Chuck Sturgill, with EG&G. The Railroad Operation and Maintenance Team at Kennedy completed the refurbishment of locomotive 3 in October. The 15-month process, including a new paint scheme, dealt with extensive corrosion to the locomotive because of Kennedy's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Locomotives 1 and 2 also will be refurbished eventually. The NASA Railroad locomotives are SW-1500 switch engines built by Electro Motive Diesel (EMD). Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

  16. Medical Disaster: Why Ken Mattingly Can't Have Measles in Apollo 13.

    PubMed

    Pamboukian, Sylvia A

    2016-03-01

    The film Apollo 13 depicts denial of illness and refusal of health care as key components of American masculinity. In the film, male astronauts and mission controllers deny vulnerability to measles and to urinary infections, as well as the need to sleep, to prove their manliness. This is symbolized by their ridicule of flight surgeon Dr. Chuck. Conversely, the astronauts' wives are depicted admitting vulnerability, especially insomnia. Thus, the film exploits and reinforces existing strands of American culture that view admission of illness and help-seeking as appropriate for women but not men, reinforcing denial and noncompliance as desirable male behaviors.

  17. Halogen bonding from a hard and soft acids and bases perspective: investigation by using density functional theory reactivity indices.

    PubMed

    Pinter, Balazs; Nagels, Nick; Herrebout, Wouter A; De Proft, Frank

    2013-01-07

    Halogen bonds between the trifluoromethyl halides CF(3)Cl, CF(3)Br and CF(3)I, and dimethyl ether, dimethyl sulfide, trimethylamine and trimethyl phosphine were investigated using Pearson's hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) concept with conceptual DFT reactivity indices, the Ziegler-Rauk-type energy-decomposition analysis, the natural orbital for chemical valence (NOCV) framework and the non-covalent interaction (NCI) index. It is found that the relative importance of electrostatic and orbital (charge transfer) interactions varies as a function of both the donor and acceptor molecules. Hard and soft interactions were distinguished and characterised by atomic charges, electrophilicity and local softness indices. Dual-descriptor plots indicate an orbital σ hole on the halogen similar to the electrostatic σ hole manifested in the molecular electrostatic potential. The predicted high halogen-bond-acceptor affinity of N-heterocyclic carbenes was evidenced in the highest complexation energy for the hitherto unknown CF(3) I·NHC complex. The dominant NOCV orbital represents an electron-density deformation according to a n→σ*-type interaction. The characteristic signal found in the reduced density gradient versus electron-density diagram corresponds to the non-covalent interaction between contact atoms in the NCI plots, which is the manifestation of halogen bonding within the NCI theory. The unexpected C-X bond strengthening observed in several cases was rationalised within the molecular orbital framework. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  18. Optical fiber sensors based on nanostructured coatings fabricated by means of the layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arregui, Francisco J.; Matías, Ignacio R.; Claus, Richard O.

    2007-07-01

    The Layer-by-Layer Electrostatic Self-Assembly (ESA) method has been successfully used for the design and fabrication of nanostructured materials. More specifically, this technique has been applied for the deposition of thin films on optical fibers with the purpose of fabricating different types of optical fiber sensors. In fact, optical fiber sensors for measuring humidity, temperature, pH, hydrogen peroxide, glucose, volatile organic compounds or even gluten have been already experimentally demonstrated. The versatility of this technique allows the deposition of these sensing coatings on flat substrates and complex geometries as well. For instance, nanoFabry-Perots and microgratings have been formed on cleaved ends of optical fibers (flat surfaces) and also sensing coatings have been built onto long period gratings (cylindrical shape), tapered fiber ends (conical shape), biconically tapered fibers or even the internal side of hollow core fibers. Among the different materials used for the construction of these sensing nanostructured coatings, diverse types such as polymers, inorganic semiconductors, colorimetric indicators, fluorescent dyes, quantum dots or even biological elements as enzymes can be found. This technique opens the door to the fabrication of new types of optical fiber sensors.

  19. The electron-cyclotron maser instability as a source of plasma radiation. [Solar radio bursts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Winglee, R. M.; Dulk, G. A.

    1986-01-01

    The generation of continuum bursts from the sun at dm and m wavelengths (in particular, type IV bursts) via the electron-cyclotron-maser instability is examined. The maser instability can be driven by an electron distribution with either a loss-cone anisotropy or a peak at large pitch angles. For omega(p)/Omega(e) much greater than 1, the maser emission is produced by electrons interacting through a harmonic (cyclotron) resonance and is electrostatic, being in the upper hybrid mode at frequencies approximately equal to omega(p). Coalescence processes are required to convert the electrostatic waves into transverse radiation which can escape from the source region. Whether the resultant spectrum is nearly a smooth continuum or has a zebra-stripe pattern (both of which occur in type IV bursts) depends on the form of the electron distribution, inhomogeneities in the density and magnetic field, and whether the maser reaches saturation. For at least the case of some type IV dm bursts with fine structure, comparison with observations seems to indicate that the electrons producing the emission are more likely to have a loss-cone distribution, and that the maser instability is not at saturation.

  20. Compact electrostatic comb actuator

    DOEpatents

    Rodgers, M. Steven; Burg, Michael S.; Jensen, Brian D.; Miller, Samuel L.; Barnes, Stephen M.

    2000-01-01

    A compact electrostatic comb actuator is disclosed for microelectromechanical (MEM) applications. The actuator is based upon a plurality of meshed electrostatic combs, some of which are stationary and others of which are moveable. One or more restoring springs are fabricated within an outline of the electrostatic combs (i.e. superposed with the moveable electrostatic combs) to considerably reduce the space required for the actuator. Additionally, a truss structure is provided to support the moveable electrostatic combs and prevent bending or distortion of these combs due to unbalanced electrostatic forces or external loading. The truss structure formed about the moveable electrostatic combs allows the spacing between the interdigitated fingers of the combs to be reduced to about one micron or less, thereby substantially increasing the number of active fingers which can be provided in a given area. Finally, electrostatic shields can be used in the actuator to substantially reduce unwanted electrostatic fields to further improve performance of the device. As a result, the compact electrostatic comb actuator of the present invention occupies only a fraction of the space required for conventional electrostatic comb actuators, while providing a substantial increase in the available drive force (up to one-hundred times).

  1. Electrostatic odd symmetric eigenmode in inhomogeneous Bernstein-Greene-Kruskal equilibrium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Woo, M.-H.; Dokgo, K.; Yoon, Peter H.; Lee, D.-Y.; Choi, Cheong R.

    2018-04-01

    A self-consistent electrostatic odd-symmetric eigenmode (OEM) is analytically found in a solitary type Bernstein-Greene-Kruskal (BGK) equilibrium. The frequency of the OEM is order of the electron bounce frequency and it is spatially odd-symmetric with the scale comparable to that of the solitary BGK equilibrium structure. Such an OEM is consistent with the recent observation from particle-in-cell simulation of the solitary wave [Dokgo et al., Phys. Plasmas 23, 092107 (2016)]. The mode can be driven unstable by trapped electrons within the hole structure of the solitary wave. Such a low frequency, pure electron mode, which may possibly interact resonantly with the ion acoustic mode, provides a possible damping mechanism of the BGK equilibrium.

  2. Electrodynamic Dust Shield for Solar Panels on Mars

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Calle, C. I.; Buhler, C. R.; Mantovani, J. G.; Clements S.; Chen, A.; Mazumder, M. K.; Biris, A. S.; Nowicki, A. W.

    2004-01-01

    The Materials Adherence Experiment on the Mars Pathfinder mission measured an obscuration of the solar arrays due to dust deposition at a rate of about 0.2 8% per day. It was estimated that settling dust may cause degradation in performance of a solar panel of between 22% and 89% over the course of two years [1, 2]. These results were obtained without the presence of a global dust storm. Several types of adherence forces keep dust particles attached to surfaces. The most widely discussed adherence force is the electrostatic force. Laboratory experiments [3] as well as indirect evidence from the Wheel Abrasion Experiment on Pathfinder [4] indicate that it is very likely that the particles suspended in the Martian atmosphere are electrostatically charged.

  3. The use of shale ash in dry mix construction materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gulbe, L.; Setina, J.; Juhnevica, I.

    2017-10-01

    The research was made to determine the use of shale ash usage in dry mix construction materials by replacing part of cement amount. Cement mortar ZM produced by SIA Sakret and two types of shale ashes from Narva Power plant (cyclone ash and electrostatic precipitator ash) were used. Fresh mortar properties, hardened mortar bulk density, thermal conductivity (λ10, dry) (table value) were tested in mortar ZM samples and mortar samples in which 20% of the amount of cement was replaced by ash. Compressive strenght, frost resistance and resistance to sulphate salt solutions were checked. It was stated that the use of electrostatic precipitator ash had a little change of the material properties, but the cyclone ash significantly reduced the mechanical strength of the material.

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

    Gruenwald, J., E-mail: johannes.gruenwald@inp-greifswald.de; Fröhlich, M.

    A model of the behavior of transit time instabilities in an electrostatic confinement fusion reactor is presented in this letter. It is demonstrated that different modes are excited within the spherical cathode of a Farnsworth fusor. Each of these modes is dependent on the fusion products as well as the acceleration voltage applied between the two electrodes and they couple to a resulting oscillation showing non-linear beat phenomena. This type of instability is similar to the transit time instability of electrons between two resonant surfaces but the presence of ions and the occurring fusion reactions alter the physics of thismore » instability considerably. The physics of this plasma instability is examined in detail for typical physical parameter ranges of electrostatic confinement fusion devices.« less

  5. Cloning and Characterization of the Mouse Hepatitis Virus Receptor

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-02-11

    materials. Viruses may also adhere to cell surfaces non-specifically through electrostatic interactions (Tardieu et al., 1982). Virus particles might be... viruses can utilize more than one type of receptor and that specific virus receptors may be present in low numbers on the cell surface or may be labile...known example of this type of interaction is the enhancement of virus infection by antibodies, which has been demonstrated for several viruses

  6. Communicating Networked Control Systems

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-03-31

    Parker, G. G., Bettig B. P., and Bifano T.G., “Simple models for piston- type micromirror behavior,” J. Micromech. Microeng. [16] pp. 303–313, 2006...Optical Engineering [41]3, pp. 561-566, 2002. 37. Horenstein, M., Pappas, S., Fishov, A., and Bifano, T.G., “Electrostatic Micromirrors for Subaperturing

  7. The comparative morphology of the muscle tissues and changes in constituents in the pig types.

    PubMed

    Fehér, G; Fazekas, S; Sándor, I; Kollár, N

    1990-09-01

    The authors have revealed the main value characteristics of pork production by testing in five different types of pig the volume of contractile and collagen proteins, that of proteoglycans, the constituents of blood and the enzymes of the blood plasma. The contractile proteins of the muscle tissues basically determine the quality of pork. The same applies to the water retention capacity, colloidal characteristics and glycogen content of meat. The amount of contractile proteins has decreased in the best meat producing types of pig. Parallel with the decrease of white meat, and with the increase in the volume of ham, chop and chuck the contractile protein content of muscles decreased. The scientific fact according to which there is a certain correlation among the changes in the volume of contractile proteins, blood sugar level, blood serum CPK and the intensity of activity of the LDH enzymes promotes the qualifying of live animals and the work of the geneticists aiming at the increasing of the contractile protein content of the muscle tissues of pigs by selection. According to tests carried out by us the primary cause of PSE changes is a decreased volume of contractile proteins. Increased stress sensitivity and all the other factors have but a secondary importance and are all consequential. The decrease in the quantity of contractile proteins or--it is better to put it this way--the lack of the proper amount of such proteins characterizing a fully developed pig's organism is caused by the nowadays usual breeding technologies and can be well explained by those selection activities which aim at a one-sided kind of pork production.

  8. Turbulent particulate transportation during electrostatic precipitation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Choi, Bum Seog

    The generation of secondary flows and turbulence by a corona discharge influences particle transport in an electrostatic precipitator (ESP), and is known to play an important role in the particle collection process. However, it is difficult to characterise theoretically and experimentally the ``turbulent'' fluctuations of the gas flow produced by negative tuft corona. Because of this difficulty, only limited studies have been undertaken previously to understand the structure of corona-induced turbulence and its influence on particle transport in ESPs. The present study is aimed at modelling electrohydrodynamic turbulent flows and particle transport, and at establishing an unproved understanding of them. For a multiply interactive coupling of electrostatics, fluid dynamics and particle dynamics, a strongly coupled system of the governing equations has been solved. The present computer model has considered the most important interaction mechanisms including an ionic wind, corona- induced turbulence and the particle space charge effect. Numerical simulations have been performed for the extensive validation of the numerical and physical models. To account for electrically excited turbulence associated with the inhomogeneous and unsteady characteristics of negative corona discharges, a new turbulence model (called the electrostatic turbulence model) has been developed. In this, an additional production or destruction term is included into the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate equations. It employs a gradient type model of the current density and an electrostatic diffusivity concept. The results of the computation show that the electrostatic turbulence model gives much better agreement with the experimental data than the conventional RNG k-ɛ turbulence model when predicting turbulent gas flows and particle distributions in an ESP. Computations of turbulent particulate two-phase flows for both mono-dispersed and poly-dispersed particles have been performed. The effects of coriona-induced turbulence and the particle space charge on particle transport and the collection process have been investigated. The calculated results for the poly-dispersed particulate flow were compared with those of the mono-dispersed particulate flow, and significant differences were demonstrated. It is established that effective particle- particle interaction occurs, due to the influence of the particle space charge, even for dilute gas-particle flows that occur in ESPs.

  9. Iterative design of peptide-based hydrogels and the effect of network electrostatics on primary chondrocyte behavior

    PubMed Central

    Sinthuvanich, Chomdao; Haines-Butterick, Lisa A.; Nagy, Katelyn J.; Schneider, Joel P.

    2012-01-01

    Iterative peptide design was used to generate two peptide-based hydrogels to study the effect of network electrostatics on primary chondrocyte behavior. MAX8 and HLT2 peptides have formal charge states of +7 and +5 per monomer, respectively. These peptides undergo triggered folding and self-assembly to afford hydrogel networks having similar rheological behavior and local network morphologies, yet different electrostatic character. Each gel can be used to directly encapsulate and syringe-deliver cells. The influence of network electrostatics on cell viability after encapsulation and delivery, extracellular matrix deposition, gene expression, and the bulk mechanical properties of the gel-cell constructs as a function of culture time was assessed. The less electropositive HLT2 gel provides a microenvironment more conducive to chondrocyte encapsulation, delivery, and phenotype maintenance. Cell viability was higher for this gel and although a moderate number of cells dedifferentiated to a fibroblast-like phenotype, many retained their chondrocytic behavior. As a result, gel-cell constructs prepared with HLT2, cultured under static in vitro conditions, contained more GAG and type II collagen resulting in mechanically superior constructs. Chondrocytes delivered in the more electropositive MAX8 gel experienced a greater degree of cell death during encapsulation and delivery and the remaining viable cells were less prone to maintain their phenotype. As a result, MAX8 gel-cell constructs had fewer cells, of which a limited number were capable of laying down cartilage-specific ECM. PMID:22841922

  10. Beyond the continuum: how molecular solvent structure affects electrostatics and hydrodynamics at solid-electrolyte interfaces.

    PubMed

    Bonthuis, Douwe Jan; Netz, Roland R

    2013-10-03

    Standard continuum theory fails to predict several key experimental results of electrostatic and electrokinetic measurements at aqueous electrolyte interfaces. In order to extend the continuum theory to include the effects of molecular solvent structure, we generalize the equations for electrokinetic transport to incorporate a space dependent dielectric profile, viscosity profile, and non-electrostatic interaction potential. All necessary profiles are extracted from atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We show that the MD results for the ion-specific distribution of counterions at charged hydrophilic and hydrophobic interfaces are accurately reproduced using the dielectric profile of pure water and a non-electrostatic repulsion in an extended Poisson-Boltzmann equation. The distributions of Na(+) at both surface types and Cl(-) at hydrophilic surfaces can be modeled using linear dielectric response theory, whereas for Cl(-) at hydrophobic surfaces it is necessary to apply nonlinear response theory. The extended Poisson-Boltzmann equation reproduces the experimental values of the double-layer capacitance for many different carbon-based surfaces. In conjunction with a generalized hydrodynamic theory that accounts for a space dependent viscosity, the model captures the experimentally observed saturation of the electrokinetic mobility as a function of the bare surface charge density and the so-called anomalous double-layer conductivity. The two-scale approach employed here-MD simulations and continuum theory-constitutes a successful modeling scheme, providing basic insight into the molecular origins of the static and kinetic properties of charged surfaces, and allowing quantitative modeling at low computational cost.

  11. Iterative design of peptide-based hydrogels and the effect of network electrostatics on primary chondrocyte behavior.

    PubMed

    Sinthuvanich, Chomdao; Haines-Butterick, Lisa A; Nagy, Katelyn J; Schneider, Joel P

    2012-10-01

    Iterative peptide design was used to generate two peptide-based hydrogels to study the effect of network electrostatics on primary chondrocyte behavior. MAX8 and HLT2 peptides have formal charge states of +7 and +5 per monomer, respectively. These peptides undergo triggered folding and self-assembly to afford hydrogel networks having similar rheological behavior and local network morphologies, yet different electrostatic character. Each gel can be used to directly encapsulate and syringe-deliver cells. The influence of network electrostatics on cell viability after encapsulation and delivery, extracellular matrix deposition, gene expression, and the bulk mechanical properties of the gel-cell constructs as a function of culture time was assessed. The less electropositive HLT2 gel provides a microenvironment more conducive to chondrocyte encapsulation, delivery, and phenotype maintenance. Cell viability was higher for this gel and although a moderate number of cells dedifferentiated to a fibroblast-like phenotype, many retained their chondrocytic behavior. As a result, gel-cell constructs prepared with HLT2, cultured under static in vitro conditions, contained more GAG and type II collagen resulting in mechanically superior constructs. Chondrocytes delivered in the more electropositive MAX8 gel experienced a greater degree of cell death during encapsulation and delivery and the remaining viable cells were less prone to maintain their phenotype. As a result, MAX8 gel-cell constructs had fewer cells, of which a limited number were capable of laying down cartilage-specific ECM. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  12. Study on the shrinkage behavior and conductivity of silver microwires during electrostatic field assisted sintering

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shangguan, Lei; Ma, Liuhong; Li, Mengke; Peng, Wei; Zhong, Yinghui; Su, Yufeng; Duan, Zhiyong

    2018-05-01

    An electrostatic field was applied to sintering Ag microwires to achieve a more compact structure and better conductivity. The shrinkage behavior of Ag microwires shows anisotropy, since bigger particle sizes, less micropores and smoother surfaces were observed in the direction of the electrostatic field in comparsion with the direction perpendicular to the electrostatic field, and the shrinkage rate of Ag microwires in the direction of electrostatic field improves about 2.4% with the electrostatic field intensity of 800 V cm‑1. The electrostatic field assisted sintering model of Ag microwires is proposed according to thermal diffuse dynamics analysis and experimental research. Moreover, the grain size of Ag microwres sintered with electrostatic field increases with the electrostatic field intensity and reaches 113 nm when the electrostatic field intensity is 800 V cm‑1, and the resistivity decreases to 2.07  ×  10‑8 Ω m as well. This method may overcome the restriction of metal wires which fabricated by the pseudoplastic metal nanoparticle fluid and be used as interconnects in nanoimprint lithography.

  13. Protein electrostatics: a review of the equations and methods used to model electrostatic equations in biomolecules--applications in biotechnology.

    PubMed

    Neves-Petersen, Maria Teresa; Petersen, Steffen B

    2003-01-01

    The molecular understanding of the initial interaction between a protein and, e.g., its substrate, a surface or an inhibitor is essentially an understanding of the role of electrostatics in intermolecular interactions. When studying biomolecules it is becoming increasingly evident that electrostatic interactions play a role in folding, conformational stability, enzyme activity and binding energies as well as in protein-protein interactions. In this chapter we present the key basic equations of electrostatics necessary to derive the equations used to model electrostatic interactions in biomolecules. We will also address how to solve such equations. This chapter is divided into two major sections. In the first part we will review the basic Maxwell equations of electrostatics equations called the Laws of Electrostatics that combined will result in the Poisson equation. This equation is the starting point of the Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation used to model electrostatic interactions in biomolecules. Concepts as electric field lines, equipotential surfaces, electrostatic energy and when can electrostatics be applied to study interactions between charges will be addressed. In the second part we will arrive at the electrostatic equations for dielectric media such as a protein. We will address the theory of dielectrics and arrive at the Poisson equation for dielectric media and at the PB equation, the main equation used to model electrostatic interactions in biomolecules (e.g., proteins, DNA). It will be shown how to compute forces and potentials in a dielectric medium. In order to solve the PB equation we will present the continuum electrostatic models, namely the Tanford-Kirkwood and the modified Tandord-Kirkwood methods. Priority will be given to finding the protonation state of proteins prior to solving the PB equation. We also present some methods that can be used to map and study the electrostatic potential distribution on the molecular surface of proteins. The combination of graphical visualisation of the electrostatic fields combined with knowledge about the location of key residues on the protein surface allows us to envision atomic models for enzyme function. Finally, we exemplify the use of some of these methods on the enzymes of the lipase family.

  14. Differences in the electrostatic surfaces of the type III secretion needle proteins PrgI, BsaL, and MxiH.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yu; Ouellette, Andrew N; Egan, Chet W; Rathinavelan, Thenmalarchelvi; Im, Wonpil; De Guzman, Roberto N

    2007-08-31

    Gram-negative bacteria use a needle-like protein assembly, the type III secretion apparatus, to inject virulence factors into target cells to initiate human disease. The needle is formed by the polymerization of approximately 120 copies of a small acidic protein that is conserved among diverse pathogens. We previously reported the structure of the BsaL needle monomer from Burkholderia pseudomallei by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and others have determined the crystal structure of the Shigella flexneri MxiH needle. Here, we report the NMR structure of the PrgI needle protein of Salmonella typhimurium, a human pathogen associated with food poisoning. PrgI, BsaL, and MxiH form similar two helix bundles, however, the electrostatic surfaces of PrgI differ radically from those of BsaL or MxiH. In BsaL and MxiH, a large negative area is on a face formed by the helix alpha1-alpha2 interface. In PrgI, the major negatively charged surface is not on the "face" but instead is on the "side" of the two-helix bundle, and only residues from helix alpha1 contribute to this negative region. Despite being highly acidic proteins, these molecules contain large basic regions, suggesting that electrostatic contacts are important in needle assembly. Our results also suggest that needle-packing interactions may be different among these bacteria and provide the structural basis for why PrgI and MxiH, despite 63% sequence identity, are not interchangeable in S. typhimurium and S. flexneri.

  15. Loop electrostatics modulates the intersubunit interactions in ferritin.

    PubMed

    Bernacchioni, Caterina; Ghini, Veronica; Pozzi, Cecilia; Di Pisa, Flavio; Theil, Elizabeth C; Turano, Paola

    2014-11-21

    Functional ferritins are 24-mer nanocages that self-assemble with extended contacts between pairs of 4-helix bundle subunits coupled in an antiparallel fashion along the C2 axes. The largest intersubunit interaction surface in the ferritin nanocage involves helices, but contacts also occur between groups of three residues midway in the long, solvent-exposed L-loops of facing subunits. The anchor points between intersubunit L-loop pairs are the salt bridges between the symmetry-related, conserved residues Asp80 and Lys82. The resulting quaternary structure of the cage is highly soluble and thermostable. Substitution of negatively charged Asp80 with a positively charged Lys in homopolymeric M ferritin introduces electrostatic repulsions that inhibit the oligomerization of the ferritin subunits. D80K ferritin was present in inclusion bodies under standard overexpressing conditions in E. coli, contrasting with the wild type protein. Small amounts of fully functional D80K nanocages formed when expression was slowed. The more positively charged surface results in a different solubility profile and D80K crystallized in a crystal form with a low density packing. The 3D structure of D80K variant is the same as wild type except for the side chain orientations of Lys80 and facing Lys82. When three contiguous Lys groups are introduced in D80KI81K ferritin variant the nanocage assembly is further inhibited leading to lower solubility and reduced thermal stability. Here, we demonstrate that the electrostatic pairing at the center of the L-loops has a specific kinetic role in the self-assembly of ferritin nanocages.

  16. Combinatorial multispectral, thermodynamics, docking and site-directed mutagenesis reveal the cognitive characteristics of honey bee chemosensory protein to plant semiochemical.

    PubMed

    Tan, Jing; Song, Xinmi; Fu, Xiaobin; Wu, Fan; Hu, Fuliang; Li, Hongliang

    2018-08-05

    In the chemoreceptive system of insects, there are always some soluble binding proteins, such as some antennal-specific chemosensory proteins (CSPs), which are abundantly distributed in the chemosensory sensillar lymph. The antennal-specific CSPs usually have strong capability to bind diverse semiochemicals, while the detailed interaction between CSPs and the semiochemicals remain unclear. Here, by means of the combinatorial multispectral, thermodynamics, docking and site-directed mutagenesis, we detailedly interpreted a binding interaction between a plant semiochemical β-ionone and antennal-specific CSP1 from the worker honey bee. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔH < 0, ΔS > 0) indicate that the interaction is mainly driven by hydrophobic forces and electrostatic interactions. Docking prediction results showed that there are two key amino acids, Phe44 and Gln63, may be involved in the interacting process of CSP1 to β-ionone. In order to confirm the two key amino acids, site-directed mutagenesis were performed and the binding constant (K A ) for two CSP1 mutant proteins was reduced by 60.82% and 46.80% compared to wild-type CSP1. The thermodynamic analysis of mutant proteins furtherly verified that Phe44 maintained an electrostatic interaction and Gln63 contributes hydrophobic and electrostatic forces. Our investigation initially elucidates the physicochemical mechanism of the interaction between antennal-special CSPs in insects including bees to plant semiochemicals, as well as the development of twice thermodynamic analysis (wild type and mutant proteins) combined with multispectral and site-directed mutagenesis methods. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. On the longitudinal distribution of electric field in the acceleration zones of plasma accelerators and thrusters with closed electron drift

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, V. P.

    2017-04-01

    The long-term experience in controlling the electric field distribution in the discharge gaps of plasma accelerators and thrusters with closed electron drift and the key ideas determining the concepts of these devices and tendencies of their development are analyzed. It is shown that an electrostatic mechanism of ion acceleration in plasma by an uncompensated space charge of the cloud of magnetized electrons "kept" to the magnetic field takes place in the acceleration zones and that the electric field distribution can be controlled by varying the magnetic field in the discharge gap. The role played by the space charge makes the mechanism of ion acceleration in this type of thrusters is fundamentally different from the acceleration mechanism operating in purely electrostatic thrusters.

  18. Plasma waves near saturn: initial results from voyager 1.

    PubMed

    Gurnett, D A; Kurth, W S; Scarf, F L

    1981-04-10

    The Voyager 1 plasma wave instrument detected many familiar types of plasma waves during the encounter with Saturn, including ion-acoustic waves and electron plasma oscillations upstream of the bow shock, an intense burst of electrostatic noise at the shock, and chorus, hiss, electrostatic electron cyclotron waves, and upper hybrid resonance emissions in the inner magnetosphere. A clocklike Saturn rotational control of low-frequency radio emissions was observed, and evidence was obtained of possible control by the moon Dione. Strong plasma wave emissions were detected at the Titan encounter indicating the presence of a turbulent sheath extending around Titan, and upper hybrid resonance measurements of the electron density show the existence of a dense plume of plasma being carried downstream of Titan by the interaction with the rapidly rotating magnetosphere of Saturn.

  19. Beam property measurement of a 300-kV ion source test stand for a 1-MV electrostatic accelerator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, Sae-Hoon; Kim, Dae-Il; Kim, Yu-Seok

    2016-09-01

    The KOMAC (Korea Multi-purpose Accelerator Complex) has been developing a 300-kV ion source test stand for a 1-MV electrostatic accelerator for industrial purposes. A RF ion source was operated at 200 MHz with its matching circuit. The beam profile and emittance were measured behind an accelerating column to confirm the beam property from the RF ion source. The beam profile was measured at the end of the accelerating tube and at the beam dump by using a beam profile monitor (BPM) and wire scanner. An Allison-type emittance scanner was installed behind the beam profile monitor (BPM) to measure the beam density in phase space. The measurement results for the beam profile and emittance are presented in this paper.

  20. Electrostatic accelerators with high energy resolution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Uchiyama, T.; Agawa, Y.; Nishihashi, T.; Takagi, K.; Yamakawa, H.; Isoya, A.; Takai, M.; Namba, S.

    1991-05-01

    Several models of electrostatic accelerators based on rotating disks (Disktron) have been manufactured for various ion beam applications like surface analyses and implantation. The high voltage terminal of the Disktron with a terminal voltage of up to 500 kV is open in air, while the generator part is enclosed in FRP (fiber reinforced plastics) or a ceramic vessel filled with sf 6 gas. The 1 MV model is completely enclosed in a steel vessel. A compact tandem accelerator of the pellet chain type with a terminal voltage of 1.5 MV has also been manufactured. The good energy stability of these accelerators, typically in the range of 10 -4, has proved to be quite favorable for applications in precise studies of material surfaces, including the use of microbeam techniques.

  1. Investigation of Electrostatic Accelerometer in HUST for Space Science Missions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bai, Yanzheng; Hu, Ming; Li, Gui; Liu, Li; Qu, Shaobo; Wu, Shuchao; Zhou, Zebing

    2014-05-01

    High-precision electrostatic accelerometers are significant payload in CHAMP, GRACE and GOCE gravity missions to measure the non-gravitational forces. In our group, space electrostatic accelerometer and inertial sensor based on the capacitive sensors and electrostatic control technique has been investigated for space science research in China such as testing of equivalence principle (TEPO), searching non-Newtonian force in micrometer range, satellite Earth's field recovery and so on. In our group, a capacitive position sensor with a resolution of 10-7pF/Hz1/2 and the μV/Hz1/2 level electrostatic actuator are developed. The fiber torsion pendulum facility is adopt to measure the parameters of the electrostatic controlled inertial sensor such as the resolution, and the electrostatic stiffness, the cross couple between different DOFs. Meanwhile, high voltage suspension and free fall methods are applied to verify the function of electrostatic accelerometer. Last, the engineering model of electrostatic accelerometer has been developed and tested successfully in space and preliminary results are present.

  2. Proceedings of an ESA-NASA Workshop on a Joint Solid Earth Program

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Guyenne, T. Duc (Editor); Hunt, James J. (Editor)

    1987-01-01

    The NASA geodynamics program; spaceborne magnetometry; spaceborne gravity gradiometry (characterizing the data type); terrestrial gravity data and comparisons with satellite data; GRADIO three-axis electrostatic accelerometers; gradiometer accommodation on board a drag-free satellite; gradiometer mission spectral analysis and simulation studies; and an opto-electronic accelerometer system were discussed.

  3. Reconfigurable Full-Page Braille Displays

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Garner, H. Douglas

    1994-01-01

    Electrically actuated braille display cells of proposed type arrayed together to form full-page braille displays. Like other braille display cells, these provide changeable patterns of bumps driven by digitally recorded text stored on magnetic tapes or in solid-state electronic memories. Proposed cells contain electrorheological fluid. Viscosity of such fluid increases in strong electrostatic field.

  4. Electrostatics in protein–protein docking

    PubMed Central

    Heifetz, Alexander; Katchalski-Katzir, Ephraim; Eisenstein, Miriam

    2002-01-01

    A novel geometric-electrostatic docking algorithm is presented, which tests and quantifies the electrostatic complementarity of the molecular surfaces together with the shape complementarity. We represent each molecule to be docked as a grid of complex numbers, storing information regarding the shape of the molecule in the real part and information regarding the electrostatic character of the molecule in the imaginary part. The electrostatic descriptors are derived from the electrostatic potential of the molecule. Thus, the electrostatic character of the molecule is represented as patches of positive, neutral, or negative values. The potential for each molecule is calculated only once and stored as potential spheres adequate for exhaustive rotation/translation scans. The geometric-electrostatic docking algorithm is applied to 17 systems, starting form the structures of the unbound molecules. The results—in terms of the complementarity scores of the nearly correct solutions, their ranking in the lists of sorted solutions, and their statistical uniqueness—are compared with those of geometric docking, showing that the inclusion of electrostatic complementarity in docking is very important, in particular in docking of unbound structures. Based on our results, we formulate several "good electrostatic docking rules": The geometric-electrostatic docking procedure is more successful than geometric docking when the potential patches are large and when the potential extends away from the molecular surface and protrudes into the solvent. In contrast, geometric docking is recommended when the electrostatic potential around the molecules to be docked appears homogenous, that is, with a similar sign all around the molecule. PMID:11847280

  5. Existence domain of electrostatic solitary waves in the lunar wake

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rubia, R.; Singh, S. V.; Lakhina, G. S.

    2018-03-01

    Electrostatic solitary waves (ESWs) and double layers are explored in a four-component plasma consisting of hot protons, hot heavier ions (He++), electron beam, and suprathermal electrons having κ-distribution using the Sagdeev pseudopotential method. Three modes exist: slow and fast ion-acoustic modes and electron-acoustic mode. The occurrence of ESWs and their existence domain as a function of various plasma parameters, such as the number densities of ions and electron beam, the spectral index, κ, the electron beam velocity, the temperatures of ions, and electron beam, are analyzed. It is observed that both the slow and fast ion-acoustic modes support both positive and negative potential solitons as well as their coexistence. Further, they support a "forbidden gap," the region in which the soliton ceases to propagate. In addition, slow ion-acoustic solitons support the existence of both positive and negative potential double layers. The electron-acoustic mode is only found to support negative potential solitons for parameters relevant to the lunar wake plasma. Fast Fourier transform of a soliton electric field produces a broadband frequency spectrum. It is suggested that all three soliton types taken together can provide a good explanation for the observed electrostatic waves in the lunar wake.

  6. Factors that influence the efficiency of a fluidized-bed-type tribo-electrostatic separator for mixed granular plastics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dascalescu, L.; Fati, O.; Bilici, M.; Rahou, F.; Dragan, C.; Samuila, A.; Iuga, A.

    2011-06-01

    Fluidized bed devices have already been used as tribochargers for various industrial electrostatic separation processes. In the present paper, the authors investigate the behaviour of polyamide - polycarbonate granular plastic mixtures in a parallelepiped bed, the height of which is roughly 2 times its length or width, so that the collisions between granules become the prevailing tribocharging mechanism. Two of the opposite walls of the tribocharging chamber consist of metallic plates connected to two DC high-voltage supplies of opposite polarities, so that the charged particles are attracted to the electrodes and separated while still in the fluidized state. The collecting hoppers are designed as Faraday cups connected to two electrometers, thus allowing the instantaneous measurement of the charge carried by the separated particles. Experimental design methodology was employed for the optimization of the tribo-aero-electrostatic separation process, the input variables being the high-voltage applied to the electrodes and the duration of the tribocharging. Higher voltages applied to the electrode system do not necessarily lead to larger quantities of collected products but improve the purity of the concentrates. The composition of the mixture influences the outcome of the process.

  7. Probing size-dependent electrokinetics of hematite aggregates

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

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

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

  8. Effect of high density H 2 plasmas on InGaP/GaAs and AlGaAs/GaAs HEMTs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ren, F.; Kopf, R. F.; Kuo, J. M.; Lothian, J. R.; Lee, J. W.; Pearton, S. J.; Shul, R. J.; Constantine, C.; Johnson, D.

    1998-05-01

    InGaP/GaAs and AlGaAs/GaAs high electron mobility transistors have been exposed to inductively coupled plasma or electron cyclotron resonance H 2 plasmas as a function of pressure, source power and rf chuck power. The transconductance, gate ideality factor and saturated drain-source current are all degraded by the plasma treatment. Two mechanisms are identified: passivation of Si dopants in the InGaP or AlGaAs donor layers by H 0 and lattice disorder created by H + and H 2+ ion bombardment. HEMTs are found to be more susceptible to plasma-induced degradation than heterojunction bipolar transistors.

  9. KSC-2013-4536

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2013-11-28

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Atlas V Spaceflight Operations Center NASA managers monitor progress of the countdown for the launch the agency's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution, or MAVEN, spacecraft. From the left are Amanda Mitskevich, program manager of NASA's Launch Services Program, or LSP, and Chuck Dovale, deputy program manager of LSP. MAVEN was launched on Nov. 18, 2013 from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Positioned in an orbit above the Red Planet, MAVEN will study the upper atmosphere of Mars in unprecedented detail. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

  10. KSC-2012-3646

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2012-07-03

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Chuck Hardison of Boeing provides a Commercial Crew Transportation System overview for participants of the International Space University session on July 3 in Operations Support Building II at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The International Space University is a nine-week intensive course designed for post-graduate university students and professionals during the summer. The program is hosted by a different country each year, providing a unique educational experience for participants from around the world. NASA Kennedy Space Center and the Florida Institute of Technology are co-hosting this year's event which runs from June 4 to Aug. 3. There are about 125 participants representing 31 countries. For more information, visit http://www.isunet.edu Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  11. Electrostatic potential map modelling with COSY Infinity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maloney, J. A.; Baartman, R.; Planche, T.; Saminathan, S.

    2016-06-01

    COSY Infinity (Makino and Berz, 2005) is a differential-algebra based simulation code which allows accurate calculation of transfer maps to arbitrary order. COSY's existing internal procedures were modified to allow electrostatic elements to be specified using an array of field potential data from the midplane. Additionally, a new procedure was created allowing electrostatic elements and their fringe fields to be specified by an analytic function. This allows greater flexibility in accurately modelling electrostatic elements and their fringe fields. Applied examples of these new procedures are presented including the modelling of a shunted electrostatic multipole designed with OPERA, a spherical electrostatic bender, and the effects of different shaped apertures in an electrostatic beam line.

  12. A Repulsive Electrostatic Mechanism for Protein Export through the Type III Secretion Apparatus

    PubMed Central

    Rathinavelan, Thenmalarchelvi; Zhang, Lingling; Picking, Wendy L.; Weis, David D.; De Guzman, Roberto N.; Im, Wonpil

    2010-01-01

    Abstract Many Gram-negative bacteria initiate infections by injecting effector proteins into host cells through the type III secretion apparatus, which is comprised of a basal body, a needle, and a tip. The needle channel is formed by the assembly of a single needle protein. To explore the export mechanisms of MxiH needle protein through the needle of Shigella flexneri, an essential step during needle assembly, we have performed steered molecular dynamics simulations in implicit solvent. The trajectories reveal a screwlike rotation motion during the export of nativelike helix-turn-helix conformations. Interestingly, the channel interior with excessive electronegative potential creates an energy barrier for MxiH to enter the channel, whereas the same may facilitate the ejection of the effectors into host cells. Structurally known basal regions and ATPase underneath the basal region also have electronegative interiors. Effector proteins also have considerable electronegative potential patches on their surfaces. From these observations, we propose a repulsive electrostatic mechanism for protein translocation through the type III secretion apparatus. Based on this mechanism, the ATPase activity and/or proton motive force could be used to energize the protein translocation through these nanomachines. A similar mechanism may be applicable to macromolecular channels in other secretion systems or viruses through which proteins or nucleic acids are transported. PMID:20141759

  13. Amplitude modulation of quantum-ion-acoustic wavepackets in electron-positron-ion plasmas: Modulational instability, envelope modes, extreme wavesa)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rahman, Ata-ur-; Kerr, Michael Mc; El-Taibany, Wael F.; Kourakis, Ioannis; Qamar, A.

    2015-02-01

    A semirelativistic fluid model is employed to describe the nonlinear amplitude modulation of low-frequency (ionic scale) electrostatic waves in an unmagnetized electron-positron-ion plasma. Electrons and positrons are assumed to be degenerated and inertialess, whereas ions are warm and classical. A multiscale perturbation method is used to derive a nonlinear Schrödinger equation for the envelope amplitude, based on which the occurrence of modulational instability is investigated in detail. Various types of localized ion acoustic excitations are shown to exist, in the form of either bright type envelope solitons (envelope pulses) or dark-type envelope solitons (voids, holes). The plasma configurational parameters (namely, the relativistic degeneracy parameter, the positron concentration, and the ionic temperature) are shown to affect the conditions for modulational instability significantly, in fact modifying the associated threshold as well as the instability growth rate. In particular, the relativistic degeneracy parameter leads to an enhancement of the modulational instability mechanism. Furthermore, the effect of different relevant plasma parameters on the characteristics (amplitude, width) of these envelope solitary structures is also presented in detail. Finally, the occurrence of extreme amplitude excitation (rogue waves) is also discussed briefly. Our results aim at elucidating the formation and dynamics of nonlinear electrostatic excitations in superdense astrophysical regimes.

  14. Electrostatic energy analyzer measurements of low energy zirconium beam parameters in a plasma sputter-type negative ion source

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

    Malapit, Giovanni M.; Department of Physical Sciences, University of the Philippines Baguio, Baguio City 2600; Mahinay, Christian Lorenz S.

    2012-02-15

    A plasma sputter-type negative ion source is utilized to produce and detect negative Zr ions with energies between 150 and 450 eV via a retarding potential-type electrostatic energy analyzer. Traditional and modified semi-cylindrical Faraday cups (FC) inside the analyzer are employed to sample negative Zr ions and measure corresponding ion currents. The traditional FC registered indistinct ion current readings which are attributed to backscattering of ions and secondary electron emissions. The modified Faraday cup with biased repeller guard ring, cut out these signal distortions leaving only ringings as issues which are theoretically compensated by fitting a sigmoidal function into themore » data. The mean energy and energy spread are calculated using the ion current versus retarding potential data while the beam width values are determined from the data of the transverse measurement of ion current. The most energetic negative Zr ions yield tighter energy spread at 4.11 eV compared to the least energetic negative Zr ions at 4.79 eV. The smallest calculated beam width is 1.04 cm for the negative Zr ions with the highest mean energy indicating a more focused beam in contrast to the less energetic negative Zr ions due to space charge forces.« less

  15. Fluctuation reduction and enhanced confinement in the MST reversed-field pinch

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

    Chapman, Brett Edward

    1997-10-01

    Plasmas with a factor of ≥3 improvement in energy confinement have been achieved in the MST reversed-field pinch (RFP). These plasmas occur spontaneously, following sawtooth crashes, subject to constraints on, eg, toroidal magnetic field reversal and wall conditioning. Possible contributors to the improved confinement include a reduction of core-resonant, global magnetic fluctuations and a reduction of electrostatic fluctuations over the entire plasma edge. One feature of these plasmas is a region of strong ExB flow shear in the edge. Never before observed in conjunction with enhanced confinement in the RFP, such shear is common in enhanced confinement discharges in tokamaks and stellarators. Another feature of these plasmas is a new type of discrete dynamo event. Like sawtooth crashes, a common form of discrete dynamo, these events correspond to bursts of edge parallel current. The reduction of electrostatic fluctuations in these plasmas occurs within and beyond the region of strong ExB flow shear, similar to what is observed in tokamaks and stellarators. However, the reductions in the MST include fluctuations whose correlation lengths are larger than the width of the shear region. The reduction of the global magnetic fluctuations is most likely due to flattening of the μ=μ 0more » $$\\vec{J}$$∙$$\\vec{B}$$/B 2 profile. Flattening can occur, eg, due to the new type of discrete dynamo event and reduced edge resistivity. Enhanced confinement plasmas are also achieved in the MST when auxiliary current is applied to flatten the μ profile and reduce magnetic fluctuations. Unexpectedly, these plasmas also exhibit a region (broader than in the case above) of strong ExB flow shear in the edge, an edge-wide reduction of electrostatic fluctuations, and the new type of discrete dynamo event. Auxiliary current drive has historically been viewed as the principal route to fusion reactor viability for the RFP.« less

  16. Inhibitory activities of the heterotrimers formed from two α-type phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins with different enzyme affinities and importance of the intersubunit electrostatic interaction in trimer formation.

    PubMed

    Nishida, Masanori; Okamoto, Masataka; Ohno, Ai; Okumura, Kohji; Hayashi, Kyozo; Ikeda, Kiyoshi; Inoue, Seiji

    2010-11-01

    α-type phospholipase A2 inhibitory protein (PLIα) isolated from the serum of the venomous snake Glyoidius brevicaudus, GbPLIα, is a homotrimer of subunits having a C-type lectin-like domain. The serum protein from nonvenomous snake Elaphe quadrivirgata, EqPLIα-LP, is homologous to GbPLIα, but it does not show any inhibitory activity against PLA2s. When a mixture of denaturant-treated monomeric forms of GbPLIα and EqPLIα-LP was used to reconstitute their trimers, no significant amounts of heterotrimers composed of GbPLIα and EqPLIα-LP subunits could be formed. On the other hand, when a mixture of denaturant-treated monomeric forms of GbPLIα and the recombinant chimeric EqPLIα-LP, Eq13Gb37Eq, in which the residues 13-36 were replaced by those of GbPLIα, was used to reconstitute their trimers, significant amounts of their heterotrimers were observed. Furthermore, when a mixture of denaturant-treated monomeric forms of EqPLIα-LP and the recombinant chimeric GbPLIα, Gb13Eq37Gb, in which the residues 13-36 were replaced by those of EqPLIα-LP, was used, significant amounts of their heterotrimers were observed. By comparison of the respective inhibitory activities of the heterotrimeric subspecies, it was suggested that the inhibitory activity of the trimer was governed by one subunit with the highest activity, and not affected by the number of these subunits. The intermolecular electrostatic interactions between Glu23 and Lys28 of GbPLIα were also suggested to be important in stabilizing the trimeric structure. The importance of the electrostatic interaction was supported by the less stability of the homotrimeric structure of a mutant GbPLIα with a single amino acid substitution, GbPLIα(K28E). Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Energy component analysis of π interactions.

    PubMed

    Sherrill, C David

    2013-04-16

    Fundamental features of biomolecules, such as their structure, solvation, and crystal packing and even the docking of drugs, rely on noncovalent interactions. Theory can help elucidate the nature of these interactions, and energy component analysis reveals the contributions from the various intermolecular forces: electrostatics, London dispersion terms, induction (polarization), and short-range exchange-repulsion. Symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) provides one method for this type of analysis. In this Account, we show several examples of how SAPT provides insight into the nature of noncovalent π-interactions. In cation-π interactions, the cation strongly polarizes electrons in π-orbitals, leading to substantially attractive induction terms. This polarization is so important that a cation and a benzene attract each other when placed in the same plane, even though a consideration of the electrostatic interactions alone would suggest otherwise. SAPT analysis can also support an understanding of substituent effects in π-π interactions. Trends in face-to-face sandwich benzene dimers cannot be understood solely in terms of electrostatic effects, especially for multiply substituted dimers, but SAPT analysis demonstrates the importance of London dispersion forces. Moreover, detailed SAPT studies also reveal the critical importance of charge penetration effects in π-stacking interactions. These effects arise in cases with substantial orbital overlap, such as in π-stacking in DNA or in crystal structures of π-conjugated materials. These charge penetration effects lead to attractive electrostatic terms where a simpler analysis based on atom-centered charges, electrostatic potential plots, or even distributed multipole analysis would incorrectly predict repulsive electrostatics. SAPT analysis of sandwich benzene, benzene-pyridine, and pyridine dimers indicates that dipole/induced-dipole terms present in benzene-pyridine but not in benzene dimer are relatively unimportant. In general, a nitrogen heteroatom contracts the electron density, reducing the magnitude of both the London dispersion and the exchange-repulsion terms, but with an overall net increase in attraction. Finally, using recent advances in SAPT algorithms, researchers can now perform SAPT computations on systems with 200 atoms or more. We discuss a recent study of the intercalation complex of proflavine with a trinucleotide duplex of DNA. Here, London dispersion forces are the strongest contributors to binding, as is typical for π-π interactions. However, the electrostatic terms are larger than usual on a fractional basis, which likely results from the positive charge on the intercalator and its location between two electron-rich base pairs. These cation-π interactions also increase the induction term beyond those of typical noncovalent π-interactions.

  18. Electrostatics, structure prediction, and the energy landscapes for protein folding and binding.

    PubMed

    Tsai, Min-Yeh; Zheng, Weihua; Balamurugan, D; Schafer, Nicholas P; Kim, Bobby L; Cheung, Margaret S; Wolynes, Peter G

    2016-01-01

    While being long in range and therefore weakly specific, electrostatic interactions are able to modulate the stability and folding landscapes of some proteins. The relevance of electrostatic forces for steering the docking of proteins to each other is widely acknowledged, however, the role of electrostatics in establishing specifically funneled landscapes and their relevance for protein structure prediction are still not clear. By introducing Debye-Hückel potentials that mimic long-range electrostatic forces into the Associative memory, Water mediated, Structure, and Energy Model (AWSEM), a transferable protein model capable of predicting tertiary structures, we assess the effects of electrostatics on the landscapes of thirteen monomeric proteins and four dimers. For the monomers, we find that adding electrostatic interactions does not improve structure prediction. Simulations of ribosomal protein S6 show, however, that folding stability depends monotonically on electrostatic strength. The trend in predicted melting temperatures of the S6 variants agrees with experimental observations. Electrostatic effects can play a range of roles in binding. The binding of the protein complex KIX-pKID is largely assisted by electrostatic interactions, which provide direct charge-charge stabilization of the native state and contribute to the funneling of the binding landscape. In contrast, for several other proteins, including the DNA-binding protein FIS, electrostatics causes frustration in the DNA-binding region, which favors its binding with DNA but not with its protein partner. This study highlights the importance of long-range electrostatics in functional responses to problems where proteins interact with their charged partners, such as DNA, RNA, as well as membranes. © 2015 The Protein Society.

  19. Pocket radiation dosimeter: dosimeter charger assembly

    DOEpatents

    Manning, F.W.

    1982-03-17

    This invention is a novel pocket-type radiation dosimeter comprising an electrometric radiation dosimeter and a charging circuit therefor. The instrument is especially designed to be amenable to mass production, to have a long shelf life, and to be compact, lightweight, and usable by the layman. The dosimeter proper may be of conventional design. The charging circuit includes a shake-type electrostatic generator, a voltage doubler for integrating generator output voltages of one polarity, and a switch operated by an external permanent magnet.

  20. Pocket radiation dosimeter--dosimeter charger assembly

    DOEpatents

    Manning, Frank W.

    1984-01-01

    This invention is a novel pocket-type radiation dosimeter comprising an electrometric radiation dosimeter and a charging circuit therefor. The instrument is especially designed to be amenable to mass production, to have a long shelf life, and to be compact, lightweight, and usable by the layman. The dosimeter proper may be of conventional design. The charging circuit includes a shake-type electrostatic generator, a voltage doubler for integrating generator output voltages of one polarity, and a switch operated by an external permanent magnet.

  1. Remarks on Heisenberg-Euler-type electrodynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kruglov, S. I.

    2017-05-01

    We consider Heisenberg-Euler-type model of nonlinear electrodynamics with two parameters. Heisenberg-Euler electrodynamics is a particular case of this model. Corrections to Coulomb’s law at r →∞ are obtained and energy conditions are studied. The total electrostatic energy of charged particles is finite. The charged black hole solution in the framework of nonlinear electrodynamics is investigated. We find the asymptotic of the metric and mass functions at r →∞. Corrections to the Reissner-Nordström solution are obtained.

  2. Effects of dielectric inhomogeneity on electrostatic twist rigidity of a helical biomolecule in Debye-Hückel regime

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rezaie-Dereshgi, Amir; Mohammad-Rafiee, Farshid

    2018-04-01

    The electrostatic interactions play a crucial role in biological systems. Here we consider an impermeable dielectric molecule in the solvent with a different dielectric constant. The electrostatic free energy in the problem is studied in the Debye-Hückel regime using the analytical Green function that is calculated in the paper. Using this electrostatic free energy, we study the electrostatic contribution to the twist rigidity of a double stranded helical molecule such as a DNA and an actin filament. The dependence of the electrostatic twist rigidity of the molecule to the dielectric inhomogeneity, structural parameters, and the salt concentration is studied. It is shown that, depending on the parameters, the electrostatic twist rigidity could be positive or negative.

  3. Combined effect of moisture and electrostatic charges on powder flow

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rescaglio, Antonella; Schockmel, Julien; Vandewalle, Nicolas; Lumay, Geoffroy

    2017-06-01

    It is well known in industrial applications involving powders and granular materials that the relative air humidity and the presence of electrostatic charges influence drastically the material flowing properties. The relative air humidity induces the formation of capillary bridges and modify the grain surface conductivity. The presence of capillary bridges produces cohesive forces. On the other hand, the apparition of electrostatic charges due to the triboelectric effect at the contacts between the grains and at the contacts between the grains and the container produces electrostatic forces. Therefore, in many cases, the powder cohesiveness is the result of the interplay between capillary and electrostatic forces. Unfortunately, the triboelectric effect is still poorly understood, in particular inside a granular material. Moreover, reproducible electrostatic measurements are difficult to perform. We developed an experimental device to measures the ability of a powder to charge electrostatically during a flow in contact with a selected material. Both electrostatic and flow measurements have been performed in different hygrometric conditions. The correlation between the powder electrostatic properties, the hygrometry and the flowing behavior are analyzed.

  4. Electrostatic spraying in the chemical control of Triozoida limbata (Enderlein) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in guava trees (Psidium guajava L.).

    PubMed

    Tavares, Rafael M; Cunha, João Par; Alves, Thales C; Bueno, Mariana R; Silva, Sérgio M; Zandonadi, César Hs

    2017-06-01

    Owing to the difficulty in reaching targets during pesticide applications on guava trees, it is important to evaluate new technologies that may improve pest management. In electrostatic spraying, an electric force is added to the droplets to control their movements such that they are efficiently directed to the target. The present study evaluated the performance of electrostatic and non-electrostatic spraying in the control of the guava psyllid, the deposition of the spray mixture on the leaves and the losses to the soil. The deposition of the spray mixture was up to 2 times greater when using electrostatic spraying in comparison with non-electrostatic application. The losses of the spray mixture to the soil were up to 4 times smaller with the electrostatic spraying. Electrostatic spraying had better control of the psyllid. It was possible to reduce the volume rate of application with electrostatic spraying without adversely affecting the control of the guava psyllid. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

  5. Damping control of micromachined lowpass mechanical vibration isolation filters using electrostatic actuation with electronic signal processing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dean, Robert; Flowers, George; Sanders, Nicole; MacAllister, Ken; Horvath, Roland; Hodel, A. S.; Johnson, Wayne; Kranz, Michael; Whitley, Michael

    2005-05-01

    Some harsh environments, such as those encountered by aerospace vehicles and various types of industrial machinery, contain high frequency/amplitude mechanical vibrations. Unfortunately, some very useful components are sensitive to these high frequency mechanical vibrations. Examples include MEMS gyroscopes and resonators, oscillators and some micro optics. Exposure of these components to high frequency mechanical vibrations present in the operating environment can result in problems ranging from an increased noise floor to component failure. Passive micromachined silicon lowpass filter structures (spring-mass-damper) have been demonstrated in recent years. However, the performance of these filter structures is typically limited by low damping (especially if operated in near-vacuum environments) and a lack of tunability after fabrication. Active filter topologies, such as piezoelectric, electrostrictive-polymer-film and SMA have also been investigated in recent years. Electrostatic actuators, however, are utilized in many micromachined silicon devices to generate mechanical motion. They offer a number of advantages, including low power, fast response time, compatibility with silicon micromachining, capacitive position measurement and relative simplicity of fabrication. This paper presents an approach for realizing active micromachined mechanical lowpass vibration isolation filters by integrating an electrostatic actuator with the micromachined passive filter structure to realize an active mechanical lowpass filter. Although the electrostatic actuator can be used to adjust the filter resonant frequency, the primary application is for increasing the damping to an acceptable level. The physical size of these active filters is suitable for use in or as packaging for sensitive electronic and MEMS devices, such as MEMS vibratory gyroscope chips.

  6. Association Thermodynamics and Conformational Stability of β-Sheet Amyloid β(17-42) Oligomers: Effects of E22Q (Dutch) Mutation and Charge Neutralization

    PubMed Central

    Blinov, Nikolay; Dorosh, Lyudmyla; Wishart, David; Kovalenko, Andriy

    2010-01-01

    Amyloid fibrils are associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. It was found that amyloidogenic oligomers, not mature fibrils, are neurotoxic agents related to these diseases. Molecular mechanisms of infectivity, pathways of aggregation, and molecular structure of these oligomers remain elusive. Here, we use all-atom molecular dynamics, molecular mechanics combined with solvation analysis by statistical-mechanical, three-dimensional molecular theory of solvation (also known as 3D-RISM-KH) in a new MM-3D-RISM-KH method to study conformational stability, and association thermodynamics of small wild-type Aβ17–42 oligomers with different protonation states of Glu22, as well the E22Q (Dutch) mutants. The association free energy of small β-sheet oligomers shows near-linear trend with the dimers being thermodynamically more stable relative to the larger constructs. The linear (within statistical uncertainty) dependence of the association free energy on complex size is a consequence of the unilateral stacking of monomers in the β-sheet oligomers. The charge reduction of the wild-type Aβ17–42 oligomers upon protonation of the solvent-exposed Glu22 at acidic conditions results in lowering the association free energy compared to the wild-type oligomers at neutral pH and the E22Q mutants. The neutralization of the peptides because of the E22Q mutation only marginally affects the association free energy, with the reduction of the direct electrostatic interactions mostly compensated by the unfavorable electrostatic solvation effects. For the wild-type oligomers at acidic conditions such compensation is not complete, and the electrostatic interactions, along with the gas-phase nonpolar energetic and the overall entropic effects, contribute to the lowering of the association free energy. The differences in the association thermodynamics between the wild-type Aβ17–42 oligomers at neutral pH and the Dutch mutants, on the one hand, and the Aβ17–42 oligomers with protonated Glu22, on the other, may be explained by destabilization of the inter- and intrapeptide salt bridges between Asp23 and Lys28. Peculiarities in the conformational stability and the association thermodynamics for the different models of the Aβ17–42 oligomers are rationalized based on the analysis of the local physical interactions and the microscopic solvation structure. PMID:20338850

  7. Overlay degradation induced by film stress

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Chi-hao; Liu, Yu-Lin; Luo, Shing-Ann; Yang, Mars; Yang, Elvis; Hung, Yung-Tai; Luoh, Tuung; Yang, T. H.; Chen, K. C.

    2017-03-01

    The semiconductor industry has continually sought the approaches to produce memory devices with increased memory cells per memory die. One way to meet the increasing storage capacity demand and reduce bit cost of NAND flash memories is 3D stacked flash cell array. In constructing 3D NAND flash memories, increasing the number of stacked layers to build more memory cell number per unit area necessitates many high-aspect-ratio etching processes accordingly the incorporation of thick and unique etching hard-mask scheme has been indispensable. However, the ever increasingly thick requirement on etching hard-mask has made the hard-mask film stress control extremely important for maintaining good process qualities. The residual film stress alters the wafer shape consequently several process impacts have been readily observed across wafer, such as wafer chucking error on scanner, film peeling, materials coating and baking defects, critical dimension (CD) non-uniformity and overlay degradation. This work investigates the overlay and residual order performance indicator (ROPI) degradation coupling with increasingly thick advanced patterning film (APF) etching hard-mask. Various APF films deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method under different deposition temperatures, chemicals combinations, radio frequency powers and chamber pressures were carried out. And -342MPa to +80MPa film stress with different film thicknesses were generated for the overlay performance study. The results revealed the overlay degradation doesn't directly correlate with convex or concave wafer shapes but the magnitude of residual APF film stress, while increasing the APF thickness will worsen the overlay performance and ROPI strongly. High-stress APF film was also observed to enhance the scanner chucking difference and lead to more serious wafer to wafer overlay variation. To reduce the overlay degradation from ever increasingly thick APF etching hard-mask, optimizing the film stress of APF is the most effective way and high order overlay compensation is also helpful.

  8. Reintroducing electrostatics into macromolecular crystallographic refinement: application to neutron crystallography and DNA hydration.

    PubMed

    Fenn, Timothy D; Schnieders, Michael J; Mustyakimov, Marat; Wu, Chuanjie; Langan, Paul; Pande, Vijay S; Brunger, Axel T

    2011-04-13

    Most current crystallographic structure refinements augment the diffraction data with a priori information consisting of bond, angle, dihedral, planarity restraints, and atomic repulsion based on the Pauli exclusion principle. Yet, electrostatics and van der Waals attraction are physical forces that provide additional a priori information. Here, we assess the inclusion of electrostatics for the force field used for all-atom (including hydrogen) joint neutron/X-ray refinement. Two DNA and a protein crystal structure were refined against joint neutron/X-ray diffraction data sets using force fields without electrostatics or with electrostatics. Hydrogen-bond orientation/geometry favors the inclusion of electrostatics. Refinement of Z-DNA with electrostatics leads to a hypothesis for the entropic stabilization of Z-DNA that may partly explain the thermodynamics of converting the B form of DNA to its Z form. Thus, inclusion of electrostatics assists joint neutron/X-ray refinements, especially for placing and orienting hydrogen atoms. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Reintroducing Electrostatics into Macromolecular Crystallographic Refinement: Application to Neutron Crystallography and DNA Hydration

    PubMed Central

    Fenn, Timothy D.; Schnieders, Michael J.; Mustyakimov, Marat; Wu, Chuanjie; Langan, Paul; Pande, Vijay S.; Brunger, Axel T.

    2011-01-01

    Summary Most current crystallographic structure refinements augment the diffraction data with a priori information consisting of bond, angle, dihedral, planarity restraints and atomic repulsion based on the Pauli exclusion principle. Yet, electrostatics and van der Waals attraction are physical forces that provide additional a priori information. Here we assess the inclusion of electrostatics for the force field used for all-atom (including hydrogen) joint neutron/X-ray refinement. Two DNA and a protein crystal structure were refined against joint neutron/X-ray diffraction data sets using force fields without electrostatics or with electrostatics. Hydrogen bond orientation/geometry favors the inclusion of electrostatics. Refinement of Z-DNA with electrostatics leads to a hypothesis for the entropic stabilization of Z-DNA that may partly explain the thermodynamics of converting the B form of DNA to its Z form. Thus, inclusion of electrostatics assists joint neutron/X-ray refinements, especially for placing and orienting hydrogen atoms. PMID:21481775

  10. Electromagnetic radiation from beam-plasma instabilities

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stenzel, R. L.; Whelan, D. A.

    1982-01-01

    The mechanism by which unstable electrostatic waves of an electron-beam plasma system are converted into observed electromagnetic waves is of great current interest in space plasma physics. Electromagnetic radiation arises from both natural beam-plasma systems, e.g., type III solar bursts and kilometric radiation, and from man-made electron beams injected from rockets and spacecraft. In the present investigation the diagnostic difficulties encountered in space plasmas are overcome by using a large laboratory plasma. A finite diameter (d approximately equal to 0.8 cm) electron beam is injected into a uniform quiescent magnetized afterglow plasma of dimensions large compared with electromagnetic wavelength. Electrostatic waves grow, saturate and decay within the uniform central region of the plasma volume so that linear mode conversion on density gradients can be excluded as a possible generation mechanism for electromagnetic waves.

  11. New high-resolution electrostatic ion mass analyzer using time of flight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hamilton, D. C.; Gloeckler, G.; Ipavich, F. M.; Lundgren, R. A.; Sheldon, R. B.

    1990-01-01

    The design of a high-resolution ion-mass analyzer is described, which is based on an accurate measurement of the time of flight (TOF) of ions within a region configured to produce a harmonic potential. In this device, the TOF, which is independent of ion energy, is determined from a start pulse from secondary electrons produced when the ion passes through a thin carbon foil at the entrance of the TOF region and at a stop pulse from the ion striking a microchannel plate upon exciting the region. A laboratory prototype instrument called 'VMASS' was built and was tested at the Goddard Space Flight Center electrostatic accelerator, showing a good mass resolution of the instrument. Sensors of the VMASS type will form part of the WIND Solar Wind and Suprathermal Ion experiment, the Soho mission, and the Advanced Composition Explorer.

  12. Plasma waves near Saturn: initial results from Voyager 1. Progress report

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

    Gurnett, D.A.; Kurth, W.S.; Scarf, F.L.

    1981-01-31

    The Voyager 1 plasma wave instrument detected many familiar types of plasma waves during the encounter with Saturn, including ion-acoustic waves and electron plasma oscillations upstream of the bow shock, an intense burst of electrostatic noise at the shock, and chorus, hiss, electrostatic (n + 1/2)fg waves and UHR emissions in the inner magnetosphere. A clock-like Saturn rotational control of low-frequency radio emissions was observed, and evidence was obtained of possible control by the moon Dione. Strong plasma wave emissions were detected at the Titan encounter indicating the presence of a turbulent sheath extending around Titan, and UHR measurements ofmore » the electron density show the existence of a dense plume of plasma being carried downstream of Titan by the interaction with the rapidly rotating magnetosphere of Saturn.« less

  13. Electrostatic shock structures in dissipative multi-ion dusty plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Elkamash, I. S.; Kourakis, I.

    2018-06-01

    A comprehensive analytical model is introduced for shock excitations in dusty bi-ion plasma mixtures, taking into account collisionality and kinematic (fluid) viscosity. A multicomponent plasma configuration is considered, consisting of positive ions, negative ions, electrons, and a massive charged component in the background (dust). The ionic dynamical scale is focused upon; thus, electrons are assumed to be thermalized, while the dust is stationary. A dissipative hybrid Korteweg-de Vries/Burgers equation is derived. An analytical solution is obtained, in the form of a shock structure (a step-shaped function for the electrostatic potential, or an electric field pulse) whose maximum amplitude in the far downstream region decays in time. The effect of relevant plasma configuration parameters, in addition to dissipation, is investigated. Our work extends earlier studies of ion-acoustic type shock waves in pure (two-component) bi-ion plasma mixtures.

  14. Electrostatic forces in planetary rings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Goertz, C. K.; Shan, Linhua; Havnes, O.

    1988-01-01

    The average charge on a particle in a particle-plasma cloud, the plasma potential inside the cloud, and the Coulomb force acting on the particle are calculated. The net repulsive electrostatic force on a particle depends on the plasma density, temperature, density of particles, particle size, and the gradient of the particle density. In a uniformly dense ring the electrostatic repulsion is zero. It is also shown that the electrostatic force acts like a pressure force, that even a collisionless ring can be stable against gravitational collapse, and that a finite ring thickness does not necessarily imply a finite velocity dispersion. A simple criterion for the importance of electrostatic forces in planetary rings is derived which involves the calculation of the vertical ring thickness which would result if only electrostatic repulsion were responsible for the finite ring thickness. Electrostatic forces are entirely negligible in the main rings of Saturn and the E and G rings. They may also be negligible in the F ring. However, the Uranian rings and Jupiter's ring seem to be very much influenced by electrostatic repulsion. In fact, electrostatic forces could support a Jovian ring which is an order of magnitude more dense than observed.

  15. DEPPDB - DNA electrostatic potential properties database. Electrostatic properties of genome DNA elements.

    PubMed

    Osypov, Alexander A; Krutinin, Gleb G; Krutinina, Eugenia A; Kamzolova, Svetlana G

    2012-04-01

    Electrostatic properties of genome DNA are important to its interactions with different proteins, in particular, related to transcription. DEPPDB - DNA Electrostatic Potential (and other Physical) Properties Database - provides information on the electrostatic and other physical properties of genome DNA combined with its sequence and annotation of biological and structural properties of genomes and their elements. Genomes are organized on taxonomical basis, supporting comparative and evolutionary studies. Currently, DEPPDB contains all completely sequenced bacterial, viral, mitochondrial, and plastids genomes according to the NCBI RefSeq, and some model eukaryotic genomes. Data for promoters, regulation sites, binding proteins, etc., are incorporated from established DBs and literature. The database is complemented by analytical tools. User sequences calculations are available. Case studies discovered electrostatics complementing DNA bending in E.coli plasmid BNT2 promoter functioning, possibly affecting host-environment metabolic switch. Transcription factors binding sites gravitate to high potential regions, confirming the electrostatics universal importance in protein-DNA interactions beyond the classical promoter-RNA polymerase recognition and regulation. Other genome elements, such as terminators, also show electrostatic peculiarities. Most intriguing are gene starts, exhibiting taxonomic correlations. The necessity of the genome electrostatic properties studies is discussed.

  16. Deppdb--DNA electrostatic potential properties database: electrostatic properties of genome DNA.

    PubMed

    Osypov, Alexander A; Krutinin, Gleb G; Kamzolova, Svetlana G

    2010-06-01

    The electrostatic properties of genome DNA influence its interactions with different proteins, in particular, the regulation of transcription by RNA-polymerases. DEPPDB--DNA Electrostatic Potential Properties Database--was developed to hold and provide all available information on the electrostatic properties of genome DNA combined with its sequence and annotation of biological and structural properties of genome elements and whole genomes. Genomes in DEPPDB are organized on a taxonomical basis. Currently, the database contains all the completely sequenced bacterial and viral genomes according to NCBI RefSeq. General properties of the genome DNA electrostatic potential profile and principles of its formation are revealed. This potential correlates with the GC content but does not correspond to it exactly and strongly depends on both the sequence arrangement and its context (flanking regions). Analysis of the promoter regions for bacterial and viral RNA polymerases revealed a correspondence between the scale of these proteins' physical properties and electrostatic profile patterns. We also discovered a direct correlation between the potential value and the binding frequency of RNA polymerase to DNA, supporting the idea of the role of electrostatics in these interactions. This matches a pronounced tendency of the promoter regions to possess higher values of the electrostatic potential.

  17. Electrostatic design and beam transport for a folded tandem electrostatic quadrupole accelerator facility for accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy.

    PubMed

    Vento, V Thatar; Bergueiro, J; Cartelli, D; Valda, A A; Kreiner, A J

    2011-12-01

    Within the frame of an ongoing project to develop a folded Tandem-Electrostatic-Quadrupole (TESQ) accelerator facility for Accelerator-Based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (AB-BNCT), we discuss here the electrostatic design of the machine, including the accelerator tubes with electrostatic quadrupoles and the simulations for the transport and acceleration of a high intensity beam. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. MMS Observations of Langmuir Collapse and Emission?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boardsen, S. A.; Che, H.; Wilder, F. D.; Ergun, R.; Le Contel, O.; Gershman, D. J.; Giles, B. L.; Moore, T. E.; Paterson, W.

    2017-12-01

    Through the two stream instability, electron beams accelerated by solar flares and nanoflares are believed to be responsible for several types of solar radio bursts observed in the corona and interplanetary medium, including flare-associated coronal Type J, U, and Type III radio bursts, and nanoflare-associated weak coronal type III bursts. However the duration of these radio bursts is several orders of magnitude longer than the linear saturation time of the electron two-stream instability. This discrepancy has been a long-standing puzzle. Recently Che et al. [2017, doi: 10.1073/pnas.1614055114] proposed a mechanism in which the plasma coherent emission is maintained by the cyclic Langmuir collapse. Wave coupling between Langmuir waves and electrostatic whistler waves is the key process necessary to close the feedback loop. In the magnetosphere, electron beams are commonly produced by acceleration processes such as magnetic reconnection, during which both whistlers and Langmuir waves are observed and thus provide possible in-situ observations to test and study the emission process near the acceleration source region. The high spatial and time resolution MMS fields and particle data are used to test aspects of this mechanism. In this presentation, we will present some preliminary results from MMS observations of electron beams near a reconnection region. We investigate, in the regions where the electron beams are observed, the coupling between high frequency Langmuir waves and low frequency electrostatic whistler waves, and the associated electromagnetic emissions, along with other possible specific features predicted by this model.

  19. The Stiffness Variation of a Micro-Ring Driven by a Traveling Piecewise-Electrode

    PubMed Central

    Li, Yingjie; Yu, Tao; Hu, Yuh-Chung

    2014-01-01

    In the practice of electrostatically actuated micro devices; the electrostatic force is implemented by sequentially actuated piecewise-electrodes which result in a traveling distributed electrostatic force. However; such force was modeled as a traveling concentrated electrostatic force in literatures. This article; for the first time; presents an analytical study on the stiffness variation of microstructures driven by a traveling piecewise electrode. The analytical model is based on the theory of shallow shell and uniform electrical field. The traveling electrode not only applies electrostatic force on the circular-ring but also alters its dynamical characteristics via the negative electrostatic stiffness. It is known that; when a structure is subjected to a traveling constant force; its natural mode will be resonated as the traveling speed approaches certain critical speeds; and each natural mode refers to exactly one critical speed. However; for the case of a traveling electrostatic force; the number of critical speeds is more than that of the natural modes. This is due to the fact that the traveling electrostatic force makes the resonant frequencies of the forward and backward traveling waves of the circular-ring different. Furthermore; the resonance and stability can be independently controlled by the length of the traveling electrode; though the driving voltage and traveling speed of the electrostatic force alter the dynamics and stabilities of microstructures. This paper extends the fundamental insights into the electromechanical behavior of microstructures driven by electrostatic forces as well as the future development of MEMS/NEMS devices with electrostatic actuation and sensing. PMID:25230308

  20. The stiffness variation of a micro-ring driven by a traveling piecewise-electrode.

    PubMed

    Li, Yingjie; Yu, Tao; Hu, Yuh-Chung

    2014-09-16

    In the practice of electrostatically actuated micro devices; the electrostatic force is implemented by sequentially actuated piecewise-electrodes which result in a traveling distributed electrostatic force. However; such force was modeled as a traveling concentrated electrostatic force in literatures. This article; for the first time; presents an analytical study on the stiffness variation of microstructures driven by a traveling piecewise electrode. The analytical model is based on the theory of shallow shell and uniform electrical field. The traveling electrode not only applies electrostatic force on the circular-ring but also alters its dynamical characteristics via the negative electrostatic stiffness. It is known that; when a structure is subjected to a traveling constant force; its natural mode will be resonated as the traveling speed approaches certain critical speeds; and each natural mode refers to exactly one critical speed. However; for the case of a traveling electrostatic force; the number of critical speeds is more than that of the natural modes. This is due to the fact that the traveling electrostatic force makes the resonant frequencies of the forward and backward traveling waves of the circular-ring different. Furthermore; the resonance and stability can be independently controlled by the length of the traveling electrode; though the driving voltage and traveling speed of the electrostatic force alter the dynamics and stabilities of microstructures. This paper extends the fundamental insights into the electromechanical behavior of microstructures driven by electrostatic forces as well as the future development of MEMS/NEMS devices with electrostatic actuation and sensing.

  1. Plantaricin A, a cationic peptide produced by Lactobacillus plantarum, permeabilizes eukaryotic cell membranes by a mechanism dependent on negative surface charge linked to glycosylated membrane proteins.

    PubMed

    Sand, Sverre L; Nissen-Meyer, Jon; Sand, Olav; Haug, Trude M

    2013-02-01

    Lactobacillus plantarum C11 releases plantaricin A (PlnA), a cationic peptide pheromone that has a membrane-permeabilizing, antimicrobial effect. We have previously shown that PlnA may also permeabilize eukaryotic cells, with a potency that differs between cell types. It is generally assumed that cationic antimicrobial peptides exert their effects through electrostatic attraction to negatively charged phospholipids in the membrane. The aim of the present study was to investigate if removal of the negative charge linked to glycosylated proteins at the cell surface reduces the permeabilizing potency of PlnA. The effects of PlnA were tested on clonal rat anterior pituitary cells (GH(4) cells) using patch clamp and microfluorometric techniques. In physiological extracellular solution, GH(4) cells are highly sensitive to PlnA, but the sensitivity was dramatically reduced in solutions that partly neutralize the negative surface charge of the cells, in agreement with the notion that electrostatic interactions are probably important for the PlnA effects. Trypsination of cells prior to PlnA exposure also rendered the cells less sensitive to the peptide, suggesting that negative charges linked to membrane proteins are involved in the permeabilizing action. Finally, pre-exposure of cells to a mixture of enzymes that split carbohydrate residues from the backbone of glycosylated proteins also impeded the PlnA-induced membrane permeabilization. We conclude that electrostatic attraction between PlnA and glycosylated membrane proteins is probably an essential first step before PlnA can interact with membrane phospholipids. Deviating glycosylation patterns may contribute to the variation in PlnA sensitivity of different cell types, including cancerous cells and their normal counterparts. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. A Study of the Electrostatic Interaction Between Insulators and Martian/Lunar Soil Simulants

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mantovani, James G.

    2001-01-01

    Using our previous experience with the Mars Environmental Compatibility Assessment (MECA) electrometer, we have designed a new type of aerodynamic electrometer. The goal of the research was to measure the buildup of electrostatic surface charge on a stationary cylindrical insulator after windborne granular particles have collided with the insulator surface in a simulated dust storm. The experiments are performed inside a vacuum chamber. This allows the atmospheric composition and pressure to be controlled in order to simulate the atmospheric conditions near the equator on the Martian surface. An impeller fan was used to propel the dust particles at a cylindrically shaped insulator under low vacuum conditions. We tested the new electrometer in a 10 mbar CO2 atmosphere by exposing two types of cylindrical insulators, Teflon (1.9 cm diameter) and Fiberglass (2.5 cm diameter), to a variety of windborne granular particulate materials. The granular materials tested were JSC Mars-1 simulant, which is a mixture of coarse and fine (<5microns diameter) particle sizes, and some of the major mineral constituents of the Martian soil. The minerals included Ottawa sand (SiO2), iron oxide (Fe2O3), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and magnesium oxide (MgO). We also constructed a MECA-like electrometer that contained an insulator capped planar electrode for measuring the amount of electrostatic charge produced by rubbing an insulator surface over Martian and lunar soil simulants. The results of this study indicate that it is possible to detect triboelectric charging of insulator surfaces by windborne Martian soil simulant, and by individual mineral constituents of the soil simulant. We have also found that Teflon and Fiberglass insulator surfaces respond in different ways by developing opposite polarity surface charge, which decays at different rates after the particle impacts cease.

  3. 21 CFR 892.1630 - Electrostatic x-ray imaging system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Electrostatic x-ray imaging system. 892.1630... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES RADIOLOGY DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 892.1630 Electrostatic x-ray imaging system. (a) Identification. An electrostatic x-ray imaging system is a device intended for medical...

  4. 21 CFR 892.1630 - Electrostatic x-ray imaging system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Electrostatic x-ray imaging system. 892.1630... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES RADIOLOGY DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 892.1630 Electrostatic x-ray imaging system. (a) Identification. An electrostatic x-ray imaging system is a device intended for medical...

  5. Limiting assumptions in molecular modeling: electrostatics.

    PubMed

    Marshall, Garland R

    2013-02-01

    Molecular mechanics attempts to represent intermolecular interactions in terms of classical physics. Initial efforts assumed a point charge located at the atom center and coulombic interactions. It is been recognized over multiple decades that simply representing electrostatics with a charge on each atom failed to reproduce the electrostatic potential surrounding a molecule as estimated by quantum mechanics. Molecular orbitals are not spherically symmetrical, an implicit assumption of monopole electrostatics. This perspective reviews recent evidence that requires use of multipole electrostatics and polarizability in molecular modeling.

  6. Effect of the ordered interfacial water layer in protein complex formation: A nonlocal electrostatic approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rubinstein, A.; Sabirianov, R. F.; Mei, W. N.; Namavar, F.; Khoynezhad, A.

    2010-08-01

    Using a nonlocal electrostatic approach that incorporates the short-range structure of the contacting media, we evaluated the electrostatic contribution to the energy of the complex formation of two model proteins. In this study, we have demonstrated that the existence of an ordered interfacial water layer at the protein-solvent interface reduces the charging energy of the proteins in the aqueous solvent, and consequently increases the electrostatic contribution to the protein binding (change in free energy upon the complex formation of two proteins). This is in contrast with the finding of the continuum electrostatic model, which suggests that electrostatic interactions are not strong enough to compensate for the unfavorable desolvation effects.

  7. Effect of the ordered interfacial water layer in protein complex formation: A nonlocal electrostatic approach.

    PubMed

    Rubinstein, A; Sabirianov, R F; Mei, W N; Namavar, F; Khoynezhad, A

    2010-08-01

    Using a nonlocal electrostatic approach that incorporates the short-range structure of the contacting media, we evaluated the electrostatic contribution to the energy of the complex formation of two model proteins. In this study, we have demonstrated that the existence of an ordered interfacial water layer at the protein-solvent interface reduces the charging energy of the proteins in the aqueous solvent, and consequently increases the electrostatic contribution to the protein binding (change in free energy upon the complex formation of two proteins). This is in contrast with the finding of the continuum electrostatic model, which suggests that electrostatic interactions are not strong enough to compensate for the unfavorable desolvation effects.

  8. Electrostatic particle trap for ion beam sputter deposition

    DOEpatents

    Vernon, Stephen P.; Burkhart, Scott C.

    2002-01-01

    A method and apparatus for the interception and trapping of or reflection of charged particulate matter generated in ion beam sputter deposition. The apparatus involves an electrostatic particle trap which generates electrostatic fields in the vicinity of the substrate on which target material is being deposited. The electrostatic particle trap consists of an array of electrode surfaces, each maintained at an electrostatic potential, and with their surfaces parallel or perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. The method involves interception and trapping of or reflection of charged particles achieved by generating electrostatic fields in the vicinity of the substrate, and configuring the fields to force the charged particulate material away from the substrate. The electrostatic charged particle trap enables prevention of charged particles from being deposited on the substrate thereby enabling the deposition of extremely low defect density films, such as required for reflective masks of an extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) system.

  9. Impact of electrostatic and conventional sprayers characteristics on dispersion of barrier spray

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    A study was conducted to analyze the performance of three electrostatic (Electrolon BP-2.5TM, Spectrum Electrostatic 4010, and Spectrum Electrostatic head on a Stihl 420) and two conventional (Buffalo Turbine CSM2 and Stihl 420) sprayers for barrier sprays to suppress an adult mosquito population in...

  10. 40 CFR 60.5175 - How do I establish operating limits if I do not use a wet scrubber, fabric filter, electrostatic...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... I do not use a wet scrubber, fabric filter, electrostatic precipitator, activated carbon injection..., fabric filter, electrostatic precipitator, activated carbon injection, or afterburner, or if I limit... device other than a wet scrubber, fabric filter, electrostatic precipitator, activated carbon injection...

  11. 40 CFR 60.5175 - How do I establish operating limits if I do not use a wet scrubber, fabric filter, electrostatic...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... I do not use a wet scrubber, fabric filter, electrostatic precipitator, activated carbon injection..., fabric filter, electrostatic precipitator, activated carbon injection, or afterburner, or if I limit... device other than a wet scrubber, fabric filter, electrostatic precipitator, activated carbon injection...

  12. 40 CFR 60.5175 - How do I establish operating limits if I do not use a wet scrubber, fabric filter, electrostatic...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... I do not use a wet scrubber, fabric filter, electrostatic precipitator, activated carbon injection..., fabric filter, electrostatic precipitator, activated carbon injection, or afterburner, or if I limit... device other than a wet scrubber, fabric filter, electrostatic precipitator, activated carbon injection...

  13. 40 CFR 60.5175 - How do I establish operating limits if I do not use a wet scrubber, fabric filter, electrostatic...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... I do not use a wet scrubber, fabric filter, electrostatic precipitator, activated carbon injection..., fabric filter, electrostatic precipitator, activated carbon injection, or afterburner, or if I limit... device other than a wet scrubber, fabric filter, electrostatic precipitator, activated carbon injection...

  14. Apparatus for production of ultrapure amorphous metals utilizing acoustic cooling

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lee, M. C. (Inventor)

    1985-01-01

    Amorphous metals are produced by forming a molten unit of metal and deploying the unit into a bidirectional acoustical levitating field or by dropping the unit through a spheroidizing zone, a slow quenching zone, and a fast quenching zone in which the sphere is rapidly cooled by a bidirectional jet stream created in the standing acoustic wave field produced between a half cylindrical acoustic driver and a focal reflector or a curved driver and a reflector. The cooling rate can be further augmented first by a cryogenic liquid collar and secondly by a cryogenic liquid jacket surrounding a drop tower. The molten unit is quenched to an amorphous solid which can survive impact in a unit collector or is retrieved by a vacuum chuck.

  15. Light weight high-stiffness stage platen

    DOEpatents

    Spence, Paul A.

    2001-01-01

    An improved light weight, stiff stage platen for photolithography is provided. The high stiffness of the stage platen is exemplified by a relatively high first resonant vibrational mode as determined, for instance, by finite element modal analysis. The stage platen can be employed to support a chuck that is designed to secure a mask or wafer. The stage platen includes a frame that has interior walls that define an interior region and that has exterior walls wherein the outer surfaces of at least two adjacent walls are reflective mirror surfaces; and a matrix of ribs within the interior region that is connected to the interior walls wherein the stage platen exhibits a first vibrational mode at a frequency of greater than about 1000 Hz.

  16. Cameras for semiconductor process control

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Porter, W. A.; Parker, D. L.

    1977-01-01

    The application of X-ray topography to semiconductor process control is described, considering the novel features of the high speed camera and the difficulties associated with this technique. The most significant results on the effects of material defects on device performance are presented, including results obtained using wafers processed entirely within this institute. Defects were identified using the X-ray camera and correlations made with probe data. Also included are temperature dependent effects of material defects. Recent applications and improvements of X-ray topographs of silicon-on-sapphire and gallium arsenide are presented with a description of a real time TV system prototype and of the most recent vacuum chuck design. Discussion is included of our promotion of the use of the camera by various semiconductor manufacturers.

  17. KSC-2013-3415

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2013-08-26

    PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Port Canaveral, Fla., NASA and United Launch Alliance managers brief members of the news media on the arrival of the ULA Atlas V rocket that will boost the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution, or MAVEN, spacecraft to the Red Planet. From the left, are Chuck Tatro, NASA's MAVEN mission manager, Vernon Thorp, ULA's NASA and Commercial Program manager and Omar Baez, NASA's launch director. MAVEN is being prepared for its scheduled launch in November from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Positioned in an orbit above the Red Planet, MAVEN will study the upper atmosphere of Mars in unprecedented detail. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

  18. KSC-2013-3398

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2013-08-26

    PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Port Canaveral, Fla., NASA and United Launch Alliance managers brief members of the news media on the arrival of the ULA Atlas V rocket that will boost the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution, or MAVEN, spacecraft to the Red Planet. From the left, are Chuck Tatro, NASA's MAVEN mission manager, Vernon Thorp, ULA's NASA and Commercial Program manager and Omar Baez, NASA's launch director. MAVEN is being prepared for its scheduled launch in November from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Positioned in an orbit above the Red Planet, MAVEN will study the upper atmosphere of Mars in unprecedented detail. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis

  19. Pegasus XL CYGNSS Second Launch Attempt

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2016-12-15

    In the Mission Director's Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Amanda Mitskevich, facing the camera, is program manager for NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP) at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seated next to her is Chuck Dovale, deputy LSP program manager. They are monitoring the progress of preparations to launch eight Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System, or CYGNSS, spacecraft. The CYGNSS satellites will make frequent and accurate measurements of ocean surface winds throughout the life cycle of tropical storms and hurricanes. The data that CYGNSS provides will enable scientists to probe key air-sea interaction processes that take place near the core of storms, which are rapidly changing and play a crucial role in the beginning and intensification of hurricanes.

  20. KSC-08pd3583

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-10-15

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the NASA Railroad Maintenance Crew and Railroad and Transportation Management Team pose alongside NASA Railroad locomotive 3. From left, in front are Rick Koury, Chris Bryant and Tony Andrade. Behind, from left, are Will Eriksen, Mike Stephens, Kurt Bush, Gary Steele, John Muzzy, Mike Fitch, Chuck Sturgill and Jesse Crews. The maintenance team completed the refurbishment of locomotive 3 in October. The 15-month process, including a new paint scheme, dealt with extensive corrosion to the locomotive because of Kennedy's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Locomotives 1 and 2 also will be refurbished eventually. The NASA Railroad locomotives are SW-1500 switch engines built by Electro Motive Diesel (EMD). Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

  1. A novel MEMS inertial switch with a reinforcing rib structure and electrostatic power assist to prolong the contact time

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Jian; Wang, Yan; Yang, Zhuoqing; Ding, Guifu; Zhao, Xiaolin; Wang, Hong

    2018-03-01

    The MEMS inertial switch is widely used in various industries owing to its advantage of small size, high integration, low power consumption and low costs, especially in the timing of Internet of things, such as toys, handheld devices, accessories and vibration testing. This paper provided a novel inertial switch with a reinforcing rib structure and electrostatic power assist. The designed inertial switch can reduce the complexity of the post-processing circuit and broaden its application prospect. The continuous electrostatic force can extend the contact time of the designed inertia switch before the leakage of electricity ends. The moving electrode with a reinforcing rib structure can effectively restrain the bending of the lower surface of moving electrode caused by residual stress. The array-type fixed electrode can ensure stable contact between the electrodes when the device is sensitive to external shocks. The dynamic displacement-time curve can be simulated by the COMSOL finite element simulation software. The laminated plating process is used to produce the designed inertial switch and the drop hammer acceleration monitoring system is used to test the fabricated device. The results indicate that, compared with the traditional design, the bouncing phenomenon can be prevented and extend the contact time to 336μs.

  2. Optimizing the operating parameters of corona electrostatic separation for recycling waste scraped printed circuit boards by computer simulation of electric field.

    PubMed

    Li, Jia; Lu, Hongzhou; Liu, Shushu; Xu, Zhenming

    2008-05-01

    The printed circuit board (PCB) has a metal content of nearly 28% metal, including an abundance of nonferrous metals such as copper, lead, and tin. The purity of precious metals in PCBs is more than 10 times that of rich-content minerals. Therefore, the recycling of PCBs is an important subject, not only from the viewpoint of waste treatment, but also with respect to the recovery of valuable materials. Compared with traditional process the corona electrostatic separation (CES) had no waste water or gas during the process and it had high productivity with a low-energy cost. In this paper, the roll-type corona electrostatic separator was used to separate metals and nonmetals from scraped waste PCBs. The software MATLAB was used to simulate the distribution of electric field in separating space. It was found that, the variations of parameters of electrodes and applied voltages directly influenced the distribution of electric field. Through the correlation of simulated and experimental results, the good separation results were got under the optimized operating parameter: U=20-30 kV, L=L(1)=L(2)=0.21 m, R(1)=0.114, R(2)=0.019 m, theta(1)=20 degrees and theta(2)=60 degrees .

  3. Electrostatic Solvation Energy for Two Oppositely Charged Ions in a Solvated Protein System: Salt Bridges Can Stabilize Proteins

    PubMed Central

    Gong, Haipeng; Freed, Karl F.

    2010-01-01

    Abstract Born-type electrostatic continuum methods have been an indispensable ingredient in a variety of implicit-solvent methods that reduce computational effort by orders of magnitude compared to explicit-solvent MD simulations and thus enable treatment using larger systems and/or longer times. An analysis of the limitations and failures of the Born approaches serves as a guide for fundamental improvements without diminishing the importance of prior works. One of the major limitations of the Born theory is the lack of a liquidlike description of the response of solvent dipoles to the electrostatic field of the solute and the changes therein, a feature contained in the continuum Langevin-Debye (LD) model applied here to investigate how Coulombic interactions depend on the location of charges relative to the protein/water boundary. This physically more realistic LD model is applied to study the stability of salt bridges. When compared head to head using the same (independently measurable) physical parameters (radii, dielectric constants, etc.), the LD model is in good agreement with observations, whereas the Born model is grossly in error. Our calculations also suggest that a salt bridge on the protein's surface can be stabilizing when the charge separation is ≤4 Å. PMID:20141761

  4. Evidences of Changes in Surface Electrostatic Charge Distribution during Stabilization of HPV16 Virus-Like Particles

    PubMed Central

    Vega, Juan F.; Vicente-Alique, Ernesto; Núñez-Ramírez, Rafael; Wang, Yang; Martínez-Salazar, Javier

    2016-01-01

    The stabilization of human papillomavirus type 16 virus-like particles has been examined by means of different techniques including dynamic and static light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and electrophoretic mobility. All these techniques provide different and often complementary perspectives about the aggregation process and generation of stabilized virus-like particles after a period of time of 48 hours at a temperature of 298 K. Interestingly, static light scattering results point towards a clear colloidal instability in the initial systems, as suggested by a negative value of the second virial coefficient. This is likely related to small repulsive electrostatic interactions among the particles, and in agreement with relatively small absolute values of the electrophoretic mobility and, hence, of the net surface charges. At this initial stage the small repulsive interactions are not able to compensate binding interactions, which tend to aggregate the particles. As time proceeds, an increase of the size of the particles is accompanied by strong increases, in absolute values, of the electrophoretic mobility and net surface charge, suggesting enhanced repulsive electrostatic interactions and, consequently, a stabilized colloidal system. These results show that electrophoretic mobility is a useful methodology that can be applied to screen the stabilization factors for virus-like particles during vaccine development. PMID:26885635

  5. On the characteristics of obliquely propagating electrostatic structures in non-Maxwellian plasmas in the presence of ion pressure anisotropy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Adnan, Muhammad; Qamar, Anisa; Mahmood, Shahzad; Kourakis, Ioannis

    2017-03-01

    The dynamical characteristics of large amplitude ion-acoustic waves are investigated in a magnetized plasma comprising ions presenting space asymmetry in the equation of state and non-Maxwellian electrons. The anisotropic ion pressure is defined using the double adiabatic Chew-Golberger-Low theory. An excess in the superthermal component of the electron population is assumed, in agreement with long-tailed (energetic electron) distribution observations in space plasmas; this is modeled via a kappa-type distribution function. Large electrostatic excitations are assumed to propagate in a direction oblique to the external magnetic field. In the linear (small amplitude) regime, two electrostatic modes are shown to exist. The properties of arbitrary amplitude (nonlinear) obliquely propagating ion-acoustic solitary excitations are thus investigated via a pseudomechanical energy balance analogy, by adopting a Sagdeev potential approach. The combined effect of the ion pressure anisotropy and excess superthermal electrons is shown to alter the parameter region where solitary waves can exist. An excess in the suprathermal particles is thus shown to be associated with solitary waves, which are narrower, faster, and of larger amplitude. Ion pressure anisotropy, on the other hand, affects the amplitude of the solitary waves, which become weaker (in strength), wider (in spatial extension), and thus slower in comparison with the cold ion case.

  6. A new constituent of electrostatic energy in semiconductors. An attempt to reformulate electrostatic energy in matter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sallese, Jean-Michel

    2016-06-01

    The concept of electric energy is revisited in detail for semiconductors. We come to the conclusion that the main relationship used to calculate the energy related to the penetration of the electric field in semiconductors is missing a fundamental term. For instance, spatial derivate of the electrostatic energy using the traditional formula fails at giving the correct electrostatic force between semiconductor based capacitor plates, and reveals unambiguously the existence of an extra contribution to the standard electrostatic free energy. The additional term is found to be related to the generation of space charge regions which are predicted when combining electrostatics with semiconductor physics laws, such as for accumulation and inversion layers. On the contrary, no such energy is needed when relying on electrostatics only, as for instance when adopting the so-called full depletion approximation. The same holds for neutral and charged insulators that are still consistent with the customary definition, but these two examples are in fact singular cases. In semiconductors for instance, this additional energy can largely exceed the energy gained by the dipoles, thus becoming the dominant term. This unexpected result clearly asks for a generalization of electrostatic energy in matter in order to reconcile basic concepts of electrostatic energy in the framework of classical physics.

  7. The two sides of complement C3d: evolution of electrostatics in a link between innate and adaptive immunity.

    PubMed

    Kieslich, Chris A; Morikis, Dimitrios

    2012-01-01

    The interaction between complement fragment C3d and complement receptor 2 (CR2) is a key aspect of complement immune system activation, and is a component in a link between innate and adaptive immunities. The complement immune system is an ancient mechanism for defense, and can be found in species that have been on Earth for the last 600 million years. However, the link between the complement system and adaptive immunity, which is formed through the association of the B-cell co-receptor complex, including the C3d-CR2 interaction, is a much more recent adaptation. Human C3d and CR2 have net charges of -1 and +7 respectively, and are believed to have evolved favoring the role of electrostatics in their functions. To investigate the role of electrostatics in the function and evolution of human C3d and CR2, we have applied electrostatic similarity methods to identify regions of evolutionarily conserved electrostatic potential based on 24 homologues of complement C3d and 4 homologues of CR2. We also examine the effects of structural perturbation, as introduced through molecular dynamics and mutations, on spatial distributions of electrostatic potential to identify perturbation resistant regions, generated by so-called electrostatic "hot-spots". Distributions of electrostatic similarity based on families of perturbed structures illustrate the presence of electrostatic "hot-spots" at the two functional sites of C3d, while the surface of CR2 lacks electrostatic "hot-spots" despite its excessively positive nature. We propose that the electrostatic "hot-spots" of C3d have evolved to optimize its dual-functionality (covalently attaching to pathogen surfaces and interaction with CR2), which are both necessary for the formation B-cell co-receptor complexes. Comparison of the perturbation resistance of the electrostatic character of the homologues of C3d suggests that there was an emergence of a new role of electrostatics, and a transition in the function of C3d, after the divergence of jawless fish.

  8. The Two Sides of Complement C3d: Evolution of Electrostatics in a Link between Innate and Adaptive Immunity

    PubMed Central

    Kieslich, Chris A.; Morikis, Dimitrios

    2012-01-01

    The interaction between complement fragment C3d and complement receptor 2 (CR2) is a key aspect of complement immune system activation, and is a component in a link between innate and adaptive immunities. The complement immune system is an ancient mechanism for defense, and can be found in species that have been on Earth for the last 600 million years. However, the link between the complement system and adaptive immunity, which is formed through the association of the B-cell co-receptor complex, including the C3d-CR2 interaction, is a much more recent adaptation. Human C3d and CR2 have net charges of −1 and +7 respectively, and are believed to have evolved favoring the role of electrostatics in their functions. To investigate the role of electrostatics in the function and evolution of human C3d and CR2, we have applied electrostatic similarity methods to identify regions of evolutionarily conserved electrostatic potential based on 24 homologues of complement C3d and 4 homologues of CR2. We also examine the effects of structural perturbation, as introduced through molecular dynamics and mutations, on spatial distributions of electrostatic potential to identify perturbation resistant regions, generated by so-called electrostatic “hot-spots”. Distributions of electrostatic similarity based on families of perturbed structures illustrate the presence of electrostatic “hot-spots” at the two functional sites of C3d, while the surface of CR2 lacks electrostatic “hot-spots” despite its excessively positive nature. We propose that the electrostatic “hot-spots” of C3d have evolved to optimize its dual-functionality (covalently attaching to pathogen surfaces and interaction with CR2), which are both necessary for the formation B-cell co-receptor complexes. Comparison of the perturbation resistance of the electrostatic character of the homologues of C3d suggests that there was an emergence of a new role of electrostatics, and a transition in the function of C3d, after the divergence of jawless fish. PMID:23300422

  9. Aircraft Electromagnetic Compatibility.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-06-01

    Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields , 300 KiloHertz to 100 GigaHertz." 6. ARINC 429-8, "Digital Information Transfer System (DITS...142 V EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Aircraft Electromagnetic Compatibility guidelines document deals with electromagnetic compatibility in a... electromagnetic interference paths (figure EI. TYPE PATH 400 Hz Electrostatic MagneticCharge Electric Field Transients 5 R d t Coupling 150/i 300o Wire

  10. An improved electrostatic integrating radon monitor with the CR-39 as alpha-particle detector.

    PubMed

    Fan, D; Zhuo, W; Chen, B; Zhao, C; Yi, Y; Zhang, Y

    2015-11-01

    In this study, based on the electrostatic integrating radon monitor (EIRM) developed by Iida et al., a new type of EIRM with the allyl glycol carbonate (CR-39) as alpha-particle detector was developed for outdoor radon measurements. Besides using the CR-39 to replace the cellulose nitrate film as alpha-particle detector, the electrode and the setting place of the CR-39 were also optimally designed based on the simulation results of the electric field and the detection efficiency. The calibration factor of the new EIRM was estimated to be 0.136±0.002 tracks cm(-2) (Bq m(-3) h)(-1), with the lower detection limit of 0.6 Bq m(-3) for a 2-month exposure. Furthermore, both the battery and the dry agent were also replaced to protect the environment. The results of intercomparison and field experiments showed that the performances of the new EIRM were much better than the original one. It suggests that the new type of ERIM is more suitable for large-scale and long-term outdoor radon surveys. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  11. Complex coacervation in charge complementary biopolymers: Electrostatic versus surface patch binding.

    PubMed

    Pathak, Jyotsana; Priyadarshini, Eepsita; Rawat, Kamla; Bohidar, H B

    2017-12-01

    In this review, a number of systems are described to demonstrate the effect of polyelectrolyte chain stiffness (persistence length) on the coacervation phenomena, after we briefly review the field. We consider two specific types of complexation/coacervation: in the first type, DNA is used as a fixed substrate binding to flexible polyions such as gelatin A, bovine serum albumin and chitosan (large persistence length polyelectrolyte binding to low persistence length biopolymer), and in the second case, different substrates such as gelatin A, bovine serum albumin, and chitosan were made to bind to a polyion gelatin B (low persistence length substrate binding to comparable persistence length polyion). Polyelectrolyte chain flexibility was found to have remarkable effect on the polyelectrolyte-protein complex coacervation. The competitive interplay of electrostatic versus surface patch binding (SPB) leading to associative interaction followed by complex coacervation between these biopolymers is elucidated. We modelled the SPB interaction in terms of linear combination of attractive and repulsive Coulombic forces with respect to the solution ionic strength. The aforesaid interactions were established via a universal phase diagram, considering the persistence length of polyion as the sole independent variable. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. a Computational Approach to Explore Protein Translocation Through Type III Secretion Apparatus

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rathinavelan, Thenmalarchelvi; Im, Wonpil

    2010-01-01

    Many Gram-negative bacteria initiate infections by injecting effector proteins into host cells through the type III secretion apparatus (TTSA) that is comprised of a basal body, a needle, and a tip. The needle channel is formed by the assembly of a single needle protein. To explore the export mechanisms of MxiH needle protein through the needle of Shigella flexneri, an essential step during needle assembly, we have performed steered molecular dynamics simulations in implicit solvent. Interestingly, the electronegative channel interior creates an energy barrier for MxiH to enter the channel, while the same may facilitate the ejection of the effectors into host cells. Structurally-known basal regions and ATPase underneath the basal region have also such electronegative interior, while effector proteins have considerable electronegative patches on their surfaces. Based on these observations, we propose a repulsive electrostatic mechanism for protein translocation through the TTSA. This mechanism is supported by the suggestion that an ATPase is required for protein translocation through these nanomachines, which may provide the energy to overcome the initial electrostatic energy barrier. A similar mechanism may be applicable to macromolecular channels in other secretion systems or viruses through which proteins or nucleic acids are transported.

  13. Planetary plasma waves

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gurnett, Donald A.

    1993-01-01

    The primary types of plasma waves observed in the vicinity of the planets Venus, Mars, Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are described. The observations are organized according to the various types of plasma waves observed, ordered according to decreasing distance from the planet, starting from the sunward side of the planet, and ending in the region near the closest approach. The plasma waves observed include: electron plasma oscillations and ion acoustic waves; trapped continuum radiation; electron cyclotron and upper hybrid waves; whistler-mode emissions; electrostatic ion cyclotron waves; and electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves.

  14. Electrostatic similarity of proteins: Application of three dimensional spherical harmonic decomposition

    PubMed Central

    Długosz, Maciej; Trylska, Joanna

    2008-01-01

    We present a method for describing and comparing global electrostatic properties of biomolecules based on the spherical harmonic decomposition of electrostatic potential data. Unlike other approaches our method does not require any prior three dimensional structural alignment. The electrostatic potential, given as a volumetric data set from a numerical solution of the Poisson or Poisson–Boltzmann equation, is represented with descriptors that are rotation invariant. The method can be applied to large and structurally diverse sets of biomolecules enabling to cluster them according to their electrostatic features. PMID:18624502

  15. Effect of the ordered interfacial water layer in protein complex formation: a non-local electrostatic approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rubinstein, Alexander; Sabirianov, Renat

    2011-03-01

    Using a non-local electrostatic approach that incorporates the short-range structure of the contacting media, we evaluated the electrostatic contribution to the energy of the complex formation of two model proteins. In this study, we have demonstrated that the existence of an low-dielectric interfacial water layer at the protein-solvent interface reduces the charging energy of the proteins in the aqueous solvent, and consequently increases the electrostatic contribution to the protein binding (change in free energy upon the complex formation of two proteins). This is in contrast with the finding of the continuum electrostatic model, which suggests that electrostatic interactions are not strong enough to compensate for the unfavorable desolvation effects.

  16. Conserved electrostatic fields at the Ras-effector interface measured through vibrational Stark effect spectroscopy explain the difference in tilt angle in the Ras binding domains of Raf and RalGDS.

    PubMed

    Walker, David M; Wang, Ruifei; Webb, Lauren J

    2014-10-07

    Vibrational Stark effect (VSE) spectroscopy was used to measure the electrostatic fields present at the interface of the human guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Ras docked with the Ras binding domain (RBD) of the protein kinase Raf. Nine amino acids located on the surface of Raf were selected for labeling with a nitrile vibrational probe. Eight of the probe locations were situated along the interface of Ras and Raf, and one probe was 2 nm away on the opposite side of Raf. Vibrational frequencies of the nine Raf nitrile probes were compared both in the monomeric, solvated protein and when docked with wild-type (WT) Ras to construct a comprehensive VSE map of the Ras-Raf interface. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations employing an umbrella sampling strategy were used to generate a Boltzmann-weighted ensemble of nitrile positions in both the monomeric and docked complexes to determine the effect that docking has on probe location and orientation and to aid in the interpretation of VSE results. These results were compared to an identical study that was previously conducted on nine nitrile probes on the RBD of Ral guanidine dissociation stimulator (RalGDS) to make comparisons between the docked complexes formed when either of the two effectors bind to WT Ras. This comparison finds that there are three regions of conserved electrostatic fields that are formed upon docking of WT Ras with both downstream effectors. Conservation of this pattern in the docked complex then results in different binding orientations observed in otherwise structurally similar proteins. This work supports an electrostatic cause of the known binding tilt angle between the Ras-Raf and Ras-RalGDS complexes.

  17. Effect of pore structure on the removal of clofibric acid by magnetic anion exchange resin.

    PubMed

    Tan, Liang; Shuang, Chendong; Wang, Yunshu; Wang, Jun; Su, Yihong; Li, Aimin

    2018-01-01

    The effect of pore structure of resin on clofibric acid (CA) adsorption behavior was investigated by using magnetic anion exchange resins (ND-1, ND-2, ND-3) with increasing pore diameter by 11.68, 15.37, 24.94 nm. Resin with larger pores showed faster adsorption rates and a higher adsorption capacity because the more opened tunnels provided by larger pores benefit the CA diffusion into the resin matrix. The ion exchange by the electrostatic interactions between Cl-type resin and CA resulted in chloride releasing to the solution, and the ratio of released chloride to CA adsorption amount decreased from 0.90 to 0.65 for ND-1, ND-2 and ND-3, indicating that non-electrostatic interactions obtain a larger proportional part of the adsorption into the pores. Co-existing inorganic anions and organic acids reduced the CA adsorption amounts by the competition effect of electrostatic interaction, whereas resins with more opened pore structures weakened the negative influence on CA adsorption because of the existence of non-electrostatic interactions. 85.2% and 65.1% adsorption amounts decrease are calculated for resin ND-1 and ND-3 by the negative influence of 1 mmol L -1 NaCl. This weaken effect of organic acid is generally depends on its hydrophobicity (Log Kow) for carboxylic acid and its ionization degree (pKb) for sulfonic acid. The resins could be reused with the slightly decreases by 1.9%, 3.2% and 5.4% after 7 cycles of regeneration, respectively for ND-1, ND-2 and ND-3, suggesting the ion exchange resin with larger pores are against its reuse by the brine solution regeneration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Electrical and optical performance of transparent conducting oxide films deposited by electrostatic spray assisted vapour deposition.

    PubMed

    Hou, Xianghui; Choy, Kwang-Leong; Liu, Jun-Peng

    2011-09-01

    Transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films have the remarkable combination of high electrical conductivity and optical transparency. There is always a strong motivation to produce TCO films with good performance at low cost. Electrostatic Spray Assisted Vapor Deposition (ESAVD), as a variant of chemical vapour deposition (CVD), is a non-vacuum and low-cost deposition method. Several types of TCO films have been deposited using ESAVD process, including indium tin oxide (ITO), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO), and fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO). This paper reports the electrical and optical properties of TCO films produced by ESAVD methods, as well as the effects of post treatment by plasma hydrogenation on these TCO films. The possible mechanisms involved during plasma hydrogenation of TCO films are also discussed. Reduction and etching effect during plasma hydrogenation are the most important factors which determine the optical and electrical performance of TCO films.

  19. A force transmission system based on a tulip-shaped electrostatic clutch for haptic display devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sasaki, Hikaru; Shikida, Mitsuhiro; Sato, Kazuo

    2006-12-01

    This paper describes a novel type of force transmission system for haptic display devices. The system consists of an array of end-effecter elements, a force/displacement transmitter and a single actuator producing a large force/displacement. It has tulip-shaped electrostatic clutch devices to distribute the force/displacement from the actuator among the individual end effecters. The specifications of three components were determined to stimulate touched human fingers. The components were fabricated by using micro-electromechanical systems and conventional machining technologies, and finally they were assembled by hand. The performance of the assembled transmission system was experimentally examined and it was confirmed that each projection in the arrayed end effecters could be moved individually. The actuator in a system whose total size was only 3.0 cm × 3.0 cm × 4.0 cm produced a 600 mN force and displaced individual array elements by 18 µm.

  20. Protein-protein recognition control by modulating electrostatic interactions.

    PubMed

    Han, Song; Yin, Shijin; Yi, Hong; Mouhat, Stéphanie; Qiu, Su; Cao, Zhijian; Sabatier, Jean-Marc; Wu, Yingliang; Li, Wenxin

    2010-06-04

    Protein-protein control recognition remains a huge challenge, and its development depends on understanding the chemical and biological mechanisms by which these interactions occur. Here we describe a protein-protein control recognition technique based on the dominant electrostatic interactions occurring between the proteins. We designed a potassium channel inhibitor, BmP05-T, that was 90.32% identical to wild-type BmP05. Negatively charged residues were translocated from the nonbinding interface to the binding interface of BmP05 inhibitor, such that BmP05-T now used BmP05 nonbinding interface as the binding interface. This switch demonstrated that nonbinding interfaces were able to control the orientation of protein binding interfaces in the process of protein-protein recognition. The novel function findings of BmP05-T peptide suggested that the control recognition technique described here had the potential for use in designing and utilizing functional proteins in many biological scenarios.

  1. Recent progress in biopolymer nanoparticle and microparticle formation by heat-treating electrostatic protein-polysaccharide complexes.

    PubMed

    Jones, Owen G; McClements, David Julian

    2011-09-14

    Functional biopolymer nanoparticles or microparticles can be formed by heat treatment of globular protein-ionic polysaccharide electrostatic complexes under appropriate solution conditions. These biopolymer particles can be used as encapsulation and delivery systems, fat mimetics, lightening agents, or texture modifiers. This review highlights recent progress in the design and fabrication of biopolymer particles based on heating globular protein-ionic polysaccharide complexes above the thermal denaturation temperature of the proteins. The influence of biopolymer type, protein-polysaccharide ratio, pH, ionic strength, and thermal history on the characteristics of the biopolymer particles formed is reviewed. Our current understanding of the underlying physicochemical mechanisms of particle formation and properties is given. The information provided in this review should facilitate the rational design of biopolymer particles with specific physicochemical and functional attributes, as well as stimulate further research in identifying the physicochemical origin of particle formation. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Bifurcation Analysis of an Electrostatically Actuated Nano-Beam Based on Modified Couple Stress Theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rezaei Kivi, Araz; Azizi, Saber; Norouzi, Peyman

    2017-12-01

    In this paper, the nonlinear size-dependent static and dynamic behavior of an electrostatically actuated nano-beam is investigated. A fully clamped nano-beam is considered for the modeling of the deformable electrode of the NEMS. The governing differential equation of the motion is derived using Hamiltonian principle based on couple stress theory; a non-classical theory for considering length scale effects. The nonlinear partial differential equation of the motion is discretized to a nonlinear Duffing type ODE's using Galerkin method. Static and dynamic pull-in instabilities obtained by both classical theory and MCST are compared. At the second stage of analysis, shooting technique is utilized to obtain the frequency response curve, and to capture the periodic solutions of the motion; the stability of the periodic solutions are gained by Floquet theory. The nonlinear dynamic behavior of the deformable electrode due to the AC harmonic accompanied with size dependency is investigated.

  3. The converse magnetoelectric coupling in asymmetric granule/matrix composite film with Ni/PZT component

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Bo; Su, Ning-Ning; Cui, Wen-Li; Yan, Shi-Nong

    2018-04-01

    In this work, a type of asymmetric granule/matrix composite film is designed, where the Ni granule is dispersed in PZT matrix, meanwhile the top and bottom electrode is constituted by Au and SRO respectively. Predicted through the electrostatic screening model and mean field approximation, considerable electrostatic charge is induced on Ni granule surface by ferroelectric PZT polarization. Predicted through the spin splitting model and spherical shell approximation, both the magnetization and magnetic anisotropy of Ni granule are modulated by ferroelectric PZT polarization. As the volume fraction of Ni granule is increased, the electric modulation of magnetization and magnetic anisotropy is reduced and enhanced respectively. As the dimension of granule/matrix composite is varied, such modulation is retained. Due to the large area-volume ratio of nano-granule, this work benefits to realize the converse magnetoelectric coupling in nanoscale.

  4. Substitution effect on a hydroxylated chalcone: Conformational, topological and theoretical studies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Custodio, Jean M. F.; Vaz, Wesley F.; de Andrade, Fabiano M.; Camargo, Ademir J.; Oliveira, Guilherme R.; Napolitano, Hamilton B.

    2017-05-01

    The effect of substituents on two hydroxylated chalcones was studied in this work. The first chalcone, with a dimethylamine group (HY-DAC) and the second, with three methoxy groups (HY-TRI) were synthesized and crystallized from ethanol on centrosymmetric space group P21/c. The geometric parameters and supramolecular arrangement for both structures obtained from single crystal X-ray diffraction data were analyzed. The intermolecular interactions were investigated by Hirshfeld surfaces with their respective 2D plot for quantification of each type of contact. Additionally, the observed interactions were characterized by QTAIM analysis, and DFT calculations were applied for theoretical vibrational spectra, localization and quantification of frontier orbitals and potential electrostatic map. The flatness of both structures was affected by the substituents, which led to different monoclinic crystalline packing. The calculated harmonic vibrational frequencies and homo-lumo gap confirmed the stability of the structures, while intermolecular interactions were confirmed by potential electrostatic map and QTAIM analysis.

  5. Roles Played by Electrostatic Waves in Producing Radio Emissions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cairns, Iver H.

    2000-01-01

    Processes in which electromagnetic radiation is produced directly or indirectly via intermediate waves are reviewed. It is shown that strict theoretical constraints exist for electrons to produce nonthermal levels of radiation directly by the Cerenkov or cyclotron resonances. In contrast, indirect emission processes in which intermediary plasma waves are converted into radiation are often favored on general and specific grounds. Four classes of mechanisms involving the conversion of electrostatic waves into radiation are linear mode conversion, hybrid linear/nonlinear mechanisms, nonlinear wave-wave and wave-particle processes, and radiation from localized wave packets. These processes are reviewed theoretically and observational evidence summarized for their occurrence. Strong evidence exists that specific nonlinear wave processes and mode conversion can explain quantitatively phenomena involving type III solar radio bursts and ionospheric emissions. On the other hand, no convincing evidence exists that magnetospheric continuum radiation is produced by mode conversion instead of nonlinear wave processes. Further research on these processes is needed.

  6. Comprehensive Study of Microgel Electrode for On-Chip Electrophoretic Cell Sorting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Akihiro Hattori,; Kenji Yasuda,

    2010-06-01

    We have developed an on-chip cell sorting system and microgel electrode for applying electrostatic force in microfluidic pathways in the chip. The advantages of agarose electrodes are 1) current-driven electrostatic force generation, 2) stability against pH change and chemicals, and 3) no bubble formation caused by electrolysis. We examined the carrier ion type and concentration dependence of microgel electrode impedance, and found that CoCl2 has less than 1/10 of the impedance from NaCl, and the reduction of the impedance of NaCl gel electrode was plateaued at 0.5 M. The structure control of the microgel electrode exploiting the surface tension of sol-state agarose was also introduced. The addition of 1% (w/v) trehalose into the microgel electrode allowed the frozen storage of the microgel electrode chip. The experimental results demonstrate the potential of our system and microgel electrode for practical applications in microfluidic chips.

  7. Origin of the X-Hal (Hal = Cl, Br) bond-length change in the halogen-bonded complexes.

    PubMed

    Wang, Weizhou; Hobza, Pavel

    2008-05-01

    The origin of the X-Hal bond-length change in the halogen bond of the X-Hal...Y type has been investigated at the MP2(full)/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory using a natural bond orbital analysis, atoms in molecules procedure, and electrostatic potential fitting methods. Our results have clearly shown that various theories explaining the nature of the hydrogen bond cannot be applied to explain the origin of the X-Hal bond-length change in the halogen bond. We provide a new explanation for this change. The elongation of the X-Hal bond length is caused by the electron-density transfer to the X-Hal sigma* antibonding orbital. For the blue-shifting halogen bond, the electron-density transfer to the X-Hal sigma* antibonding orbital is only of minor importance; it is the electrostatic attractive interaction that causes the X-Hal bond contraction.

  8. Structure and assembly of scalable porous protein cages

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

    2017-03-01

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

  9. Electron Jet of Asymmetric Reconnection

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Khotyaintsev, Yu. V.; Graham, D. B.; Norgren, C.; Eriksson, E.; Li, W.; Johlander, A.; Vaivads, A.; Andre, M.; Pritchett, P. L.; Retino, A.; hide

    2016-01-01

    We present Magnetospheric Multiscale observations of an electron-scale current sheet and electron outflow jet for asymmetric reconnection with guide field at the subsolar magnetopause. The electron jet observed within the reconnection region has an electron Mach number of 0.35 and is associated with electron agyrotropy. The jet is unstable to an electrostatic instability which generates intense waves with E(sub parallel lines) amplitudes reaching up to 300 mV/m and potentials up to 20% of the electron thermal energy. We see evidence of interaction between the waves and the electron beam, leading to quick thermalization of the beam and stabilization of the instability. The wave phase speed is comparable to the ion thermal speed, suggesting that the instability is of Buneman type, and therefore introduces electron-ion drag and leads to braking of the electron flow. Our observations demonstrate that electrostatic turbulence plays an important role in the electron-scale physics of asymmetric reconnection.

  10. On the nature of kinetic electrostatic electron nonlinear (KEEN) waves

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

    Dodin, I. Y.; Fisch, N. J.

    2014-03-15

    An analytical theory is proposed for the kinetic electrostatic electron nonlinear (KEEN) waves originally found in simulations by Afeyan et al. [arXiv:1210.8105]. We suggest that KEEN waves represent saturated states of the negative mass instability (NMI) reported recently by Dodin et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 215006 (2013)]. Due to the NMI, trapped electrons form macroparticles that produce field oscillations at harmonics of the bounce frequency. At large enough amplitudes, these harmonics can phase-lock to the main wave and form stable nonlinear dissipationless structures that are nonstationary but otherwise similar to Bernstein-Greene-Kruskal modes. The theory explains why the formation ofmore » KEEN modes is sensitive to the excitation scenario and yields estimates that agree with the numerical results of Afeyan et al. A new type of KEEN wave may be possible at even larger amplitudes of the driving field than those used in simulations so far.« less

  11. The Effect of Salt on the Complex Coacervation of Vinyl Polyelectrolytes

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

    Perry, Sarah; Li, Yue; Priftis, Dimitrios

    2014-06-01

    Complex coacervation is an electrostatically-driven phase separation phenomenon that is utilized in a wide range of everyday applications and is of great interest for the creation of self-assembled materials. Here, we utilized turbidity to characterize the effect of salt type on coacervate formation using two vinyl polyelectrolytes, poly(acrylic acid sodium salt) (pAA) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (pAH), as simple models for industrial and biological coacervates. We confirmed the dominant role of salt valence on the extent of coacervate formation, while demonstrating the presence of significant secondary effects, which can be described by Hofmeister-like behavior. These results revealed the importance of ion-specificmore » interactions, which are crucial for the informed design of coacervate-based materials for use in complex ionic environments, and can enable more detailed theoretical investigations on the role of subtle electrostatic and thermodynamic effects in complex coacervation.« less

  12. A Triboelectric Sensor Array for Electrostatic Studies on the Lunar Surface

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johansen, Michael R.; Mackey, Paul J.; Calle, C. I.

    2015-01-01

    The moons electrostatic environment requires careful consideration in the development of future lunar landers. Electrostatically charged dust was well documented during the Apollo missions to cause thermal control, mechanical, and visibility issues. The fine dust particles that make up the surface are electrostatically charged as a result of numerous charging mechanisms. The relatively dry conditions on the moon creates a prime tribocharging environment during surface operations. The photoelectric effect is dominant for lunar day static charging, while plasma electrons are the main contributor for lunar night electrostatic effects. Electrostatic charging is also dependent on solar intensity, Earth-moon relative positions, and cosmic ray flux. This leads to a very complex and dynamic electrostatic environment that must be studied for the success of long term lunar missions.In order to better understand the electrostatic environment of planetary bodies, Kennedy Space Center, in previous collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has developed an electrostatic sensor suite. One of the instruments included in this package is the triboelectric sensor array. It is comprised of strategically selected materials that span the triboelectric series and that also have previous spaceflight history. In this presentation, we discuss detailed testing with the triboelectric sensor array performed at Kennedy Space Center. We will discuss potential benefits and use cases of this low mass, low cost sensor package, both for science and for mission success.

  13. Bounding the electrostatic free energies associated with linear continuum models of molecular solvation.

    PubMed

    Bardhan, Jaydeep P; Knepley, Matthew G; Anitescu, Mihai

    2009-03-14

    The importance of electrostatic interactions in molecular biology has driven extensive research toward the development of accurate and efficient theoretical and computational models. Linear continuum electrostatic theory has been surprisingly successful, but the computational costs associated with solving the associated partial differential equations (PDEs) preclude the theory's use in most dynamical simulations. Modern generalized-Born models for electrostatics can reproduce PDE-based calculations to within a few percent and are extremely computationally efficient but do not always faithfully reproduce interactions between chemical groups. Recent work has shown that a boundary-integral-equation formulation of the PDE problem leads naturally to a new approach called boundary-integral-based electrostatics estimation (BIBEE) to approximate electrostatic interactions. In the present paper, we prove that the BIBEE method can be used to rigorously bound the actual continuum-theory electrostatic free energy. The bounds are validated using a set of more than 600 proteins. Detailed numerical results are presented for structures of the peptide met-enkephalin taken from a molecular-dynamics simulation. These bounds, in combination with our demonstration that the BIBEE methods accurately reproduce pairwise interactions, suggest a new approach toward building a highly accurate yet computationally tractable electrostatic model.

  14. Bounding the electrostatic free energies associated with linear continuum models of molecular solvation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bardhan, Jaydeep P.; Knepley, Matthew G.; Anitescu, Mihai

    2009-03-01

    The importance of electrostatic interactions in molecular biology has driven extensive research toward the development of accurate and efficient theoretical and computational models. Linear continuum electrostatic theory has been surprisingly successful, but the computational costs associated with solving the associated partial differential equations (PDEs) preclude the theory's use in most dynamical simulations. Modern generalized-Born models for electrostatics can reproduce PDE-based calculations to within a few percent and are extremely computationally efficient but do not always faithfully reproduce interactions between chemical groups. Recent work has shown that a boundary-integral-equation formulation of the PDE problem leads naturally to a new approach called boundary-integral-based electrostatics estimation (BIBEE) to approximate electrostatic interactions. In the present paper, we prove that the BIBEE method can be used to rigorously bound the actual continuum-theory electrostatic free energy. The bounds are validated using a set of more than 600 proteins. Detailed numerical results are presented for structures of the peptide met-enkephalin taken from a molecular-dynamics simulation. These bounds, in combination with our demonstration that the BIBEE methods accurately reproduce pairwise interactions, suggest a new approach toward building a highly accurate yet computationally tractable electrostatic model.

  15. Electrostatic Precipitator

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2017-06-09

    New Electrostatic Precipitator in a flow-through system. The precipitator system is being developed to remove dust from the atmospheric intakes of the MARS ISRU chambers. It uses electrostatic forces for the dust removal.

  16. Dynamic free energy surfaces for sodium diffusion in type II silicon clathrates.

    PubMed

    Slingsby, J G; Rorrer, N A; Krishna, L; Toberer, E S; Koh, C A; Maupin, C M

    2016-02-21

    Earth abundant semiconducting type II Si clathrates have attracted attention as photovoltaic materials due to their wide band gaps. To realize the semiconducting properties of these materials, guest species that arise during the synthesis process must be completely evacuated from the host cage structure post synthesis. A common guest species utilized in the synthesis of Si clathrates is Na (metal), which templates the clathrate cage formation. Previous experimental investigations have identified that it is possible to evacuate Na from type II clathrates to an occupancy of less than 1 Na per unit cell. This work investigates the energetics, kinetics, and resulting mechanism of Na diffusion through type II Si clathrates by means of biased molecular dynamics and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Well-tempered metadynamics has been used to determine the potential of mean force for Na moving between clathrate cages, from which the thermodynamic preferences and transition barrier heights have been obtained. Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations based on the metadynamics results have identified the mechanism of Na diffusion in type II Si clathrates. The overall mechanism consists of a coupled diffusive process linked via electrostatic guest-guest interactions. The large occupied hexakaidechedral cages initially empty their Na guests to adjacent empty large cages, thereby changing the local electrostatic environment around the occupied small pentagonal dodecahedral cages and increasing the probability of Na guests to leave the small cages. This coupled process continues through the cross-over point that is identified as the point where large and small cages are equally occupied by Na guests. Further Na removal results in the majority of guests residing in the large cages as opposed to the small cages, in agreement with experiments, and ultimately a Na free structure.

  17. On the Proper Calculation of Electrostatic Interactions in Solid-Supported Bilayer Systems

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-01-01

    the effects of im- plementing different electrostatic boundary conditions on the structural and electrostatic properties of a quartz/water/vacuum...interface and a similar quartz-supported hydrated lipid bilayer exposed to vacuum. Since these interfacial systems have a net polarization, implementing the...implemented electrostatic boundary condition removed these inconsistencies. This formulation is generally applicable to similar interfacial systems in bulk

  18. Evaluation of the Accuracy and Related Factors of the Mechanical Torque-Limiting Device for Dental Implants

    PubMed Central

    Kazemi, Mahmood; Rohanian, Ahmad; Monzavi, Abbas; Nazari, Mohammad Sadegh

    2013-01-01

    Objective: Accurate delivery of torque to implant screws is critical to generate ideal preload in the screw joint and to offer protection against screw loosening. Mechanical torque-limiting devices (MTLDs) are available for this reason. In this study, the accuracy of one type of friction-style and two types of spring-style MTLDs at baseline, following fatigue conditions and sterilization processes were determined. Materials and Methods: Five unused MTLDs were selected from each of Straumann (ITI), Astra TECH and CWM systems. To measure the output of each MTLD, a digital torque gauge with a 3-jaw chuck was used to hold the driver. Force was applied to the MTLDs until either the friction styles released at a pre-calibrated torque value or the spring styles flexed to a pre-calibrated limit (target torque value). The peak torque value was recorded and the procedure was repeated 5 times for each MTLD. Then MTLDs were subjected to fatigue conditions at 500 and 1000 times and steam sterilization processes at 50 and 100 times and the peak torque value was recorded again at each stage. Results: Adjusted difference between measured torque values and target torque values differed significantly between stages for all 3 systems. Adjusted difference did not differ significantly between systems at all stages, but differed significantly between two different styles at baseline and 500 times fatigue stages. Conclusion: Straumann (ITI) devices differed minimally from target torque values at all stages. MTLDs with Spring-style were significantly more accurate than Friction-style device in achieving their target torque values at baseline and 500 times fatigue. PMID:23724209

  19. Electrostatic dominoes: long distance propagation of mutational effects in photosynthetic reaction centers of Rhodobacter capsulatus.

    PubMed

    Sebban, P; Maróti, P; Schiffer, M; Hanson, D K

    1995-07-04

    Two point mutants from the purple bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus, both modified in the M protein of the photosynthetic reaction center, have been studied by flash-induced absorbance spectroscopy. These strains carry either the M231Arg --> Leu or M43ASN --> Asp mutations, which are located 9 and 15 A, respectively, from the terminal electron acceptor QB. In the wild-type Rb. sphaeroides structure, M231Arg is involved in a conserved salt bridge with H125Glu and H232Glu and M43Asn is located among several polar residues that form or surround the QB binding site. These substitutions were originally uncovered in phenotypic revertants isolated from the photosynthetically incompetent L212Glu-L213Asp --> Ala-Ala site-specific double mutant. As second-site suppressor mutations, they have been shown to restore the proton transfer function that is interrupted in the L212Ala-L213Ala double mutant. The electrostatic effects that are induced in reaction centers by the M231Arg --> Leu and M43Asn --> Asp substitutions are roughly the same in either the double-mutant or wild-type backgrounds. In a reaction center that is otherwise wild type in sequence, they decrease the free energy gap between the QA- and QB- states by 24 +/- 5 and 45 +/- 5 meV, respectively. The pH dependences of K2, the QA-QB <--> QAQB- equilibrium constant, are altered in reaction centers that carry either of these substitutions, revealing differences in the pKas of titratable groups compared to the wild type.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  20. Protonation states and pH titration in the photocycle of photoactive yellow protein.

    PubMed

    Demchuk, E; Genick, U K; Woo, T T; Getzoff, E D; Bashford, D

    2000-02-08

    Photoactive yellow protein (PYP) undergoes a light-driven cycle of color and protonation states that is part of a mechanism of bacterial phototaxis. This article concerns functionally important protonation states of PYP and the interactions that stabilize them, and changes in the protonation state during the photocycle. In particular, the chromophore pK(a) is known to be shifted down so that the chromophore is negatively charged in the ground state (dark state) even though it is buried in the protein, while nearby Glu46 has an unusually high pK(a). The photocycle involves changes of one or both of these protonation states. Calculations of pK(a) values and protonation states using a semi-macroscopic electrostatic model are presented for the wild-type and three mutants, in both the ground state and the bleached (I(2)) intermediate state. Calculations allowing multiple H-bonding arrangements around the chromophore also have been carried out. In addition, ground-state pK(a) values of the chromophore have been measured by UV-visible spectroscopy for the wild-type and the same three mutants. Because of the unusual protonation states and strong electrostatic interactions, PYP represents a severe test of the ability of theoretical models to yield correct calculations of electrostatic interactions in proteins. Good agreement between experiment and theory can be obtained for the ground state provided the protein interior is assumed to have a relatively low dielectric constant, but only partial agreement between theory and experiment is obtained for the bleached state. We also present a reinterpretation of previously published data on the pH-dependence of the recovery of the ground state from the bleached state. The new analysis implies a pK(a) value of 6.37 for Glu46 in the bleached state, which is consistent with other available experimental data, including data that only became available after this analysis. The new analysis suggests that signal transduction is modulated by the titration properties of the bleached state, which are in turn determined by electrostatic interactions. Overall, the results of this study provide a quantitative picture of the interactions responsible for the unusual protonation states of the chromophore and Glu46, and of protonation changes upon bleaching.

  1. Electrostatic flocking of chitosan fibres leads to highly porous, elastic and fully biodegradable anisotropic scaffolds.

    PubMed

    Gossla, Elke; Tonndorf, Robert; Bernhardt, Anne; Kirsten, Martin; Hund, Rolf-Dieter; Aibibu, Dilibar; Cherif, Chokri; Gelinsky, Michael

    2016-10-15

    Electrostatic flocking - a common textile technology which has been applied in industry for decades - is based on the deposition of short polymer fibres in a parallel aligned fashion on flat or curved substrates, covered with a layer of a suitable adhesive. Due to their highly anisotropic properties the resulting velvet-like structures can be utilised as scaffolds for tissue engineering applications in which the space between the fibres can be defined as pores. In the present study we have developed a fully resorbable compression elastic flock scaffold from a single material system based on chitosan. The fibres and the resulting scaffolds were analysed concerning their structural and mechanical properties and the biocompatibility was tested in vitro. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the chitosan fibres were analysed as a function of the applied sterilisation technique (ethanol, supercritical carbon dioxide, γ-irradiation and autoclaving). All sterilisation methods decreased the Young's modulus (from 14GPa to 6-12GPa). The tensile strength was decreased after all treatments - except after the autoclaving of chitosan fibres submerged in water. Compressive strength of the highly porous flock scaffolds was 18±6kPa with a elastic modulus in the range of 50-100kPa. The flocked scaffolds did not show any cytotoxic effect during indirect or direct culture of human mesenchymal stem cells or the sarcoma osteogenic cell line Saos-2. Furthermore cell adhesion and proliferation of both cell types could be observed. This is the first demonstration of a fully biodegradable scaffold manufactured by electrostatic flocking. Most tissues possess anisotropic fibrous structures. In contrast, most of the commonly used scaffolds have an isotropic morphology. By utilising the textile technology of electrostatic flocking, highly porous and clearly anisotropic scaffolds can be manufactured. Flocking leads to parallel aligned short fibres, glued on the surface of a substrate. Such structures are characterised by a high and adjustable porosity, accompanied by distinct stiffness in fibre direction. The present article describes for the first time a fully biodegradable flock scaffold, solely made of chitosan. Utilisation of only one material for manufacturing of flock substrate, adhesive and fibres allow a uniform degradation of the whole construct. Such a new type of scaffold can be of great interest for a variety of biomedical applications. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Adaptation Mechanism of the Aspartate Receptor: Electrostatics of the Adaptation Subdomain Play a Key Role in Modulating Kinase Activity†

    PubMed Central

    Starrett, Diane J.; Falke, Joseph J.

    2010-01-01

    The aspartate receptor of the Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium chemotaxis pathway generates a transmembrane signal that regulates the activity of the cytoplasmic kinase CheA. Previous studies have identified a region of the cytoplasmic domain that is critical to receptor adaptation and kinase regulation. This region, termed the adaptation subdomain, contains a high density of acidic residues, including specific glutamate residues that serve as receptor adaptation sites. However, the mechanism of signal propagation through this region remains poorly understood. This study uses site-directed mutagenesis to neutralize each acidic residue within the subdomain to probe the hypothesis that electrostatics in this region play a significant role in the mechanism of kinase activation and modulation. Each point mutant was tested for its ability to regulate chemotaxis in vivo and kinase activity in vitro. Four point mutants (D273N, E281Q, D288N, and E477Q) were found to superactivate the kinase relative to the wild-type receptor, and all four of these kinase-activating substitutions are located along the same intersubunit interface as the adaptation sites. These activating substitutions retained the wild-type ability of the attractant-occupied receptor to inhibit kinase activity. When combined in a quadruple mutant (D273N/E281Q/D288N/E477Q), the four charge-neutralizing substitutions locked the receptor in a kinase-superactivating state that could not be fully inactivated by the attractant. Similar lock-on character was observed for a charge reversal substitution, D273R. Together, these results implicate the electrostatic interactions at the intersubunit interface as a major player in signal transduction and kinase regulation. The negative charge in this region destabilizes the local structure in a way that enhances conformational dynamics, as detected by disulfide trapping, and this effect is reversed by charge neutralization of the adaptation sites. Finally, two substitutions (E308Q and E463Q) preserved normal kinase activation in vitro but blocked cellular chemotaxis in vivo, suggesting that these sites lie within the docking site of an adaptation enzyme, CheR or CheB. Overall, this study highlights the importance of electrostatics in signal transduction and regulation of kinase activity by the cytoplasmic domain of the aspartate receptor. PMID:15683239

  3. Molecular basis of proton uptake in single and double mutants of cytochrome c oxidase

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Henry, Rowan M.; Caplan, David; Fadda, Elisa; Pomès, Régis

    2011-06-01

    Cytochrome c oxidase, the terminal enzyme of the respiratory chain, utilizes the reduction of dioxygen into water to pump protons across the mitochondrial inner membrane. The principal pathway of proton uptake into the enzyme, the D channel, is a 2.5 nm long channel-like cavity named after a conserved, negatively charged aspartic acid (D) residue thought to help recruiting protons to its entrance (D132 in the first subunit of the S. sphaeroides enzyme). The single-point mutation of D132 to asparagine (N), a neutral residue, abolishes enzyme activity. Conversely, replacing conserved N139, one-third into the D channel, by D, induces a decoupled phenotype, whereby oxygen reduction proceeds but not proton pumping. Intriguingly, the double mutant D132N/N139D, which conserves the charge of the D channel, restores the wild-type phenotype. We use molecular dynamics simulations and electrostatic calculations to examine the structural and physical basis for the coupling of proton pumping and oxygen chemistry in single and double N139D mutants. The potential of mean force for the conformational isomerization of N139 and N139D side chains reveals the presence of three rotamers, one of which faces the channel entrance. This out-facing conformer is metastable in the wild-type and in the N139D single mutant, but predominant in the double mutant thanks to the loss of electrostatic repulsion with the carboxylate group of D132. The effects of mutations and conformational isomerization on the pKa of E286, an essential proton-shuttling residue located at the top of the D channel, are shown to be consistent with the electrostatic control of proton pumping proposed recently (Fadda et al 2008 Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1777 277-84). Taken together, these results suggest that preserving the spatial distribution of charges at the entrance of the D channel is necessary to guarantee both the uptake and the relay of protons to the active site of the enzyme. These findings highlight the interplay of long-range electrostatic forces and local structural fluctuations in the control of proton movement and provide a physical explanation for the restoration of proton pumping activity in the double mutant.

  4. Electrostatic Discharge Training Manual

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-09-01

    CAN BE MOLDED INTO FORMED SHAPES. FIBERBOARD, MELAMINE LAMINATES AND OTHER MATERIALS (LAMINATED OR HOMOGENEOUS) CAN BE CONSTRUCTED INTO BOXES AND...COVERED WITH, ESD PROTECTIVE MATERIALS SUCH AS METAL, MIL-B-81705 TYPE II, MIL-P- 82646 (REFERENCES 17, 16), MELAMINE LAMINATES OR OTHER ESD PROTECTIVE...CONDUCTANCE IN AVALANCHE MICROWAVE OSCILLATORS", IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRON DEVICES, ED-i5, JUNE 1968. 32. HOLM, R., ELECTRIC CONTACTS HANDBOOK, BERLIN

  5. Field Modeling, Symplectic Tracking, and Spin Decoherence for EDM and Muon $$g\\textrm{-}2$$ Lattices

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

    Valetov, Eremey Vladimirovich

    2017-01-01

    While the first particle accelerators were electrostatic machines, and several electrostatic storage rings were subsequently commissioned and operated, electrostatic storage rings pose a number of challenges. Unlike motion in the magnetic field, where particle energy remains constant, particle energy generally changes in electrostatic elements. Conservation of energy in an electrostatic element is, in practice, only approximate, and it requires careful and accurate design, manufacturing, installation, and operational use. Electrostatic deflectors require relatively high electrostatic fields, tend to introduce nonlinear aberrations of all orders, and are more challenging to manufacture than homogeneous magnetic dipoles. Accordingly, magnetic storage rings are overwhelmingly prevalent.more » The search for electric dipole moments (EDMs) of fundamental particles is of key importance in the study of C and CP violations and their sources. C and CP violations are part of the Sakharov conditions that explain the matter–antimatter asymmetry in the universe. Determining the source of CP violations would provide valuable empirical insight for beyond-Standard-Model physics. EDMs of fundamental particles have not to this date been experimentally observed. The search for fundamental particle EDMs has narrowed the target search region; however, an EDM signal is yet to be discovered. In 2008, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) had proposed the frozen spin (FS) concept for the search of a deuteron EDM. The FS concept envisions launching deuterons through a storage ring with combined electrostatic and magnetic fields. The electrostatic and magnetic fields are in a proportion that would, without an EDM, freeze the deuteron’s spin along its momentum as the deuteron moves around the lattice. The radial electrostatic field would result in a torque on the spin vector, proportional to a deuteron EDM, rotating the spin vector out of the midplane.« less

  6. Linear and nonlinear interactions of an electron beam with oblique whistler and electrostatic waves in the magnetosphere

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Y. L.; Matsumoto, H.; Omura, Y.

    1993-12-01

    Both linear and nonlinear interactions between oblique whistler, electrostatic, quasi-upper hybrid mode waves and an electron beam are studied by linear analyses and electromagnetic particle simulations. In addition to a background cold plasma, we assumed a hot electron beam drifting along a static magnetic field. Growth rates of the oblique whistler, oblique electrostatic, and quasi-upper hybrid instabilities were first calculated. We found that there are four kinds of unstable mode waves for parallel and oblique propagations. They are the electromagnetic whistler mode wave (WW1), the electrostatic whistler mode wave (WW2), the electrostatic mode wave (ESW), and the quasi-upper hybrid mode wave (UHW). A possible mechanism is proposed to explain the satellite observations of whistler mode chorus and accompanied electrostatic waves, whose amplitudes are sometimes modulated at the chorus frequency.

  7. Roles of Long-range Electrostatic Domain Interactions and K+ in Phosphoenzyme Transition of Ca2+-ATPase*

    PubMed Central

    Yamasaki, Kazuo; Daiho, Takashi; Danko, Stefania; Suzuki, Hiroshi

    2013-01-01

    Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase couples the motions and rearrangements of three cytoplasmic domains (A, P, and N) with Ca2+ transport. We explored the role of electrostatic force in the domain dynamics in a rate-limiting phosphoenzyme (EP) transition by a systematic approach combining electrostatic screening with salts, computer analysis of electric fields in crystal structures, and mutations. Low KCl concentration activated and increasing salt above 0.1 m inhibited the EP transition. A plot of the logarithm of the transition rate versus the square of the mean activity coefficient of the protein gave a linear relationship allowing division of the activation energy into an electrostatic component and a non-electrostatic component in which the screenable electrostatic forces are shielded by salt. Results show that the structural change in the transition is sterically restricted, but that strong electrostatic forces, when K+ is specifically bound at the P domain, come into play to accelerate the reaction. Electric field analysis revealed long-range electrostatic interactions between the N and P domains around their hinge. Mutations of the residues directly involved and other charged residues at the hinge disrupted in parallel the electric field and the structural transition. Favorable electrostatics evidently provides a low energy path for the critical N domain motion toward the P domain, overcoming steric restriction. The systematic approach employed here is, in general, a powerful tool for understanding the structural mechanisms of enzymes. PMID:23737524

  8. Electrostatics in pharmaceutical aerosols for inhalation.

    PubMed

    Wong, Jennifer; Chan, Hak-Kim; Kwok, Philip Chi Lip

    2013-08-01

    Electrostatics continues to play an important role in pharmaceutical aerosols for inhalation. Despite its ubiquitous nature, the charging process is complex and not well understood. Nonetheless, significant advances in the past few years continue to improve understanding and lead to better control of electrostatics. The purpose of this critical review is to present an overview of the literature, with an emphasis on how electrostatic charge can be useful in improving pulmonary drug delivery.

  9. Stability, Nonlinearity and Reliability of Electrostatically Actuated MEMS Devices

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Wen-Ming; Meng, Guang; Chen, Di

    2007-01-01

    Electrostatic micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) is a special branch with a wide range of applications in sensing and actuating devices in MEMS. This paper provides a survey and analysis of the electrostatic force of importance in MEMS, its physical model, scaling effect, stability, nonlinearity and reliability in detail. It is necessary to understand the effects of electrostatic forces in MEMS and then many phenomena of practical importance, such as pull-in instability and the effects of effective stiffness, dielectric charging, stress gradient, temperature on the pull-in voltage, nonlinear dynamic effects and reliability due to electrostatic forces occurred in MEMS can be explained scientifically, and consequently the great potential of MEMS technology could be explored effectively and utilized optimally. A simplified parallel-plate capacitor model is proposed to investigate the resonance response, inherent nonlinearity, stiffness softened effect and coupled nonlinear effect of the typical electrostatically actuated MEMS devices. Many failure modes and mechanisms and various methods and techniques, including materials selection, reasonable design and extending the controllable travel range used to analyze and reduce the failures are discussed in the electrostatically actuated MEMS devices. Numerical simulations and discussions indicate that the effects of instability, nonlinear characteristics and reliability subjected to electrostatic forces cannot be ignored and are in need of further investigation.

  10. Conservation and Role of Electrostatics in Thymidylate Synthase.

    PubMed

    Garg, Divita; Skouloubris, Stephane; Briffotaux, Julien; Myllykallio, Hannu; Wade, Rebecca C

    2015-11-27

    Conservation of function across families of orthologous enzymes is generally accompanied by conservation of their active site electrostatic potentials. To study the electrostatic conservation in the highly conserved essential enzyme, thymidylate synthase (TS), we conducted a systematic species-based comparison of the electrostatic potential in the vicinity of its active site. Whereas the electrostatics of the active site of TS are generally well conserved, the TSs from minimal organisms do not conform to the overall trend. Since the genomes of minimal organisms have a high thymidine content compared to other organisms, the observation of non-conserved electrostatics was surprising. Analysis of the symbiotic relationship between minimal organisms and their hosts, and the genetic completeness of the thymidine synthesis pathway suggested that TS from the minimal organism Wigglesworthia glossinidia (W.g.b.) must be active. Four residues in the vicinity of the active site of Escherichia coli TS were mutated individually and simultaneously to mimic the electrostatics of W.g.b TS. The measured activities of the E. coli TS mutants imply that conservation of electrostatics in the region of the active site is important for the activity of TS, and suggest that the W.g.b. TS has the minimal activity necessary to support replication of its reduced genome.

  11. The acoustic repertoire and behavioural context of the vocalisations of a nocturnal dasyurid, the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus)

    PubMed Central

    Dorph, Annalie

    2017-01-01

    Defining an acoustic repertoire is essential to understanding vocal signalling and communicative interactions within a species. Currently, quantitative and statistical definition is lacking for the vocalisations of many dasyurids, an important group of small to medium-sized marsupials from Australasia that includes the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus), a species of conservation concern. Beyond generating a better understanding of this species' social interactions, determining an acoustic repertoire will further improve detection rates and inference of vocalisations gathered by automated bioacoustic recorders. Hence, this study investigated eastern quoll vocalisations using objective signal processing techniques to quantitatively analyse spectrograms recorded from 15 different individuals. Recordings were collected in conjunction with observations of the behaviours associated with each vocalisation to develop an acoustic-based behavioural repertoire for the species. Analysis of recordings produced a putative classification of five vocalisation types: Bark, Growl, Hiss, Cp-cp, and Chuck. These were most frequently observed during agonistic encounters between conspecifics, most likely as a graded sequence from Hisses occurring in a warning context through to Growls and finally Barks being given prior to, or during, physical confrontations between individuals. Quantitative and statistical methods were used to objectively establish the accuracy of these five putative call types. A multinomial logistic regression indicated a 97.27% correlation with the perceptual classification, demonstrating support for the five different vocalisation types. This putative classification was further supported by hierarchical cluster analysis and silhouette information that determined the optimal number of clusters to be five. Minor disparity between the objective and perceptual classifications was potentially the result of gradation between vocalisations, or subtle differences present within vocalisations not discernible to the human ear. The implication of these different vocalisations and their given context is discussed in relation to the ecology of the species and the potential application of passive acoustic monitoring techniques. PMID:28686679

  12. Embedding beyond electrostatics-The role of wave function confinement.

    PubMed

    Nåbo, Lina J; Olsen, Jógvan Magnus Haugaard; Holmgaard List, Nanna; Solanko, Lukasz M; Wüstner, Daniel; Kongsted, Jacob

    2016-09-14

    We study excited states of cholesterol in solution and show that, in this specific case, solute wave-function confinement is the main effect of the solvent. This is rationalized on the basis of the polarizable density embedding scheme, which in addition to polarizable embedding includes non-electrostatic repulsion that effectively confines the solute wave function to its cavity. We illustrate how the inclusion of non-electrostatic repulsion results in a successful identification of the intense π → π(∗) transition, which was not possible using an embedding method that only includes electrostatics. This underlines the importance of non-electrostatic repulsion in quantum-mechanical embedding-based methods.

  13. Very compact, high-stability electrostatic actuator featuring contact-free self-limiting displacement

    DOEpatents

    Rodgers, M. Steven; Miller, Samuel L.

    2003-01-01

    A compact electrostatic actuator is disclosed for microelectromechanical (MEM) applications. The actuator utilizes stationary and moveable electrodes, with the stationary electrodes being formed on a substrate and the moveable electrodes being supported above the substrate on a frame. The frame provides a rigid structure which allows the electrostatic actuator to be operated at high voltages (up to 190 Volts) to provide a relatively large actuation force compared to conventional electrostatic comb actuators which are much larger in size. For operation at its maximum displacement, the electrostatic actuator is relatively insensitive to the exact value of the applied voltage and provides a self-limiting displacement.

  14. The Electromechanical Behavior of a Micro-Ring Driven by Traveling Electrostatic Force

    PubMed Central

    Ye, Xiuqian; Chen, Yibao; Chen, Da-Chih; Huang, Kuo-Yi; Hu, Yuh-Chung

    2012-01-01

    There is no literature mentioning the electromechanical behavior of micro structures driven by traveling electrostatic forces. This article is thus the first to present the dynamics and stabilities of a micro-ring subjected to a traveling electrostatic force. The traveling electrostatic force may be induced by sequentially actuated electrodes which are arranged around the flexible micro-ring. The analysis is based on a linearized distributed model considering the electromechanical coupling effects between electrostatic force and structure. The micro-ring will resonate when the traveling speeds of the electrostatic force approach some critical speeds. The critical speeds are equal to the ratio of the natural frequencies to the wave number of the correlative natural mode of the ring. Apart from resonance, the ring may be unstable at some unstable traveling speeds. The unstable regions appear not only near the critical speeds, but also near some fractions of some critical speeds differences. Furthermore the unstable regions expand with increasing driving voltage. This article may lead to a new research branch on electrostatic-driven micro devices. PMID:22438705

  15. Ionic strength independence of charge distributions in solvation of biomolecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Virtanen, J. J.; Sosnick, T. R.; Freed, K. F.

    2014-12-01

    Electrostatic forces enormously impact the structure, interactions, and function of biomolecules. We perform all-atom molecular dynamics simulations for 5 proteins and 5 RNAs to determine the dependence on ionic strength of the ion and water charge distributions surrounding the biomolecules, as well as the contributions of ions to the electrostatic free energy of interaction between the biomolecule and the surrounding salt solution (for a total of 40 different biomolecule/solvent combinations). Although water provides the dominant contribution to the charge density distribution and to the electrostatic potential even in 1M NaCl solutions, the contributions of water molecules and of ions to the total electrostatic interaction free energy with the solvated biomolecule are comparable. The electrostatic biomolecule/solvent interaction energies and the total charge distribution exhibit a remarkable insensitivity to salt concentrations over a huge range of salt concentrations (20 mM to 1M NaCl). The electrostatic potentials near the biomolecule's surface obtained from the MD simulations differ markedly, as expected, from the potentials predicted by continuum dielectric models, even though the total electrostatic interaction free energies are within 11% of each other.

  16. Upper Management Visits Pegasus ICON

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2017-06-06

    Managers of NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP) at Kennedy Space Center visit the processing facility for the Pegasus XL rocket at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. From left, are Chuck Dovale, deputy manager; Amanda Mitskevich, manager; Eric Denbrook, launch vehicle processing at VAFB; and Tim Dunn, NASA assistant launch manager for ICON. The Pegasus XL rocket is being prepared for the agency's Ionospheric Connection Explorer, or ICON, mission. ICON will launch from the Kwajalein Atoll aboard the Pegasus XL on Dec. 8, 2017. ICON will study the frontier of space - the dynamic zone high in Earth's atmosphere where terrestrial weather from below meets space weather above. The explorer will help determine the physics of Earth's space environment and pave the way for mitigating its effects on our technology, communications systems and society.

  17. Low temperature ECR-CVD of SiN X for III-V device passivation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, J. W.; MacKenzie, K.; Johnson, D.; Shul, R. J.; Pearton, S. J.; Ren, F.

    1998-06-01

    Electron Cyclotron Resonance SiH 4/N 2 and SiH 4/NH 3 discharges have been employed for deposition of SiN X over a range of temperatures (25-120°C), source powers (200-700 W), pressures (15-40 mTorr), SiH 4 percentages (20-50%) and additional Ar flow rates (0-30 sccm). Deposition rates were in the range 100-700 Å min -1, with refractive indices of 1.7-2.3. The SiH 4/N 2 chemistry allowed a wider process window for tailoring the stress in the SiN X films, with chuck temperature, ECR source power, chamber pressure, SiH 4 composition and Ar addition all producing a transition from compressive to tensile stress, or vice-versa.

  18. Mechanism of instabilities in turbulent combustion leading to flashback

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Keller, J. O.; Vaneveld, L.; Ghoniem, A. F.; Daily, J. W.; Oppenheim, A. K.; Korschelt, D.; Hubbard, G. L.

    1981-01-01

    High-speed schlieren cinematography, combined with synchronized pressure transducer records, was used to investigate the mechanism of combustion instabilities leading to flashback. The combustion chamber had an oblong rectangular cross-section to model the essential features of planar flow, and was provided with a rearward facing step acting as a flameholder. As the rich limit was approached, three instability modes were observed: (1) humming - a significant increase in the amplitude of the vortex pattern; (2) buzzing - a large-scale oscillation of the flame; and (3) chucking - a cyclic reformation of the flame, which results in flashback. The mechanism of these phenomena is ascribed to the action of vortices in the recirculation zone and their interactions with the trailing vortex pattern of the turbulent mixing layer behind the step.

  19. Electrostatic Levitator (ESL)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1998-01-01

    Dr. Rulison of Space System LORAl working with the Electrostatic Levitation (ESL) prior to the donation. Space System/LORAL donated the electrostatic containerless processing system to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The official hand over took place in July 1998.

  20. In-Situ Measurements of Electrostatic Dust Transport on the Lunar Surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, X.; Sternovsky, Z.; Horanyi, M.

    2018-02-01

    A design of the Cubesat Electrostatic Dust Analyzer (CEDA) is described to verify and characterize the electrostatic dust transport process on the lunar surface and to estimate its effect on the surface evolution.

  1. Hybrid Electrostatic/Acoustic Levitator

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rhim, Won K.; Trinh, Eugene H.; Chung, Sang K.; Elleman, Daniel D.

    1987-01-01

    Because electrostatic and acoustic forces independent of each other, hybrid levitator especially suitable for studies of drop dynamics. Like all-acoustic or all-electrostatic systems, also used in studies of containerless material processing. Vertical levitating force applied to sample by upper and lower electrodes. Torques or vibrational forces in horizontal plane applied by acoustic transducers. Electrically charged water drop about 4 mm in diameter levitated electrostatically and rotated acoustically until it assumed dumbell shape and broke apart.

  2. A small-gap electrostatic micro-actuator for large deflections

    PubMed Central

    Conrad, Holger; Schenk, Harald; Kaiser, Bert; Langa, Sergiu; Gaudet, Matthieu; Schimmanz, Klaus; Stolz, Michael; Lenz, Miriam

    2015-01-01

    Common quasi-static electrostatic micro actuators have significant limitations in deflection due to electrode separation and unstable drive regions. State-of-the-art electrostatic actuators achieve maximum deflections of approximately one third of the electrode separation. Large electrode separation and high driving voltages are normally required to achieve large actuator movements. Here we report on an electrostatic actuator class, fabricated in a CMOS-compatible process, which allows high deflections with small electrode separation. The concept presented makes the huge electrostatic forces within nanometre small electrode separation accessible for large deflections. Electrostatic actuations that are larger than the electrode separation were measured. An analytical theory is compared with measurement and simulation results and enables closer understanding of these actuators. The scaling behaviour discussed indicates significant future improvement on actuator deflection. The presented driving concept enables the investigation and development of novel micro systems with a high potential for improved device and system performance. PMID:26655557

  3. Electrostatics at the nanoscale.

    PubMed

    Walker, David A; Kowalczyk, Bartlomiej; de la Cruz, Monica Olvera; Grzybowski, Bartosz A

    2011-04-01

    Electrostatic forces are amongst the most versatile interactions to mediate the assembly of nanostructured materials. Depending on experimental conditions, these forces can be long- or short-ranged, can be either attractive or repulsive, and their directionality can be controlled by the shapes of the charged nano-objects. This Review is intended to serve as a primer for experimentalists curious about the fundamentals of nanoscale electrostatics and for theorists wishing to learn about recent experimental advances in the field. Accordingly, the first portion introduces the theoretical models of electrostatic double layers and derives electrostatic interaction potentials applicable to particles of different sizes and/or shapes and under different experimental conditions. This discussion is followed by the review of the key experimental systems in which electrostatic interactions are operative. Examples include electroactive and "switchable" nanoparticles, mixtures of charged nanoparticles, nanoparticle chains, sheets, coatings, crystals, and crystals-within-crystals. Applications of these and other structures in chemical sensing and amplification are also illustrated.

  4. The establishment and application of direct coupled electrostatic-structural field model in electrostatically controlled deployable membrane antenna

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gu, Yongzhen; Duan, Baoyan; Du, Jingli

    2018-05-01

    The electrostatically controlled deployable membrane antenna (ECDMA) is a promising space structure due to its low weight, large aperture and high precision characteristics. However, it is an extreme challenge to describe the coupled field between electrostatic and membrane structure accurately. A direct coupled method is applied to solve the coupled problem in this paper. Firstly, the membrane structure and electrostatic field are uniformly described by energy, considering the coupled problem is an energy conservation phenomenon. Then the direct coupled electrostatic-structural field governing equilibrium equations are obtained by energy variation approach. Numerical results show that the direct coupled method improves the computing efficiency by 36% compared with the traditional indirect coupled method with the same level accuracy. Finally, the prototype has been manufactured and tested and the ECDMA finite element simulations show good agreement with the experiment results as the maximum surface error difference is 6%.

  5. Electrostatic thin film chemical and biological sensor

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

    Prelas, Mark A.; Ghosh, Tushar K.; Tompson, Jr., Robert V.

    A chemical and biological agent sensor includes an electrostatic thin film supported by a substrate. The film includes an electrostatic charged surface to attract predetermined biological and chemical agents of interest. A charge collector associated with said electrostatic thin film collects charge associated with surface defects in the electrostatic film induced by the predetermined biological and chemical agents of interest. A preferred sensing system includes a charge based deep level transient spectroscopy system to read out charges from the film and match responses to data sets regarding the agents of interest. A method for sensing biological and chemical agents includesmore » providing a thin sensing film having a predetermined electrostatic charge. The film is exposed to an environment suspected of containing the biological and chemical agents. Quantum surface effects on the film are measured. Biological and/or chemical agents can be detected, identified and quantified based on the measured quantum surface effects.« less

  6. On the Difference Between Additive and Subtractive QM/MM Calculations

    PubMed Central

    Cao, Lili; Ryde, Ulf

    2018-01-01

    The combined quantum mechanical (QM) and molecular mechanical (MM) approach (QM/MM) is a popular method to study reactions in biochemical macromolecules. Even if the general procedure of using QM for a small, but interesting part of the system and MM for the rest is common to all approaches, the details of the implementations vary extensively, especially the treatment of the interface between the two systems. For example, QM/MM can use either additive or subtractive schemes, of which the former is often said to be preferable, although the two schemes are often mixed up with mechanical and electrostatic embedding. In this article, we clarify the similarities and differences of the two approaches. We show that inherently, the two approaches should be identical and in practice require the same sets of parameters. However, the subtractive scheme provides an opportunity to correct errors introduced by the truncation of the QM system, i.e., the link atoms, but such corrections require additional MM parameters for the QM system. We describe and test three types of link-atom correction, viz. for van der Waals, electrostatic, and bonded interactions. The calculations show that electrostatic and bonded link-atom corrections often give rise to problems in the geometries and energies. The van der Waals link-atom corrections are quite small and give results similar to a pure additive QM/MM scheme. Therefore, both approaches can be recommended. PMID:29666794

  7. High-resolution inchworm linear motor based on electrostatic twisting microactuators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Sang-Ho; Hwang, Il-Han; Jo, Kyoung-Woo; Yoon, Eui-Sung; Lee, Jong-Hyun

    2005-09-01

    A new inchworm micromotor using new electrostatic in-plane twisting microactuators has been designed, fabricated and characterized for nano-resolution manipulators. The proposed twisting mechanism was implemented employing a pair of differential electrostatic actuators with a high stiffness in the driving direction for stable positioning. The electromechanically coupled motion of the voltage-displacement relation was analyzed using a finite element method (FEM), confirming that the twisting actuator makes a tiny step movement efficiently. The proposed actuator was fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer with the device footprint of 2.2 × 2.8 mm2, and its nano-stepping characteristics were measured by an optical interferometer consisting of an integrated micromirror and optical fiber. The fabricated inchworm motor showed a minimum step displacement of 5.2 ± 3.8 nm (2σ) and 4.1 ± 2.9 nm (2σ) for cyclic motion in the +y- and the -y-directions, respectively, with the gripping voltage of 15 V and differential voltage of 1 V. As a result, the proposed inchworm micromotor could operate with a stroke of 3 µm and a bi-directional step displacement of less than 10 nm. The step displacement is the smallest value of in-plane-type micromotors so far, and its magnitude was controllable up to 120 nm/cycle by changing the differential voltage.

  8. Modeling and measurement of electrostatic micromirror array fabricated with single-layer polysilicon micromachining technology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Min, Young-Hoon; Kim, Yong-Kweon

    1998-09-01

    A silicon based micro mirror array is a highly efficient component for use in optical applications as adaptive optical systems and optical correlators. Many types of micro mirror or micro mirror array have been studied and proposed in order to obtain the optimal performance according to their own purposes. A micro mirror array designed, fabricated and tested in this paper consists of 5 X 5 single layer polysilicon-based, electrostatically driven actuators. The micro mirror array for the optical phase modulation is made by using only two masks and can be driven independently by 25 channel circuits. About 6 (pi) phase modulation is obtained in He-Ne laser ((lambda) equals 633 nm) with 67% fill-factor. In this paper, the deflection characteristics of the actuators in controllable range were studied. The experimental results show that the deflection characteristics is much dependent upon a residual stress in flexure, the initial curvature of mirror due to stress gradient and an electrostatic force acted on other element except for mirror itself. The modeling results agree well with the experimental results. Also, it is important to fabricate a flat mirror that is not initially curved because the curved mirror brings a bad performance in optical use. Therefore, a new method to obtain the flat mirror by using the gold metallization in spite of the residual stress unbalance is proposed in this paper.

  9. Keplerate cluster (Mo-132) mediated electrostatic assembly of nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Gooch, Jonathan; Jalan, Abhishek A; Jones, Stephanie; Hine, Corey R; Alam, Rabeka; Garai, Somenath; Maye, Mathew M; Müller, Achim; Zubieta, Jon

    2014-10-15

    The electrostatic assembly between a series of differently charged Mo-132-type Keplerates present in the compounds (NH4)42[{(Mo(VI))Mo(VI)5O21(H2O)6}12 {Mo(V)2O4(CH3COO)}30].ca. {300 H2O+10 CH3COONH4} (Mo-132a), (NH4)72-n[{(H2O)81-n+(NH4)n} {(Mo(VI))Mo(VI)5O21(H2O)6}12 {Mo(V)2O4(SO4)}30].ca. 200 H2O (Mo-132b), and Na10(NH4)62[{(Mo(VI))Mo(VI)5O21(H2O)6}12 {Mo(V)2O4(HPO4)}30]. ca. {300H2O+2Na(+)+2NH4(+)+4H2PO4(-)} (Mo-132c) with cationic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was investigated for the first time. The rapid electrostatic assembly from nanoscopic entities to micron scale aggregates was observed upon precipitation, which closely matched the point of aggregate electroneutrality. Successful assembly was demonstrated using UV-vis, DLS, TEM, and zeta-potential analysis. Results indicate that the point at which precipitation occurs is related to charge balance or electroneutrality, and that counterions at both the Mo-132 and AuNP play a significant role in assembly. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. On the difference between additive and subtractive QM/MM calculations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Lili; Ryde, Ulf

    2018-04-01

    The combined quantum mechanical (QM) and molecular mechanical (MM) approach (QM/MM) is a popular method to study reactions in biochemical macromolecules. Even if the general procedure of using QM for a small, but interesting part of the system and MM for the rest is common to all approaches, the details of the implementations vary extensively, especially the treatment of the interface between the two systems. For example, QM/MM can use either additive or subtractive schemes, of which the former is often said to be preferable, although the two schemes are often mixed up with mechanical and electrostatic embedding. In this article, we clarify the similarities and differences of the two approaches. We show that inherently, the two approaches should be identical and in practice require the same sets of parameters. However, the subtractive scheme provides an opportunity to correct errors introduced by the truncation of the QM system, i.e. the link atoms, but such corrections require additional MM parameters for the QM system. We describe and test three types of link-atom correction, viz. for van der Waals, electrostatic and bonded interactions. The calculations show that electrostatic and bonded link-atom corrections often give rise to problems in the geometries and energies. The van der Waals link-atom corrections are quite small and give results similar to a pure additive QM/MM scheme. Therefore, both approaches can be recommended.

  11. Tunable SnSe2 /WSe2 Heterostructure Tunneling Field Effect Transistor.

    PubMed

    Yan, Xiao; Liu, Chunsen; Li, Chao; Bao, Wenzhong; Ding, Shijin; Zhang, David Wei; Zhou, Peng

    2017-09-01

    The burgeoning 2D semiconductors can maintain excellent device electrostatics with an ultranarrow channel length and can realize tunneling by electrostatic gating to avoid deprivation of band-edge sharpness resulting from chemical doping, which make them perfect candidates for tunneling field effect transistors. Here this study presents SnSe 2 /WSe 2 van der Waals heterostructures with SnSe 2 as the p-layer and WSe 2 as the n-layer. The energy band alignment changes from a staggered gap band offset (type-II) to a broken gap (type-III) when changing the negative back-gate voltage to positive, resulting in the device operating as a rectifier diode (rectification ratio ~10 4 ) or an n-type tunneling field effect transistor, respectively. A steep average subthreshold swing of 80 mV dec -1 for exceeding two decades of drain current with a minimum of 37 mV dec -1 at room temperature is observed, and an evident trend toward negative differential resistance is also accomplished for the tunneling field effect transistor due to the high gate efficiency of 0.36 for single gate devices. The I ON /I OFF ratio of the transfer characteristics is >10 6 , accompanying a high ON current >10 -5 A. This work presents original phenomena of multilayer 2D van der Waals heterostructures which can be applied to low-power consumption devices. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  12. Pyrotechnic hazards classification and evaluation program. Electrostatic vulnerability of the E8 and XM15/XM165 clusters, phase 1

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1970-01-01

    A survey of the electrostatic vulnerability of explosive manufacturing plants and recommendations for reducing the vulnerability are discussed. During the course of the investigations, the XM15/XM165 and the E8 launcher were shown to be susceptible to electrostatic ignition. The pyrotechnic hazard of prime concern associated with electrostatics is that of the spark which can be generated. The heat, shock, and ionization produced by the spark can cause ignition of pyrotechnics. However, as a result of the initial ignition tests (XM15 fuse train), changes have been incorporated to make the fusing system relatively safe from premature electrostatic activation.

  13. Biofilm formation and local electrostatic force characteristics of Escherichia coli O157:H7 observed by electrostatic force microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oh, Y. J.; Jo, W.; Yang, Y.; Park, S.

    2007-04-01

    The authors report growth media dependence of electrostatic force characteristics in Escherichia coli O157:H7 biofilm through local measurement by electrostatic force microscopy (EFM). The difference values of electrostatic interaction between the bacterial surface and the abiotic surface show an exponential decay behavior during biofilm development. In the EFM data, the biofilm in the low nutrient media shows a faster decay than the biofilm in the rich media. The surface potential in the bacterial cells was changed from 957to149mV. Local characterization of extracellular materials extracted from the bacteria reveals the progress of the biofilm formation and functional complexities.

  14. Electrostatically tunable resonance frequency beam utilizing a stress-sensitive film

    DOEpatents

    Thundat, Thomas G.; Wachter, Eric A.; Davis, J. Kenneth

    2001-01-01

    Methods and apparatus for detecting particular frequencies of acoustic vibration utilize an electrostatically-tunable beam element having a stress-sensitive coating and means for providing electrostatic force to controllably deflect the beam element thereby changing its stiffness and its resonance frequency. It is then determined from the response of the electrostatically-tunable beam element to the acoustical vibration to which the beam is exposed whether or not a particular frequency or frequencies of acoustic vibration are detected.

  15. New Distributed Multipole Methods for Accurate Electrostatics for Large-Scale Biomolecular Simultations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sagui, Celeste

    2006-03-01

    An accurate and numerically efficient treatment of electrostatics is essential for biomolecular simulations, as this stabilizes much of the delicate 3-d structure associated with biomolecules. Currently, force fields such as AMBER and CHARMM assign ``partial charges'' to every atom in a simulation in order to model the interatomic electrostatic forces, so that the calculation of the electrostatics rapidly becomes the computational bottleneck in large-scale simulations. There are two main issues associated with the current treatment of classical electrostatics: (i) how does one eliminate the artifacts associated with the point-charges (e.g., the underdetermined nature of the current RESP fitting procedure for large, flexible molecules) used in the force fields in a physically meaningful way? (ii) how does one efficiently simulate the very costly long-range electrostatic interactions? Recently, we have dealt with both of these challenges as follows. In order to improve the description of the molecular electrostatic potentials (MEPs), a new distributed multipole analysis based on localized functions -- Wannier, Boys, and Edminston-Ruedenberg -- was introduced, which allows for a first principles calculation of the partial charges and multipoles. Through a suitable generalization of the particle mesh Ewald (PME) and multigrid method, one can treat electrostatic multipoles all the way to hexadecapoles all without prohibitive extra costs. The importance of these methods for large-scale simulations will be discussed, and examplified by simulations from polarizable DNA models.

  16. Waterspout as a special type of atmospheric aerosol dusty plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rantsev-Kartinov, Valentin A.

    2004-11-01

    An analysis of databases of photographic images of oceanic surface revealed the presence of oceanic skeletal structures (OSS) [1] Rantsev-Kartinov V.A., Preprint . The OSSs presumably differ from the formerly found skeletal structures (SS) (Phys. Lett. A 306 (2002) 175) only by the fact that OSS are filled in with the closely packed blocks of a smaller size, up to thin, tens of microns-sized capillaries. The SSs in the Earth atmosphere were suggested [1] to be produced during atmospheric electricity activity by the volcanic-born dust. The fall-out of such SSs on the oceanic surface is a material source of OSS. Here we suggest that an OSS block [1] in the form of vertically oriented floating cylinder may be a stimulator of waterspout (WS). The main body of WS may be interpreted as a special type of atmospheric aerosol dusty plasma, and WS column - as a long-lived filament, being formed in the process of electric breakdown between the cloud and oceanic surface. The charged water drops aerosol may behave similar to microdust and lift upward to the cloud by the electrostatic force. With such a capillary&;electrostatic model of WS, it appears possible to interpret many effects related to WS.

  17. Development of a Thrust Stand to Meet LISA Mission Requirements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Willis, William D., III; Zakrzwski, Charles M.; Merkowitz, Stephen M.

    2002-01-01

    A thrust stand has been built to measure the force-noise produced by electrostatic micro-Newton (muN) thrusters. The LISA mission's Disturbance Reduction System (DRS) requires thrusters that are capable of producing continuous thrust levels between 1-100 muN with a resolution of 0.1 muN. The stationary force-noise produced by these thrusters must not exceed 0.1 muN/dHz in the measurement bandwidth 10(exp -4) to 1 Hz. The LISA Thrust Stand (LTS) is a torsion-balance type thrust stand designed to meet the following requirements: stationary force-noise measurements from l0( -4) to 1 Hz with 0.1 muN/dHz sensitivity, absolute thrust measurements from 1-100 muN with better than 0.1 muN resolution, and dynamic thruster response from to 10 Hz. The LTS employs a unique vertical configuration, autocollimator for angular position measurements, and electrostatic actuators that are used for dynamic pendulum control and null-mode measurements. Force-noise levels are measured indirectly by characterizing the thrust stand as a spring-mass system. The LTS was initially designed to test the indium FEEP thruster developed by the Austrian Research Center in Seibersdorf (ARCS), but can be modified for testing other thrusters of this type.

  18. Electrostatic-spray ionization mass spectrometry sniffing for perfume fingerprinting.

    PubMed

    Tobolkina, Elena; Qiao, Liang; Xu, Guobin; Girault, Hubert H

    2013-11-15

    The perfume market is growing significantly, and it is easy to find imitative fragrances of probably all types of perfume. Such imitative fragrances are usually of lower quality than the authentic ones, creating a possible threat for perfume companies. Therefore, it is important to develop efficient chemical analysis techniques to screen rapidly perfume samples. Electrostatic-spray ionization (ESTASI) was used to analyze directly samples sprayed or deposited on different types of paper. A linear ion trap mass spectrometer was used to detect the ions produced by ESTASI with a modified extended transfer capillary for 'sniffing' ions from the paper. Several commercial perfumes and a model perfume were analyzed by ESTASI-sniffing. The results obtained by paper ESTASI-MS of commercial fragrances were compared with those obtained from ESI-MS. In addition, a commercial fragrance was first nebulized on the hand and then soaked up by blotting paper, which was afterwards placed on an insulating plate for ESTASI-MS analysis. Analysis of peptides and proteins was also performed to show that the paper ESTASI-MS could be used for samples with very different molecular masses. Paper ESTASI-MS yields a rapid fingerprinting characterization of perfume fragrances, avoiding time-consuming sample-preparation steps, and thereby performing a rapid screening in a few seconds. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  19. Development of A Thrust Stand to Meet LISA Mission Requirements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Willis, William D., III; Zakrzwski, C. M.; Bauer, Frank H. (Technical Monitor)

    2002-01-01

    A thrust stand has been built and tested that is capable of measuring the force-noise produced by electrostatic micro-Newton (micro-Newton) thrusters. The LISA mission's Disturbance Reduction System (DRS) requires thrusters that are capable of producing continuous thrust levels between 1-100 micro-Newton with a resolution of 0.1 micro-Newton. The stationary force-noise produced by these thrusters must not exceed 0.1 pN/4Hz in a 10 Hz bandwidth. The LISA Thrust Stand (LTS) is a torsion-balance type thrust stand designed to meet the following requirements: stationary force-noise measurements from 10(exp-4) to 1 Hz with 0.1 micro-Newton resolution, absolute thrust measurements from 1-100 micro-Newton with better than 0.1 micro-Newton resolution, and dynamic thruster response from 10(exp -4) to 10 Hz. The ITS employs a unique vertical configuration, autocollimator for angular position measurements, and electrostatic actuators that are used for dynamic pendulum control and null-mode measurements. Force-noise levels are measured indirectly by characterizing the thrust stand as a spring-mass system. The LTS was initially designed to test the indium FEEP thruster developed by the Austrian Research Center in Seibersdorf (ARCS), but can be modified for testing other thrusters of this type.

  20. Teaching Electrostatics in University Courses

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hughes, J. F.

    1974-01-01

    Describes an optional course on applied electrostatics that was offered to electrical engineers in their final year. Topics included the determination of electric fields, nature of the charging process, static electricity in liquids, solid state processes, charged particle applications, and electrostatic ignition. (GS)

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