29 CFR 1926.1436 - Derricks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... and guying must be designed to withstand maximum horizontal and vertical forces encountered when... be designed to withstand maximum horizontal and vertical forces encountered when operating within...”). (D) Applicable terms in section 7-0.2 (“Definitions”). (ii) Load tests for new hoists. The employer...

29 CFR 1926.1436 - Derricks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... and guying must be designed to withstand maximum horizontal and vertical forces encountered when... be designed to withstand maximum horizontal and vertical forces encountered when operating within...”). (D) Applicable terms in section 7-0.2 (“Definitions”). (ii) Load tests for new hoists. The employer...

Wavelength dependence of eddy dissipation and Coriolis force in the dynamics of gravity wave driven fluctuations in the OH nightglow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hickey, M. P.

1988-01-01

This paper examines the effect of inclusion of Coriolis force and eddy dissipation in the gravity wave dynamics theory of Walterscheid et al. (1987). It was found that the values of the ratio 'eta' (where eta is a complex quantity describing the ralationship between the intensity oscillation about the time-averaged intensity, and the temperature oscillation about the time-averaged temperature) strongly depend on the wave period and the horizontal wavelength; thus, if comparisons are to be made between observations and theory, horizontal wavelengths will need to be measured in conjunction with the OH nightglow measurements. For the waves with horizontal wavelengths up to 1000 km, the eddy dissipation was found to dominate over the Coriolis force in the gravity wave dynamics and also in the associated values of eta. However, for waves with horizontal wavelengths of 10,000 km or more, the Coriolis force cannot be neglected; it has to be taken into account along with the eddy dissipation.

Finding the Effective Mass and Spring Constant of a Force Probe from Simple Harmonic Motion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greene, Nathaniel R.; Gill, Tom; Eyerly, Stephen

2016-01-01

Force probes are versatile tools in the physics lab, but their internal workings can introduce artifacts when measuring rapidly changing forces. The Dual-Range Force Sensor by Vernier uses strain gage technology to measure force, based on the bending of a beam. Strain gages along the length of the beam change resistance as the beam bends. The…

Students’ understanding of forces: Force diagrams on horizontal and inclined plane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sirait, J.; Hamdani; Mursyid, S.

2018-03-01

This study aims to analyse students’ difficulties in understanding force diagrams on horizontal surfaces and inclined planes. Physics education students (pre-service physics teachers) of Tanjungpura University, who had completed a Basic Physics course, took a Force concept test which has six questions covering three concepts: an object at rest, an object moving at constant speed, and an object moving at constant acceleration both on a horizontal surface and on an inclined plane. The test is in a multiple-choice format. It examines the ability of students to select appropriate force diagrams depending on the context. The results show that 44% of students have difficulties in solving the test (these students only could solve one or two items out of six items). About 50% of students faced difficulties finding the correct diagram of an object when it has constant speed and acceleration in both contexts. In general, students could only correctly identify 48% of the force diagrams on the test. The most difficult task for the students in terms was identifying the force diagram representing forces exerted on an object on in an inclined plane.

Sprint Acceleration Mechanics: The Major Role of Hamstrings in Horizontal Force Production

PubMed Central

Morin, Jean-Benoît; Gimenez, Philippe; Edouard, Pascal; Arnal, Pierrick; Jiménez-Reyes, Pedro; Samozino, Pierre; Brughelli, Matt; Mendiguchia, Jurdan

2015-01-01

Recent literature supports the importance of horizontal ground reaction force (GRF) production for sprint acceleration performance. Modeling and clinical studies have shown that the hip extensors are very likely contributors to sprint acceleration performance. We experimentally tested the role of the hip extensors in horizontal GRF production during short, maximal, treadmill sprint accelerations. Torque capabilities of the knee and hip extensors and flexors were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer in 14 males familiar with sprint running. Then, during 6-s sprints on an instrumented motorized treadmill, horizontal and vertical GRF were synchronized with electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and gluteus maximus averaged over the first half of support, entire support, entire swing and end-of-swing phases. No significant correlations were found between isokinetic or EMG variables and horizontal GRF. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship (P = 0.024) between horizontal GRF and the combination of biceps femoris EMG activity during the end of the swing and the knee flexors eccentric peak torque. In conclusion, subjects who produced the greatest amount of horizontal force were both able to highly activate their hamstring muscles just before ground contact and present high eccentric hamstring peak torque capability. PMID:26733889

An Inexpensive and Versatile Version of Kundt's Tube for Measuring the Speed of Sound in Air

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Papacosta, Pangratios; Linscheid, Nathan

2016-01-01

Experiments that measure the speed of sound in air are common in high schools and colleges. In the Kundt's tube experiment, a horizontal air column is adjusted until a resonance mode is achieved for a specific frequency of sound. When this happens, the cork dust in the tube is disturbed at the displacement antinode regions. The location of the…

Static investigation of the circulation control wing/upper surface blowing concept applied to the quiet short haul research aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eppel, J. C.; Shovlin, M. D.; Jaynes, D. N.; Englar, R. J.; Nichols, J. H., Jr.

1982-01-01

Full scale static investigations were conducted on the Quiet Short Haul Research Aircraft (QSRA) to determine the thrust deflecting capabilities of the circulation control wing/upper surface blowing (CCW/USB) concept. This scheme, which combines favorable characteristics of both the A-6/CCW and QSRA, employs the flow entrainment properties of CCW to pneumatically deflect engine thrust in lieu of the mechanical USB flap system. Results show that the no moving parts blown system produced static thrust deflections in the range of 40 deg to 97 deg (depending on thrust level) with a CCW pressure of 208,900 Pa (30.3 psig). In addition, the ability to vary horizontal forces from thrust to drag while maintaining a constant vertical (or lift) value was demonstrated by varying the blowing pressure. The versatility of the CCW/USB system, if applied to a STOL aircraft, was confirmed, where rapid conversion from a high drag approach mode to a thrust recovering waveoff or takeoff configuration could be achieved by nearly instantaneous blowing pressure variation.

Calibration of a horizontally acting force transducer with the use of a simple pendulum

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

Taberner, Andrew J.; Hunter, Ian W.; BioInstrumentation Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 and Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

This article details the implementation of a method for calibrating horizontally measuring force transducers using a pendulum. The technique exploits the sinusoidal inertial force generated by a suspended mass as it pendulates about a point on the measurement axis of the force transducer. The method is used to calibrate a reconfigurable, custom-made force transducer based on exchangeable cantilevers with stiffness ranging from 10 to 10{sup 4} N/m. In this implementation, the relative combined standard uncertainty in the calibrated transducer stiffness is 0.41% while the repeatability of the calibration technique is 0.46%.

Steerable vertical to horizontal energy transducer for mobile robots

DOEpatents

Spletzer, Barry L.; Fischer, Gary J.; Feddema, John T.

2001-01-01

The present invention provides a steerable vertical to horizontal energy transducer for mobile robots that less complex and requires less power than two degree of freedom tilt mechanisms. The present invention comprises an end effector that, when mounted with a hopping actuator, translates along axis (typically vertical) actuation into combined vertical and horizontal motion. The end effector, or foot, mounts with an end of the actuator that moves toward the support surface (typically a floor or the earth). The foot is shaped so that the first contact with the support surface is off the axis of the actuator. Off-axis contact with the support surface generates an on-axis force (typically resulting in vertical motion) and a moment orthogonal to the axis. The moment initiates a horizontal tumbling motion, and tilts the actuator so that its axis is oriented with a horizontal component and continued actuation generates both vertical and horizontal force.

Parametric modulation of thermomagnetic convection in magnetic fluids.

PubMed

Engler, H; Odenbach, S

2008-05-21

Previous theoretical investigations on thermal flow in a horizontal fluid layer have shown that the critical temperature difference, where heat transfer changes from diffusion to convective flow, depends on the frequency of a time-modulated driving force. The driving force of thermal convection is the buoyancy force resulting from the interaction of gravity and the density gradient provided by a temperature difference in the vertical direction of a horizontal fluid layer. An experimental investigation of such phenomena fails because of technical problems arising if buoyancy is to be changed by altering the temperature difference or gravitational acceleration. The possibility of influencing convective flow in a horizontal magnetic fluid layer by magnetic forces might provide us with a means to solve the problem of a time-modulated magnetic driving force. An experimental setup to investigate the dependence of the critical temperature difference on the frequency of the driving force has been designed and implemented. First results show that the time modulation of the driving force has significant influence on the strength of the convective flow. In particular a pronounced minimum in the strength of convection has been found for a particular frequency.

Industrial Robots Join the Work Force.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, Gail M.

1982-01-01

Robots--powerful, versatile, and easily adapted to new operations--may usher in a new industrial age. Workers throughout the labor force could be affected, as well as the nature of the workplace, skill requirements of jobs, and concomitant shifts in vocational education. (SK)

A method for evaluating horizontal well pumping tests.

PubMed

Langseth, David E; Smyth, Andrew H; May, James

2004-01-01

Predicting the future performance of horizontal wells under varying pumping conditions requires estimates of basic aquifer parameters, notably transmissivity and storativity. For vertical wells, there are well-established methods for estimating these parameters, typically based on either the recovery from induced head changes in a well or from the head response in observation wells to pumping in a test well. Comparable aquifer parameter estimation methods for horizontal wells have not been presented in the ground water literature. Formation parameter estimation methods based on measurements of pressure in horizontal wells have been presented in the petroleum industry literature, but these methods have limited applicability for ground water evaluation and are based on pressure measurements in only the horizontal well borehole, rather than in observation wells. This paper presents a simple and versatile method by which pumping test procedures developed for vertical wells can be applied to horizontal well pumping tests. The method presented here uses the principle of superposition to represent the horizontal well as a series of partially penetrating vertical wells. This concept is used to estimate a distance from an observation well at which a vertical well that has the same total pumping rate as the horizontal well will produce the same drawdown as the horizontal well. This equivalent distance may then be associated with an observation well for use in pumping test algorithms and type curves developed for vertical wells. The method is shown to produce good results for confined aquifers and unconfined aquifers in the absence of delayed yield response. For unconfined aquifers, the presence of delayed yield response increases the method error.

Do rotational shear-cushioning shoes influence horizontal ground reaction forces and perceived comfort during basketball cutting maneuvers?

PubMed

Lam, Wing-Kai; Qu, Yi; Yang, Fan; Cheung, Roy T H

2017-01-01

Court shoe designs predominantly focus on reducing excessive vertical ground reaction force, but shear force cushioning has received little attention in the basketball population. We aimed to examine the effect of a novel shoe-cushioning design on both resultant horizontal ground reaction forces and comfort perception during two basketball-specific cutting movements. Fifteen university team basketball players performed lateral shuffling and 45-degree sidestep cutting at maximum effort in basketball shoes with and without the shear-cushioning system (SCS). Paired t -tests were used to examine the differences in kinetics and comfort perception between two shoes. SCS shoe allowed for larger rotational material deformation compared with control shoes, but no significant shoe differences were found in braking phase kinetics during both cutting movements ( P  = 0.35). Interestingly, a greater horizontal propulsion impulse was found with the SCS during 45-degree cutting ( P  < 0.05), when compared with the control. In addition, players wearing SCS shoes perceived better forefoot comfort ( P  = 0.012). During lateral shuffling, there were no significant differences in horizontal GRF and comfort perception between shoe conditions ( P  > 0.05). The application of a rotational shear-cushioning structure allowed for better forefoot comfort and enhanced propulsion performance in cutting, but did not influence the shear impact. Understanding horizontal ground reaction force information may be useful in designing footwear to prevent shear-related injuries in sport populations.

Alterations to the orientation of the ground reaction force vector affect sprint acceleration performance in team sports athletes.

PubMed

Bezodis, Neil E; North, Jamie S; Razavet, Jane L

2017-09-01

A more horizontally oriented ground reaction force vector is related to higher levels of sprint acceleration performance across a range of athletes. However, the effects of acute experimental alterations to the force vector orientation within athletes are unknown. Fifteen male team sports athletes completed maximal effort 10-m accelerations in three conditions following different verbal instructions intended to manipulate the force vector orientation. Ground reaction forces (GRFs) were collected from the step nearest 5-m and stance leg kinematics at touchdown were also analysed to understand specific kinematic features of touchdown technique which may influence the consequent force vector orientation. Magnitude-based inferences were used to compare findings between conditions. There was a likely more horizontally oriented ground reaction force vector and a likely lower peak vertical force in the control condition compared with the experimental conditions. 10-m sprint time was very likely quickest in the control condition which confirmed the importance of force vector orientation for acceleration performance on a within-athlete basis. The stance leg kinematics revealed that a more horizontally oriented force vector during stance was preceded at touchdown by a likely more dorsiflexed ankle, a likely more flexed knee, and a possibly or likely greater hip extension velocity.

The influence of cricket fast bowlers' front leg technique on peak ground reaction forces.

PubMed

Worthington, Peter; King, Mark; Ranson, Craig

2013-01-01

High ground reaction forces during the front foot contact phase of the bowling action are believed to be a major contributor to the high prevalence of lumbar stress fractures in fast bowlers. This study aimed to investigate the influence of front leg technique on peak ground reaction forces during the delivery stride. Three-dimensional kinematic data and ground reaction forces during the front foot contact phase were captured for 20 elite male fast bowlers. Eight kinematic parameters were determined for each performance, describing run-up speed and front leg technique, in addition to peak force and time to peak force in the vertical and horizontal directions. There were substantial variations between bowlers in both peak forces (vertical 6.7 ± 1.4 body weights; horizontal (braking) 4.5 ± 0.8 body weights) and times to peak force (vertical 0.03 ± 0.01 s; horizontal 0.03 ± 0.01 s). These differences were found to be linked to the orientation of the front leg at the instant of front foot contact. In particular, a larger plant angle and a heel strike technique were associated with lower peak forces and longer times to peak force during the front foot contact phase, which may help reduce the likelihood of lower back injuries.

New devices for measuring forces on the kayak foot bar and on the seat during flat-water kayak paddling: a technical report.

PubMed

Nilsson, Johnny E; Rosdahl, Hans G

2014-03-01

The purpose was to develop and validate portable force-measurement devices for recording push and pull forces applied by each foot to the foot bar of a kayak and the horizontal force at the seat. A foot plate on a single-point force transducer mounted on the kayak foot bar underneath each foot allowed the push and pull forces to be recorded. Two metal frames interconnected with 4 linear ball bearings, and a force transducer allowed recording of horizontal seat force. The foot-bar-force device was calibrated by loading each foot plate with weights in the push-pull direction perpendicular to the foot plate surface, while the seat-force device was calibrated to horizontal forces with and without weights on the seat. A strong linearity (r2 = .99-1.0) was found between transducer output signal and load force in the push and pull directions for both foot-bar transducers perpendicular to the foot plate and the seat-force-measuring device. Reliability of both devices was tested by means of a test-retest design. The coefficient of variation (CV) for foot-bar push and pull forces ranged from 0.1% to 1.1%, and the CV for the seat forces varied from 0.6% to 2.2%. The current study opens up a field for new investigations of the forces generated in the kayak and ways to optimize kayak-paddling performance.

Running stride peak forces inversely determine running economy in elite runners.

PubMed

Støren, Øyvind; Helgerud, Jan; Hoff, Jan

2011-01-01

The present study investigated the relationship between running economy (RE) at 15 km/h(-1) , 3.000-m race time, maximal strength, and a number of physiological, anthropometrical, and mechanical variables. The variables measured included RE, maximal oxygen consumption, heart rate, step length and frequency, contact time, and the peak horizontal and vertical forces of each step. Maximal strength was measured as the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) half-squat using a leg press machine. Eleven male elite endurance athletes with a V(O2)max of 75.8 ± 6.2 mL/kg(-1)/min(-1) participated in this study. After the anthropometric data were collected, they were tested for RE, running characteristics, and force measures on a level treadmill at 15 km/h(-1). The athletes wore contact soles, and the treadmill was placed on a force platform. Maximal oxygen consumption and 1RM were tested after the RE measurements. The sum of horizontal and vertical peak forces revealed a significant inverse correlation (p < 0.05) both with 3,000-m performance (R = 0.71) and RE (R = 0.66). Inverse correlations were also found (p < 0.05) between RE and body height (R = 0.61) and between RE and body fat percentage (R = 0.62). In conclusion, the sum of horizontal and vertical peak forces was found to be negatively correlated to running economy and 3,000-m running performance, indicating that avoiding vertical movements and high horizontal braking force is crucial for a positive development of RE.

Ultrasonic Measurement of Strain Distribution Inside Object Cyclically Compressed by Dual Acoustic Radiation Force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Odagiri, Yoshitaka; Hasegawa, Hideyuki; Kanai, Hiroshi

2008-05-01

One possible way to evaluate acupuncture therapy quantitatively is to measure the change in the elastic property of muscle after application of the therapy. Many studies have been conducted to measure mechanical properties of tissues using ultrasound-induced acoustic radiation force. To assess mechanical properties, strain must be generated in an object. However, a single radiation force is not effective because it mainly generates translational motion when the object is much harder than the surrounding medium. In this study, two cyclic radiation forces are simultaneously applied to a muscle phantom from two opposite horizontal directions so that the object is cyclically compressed in the horizontal direction. By the horizontal compression, the object is expanded vertically based on its incompressibility. The resultant vertical displacement is measured using another ultrasound pulse. Two ultrasonic transducers for actuation were both driven by the sum of two continuous sinusoidal signals at two slightly different frequencies [1 MHz and (1 M + 5) Hz]. The displacement of several micrometers in amplitude, which fluctuated at 5 Hz, was measured by the ultrasonic phased tracking method. Increase in thickness inside the object was observed just when acoustic radiation forces increased. Such changes in thickness correspond to vertical expansion due to horizontal compression.

Lyapunov stability analysis for the generalized Kapitza pendulum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Druzhinina, O. V.; Sevastianov, L. A.; Vasilyev, S. A.; Vasilyeva, D. G.

2017-12-01

In this work generalization of Kapitza pendulum whose suspension point moves in the vertical and horizontal planes is made. Lyapunov stability analysis of the motion for this pendulum subjected to excitation of periodic driving forces and stochastic driving forces that act in the vertical and horizontal planes has been studied. The numerical study of the random motion for generalized Kapitza pendulum under stochastic driving forces has made. It is shown the existence of stable quasi-periodic motion for this pendulum.

Effective Swimmer’s Action during the Grab Start Technique

PubMed Central

Mourão, Luis; de Jesus, Karla; Roesler, Hélio; Machado, Leandro J.; Fernandes, Ricardo J.; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo; Vaz, Mário A. P.

2015-01-01

The external forces applied in swimming starts have been often studied, but using direct analysis and simple interpretation data processes. This study aimed to develop a tool for vertical and horizontal force assessment based on the swimmers’ propulsive and structural forces (passive forces due to dead weight) applied during the block phase. Four methodological pathways were followed: the experimented fall of a rigid body, the swimmers’ inertia effect, the development of a mathematical model to describe the outcome of the rigid body fall and its generalization to include the effects of the inertia, and the experimental swimmers’ starting protocol analysed with the inclusion of the developed mathematical tool. The first three methodological steps resulted in the description and computation of the passive force components. At the fourth step, six well-trained swimmers performed three 15 m maximal grab start trials and three-dimensional (3D) kinetic data were obtained using a six degrees of freedom force plate. The passive force contribution to the start performance obtained from the model was subtracted from the experimental force due to the swimmers resulting in the swimmers’ active forces. As expected, the swimmers’ vertical and horizontal active forces accounted for the maximum variability contribution of the experimental forces. It was found that the active force profile for the vertical and horizontal components resembled one another. These findings should be considered in clarifying the active swimmers’ force variability and the respective geometrical profile as indicators to redefine steering strategies. PMID:25978370

Kinematic control of aerodynamic forces on an inclined flapping wing with asymmetric strokes.

PubMed

Park, Hyungmin; Choi, Haecheon

2012-03-01

In the present study, we conduct an experiment using a one-paired dynamically scaled model of an insect wing, to investigate how asymmetric strokes with different wing kinematic parameters are used to control the aerodynamics of a dragonfly-like inclined flapping wing in still fluid. The kinematic parameters considered are the angles of attack during the mid-downstroke (α(md)) and mid-upstroke (α(mu)), and the duration (Δτ) and time of initiation (τ(p)) of the pitching rotation. The present dragonfly-like inclined flapping wing has the aerodynamic mechanism of unsteady force generation similar to those of other insect wings in a horizontal stroke plane, but the detailed effect of the wing kinematics on the force control is different due to the asymmetric use of the angle of attack during the up- and downstrokes. For example, high α(md) and low α(mu) produces larger vertical force with less aerodynamic power, and low α(md) and high α(mu) is recommended for horizontal force (thrust) production. The pitching rotation also affects the aerodynamics of a flapping wing, but its dynamic rotational effect is much weaker than the effect from the kinematic change in the angle of attack caused by the pitching rotation. Thus, the influences of the duration and timing of pitching rotation for the present inclined flapping wing are found to be very different from those for a horizontal flapping wing. That is, for the inclined flapping motion, the advanced and delayed rotations produce smaller vertical forces than the symmetric one and the effect of pitching duration is very small. On the other hand, for a specific range of pitching rotation timing, delayed rotation requires less aerodynamic power than the symmetric rotation. As for the horizontal force, delayed rotation with low α(md) and high α(mu) is recommended for long-duration flight owing to its high efficiency, and advanced rotation should be employed for hovering flight for nearly zero horizontal force. The present study suggests that manipulating the angle of attack during a flapping cycle is the most effective way to control the aerodynamic forces and corresponding power expenditure for a dragonfly-like inclined flapping wing.

The Evolution of Marine Artillery: A History of Versatility and Relevance

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-28

Colonel Robert W. Huntington who commanded it, was formed. This included one artillery company manning four 3-inch rapid fire guns.7 The Marine...Major Robert H. Dunlap. That same battalion, which would soon be the foundation for the 10th Marine Regiment, distinguished itself in combat at La...force capable of counter-guerilla operations. Of note, Colonel Robert H. Dunlap commanded the regiment. 19 Officers during this period were versatile

Simulations of surface winds at the Viking Lander sites using a one-level model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bridger, Alison F. C.; Haberle, Robert M.

1992-01-01

The one-level model developed by Mass and Dempsey for use in predicting surface flows in regions of complex terrain was adapted to simulate surface flows at the Viking lander sites on Mars. In the one-level model, prediction equations for surface winds and temperatures are formulated and solved. Surface temperatures change with time in response to diabatic heating, horizontal advection, adiabatic heating and cooling effects, and horizontal diffusion. Surface winds can change in response to horizontal advection, pressure gradient forces, Coriolis forces, surface drag, and horizontal diffusion. Surface pressures are determined by integration of the hydrostatic equation from the surface to some reference level. The model has successfully simulated surface flows under a variety of conditions in complex-terrain regions on Earth.

Relationship between different push-off variables and start performance in experienced swimmers.

PubMed

García-Ramos, Amador; Feriche, Belén; de la Fuente, Blanca; Argüelles-Cienfuegos, Javier; Strojnik, Vojko; Strumbelj, Boro; Štirn, Igor

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between different variables measured with a force plate during the swimming start push-off phase and start performance presented by times to 5, 10 and 15 m. Twenty-one women from the Slovenian national swimming team performed two different swim starts (freestyle and undulatory) on a portable force plate to a distance further than 15 m. Correlations between push-off variables and times to 5, 10 and 15 m were quantified through Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient (r). The variables that significantly correlated (p < .05) to all times measured in the two starts performed were: average horizontal acceleration (freestyle: r = -0.58 to -0.71; and undulatory: r = -0.55 to -0.66), horizontal take-off velocity (freestyle: r = -0.56 to -0.69; and undulatory: r = -0.53 to -0.67) and resultant take-off velocity (freestyle: r = -0.53 to -0.65; and undulatory: r = -0.52 to -0.61). None of the variables derived from the vertical force were correlated to swimming start performance (p > .05). Based on the results of this study, we can conclude that horizontal take-off velocity and average horizontal acceleration (calculated as the average horizontal force divided by swimmer's body mass) are the variables most related to swimming start performance in experienced swimmers, and therefore could be the preferred measures to monitor swimmers' efficiency during the push-off phase.

Articulating Support for Horizontal Resistive Exercise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gundo, Daniel; Schaffner, Grant; Bentley, Jason; Loehr, James A.

2005-01-01

A versatile mechanical device provides support for a user engaged in any of a variety of resistive exercises in a substantially horizontal orientation. The unique features and versatility of the device promise to be useful in bedrest studies, rehabilitation, and specialized strength training. The device affords a capability for selectively loading and unloading of portions of the user s body through its support mechanisms, so that specific parts of the body can be trained with little or no effect on other parts that may be disabled or in the process of recovery from injury. Thus, the device is ideal for rehabilitation exercise programs prescribed by physicians and physical therapists. The capability for selective loading and support also offers potential benefits to strength and conditioning trainers and athletes who wish to selectively strengthen selected parts. The principal innovative aspect of the device is that it supports the subject s weight while enabling the subject, lying substantially horizontally, to perform an exercise that closely approximates a full standing squat. The device includes mechanisms that support the subject in such a way that the hips are free to translate both horizontally and vertically and are free to rotate about the line connecting the hips. At the same time, the shoulders are free to translate horizontally while the upper back is free to rotate about the line connecting the shoulders. Among the mechanisms for hip motion and support is a counterbalance that offsets the weight of the subject as the subject s pelvis translates horizontally and vertically and rotates the pelvis about the line connecting the hips. The counterbalance is connected to a pelvic support system that allows these pelvic movements. The subject is also supported at the shoulder by a mechanism that can tilt to provide continuous support of the upper back while allowing the rotation required for arching the back as the pelvis is displaced. The shoulder support also affords a capability for horizontal motion, and acts as the point of attachment of a load that is provided for squat and heel-raise exercises. The device is compatible with any resistive-exercise machine that provides bilateral loading via a moving cable or other mechanical linkage. The hip-translation and shoulder-translation and -rotation degrees of freedom of the supports can be locked individually or in combination in order to support the subject as necessary for exercises other than the standing squat. If necessary, for such exercises, the load can be applied directly to the subject by use of various attachments. In addition to the aforementioned heel raise, such exercises include the upright row, leg press, curls, extension of the triceps, front raise, lateral raise, and rear raise.

Determination of the force systems produced by different configurations of tear drop orthodontic loops.

PubMed

Thiesen, Guilherme; Shimizu, Roberto Hideo; do Valle, Caio Vinicius Martins; do Valle-Corotti, Karyna Martins; Pereira, Jefferson Ricardo; Conti, Paulo Cesar Rodrigues

2013-03-15

To determine the mechanical characteristics of teardrop loop with and without helix fabricated using different metal alloy compositions (stainless steel and beta-titanium), submitted to different intensities of bends preactivation (0° and 40°), and with different cross-sectional dimension of the wire used to build these loops (0.017 x 0.025-in and 0.019 x 0.025-in). Eighty loops used to close spaces were submitted to mechanical tests. The magnitudes of horizontal force, the moment/force ratio, and the load/deflection ratio produced by the specimens were quantified. Loops were submitted to a total activation of 5.0 mm and the values were registered for each 1.0 mm of activation. For statistic data analysis, a analysis of variance was performed and a Tukey's Multiple Comparison test was used as supplement, considering a 5% level of significance. In general, teardrop loops with helix produced lower magnitudes of horizontal force and load/deflection ratio, and higher moment/force ratio than teardrop loops without helix. Among all analyzed variables, metal alloy composition presented greater influence in the horizontal force and in the load/deflection ratio. The moment/force ratio showed to be more influenced by the preactivation of loops for space closure.

Dynamically balanced absolute sea level of the global ocean derived from near-surface velocity observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niiler, Pearn P.; Maximenko, Nikolai A.; McWilliams, James C.

2003-11-01

The 1992-2002 time-mean absolute sea level distribution of the global ocean is computed for the first time from observations of near-surface velocity. For this computation, we use the near-surface horizontal momentum balance. The velocity observed by drifters is used to compute the Coriolis force and the force due to acceleration of water parcels. The anomaly of horizontal pressure gradient is derived from satellite altimetry and corrects the temporal bias in drifter data distribution. NCEP reanalysis winds are used to compute the force due to Ekman currents. The mean sea level gradient force, which closes the momentum balance, is integrated for mean sea level. We find that our computation agrees, within uncertainties, with the sea level computed from the geostrophic, hydrostatic momentum balance using historical mean density, except in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. A consistent horizontally and vertically dynamically balanced, near-surface, global pressure field has now been derived from observations.

Integrated hydraulic booster/tool string technology for unfreezing of stuck downhole strings in horizontal wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Q. Z.

2017-12-01

It is common to use a jarring tool to unfreeze stuck downhole string. However, in a horizontal well, influenced by the friction caused by the deviated section, jarring effect is poor; on the other hand, the forcing point can be located in the horizontal section by a hydraulic booster and the friction can be reduced, but it is time-consuming and easy to break downhole string using a large-tonnage and constant pull force. A hydraulic booster - jar tool string has been developed for unfreezing operation in horizontal wells. The technical solution involves three elements: a two-stage parallel spring cylinder structure for increasing the energy storage capacity of spring accelerators; multiple groups of spring accelerators connected in series to increase the working stroke; a hydraulic booster intensifying jarring force. The integrated unfreezing tool string based on these three elements can effectively overcome the friction caused by a deviated borehole, and thus unfreeze a stuck string with the interaction of the hydraulic booster and the mechanical jar which form an alternatively dynamic load. Experimental results show that the jarring performance parameters of the hydraulic booster-jar unfreezing tool string for the horizontal wells are in accordance with original design requirements. Then field technical parameters were developed based on numerical simulation and experimental data. Field application shows that the hydraulic booster-jar unfreezing tool string is effective to free stuck downhole tools in a horizontal well, and it reduces hook load by 80% and lessens the requirement of workover equipment. This provides a new technology to unfreeze stuck downhole string in a horizontal well.

A compact disc under skimming light rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Luca, R.; Di Mauro, M.; Fiore, O.; Naddeo, A.

2018-03-01

The optical properties of a compact disc (CD) under "skimming" light rays have been analyzed. We have noticed that a clear green line can be detected when the disc is irradiated with light rays coming from a lamp in such a way that only those skimming the CD, held horizontally, are selected. We provide a physical interpretation of this phenomenon on the basis of elementary optics concepts. Extension of these concepts to digital versatile discs (DVDs) is given.

The development of an experimental facility and investigation of rapidly maneuvering Micro-Air-Vehicle wings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Lee Alexander

Vertical Takeoff-and-Landing (VTOL) Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) provide a versatile operational platform which combines the capabilities of fixed wing and rotary wing MAVs. In order to improve performance of these vehicles, a better understanding of the rapid transition between horizontal and vertical flight is required. This study examines the flow structures around the Mini-Vertigo VTOL MAV using flow visualization techniques. This will gives an understanding of the flow structures which dominate the flight dynamics of rapid pitching maneuvers. This study consists of three objectives: develop an experimental facility, use flow visualization to investigate the flow around the experimental subject during pitching, and analyze the results. The flow around the Mini-Vertigo VTOL MAV is dominated by the slipstream from its propellers. The slipstream delays LE separation and causes drastic deflection in the flow. While the frequency of the vortices shed from the LE and TE varies with flow speed, the non-dimensional frequency does not. It does, however, vary slightly with the pitching rate. These results are applicable across a wide range of flight conditions. The results correlate to previous research done to examine the aerodynamic forces on the MAV.

Algorithms to automate gap-dependent integral tuning for the 2.8-meter long horizontal field undulator with a dynamic force compensation mechanism

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

Xu, Joseph Z., E-mail: x@anl.gov; Vasserman, Isaac; Strelnikov, Nikita

2016-07-27

A 2.8-meter long horizontal field prototype undulator with a dynamic force compensation mechanism has been developed and tested at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne). The magnetic tuning of the undulator integrals has been automated and accomplished by applying magnetic shims. A detailed description of the algorithms and performance is reported.

Early Student Support for a Process Study of Oceanic Responses to Typhoons

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-21

responses to tropical cyclone forcing are surface waves, wind-driven currents, shear and turbulence, and inertial currents. Quantifying the effect ...Cd is estimated assuming a balance between the time rate change of the depth-integrated horizontal momentum, Coriolis force, and the wind stress. This...negligible pressure gradient effect . Most of the observed horizontal kinetic energy is within the upper 100 m. The available potential energy and

Force system evaluation of symmetrical beta-titanium T-loop springs preactivated by curvature and concentrated bends.

PubMed

Caldas, Sergei Godeiro Fernandes Rabelo; Martins, Renato Parsekian; Galvão, Marília Regalado; Vieira, Camilla Ivini Viana; Martins, Lídia Parsekian

2011-08-01

The objective of this research was to compare the effect of preactivation on the force system of beta-titanium T-loop springs (TLSs). Twenty TLSs with dimensions of 6 × 10 mm, of 0.017 × 0.025-in beta-titanium alloy, were randomly divided into 2 groups according to their preactivation. By using a moment transducer coupled to a digital extensometer indicator adapted to a testing machine, the amounts of horizontal force and moment produced were recorded at every 0.5 mm of deactivation from 5 mm of the initial activation in an interbracket distance of 23 mm. The moment-to-force ratio, the "neutral position" and the load-deflection ratio were also calculated. TLSs preactivated by curvature delivered horizontal forces significantly lower than those preactivated by concentrated bends. No differences were found in relation to the moments produced throughout the deactivation of both groups. The moment-to-force ratios were systematically higher on the TLSs preactivated by curvature than those preactivated by concentrated bends, except on 5 mm of activation. Significant differences were found in the load-deflection rates and "neutral position." The TLSs preactivated by curvature delivered lower horizontal forces and higher moment-to-force and load-deflection ratios than did those preactivated by concentrated bends. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

MEMS resonant load cells for micro-mechanical test frames: feasibility study and optimal design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torrents, A.; Azgin, K.; Godfrey, S. W.; Topalli, E. S.; Akin, T.; Valdevit, L.

2010-12-01

This paper presents the design, optimization and manufacturing of a novel micro-fabricated load cell based on a double-ended tuning fork. The device geometry and operating voltages are optimized for maximum force resolution and range, subject to a number of manufacturing and electromechanical constraints. All optimizations are enabled by analytical modeling (verified by selected finite elements analyses) coupled with an efficient C++ code based on the particle swarm optimization algorithm. This assessment indicates that force resolutions of ~0.5-10 nN are feasible in vacuum (~1-50 mTorr), with force ranges as large as 1 N. Importantly, the optimal design for vacuum operation is independent of the desired range, ensuring versatility. Experimental verifications on a sub-optimal device fabricated using silicon-on-glass technology demonstrate a resolution of ~23 nN at a vacuum level of ~50 mTorr. The device demonstrated in this article will be integrated in a hybrid micro-mechanical test frame for unprecedented combinations of force resolution and range, displacement resolution and range, optical (or SEM) access to the sample, versatility and cost.

USSOCOM Fact Book: Special Operations Forces

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

units include the 75th Ranger Regiment, headquartered at Fort Benning, Ga.; 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, Ky...throughout the world Rangers are the masters of special light infantry operations. This lethal, agile, and flexible force is capable of executing a wide...responsiveness and reliability define the Ranger Regiment as the versatile and adaptive force of choice for missions of high risk and strategic importance in

Dragging a floating horizontal cylinder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Duck-Gyu; Kim, Ho-Young

2010-11-01

A cylinder immersed in a fluid stream experiences a drag, and it is well known that the drag coefficient is a function of the Reynolds number only. Here we study the force exerted on a long horizontal cylinder that is dragged perpendicular to its axis while floating on an air-water interface with a high Reynolds number. In addition to the flow-induced drag, the floating body is subjected to capillary forces along the contact line where the three phases of liquid/solid/gas meet. We first theoretically predict the meniscus profile around the horizontally moving cylinder assuming the potential flow, and show that the profile is in good agreement with that obtained experimentally. Then we compare our theoretical predictions and experimental measurement results for the drag coefficient of a floating horizontal cylinder that is given by a function of the Weber number and the Bond number. This study can help us to understand the horizontal motion of partially submerged objects at air-liquid interface, such as semi-aquatic insects and marine plants.

[Studies on reduction of repellent force of rare earth magnets--concerning tooth intrusion].

PubMed

Kitsugi, A

1992-12-01

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the sealing effect of the repelling force of the magnets with ferromagnetic stainless steel and also to examine the reduction pattern along with the change of the relative position of the magnets. The Nd-Fe-B magnet as rare earth magnet, and SUSXM 27, YEP-3, SUS 416 as ferromagnetic stainless steel were used in this experiment. The findings were as follows: 1. There was a little decrease of the repelling force of the magnets sealed with ferromagnetic stainless steel. On the other hand, no significant differences in the repelling force sealed with any kind of ferromagnetic stainless steel were found. 2. Direct contact of the repelling force of the phi 4.0 x 1.5 mm magnets sealed with SUSXM 27 of 0.2 mm in thickness was 242 gf. According to relative horizontal 1.2 mm movement keeping direct contact, the vertical and horizontal components of the repelling force were of the same value. 3. The repelling force of the phi 10.0 x 1.8 mm magnets sealed with SUSXM 27 of 0.2 mm in thickness was 815 gf. It showed more than 300 gf of vertical component of the repelling force when the magnets shifted to 3.0 mm horizontally when in contact. 4. It is suggested that the repelling force of the Nd-Fe-B magnets will be clinically useful for the intrusion of molar teeth.

Holding characteristics of planar objects suspended by near-field acoustic levitation

PubMed

Matsuo; Koike; Nakamura; Ueha; Hashimoto

2000-03-01

The authors have found the acoustic levitation phenomenon where planar objects of 10 kg weight can be levitated near a vibration surface. This phenomenon has been studied for non-contact transportation. A circular planar object can be suspended without contacting a circular vibration plate. We have studied the holding force which acts horizontally on the levitated objects. The horizontal position of the object is stabilized by this force. In this paper, we discuss the effect of the radius of a levitated object, levitation distance, displacement amplitude of the vibration plate and the vibration mode on the suspending force.

Full nonlinear treatment of the global thermospheric wind system. Part 1: Mathematical method and analysis of forces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blum, P. W.; Harris, I.

1973-01-01

The equations of horizontal motion of the neutral atmosphere between 120 and 500 km are integrated with the inclusion of all the nonlinear terms of the convective derivative and the viscous forces due to vertical and horizontal velocity gradients. Empirical models of the distribution of neutral and charged particles are assumed to be known. The model of velocities developed is a steady state model. In part 1 the mathematical method used in the integration of the Navier-Stokes equations is described and the various forces are analysed.

Horizontal film balance having wide range and high sensitivity

DOEpatents

Abraham, B.M.; Miyano, K.; Ketterson, J.B.

1981-03-05

A thin-film, horizontal balance instrument is provided for measuring surface tension (surface energy) of thin films suspended on a liquid substrate. The balance includes a support bearing and an optical feedback arrangement for wide-range, high sensitivity measurements. The force on the instrument is balanced by an electromagnet, the current through the magnet providing a measure of the force applied to the instrument. A novel float construction is also disclosed.

Horizontal film balance having wide range and high sensitivity

DOEpatents

Abraham, B.M.; Miyano, K.; Ketterson, J.B.

1983-11-08

A thin-film, horizontal balance instrument is provided for measuring surface tension (surface energy) of thin films suspended on a liquid substrate. The balance includes a support bearing and an optical feedback arrangement for wide-range, high sensitivity measurements. The force on the instrument is balanced by an electromagnet, the current through the magnet providing a measure of the force applied to the instrument. A novel float construction is also disclosed. 5 figs.

Horizontal film balance having wide range and high sensitivity

DOEpatents

Abraham, Bernard M.; Miyano, Kenjiro; Ketterson, John B.

1983-01-01

A thin-film, horizontal balance instrument is provided for measuring surface tension (surface energy) of thin films suspended on a liquid substrate. The balance includes a support bearing and an optical feedback arrangement for wide-range, high sensitivity measurements. The force on the instrument is balanced by an electromagnet, the current through the magnet providing a measure of the force applied to the instrument. A novel float construction is also disclosed.

Investigation of effect of leg support elevation timing on the horizontal force acting on the buttocks in a reclining wheelchair.

PubMed

Kobara, Kenichi; Takahashi, Hisashi; Fujita, Daisuke; Osaka, Hiroshi; Ito, Tomotaka; Suehiro, Tadanobu; Watanabe, Susumu

2015-08-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the timing of leg support elevation on the horizontal force acting on the buttocks in a reclining wheelchair. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 17 healthy men. Two experimental conditions were tested: the leg-down and leg-up conditions. The back support was reclined at increasing angles, from the initial upright position (IUP), proceeding to the fully reclined position (FRP), and returned to the upright position (RUP). The posterior inclination phase was from IUP to FRP, and the returning inclination phase was from FRP to RUP. [Results] The horizontal force under the leg-up condition was significantly higher than that under the leg-down condition in all positions of back support. [Conclusion] The leg supports should be positioned downward before reclining the back support of a wheelchair.

Proprioception Is Robust under External Forces

PubMed Central

Kuling, Irene A.; Brenner, Eli; Smeets, Jeroen B. J.

2013-01-01

Information from cutaneous, muscle and joint receptors is combined with efferent information to create a reliable percept of the configuration of our body (proprioception). We exposed the hand to several horizontal force fields to examine whether external forces influence this percept. In an end-point task subjects reached visually presented positions with their unseen hand. In a vector reproduction task, subjects had to judge a distance and direction visually and reproduce the corresponding vector by moving the unseen hand. We found systematic individual errors in the reproduction of the end-points and vectors, but these errors did not vary systematically with the force fields. This suggests that human proprioception accounts for external forces applied to the hand when sensing the position of the hand in the horizontal plane. PMID:24019959

Stability of beta-titanium T-loop springs preactivated by gradual curvature

PubMed Central

Caldas, Sergei Godeiro Fernandes Rabelo; Martins, Renato Parsekian; de Araújo, Marcela Emílio; Galvão, Marília Regalado; da Silva, Roberto Soares; Martins, Lídia Parsekian

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate changes in the force system of T-Loop Springs (TLS) preactivated by curvature, due to stress relaxation. Methods: Ninety TLSs measuring 6 x 10 mm, produced out with 0.017 x 0.025-in TMA® wire and preactived by gradual curvature, were randomly distributed into nine groups according to time point of evaluation. Group 1 was tested immediately after spring preactivation and stress relief, by trial activation. The other eight groups were tested after 24, 48 and 72 hours, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. Using a moment transducer coupled to a digital extensometer indicator adapted to a universal testing machine, the amount of horizontal force, moment and moment-to-force ratios were recorded at every 0.5 mm of deactivation from 5 mm of the initial activation, in an interbracket distance of 23 mm. Results: The horizontal forces decreased gradually among the groups (p< 0.001) and the moments showed a significant and slow decrease over time among the groups (p< 0.001). All groups produced similar M/F ratios (p= 0.532), with no influence of time. Conclusions: The TLSs preactivated by curvature suffered a gradual deformation over time, which affected the force system, specifically the moments, which affected the horizontal forces produced. PMID:29364381

Stability of beta-titanium T-loop springs preactivated by gradual curvature.

PubMed

Caldas, Sergei Godeiro Fernandes Rabelo; Martins, Renato Parsekian; Araújo, Marcela Emílio de; Galvão, Marília Regalado; Silva Júnior, Roberto Soares da; Martins, Lídia Parsekian

2017-01-01

Evaluate changes in the force system of T-Loop Springs (TLS) preactivated by curvature, due to stress relaxation. Ninety TLSs measuring 6 x 10 mm, produced out with 0.017 x 0.025-in TMA® wire and preactived by gradual curvature, were randomly distributed into nine groups according to time point of evaluation. Group 1 was tested immediately after spring preactivation and stress relief, by trial activation. The other eight groups were tested after 24, 48 and 72 hours, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. Using a moment transducer coupled to a digital extensometer indicator adapted to a universal testing machine, the amount of horizontal force, moment and moment-to-force ratios were recorded at every 0.5 mm of deactivation from 5 mm of the initial activation, in an interbracket distance of 23 mm. The horizontal forces decreased gradually among the groups (p< 0.001) and the moments showed a significant and slow decrease over time among the groups (p< 0.001). All groups produced similar M/F ratios (p= 0.532), with no influence of time. The TLSs preactivated by curvature suffered a gradual deformation over time, which affected the force system, specifically the moments, which affected the horizontal forces produced.

High-precision horizontally directed force measurements for high dead loads based on a differential electromagnetic force compensation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasilyan, Suren; Rivero, Michel; Schleichert, Jan; Halbedel, Bernd; Fröhlich, Thomas

2016-04-01

In this paper, we present an application for realizing high-precision horizontally directed force measurements in the order of several tens of nN in combination with high dead loads of about 10 N. The set-up is developed on the basis of two identical state-of-the-art electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) high precision balances. The measurement resolution of horizontally directed single-axis quasi-dynamic forces is 20 nN over the working range of  ±100 μN. The set-up operates in two different measurement modes: in the open-loop mode the mechanical deflection of the proportional lever is an indication of the acting force, whereas in the closed-loop mode it is the applied electric current to the coil inside the EMFC balance that compensates deflection of the lever to the offset zero position. The estimated loading frequency (cutoff frequency) of the set-up in the open-loop mode is about 0.18 Hz, in the closed-loop mode it is 0.7 Hz. One of the practical applications that the set-up is suitable for is the flow rate measurements of low electrically conducting electrolytes by applying the contactless technique of Lorentz force velocimetry. Based on a previously developed set-up which uses a single EMFC balance, experimental, theoretical and numerical analyses of the thermo-mechanical properties of the supporting structure are presented.

Laboratory Exercise for Studying the Morphology of Heat-Denatured and Amyloid Aggregates of Lysozyme by Atomic Force Microscopy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gokalp, Sumeyra; Horton, William; Jónsdóttir-Lewis, Elfa B.; Foster, Michelle; Török, Marianna

2018-01-01

To facilitate learning advanced instrumental techniques, essential tools for visualizing biomaterials, a simple and versatile laboratory exercise demonstrating the use of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in biomedical applications was developed. In this experiment, the morphology of heat-denatured and amyloid-type aggregates formed from a low-cost…

Ready steady push--a study of the role of arm posture in manual exertions.

PubMed

Okunribido, Olanrewaju O; Haslegrave, Christine M

2008-02-01

This study investigated arm posture and hand forces during bi-manual pushing. Nine male and eight female participants performed isometric exertions at two reach distances (0 and elbow-grip) and six different positions of the hand interface (handle), defined by the plane (longitudinal, lateral, horizontal) and orientation (0 degrees and 45 degrees). Electrogoniometer instruments were used to measure the displacements/postures of the wrist and elbow joints and the forearm, and force measuring strain gauges were used to measure the exerted hand forces (x-, y- and z-components). The results showed that ability to vary arm posture, particularly the forearm, is important during build up of force and that people tend to seek for a balance in the forces applied at the hands by exerting more in the vertical direction. Also, lateral plane handle positions permitted exertion of greater forces than longitudinal and horizontal plane positions.

Kinematics and Kinetics of Maximum Running Speed in Youth Across Maturity.

PubMed

Rumpf, Michael C; Cronin, John B; Oliver, Jonathan; Hughes, Michael

2015-05-01

Sprinting is an important physical capacity and the development of sprint ability can take place throughout the athlete's growth. The purpose of this study therefore was to determine if the kinematics and kinetics associated with maximum sprint velocity differs in male youth participants of different maturity status (pre, mid- and postpeak height velocity (PHV)) and if maximum sprint velocity is determined by age, maturity or individual body size measurement. Participants (n = 74) sprinted over 30 meters on a nonmotorized treadmill and the fastest four consecutive steps were analyzed. Pre-PHV participants were found to differ significantly (p < .05) to mid- and post-PHV participants in speed, step length, step frequency, vertical and horizontal force, and horizontal power (~8-78%). However, only relative vertical force and speed differed significantly between mid and post-PHV groups. The greatest average percent change in kinetics and kinematics was observed from pre- to mid-PHV (37.8%) compared with mid- to post- PHV groups (11.6%). When maturity offset was entered as a covariate, there was no significant difference in velocity between the three groups. However, all groups were significantly different from each other when age was chosen as the covariate. The two best predictors of maximal velocity within each maturity group were power and horizontal force (R2 = 97-99%) indicating the importance of horizontal force application while sprinting. Finally, maturity explained 83% of maximal velocity across all groups.

Simple horizontal magnetic tweezers for micromanipulation of single DNA molecules and DNA–protein complexes

PubMed Central

McAndrew, Christopher P.; Tyson, Christopher; Zischkau, Joseph; Mehl, Patrick; Tuma, Pamela L.; Pegg, Ian L.; Sarkar, Abhijit

2016-01-01

We report the development of a simple-to-implement magnetic force transducer that can apply a wide range of piconewton (pN) scale forces on single DNA molecules and DNA–protein complexes in the horizontal plane. The resulting low-noise force-extension data enable very high-resolution detection of changes in the DNA tether’s extension: ~0.05 pN in force and <10 nm change in extension. We have also verified that we can manipulate DNA in near equilibrium conditions through the wide range of forces by ramping the force from low to high and back again, and observing minimal hysteresis in the molecule’s force response. Using a calibration technique based on Stokes’ drag law, we have confirmed our force measurements from DNA force-extension experiments obtained using the fluctuation-dissipation theorem applied to transverse fluctuations of the magnetic microsphere. We present data on the force-distance characteristics of a DNA molecule complexed with histones. The results illustrate how the tweezers can be used to study DNA binding proteins at the single molecule level. PMID:26757808

A single molecule assay to probe monovalent and multivalent bonds between hyaluronan and its key leukocyte receptor CD44 under force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bano, Fouzia; Banerji, Suneale; Howarth, Mark; Jackson, David G.; Richter, Ralf P.

2016-09-01

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), a category of linear, anionic polysaccharides, are ubiquitous in the extracellular space, and important extrinsic regulators of cell function. Despite the recognized significance of mechanical stimuli in cellular communication, however, only few single molecule methods are currently available to study how monovalent and multivalent GAG·protein bonds respond to directed mechanical forces. Here, we have devised such a method, by combining purpose-designed surfaces that afford immobilization of GAGs and receptors at controlled nanoscale organizations with single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). We apply the method to study the interaction of the GAG polymer hyaluronan (HA) with CD44, its receptor in vascular endothelium. Individual bonds between HA and CD44 are remarkably resistant to rupture under force in comparison to their low binding affinity. Multiple bonds along a single HA chain rupture sequentially and independently under load. We also demonstrate how strong non-covalent bonds, which are versatile for controlled protein and GAG immobilization, can be effectively used as molecular anchors in SMFS. We thus establish a versatile method for analyzing the nanomechanics of GAG·protein interactions at the level of single GAG chains, which provides new molecular-level insight into the role of mechanical forces in the assembly and function of GAG-rich extracellular matrices.

Machinability of experimental Ti-Ag alloys.

PubMed

Kikuchi, Masafumi; Takahashi, Masatoshi; Okuno, Osamu

2008-03-01

This study investigated the machinability of experimental Ti-Ag alloys (5, 10, 20, and 30 mass% Ag) as a new dental titanium alloy candidate for CAD/CAM use. The alloys were slotted with a vertical milling machine and carbide square end mills under two cutting conditions. Machinability was evaluated through cutting force using a three-component force transducer fixed on the table of the milling machine. The horizontal cutting force of the Ti-Ag alloys tended to decrease as the concentration of silver increased. Values of the component of the horizontal cutting force perpendicular to the feed direction for Ti-20% Ag and Ti-30% Ag were more than 20% lower than those for titanium under both cutting conditions. Alloying with silver significantly improved the machinability of titanium in terms of cutting force under the present cutting conditions.

Measurement of the traction force of biological cells by digital holography

PubMed Central

Yu, Xiao; Cross, Michael; Liu, Changgeng; Clark, David C.; Haynie, Donald T.; Kim, Myung K.

2011-01-01

The traction force produced by biological cells has been visualized as distortions in flexible substrata. We have utilized quantitative phase microscopy by digital holography (DH-QPM) to study the wrinkling of a silicone rubber film by motile fibroblasts. Surface deformation and the cellular traction force have been measured from phase profiles in a direct and straightforward manner. DH-QPM is shown to provide highly efficient and versatile means for quantitatively analyzing cellular motility. PMID:22254175

One leg lateral jumps - a new test for team players evaluation.

PubMed

Taboga, P; Sepulcri, L; Lazzer, S; De Conti, D; Di Prampero, P E

2013-10-01

We assessed the subject's capacity to accelerate himself laterally in monopodalic support, a crucial ability in several team sports, on 22 athletes, during series of 10 subsequent jumps, between two force platforms at predetermined distance. Vertical and horizontal accelerations of the Centre of Mass (CM), contact and flight times were measured by means of force platforms and the Optojump-System®. Individual mean horizontal and vertical powers and their sum (total power) ranged between 7 and 14.5 W/kg. "Push angle", i.e., the angle with the horizontal along which the vectorial sum of all forces is aligned, was calculated from the ratio between vertical and horizontal accelerations: it varied between 38.7 and 49.4 deg and was taken to express the subject technical ability. The horizontal acceleration of CM, indirectly estimated as a function of subject's mass, contact and flight times, was essentially equal to that obtained from force platforms data. Since the vertical displacement can be easily obtained from flight and contact times, this allowed us to assess the Push angle from Optojump data only. The power developed during a standard vertical jump was rather highly correlated with that developed during the lateral jumps for right (R=0.80, N.=12) and left limb (R=0.72, N.=12), but not with the push angle for right (R=0.31, N.=12) and left limb (R=-0.43, N.=12). Hence standard tests cannot be utilised to assess technical ability. Lateral jumps test allows the coach to evaluate separately maximal muscular power and technical ability of the athlete, thus appropriately directing the training program: the optimum, for a team-sport player being high power and low push-angle, that is: being "powerful" and "efficient".

Urban Joint Fire Support: Air Force Fixed-Wing and Army Field Artillery Precision Munitions Capabilities for Urban Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-15

of 2006, the GBU - 39 /B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) was first employed by Air Force aircraft (Weisgerber 2006). This newly developed munition was...Vertical, Limited horizontal 500# Impact, Delay ≤ 3m GBU-38 JDAM GPS/INS Vertical, Horizontal 500# Proximity, Impact, Delay ~10m GBU - 39 /B...between 5 to 15 nautical miles, though LGB maximum employment range may be further limited by the need to acquire and lase the target. The GBU - 39 offers

Horizontal gene transfer in the acquisition of novel traits by metazoans

PubMed Central

Boto, Luis

2014-01-01

Horizontal gene transfer is accepted as an important evolutionary force modulating the evolution of prokaryote genomes. However, it is thought that horizontal gene transfer plays only a minor role in metazoan evolution. In this paper, I critically review the rising evidence on horizontally transferred genes and on the acquisition of novel traits in metazoans. In particular, I discuss suspected examples in sponges, cnidarians, rotifers, nematodes, molluscs and arthropods which suggest that horizontal gene transfer in metazoans is not simply a curiosity. In addition, I stress the scarcity of studies in vertebrates and other animal groups and the importance of forthcoming studies to understand the importance and extent of horizontal gene transfer in animals. PMID:24403327

Rigid two-axis MEMS force plate for measuring cellular traction force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Hidetoshi; Jung, Uijin G.; Kan, Tetsuo; Tsukagoshi, Takuya; Matsumoto, Kiyoshi; Shimoyama, Isao

2016-10-01

Cellular traction force is one of the important factors for understanding cell behaviors, such as spreading, migration and differentiation. Cells are known to change their behavior according to the mechanical stiffness of the environment. However, the measurement of cell traction forces on a rigid environment has remained difficult. This paper reports a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) force plate that provides a cellular traction force measurement on a rigid substrate. Both the high force sensitivity and high stiffness of the substrate were obtained using piezoresistive sensing elements. The proposed force plate consists of a 70 µm  ×  15 µm  ×  5 µm base as the substrate for cultivating a bovine aortic smooth muscle cell, and the supporting beams with piezoresistors on the sidewall and the surface were used to measure the forces in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The spring constant and force resolution of the fabricated force plate in the horizontal direction were 0.2 N m-1 and less than 0.05 µN, respectively. The cell traction force was measured, and the traction force increased by approximately 1 µN over 30 min. These results demonstrate that the proposed force plate is applicable as an effective traction force measurement.

Mechanisms of force and power production in unsteady ricochetal brachiation.

PubMed

Usherwood, James R; Larson, Susan G; Bertram, John E A

2003-04-01

Brachiators travel by swinging beneath handholds, and it is not obvious how these animals manage to accelerate and decelerate in a horizontal direction, especially when moving rapidly. Most previous analyses focused on brachiation in highly constrained laboratory conditions that induced steady-state locomotion. Emerging understanding of brachiation suggests that much of gibbon locomotory behavior and morphology must be considered within the context of the complexities of the natural environment: the forest canopy is three-dimensional, with high variation in handhold availability and properties. The goal of this paper is to quantify the active mechanisms by which gibbons can dynamically control their velocity. Force production and kinematics were analyzed from a white-handed gibbon Hylabates lar during ricochetal brachiation. Both the mechanisms of force production and power input may be inferred for accelerating and decelerating brachiation by combining force data with kinematics. Examples of steady-state, accelerating, and decelerating ricochetal brachiation are highlighted. Gibbons are able to produce net horizontal impulses by releasing early (resulting in a loss of potential energy, but an accelerating horizontal impulse) or delaying release (associated with an increase in potential energy, and a decelerating horizontal impulse). Torque about the shoulder, leg-lifting (or dropping), and elbow flexing (or straightening) are discussed as potential mechanisms for controlling energy within the brachiating system. Of these possibilities, leg-lifting and arm-flexing were observed as mechanisms of adding mechanical energy. Net energy loss, and substantial torques about the shoulder, were not observed. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Electromagnetically levitated vibration isolation system for the manufacturing process of silicon monocrystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kanemitsu, Yoichi; Watanabe, Katsuhide; Yano, Kenichi; Mizuno, Takayuki

1994-01-01

This paper introduces a study on an Electromagnetically Levitated Vibration Isolation System (ELVIS) for isolation control of large-scale vibration. This system features no mechanical contact between the isolation table and the installation floor, using a total of four electromagnetic actuators which generate magnetic levitation force in the vertical and horizontal directions. The configuration of the magnet for the vertical direction is designed to prevent any generation of restoring vibratory force in the horizontal direction. The isolation system is set so that vibration control effects due to small earthquakes can be regulated to below 5(gal) versus horizontal vibration levels of the installation floor of up t 25(gal), and those in the horizontal relative displacement of up to 30 (mm) between the floor and levitated isolation table. In particular, studies on the relative displacement between the installation floor and the levitated isolation table have been made for vibration control in the horizontal direction. In case of small-scale earthquakes (Taft wave scaled: max. 25 gal), the present system has been confirmed to achieve a vibration isolation to a level below 5 gal. The vibration transmission ratio of below 1/10 has been achieved versus continuous micro-vibration (approx. one gal) in the horizontal direction on the installation floor.

A novel cadaveric model for anterior-inferior shoulder dislocation using forcible apprehension positioning.

PubMed

McMahon, Patrick J; Chow, Stephen; Sciaroni, Laura; Yang, Bruce Y; Lee, Thay Q

2003-01-01

A novel cadaveric model for anterior-inferior shoulder dislocation using forcible apprehension positioning is presented. This model simulates an in vivo mechanism and yields capsulolabral lesions. The scapulae of 14 cadaveric entire upper limbs (82 +/- 9 years, mean +/- standard deviation) were each rigidly fixed to a custom shoulder-testing device. A pneumatic system was used with pulleys and cables to simulate the rotator cuff and the deltoid muscles (anterior and middle portions). The glenohumeral joint was then positioned in the apprehension position of abduction, external rotation, and horizontal abduction. A 6-degree-of-freedom load cell (Assurance Technologies, Garner, North Carolina) measured the joint reaction force that was then resolved into three orthogonal components of compression force, anteriorly directed force, and superiorly directed force. With the use of a thrust bearing, the humerus was moved along a rail with a servomotor-controlled system at 50 mm/s that resulted in horizontal abduction. Force that developed passively in the pectoralis major muscle was recorded with an independent uniaxial load cell. Each of the glenohumeral joints dislocated anterior-inferior, six with avulsion of the capsulolabrum from the anterior-inferior glenoid bone and eight with capsulolabral stretching. Pectoralis major muscle force as well as the joint reaction force increased with horizontal abduction until dislocation. At dislocation, the magnitude of the pectoralis major muscle force, 609.6 N +/- 65.2 N was similar to the compression force, 569.6 N +/- 37.8 N. A cadaveric model yielded an anterior dislocation with a mechanism of forcible apprehension positioning when the appropriate shoulder muscles were simulated and a passive pectoralis major muscle was included. Capsulolabral lesions resulted, similar to those observed in vivo.

Sensitivity of sea-level forecasting to the horizontal resolution and sea surface forcing for different configurations of an oceanographic model of the Adriatic Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bressan, Lidia; Valentini, Andrea; Paccagnella, Tiziana; Montani, Andrea; Marsigli, Chiara; Stefania Tesini, Maria

2017-04-01

At the Hydro-meteo-climate service of the Regional environmental agency of Emilia-Romagna, Italy (Arpae-SIMC), the oceanographic numerical model AdriaROMS is used in the operational forecasting suite to compute sea level, temperature, salinity and 3-D current fields of the Adriatic Sea (northern Mediterranean Sea). In order to evaluate the performance of the sea-level forecast and to study different configurations of the ROMS model, two marine storms occurred on the Emilia Romagna coast during the winter 2015-2016 are investigated. The main focus of this study is to analyse the sensitivity of the model to the horizontal resolution and to the meteorological forcing. To this end, the model is run with two different configurations and with two horizontal grids at 1 and 2 km resolution. To study the influence of the meteorological forcing, the two storms have been reproduced by running ROMS in ensemble mode, forced by the 16-members of the meteorological ensemble COSMO-LEPS system. Possible optimizations of the model set-up are deduced by the comparison of the different run outputs.

Ballasting pipeline moving in horizontal well as method of control sticking phenomenon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toropov, V. S.; Toropov, E. S.

2018-05-01

The mechanism of the phenomenon of sticking a pipeline moving in a well while pulled by the facility horizontal directional drilling is investigated. A quantitative evaluation of the force arising from sticking is given. At the same time, the working hypothesis takes a view of the combined effect of adhesion and friction interactions as the reasons that cause this phenomenon. As a measure to control the occurrence of sticking and to reduce the resistance force to movement of the pipeline in the well, several methods of ballasting the working pipeline are proposed, depending on the profile of the well and the ratio of the length of the curved sections of the inlet and outlet and the straight horizontal sections of the profile. It is shown that for crossings, which profile contains an extended horizontal section, it is possible to partially fill the pipeline with water to achieve zero buoyancy, and for crossings with curvature along the entire profile, the ballasting efficiency will be minimal.

49 CFR 178.338-3 - Structural integrity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... a decelerative force applied independently to each suspension assembly at the road surface using... the axial load resulting from an accelerative force applied to the horizontal pivot of the fifth wheel... or compressive stress generated by the axial load resulting from a decelerative force applied...

49 CFR 178.338-3 - Structural integrity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... a decelerative force applied independently to each suspension assembly at the road surface using... the axial load resulting from an accelerative force applied to the horizontal pivot of the fifth wheel... or compressive stress generated by the axial load resulting from a decelerative force applied...

49 CFR 178.338-3 - Structural integrity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... a decelerative force applied independently to each suspension assembly at the road surface using... the axial load resulting from an accelerative force applied to the horizontal pivot of the fifth wheel... or compressive stress generated by the axial load resulting from a decelerative force applied...

Development and Control of Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Mobile Robot for Acquisition of Road Environmental Modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murata, Naoya; Katsura, Seiichiro

Acquisition of information about the environment around a mobile robot is important for purposes such as controlling the robot from a remote location and in situations such as that when the robot is running autonomously. In many researches, audiovisual information is used. However, acquisition of information about force sensation, which is included in environmental information, has not been well researched. The mobile-hapto, which is a remote control system with force information, has been proposed, but the robot used for the system can acquire only the horizontal component of forces. For this reason, in this research, a three-wheeled mobile robot that consists of seven actuators was developed and its control system was constructed. It can get information on horizontal and vertical forces without using force sensors. By using this robot, detailed information on the forces in the environment can be acquired and the operability of the robot and its capability to adjust to the environment are expected to improve.

Viscous Effects on Wave Forces on A Submerged Horizontal Circular Cylinder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teng, Bin; Mao, Hong-Fei; Lu, Lin

2018-06-01

Numerical simulations are carried out for wave action on a submerged horizontal circular cylinder by means of a viscous fluid model, and it is focused on the examination of the discrepancies between the viscous fluid results and the potential flow solutions. It is found that the lift force resulted from rotational flow on the circular cylinder is always in anti-phase with the inertia force and induces the discrepancies between the results. The influence factors on the magnitude of the lift force, especially the correlation between the stagnation-point position and the wave amplitude, and the effect of the vortex shedding are investigated by further examination on the flow fields around the cylinder. The viscous numerical calculations at different wave frequencies showed that the wave frequency has also significant influence on the wave forces. Under higher frequency and larger amplitude wave action, vortex shedding from the circular cylinder will appear and influence the wave forces on the cylinder substantially.

Atmospheric gravity waves with small vertical-to-horizotal wavelength ratios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, I. S.; Jee, G.; Kim, Y. H.; Chun, H. Y.

2017-12-01

Gravity wave modes with small vertical-to-horizontal wavelength ratios of an order of 10-3 are investigated through the systematic scale analysis of governing equations for gravity wave perturbations embedded in the quasi-geostrophic large-scale flow. These waves can be categorized as acoustic gravity wave modes because their total energy is given by the sum of kinetic, potential, and elastic parts. It is found that these waves can be forced by density fluctuations multiplied by the horizontal gradients of the large-scale pressure (geopotential) fields. These theoretical findings are evaluated using the results of a high-resolution global model (Specified Chemistry WACCM with horizontal resolution of 25 km and vertical resolution of 600 m) by computing the density-related gravity-wave forcing terms from the modeling results.

A versatile atomic force microscope integrated with a scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Kreith, J; Strunz, T; Fantner, E J; Fantner, G E; Cordill, M J

2017-05-01

A versatile atomic force microscope (AFM), which can be installed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM), is introduced. The flexible design of the instrument enables correlated analysis for different experimental configurations, such as AFM imaging directly after nanoindentation in vacuum. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of the specially designed AFM installed inside a SEM, slip steps emanating around nanoindents in single crystalline brass were examined. This example showcases how the combination of AFM and SEM imaging can be utilized for quantitative dislocation analysis through the measurement of the slip step heights without the hindrance of oxide formation. Finally, an in situ nanoindentation technique is introduced, illustrating the use of AFM imaging during indentation experiments to examine plastic deformation occurring under the indenter tip. The mechanical indentation data are correlated to the SEM and AFM images to estimate the number of dislocations emitted to the surface.

Aerodynamic characteristics of horizontal tail surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silverstein, Abe; Katzoff, S

1940-01-01

Collected data are presented on the aerodynamic characteristics of 17 horizontal tail surfaces including several with balanced elevators and two with end plates. Curves are given for coefficients of normal force, drag, and elevator hinge moment. A limited analysis of the results has been made. The normal-force coefficients are in better agreement with the lifting-surface theory of Prandtl and Blenk for airfoils of low aspect ratio than with the usual lifting-line theory. Only partial agreement exists between the elevator hinge-moment coefficients and those predicted by Glauert's thin-airfoil theory.

Interplay between Switching Driven by the Tunneling Current and Atomic Force of a Bistable Four-Atom Si Quantum Dot.

PubMed

Yamazaki, Shiro; Maeda, Keisuke; Sugimoto, Yoshiaki; Abe, Masayuki; Zobač, Vladimír; Pou, Pablo; Rodrigo, Lucia; Mutombo, Pingo; Pérez, Ruben; Jelínek, Pavel; Morita, Seizo

2015-07-08

We assemble bistable silicon quantum dots consisting of four buckled atoms (Si4-QD) using atom manipulation. We demonstrate two competing atom switching mechanisms, downward switching induced by tunneling current of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and opposite upward switching induced by atomic force of atomic force microscopy (AFM). Simultaneous application of competing current and force allows us to tune switching direction continuously. Assembly of the few-atom Si-QDs and controlling their states using versatile combined AFM/STM will contribute to further miniaturization of nanodevices.

How Tidal Forces Cause Ocean Tides in the Equilibrium Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ng, Chiu-king

2015-01-01

We analyse why it is erroneous to think that a tidal bulge is formed by pulling the water surface directly up by a local vertical tidal force. In fact, ocean tides are caused by the global effect of the horizontal components of the tidal forces.

Internal Gravity Waves Forced by an Isolated Mountain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikitina, L.; Campbell, L.

2009-12-01

Density-stratified fluid flow over topography such as mountains, hills and ridges may give rise to internal gravity waves which transport and distribute energy away from their source and have profound effects on the general circulation of the atmosphere and ocean. Much of our knowledge of internal gravity wave dynamics has been acquired from theoretical studies involving mathematical analyses of simplified forms of the governing equations, as well as numerical simulations at varying levels of approximation. In this study, both analytical and numerical methods are used to examine the nonlinear dynamics of gravity waves forced by an isolated mountain. The topography is represented by a lower boundary condition on a two-dimensional rectangular domain and the waves are represented as a perturbation to the background shear flow, thus allowing the use of weakly-nonlinear and multiple-scale asymptotic analyzes. The waves take the form of a packet, localized in the horizontal direction and comprising a continuous spectrum of horizontal wavenumbers centered at zero. For horizontally-localized wave packets, such as those forced by a mountain range with multiple peaks, there are generally two horizontal scales, the fast (short) scale which is defined by the oscillations within the packet and the slow (large) scale which is defined by the horizontal extent of the packet. In the case of an isolated mountain that we examine here, the multiple-scaling procedure is simplified by the absence of a fast spatial scale. The problem is governed by two small parameters that define the height and width of the mountain and approximate solutions are derived in terms of these parameters. Numerical solutions are also carried out to simulate nonlinear critical-level interactions such as the transfer of energy to the background flow by the wave packet, wave reflection and static instability and, eventually, wave breaking leading to turbulence. It is found that for waves forced by an isolated mountain the time frame within which these nonlinear effects become significant depends on both the mountain height and width and that they begin to occur at least an order of magnitude later and the configuration thus remains stable longer than in the case of waves forced by a mountain range of equivalent height.

49 CFR 178.337-3 - Structural integrity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... each case, the forces applied must be 0.35 times the vertical reaction at the suspension assembly... assembly of a trailer; or the horizontal pivot of the upper coupler (fifth wheel) or turntable; or... reaction at the suspension assembly of a trailer; or the horizontal pivot of the upper coupler (fifth wheel...

49 CFR 178.337-3 - Structural integrity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... each case, the forces applied must be 0.35 times the vertical reaction at the suspension assembly... assembly of a trailer; or the horizontal pivot of the upper coupler (fifth wheel) or turntable; or... reaction at the suspension assembly of a trailer; or the horizontal pivot of the upper coupler (fifth wheel...

49 CFR 178.337-3 - Structural integrity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... each case, the forces applied must be 0.35 times the vertical reaction at the suspension assembly... assembly of a trailer; or the horizontal pivot of the upper coupler (fifth wheel) or turntable; or... reaction at the suspension assembly of a trailer; or the horizontal pivot of the upper coupler (fifth wheel...

Horizontal Gene Transfer and the History of Life

PubMed Central

Daubin, Vincent; Szöllősi, Gergely J.

2016-01-01

Microbes acquire DNA from a variety of sources. The last decades, which have seen the development of genome sequencing, have revealed that horizontal gene transfer has been a major evolutionary force that has constantly reshaped genomes throughout evolution. However, because the history of life must ultimately be deduced from gene phylogenies, the lack of methods to account for horizontal gene transfer has thrown into confusion the very concept of the tree of life. As a result, many questions remain open, but emerging methodological developments promise to use information conveyed by horizontal gene transfer that remains unexploited today. PMID:26801681

The influence of spatially and temporally high-resolution wind forcing on the power input to near-inertial waves in the ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rimac, Antonija; von Storch, Jin-Song; Eden, Carsten

2013-04-01

The estimated power required to sustain global general circulation in the ocean is about 2 TW. This power is supplied with wind stress and tides. Energy spectrum shows pronounced maxima at near-inertial frequency. Near-inertial waves excited by high-frequency winds represent an important source for deep ocean mixing since they can propagate into the deep ocean and dissipate far away from the generation sites. The energy input by winds to near-inertial waves has been studied mostly using slab ocean models and wind stress forcing with coarse temporal resolution (e.g. 6-hourly). Slab ocean models lack the ability to reproduce fundamental aspects of kinetic energy balance and systematically overestimate the wind work. Also, slab ocean models do not account the energy used for the mixed layer deepening or the energy radiating downward into the deep ocean. Coarse temporal resolution of the wind forcing strongly underestimates the near-inertial energy. To overcome this difficulty we use an eddy permitting ocean model with high-frequency wind forcing. We establish the following model setup: We use the Max Planck Institute Ocean Model (MPIOM) on a tripolar grid with 45 km horizontal resolution and 40 vertical levels. We run the model with wind forcings that vary in horizontal and temporal resolution. We use high-resolution (1-hourly with 35 km horizontal resolution) and low-resolution winds (6-hourly with 250 km horizontal resolution). We address the following questions: Is the kinetic energy of near-inertial waves enhanced when high-resolution wind forcings are used? If so, is this due to higher level of overall wind variability or higher spatial or temporal resolution of wind forcing? How large is the power of near-inertial waves generated by winds? Our results show that near-inertial waves are enhanced and the near-inertial kinetic energy is two times higher (in the storm track regions 3.5 times higher) when high-resolution winds are used. Filtering high-resolution winds in space and time, the near-inertial kinetic energy reduces. The reduction is faster when a temporal filter is used suggesting that the high-frequency wind forcing is more efficient in generating near-inertial wave energy than the small-scale wind forcing. Using low-resolution wind forcing the wind generated power to near-inertial waves is 0.55 TW. When we use high-resolution wind forcing the result is 1.6 TW meaning that the result increases by 300%.

Cutting process simulation of flat drill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamura, Shoichi; Matsumura, Takashi

2018-05-01

Flat drills at a point angle of 180 deg. have recently been developed for drilling of automobile parts with the inclination of the workpiece surfaces. The paper studies the cutting processes of the flat drills in the analytical simulation. A predictive force model is applied to simulation of the cutting force with the chip flow direction. The chip flow model is piled up with orthogonal cuttings in the plane containing the cutting velocities and the chip flow velocities, in which the chip flow direction is determined to minimize the cutting energy. Then, the cutting force is predicted in the determined in the chip flow model. The typical cutting force of the flat drill is discussed with comparing to that of the standard drill. The typical differences are confirmed in the cutting force change during the tool engagement and disengagement. The cutting force, then, is simulated in drilling for an inclined workpiece with a flat drill. The horizontal components in the cutting forces are simulated with changing the inclination angle of the plate. The horizontal force component in the flat drilling is stable to be controlled in terms of the machining accuracy and the tool breakage.

Variations in gravitoinertial force level affect the gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex - Implications of the etiology of space motion sickness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lackner, J. R.; Graybiel, A.

1981-01-01

Recordings of horizontal nystagmus were obtained on 16 male subjects exposed to repeated patterns of horizontal angular acceleration, constant velocity rotation, and sudden-stop deceleration in the laboratory and in the free-fall and high-force periods of parabolic flight. Nystagmus intensity was a clear function of gravitoinertial force level: slow phase velocity and beat frequency increased during exposure to high force levels and decreased in free-fall compared to values obtained at 1 G. These findings indicate that the gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex decreases in free-fall. This fact likely accounts for the disorientation and dizziness sometimes experienced by astronauts when moving their heads in the early phases of orbital flight and again after splashdown. The implications of the present findings, both for the etiology and for the treatment of space motion sickness, are discussed.

Foot force production and asymmetries in elite rowers.

PubMed

Buckeridge, Erica M; Bull, Anthony M J; McGregor, Alison H

2014-03-01

The rowing stroke is a leg-driven action, in which forces developed by the lower limbs provide a large proportion of power delivered to the oars. In terms of both performance and injury, it is important to initiate each stroke with powerful and symmetrical loading of the foot stretchers. The aims of this study were to assess the reliability of foot force measured by footplates developed for the Concept2 indoor ergometer and to examine the magnitude and symmetry of bilateral foot forces in different groups of rowers. Five heavyweight female scullers, six heavyweight female sweep rowers, and six lightweight male (LWM) rowers performed an incremental step test on the Concept2 ergometer. Vertical, horizontal, and resultant forces were recorded bilaterally, and asymmetries were quantified using the absolute symmetry index. Foot force was measured with high consistency (coefficient of multiple determination > 0.976 +/- 0.010). Relative resultant, vertical, and horizontal forces were largest in LWM rowers, whilst average foot forces significantly increased across stroke rates for all three groups of rowers. Asymmetries ranged from 5.3% for average resultant force to 28.9% for timing of peak vertical force. Asymmetries were not sensitive to stroke rate or rowing group, however, large inter-subject variability in asymmetries was evident.

Progression of mechanical properties during on-field sprint running after returning to sports from a hamstring muscle injury in soccer players.

PubMed

Mendiguchia, J; Samozino, P; Martinez-Ruiz, E; Brughelli, M; Schmikli, S; Morin, J-B; Mendez-Villanueva, A

2014-07-01

The objectives of this study were to examine the consequences of an acute hamstring injury on performance and mechanical properties of sprint-running at the time of returning to sports and after the subsequent ~2 months of regular soccer training after return. 28 semi-professional male soccer players, 14 with a recent history of unilateral hamstring injury and 14 without prior injury, participated in the study. All players performed two 50-m maximal sprints when cleared to return to play (Test 1), and 11 injured players performed the same sprint test about 2 months after returning to play (Test 2). Sprint performance (i. e., speed) was measured via a radar gun and used to derive linear horizontal force-velocity relationships from which the following variables obtained: theoretical maximal velocity (V(0)), horizontal force (F(H0)) and horizontal power (Pmax). Upon returning to sports the injured players were moderately slower compared to the uninjured players. F H0 and Pmax were also substantially lower in the injured players. At Test 2, the injured players showed a very likely increase in F(H0) and Pmax concomitant with improvements in early acceleration performance. Practitioners should consider assessing and training horizontal force production during sprint running after acute hamstring injuries in soccer players before they return to sports. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

BaHigh-force magnetic tweezers with force feedback for biological applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kollmannsberger, Philip; Fabry, Ben

2007-11-01

Magnetic micromanipulation using magnetic tweezers is a versatile biophysical technique and has been used for single-molecule unfolding, rheology measurements, and studies of force-regulated processes in living cells. This article describes an inexpensive magnetic tweezer setup for the application of precisely controlled forces up to 100nN onto 5μm magnetic beads. High precision of the force is achieved by a parametric force calibration method together with a real-time control of the magnetic tweezer position and current. High forces are achieved by bead-magnet distances of only a few micrometers. Applying such high forces can be used to characterize the local viscoelasticity of soft materials in the nonlinear regime, or to study force-regulated processes and mechanochemical signal transduction in living cells. The setup can be easily adapted to any inverted microscope.

High-force magnetic tweezers with force feedback for biological applications.

PubMed

Kollmannsberger, Philip; Fabry, Ben

2007-11-01

Magnetic micromanipulation using magnetic tweezers is a versatile biophysical technique and has been used for single-molecule unfolding, rheology measurements, and studies of force-regulated processes in living cells. This article describes an inexpensive magnetic tweezer setup for the application of precisely controlled forces up to 100 nN onto 5 microm magnetic beads. High precision of the force is achieved by a parametric force calibration method together with a real-time control of the magnetic tweezer position and current. High forces are achieved by bead-magnet distances of only a few micrometers. Applying such high forces can be used to characterize the local viscoelasticity of soft materials in the nonlinear regime, or to study force-regulated processes and mechanochemical signal transduction in living cells. The setup can be easily adapted to any inverted microscope.

Letter: Symmetric instability drastically changes upon inclusion of the full Coriolis force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeitlin, V.

2018-06-01

It is shown that the classical symmetric instability drastically changes, if the usually neglected vertical component of the Coriolis force and the contribution of the vertical velocity into its horizontal components are taken into account. The influence of these "non-traditional" terms is different for flows with positive and negative horizontal relative vorticities. A critical value of the Richardson number appears in the second case, with the instability changing its character across it. Major differences appear between hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic versions of the instability. All these features are absent in the traditional approximation.

Methods of and apparatus for levitating an eddy current probe

DOEpatents

Stone, William J.

1988-05-03

An eddy current probe is supported against the force of gravity with an air earing while being urged horizontally toward the specimen being examined by a spring and displaced horizontally against the force of the spring pneumatically. The pneumatic displacement is accomplished by flowing air between a plenum chamber fixed with respect to the probe and the surface of the specimen. In this way, the surface of the specimen can be examined without making mechanical contact therewith while precisely controlling the distance at which the probe stands-off from the surface of the specimen.

Material transport in a wind and buoyancy forced mixed layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mensa, J. A.; Özgökmen, T.; Poje, A. C.; Imberger, J.

2016-02-01

Flows in the upper ocean mixed layer are responsible for the transport and dispersion of biogeochemical tracers, phytoplankton and buoyant pollutants, such as hydrocarbons from an oil spill. Material dispersion in mixed layer flows subject to diurnal buoyancy forcing and weak winds (|u10|=5ms-1) are investigated using a non-hydrostatic model. Both purely buoyancy-forced and combined wind- and buoyancy-forced flows are sampled using passive tracers, as well as 2D and 3D particles to explore characteristics of horizontal and vertical dispersion. It is found that the surface tracer patterns are determined by the convergence zones created by convection cells within a time scale of just a few hours. For pure convection, the results displayed the classic signature of Rayleigh-Benard cells. When combined with a wind stress, the convective cells become anisotropic in that the along-wind length scale gets much larger than the cross-wind scale. Horizontal relative dispersion computed by sampling the flow fields using both 2D and 3D passive particles is found to be consistent with the Richardson regime. Relative dispersion is an order of magnitude higher and 2D surface releases transition to Richardson regime faster in the wind-forced case. We also show that the buoyancy-forced case results in significantly lower amplitudes of scale-dependent horizontal relative diffusivity, kD(l), than those reported by Okubo (1970), while the wind- and buoyancy forced case shows a good agreement with Okubo's diffusivity amplitude, and scaling consistent with Richardson's 4/3rd law, kD(l) l4/3. The modelling results provide a framework for measuring material dispersion by mixed layer flow in future observational programs.

Material transport in a convective surface mixed layer under weak wind forcing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mensa, Jean A.; Özgökmen, Tamay M.; Poje, Andrew C.; Imberger, Jörg

2015-12-01

Flows in the upper ocean mixed layer are responsible for the transport and dispersion of biogeochemical tracers, phytoplankton and buoyant pollutants, such as hydrocarbons from an oil spill. Material dispersion in mixed layer flows subject to diurnal buoyancy forcing and weak winds (| u10 | = 5m s-1) are investigated using a non-hydrostatic model. Both purely buoyancy-forced and combined wind- and buoyancy-forced flows are sampled using passive tracers, as well as 2D and 3D particles to explore characteristics of horizontal and vertical dispersion. It is found that the surface tracer patterns are determined by the convergence zones created by convection cells within a time scale of just a few hours. For pure convection, the results displayed the classic signature of Rayleigh-Benard cells. When combined with a wind stress, the convective cells become anisotropic in that the along-wind length scale gets much larger than the cross-wind scale. Horizontal relative dispersion computed by sampling the flow fields using both 2D and 3D passive particles is found to be consistent with the Richardson regime. Relative dispersion is an order of magnitude higher and 2D surface releases transition to Richardson regime faster in the wind-forced case. We also show that the buoyancy-forced case results in significantly lower amplitudes of scale-dependent horizontal relative diffusivity, kD(ℓ), than those reported by Okubo (1970), while the wind- and buoyancy-forced case shows a good agreement with Okubo's diffusivity amplitude, and the scaling is consistent with Richardson's 4/3rd law, kD ∼ ℓ4/3. These modeling results provide a framework for measuring material dispersion by mixed layer flows in future observational programs.

Flutter and forced response of mistuned rotors using standing wave analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dugundji, J.; Bundas, D. J.

1983-01-01

A standing wave approach is applied to the analysis of the flutter and forced response of tuned and mistuned rotors. The traditional traveling wave cascade airforces are recast into standing wave arbitrary motion form using Pade approximants, and the resulting equations of motion are written in the matrix form. Applications for vibration modes, flutter, and forced response are discussed. It is noted that the standing wave methods may prove to be more versatile for dealing with certain applications, such as coupling flutter with forced response and dynamic shaft problems, transient impulses on the rotor, low-order engine excitation, bearing motions, and mistuning effects in rotors.

Flutter and forced response of mistuned rotors using standing wave analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bundas, D. J.; Dungundji, J.

1983-01-01

A standing wave approach is applied to the analysis of the flutter and forced response of tuned and mistuned rotors. The traditional traveling wave cascade airforces are recast into standing wave arbitrary motion form using Pade approximants, and the resulting equations of motion are written in the matrix form. Applications for vibration modes, flutter, and forced response are discussed. It is noted that the standing wave methods may prove to be more versatile for dealing with certain applications, such as coupling flutter with forced response and dynamic shaft problems, transient impulses on the rotor, low-order engine excitation, bearing motion, and mistuning effects in rotors.

Air Force Roadmap 2006-2025

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-01

systems. Cyberspace is the electronic medium of net-centric operations, communications systems, and computers, in which horizontal integration and online...will be interoperable, more robust, responsive, and able to support faster spacecraft initialization times. This Intergrated Satellite Control... horizontally and vertically integrated information through machine-to-machine conversations enabled by a peer-based network of sensors, command

14 CFR 23.445 - Outboard fins or winglets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Outboard fins or winglets. 23.445 Section... § 23.445 Outboard fins or winglets. (a) If outboard fins or winglets are included on the horizontal... with loads induced by the fins or winglets and moments or forces exerted on the horizontal surfaces or...

14 CFR 23.445 - Outboard fins or winglets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Outboard fins or winglets. 23.445 Section... § 23.445 Outboard fins or winglets. (a) If outboard fins or winglets are included on the horizontal... with loads induced by the fins or winglets and moments or forces exerted on the horizontal surfaces or...

14 CFR 23.445 - Outboard fins or winglets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Outboard fins or winglets. 23.445 Section... § 23.445 Outboard fins or winglets. (a) If outboard fins or winglets are included on the horizontal... with loads induced by the fins or winglets and moments or forces exerted on the horizontal surfaces or...

Kinematics and dynamics of Nubia-Somalia divergence along the East African rift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stamps, Dorothy Sarah

Continental rifting is fundamental to the theory of plate tectonics, yet the force balance driving Earth's largest continental rift system, the East African Rift (EAR), remains debated. The EAR actively diverges the Nubian and Somalian plates spanning ˜5000 km N-S from the Red Sea to the Southwest Indian Ridge and ˜3000 km NW-SE from eastern Congo to eastern Madagascar. Previous studies suggest either lithospheric buoyancy forces or horizontal tractions dominate the force balance acting to rupture East Africa. In this work, we investigate the large-scale dynamics of Nubia-Somalia divergence along the EAR driving present-day kinematics. Because Africa is largely surrounded by spreading ridges, we assume plate-plate interactions are minimal and that the major driving forces are gradients in gravitational potential energy (GPE), which includes the effect of vertical mantle tractions, and horizontal basal tractions arising from viscous coupling to horizontal mantle flow. We quantify a continuous strain rate and velocity field based on kinematic models, an updated GPS velocity solution, and the style of earthquake focal mechanisms, which we use as an observational constraint on surface deformation. We solve the 3D force balance equations and calculate vertically averaged deviatoric stress for a 100 km thick lithosphere constrained by the CRUST2.0 crustal density and thickness model. By comparing vertically integrated deviatoric stress with integrated lithospheric strength we demonstrate forces arising from gradients in gravitational potential energy are insufficient to rupture strong lithosphere, hence weakening mechanisms are required to initiate continental rupture. The next step involves inverting for a stress field boundary condition that is the long-wavelength minimum energy deviatoric stress field required to best-fit the style of our continuous strain rate field in addition to deviatoric stress from gradients in GPE. We infer the stress field boundary condition is an estimate of basal shear stress from viscous coupling to horizontal mantle flow. The stress field boundary condition is small (˜1.6 MPa) compared to deviatoric stress from GPE gradients (8-20 MPa) and does not improve the fit to surface deformation indicators more than 8% when combined with deviatoric stress from GPE gradients. Hence we suggest the style of deformation across the EAR can be explained by forces derived from gradients in GPE. We then calculate dynamic velocities using two types of forward models to solve the instantaneous momentum equations. One method is regional and requires vertically averaged effective viscosity to define lithospheric structure with velocity boundary conditions and a free-slip basal boundary condition. The second is a global model that accounts for a brittle upper crust and viscous mantle lithosphere with velocity boundary conditions imposed at the base of the lithosphere from 5 mantle flow models. With both methods we find deformation driven by internal lithospheric buoyancy forces provides the best-fit to GPS observations of surface velocities on the Somalian plate. We find that any additional contribution from horizontal tractions results in overpredicting surface velocities. This work indicates horizontal mantle flow plays a minimal role in Nubia-Somalia divergence and the EAR is driven largely by gradients in GPE.

Force interaction and 3D pole movement in double poling.

PubMed

Stöggl, T; Holmberg, H-C

2011-12-01

The aim of this study was to analyze double poling using combined kinetic and 3D kinematic analysis at high skiing speeds as regards pole force components, pole angles and pole behavior during the poling and swing phase. The hypothesis was that a horizontal pole force is more predictive for maximal skiing speed (V(max)) than the resultant pole force. Sixteen elite skiers performed a double-poling V(max) test while treadmill roller skiing. Pole forces and 3D kinematics of pole movement at a speed of 30 km/h were analyzed and related to V(max). The duration of the "preparation phase" showed the strongest relationship with V(max) (r=0.87, P<0.001). Faster skiers generated longer cycle lengths with longer swing and poling times, had less inclined pole angles at pole plant and a later peak pole force. Horizontal pole forces were not more highly related to V(max) compared with the resultant pole force. Impact force was not related to V(max). At high skiing speeds, skiers should aim to combine high pole forces with appropriate timing of pole forces and appropriate pole and body positions during the swing and poling phase. The emphasis in training should be on the development of specific strength capacities for pole force production and the utilization of these capacities in double-poling training sessions. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Versatile Clinical Application of the Spike Screw: Direct Anchorage Versus Indirect Anchorage.

PubMed

Kim, Kyung A; Chen, Yu; Kwon, Soon-Yong; Seo, Kyung Won; Park, Ki-Ho; Kim, Seong-Hun

2015-10-01

This article represents clinical application of spike screw, novel design of miniscrew, for direct anchorage and indirect anchorage in orthodontic treatment. Accompanied by easy placement and removal, the spike screw provides good stability for the orthodontic anchorage. The spike screw consists of 6 spikes attached to a washer with laser welded stainless-steel hook that is placed by self-drilling fixation miniscrew. The spike screws were applied to correct malocclusions in patients as follows: traction of impacted canines and protraction of posterior teeth as a direct anchorage and correction of midline discrepancy as an indirect anchorage. For orthodontic traction of impacted canines, spike screws were placed in the mandibular labial mucosal area to create extrusive forces. Afterward, it was utilized for the protraction of posterior teeth. In the second case of the indirect anchorage, spike screw was applied on the midpalatal area to correct midline discrepancy that occurred during orthodontic treatment. The extended hook of a washer was prebended along the curvature of the palate and then secured with a mini screw. The extended hook was bonded to maxillary left first molar. In the first case, the spike screw provided adequate anchorage for the vertical traction of horizontally impacted canine. Since the spike screws were placed in the mandibular anterior lesion, the vertical traction force was applied simply with orthodontic elastics. Also, enough distance was achieved for up-down elastics to work by placing the spike screw in the opposite arch. The force of vertical traction was adjusted with selection of size and force of up-down elastics. Later, it was used to provide anchorage for protraction of mandibular molars without changing orientation of the spike screws. In the second case, the spike screw placed in the midpalatal area was attached to the left first molar and worked as an indirect anchorage. The midline discrepancy was resolved by consolidating the spaces to the left with securing the left first molar location. The novel design of the spike screw permits clinicians to have minimum invasive and easy placement and removal of the appliance while maintaining a good control over tooth movement with improved stability in various clinical cases.

The Future of U.S. Landpower: Special Operations Versatility, Marine Corps Utility

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

forces-to-face- al-shabaab-lra-.html>. 72 Flynn. 73 Owens. 74 Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership, 3. 75 Jackie Calmes, “Obama and Gillard Expand U.S.-Australia Military Ties,” The New York Times, November 16, 2011.

The Characteristics of Vibration Isolation System with Damping and Stiffness Geometrically Nonlinear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Ze-Qi; Chen, Li-Qun; Brennan, Michael J.; Li, Jue-Ming; Ding, Hu

2016-09-01

The paper concerns an investigation into the use of both stiffness and damping nonlinearity in the vibration isolator to improve its effectiveness. The nonlinear damping and nonlinear stiffness are both achieved by horizontal damping and stiffness as the way of the geometrical nonlinearity. The harmonic balance method is used to analyze the force transmissibility of such vibration isolation system. It is found that as the horizontal damping increasing, the height of the force transmissibility peak is decreased and the high-frequency force transmissibility is almost the same. The results are also validated by some numerical method. Then the RMS of transmissibility under Gaussian white noise is calculated numerically, the results demonstrate that the beneficial effects of the damping nonlinearity can be achieved under random excitation.

Finite element modelling of reinforced large-opening on the web of steel beam considering axial forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukrawa, Made

2017-11-01

Experimental and analytical researches on the effect of web opening in steel beams have been repeatedly reported in literature because of the advantages gain from the many function of the opening. Most of the research on this area, however, did not consider deformation and stress in the beam due to axial force. In seismic design of steel structure, the axial force in the beam could be significantly high and therefore worth considering. In this study a beam extracted from a braced frame structure was analyzed using finite element models to investigate the effect of combined bending and axial forces on the deformation and stresses in the vicinity of the opening. Large size of square, rectangular, and circular openings of the same depth were reinforced and placed in pair, symmetrical to the concentrated load at mid span of the beam. Four types of reinforcement were used, all around (AA), short horizontal (SH), long horizontal (LH), and doubler plate (DP). The effect of axial load was also investigated using rigid frame model loaded vertically and laterally. Validation of the modelling technique was done prior to the parametric study. It was revealed that the axial force significantly contributes to the stress concentration near the hole. Stiffener of circular shape was effective to improve the stress distribution around the circular opening. For square and rectangular openings, however, the horizontal stiffener, extended beyond the edge of opening, performed better than the other type of stiffeners.

Wing motion measurement and aerodynamics of hovering true hoverflies.

PubMed

Mou, Xiao Lei; Liu, Yan Peng; Sun, Mao

2011-09-01

Most hovering insects flap their wings in a horizontal plane (body having a large angle from the horizontal), called `normal hovering'. But some of the best hoverers, e.g. true hoverflies, hover with an inclined stroke plane (body being approximately horizontal). In the present paper, wing and body kinematics of four freely hovering true hoverflies were measured using three-dimensional high-speed video. The measured wing kinematics was used in a Navier-Stokes solver to compute the aerodynamic forces of the insects. The stroke amplitude of the hoverflies was relatively small, ranging from 65 to 85 deg, compared with that of normal hovering. The angle of attack in the downstroke (∼50 deg) was much larger that in the upstroke (∼20 deg), unlike normal-hovering insects, whose downstroke and upstroke angles of attack are not very different. The major part of the weight-supporting force (approximately 86%) was produced in the downstroke and it was contributed by both the lift and the drag of the wing, unlike the normal-hovering case in which the weight-supporting force is approximately equally contributed by the two half-strokes and the lift principle is mainly used to produce the force. The mass-specific power was 38.59-46.3 and 27.5-35.4 W kg(-1) in the cases of 0 and 100% elastic energy storage, respectively. Comparisons with previously published results of a normal-hovering true hoverfly and with results obtained by artificially making the insects' stroke planes horizontal show that for the true hoverflies, the power requirement for inclined stroke-plane hover is only a little (<10%) larger than that of normal hovering.

Gender, Vertical Height and Horizontal Distance Effects on Single-Leg Landing Kinematics: Implications for Risk of non-contact ACL Injury.

PubMed

Ali, Nicholas; Rouhi, Gholamreza; Robertson, Gordon

2013-01-01

There is a lack of studies investigating gender differences in whole-body kinematics during single-leg landings from increasing vertical heights and horizontal distances. This study determined the main effects and interactions of gender, vertical height, and horizontal distance on whole-body joint kinematics during single-leg landings, and established whether these findings could explain the gender disparity in non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rate. Recreationally active males (n=6) and females (n=6) performed single-leg landings from a takeoff deck of vertical height of 20, 40, and 60 cm placed at a horizontal distance of 30, 50 and 70 cm from the edge of a force platform, while 3D kinematics and kinetics were simultaneously measured. It was determined that peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) and the ankle flexion angle exhibited significant gender differences (p=0.028, partial η(2)=0.40 and p=0.035, partial η(2)=0.37, respectively). Peak VGRF was significantly correlated to the ankle flexion angle (r= -0.59, p=0.04), hip flexion angle (r= -0.74, p=0.006), and trunk flexion angle (r= -0.59, p=0.045). Peak posterior ground reaction force (PGRF) was significantly correlated to the ankle flexion angle (r= -0.56, p=0.035), while peak knee abduction moment was significantly correlated to the knee flexion angle (r= -0.64, p=0.03). Rearfoot landings may explain the higher ACL injury rate among females. Higher plantar-flexed ankle, hip, and trunk flexion angles were associated with lower peak ground reaction forces, while higher knee flexion angle was associated with lower peak knee abduction moment, and these kinematics implicate reduced risk of non-contact ACL injury.

Versatile functional roles of horizontal cells in the retinal circuit.

PubMed

Chaya, Taro; Matsumoto, Akihiro; Sugita, Yuko; Watanabe, Satoshi; Kuwahara, Ryusuke; Tachibana, Masao; Furukawa, Takahisa

2017-07-17

In the retinal circuit, environmental light signals are converted into electrical signals that can be decoded properly by the brain. At the first synapse of the visual system, information flow from photoreceptors to bipolar cells is modulated by horizontal cells (HCs), however, their functional contribution to retinal output and individual visual function is not fully understood. In the current study, we investigated functional roles for HCs in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) response properties and optokinetic responses by establishing a HC-depleted mouse line. We observed that HC depletion impairs the antagonistic center-surround receptive field formation of RGCs, supporting a previously reported HC function revealed by pharmacological approaches. In addition, we found that HC loss reduces both the ON and OFF response diversities of RGCs, impairs adjustment of the sensitivity to ambient light at the retinal output level, and alters spatial frequency tuning at an individual level. Taken together, our current study suggests multiple functional aspects of HCs crucial for visual processing.

Staphylococci on ICE: Overlooked agents of horizontal gene transfer.

PubMed

Sansevere, Emily A; Robinson, D Ashley

2017-01-01

Horizontal gene transfer plays a significant role in spreading antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes throughout the genus Staphylococcus , which includes species of clinical relevance to humans and animals. While phages and plasmids are the most well-studied agents of horizontal gene transfer in staphylococci, the contribution of integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) has been mostly overlooked. Experimental work demonstrating the activity of ICEs in staphylococci remained frozen for years after initial work in the 1980s that showed Tn 916 was capable of transfer from Enterococcus to Staphylococcus . However, recent work has begun to thaw this field. To date, 2 families of ICEs have been identified among staphylococci - Tn 916 that includes the Tn 5801 subfamily, and ICE 6013 that includes at least 7 subfamilies. Both Tn 5801 and ICE 6013 commonly occur in clinical strains of S. aureus . Tn 5801 is the most studied of the Tn 916 family elements in staphylococci and encodes tetracycline resistance and a protein that, when expressed in Escherichia coli , inhibits restriction barriers to incoming DNA. ICE 6013 is among the shortest known ICEs, but it still includes many uncharacterized open reading frames. This element uses an IS 30 -like transposase as its recombinase, providing some versatility in integration sites. ICE 6013 also conjugatively transfers among receptive S. aureus strains at relatively higher frequency than Tn 5801 . Continued study of these mobile genetic elements may reveal the full extent to which ICEs impact horizontal gene transfer and the evolution of staphylococci.

Deformable membranes actuated by high mechanical power density composite electroactive polymers using tailored electric field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bar-Cohen, Y.; Bhattacharya, K.

2003-01-01

The objective of the project was to develop a versatile electroactuator based on a specific class of EAP, conductive polymer, that is capable of developing high forces and displacements in both bending and linear contraction/expansion movements.

Direct Measurements of Drag Forces in C. elegans Crawling Locomotion

PubMed Central

Rabets, Yegor; Backholm, Matilda; Dalnoki-Veress, Kari; Ryu, William S.

2014-01-01

With a simple and versatile microcantilever-based force measurement technique, we have probed the drag forces involved in Caenorhabditis elegans locomotion. As a worm crawls on an agar surface, we found that substrate viscoelasticity introduces nonlinearities in the force-velocity relationships, yielding nonconstant drag coefficients that are not captured by original resistive force theory. A major contributing factor to these nonlinearities is the formation of a shallow groove on the agar surface. We measured both the adhesion forces that cause the worm’s body to settle into the agar and the resulting dynamics of groove formation. Furthermore, we quantified the locomotive forces produced by C. elegans undulatory motions on a wet viscoelastic agar surface. We show that an extension of resistive force theory is able to use the dynamics of a nematode’s body shape along with the measured drag coefficients to predict the forces generated by a crawling nematode. PMID:25418179

Maneuvers during legged locomotion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jindrich, Devin L.; Qiao, Mu

2009-06-01

Maneuverability is essential for locomotion. For animals in the environment, maneuverability is directly related to survival. For humans, maneuvers such as turning are associated with increased risk for injury, either directly through tissue loading or indirectly through destabilization. Consequently, understanding the mechanics and motor control of maneuverability is a critical part of locomotion research. We briefly review the literature on maneuvering during locomotion with a focus on turning in bipeds. Walking turns can use one of several different strategies. Anticipation can be important to adjust kinematics and dynamics for smooth and stable maneuvers. During running, turns may be substantially constrained by the requirement for body orientation to match movement direction at the end of a turn. A simple mathematical model based on the requirement for rotation to match direction can describe leg forces used by bipeds (humans and ostriches). During running turns, both humans and ostriches control body rotation by generating fore-aft forces. However, whereas humans must generate large braking forces to prevent body over-rotation, ostriches do not. For ostriches, generating the lateral forces necessary to change movement direction results in appropriate body rotation. Although ostriches required smaller braking forces due in part to increased rotational inertia relative to body mass, other movement parameters also played a role. Turning performance resulted from the coordinated behavior of an integrated biomechanical system. Results from preliminary experiments on horizontal-plane stabilization support the hypothesis that controlling body rotation is an important aspect of stable maneuvers. In humans, body orientation relative to movement direction is rapidly stabilized during running turns within the minimum of two steps theoretically required to complete analogous maneuvers. During straight running and cutting turns, humans exhibit spring-mass behavior in the horizontal plane. Changes in the horizontal projection of leg length were linearly related to changes in horizontal-plane leg forces. Consequently, the passive dynamic stabilization associated with spring-mass behavior may contribute to stability during maneuvers in bipeds. Understanding the mechanics of maneuverability will be important for understanding the motor control of maneuvers and also potentially be useful for understanding stability.

Forces on stationary particles in near-bed turbulent flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmeeckle, Mark W.; Nelson, Jonathan M.; Shreve, Ronald L.

2007-06-01

In natural flows, bed sediment particles are entrained and moved by the fluctuating forces, such as lift and drag, exerted by the overlying flow on the particles. To develop a better understanding of these forces and the relation of the forces to the local flow, the downstream and vertical components of force on near-bed fixed particles and of fluid velocity above or in front of them were measured synchronously at turbulence-resolving frequencies (200 or 500 Hz) in a laboratory flume. Measurements were made for a spherical test particle fixed at various heights above a smooth bed, above a smooth bed downstream of a downstream-facing step, and in a gravel bed of similarly sized particles as well as for a cubical test particle and 7 natural particles above a smooth bed. Horizontal force was well correlated with downstream velocity and not correlated with vertical velocity or vertical momentum flux. The standard drag formula worked well to predict the horizontal force, but the required value of the drag coefficient was significantly higher than generally used to model bed load motion. For the spheres, cubes, and natural particles, average drag coefficients were found to be 0.76, 1.36, and 0.91, respectively. For comparison, the drag coefficient for a sphere settling in still water at similar particle Reynolds numbers is only about 0.4. The variability of the horizontal force relative to its mean was strongly increased by the presence of the step and the gravel bed. Peak deviations were about 30% of the mean force for the sphere over the smooth bed, about twice the mean with the step, and 4 times it for the sphere protruding roughly half its diameter above the gravel bed. Vertical force correlated poorly with downstream velocity, vertical velocity, and vertical momentum flux whether measured over or ahead of the test particle. Typical formulas for shear-induced lift based on Bernoulli's principle poorly predict the vertical forces on near-bed particles. The measurements suggest that particle-scale pressure variations associated with turbulence are significant in the particle momentum balance.

Forces on stationary particles in near-bed turbulent flows

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schmeeckle, M.W.; Nelson, J.M.; Shreve, R.L.

2007-01-01

In natural flows, bed sediment particles are entrained and moved by the fluctuating forces, such as lift and drag, exerted by the overlying flow on the particles. To develop a better understanding of these forces and the relation of the forces to the local flow, the downstream and vertical components of force on near-bed fixed particles and of fluid velocity above or in front of them were measured synchronously at turbulence-resolving frequencies (200 or 500 Hz) in a laboratory flume. Measurements were made for a spherical test particle fixed at various heights above a smooth bed, above a smooth bed downstream of a downstream-facing step, and in a gravel bed of similarly sized particles as well as for a cubical test particle and 7 natural particles above a smooth bed. Horizontal force was well correlated with downstream velocity and not correlated with vertical velocity or vertical momentum flux. The standard drag formula worked well to predict the horizontal force, but the required value of the drag coefficient was significantly higher than generally used to model bed load motion. For the spheres, cubes, and natural particles, average drag coefficients were found to be 0.76, 1.36, and 0.91, respectively. For comparison, the drag coefficient for a sphere settling in still water at similar particle Reynolds numbers is only about 0.4. The variability of the horizontal force relative to its mean was strongly increased by the presence of the step and the gravel bed. Peak deviations were about 30% of the mean force for the sphere over the smooth bed, about twice the mean with the step, and 4 times it for the sphere protruding roughly half its diameter above the gravel bed. Vertical force correlated poorly with downstream velocity, vertical velocity, and vertical momentum flux whether measured over or ahead of the test particle. Typical formulas for shear-induced lift based on Bernoulli's principle poorly predict the vertical forces on near-bed particles. The measurements suggest that particle-scale pressure variations associated with turbulence are significant in the particle momentum balance. Copyright 2007 by the American Geophysical Union.

The generation of side force by distributed suction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, Leonard; Hong, John

1993-01-01

This report provides an approximate analysis of the generation of side force on a cylinder placed horizontal to the flow direction by the application of distributed suction on the rearward side of the cylinder. Relationships are derived between the side force coefficients and the required suction coefficients necessary to maintain attached flow on one side of the cylinder, thereby inducing circulation around the cylinder and a corresponding side force.

Runners do not push off the ground but fall forwards via a gravitational torque.

PubMed

Romanov, Nicholas; Fletcher, Graham

2007-09-01

The relationship between the affect and timing of the four forces involved in running (gravity, ground reaction force, muscle force, and potential strain energy) is presented. These forces only increase horizontal acceleration of the centre of mass during stance but not flight. The current hierarchical models of running are critiqued because they do not show gravity, a constant force, in affect during stance. A new gravitational model of running is developed, which shows gravity as the motive force. Gravity is shown to cause a torque as the runner's centre of mass moves forward of the support foot. Ground reaction force is not a motive force but operates according to Newton's third law; therefore, the ground can only propel a runner forward in combination with muscle activity. However, leg and hip extensor muscles have consistently proven to be silent during leg extension (mid-terminal stance). Instead, high muscle-tendon forces at terminal stance suggest elastic recoil regains most of the centre of mass's height. Therefore, the only external motive force from mid-terminal stance is gravity via a gravitational torque, which causes a horizontal displacement. The aim of this paper is to establish a definitive biomechanical technique (Pose method) that is easily taught to runners (Romanov, 2002): falling forwards via a gravitational torque while pulling the support foot rapidly from the ground using the hamstring muscles.

Amphibian egg cytoplasm response to altered g-forces and gravity orientation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neff, A. W.; Smith, R. C.; Malacinski, G. M.

1986-01-01

Elucidation of dorsal/ventral polarity and primary embryonic axis development in amphibian embryos requires an understanding of cytoplasmic rearrangements in fertile eggs at the biophysical, physiological, and biochemical levels. Evidence is presented that amphibian egg cytoplasmic components are compartmentalized. The effects of altered orientation to the gravitational vector (i.e., egg inversion) and alterations in gravity force ranging from hypergravity (centrifugation) to simulated microgravity (i.e., horizontal clinostat rotation) on cytoplasmic compartment rearrangements are reviewed. The behavior of yolk compartments as well as a newly defined (with monoclonal antibody) nonyolk cytoplasmic compartment, in inverted eggs and in eggs rotated on horizontal clinostats at their buoyant density, is discussed.

An Idealized Test of the Response of the Community Atmosphere Model to Near-Grid-Scale Forcing Across Hydrostatic Resolutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrington, A. R.; Reed, K. A.

2018-02-01

A set of idealized experiments are developed using the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM) to understand the vertical velocity response to reductions in forcing scale that is known to occur when the horizontal resolution of the model is increased. The test consists of a set of rising bubble experiments, in which the horizontal radius of the bubble and the model grid spacing are simultaneously reduced. The test is performed with moisture, through incorporating moist physics routines of varying complexity, although convection schemes are not considered. Results confirm that the vertical velocity in CAM is to first-order, proportional to the inverse of the horizontal forcing scale, which is consistent with a scale analysis of the dry equations of motion. In contrast, experiments in which the coupling time step between the moist physics routines and the dynamical core (i.e., the "physics" time step) are relaxed back to more conventional values results in severely damped vertical motion at high resolution, degrading the scaling. A set of aqua-planet simulations using different physics time steps are found to be consistent with the results of the idealized experiments.

The biomechanical significance of pulley on binocular vision.

PubMed

Guo, Hongmei; Gao, Zhipeng; Chen, Weiyi

2016-12-28

Pulleys have been reported as the functional origins of the rectus extraocular muscles (EOMs). However, biomechanical significance of pulleys on binocular vision has not been reported. Three eye movement models, i.e., non-pulley model, passive-pulley model, and active-pulley model, are used to simulate the horizontal movement of the eyes from the primary position to the left direction in the range of 1°-30°. The resultant forces of six EOMs along both orthogonal directions (i.e., the x-axis and y-axis defined in this paper) in the horizontal plane are calculated using the three models. The resultant force along the y-axis of the left eye for non-pulley model are significantly larger than that of the other two pulley models. The difference of the force, between the left eye and the right eye in non-pulley model, is larger than those in the other two pulley models along x-axis and y-axis. The pulley models present more biomechanical advantage on the horizontally binocular vision than the non-pulley model. Combining with the previous imaging evidences of pulleys, the results show that pulley model coincides well with the real physiological conditions.

Hip joint kinetics in the table tennis topspin forehand: relationship to racket velocity.

PubMed

Iino, Yoichi

2018-04-01

The purpose of this study was to determine hip joint kinetics during a table tennis topspin forehand, and to investigate the relationship between the relevant kinematic and kinetic variables and the racket horizontal and vertical velocities at ball impact. Eighteen male advanced table tennis players hit cross-court topspin forehands against backspin balls. The hip joint torque and force components around the pelvis coordinate system were determined using inverse dynamics. Furthermore, the work done on the pelvis by these components was also determined. The peak pelvis axial rotation velocity and the work done by the playing side hip pelvis axial rotation torque were positively related to the racket horizontal velocity at impact. The sum of the work done on the pelvis by the backward tilt torques and the upward joint forces was positively related to the racket vertical velocity at impact. The results suggest that the playing side hip pelvis axial rotation torque exertion is important for acquiring a high racket horizontal velocity at impact. The pelvis backward tilt torques and upward joint forces at both hip joints collectively contribute to the generation of the racket vertical velocity, and the mechanism for acquiring the vertical velocity may vary among players.

Stress distribution in maxillary first molar periodontium using straight pull headgear with vertical and horizontal tubes: A finite element analysis.

PubMed

Feizbakhsh, Masood; Kadkhodaei, Mahmoud; Zandian, Dana; Hosseinpour, Zahra

2017-01-01

One of the most effective ways for distal movement of molars to treat Class II malocclusion is using extraoral force through a headgear device. The purpose of this study was the comparison of stress distribution in maxillary first molar periodontium using straight pull headgear in vertical and horizontal tubes through finite element method. Based on the real geometry model, a basic model of the first molar and maxillary bone was obtained using three-dimensional imaging of the skull. After the geometric modeling of periodontium components through CATIA software and the definition of mechanical properties and element classification, a force of 150 g for each headgear was defined in ABAQUS software. Consequently, Von Mises and Principal stresses were evaluated. The statistical analysis was performed using T-paired and Wilcoxon nonparametric tests. Extension of areas with Von Mises and Principal stresses utilizing straight pull headgear with a vertical tube was not different from that of using a horizontal tube, but the numerical value of the Von Mises stress in the vertical tube was significantly reduced ( P < 0/05). On the other hand, the difference of the principal stress between both tubes was not significant ( P > 0/05). Based on the results, when force applied to the straight pull headgear with a vertical tube, Von Mises stress was reduced significantly in comparison with the horizontal tube. Therefore, to correct the mesiolingual movement of the maxillary first molar, vertical headgear tube is recommended.

Motion perception during variable-radius swing motion in darkness.

PubMed

Rader, A A; Oman, C M; Merfeld, D M

2009-10-01

Using a variable-radius roll swing motion paradigm, we examined the influence of interaural (y-axis) and dorsoventral (z-axis) force modulation on perceived tilt and translation by measuring perception of horizontal translation, roll tilt, and distance from center of rotation (radius) at 0.45 and 0.8 Hz using standard magnitude estimation techniques (primarily verbal reports) in darkness. Results show that motion perception was significantly influenced by both y- and z-axis forces. During constant radius trials, subjects' perceptions of tilt and translation were generally almost veridical. By selectively pairing radius (1.22 and 0.38 m) and frequency (0.45 and 0.8 Hz, respectively), the y-axis acceleration could be tailored in opposition to gravity so that the combined y-axis gravitoinertial force (GIF) variation at the subject's ears was reduced to approximately 0.035 m/s(2) - in effect, the y-axis GIF was "nulled" below putative perceptual threshold levels. With y-axis force nulling, subjects overestimated their tilt angle and underestimated their horizontal translation and radius. For some y-axis nulling trials, a radial linear acceleration at twice the tilt frequency (0.25 m/s(2) at 0.9 Hz, 0.13 m/s(2) at 1.6 Hz) was simultaneously applied to reduce the z-axis force variations caused by centripetal acceleration and by changes in the z-axis component of gravity during tilt. For other trials, the phase of this radial linear acceleration was altered to double the magnitude of the z-axis force variations. z-axis force nulling further increased the perceived tilt angle and further decreased perceived horizontal translation and radius relative to the y-axis nulling trials, while z-axis force doubling had the opposite effect. Subject reports were remarkably geometrically consistent; an observer model-based analysis suggests that perception was influenced by knowledge of swing geometry.

Global transport calculations with an equivalent barotropic system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salby, Murry L.; O'Sullivan, Donal; Garcia, Rolando R.; Tribbia, Joseph

1990-01-01

Transport properties of the two-dimensional equations governing equivalent barotropic motion are investigated on the sphere. This system has ingredients such as forcing, equivalent depth, and thermal dissipation explicitly represented, and takes into account compression effects associated with vertical motion along isentropic surfaces. Horizontal transport properties of this system are investigated under adiabatic and diabatic conditions for different forms of dissipation, and over a range of resolutions. It is shown that forcing represetative of time-mean and amplified conditions at 10 mb leads to the behavior typical of observations at this level. The displacement of the polar night vortex and its distortion into a comma shape are evident, as is irreversible mixing under sufficiently strong forcing amplitude. It is shown that thermal dissipation influences the behavior significantly by inhibiting the amplification of unstable eddies and thereby the horizontal stirring of air.

Static Prehension of a Horizontally Oriented Object in Three Dimensions

PubMed Central

Wu, Yen-Hsun; Zatsiorsky, Vladimir M.; Latash, Mark L.

2011-01-01

We studied static prehension of a horizontally oriented object. Specific hypotheses were explored addressing such issues as the sharing patterns of the total moment of force across the digits, presence of mechanically unnecessary digit forces, and trade-off between multi-digit synergies at the two levels of the assumed control hierarchy. Within the assumed hierarchy, at the upper level, the task is shared between the thumb and virtual finger (an imagined finger producing a wrench equal to the sum of the wrenches of individual fingers). At the lower level, action of the virtual finger is shared among the four actual fingers. The subjects held statically a horizontally oriented handle instrumented with six-component force/torque sensors with different loads and torques acting about the long axis of the handle. The thumb acted from above while the four fingers supported the weight of the object. When the external torque was zero, the thumb produced mechanically unnecessary force of about 2.8 N, which did not depend on the external load magnitude. When the external torque was not zero, tangential forces produced over 80% of the total moment of force. The normal forces by the middle and ring fingers produced consistent moments against the external torque, while the normal forces of the index and little fingers did not. Force and moment variables at both hierarchical levels were stabilized by co-varied across trials adjustments of forces/moments produced by individual digits with the exception of the normal force analyzed at the lower level of the hierarchy. There was a trade-off between synergy indices computed at the two levels of the hierarchy for the three components of the total force vector, but not for the moment of force components. Overall, the results have shown that task mechanics are only one factor that defines forces produced by individual digits. Other factors, such as loading sensory receptors may lead to mechanically unnecessary forces. There seems to be no single rule (for example, ensuring similar safety margin values) that would describe sharing of the normal and tangential forces and be valid across tasks. Fingers that are traditionally viewed as less accurate (e.g., the ring finger) may perform more consistently in certain tasks. The observations of the trade-off between the synergy indices computed at two levels for the force variables but not for the moment of force variables suggest that the degree of redundancy (the number of excessive elemental variables) at the higher level is an important factor. PMID:22071684

48. View of typical 90 degree elbow located at horizontal ...

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

48. View of typical 90 degree elbow located at horizontal corner with output (to scanner radar system control switch) waveguide on top and return wave on bottom of photograph. - Clear Air Force Station, Ballistic Missile Early Warning System Site II, One mile west of mile marker 293.5 on Parks Highway, 5 miles southwest of Anderson, Anderson, Denali Borough, AK

Photogrammetry on the identification of postural asymmetries in cadets and pilots of the Brazilian air force academy.

PubMed

Figueiredo, Rodrigo V; Amaral, Artur C; Shimano, Antônio C

2012-01-01

To identify whether flight training activities cause postural changes in cadets and pilots of the Brazilian Air Force Academy (AFA). Eighty subjects were assessed through photographic images in anterior and right side views. Four groups of cadets (n=20 per group) divided according to the year since enlistment and a fifth group of fifteen pilots from the Air Demonstration Squadron (ADS) were included. Pictures were analyzed using the Postural Analysis Program (SAPO) and angles related to head vertical alignment (HVA), head horizontal alignment (HHA), acromion horizontal alignment (AHA) and anterior-superior iliac spine horizontal alignment (HAS) were plotted. We did not find statistical significant differences in the angles: HVA, HHA and AHA. However, a significant difference was found for the HAS angle with pilots having lower values than cadets, suggesting greater postural stability for this variable in pilots. The horizontal alignment of the anterior-superior iliac spine was the only measure that showed significant difference in the comparison between pilots and cadets. The remaining alignments were not different, possibility because of the strict criteria used for admission of cadets at the AFA and the efficiency of the physical training that is performed periodically.

The MyoRobot: A novel automated biomechatronics system to assess voltage/Ca2+ biosensors and active/passive biomechanics in muscle and biomaterials.

PubMed

Haug, M; Reischl, B; Prölß, G; Pollmann, C; Buckert, T; Keidel, C; Schürmann, S; Hock, M; Rupitsch, S; Heckel, M; Pöschel, T; Scheibel, T; Haynl, C; Kiriaev, L; Head, S I; Friedrich, O

2018-04-15

We engineered an automated biomechatronics system, MyoRobot, for robust objective and versatile assessment of muscle or polymer materials (bio-)mechanics. It covers multiple levels of muscle biosensor assessment, e.g. membrane voltage or contractile apparatus Ca 2+ ion responses (force resolution 1µN, 0-10mN for the given sensor; [Ca 2+ ] range ~ 100nM-25µM). It replaces previously tedious manual protocols to obtain exhaustive information on active/passive biomechanical properties across various morphological tissue levels. Deciphering mechanisms of muscle weakness requires sophisticated force protocols, dissecting contributions from altered Ca 2+ homeostasis, electro-chemical, chemico-mechanical biosensors or visco-elastic components. From whole organ to single fibre levels, experimental demands and hardware requirements increase, limiting biomechanics research potential, as reflected by only few commercial biomechatronics systems that can address resolution, experimental versatility and mostly, automation of force recordings. Our MyoRobot combines optical force transducer technology with high precision 3D actuation (e.g. voice coil, 1µm encoder resolution; stepper motors, 4µm feed motion), and customized control software, enabling modular experimentation packages and automated data pre-analysis. In small bundles and single muscle fibres, we demonstrate automated recordings of (i) caffeine-induced-, (ii) electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced force, (iii) pCa-force, (iv) slack-tests and (v) passive length-tension curves. The system easily reproduces results from manual systems (two times larger stiffness in slow over fast muscle) and provides novel insights into unloaded shortening velocities (declining with increasing slack lengths). The MyoRobot enables automated complex biomechanics assessment in muscle research. Applications also extend to material sciences, exemplarily shown here for spider silk and collagen biopolymers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

GRIFFIN: A versatile methodology for optimization of protein-lipid interfaces for membrane protein simulations

PubMed Central

Staritzbichler, René; Anselmi, Claudio; Forrest, Lucy R.; Faraldo-Gómez, José D.

2014-01-01

As new atomic structures of membrane proteins are resolved, they reveal increasingly complex transmembrane topologies, and highly irregular surfaces with crevices and pores. In many cases, specific interactions formed with the lipid membrane are functionally crucial, as is the overall lipid composition. Compounded with increasing protein size, these characteristics pose a challenge for the construction of simulation models of membrane proteins in lipid environments; clearly, that these models are sufficiently realistic bears upon the reliability of simulation-based studies of these systems. Here, we introduce GRIFFIN, which uses a versatile framework to automate and improve a widely-used membrane-embedding protocol. Initially, GRIFFIN carves out lipid and water molecules from a volume equivalent to that of the protein, so as to conserve the system density. In the subsequent optimization phase GRIFFIN adds an implicit grid-based protein force-field to a molecular dynamics simulation of the pre-carved membrane. In this force-field, atoms inside the implicit protein volume experience an outward force that will expel them from that volume, whereas those outside are subject to electrostatic and van-der-Waals interactions with the implicit protein. At each step of the simulation, these forces are updated by GRIFFIN and combined with the intermolecular forces of the explicit lipid-water system. This procedure enables the construction of realistic and reproducible starting configurations of the protein-membrane interface within a reasonable timeframe and with minimal intervention. GRIFFIN is a standalone tool designed to work alongside any existing molecular dynamics package, such as NAMD or GROMACS. PMID:24707227

Natural vibration frequencies of horizontal tubes partially filled with liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santisteban Hidalgo, Juan Andrés; Gama, Antonio Lopes; Moreira, Roger Matsumoto

2017-11-01

This work presents an experimental and numerical study on the flexural vibration of horizontal circular tubes partially filled with liquid. The tube is configured as a free-free beam with attention being directed to the case of small amplitudes of transverse oscillation whereas the axial movements of the tube and liquid are disregarded. At first vertical and horizontal polarizations of the flexural tube are investigated experimentally for different amounts of filling liquid. In contrast with the empty and fully-filled tubes, it is observed that natural frequencies of the vertical and horizontal polarizations are different due to asymmetry induced by the liquid layer, which acts like an added mass. Less mass of liquid is added to the tube when oscillating horizontally; as a consequence, eigenfrequencies for the horizontal polarization are found to be greater than the case of the vertically polarized tube. A simple method to calculate the natural vibration frequencies using coefficients of added mass of liquid is proposed. It is shown that the added mass coefficient increases with the liquid's level and viscosity. At last a numerical investigation of the interaction between the liquid and the tube is carried out by solving in two-dimensions the full Navier-Stokes equations via a finite volume method, with the free-surface flow being modeled with a homogeneous multiphase Eulerian-Eulerian fluid approach. Vertical and horizontal polarizations are imposed to the tube with pressure and shear stresses being determined numerically to assess the liquid's forcing onto the tube's wall. The coefficient of added mass of liquid is then estimated by the ratio between the resulting force and the acceleration imposed to the wall. A good agreement is found between experimental and numerical results, especially for the horizontally oscillating tube. It is also shown that viscosity can noticeably affect the added mass coefficients, particularly at low filling levels.

Net Force of an Ideal Conductor on an Element of a Line of Charge Moving With Extreme Relativistic Speed

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cawley, Robert

1978-01-01

Considers the problem of determining the force on an element of a finite length line of charge moving horizontally with extreme relativistic speed through an evacuated space above an infinite plane ideal conducting surface. (SL)

A study of natural circulation in the evaporator of a horizontal-tube heat recovery steam generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roslyakov, P. V.; Pleshanov, K. A.; Sterkhov, K. V.

2014-07-01

Results obtained from investigations of stable natural circulation in an intricate circulation circuit with a horizontal layout of the tubes of evaporating surface having a negative useful head are presented. The possibility of making a shift from using multiple forced circulation organized by means of a circulation pump to natural circulation in vertical heat recovery steam generator is estimated. Criteria for characterizing the performance reliability and efficiency of a horizontal evaporator with negative useful head are proposed. The influence of various design solutions on circulation robustness is considered. With due regard of the optimal parameters, the most efficient and least costly methods are proposed for achieving more stable circulation in a vertical heat recovery steam generator when a shift is made from multiple forced to natural circulation. A procedure for calculating the circulation parameters and an algorithm for checking evaporator performance reliability are developed, and recommendations for the design of heat recovery steam generator, nonheated parts of natural circulation circuit, and evaporating surface are suggested.

Modification of a variational objective analysis model for new equations for pressure gradient and vertical velocity in the lower troposphere and for spatial resolution and accuracy of satellite data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Achtemeier, G. L.

1986-01-01

Since late 1982 NASA has supported research to develop a numerical variational model for the diagnostic assimilation of conventional and space-based meteorological data. In order to analyze the model components, four variational models are defined dividing the problem naturally according to increasing complexity. The first of these variational models (MODEL I), the subject of this report, contains the two nonlinear horizontal momentum equations, the integrated continuity equation, and the hydrostatic equation. This report summarizes the results of research (1) to improve the way the large nonmeteorological parts of the pressure gradient force are partitioned between the two terms of the pressure gradient force terms of the horizontal momentum equations, (2) to generalize the integrated continuity equation to account for variable pressure thickness over elevated terrain, and (3) to introduce horizontal variation in the precision modulus weights for the observations.

The Buoyancy Approach to U-tube Problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Binder, P.-M.; Magowan, M. A.

2016-02-01

In this note we unify two physical situations treatable with hydrostatics: an object floating on a denser fluid and an open U-shaped tube with two immiscible fluids. We begin by reviewing the problem of a partially floating uniform, rectangular prism of horizontal area A immersed in a denser fluid, with respective densities ρ1 < ρh for the prism and fluid (the subscripts stand for light and heavy): see Fig. 1. We define three horizontal levels within the solid, y0, y1, and y2, corresponding to the bottom, flotation line, and top of the prism. The buoyant force is ρh (y1 - y0)gA upwards, and the weight of the prism is ρ1 (y2 - y0)gA downwards. By Newton's second law, these two forces balance at equilibrium. After dividing by the common horizontal area, one obtains y/1-y0 y2-y0 =ρ/1 ρh . A detailed derivation can be found for example in Ref. 1, Section 13-7.

Repelling, binding, and oscillating of two-particle discrete-time quantum walks

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

Wang, Qinghao; Li, Zhi-Jian, E-mail: zjli@sxu.edu.cn

In this paper, we investigate the effects of particle–particle interaction and static force on the propagation of probability distribution in two-particle discrete-time quantum walk, where the interaction and static force are expressed as a collision phase and a linear position-dependent phase, respectively. It is found that the interaction can lead to boson repelling and fermion binding. The static force also induces Bloch oscillation and results in a continuous transition from boson bunching to fermion anti-bunching. The interplays of particle–particle interaction, quantum interference, and Bloch oscillation provide a versatile framework to study and simulate many-particle physics via quantum walks.

Full non-linear treatment of the global thermospheric wind system. I - Mathematical method and analysis of forces. II - Results and comparison with observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blum, P. W.; Harris, I.

1975-01-01

The equations of horizontal motion of the neutral atmosphere between 120 and 500 km are integrated with the inclusion of all nonlinear terms of the convective derivative and the viscous forces due to vertical and horizontal velocity gradients. Empirical models of the distribution of neutral and charged particles are assumed to be known. The model of velocities developed is a steady state model. In Part I the mathematical method used in the integration of the Navier-Stokes equations is described and the various forces are analyzed. Results of the method given in Part I are presented with comparison with previous calculations and observations of upper atmospheric winds. Conclusions are that nonlinear effects are only significant in the equatorial region, especially at solstice conditions and that nonlinear effects do not produce any superrotation.

Capital Improvement Program Environmental Assessment, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

utility extension structures would be designed to avoid crossing wetlands to the extent feasible. If a project necessitates a wetlands utility... crossing , horizontal boring techniques would be used to route the utility under the wetlands. Because horizontal boring effectively avoids disturbance...utilized if the utility extension would involve crossing a roadway. • All new utility equipment would be polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) free

Pulling a Door Open by Pushing on It

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van den Berg, Willem H.

2007-01-01

Ordinarily, opening a door by pulling on the knob or handle causes a net torque on the door, and hence an angular acceleration, about a "vertical" axis. However, it may be that the top or bottom of the door sticks to the door frame; this horizontal force perpendicular to the plane of the door causes a torque on the door about a "horizontal" axis.…

49 CFR 178.345-3 - Structural integrity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... accelerative force equal to 0.35 times the vertical reaction at the suspension assembly of a trailer; or the... the suspension assembly of a trailer, and the horizontal pivot of the upper coupler (fifth wheel) or... normal operating accelerative force equal to 0.35 times the vertical reaction at the suspension assembly...

49 CFR 178.345-3 - Structural integrity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... accelerative force equal to 0.35 times the vertical reaction at the suspension assembly of a trailer; or the... the suspension assembly of a trailer, and the horizontal pivot of the upper coupler (fifth wheel) or... normal operating accelerative force equal to 0.35 times the vertical reaction at the suspension assembly...

49 CFR 178.345-3 - Structural integrity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... accelerative force equal to 0.35 times the vertical reaction at the suspension assembly of a trailer; or the... the suspension assembly of a trailer, and the horizontal pivot of the upper coupler (fifth wheel) or... normal operating accelerative force equal to 0.35 times the vertical reaction at the suspension assembly...

40 CFR 1065.310 - Torque calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... reference force is measured. The lever arm must be perpendicular to gravity (i.e., horizontal), and it must... known distance along a lever arm. Make sure the weights' lever arm is perpendicular to gravity (i.e... gravity (using this equation: force = mass · acceleration). The local acceleration of gravity, a g, at...

40 CFR 1065.310 - Torque calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... reference force is measured. The lever arm must be perpendicular to gravity (i.e., horizontal), and it must... known distance along a lever arm. Make sure the weights' lever arm is perpendicular to gravity (i.e... gravity (using this equation: force = mass · acceleration). The local acceleration of gravity, a g, at...

Stress distribution in maxillary first molar periodontium using straight pull headgear with vertical and horizontal tubes: A finite element analysis

PubMed Central

Feizbakhsh, Masood; Kadkhodaei, Mahmoud; Zandian, Dana; Hosseinpour, Zahra

2017-01-01

Background: One of the most effective ways for distal movement of molars to treat Class II malocclusion is using extraoral force through a headgear device. The purpose of this study was the comparison of stress distribution in maxillary first molar periodontium using straight pull headgear in vertical and horizontal tubes through finite element method. Materials and Methods: Based on the real geometry model, a basic model of the first molar and maxillary bone was obtained using three-dimensional imaging of the skull. After the geometric modeling of periodontium components through CATIA software and the definition of mechanical properties and element classification, a force of 150 g for each headgear was defined in ABAQUS software. Consequently, Von Mises and Principal stresses were evaluated. The statistical analysis was performed using T-paired and Wilcoxon nonparametric tests. Results: Extension of areas with Von Mises and Principal stresses utilizing straight pull headgear with a vertical tube was not different from that of using a horizontal tube, but the numerical value of the Von Mises stress in the vertical tube was significantly reduced (P < 0/05). On the other hand, the difference of the principal stress between both tubes was not significant (P > 0/05). Conclusion: Based on the results, when force applied to the straight pull headgear with a vertical tube, Von Mises stress was reduced significantly in comparison with the horizontal tube. Therefore, to correct the mesiolingual movement of the maxillary first molar, vertical headgear tube is recommended. PMID:28584535

Kinetic Analysis of Horizontal Plyometric Exercise Intensity.

PubMed

Kossow, Andrew J; Ebben, William P

2018-05-01

Kossow, AJ, DeChiara, TG, Neahous, SM, and Ebben, WP. Kinetic analysis of horizontal plyometric exercise intensity. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1222-1229, 2018-Plyometric exercises are frequently performed as part of a strength and conditioning program. Most studies assessed the kinetics of plyometric exercises primarily performed in the vertical plane. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the multiplanar kinetic characteristics of a variety of plyometric exercises, which have a significant horizontal component. This study also sought to assess sex differences in the intensity progression of these exercises. Ten men and 10 women served as subjects. The subjects performed a variety of plyometric exercises including the double-leg hop, standing long jump, single-leg standing long jump, bounding, skipping, power skipping, cone hops, and 45.72-cm hurdle hops. Subjects also performed the countermovement jump for comparison. All plyometric exercises were evaluated using a force platform. Dependent variables included the landing rate of force development and landing ground reaction forces for each exercise in the vertical, frontal, and sagittal planes. A 2-way mixed analysis of variance with repeated-measures for plyometric exercise type demonstrated main effects for exercise type for all dependent variables (p ≤ 0.001). There was no significant interaction between plyometric exercise type and sex for any of the variable assessed. Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons identified a number of differences between the plyometric exercises for the dependent variables assessed (p ≤ 0.05). These findings should be used to guide practitioners in the progression of plyometric exercise intensity, and thus program design, for those who require significant horizontal power in their sport.

Joint kinetic determinants of starting block performance in athletic sprinting.

PubMed

Brazil, Adam; Exell, Timothy; Wilson, Cassie; Willwacher, Steffen; Bezodis, Ian N; Irwin, Gareth

2018-07-01

The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between lower limb joint kinetics, external force production and starting block performance (normalised average horizontal power, NAHP). Seventeen male sprinters (100 m PB, 10.67 ± 0.32 s) performed maximal block starts from instrumented starting blocks (1000 Hz) whilst 3D kinematics (250 Hz) were also recorded during the block phase. Ankle, knee and hip resultant joint moment and power were calculated at the rear and front leg using inverse dynamics. Average horizontal force applied to the front (r = 0.46) and rear (r = 0.44) block explained 86% of the variance in NAHP. At the joint level, many "very likely" to "almost certain" relationships (r = 0.57 to 0.83) were found between joint kinetic data and the magnitude of horizontal force applied to each block although stepwise multiple regression revealed that 55% of the variance in NAHP was accounted for by rear ankle moment, front hip moment and front knee power. The current study provides novel insight into starting block performance and the relationships between lower limb joint kinetic and external kinetic data that can help inform physical and technical training practices for this skill.

Strength, speed and power characteristics of elite rugby league players.

PubMed

de Lacey, James; Brughelli, Matt E; McGuigan, Michael R; Hansen, Keir T

2014-08-01

The purpose of this article was to compare strength, speed, and power characteristics between playing position (forwards and backs) in elite rugby league players. A total of 39 first team players (height, 183.8 ± 5.95 cm; body mass, 100.3 ± 10.7 kg; age, 24 ± 3 years) from a National Rugby League club participated in this study. Testing included 10-, 40-m sprint times, sprint mechanics on an instrumented nonmotorized treadmill, and concentric isokinetic hip and knee extension and flexion. Backs, observed to have significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lighter body mass (effect size [ES] = 0.98), were significantly faster (10-m ES = 1.26; 40-m ES = 1.61) and produced significantly greater relative horizontal force and power (ES = 0.87 and 1.04) compared with forwards. However, no significant differences were found between forwards and backs during relative isokinetic knee extension, knee flexion, relative isokinetic hip extension, flexion, prowler sprints, sprint velocity, contact time, or flight time. The findings demonstrate that backs have similar relative strength in comparison with forwards, but run faster overground and produce significantly greater relative horizontal force and power when sprinting on a nonmotorized instrumented treadmill. Developing force and power in the horizontal direction may be beneficial for improving sprint performance in professional rugby league players.

Vehicle brake testing system

DOEpatents

Stevens, Samuel S [Harriman, TN; Hodgson, Jeffrey W [Lenoir City, TN

2002-11-19

This invention relates to a force measuring system capable of measuring forces associated with vehicle braking and of evaluating braking performance. The disclosure concerns an invention which comprises a first row of linearly aligned plates, a force bearing surface extending beneath and beside the plates, vertically oriented links and horizontally oriented links connecting each plate to a force bearing surface, a force measuring device in each link, a transducer coupled to each force measuring device, and a computing device coupled to receive an output signal from the transducer indicative of measured force in each force measuring device. The present invention may be used for testing vehicle brake systems.

The influence of spatially and temporally high-resolution wind forcing on the power input to near-inertial waves in the ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rimac, A.; Eden, C.; von Storch, J.

2012-12-01

Coexistence of stable stratification, the meridional overturning circulation and meso-scale eddies and their influence on the ocean's circulation still raise complex questions concerning the ocean energetics. Oceanic general circulation is mainly forced by the wind field and deep water tides. Its essential energetics are the conversion of kinetic energy of the winds and tides into oceanic potential and kinetic energy. Energy needed for the circulation is bound to internal wave fields. Direct internal wave generation by the wind at the sea surface is one of the sources of this energy. Previous studies using mixed-layer type of models and low frequency wind forcings (six-hourly and daily) left room for improvement. Using mixed-layer models it is not possible to assess the distribution of near-inertial energy into the deep ocean. Also, coarse temporal resolution of wind forcing strongly underestimates the near-inertial wave energy. To overcome this difficulty we use a high resolution ocean model with high frequency wind forcings. We establish the following model setup: We use the Max Planck Institute Ocean Model (MPIOM) on a tripolar grid with 45km horizontal resolution and 40 vertical levels. We run the model with wind forcings that vary in horizontal (250km versus 40km) and temporal resolution (six versus one-hourly). In our study we answer the following questions: How big is the wind kinetic energy input to the near-inertial waves? Is the kinetic energy of the near-inertial waves enhanced when high-frequency wind forcings are used? If so, by how much and why, due to higher level of temporal wind variability or due to better spatial representation of the near-inertial waves? How big is the total power of near-inertial waves generated by the wind at the surface of the ocean? We run the model for one year. Our model results show that the near-inertial waves are excited both using wind forcings of high and low horizontal and temporal resolution. Near-inertial energy is almost two times higher when we force the model with high frequency wind forcings. The influence on the energy mostly depends on the time difference between two forcing fields while the spatial difference has little influence.

Effect of stance width on multidirectional postural responses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henry, S. M.; Fung, J.; Horak, F. B.; Peterson, B. W. (Principal Investigator)

2001-01-01

The effect of stance width on postural responses to 12 different directions of surface translations was examined. Postural responses were characterized by recording 11 lower limb and trunk muscles, body kinematics, and forces exerted under each foot of 7 healthy subjects while they were subjected to horizontal surface translations in 12 different, randomly presented directions. A quasi-static approach of force analysis was done, examining force integrals in three different epochs (background, passive, and active periods). The latency and amplitude of muscle responses were quantified for each direction, and muscle tuning curves were used to determine the spatial activation patterns for each muscle. The results demonstrate that the horizontal force constraint exerted at the ground was lessened in the wide, compared with narrow, stance for humans, a similar finding to that reported by Macpherson for cats. Despite more trunk displacement in narrow stance, there were no significant changes in body center of mass (CoM) displacement due to large changes in center of pressure (CoP), especially in response to lateral translations. Electromyographic (EMG) magnitude decreased for all directions in wide stance, particularly for the more proximal muscles, whereas latencies remained the same from narrow to wide stance. Equilibrium control in narrow stance was more of an active postural strategy that included regulating the loading/unloading of the limbs and the direction of horizontal force vectors. In wide stance, equilibrium control relied more on an increase in passive stiffness resulting from changes in limb geometry. The selective latency modulation of the proximal muscles with translation direction suggests that the trunk was being actively controlled in all directions. The similar EMG latencies for both narrow and wide stance, with modulation of only the muscle activation magnitude as stance width changed, suggest that the same postural synergy was only slightly modified for a change in stance width. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the trunk displacement, as well as of CoP displacement, was modified based on the degree of passive stiffness in the musculoskeletal system, which increased with stance width. The change from a more passive to an active horizontal force constraint, to larger EMG magnitudes especially in the trunk muscles and larger trunk and CoP excursions in narrow stance are consistent with a more effortful response for equilibrium control in narrow stance to perturbations in all directions.

The Leaf Electroscope: A Take-Home Project of Unexpected Depth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stewart, John; Skinner, Stephen; Stewart, Gay

2013-01-01

The leaf electroscope is a common piece of demonstration equipment found in many high school and introductory college physics laboratories. Its simplicity allows a compelling demonstration of electrostatic forces, and its versatility makes it useful in the demonstration of a number of physical phenomena. The electroscope has a long history; a…

Using Specific Binding DNA Capture Elements to Direct Pulsed Power Killing of Biological Agents

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-06-01

Department of the Air Force position, policy, or decision unless so designated by other documentation. VI. REFERENCES [1] V. Majidi and M. R. Joseph...Spectroscopic applications of laser-induced plasmas,” Crit. Rev. Analyt. Chem. 23, 143-162, 1992. [2] V. Majidi , “Laser-induced plasmas: A versatile tool

Present-day stress field of Southeast Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tingay, Mark; Morley, Chris; King, Rosalind; Hillis, Richard; Coblentz, David; Hall, Robert

2010-02-01

It is now well established that ridge push forces provide a major control on the plate-scale stress field in most of the Earth's tectonic plates. However, the Sunda plate that comprises much of Southeast Asia is one of only two plates not bounded by a major spreading centre and thus provides an opportunity to evaluate other forces that control the intraplate stress field. The Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Sunda plate is usually considered to be controlled by escape tectonics associated with India-Eurasia collision. However, the Sunda plate is bounded by a poorly understood and complex range of convergent and strike-slip zones and little is known about the effect of these other plate boundaries on the intraplate stress field in the region. We compile the first extensive stress dataset for Southeast Asia, containing 275 A-D quality (177 A-C) horizontal stress orientations, consisting of 72 stress indicators from earthquakes (located mostly on the periphery of the plate), 202 stress indicators from breakouts and drilling-induced fractures and one hydraulic fracture test within 14 provinces in the plate interior. This data reveals that a variable stress pattern exists throughout Southeast Asia that is largely inconsistent with the Sunda plate's approximately ESE absolute motion direction. The present-day maximum horizontal stress in Thailand, Vietnam and the Malay Basin is predominately north-south, consistent with the radiating stress patterns arising from the eastern Himalayan syntaxis. However, the present-day maximum horizontal stress is primarily oriented NW-SE in Borneo, a direction that may reflect plate-boundary forces or topographic stresses exerted by the central Borneo highlands. Furthermore, the South and Central Sumatra Basins exhibit a NE-SW maximum horizontal stress direction that is perpendicular to the Indo-Australian subduction front. Hence, the plate-scale stress field in Southeast Asia appears to be controlled by a combination of Himalayan orogeny-related deformation, forces related to subduction (primarily trench suction and collision) and intraplate sources of stress such as topography and basin geometry.

Dipteran wing motor-inspired flapping flight versatility and effectiveness enhancement

PubMed Central

Harne, R. L.; Wang, K. W.

2015-01-01

Insects are a prime source of inspiration towards the development of small-scale, engineered, flapping wing flight systems. To help interpret the possible energy transformation strategies observed in Diptera as inspiration for mechanical flapping flight systems, we revisit the perspective of the dipteran wing motor as a bistable click mechanism and take a new, and more flexible, outlook to the architectural composition previously considered. Using a representative structural model alongside biological insights and cues from nonlinear dynamics, our analyses and experimental results reveal that a flight mechanism able to adjust motor axial support stiffness and compression characteristics may dramatically modulate the amplitude range and type of wing stroke dynamics achievable. This corresponds to significantly more versatile aerodynamic force generation without otherwise changing flapping frequency or driving force amplitude. Whether monostable or bistable, the axial stiffness is key to enhance compressed motor load bearing ability and aerodynamic efficiency, particularly compared with uncompressed linear motors. These findings provide new foundation to guide future development of bioinspired, flapping wing mechanisms for micro air vehicle applications, and may be used to provide insight to the dipteran muscle-to-wing interface. PMID:25608517

Buoyancy forcing and the MOC: insights from experiments, simulations and global models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, B. L.; Passaggia, P. Y.; Zemskova, V.

2017-12-01

The driving forces behind the Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) have been widely debated, with wind-driven upwelling, surface buoyancy fluxes due to heating/cooling/freshwater input, and vertical diffusion due to turbulent mixing all thought to play significant roles. To explore the specific role of buoyancy forcing we present results from experiments and simulations of Horizontal Convection (HC), where a circulation is driven by differential buoyancy forcing applied along a horizontal surface. We interpret these results using energy budgets based on the local Available Potential Energy framework introduced in [Scotti and White, J. Fluid Mech., 2014]. We first describe HC experiments driven by the diffusion of salt in water across membranes localized at the surface, at Schmidt numbers {Sc}≈ 610 and Rayleigh numbers in the range 1012 < Ra=Δ b L3/(ν κ ) < 1017, where ν is the kinematic viscosity of water, κ is the diffusion coefficient of salt, L=[.5,2,5]m is the length of the different tanks and Δ b=g(ρ salt}-ρ {fresh}/ρ_{fresh is the reduced gravity difference. We show that the scaling follows a Nu ˜ Ra1/4 type scaling recently theorized by Shishkina et; al. (2016). We then present numerical results for rotating horizontal convection with a zonally re-entrant channel to represent the Southern Ocean branch of the MOC. While the zonal wind stress profile is important to the spatial pattern of the circulation, perhaps surprisingly, the energy budget shows only a weak dependence on the magnitude of the wind input, suggesting that surface APE generation by buoyancy forcing is dominant in driving the overturning circulation.

Broach Handle Design Changes Force Distribution in the Femur During Total Hip Arthroplasty.

PubMed

Greenhill, Dustin A; Abbasi, Pooyan; Darvish, Kurosh; Star, Andrew M

2017-06-01

Curved broach handles were developed to overcome limited surgical exposures during total hip arthroplasty. Some authors report increased intraoperative fracture rates during limited exposures. This study evaluates mechanical force ratios transmitted to the bone while broaching with curved vs straight handles. An experimental model utilized a 6-axis load cell to measure force distributions produced by 4 different broach handles, each with increasing offset and curvature. Handles were separately impacted and dynamic variables assessed. Handles were then digitized using a high-resolution optical system and a finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to account for trabecular bone and vary the location of mallet impact. Off-axis forces, broaching construct moments, and stress within surrounding bone were computed. Using the experimental model, high-offset handles lost on average 4% more hammering force to the horizontal axis. When the FEA utilized moduli of elasticity to estimate broaching through osteoporotic trabecular bone, horizontally displaced forces (toward cortical bone) were magnified from 4% to a maximum value of 52%. Both the experimental construct and FEA confirmed that larger offset handles increase moment-to-force ratios up to 163%-235%, thus rotating the proximal and distal ends of the broach toward cortical bone. Broach handle design is an important determinant of resultant forces transmitted to the broach (and ultimately the bone) during total hip arthroplasty. Unwanted off-axis forces and enhanced rotational dynamics may play a role in intraoperative fractures during femoral canal preparation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tooth brushing habits in uninstructed adults--frequency, technique, duration and force.

PubMed

Ganss, C; Schlueter, N; Preiss, S; Klimek, J

2009-06-01

Professional recommendations for individual oral hygiene mostly include tooth brushing at least twice daily for 2-3 min with gentle force using the Bass technique or modifications of it. This study evaluated whether habitual tooth brushing actually meets these standards. Uninstructed adults (n = 103; mean age 31 +/- 6 years; 61 female, 42 male) with habitual manual tooth brushing were given a self-administered questionnaire about the frequency of brushing and a computer system recorded their brushing technique, duration and force. The majority (79.6%) of participants brushed twice daily. The mean brushing duration was 96.6 +/- 36.0 s, the mean brushing force was 2.3 +/- 0.7 N (max. 4.1 N), and no significant differences were found for quadrants. Most subjects (73.8%) brushed with circling, 8.7% with horizontal/scrubbing, 13.6% with horizontal/circling and 3.9% with vertical/sweeping movements. Modified Bass technique was not observed. When appropriate brushing habits were defined as brushing at least twice daily for 120 s with a brushing force of less than 3 N and with circling or vertical sweeping movements, only 25.2% of the participants fulfilled all criteria, emphasising the ongoing need for oral hygiene education.

Running with horizontal pulling forces: the benefits of towing.

PubMed

Grabowski, Alena M; Kram, Rodger

2008-10-01

Towing, or running with a horizontal pulling force, is a common technique used by adventure racing teams. During an adventure race, the slowest person on a team determines the team's overall performance. To improve overall performance, a faster runner tows a slower runner with an elastic cord attached to their waists. Our purpose was to create and validate a model that predicts the optimal towing force needed by two runners to achieve their best overall performance. We modeled the effects of towing forces between two runners that differ in solo 10-km performance time and/or body mass. We calculated the overall time that could be saved with towing for running distances of 10, 20, and 42.2-km based on equations from previous research. Then, we empirically tested our 10-km model on 15 runners. Towing improved overall running performance considerably and our model accurately predicted this performance improvement. For example, if two runners (a 70 kg runner with a 35 min solo 10-km time and a 70-kg runner with a 50-min solo 10-km time) maintain an optimal towing force throughout a 10-km race, they can improve overall performance by 15%, saving almost 8 min. Ultimately, the race performance time and body mass of each runner determine the optimal towing force.

Grip and limb force limits to turning performance in competition horses

PubMed Central

Tan, Huiling; Wilson, Alan M.

2011-01-01

Manoeuverability is a key requirement for successful terrestrial locomotion, especially on variable terrain, and is a deciding factor in predator–prey interaction. Compared with straight-line running, bend running requires additional leg force to generate centripetal acceleration. In humans, this results in a reduction in maximum speed during bend running and a published model assuming maximum limb force as a constraint accurately predicts how much a sprinter must slow down on a bend given his maximum straight-line speed. In contrast, greyhounds do not slow down or change stride parameters during bend running, which suggests that their limbs can apply the additional force for this manoeuvre. We collected horizontal speed and angular velocity of heading of horses while they turned in different scenarios during competitive polo and horse racing. The data were used to evaluate the limits of turning performance. During high-speed turns of large radius horizontal speed was lower on the bend, as would be predicted from a model assuming a limb force limit to running speed. During small radius turns the angular velocity of heading decreased with increasing speed in a manner consistent with the coefficient of friction of the hoof–surface interaction setting the limit to centripetal force to avoid slipping. PMID:21147799

Grip and limb force limits to turning performance in competition horses.

PubMed

Tan, Huiling; Wilson, Alan M

2011-07-22

Manoeuverability is a key requirement for successful terrestrial locomotion, especially on variable terrain, and is a deciding factor in predator-prey interaction. Compared with straight-line running, bend running requires additional leg force to generate centripetal acceleration. In humans, this results in a reduction in maximum speed during bend running and a published model assuming maximum limb force as a constraint accurately predicts how much a sprinter must slow down on a bend given his maximum straight-line speed. In contrast, greyhounds do not slow down or change stride parameters during bend running, which suggests that their limbs can apply the additional force for this manoeuvre. We collected horizontal speed and angular velocity of heading of horses while they turned in different scenarios during competitive polo and horse racing. The data were used to evaluate the limits of turning performance. During high-speed turns of large radius horizontal speed was lower on the bend, as would be predicted from a model assuming a limb force limit to running speed. During small radius turns the angular velocity of heading decreased with increasing speed in a manner consistent with the coefficient of friction of the hoof-surface interaction setting the limit to centripetal force to avoid slipping.

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

Gluskin, Efim; Trakhtenberg, Emil; Xu, Joseph Z.

A method and apparatus for implementing dynamic compensation of magnetic forces for undulators are provided. An undulator includes a respective set of magnet arrays, each attached to a strongback, and placed on horizontal slides and positioned parallel relative to each other with a predetermined gap. Magnetic forces are compensated by a set of compensation springs placed along the strongback. The compensation springs are conical springs having exponential-force characteristics that substantially match undulator magnetic forces independently of the predetermined gap. The conical springs are positioned along the length of the magnets.

A hybrid scanning force and light microscope for surface imaging and three-dimensional optical sectioning in differential interference contrast.

PubMed

Stemmer, A

1995-04-01

The design of a scanned-cantilever-type force microscope is presented which is fully integrated into an inverted high-resolution video-enhanced light microscope. This set-up allows us to acquire thin optical sections in differential interference contrast (DIC) or polarization while the force microscope is in place. Such a hybrid microscope provides a unique platform to study how cell surface properties determine, or are affected by, the three-dimensional dynamic organization inside the living cell. The hybrid microscope presented in this paper has proven reliable and versatile for biological applications. It is the only instrument that can image a specimen by force microscopy and high-power DIC without having either to translate the specimen or to remove the force microscope. Adaptation of the design features could greatly enhance the suitability of other force microscopes for biological work.

A multifunctional force microscope for soft matter with in situ imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberts, Paul; Pilkington, Georgia A.; Wang, Yumo; Frechette, Joelle

2018-04-01

We present the multifunctional force microscope (MFM), a normal and lateral force-measuring instrument with in situ imaging. In the MFM, forces are calculated from the normal and lateral deflection of a cantilever as measured via fiber optic sensors. The motion of the cantilever is controlled normally by a linear micro-translation stage and a piezoelectric actuator, while the lateral motion of the sample is controlled by another linear micro-translation stage. The micro-translation stages allow for travel distances that span 25 mm with a minimum step size of 50 nm, while the piezo has a minimum step size of 0.2 nm, but a 100 μm maximum range. Custom-designed cantilevers allow for the forces to be measured over 4 orders of magnitude (from 50 μN to 1 N). We perform probe tack, friction, and hydrodynamic drainage experiments to demonstrate the sensitivity, versatility, and measurable force range of the instrument.

Tuning group-velocity dispersion by optical force.

PubMed

Jiang, Wei C; Lin, Qiang

2013-07-15

We propose an optomechanical approach for dispersion dynamic tuning and microengineering by taking advantage of the optical force in nano-optomechanical structures. Simulations of a suspended coupled silicon waveguide show that the zero-dispersion wavelength can be tuned by 40 nm by an optical pump power of 3 mW. Our approach exhibits great potential for broad applications in dispersion-sensitive processes, which not only offers a new root toward versatile tunable nonlinear photonics but may also open up a great avenue toward a new regime of nonlinear dynamics coupling between nonlinear optical and optomechanical effects.

X-ray nanoprobe project at Taiwan Photon Source

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

Yin, Gung-Chian, E-mail: gcyin@nsrrc.org.tw; Chang, Shih-Hung; Chen, Bo-Yi

2016-07-27

The hard X-ray nanoprobe facility at Taiwan Photon Source (TPS) provides versatile X-ray analysis techniques, with tens of nanometer resolution, including XRF, XAS, XEOL, projection microscope, CDI, etc. Resulting from the large numerical aperture obtained by utilizing Montel KB mirrors, the beamline with a moderate length 75 meters can conduct similar performance with those beamlines longer than 100 meters. The two silica-made Montel mirrors are 45 degree cut and placed in a V-shape to eliminate the gap loss and the deformation caused by gravity. The slope error of the KB mirror pair is less than 0.04 µrad accomplished by elasticmore » emission machining (EEM) method. For the beamline, a horizontal DCM and two-stage focusing in horizontal direction is applied. For the endstation, a combination of SEM for quickly positioning the sample, a fly scanning system with laser interferometers, a precise temperature control system, and a load lock transfer system will be implemented. In this presentation, the design and construction progress of the beamline and endstation is reported. The endstation is scheduled to be in commissioning phase in 2016.« less

Low cost 3D scanning process using digital image processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguilar, David; Romero, Carlos; Martínez, Fernando

2017-02-01

This paper shows the design and building of a low cost 3D scanner, able to digitize solid objects through contactless data acquisition, using active object reflection. 3D scanners are used in different applications such as: science, engineering, entertainment, etc; these are classified in: contact scanners and contactless ones, where the last ones are often the most used but they are expensive. This low-cost prototype is done through a vertical scanning of the object using a fixed camera and a mobile horizontal laser light, which is deformed depending on the 3-dimensional surface of the solid. Using digital image processing an analysis of the deformation detected by the camera was done; it allows determining the 3D coordinates using triangulation. The obtained information is processed by a Matlab script, which gives to the user a point cloud corresponding to each horizontal scanning done. The obtained results show an acceptable quality and significant details of digitalized objects, making this prototype (built on LEGO Mindstorms NXT kit) a versatile and cheap tool, which can be used for many applications, mainly by engineering students.

Integrated Digital Flight Control System for the Space Shuttle Orbiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

The objectives of the integrated digital flight control system (DFCS) is to provide rotational and translational control of the space shuttle orbiter in all phases of flight: from launch ascent through orbit to entry and touchdown, and during powered horizontal flights. The program provides a versatile control system structure while maintaining uniform communications with other programs, sensors, and control effectors by using an executive routine/functional subroutine format. The program reads all external variables at a single point, copies them into its dedicated storage, and then calls the required subroutines in the proper sequence. As a result, the flight control program is largely independent of other programs in the computer complex and is equally insensitive to characteristics of the processor configuration. The integrated structure is described of the control system and the DFCS executive routine which embodies that structure. The input and output, including jet selection are included. Specific estimation and control algorithm are shown for the various mission phases: cruise (including horizontal powered flight), entry, on-orbit, and boost. Attitude maneuver routines that interface with the DFCS are included.

Regolith Advanced Surface Systems Operations Robot Excavator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Robert P.; Smith, Jonathan D.; Ebert, Thomas; Cox, Rachel; Rahmatian, Laila; Wood, James; Schuler, Jason; Nick, Andrew

2013-01-01

The Regolith Advanced Surface Systems Operations Robot (RASSOR) excavator robot is a teleoperated mobility platform with a space regolith excavation capability. This more compact, lightweight design (<50 kg) has counterrotating bucket drums, which results in a net-zero reaction horizontal force due to the self-cancellation of the symmetrical, equal but opposing, digging forces.

Measuring q/m for Water Drops--An Introduction to the Effects of Electrical Forces

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hart, Francis X.

1974-01-01

Discusses an experiment which introduces students to the effects of electrical forces on the motion of macroscopic objects. Included are the proecedures of measuring the charge-to-mass ratio from deflections of charged water drops in horizontal fields and the overall charges delivered in a Faraday cup. (CC)

Numerical simulation of present day tectonic stress across the Indian subcontinent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, R.; Tiwari, V. M.

2018-04-01

In situ measurements of maximum horizontal stress (S Hmax) in the Indian subcontinent are limited and do not present regional trends of intraplate stress orientation. The observed orientations of S Hmax vary considerably and often differ from the plate velocity direction. We have simulated orientation and magnitude of S Hmax through finite element modeling incorporating heterogeneities in elastic property of the Indian continent and plain stress approximation to understand the variability of S Hmax. Four different scenarios are tested in simulation: (1) homogeneous plate with fixed plate boundary (2) homogeneous plate with boundary forces (3) heterogeneous plate with fixed boundary (4) heterogeneous plate with boundary forces. The estimated orientation and magnitude of S Hmax with a heterogeneous plate with boundary forces in the Himalayan region and an eastern plate boundary comprising the Indo-Burmese arc and Andaman subduction zone are consistent with measured maximum horizontal stress. This study suggests that plate boundary force varies along the northern Indian plate margin and also provides a constraint on the intraplate stress field in the Indian subcontinent.

Development of Si neural probe with piezoresistive force sensor for minimally invasive and precise monitoring of insertion forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harashima, Takuya; Morikawa, Takumi; Kino, Hisashi; Fukushima, Takafumi; Tanaka, Tetsu

2017-04-01

A Si neural probe is one of the most important tools for neurophysiology and brain science because of its various functions such as optical stimulation and drug delivery. However, the Si neural probe is not robust compared with a metal tetrode, and could be broken by mechanical stress caused by insertion to the brain. Therefore, the Si neural probe becomes more useful if it has a stress sensor that can measure mechanical forces applied to the probe so as not to be broken. In this paper, we proposed and fabricated the Si neural probe with a piezoresistive force sensor for minimally invasive and precise monitoring of insertion forces. The fabricated piezoresistive force sensor accurately measured forces and successfully detected insertion events without buckling or bending in the shank of the Si neural probe. This Si neural probe with a piezoresistive force sensor has become one of the most versatile tools for neurophysiology and brain science.

Vertical and Horizontal Impact Force Comparison During Jump Landings With and Without Rotation in NCAA Division I Male Soccer Players.

PubMed

Harry, John R; Barker, Leland A; Mercer, John A; Dufek, Janet S

2017-07-01

Harry, JR, Barker, LA, Mercer, JA, and Dufek, JS. Vertical and horizontal impact force comparison during jump landings with and without rotation in NCAA Division I male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1780-1786, 2017-There is a wealth of research on impact force characteristics when landing from a jump. However, there are no data on impact forces during landing from a jump with an airborne rotation about the vertical axis. We examined impact force parameters in the vertical and horizontal axes during vertical jump (VJ) landings and VJ landings with a 180° rotation (VJR). Twenty-four Division I male soccer players performed 3 VJ and VJR landings on a dual-force platform system. Paired-samples t-tests (α = 0.05) compared differences in the first (F1) and second (F2) peak vertical ground reaction forces, times to F1 (tF1), F2 (tF2), and the end of the impact phase, vertical impulse, and anterior-posterior and medial-lateral force couples. Effect sizes (ES; large >0.8) were computed to determine the magnitude of the differences. Lower jump height (41.60 ± 4.03 cm, VJ landings; 39.40 ± 4.05 cm, VJR landings; p = 0.002; ES = 0.39), greater F2 (55.71 ± 11.95 N·kg, VJ; 68.16 ± 14.82 N·kg; p < 0.001; ES = 0.94), faster tF2 (0.057 ± 0.012 seconds, VJ; 0.047 ± 0.011 seconds, VJR; p = 0.001; ES = 0.89), greater anterior-posterior (0.06 ± 0.03 N·s·kg, VJ; 0.56 ± 0.15 N·s·kg, VJR; p < 0.001; ES = 1.83) and medial-lateral force couples (0.29 ± 0.11 N·s·kg, VJ; 0.56 ± 0.14 N·s·kg, VJR; p < 0.001; ES = 1.46) occurred during VJR landings. No other differences were identified. This kinetic analysis determined that landing from a jump with 180° airborne rotation is different than landing from a jump without an airborne rotation. Male Division I soccer players could benefit from increasing the volume of VJR landings during training to address the differences in jump height and force parameters compared with VJ landings.

Field monitoring of sprinting power-force-velocity profile before, during and after hamstring injury: two case reports.

PubMed

Mendiguchia, J; Edouard, P; Samozino, P; Brughelli, M; Cross, M; Ross, A; Gill, N; Morin, J B

2016-01-01

Very little is currently known about the effects of acute hamstring injury on over-ground sprinting mechanics. The aim of this research was to describe changes in power-force-velocity properties of sprinting in two injury case studies related to hamstring strain management: Case 1: during a repeated sprint task (10 sprints of 40 m) when an injury occurred (5th sprint) in a professional rugby player; and Case 2: prior to (8 days) and after (33 days) an acute hamstring injury in a professional soccer player. A sports radar system was used to measure instantaneous velocity-time data, from which individual mechanical profiles were derived using a recently validated method based on a macroscopic biomechanical model. Variables of interest included: maximum theoretical velocity (V0) and horizontal force (F(H0)), slope of the force-velocity (F-v) relationship, maximal power, and split times over 5 and 20 m. For Case 1, during the injury sprint (sprint 5), there was a clear change in the F-v profile with a 14% greater value of F(H0) (7.6-8.7 N/kg) and a 6% decrease in V0 (10.1 to 9.5 m/s). For Case 2, at return to sport, the F-v profile clearly changed with a 20.5% lower value of F(H0) (8.3 vs. 6.6 N/kg) and no change in V0. The results suggest that the capability to produce horizontal force at low speed (F(H0)) (i.e. first metres of the acceleration phase) is altered both before and after return to sport from a hamstring injury in these two elite athletes with little or no change of maximal velocity capabilities (V0), as evidenced in on-field conditions. Practitioners should consider regularly monitoring horizontal force production during sprint running both from a performance and injury prevention perspective.

ReagentTF: a rapid and versatile optical clearing method for biological imaging(Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Tingting; Zhu, Jingtan; Li, Yusha; Qi, Yisong; Xu, Jianyi; Gong, Hui; Luo, Qingming; Zhu, Dan

2017-02-01

The emergence of various optical clearing methods provides a great potential for imaging deep inside tissues by combining with multiple-labelling and microscopic imaging techniques. They were generally developed for specific imaging demand thus presented some non-negligible limitations such as long incubation time, tissue deformation, fluorescence quenching, incompatibility with immunostaining or lipophilic tracers. In this study, we developed a rapid and versatile clearing method, termed ReagentTF, for deep imaging of various fluorescent samples. This method can not only efficiently clear embryos, neonatal whole-brains and adult thick brain sections by simple immersion in aqueous mixtures with minimal volume change, but also can preserve fluorescence of various fluorescent proteins and simultaneously be compatible with immunostaining and lipophilic neuronal dyes. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in reconstructing the cell distributions of mouse hippocampus, visualizing the neural projection from CA1 (Cornu Ammonis 1) to HDB (nucleus of the horizontal limb of the diagonal band), and observing the growth of forelimb plexus in whole-mount embryos. These results suggest that ReagentTF is useful for large-volume imaging and will be an option for the deep imaging of biological tissues.

Application of the LEPS technique for Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting (QPF) in Southern Italy: a preliminary study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Federico, S.; Avolio, E.; Bellecci, C.; Colacino, M.; Walko, R. L.

2006-03-01

This paper reports preliminary results for a Limited area model Ensemble Prediction System (LEPS), based on RAMS (Regional Atmospheric Modelling System), for eight case studies of moderate-intense precipitation over Calabria, the southernmost tip of the Italian peninsula. LEPS aims to transfer the benefits of a probabilistic forecast from global to regional scales in countries where local orographic forcing is a key factor to force convection. To accomplish this task and to limit computational time in an operational implementation of LEPS, we perform a cluster analysis of ECMWF-EPS runs. Starting from the 51 members that form the ECMWF-EPS we generate five clusters. For each cluster a representative member is selected and used to provide initial and dynamic boundary conditions to RAMS, whose integrations generate LEPS. RAMS runs have 12-km horizontal resolution. To analyze the impact of enhanced horizontal resolution on quantitative precipitation forecasts, LEPS forecasts are compared to a full Brute Force (BF) ensemble. This ensemble is based on RAMS, has 36 km horizontal resolution and is generated by 51 members, nested in each ECMWF-EPS member. LEPS and BF results are compared subjectively and by objective scores. Subjective analysis is based on precipitation and probability maps of case studies whereas objective analysis is made by deterministic and probabilistic scores. Scores and maps are calculated by comparing ensemble precipitation forecasts against reports from the Calabria regional raingauge network. Results show that LEPS provided better rainfall predictions than BF for all case studies selected. This strongly suggests the importance of the enhanced horizontal resolution, compared to ensemble population, for Calabria for these cases. To further explore the impact of local physiographic features on QPF (Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting), LEPS results are also compared with a 6-km horizontal resolution deterministic forecast. Due to local and mesoscale forcing, the high resolution forecast (Hi-Res) has better performance compared to the ensemble mean for rainfall thresholds larger than 10mm but it tends to overestimate precipitation for lower amounts. This yields larger false alarms that have a detrimental effect on objective scores for lower thresholds. To exploit the advantages of a probabilistic forecast compared to a deterministic one, the relation between the ECMWF-EPS 700 hPa geopotential height spread and LEPS performance is analyzed. Results are promising even if additional studies are required.

Active cell-matrix coupling regulates cellular force landscapes of cohesive epithelial monolayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Tiankai; Zhang, Yao; Wei, Qiong; Shi, Xuechen; Zhao, Peng; Chen, Long-Qing; Zhang, Sulin

2018-03-01

Epithelial cells can assemble into cohesive monolayers with rich morphologies on substrates due to competition between elastic, edge, and interfacial effects. Here we present a molecularly based thermodynamic model, integrating monolayer and substrate elasticity, and force-mediated focal adhesion formation, to elucidate the active biochemical regulation over the cellular force landscapes in cohesive epithelial monolayers, corroborated by microscopy and immunofluorescence studies. The predicted extracellular traction and intercellular tension are both monolayer size and substrate stiffness dependent, suggestive of cross-talks between intercellular and extracellular activities. Our model sets a firm ground toward a versatile computational framework to uncover the molecular origins of morphogenesis and disease in multicellular epithelia.

3D Viscous Free-Surface Flow around a Combatant Ship Hull

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pacuraru, Florin; Lungu, Adrian; Maria, Viorel

2009-09-01

The prediction of the total drag experienced by an advancing ship is a complicated problem which requires a thorough understanding of the hydrodynamic forces acting on the hull, the physical processes from which these forces arise and their mutual interaction. A general numerical method to predict the hydrodynamic performance of a twin-propeller combatant ship hull is presented in the paper. For practical reasons, the technique couples a body forces method and a RANS-based finite volume solver to account for the interactions between the hull and the appendages mounted on it: propellers, rudders, shaft lines, bossings and brackets. The chimera approach has been found the most versatile way for grid generation of hull and appendages.

Effects of vest loading on sprint kinetics and kinematics.

PubMed

Cross, Matt R; Brughelli, Matt E; Cronin, John B

2014-07-01

The effects of vest loading on sprint kinetics and kinematics during the acceleration and maximum velocity phases of sprinting are relatively unknown. A repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc contrasts was used to determine whether performing 6-second maximal exertion sprints on a nonmotorized force treadmill, under 2 weighted vest loading conditions (9 and 18 kg) and an unloaded baseline condition, affected the sprint mechanics of 13 males from varying sporting backgrounds. Neither vest load promoted significant change in peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF-z) outputs compared with baseline during acceleration, and only 18-kg loading increased GRF-z at the maximum velocity (8.8%; effect size [ES] = 0.70). The mean GRF-z significantly increased with 18-kg loading during acceleration and maximum velocity (11.8-12.4%; ES = 1.17-1.33). Horizontal force output was unaffected, although horizontal power was decreased with the 18-kg vest during maximum velocity (-14.3%; ES = -0.48). Kinematic analysis revealed decreasing velocity (-3.6 to -5.6%; ES = -0.38 to -0.61), decreasing step length (-4.2%; ES = -0.33 to -0.34), increasing contact time (5.9-10.0%; ES = 1.01-1.71), and decreasing flight time (-17.4 to -26.7%; ES = -0.89 to -1.50) with increased loading. As a vertical vector-training stimulus, it seems that vest loading decreases flight time, which in turn reduces GRF-z. Furthermore, it seems that heavier loads than that are traditionally recommended are needed to promote increases in the GRF-z output during maximum velocity sprinting. Finally, vest loading offers little as a horizontal vector-training stimulus and actually compromises horizontal power output.

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.

Study of electromechanical and mechanical properties of bacteria using force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reukov, Vladimir; Thompson, Gary; Nikiforov, Maxim; Guo, Senli; Ovchinnikov, Oleg; Jesse, Stephen; Kalinin, Sergei; Vertegel, Alexey

2010-03-01

The application of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) to biological systems has evolved over the past decade into a multimodal and spectroscopic instrument that provides multiple information channels at each spatial pixel acquired. Recently, functional recognition imaging based on differing electromechanical properties between Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria was achieved using artificial neural network analysis of band excitation piezoresponse force microscopy (BEPFM) data. The immediate goal of this project was to study mechanical and electromechanical properties of bacterial systems physiologically-relevant solutions using Band-width Excitation Piezoresponce Force Microscopy (BE PFM) in combination with Force Mapping. Electromechanical imaging in physiological environments will improve the versatility of functional recognition imaging and open the way for application of the rapid BEPFM line mode method to other living cell systems.

Water entry and exit of horizontal circular cylinders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenhow, M.; Moyo, S.

This paper describes fully nonlinear two-dimensional numerical calculations of the free-surface deformations of initially calm water caused by the forced motion of totally or partially submerged horizontal circular cylinders. The paper considers the following. (i) Totally submerged cylinders moving with constant velocity in vertical, horizontal or combined motions. Results are compared with the small-time asymptotic solution obtained by Tyvand and Milohin 1995. Their results, which are taken to third-order (which is when gravity terms first appear in the expansions), are in excellent agreement with the numerical calculations for small times; beyond this only the numerical method gives accurate results until the free surface breaks or the cylinder emerges from the free surface. Breaking can occur during exit due to strongly negative pressures arising on the cylinder surface, or during the downwards motion causing a free-surface depression which closes up rapidly, forming splashes. Downwards motion is also shown to give rise to high-frequency waves in some cases. (ii) The free-surface deformations, pressures and forces acting on a cylinder in vertical or oblique forced motion during engulfment when it submerges from being initially half-submerged. The initial stages, when the cylinder still pierces the free surface, specify the initial conditions for a separate program for a completely submerged body, thereby allowing complete engulfment to be studied. The free surface closes up violently over the top of the cylinder resulting in jet flow, which, while difficult to handle numerically, has been shown to be insignificant for the bulk flow and the cylinder pressures and forces.

Acceleration capability in elite sprinters and ground impulse: Push more, brake less?

PubMed

Morin, Jean-Benoît; Slawinski, Jean; Dorel, Sylvain; de Villareal, Eduardo Saez; Couturier, Antoine; Samozino, Pierre; Brughelli, Matt; Rabita, Giuseppe

2015-09-18

Overground sprint studies have shown the importance of net horizontal ground reaction force impulse (IMPH) for acceleration performance, but only investigated one or two steps over the acceleration phase, and not in elite sprinters. The main aim of this study was to distinguish between propulsive (IMPH+) and braking (IMPH-) components of the IMPH and seek whether, for an expected higher IMPH, faster elite sprinters produce greater IMPH+, smaller IMPH-, or both. Nine high-level sprinters (100-m best times range: 9.95-10.60s) performed 7 sprints (2×10 m, 2×15 m, 20 m, 30 m and 40 m) during which ground reaction force was measured by a 6.60 m force platform system. By placing the starting-blocks further from the force plates at each trial, and pooling the data, we could assess the mechanics of an entire "virtual" 40-m acceleration. IMPH and IMPH+ were significantly correlated with 40-m mean speed (r=0.868 and 0.802, respectively; P<0.01), whereas vertical impulse and IMPH- were not. Multiple regression analyses confirmed the significantly higher importance of IMPH+ for sprint acceleration performance. Similar results were obtained when considering these mechanical data averaged over the first half of the sprint, but not over the second half. In conclusion, faster sprinters were those who produced the highest amounts of horizontal net impulse per unit body mass, and those who "pushed more" (higher IMPH+), but not necessarily those who also "braked less" (lower IMPH-) in the horizontal direction. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gravity-dependent estimates of object mass underlie the generation of motor commands for horizontal limb movements.

PubMed

Crevecoeur, F; McIntyre, J; Thonnard, J-L; Lefèvre, P

2014-07-15

Moving requires handling gravitational and inertial constraints pulling on our body and on the objects that we manipulate. Although previous work emphasized that the brain uses internal models of each type of mechanical load, little is known about their interaction during motor planning and execution. In this report, we examine visually guided reaching movements in the horizontal plane performed by naive participants exposed to changes in gravity during parabolic flight. This approach allowed us to isolate the effect of gravity because the environmental dynamics along the horizontal axis remained unchanged. We show that gravity has a direct effect on movement kinematics, with faster movements observed after transitions from normal gravity to hypergravity (1.8g), followed by significant movement slowing after the transition from hypergravity to zero gravity. We recorded finger forces applied on an object held in precision grip and found that the coupling between grip force and inertial loads displayed a similar effect, with an increase in grip force modulation gain under hypergravity followed by a reduction of modulation gain after entering the zero-gravity environment. We present a computational model to illustrate that these effects are compatible with the hypothesis that participants partially attribute changes in weight to changes in mass and scale incorrectly their motor commands with changes in gravity. These results highlight a rather direct internal mapping between the force generated during stationary holding against gravity and the estimation of inertial loads that limb and hand motor commands must overcome. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

A versatile variable field module for Asylum Cypher scanning probe system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongxue; Comes, Ryan; Lu, Jiwei; Wolf, Stuart; Hodgson, Jim; Rutgers, Maarten

2013-03-01

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has become one of the most widely used techniques for measuring and manipulating various characteristics of materials at the nanoscale. However, there are very limited option for the characterization of field dependence properties. In this work, we demonstrate a versatile variable field module (VFM) with magnetic field up to 1800 Oe for the Asylum Research Cypher system. The magnetic field is changed by adjusting the distance between a rare earth magnet and the AFM probe. A built-in Hall sensor makes it possible to perform in-situ measurements of the field. Rotating the magnet makes it possible to do angular field dependent measurements. The capability of the VFM system is demonstrated by degaussing a floppy disk media with increasing magnetic field. The written bits are erased at about 800 Oe. Angular dependence measurements clearly show the evolution of magnetic domain structures. A completely reversible magnetic force microscopy (MFM) phase contrast is observed when the magnetic field is rotated by 180°. Further demonstration of successful magnetic switching of CoFe2O4 pillars in CoFe2O4-BiFeO3 nanocomposites will be presented and field dependent MFM and piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) will be discussed. The work at University of Virginia was supported by DARPA under contract no. HR-0011-10-1-0072.

Tanks Within The Marine Air Ground Task Force: A N/A Versatile Combat Multiplier Throughout the Full Spectrum of Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-26

Estes, Marines Under Armor : The Marine Corps and the Armored Fighting Vehicle, 1916- 2000. Naval Institute Press, Annapolis MD, 2000. Prior to WWIT...Marines Under Armor : The Marine Corps and the Armored Fighting Vehicle, 1916-2000. Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MA: 2000 Gilbert, Oscar E

Investigating biomolecular recognition at the cell surface using atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Wang, Congzhou; Yadavalli, Vamsi K

2014-05-01

Probing the interaction forces that drive biomolecular recognition on cell surfaces is essential for understanding diverse biological processes. Force spectroscopy has been a widely used dynamic analytical technique, allowing measurement of such interactions at the molecular and cellular level. The capabilities of working under near physiological environments, combined with excellent force and lateral resolution make atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based force spectroscopy a powerful approach to measure biomolecular interaction forces not only on non-biological substrates, but also on soft, dynamic cell surfaces. Over the last few years, AFM-based force spectroscopy has provided biophysical insight into how biomolecules on cell surfaces interact with each other and induce relevant biological processes. In this review, we focus on describing the technique of force spectroscopy using the AFM, specifically in the context of probing cell surfaces. We summarize recent progress in understanding the recognition and interactions between macromolecules that may be found at cell surfaces from a force spectroscopy perspective. We further discuss the challenges and future prospects of the application of this versatile technique. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Horizontal sliding of kilometre-scale hot spring area during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake

PubMed Central

Tsuji, Takeshi; Ishibashi, Jun’ichiro; Ishitsuka, Kazuya; Kamata, Ryuichi

2017-01-01

We report horizontal sliding of the kilometre-scale geologic block under the Aso hot springs (Uchinomaki area) caused by vibrations from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake (Mw 7.0). Direct borehole observations demonstrate the sliding along the horizontal geological formation at ~50 m depth, which is where the shallowest hydrothermal reservoir developed. Owing to >1 m northwest movement of the geologic block, as shown by differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR), extensional open fissures were generated at the southeastern edge of the horizontal sliding block, and compressional deformation and spontaneous fluid emission from wells were observed at the northwestern edge of the block. The temporal and spatial variation of the hot spring supply during the earthquake can be explained by the horizontal sliding and borehole failures. Because there was no strain accumulation around the hot spring area prior to the earthquake and gravitational instability could be ignored, the horizontal sliding along the low-frictional formation was likely caused by seismic forces from the remote earthquake. The insights derived from our field-scale observations may assist further research into geologic block sliding in horizontal geological formations. PMID:28218298

Design of a new engine mount for vertical and horizontal vibration control using magnetorheological fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phu, D. X.; Choi, S. B.; Lee, Y. S.; Han, M. S.

2014-10-01

This paper presents a new design of a magnetorheological fluid (MR) mount for vibration control considering both vertical forces and horizontal moments such as are met in various engine systems, including a medium high-speed engine of ship. The newly designed mount, called a MR brake mount, offers several salient benefits such as small size and relatively high load capacity compared with a conventional MR engine mount that can control vertical vibration only. The principal design parameters of the proposed mount are optimally determined to achieve maximum torque with geometric and spatial constraints. Subsequently, the proposed MR mount is designed and manufactured based on the optimized design parameters. It is shown from experimental testing that the proposed mount, which combines MR mount with MR brake, can produce the desired force and torque to reduce unwanted vibration of a medium high-speed engine system of ship subjected to both vertical and horizontal exciting motions. In addition, it is verified that there is no large difference between experiment results and simulation results that are obtained from an analytical model derived in this work.

Design of foundations with sliding joint at areas affected with underground mining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matečková, P.; Šmiřáková, M.; Maňásek, P.

2018-04-01

Underground mining always influences also landscape on surface. If there are buildings on the surface they are affected with terrain deformation which comprises terrain inclination, curvature, shift and horizontal deformation. Ostrava – Karvina region is specific with underground mining very close to densely inhabited area. About 25 years ago there were mines even in the city of Ostrava. Recommendations and rules for design of building structures at areas affected with underground mining have been therefore analysed in long term. This paper is focused on deformation action caused by terrain horizontal deformation - expansion or compression. Through the friction between foundation structure and subsoil in footing bottom the foundation structure has to resist significant normal forces. The idea of sliding joint which eliminates the friction and decreases internal forces comes from the last century. Sliding joint made of asphalt belt has been analysed at Faculty of Civil Engineering, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava in long term. The influence of vertical and horizontal load and the effect of temperature in temperature controlled room have been examined. Testing, design and utilization of sliding joint is presented.

What Supports an Aeroplane? Force, Momentum, Energy and Power in Flight

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robertson, David

2014-01-01

Some apparently confusing aspects of Newton's laws as applied to an aircraft in normal horizontal flight are neatly resolved by a careful analysis of force, momentum, energy and power. A number of related phenomena are explained at the same time, including the lift and induced drag coefficients, used empirically in the aviation industry.

[Evaluation of three dimensional orthodontic force produced by magnet of fix appliance].

PubMed

Dai, Xin; Hou, Zhi-ming; Yao, Ge; Wen, Jing-long

2008-12-01

To analyze the feature and magnitude of three dimensional orthodontic force produced by the magnet of fix appliance. Forces detected by universal fatigue test system included the attractive and repulsive,the inclined and rotated orthodontic forces of two magnets in different air gaps, and the integrated inclined and rotated orthodontic forces of two magnets and NiTi wire. The attractive and repulsive forces of two magnets were 4.68 to 0.45 N and 3.00 to 0.40 N respectively in the air gaps of 0 to 5 mm. The inclined orthodontic forces were 1.54 to 1.67 N, 0.63 to 0.69 N, 0.47 to 0.54 N when the magnets were vertically inclined 10 degrees to 40 degrees in the air gaps of 0, 1, 2mm. The rotated orthodontic forces were 0.97 to 1.32 N, 0.53 to 0.59 N, 0.39 to 0.48 N when the magnets were horizontally rotated 10 degrees to 40 degrees in the air gaps of 0, 1, 2mm. The integrated orthodontic force of two magnets and 0.014-inch NiTi wire was 0.32 to 0.5 N when the magnets was vertically inclined 10 degrees to 40 degrees in the air gap of 4 mm. The integrated orthodontic force of two magnets and 0.012-inch NiTi wire was 0.32 to 0.39 N when the magnets were horizontally rotated 10 degrees to 40 degrees in the air gap of 3 mm. Magnets made into orthodontic brackets to some extent could replace the mechanical orthodontic force produced by orthodontic wires and elastics.

Effects of horizontal plyometric training volume on soccer players' performance.

PubMed

Yanci, Javier; Los Arcos, Asier; Camara, Jesús; Castillo, Daniel; García, Alberto; Castagna, Carlo

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the dose response effect of strength and conditioning programmes, involving horizontally oriented plyometric exercises, on relevant soccer performance variables. Sixteen soccer players were randomly allocated to two 6-week plyometric training groups (G1 and G2) differing by imposed (twice a week) training volume. Post-training G1 (4.13%; d = 0.43) and G2 (2.45%; d = 0.53) moderately improved their horizontal countermovement jump performance. Significant between-group differences (p < 0.01) in the vertical countermovement jump for force production time (T2) were detected post-training. No significant and practical (p > 0.05, d = trivial or small) post-training improvements in sprint, change of direction ability (CODA) and horizontal arm swing countermovement jump were reported in either group. Horizontal plyometric training was effective in promoting improvement in injury prevention variables. Doubling the volume of a horizontal plyometric training protocol was shown to have no additional effect over functional aspects of soccer players' performance.

Model-Observation Comparisons of Biomass Burning Smoke and Clouds Over the Southeast Atlantic Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doherty, S. J.; Saide, P.; Zuidema, P.; Shinozuka, Y.; daSilva, A.; McFarquhar, G. M.; Pfister, L.; Carmichael, G. R.; Ferrada, G. A.; Howell, S. G.; Freitag, S.; Dobracki, A. N.; Smirnow, N.; Longo, K.; LeBlanc, S. E.; Adebiyi, A. A.; Podolske, J. R.; Small Griswold, J. D.; Hekkila, A.; Ueyama, R.; Wood, R.; Redemann, J.

2017-12-01

From August through October, in the SE Atlantic a plume of biomass burning smoke from central Africa overlays a relatively persistent stratocumulus-to-cumulus cloud deck. These smoke aerosols are believed to have significant climate forcing via aerosol-radiation and aerosol-cloud interactions, though both the magnitude and sign of this forcing is highly uncertain. This is due to large model spread in simulated aerosol and cloud properties and, until now, a sparsity of observations to constrain the models. Here we will present a comparison of both aerosol and cloud properties over the region using data from the first deployment of the NASA ORACLES (ObseRvations of Aerosols above CLouds and their intEractionS) field experiment (August-September 2016). We examine both horizontal and geographic variations in a range of aerosol and cloud properties and their position relative to each other, since the degree to which aerosols and clouds coincide both horizontally and vertically is perhaps the greatest source of uncertainty in their climate forcing.

Lidocaine permeation from a lidocaine NaCMC/gel microgel formulation in microneedle-pierced skin: vertical (depth averaged) and horizontal permeation profiles.

PubMed

Nayak, Atul; Short, Liam; Das, Diganta B

2015-08-01

Common local anaesthetics such as lidocaine are administered by the hypodermic parenteral route but it causes pain or anxiety to patients. Alternatively, an ointment formulation may be applied which involves a slow drug diffusion process. In addressing these two issues, this paper aims to understand the significance of the 'poke and patch' microneedle (MN) treatment on skin in conjunction to the lidocaine permeation, and in particular, the vertical (depth averaged) and horizontal (e.g. lateral) permeation profiles of the drug in the skin. The instantaneous pharmacokinetics of lidocaine in skin was determined by a skin denaturation technique coupled with Franz diffusion cell measurements of the drug pharmacokinetics. All pharmacokinetic profiles were performed periodically on porcine skin. Three MN insertion forces of 3.9, 7.9 and 15.7 N were applied on the MN to pierce the skin. For the smaller force (3.9 N), post MN-treated skin seems to provide an 'optimum' percutaneous delivery rate. A 10.2-fold increase in lidocaine permeation was observed for a MN insertion force of 3.9 N at 0.25 h and similarly, a 5.4-fold increase in permeation occurred at 0.5 h compared to passive diffusional delivery. It is shown that lidocaine permeates horizontally beyond the area of the MN-treated skin for the smaller MN insertion forces, namely, 3.9 and 7.9 N from 0.25 to 0.75 h, respectively. The lateral diffusion/permeation of lidocaine for larger MN-treated force (namely, 15.7 N in this work) seems to be insignificant at all recorded timings. The MN insertion force of 15.7 N resulted in lidocaine concentrations slightly greater than control (passive diffusion) but significantly less than 3.9 and 7.9 N impact force treatments on skin. We believe this likelihood is due to the skin compression effect that inhibits diffusion until the skin had time to relax at which point lidocaine levels increase.

Multi-Canted Coils, Tubes, and Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaster, Mark L. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

Coil, tube, and other structures configured with a plurality of individual coils, internal structures, legs or extensions with each having multiple cants per coil, internal structure, leg or extension, and wherein the cants formed therein allow for a load-deflection force when each is compressed. In addition, any horizontal or moment forces are substantially reduced and/or eliminated when a downward vertical force is applied, as minimal or no torsion is created in the individual coils, legs or extensions.

Comparative Analysis of the Tour Jete and Aerial with Detailed Analysis of Aerial Takeoff Mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pierson, Mimi; Coplin, Kim

2006-10-01

Whether internally as muscle tension or from external sources, forces are necessary for all motion. This research focused on athletic rotations where conditions of flight are established during takeoff. By studying reaction forces that produce torques, moments of inertia, and linear and angular differences between distinct rotations around different principle axes of the body (tour jete in ballet - longitudinal axis; aerial in gymnastics - anteroposterior axis), and by looking at the values of angular momentum in the specific mechanics of aerial takeoff, we can gain insight into possible causes of injury, flaws in technique and limitations of athletes. Results showed significant differences in the horizontal and vertical components of takeoff between the tour jete and the aerial, and a realization that torque was produced in different biomechanical planes. Both rotations showed braking forces before takeoff to counteract forward momentum and increase vertical lift, but the angle of applied force varied, and the horizontal components of velocity and force and vertical velocity as well as moment of inertia throughout flight were consistently greater for the aerial. Breakdown of aerial takeoff highlighted the relative importance of the takeoff phases, showing that completion depends fundamentally upon the rotation of the rear foot and torso twisting during takeoff rather than the last foot in contact with the ground.

Calculation of zero-offset vertical seismic profiles generated by a horizontal point force acting on the surface of an elastic half-space

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hsi-Ping, Liu

1990-01-01

Impulse responses including near-field terms have been obtained in closed form for the zero-offset vertical seismic profiles generated by a horizontal point force acting on the surface of an elastic half-space. The method is based on the correspondence principle. Through transformation of variables, the Fourier transform of the elastic impulse response is put in a form such that the Fourier transform of the corresponding anelastic impulse response can be expressed as elementary functions and their definite integrals involving distance angular frequency, phase velocities, and attenuation factors. These results are used for accurate calculation of shear-wave arrival rise times of synthetic seismograms needed for data interpretation of anelastic-attenuation measurements in near-surface sediment. -Author

Laminar forced convection from a rotating horizontal cylinder in cross flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandran, Prabul; Venugopal, G.; Jaleel, H. Abdul; Rajkumar, M. R.

2017-04-01

The influence of non-dimensional rotational velocity, flow Reynolds number and Prandtl number of the fluid on laminar forced convection from a rotating horizontal cylinder subject to constant heat flux boundary condition is numerically investigated. The numerical simulations have been conducted using commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics package CFX available in ANSYS Workbench 14. Results are presented for the non-dimensional rotational velocity α ranging from 0 to 4, flow Reynolds number from 25 to 40 and Prandtl number of the fluid from 0.7 to 5.4. The rotational effects results in reduction in heat transfer compared to heat transfer from stationary heated cylinder due to thickening of boundary layer as consequence of the rotation of the cylinder. Heat transfer rate increases with increase in Prandtl number of the fluid.

Tethered constellations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lorenzini, E.

1986-01-01

The studies that have been carried out on Tethered Constellations are briefly addressed. A definition of a tethered constellation is any number of masses/platforms greater that two connected by tethers in a stable configuration. Configurations and stability constraints are reviewed. Conclusions reached are: (1) The 1-D, horizontal, passively stabilized constellations have been ruled out; (2) Fishbone constellations have been also ruled out; (3) Alternative stable 2-D configurations have been devised such as the quadrangular configuration stabilized by electrodynamic forces (ESC), the quadrangular configuration stabilized by differential air drag (DSC), and the pseudo elliptical configuration stabilized by electrodynamic forces (PEC). Typical dimensions for these constellations are 10 km (horizontal) by 20 km (vertical) with balloon diameters around 100 m in the case of a DSC and a power consumption around 7 KW for an ESC or PEC.

Design and implementation of a versatile and variable-frequency piezoelectric coefficient measurement system.

PubMed

Wu, J S; Huang, Y K; Wu, F L; Lin, D Y

2012-08-01

We present a simple but versatile piezoelectric coefficient measurement system, which can measure the longitudinal and transverse piezoelectric coefficients in the pressing and bending modes, respectively, at different applied forces and a wide range of frequencies. The functionality of this measurement system has been demonstrated on three samples, including a PbZr(0.52)Ti(0.48)O(3) (PZT) piezoelectric ceramic bulk, a ZnO thin film, and a laminated piezoelectric film sensor. The static longitudinal piezoelectric coefficients of the PZT bulk and the ZnO film are estimated to be around 210 and 8.1 pC/N, respectively. The static transverse piezoelectric coefficients of the ZnO film and the piezoelectric film sensor are determined to be, respectively, -0.284 and -0.031 C/m(2).

Impact of Mantle Wind on Subducting Plate Geometry and Interplate Pressure: Insights From Physical Modelling.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boutelier, D.; Cruden, A. R.

2005-12-01

New physical models of subduction investigate the impact of large-scale mantle flow on the structure of the subducted slab and deformation of the downgoing and overriding plates. The experiments comprise two lithospheric plates made of highly filled silicone polymer resting on a model asthenosphere of low viscosity transparent silicone polymer. Subduction is driven by a piston that pushes the subducting plate at constant rate, a slab-pull force due to the relative density of the slab, and a basal drag force exerted by flow in the model asthenosphere. Large-scale mantle flow is imposed by a second piston moving at constant rate in a tunnel at the bottom of the experiment tank. Passive markers in the mantle track the evolution of flow during the experiment. Slab structure is recorded by side pictures of the experiment while horizontal deformation is studied via passive marker grids on top of both plates. The initial mantle flow direction beneath the overriding plate can be sub-horizontal or sub-vertical. In both cases, as the slab penetrates the mantle, the mantle flow pattern changes to accommodate the subducting high viscosity lithosphere. As the slab continues to descend, the imposed flow produces either over- or under-pressure on the lower surface of the slab depending on the initial mantle flow pattern (sub-horizontal or sub-vertical respectively). Over-pressure imposed on the slab lower surface promotes shallow dip subduction while under-pressure tends to steepen the slab. These effects resemble those observed in previous experiments when the overriding plate moves horizontally with respect to a static asthenosphere. Our experiments also demonstrate that a strong vertical drag force (due to relatively fast downward mantle flow) exerted on the slab results in a decrease in strain rate in both the downgoing and overriding plates, suggesting a decrease in interplate pressure. Furthermore, with an increase in drag force deformation in the downgoing plate can switch from compression to extension. The density contrast between the downgoing plate and asthenosphere is varied from 0% to ~2% in order to investigate the relative contributions of mantle flow and slab pull force on the geometry of the slab and tectonic regime (compressional or extensional).

A flexible and cost-effective compensation method for leveling using large-scale coordinate measuring machines and its application in aircraft digital assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Zhengping; Li, Shuanggao; Huang, Xiang

2018-06-01

In the assembly process of large-size aerospace products, the leveling and horizontal alignment of large components are essential prior to the installation of an inertial navigation system (INS) and the final quality inspection. In general, the inherent coordinate systems of large-scale coordinate measuring devices are not coincident with the geodetic horizontal system, and a dual-axis compensation system is commonly required for the measurement of difference in heights. These compensation systems are expensive and dedicated designs for different devices at present. Considering that a large-size assembly site usually needs more than one measuring device, a compensation approach which is versatile for different devices would be a more convenient and economic choice for manufacturers. In this paper, a flexible and cost-effective compensation method is proposed. Firstly, an auxiliary measuring device called a versatile compensation fixture (VCF) is designed, which mainly comprises reference points for coordinate transformation and a dual-axis inclinometer, and a kind of network tighten points (NTPs) are introduced and temporarily deployed in the large measuring space to further reduce transformation error. Secondly, the measuring principle of height difference is studied, based on coordinate transformation theory and trigonometry while considering the effects of earth curvature, and the coordinate transformation parameters are derived by least squares adjustment. Thirdly, the analytical solution of leveling uncertainty is analyzed, based on which the key parameters of the VCF and the proper deployment of NTPs are determined according to the leveling accuracy requirement. Furthermore, the proposed method is practically applied to the assembly of a large helicopter by developing an automatic leveling and alignment system. By measuring four NTPs, the leveling uncertainty (2σ) is reduced by 29.4% to about 0.12 mm, compared with that without NTPs.

The nonlinear response in a baroclinic model to stationary forcings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roads, J. O.

1982-01-01

Wave-zonal-flow interaction studies demonstrated that stratospheric warnings and blocking may be described by the same basic mechanisms although different results occurred for different horizontal scales.

A versatile computer package for mechanism analysis, part 2: Dynamics and balance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davies, T.

The algorithms required for the shaking force components, the shaking moment about the crankshaft axis, and the input torque and bearing load components are discussed using the textile machine as a focus for the discussion. The example is also used to provide illustrations of the output for options on the hodograph of the shaking force vector. This provides estimates of the optimum contrarotating masses and their locations for a generalized primary Lanchester balancer. The suitability of generalized Lanchester balancers particularly for textile machinery, and the overall strategy used during the development of the package are outlined.

The Army Digital Terrain Catalog II (ADTC)

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-01

Engineering (Eds.). Readings for Systems Engineering & Engineering Management. Mason, OH: Thomson Customer Publishing, 2004, p. 2. [3] E. von Hippel ...responsive, deployable, agile, versatile, lethal, survivable, and sustainable force. --Former Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki and former...to advance the tenets of Army Transformation. As former Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki and former Army Secretary Thomas White have stated

Dipteran wing motor-inspired flapping flight versatility and effectiveness enhancement.

PubMed

Harne, R L; Wang, K W

2015-03-06

Insects are a prime source of inspiration towards the development of small-scale, engineered, flapping wing flight systems. To help interpret the possible energy transformation strategies observed in Diptera as inspiration for mechanical flapping flight systems, we revisit the perspective of the dipteran wing motor as a bistable click mechanism and take a new, and more flexible, outlook to the architectural composition previously considered. Using a representative structural model alongside biological insights and cues from nonlinear dynamics, our analyses and experimental results reveal that a flight mechanism able to adjust motor axial support stiffness and compression characteristics may dramatically modulate the amplitude range and type of wing stroke dynamics achievable. This corresponds to significantly more versatile aerodynamic force generation without otherwise changing flapping frequency or driving force amplitude. Whether monostable or bistable, the axial stiffness is key to enhance compressed motor load bearing ability and aerodynamic efficiency, particularly compared with uncompressed linear motors. These findings provide new foundation to guide future development of bioinspired, flapping wing mechanisms for micro air vehicle applications, and may be used to provide insight to the dipteran muscle-to-wing interface. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

A scheme for solving the plane-plane challenge in force measurements at the nanoscale.

PubMed

Siria, Alessandro; Huant, Serge; Auvert, Geoffroy; Comin, Fabio; Chevrier, Joel

2010-05-19

Non-contact interaction between two parallel flat surfaces is a central paradigm in sciences. This situation is the starting point for a wealth of different models: the capacitor description in electrostatics, hydrodynamic flow, thermal exchange, the Casimir force, direct contact study, third body confinement such as liquids or films of soft condensed matter. The control of parallelism is so demanding that no versatile single force machine in this geometry has been proposed so far. Using a combination of nanopositioning based on inertial motors, of microcrystal shaping with a focused-ion beam (FIB) and of accurate in situ and real-time control of surface parallelism with X-ray diffraction, we propose here a "gedanken" surface-force machine that should enable one to measure interactions between movable surfaces separated by gaps in the micrometer and nanometer ranges.

Geostrophic balance with a full Coriolis Force: implications for low latitutde studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juarez, M. de la Torre

2002-01-01

In its standard form, geostrophic balance uses a partial representation of the Coriolis force. The resulting formation has a singularity at the equator, and violates mass and momentum conservation. When the horizontal projection of the planetary rotation vector is considered, the singularity at the equator disappears, continuity can be preserved, and quasigeostrophy can be formulated at planetary scale.

Choose Wisely: Static or Kinetic Friction--The Power of Dimensionless Plots

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ludwigsen, Daniel; Svinarich, Kathryn

2009-01-01

Consider a problem of sliding blocks, one stacked atop the other, resting on a frictionless table. If the bottom block is pulled horizontally, nature makes a choice: if the applied force is small, static friction between the blocks accelerates the blocks together, but with a large force the blocks slide apart. In that case, kinetic friction still…

Vertical force and wrist deviation angle when using a walker to stand up and sit down.

PubMed

Leung, Cherng-Yee; Yeh, Po-Chan

2011-08-01

Research investigating walkers suggests that safety and assistance for the elderly with weak lower limbs were important. However, the relationship between the use of a walker and the upper limbs has received little investigation. Standing up and sitting down are important daily activities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore wrist deviation and vertical force among elderly individuals using a walker for assistance to stand up and sit down. In total, 64 elderly volunteers (M age = 80.22, SD = 9.36) were enrolled. Data were obtained from four load cells and a twin-axis wrist goniometer. Wrist deviation and vertical force were examined when participants used a walker with horizontal handles to assist in standing up and sitting down. Significant wrist angle deviation occurred with the use of a walker, with dorsiflexion of the right hand greater than that of the left. Males exerted significantly greater vertical force. In the sitting position, greater ulnar deviation was seen among experienced walker users, whereas during standing, experienced users exhibited greater dorsiflexion. The horizontal handles of most marketed walkers may cause user wrist deviations, suggesting researchers should pursue improvements in walker design.

Effects of environmental context on temporal perception bias in apparent motion.

PubMed

Masuda, Tomohiro; Kimura, Atsushi; Dan, Ippeita; Wada, Yuji

2011-08-01

We investigated whether the directional effect on the kappa effect can be attributed to the directional anisotropy of retinotopical space or to the representation of forces provided by environmental contexts (e.g., gravity) in an observed event. We examined whether different contexts with similar directional changes (straight vs. reversed motion) influence the kappa effect in four experiments. The object's motion appeared to depict only forces under the natural laws of physics on a slope (Experiment 1) or on a horizontal plane (Experiment 2) in virtual 3D space. In Experiments 3 and 4, the motion appeared to be subjected to external or self-driving forces additionally influenced by internal forces on a slope (Experiment 3) or a horizontal plane (Experiment 4). The results demonstrated that the directional effect on the kappa effect was observed only in Experiment 1, and not in Experiments 2 and 3, while the kappa effect was preserved. Furthermore, not even the kappa effect was observed in the reversed motion of Experiment 4. The results of the present study suggest that the determining factor of direction in the kappa effect is not a simple anisotropy, but rather the context of observed events. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The potential for free and mixed convection in sedimentary basins

USGS Publications Warehouse

Raffensperger, Jeff P.; Vlassopoulos, D.

1999-01-01

Free thermal convection and mixed convection are considered as potential mechanisms for mass and heat transport in sedimentary basins. Mixed convection occurs when horizontal flows (forced convection) are superimposed on thermally driven flows. In cross section, mixed convection is characterized by convection cells that migrate laterally in the direction of forced convective flow. Two-dimensional finite-element simulations of variable-density groundwater flow and heat transport in a horizontal porous layer were performed to determine critical mean Rayleigh numbers for the onset of free convection, using both isothermal and semi-conductive boundaries. Additional simulations imposed a varying lateral fluid flux on the free-convection pattern. Results from these experiments indicate that forced convection becomes dominant, completely eliminating buoyancy-driven circulation, when the total forced-convection fluid flux exceeds the total flux possible due to free convection. Calculations of the thermal rock alteration index (RAI=q????T) delineate the patterns of potential diagenesis produced by fluid movement through temperature gradients. Free convection produces a distinct pattern of alternating positive and negative RAIs, whereas mixed convection produces a simpler layering of positive and negative values and in general less diagenetic alteration. ?? Springer-Verlag.

Forced Convection Heat Transfer of Subcooled Liquid Nitrogen in Horizontal Tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tatsumoto, H.; Shirai, Y.; Hata, K.; Kato, T.; Shiotsu, M.

2008-03-01

The knowledge of forced convection heat transfer of liquid hydrogen is important for the cooling design of a HTS superconducting magnet and a cold neutron moderator material. An experimental apparatus that could obtain forced flow without a pump was developed. As a first step of the study, the forced flow heat transfer of subcooled liquid nitrogen in a horizontal tube, instead of liquid hydrogen, was measured for the pressures ranging from 0.3 to 2.5 MPa. The inlet temperature was varied from 78 K to around its saturation temperature. The flow velocities were varied from 0.1 to 7 m/s. The heat transfer coefficients in the non-boiling region and the departure from nucleate boiling (DNB) heat fluxes were higher for higher flow velocity and higher subcooling. The measured values of Nu/Pr0.4 in the non-boiling region were proportional to Reynolds number (Re) to the power of 0.8. With a decrease in Re, Nu/Pr0.4 approached a constant value corresponding to that in a pool of liquid nitrogen. The correlation of DNB heat flux was derived that can describe the experimental data within ±15% difference.

Biomechanical implications of lateral pterygoid contribution to biting and jaw opening in humans.

PubMed

Osborn, J W

1995-12-01

The contributions of the lateral pterygoid muscle to a variety of different tasks were analysed by a linear programming mode based on the equations for static equilibrium in three dimensions and containing 12 muscles. The model was used to study lateral pterygoid activity at maximum bite force (MBF) for changes in (i) the direction and point of application of the bite force, (ii) the orientation of the masseter and medial pterygoid muscles and (iii) the slope of the articular eminence (glenoid slope). The effects on MBF of removing one or both lateral pterygoids were also examined. Lateral pterygoid provided a very important indirect contribution to some clenching forces. Under some conditions removing one lateral pterygoid muscle (simulating guarding an injured muscle) halved the MBF. Its activity at MBF was reduced as masseter was tilted more forward, the glenoid slope was made more horizontal and the bite force was made more vertical. The muscle helped to oppose (balance) the horizontal reaction forces at the bite point and joints, which potentially pushed the condyle backward. A balancing muscle is now defined as one (like lateral pterygoid) whose activity increases the output force by far more than its direct contribution to that force. In a larger model containing 16 muscles, every muscle was most active when its line of action was parallel to the output force. Finally, in a model which divided lateral pterygoid into superior and inferior heads, activity suddenly switched from the superior head to the inferior head when the angle of opening changed from 120 degrees (forward from the vertical) to 140 degrees.

Curvature versus v-bends in a group B titanium T-loop spring.

PubMed

Martins, Renato Parsekian; Buschang, Peter H; Viecilli, Rodrigo; dos Santos-Pinto, Ary

2008-05-01

To compare the system of forces acting on curvature and preactivated V-bends in titanium T-loop springs (TTLSs) made of 0.017- x 0.025-inch TMA (titanium molibdenium alloy) wire. Pictures of TTLSs preactivated by curvature and V-bends were inserted in the LOOP software program to design both TTLSs. Symmetry was assured using the program. Both TTLSs used the same amount (length) of wire and had the same angulation between their anterior and posterior extremities when passive. The loops were activated 7 mm, and forces and moments were registered after each 0.5 mm of deactivation. The brackets were at the same height, separated by 23 mm and angulated 0 degrees . The preactivated curvature TTLS delivered horizontal forces ranging from 34 gF to 456 gF, while the TTLS preactivated by V-bends delivered forces ranging from 54 gF to 517 gF. The forces decreased more (30 gF vs 33 gF) with every 0.5 mm of activation on the preactivated V-bend TTLS than on the preactivated curvature TTLS. Vertical forces were low and clinically insignificant for both TTLSs. The moment to force (MF) ratios were systematically higher on the preactivated curvature than on the preactivated V-bend TTLS (from 5.8 mm to 38.8 mm vs 4.7 mm to 28.3 mm). Although both loops show symmetrical moments in their anterior and posterior extremities and can be used for group B anchorage, the curvature preactivated TTLS delivers lower horizontal forces and higher MF ratios than the acute preactivated V-bend TTLS.

Current kinematics and dynamics of Africa and the East African Rift System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stamps, D. S.; Flesch, L. M.; Calais, E.; Ghosh, A.

2014-06-01

Although the East African Rift System (EARS) is an archetype continental rift, the forces driving its evolution remain debated. Some contend buoyancy forces arising from gravitational potential energy (GPE) gradients within the lithosphere drive rifting. Others argue for a major role of the diverging mantle flow associated with the African Superplume. Here we quantify the forces driving present-day continental rifting in East Africa by (1) solving the depth averaged 3-D force balance equations for 3-D deviatoric stress associated with GPE, (2) inverting for a stress field boundary condition that we interpret as originating from large-scale mantle tractions, (3) calculating dynamic velocities due to lithospheric buoyancy forces, lateral viscosity variations, and velocity boundary conditions, and (4) calculating dynamic velocities that result from the stress response of horizontal mantle tractions acting on a viscous lithosphere in Africa and surroundings. We find deviatoric stress associated with lithospheric GPE gradients are ˜8-20 MPa in EARS, and the minimum deviatoric stress resulting from basal shear is ˜1.6 MPa along the EARS. Our dynamic velocity calculations confirm that a force contribution from GPE gradients alone is sufficient to drive Nubia-Somalia divergence and that additional forcing from horizontal mantle tractions overestimates surface kinematics. Stresses from GPE gradients appear sufficient to sustain present-day rifting in East Africa; however, they are lower than the vertically integrated strength of the lithosphere along most of the EARS. This indicates additional processes are required to initiate rupture of continental lithosphere, but once it is initiated, lithospheric buoyancy forces are enough to maintain rifting.

Mechanical properties of biological specimens explored by atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasas, S.; Longo, G.; Dietler, G.

2013-04-01

The atomic force microscope is a widely used surface scanning apparatus capable of reconstructing at a nanometric scale resolution the 3D morphology of biological samples. Due to its unique sensitivity, it is now increasingly used as a force sensor, to characterize the mechanical properties of specimens with a similar lateral resolution. This unique capability has produced, in the last years, a vast increase in the number of groups that have exploited the versatility and sensitivity of the instrument to explore the nanomechanics of various samples in the fields of biology, microbiology and medicine. In this review we outline the state of the art in this field, reporting the most interesting recent works involving the exploration of the nanomechanical properties of various biological samples.

Upper-crustal Stress Field Variations During the Building of the Central Andes: Constrains on the Activation/deactivation of Megadetachments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giambiagi, L.; Tassara, A.; Mescua, J.; Suriano, J.; Mahoney, J. B.; Hoke, G. D.; Spagnotto, S. L.; Lossada, A. C.; Mardónez, D.; Mazzitelli, M.; Barrionuevo, M.

2015-12-01

Nowadays, it is broadly accepted that the Central Andes resulted largely from crustal shortening in the last ~45 Ma, driven by horizontal forces as a consequence of subduction of the Nazca plate beneath South America. However, the way this shortening is achieved is still a matter a debate. Structural, seismological, thermochronological, isotopical and sedimentological studies of the Central Andes, together with thermomechanical modeling, suggest that different megadetachments located shallow in the upper crust were active during the construction of the Andes. Constrains on changes in the state of stress in the crust gleaned from more than 1,500 fault-slip data in the arc region provide insights into how and when these megadetachments get activated or deactivated. We used a forward modeling procedure to examine five transects across the Central Andes, at 21.5°, 24°, 30°, 34° and 35°S, with particular emphasis on the relationship between deep and shallow structures. Our kinematic-thermomechanical models show that most of the upper-middle crust has a brittle-elastic behavior particularly for the cold and rigid forearc and foreland regions, and a ductile behavior below the thermally weakened arc region. Our models assume a shallow, sub-horizontal megadetachment located at the shallowest brittle-ductile transition, which concentrates the majority of the horizontal crustal shortening between the fore-arc and the South American craton. During this horizontal shortening, the crust gets thick and topography rises due to buoyancy of the crustal root. The threshold of this thickening is achieved when the bouyancy force equals the horizontal force. At this point, the megadetachment deactives and the crustal root widens eastwards in concert with ductile deformation in the lower crust and the generation of a new megadetachment. By studying changes in the paleostress fields along the arc region, from compression to strike-slip, and strike-slip to extension, associated with σ3/σ2 and σ2/σ1 permutations respectively, together with the timing of uplift and exhumation of the morphostructural units across the transects, we can constrain the timing of activation/deactivation of the detachments responsible for the Andean deformation.

A finite element analysis of the stress distribution to the mandible from impact forces with various orientations of third molars*

PubMed Central

Liu, Yun-feng; Wang, Russell; Baur, Dale A.; Jiang, Xian-feng

2018-01-01

Objective: To investigate the stress distribution to the mandible, with and without impacted third molars (IM3s) at various orientations, resulting from a 2000-Newton impact force either from the anterior midline or from the body of the mandible. Materials and methods: A 3D mandibular virtual model from a healthy dentate patient was created and the mechanical properties of the mandible were categorized to 9 levels based on the Hounsfield unit measured from computed tomography (CT) images. Von Mises stress distributions to the mandibular angle and condylar areas from static impact forces (Load I-front blow and Load II left blow) were evaluated using finite element analysis (FEA). Six groups with IM3 were included: full horizontal bony, full vertical bony, full 450 mesioangular bony, partial horizontal bony, partial vertical, and partial 450 mesioangular bony impaction, and a baseline group with no third molars. Results: Von Mises stresses in the condyle and angle areas were higher for partially than for fully impacted third molars under both loading conditions, with partial horizontal IM3 showing the highest fracture risk. Stresses were higher on the contralateral than on the ipsilateral side. Under Load II, the angle area had the highest stress for various orientations of IM3s. The condylar region had the highest stress when IM3s were absent. Conclusions: High-impact forces are more likely to cause condylar rather than angular fracture when IM3s are missing. The risk of mandibular fracture is higher for partially than fully impacted third molars, with the angulation of impaction having little effect on facture risk. PMID:29308606

Magnetic Control of Convection in Electrically Nonconducting Fluids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, Jie; Gray, Donald D.; Edwards, Boyd F.

1999-01-01

Inhomogeneous magnetic fields exert a body force on electrically nonconducting, magnetically permeable fluids. This force can be used to compensate for gravity and to control convection. The effects of uniform and nonuniform magnetic fields on a laterally unbounded fluid layer heated from below or above are studied using a linear stability analysis of the Navier-Stokes equations supplemented by Maxwell's equations and the appropriate magnetic body force. For a uniform oblique field, the analysis shows that longitudinal rolls with axes parallel to the horizontal component of the field are the rolls most unstable to convection. The corresponding critical Rayleigh number and critical wavelength for the onset of such rolls are less than the well-known Rayleigh-Benard values in the absence of magnetic fields. Vertical fields maximize these deviations, which vanish for horizontal fields. Horizontal fields increase the critical Rayleigh number and the critical wavelength for all rolls except longitudinal rolls. For a nonuniform field, our analysis shows that the magnetic effect on convection is represented by a dimensionless vector parameter which measures the relative strength of the induced magnetic buoyancy force due to the applied field gradient. The vertical component of this parameter competes with the gravitational buoyancy effect, and a critical relationship between this component and the Rayleigh number is identified for the onset of convection. Therefore, Rayleigh-Benard convection in such fluids can be enhanced or suppressed by the field. It also shows that magnetothermal convection is possible in both paramagnetic and diamagnetic fluids. Our theoretical predictions for paramagnetic fluids agree with experiments. Magnetically driven convection in diamagnetic fluids should be observable even in pure water using current technology.

Electrically Controlled Valve With Small Motor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reinicke, Robert H.; Mohtar, Rafic; Nelson, Richard O.

1992-01-01

Design of electrically controlled valve exploits force-multiplying principle to overcome large back-pressure force resisting initial opening. Design makes possible to open valve by use of relatively small motor adequate for rest of valve motion, but otherwise not large enough to open valve. In simple linear lifting, small horizontal forces applied to pair of taut cables to lift large weight through short distance. In rotary lifting, similar effect achieved by rotating, about an axis, disk to which initially axial cables attached.

Finding the Effective Mass and Spring Constant of a Force Probe from Simple Harmonic Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greene, Nathaniel R.; Gill, Tom; Eyerly, Stephen

2016-03-01

Force probes are versatile tools in the physics lab, but their internal workings can introduce artifacts when measuring rapidly changing forces. The Dual-Range Force Sensor by Vernier (Fig. 1) uses strain gage technology to measure force, based on the bending of a beam. Strain gages along the length of the beam change resistance as the beam bends (Fig. 2). The elasticity of the beam leads to oscillations that persist after being excited by an impulsive force. How quickly the force probe freely returns to zero is thus related to the rigidity of the beam and the total mass attached to it. By varying the added mass and measuring the resulting frequency of the probe's internal free oscillations, the effective mass and spring constant of the probe's moveable parts can be found. Weighing of the probe parts and conducting a Hooke's law experiment provide static verification of these parameters. Study of the force sensor's behavior helps students to learn about damped harmonic motion, mathematical modeling, and the limitations of measuring devices.

Imaging of Nuclear Weapon Trainers

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

Schwellenbach, David

2017-12-06

The Configurable Muon Tracker (CMT) is an adaptation of the existing drift tube detector commercially available from Decision Sciences International Corporation (DSIC). NSTec engineered the CMT around commercially available drift tube assemblies to make a detector that is more versatile than previous drift tube assemblies. The CMT became operational in February 2013. Traditionally, cosmic-ray muon trackers rely on near-vertical trajectory muons for imaging. Since there are scenarios where imaging using vertical trajectory muons is not practical, NSTec designed the CMT specifically for quick configurability to track muons from any trajectory. The CMT was originally designed to be changed from verticalmore » imaging mode to horizontal imaging mode in a few hours with access to a crane or other lifting equipment. In FY14, locations for imaging weapon trainers and SNM were identified and it was determined that lifting equipment would not typically be available in experimental areas. The CMT was further modified and a portable lifting system was developed to allow reconfiguration of the CMT without access to lifting equipment at the facility. This system was first deployed at Los Alamos National Laboratory’s W-division, where several trainers were imaged in both horizontal and vertical modes. Real-time images have been compared in both modes showing that imaging can be done in both modes with the expected longer integration time for horizontal mode. Further imaging and post processing of the data is expected to continue into early FY15.« less

Digital force-feedback for protein unfolding experiments using atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bippes, Christian A.; Janovjak, Harald; Kedrov, Alexej; Muller, Daniel J.

2007-01-01

Since its invention in the 1990s single-molecule force spectroscopy has been increasingly applied to study protein (un-)folding, cell adhesion, and ligand-receptor interactions. In most force spectroscopy studies, the cantilever of an atomic force microscope (AFM) is separated from a surface at a constant velocity, thus applying an increasing force to folded bio-molecules or bio-molecular bonds. Recently, Fernandez and co-workers introduced the so-called force-clamp technique. Single proteins were subjected to a defined constant force allowing their life times and life time distributions to be directly measured. Up to now, the force-clamping was performed by analogue PID controllers, which require complex additional hardware and might make it difficult to combine the force-feedback with other modes such as constant velocity. These points may be limiting the applicability and versatility of this technique. Here we present a simple, fast, and all-digital (software-based) PID controller that yields response times of a few milliseconds in combination with a commercial AFM. We demonstrate the performance of our feedback loop by force-clamp unfolding of single Ig27 domains of titin and the membrane proteins bacteriorhodopsin (BR) and the sodium/proton antiporter NhaA.

The influence of gravitoinertial force level on oculomotor and perceptual responses to Coriolis, cross-coupling stimulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dizio, Paul; Lackner, James R.; Evanoff, John N.

1987-01-01

The goal of the present experiment was to determine whether gravitoinertial force magnitude influences oculomotor and perceptual responses to Coriolis cross-coupling stimulation. Blindfolded subjects who were rotating at constant velocity were asked to make standardized head movements during the free-fall and high-force phases of parabolic flight, and the characteristics of their horizontal nystagmus and the magnitude of their experienced self-motion were measured. Both responses were less intense in the free-fall periods than in the high-force periods. These findings suggest that the response to semicircular canal stimulation depends on the background level of gravitoinertial force.

SST Variation Due to Interactive Convective-Radiative Processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tao, W.-K.; Shie, C.-L.; Johnson, D.; Simpson, J.; Li, X.; Sui, C.-H.

2000-01-01

The recent linking of Cloud-Resolving Models (CRMs) to Ocean-Mixed Layer (OML) models has provided a powerful new means of quantifying the role of cloud systems in ocean-atmosphere coupling. This is due to the fact that the CRM can better resolve clouds and cloud systems and allow for explicit cloud-radiation interaction. For example, Anderson (1997) applied an atmospheric forcing associated with a CRM simulated squall line to a 3-D OML model (one way or passive interaction). His results suggested that the spatial variability resulting from the squall forcing can last at least 24 hours when forced with otherwise spatially uniform fluxes. In addition, the sea surface salinity (SSS) variability continuously decreased following the forcing, while some of the SST variability remained when a diurnal mixed layer capped off the surface structure. The forcing used in the OML model, however, focused on shorter time (8 h) and smaller spatial scales (100-120 km). In this study, the 3-D Goddard Cumulus Ensemble Model (GCE; 512 x 512 x 23 cu km, 2-km horizontal resolution) is used to simulate convective active episodes occurring in the Western Pacific warm pool and Eastern Atlantic regions. The model is integrated for seven days, and the simulated results are coupled to an OML model to better understand the impact of precipitation and changes in the planetary boundary layer upon SST variation. We will specifically examine and compare the results of linking the OML model with various spatially-averaged outputs from GCE simulations (i.e., 2 km vs. 10-50 km horizontal resolutions), in order to help understand the SST sensitivity to multi-scale influences. This will allow us to assess the importance of explicitly simulated deep and shallow clouds, as well as the subgrid-scale effects (in coarse-model runs) upon SST variation. Results using both 1-D and 2-D OML models will be evaluated to assess the effects of horizontal advection.

Can the Ocean's Heat Engine Control Horizontal Circulation? Insights From the Caspian Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruneau, Nicolas; Zika, Jan; Toumi, Ralf

2017-10-01

We investigate the role of the ocean's heat engine in setting horizontal circulation using a numerical model of the Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sea can be seen as a virtual laboratory—a compromise between realistic global models that are hampered by long equilibration times and idealized basin geometry models, which are not constrained by observations. We find that increases in vertical mixing drive stronger thermally direct overturning and consequent conversion of available potential to kinetic energy. Numerical solutions with water mass structures closest to observations overturn 0.02-0.04 × 106 m3/s (sverdrup) representing the first estimate of Caspian Sea overturning. Our results also suggest that the overturning is thermally forced increasing in intensity with increasing vertical diffusivity. Finally, stronger thermally direct overturning is associated with a stronger horizontal circulation in the Caspian Sea. This suggests that the ocean's heat engine can strongly impact broader horizontal circulations in the ocean.

Effects of the horizontal component of the Earth's rotation on wave propagation on an f-plane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beckmann, Aike; Diebels, Stefan

Scaling arguments are used to show that effects due to the horizontal component of the Coriolis force should be taken into account as a first correction to the traditional hydrostatic theory, before frequency dispersion due to vertical acceleration and nonlinearity are included. It is shown analytically that wave propagation of the f--plane becomes anisotropic and that amphidromic systems do not exist in their usual definition. Another important consequence is the existence of free wave solutions at subinertial frequencies.

Photographic copy of plan of new Dy horizontal station and ...

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

Photographic copy of plan of new Dy horizontal station and accumulator additions to Test Stand "D," also showing existing Dd test station. JPL drawing by VTN Consolidated, Inc. Engineers, Architects, Planners, 2301 Campus Drive, Irvine, California 92664: "Jet Propulsion Laboratory-Edwards Test Station, Motive Steam Supply & Ejector Pumping System: Plan - Test Stand "D," sheet M-3 (JPL sheet number E24/33), 21 December 1976 - Jet Propulsion Laboratory Edwards Facility, Test Stand D, Edwards Air Force Base, Boron, Kern County, CA

Validation of zero-order feedback strategies for medium range air-to-air interception in a horizontal plane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shinar, J.

1982-01-01

A zero order feedback solution of a variable speed interception game between two aircraft in the horizontal plane, obtained by using the method of forced singular perturbation (FSP), is compared with the exact open loop solution. The comparison indicates that for initial distances of separation larger than eight turning radii of the evader, the accuracy of the feedback approximation is better than one percent. The result validates the zero order FSP approximation for medium range air combat analysis.

Active Response Gravity Offload System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valle, Paul; Dungan, Larry; Cunningham, Thomas; Lieberman, Asher; Poncia, Dina

2011-01-01

The Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) provides the ability to simulate with one system the gravity effect of planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and microgravity, where the gravity is less than Earth fs gravity. The system works by providing a constant force offload through an overhead hoist system and horizontal motion through a rail and trolley system. The facility covers a 20 by 40-ft (approximately equals 6.1 by 12.2m) horizontal area with 15 ft (approximately equals4.6 m) of lifting vertical range.

Amazon rainforest exchange of carbon and subcanopy air flow: Manaus LBA site--a complex terrain condition.

PubMed

Tóta, Julio; Fitzjarrald, David Roy; da Silva Dias, Maria A F

2012-01-01

On the moderately complex terrain covered by dense tropical Amazon Rainforest (Reserva Biologica do Cuieiras--ZF2--02°36'17.1'' S, 60°12'24.4'' W), subcanopy horizontal and vertical gradients of the air temperature, CO(2) concentration and wind field were measured for the dry and wet periods in 2006. We tested the hypothesis that horizontal drainage flow over this study area is significant and can affect the interpretation of the high carbon uptake rates reported by previous works at this site. A similar experimental design as the one by Tóta et al. (2008) was used with a network of wind, air temperature, and CO(2) sensors above and below the forest canopy. A persistent and systematic subcanopy nighttime upslope (positive buoyancy) and daytime downslope (negative buoyancy) flow pattern on a moderately inclined slope (12%) was observed. The microcirculations observed above the canopy (38 m) over the sloping area during nighttime presents a downward motion indicating vertical convergence and correspondent horizontal divergence toward the valley area. During the daytime an inverse pattern was observed. The micro-circulations above the canopy were driven mainly by buoyancy balancing the pressure gradient forces. In the subcanopy space the microcirculations were also driven by the same physical mechanisms but probably with the stress forcing contribution. The results also indicated that the horizontal and vertical scalar gradients (e.g., CO(2)) were modulated by these micro-circulations above and below the canopy, suggesting that estimates of advection using previous experimental approaches are not appropriate due to the tridimensional nature of the vertical and horizontal transport locally. This work also indicates that carbon budget from tower-based measurement is not enough to close the system, and one needs to include horizontal and vertical advection transport of CO(2) into those estimates.

Amazon Rainforest Exchange of Carbon and Subcanopy Air Flow: Manaus LBA Site—A Complex Terrain Condition

PubMed Central

Tóta, Julio; Roy Fitzjarrald, David; da Silva Dias, Maria A. F.

2012-01-01

On the moderately complex terrain covered by dense tropical Amazon Rainforest (Reserva Biologica do Cuieiras—ZF2—02°36′17.1′′ S, 60°12′24.4′′ W), subcanopy horizontal and vertical gradients of the air temperature, CO2 concentration and wind field were measured for the dry and wet periods in 2006. We tested the hypothesis that horizontal drainage flow over this study area is significant and can affect the interpretation of the high carbon uptake rates reported by previous works at this site. A similar experimental design as the one by Tóta et al. (2008) was used with a network of wind, air temperature, and CO2 sensors above and below the forest canopy. A persistent and systematic subcanopy nighttime upslope (positive buoyancy) and daytime downslope (negative buoyancy) flow pattern on a moderately inclined slope (12%) was observed. The microcirculations observed above the canopy (38 m) over the sloping area during nighttime presents a downward motion indicating vertical convergence and correspondent horizontal divergence toward the valley area. During the daytime an inverse pattern was observed. The micro-circulations above the canopy were driven mainly by buoyancy balancing the pressure gradient forces. In the subcanopy space the microcirculations were also driven by the same physical mechanisms but probably with the stress forcing contribution. The results also indicated that the horizontal and vertical scalar gradients (e.g., CO2) were modulated by these micro-circulations above and below the canopy, suggesting that estimates of advection using previous experimental approaches are not appropriate due to the tridimensional nature of the vertical and horizontal transport locally. This work also indicates that carbon budget from tower-based measurement is not enough to close the system, and one needs to include horizontal and vertical advection transport of CO2 into those estimates. PMID:22619608

Drag and lift forces in granular media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guillard, F.; Forterre, Y.; Pouliquen, O.

2013-09-01

Forces exerted on obstacles moving in granular media are studied. The experiment consists in a horizontal cylinder rotating around the vertical axis in a granular medium. Both drag forces and lift forces experienced by the cylinder are measured. The first striking result is obtained during the first half rotation, before the cylinder crosses its wake. Despite the symmetry of the object, a strong lift force is measured, about 20 times the buoyancy. The scaling of this force is studied experimentally. The second remarkable observation is made after several rotations. The drag force dramatically drops and becomes independent of depth, showing that it no longer scales with the hydrostatic pressure. The rotation of the cylinder induces a structure in the packing, which screens the weight of the grains above

Allowing for Horizontally Heterogeneous Clouds and Generalized Overlap in an Atmospheric GCM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, D.; Oreopoulos, L.; Suarez, M.

2011-01-01

While fully accounting for 3D effects in Global Climate Models (GCMs) appears not realistic at the present time for a variety of reasons such as computational cost and unavailability of 3D cloud structure in the models, incorporation in radiation schemes of subgrid cloud variability described by one-point statistics is now considered feasible and is being actively pursued. This development has gained momentum once it was demonstrated that CPU-intensive spectrally explicit Independent Column Approximation (lCA) can be substituted by stochastic Monte Carlo ICA (McICA) calculations where spectral integration is accomplished in a manner that produces relatively benign random noise. The McICA approach has been implemented in Goddard's GEOS-5 atmospheric GCM as part of the implementation of the RRTMG radiation package. GEOS-5 with McICA and RRTMG can handle horizontally variable clouds which can be set via a cloud generator to arbitrarily overlap within the full spectrum of maximum and random both in terms of cloud fraction and layer condensate distributions. In our presentation we will show radiative and other impacts of the combined horizontal and vertical cloud variability on multi-year simulations of an otherwise untuned GEOS-5 with fixed SSTs. Introducing cloud horizontal heterogeneity without changing the mean amounts of condensate reduces reflected solar and increases thermal radiation to space, but disproportionate changes may increase the radiative imbalance at TOA. The net radiation at TOA can be modulated by allowing the parameters of the generalized overlap and heterogeneity scheme to vary, a dependence whose behavior we will discuss. The sensitivity of the cloud radiative forcing to the parameters of cloud horizontal heterogeneity and comparisons of CERES-derived forcing will be shown.

An Inexpensive and Versatile Version of Kundt's Tube for Measuring the Speed of Sound in Air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papacosta, Pangratios; Linscheid, Nathan

2016-01-01

Experiments that measure the speed of sound in air are common in high schools and colleges. In the Kundt's tube experiment, a horizontal air column is adjusted until a resonance mode is achieved for a specific frequency of sound. When this happens, the cork dust in the tube is disturbed at the displacement antinode regions. The location of the displacement antinodes enables the measurement of the wavelength of the sound that is being used. This paper describes a design that uses a speaker instead of the traditional aluminum rod as the sound source. This allows the use of multiple sound frequencies that yield a much more accurate speed of sound in air.

Calibration and standards beamline 6.3.2 at the ALS

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

Underwood, J.H.; Gullikson, E.M.; Koike, M.

1997-04-01

More sophisticated optics for the x-ray, soft x-ray and far ultraviolet spectral regions being developed for synchrotron radiation research and many other applications, require accurate calibration and standards facilities for measuring reflectivity of mirrors and multilayer coatings, transmission of thin films, bandpass of multilayers, efficiency of gratings or detectors, etc. For this purpose beamline 6.3.2 was built at the ALS. Its energy coverage, versatility, simplicity and convenience also make it useful for a wide range of other experiments. The paper describes the components of this beamline, consisting of: a four jaw aperture; a horizontal focusing mirror; a monochromator; exit slit;more » vertical focusing mirror; mechanical and vacuum system; reflectometer; filter wheels; and data acquisition system.« less

Horizontal deflection of single particle in a paramagnetic fluid.

PubMed

Liu, S; Yi, Xiang; Leaper, M; Miles, N J

2014-06-01

This paper describes the horizontal deflection behaviour of a single particle in paramagnetic fluids under a high-gradient superconducting magnetic field. A glass box was designed to carry out experiments and test assumptions. It was found that the particles were deflected away from the magnet bore centre and particles with different density and/or susceptibility settled at a certain position on the container floor due to the combined forces of gravity and magneto-Archimedes as well as lateral buoyant (displacement) force. Matlab was chosen to simulate the movement of the particle in the magnetic fluid, the simulation results were in good accordance with experimental data. The results presented here, though, are still very much in their infancy, which could potentially form the basis of a new approach to separating materials based on a combination of density and susceptibility.

Acromioclavicular joint dislocation: a Dog Bone button fixation alone versus Dog Bone button fixation augmented with acromioclavicular repair-a finite element analysis study.

PubMed

Sumanont, Sermsak; Nopamassiri, Supachoke; Boonrod, Artit; Apiwatanakul, Punyawat; Boonrod, Arunnit; Phornphutkul, Chanakarn

2018-03-20

Suspension suture button fixation was frequently used to treat acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. However, there were many studies reporting about complications and residual horizontal instability after fixation. Our study compared the stability of ACJ after fixation between coracoclavicular (CC) fixation alone and CC fixation combined with ACJ repair by using finite element analysis (FEA). A finite element model was created by using CT images from the normal shoulder. The model 1 was CC fixation with suture button alone, and the model 2 was CC fixation with suture button combined with ACJ repair. Three different forces (50, 100, 200 N) applied to the model in three planes; inferior, anterior and posterior direction load to the acromion. The von Mises stress of the implants and deformation at ACJs was recorded. The ACJ repair in the model 2 could reduce the peak stress on the implant after applying the loading forces to the acromion which the ACJ repair could reduce the peak stress of the FiberWire at suture button about 90% when compared to model 1. And, the ACJ repair could reduce the deformation of the ACJ after applying the loading forces to the acromion in both vertical and horizontal planes. This FEA supports that the high-grade injuries of the ACJ should be treated with CC fixation combined with ACJ repair because this technique provides excellent stability in both vertical and horizontal planes and reduces stress to the suture button.

Cost Effectiveness of Two versus Three Levels of Maintenance for Turbine Engines in the Air Force Inventory

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

increasing 2 complexity of Air Force weapon systems makes the estimation of LCC an extremely difficult task. To accomplish this, mathematical models are...maintenance is nearly horizontal. A reduction in this rate from 2.8 to 2.6 (approx. 7%j resulted in cost savings of around 0.1% for the three lvel concept. The

Reversible Solid Adhesion for Defense Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-31

sensitive. Referring to Fig. 2(a), using the two closed-loop piezoelectric ( PZT ) actuators, the vertical and horizontal velocities of the...approaching/retracting contacting surfaces can be independently controlled. The displacement resolution of the vertical PZT actuator is 0.6 nm, and the total...interfacial forces are measured using the prototype custom-made capacity-type force transducer which is attached directly on the upper PZT actuator. In order

Thermosolutal convection in high-aspect-ratio enclosures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, L. W.; Chen, C. T.

1988-01-01

Convection in high-aspect-ratio rectangular enclosures with combined horizontal temperature and concentration gradients is studied experimentally. An electrochemical system is employed to impose the concentration gradients. The solutal buoyancy force either opposes or augments the thermal buoyancy force. Due to a large difference between the thermal and solutal diffusion rates the flow possesses double-diffusive characteristics. Various complex flow patterns are observed with different experimental conditions.

Selective pressure against horizontally acquired prokaryotic genes as a driving force of plastid evolution.

PubMed

Llorente, Briardo; de Souza, Flavio S J; Soto, Gabriela; Meyer, Cristian; Alonso, Guillermo D; Flawiá, Mirtha M; Bravo-Almonacid, Fernando; Ayub, Nicolás D; Rodríguez-Concepción, Manuel

2016-01-11

The plastid organelle comprises a high proportion of nucleus-encoded proteins that were acquired from different prokaryotic donors via independent horizontal gene transfers following its primary endosymbiotic origin. What forces drove the targeting of these alien proteins to the plastid remains an unresolved evolutionary question. To better understand this process we screened for suitable candidate proteins to recapitulate their prokaryote-to-eukaryote transition. Here we identify the ancient horizontal transfer of a bacterial polyphenol oxidase (PPO) gene to the nuclear genome of an early land plant ancestor and infer the possible mechanism behind the plastidial localization of the encoded enzyme. Arabidopsis plants expressing PPO versions either lacking or harbouring a plastid-targeting signal allowed examining fitness consequences associated with its subcellular localization. Markedly, a deleterious effect on plant growth was highly correlated with PPO activity only when producing the non-targeted enzyme, suggesting that selection favoured the fixation of plastid-targeted protein versions. Our results reveal a possible evolutionary mechanism of how selection against heterologous genes encoding cytosolic proteins contributed in incrementing plastid proteome complexity from non-endosymbiotic gene sources, a process that may also impact mitochondrial evolution.

Multi-component ground motion response spectra for coupled horizontal, vertical, angular accelerations, and tilt

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kalkan, E.; Graizer, V.

2007-01-01

Rotational and vertical components of ground motion are almost always ignored in design or in the assessment of structures despite the fact that vertical motion can be twice as much as the horizontal motion and may exceed 2g level, and rotational excitation may reach few degrees in the proximity of fault rupture. Coupling of different components of ground excitation may significantly amplify the seismic demand by introducing additional lateral forces and enhanced P-?? effects. In this paper, a governing equation of motion is postulated to compute the response of a SDOF oscillator under a multi-component excitation. The expanded equation includes secondary P-?? components associated with the combined impacts of tilt and vertical excitations in addition to the inertial forcing terms due to the angular and translational accelerations. The elastic and inelastic spectral ordinates traditionally generated considering the uniaxial input motion are compared at the end with the multi-component response spectra of coupled horizontal, vertical and tilting motions. The proposed multi-component response spectrum reflects kinematic characteristics of the ground motion that are not identifiable by the conventional spectrum itself, at least for the near-fault region where high intensity vertical shaking and rotational excitation are likely to occur.

Numerical Modelling and Simulation of Dynamic Parameters for Vibration Driven Mobile Robot: Preliminary Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baharudin, M. E.; Nor, A. M.; Saad, A. R. M.; Yusof, A. M.

2018-03-01

The motion of vibration-driven robots is based on an internal oscillating mass which can move without legs or wheels. The oscillation of the unbalanced mass by a motor is translated into vibration which in turn produces vertical and horizontal forces. Both vertical and horizontal oscillations are of the same frequency but the phases are shifted. The vertical forces will deflect the bristles which cause the robot to move forward. In this paper, the horizontal motion direction caused by the vertically vibrated bristle is numerically simulated by tuning the frequency of their oscillatory actuation. As a preliminary work, basic equations for a simple off-centered vibration location on the robot platform and simulation model for vibration excitement are introduced. It involves both static and dynamic vibration analysis of robots and analysis of different type of parameters. In addition, the orientation of the bristles and oscillators are also analysed. Results from the numerical integration seem to be in good agreement with those achieved from the literature. The presented numerical integration modeling can be used for designing the bristles and controlling the speed and direction of the robot.

Minor loop dependence of the magnetic forces and stiffness in a PM-HTS levitation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yong; Li, Chengshan

2017-12-01

Based upon the method of current vector potential and the critical state model of Bean, the vertical and lateral forces with different sizes of minor loop are simulated in two typical cooling conditions when a rectangular permanent magnet (PM) above a cylindrical high temperature superconductor (HTS) moves vertically and horizontally. The different values of average magnetic stiffness are calculated by various sizes of minor loop changing from 0.1 to 2 mm. The magnetic stiffness with zero traverse is obtained by using the method of linear extrapolation. The simulation results show that the extreme values of forces decrease with increasing size of minor loop. The magnetic hysteresis of the force curves also becomes small as the size of minor loop increases. This means that the vertical and lateral forces are significantly influenced by the size of minor loop because the forces intensely depend on the moving history of the PM. The vertical stiffness at every vertical position when the PM vertically descends to 1 mm is larger than that as the PM vertically ascents to 30 mm. When the PM moves laterally, the lateral stiffness during the PM passing through any horizontal position in the first time almost equal to the value during the PM passing through the same position in the second time in zero-field cooling (ZFC), however, the lateral stiffness in field cooling (FC) and the cross stiffness in ZFC and FC are significantly affected by the moving history of the PM.

Versatile resonance-tracking circuit for acoustic levitation experiments.

PubMed

Baxter, K; Apfel, R E; Marston, P L

1978-02-01

Objects can be levitated by radiation pressure forces in an acoustic standing wave. In many circumstances it is important that the standing wave frequency remain locked on an acoustic resonance despite small changes in the resonance frequency. A self-locking oscillator circuit is described which tracks the resonance frequency by sensing the magnitude of the transducer current. The tracking principle could be applied to other resonant systems.

Analysis of Army Transformation and the Effects on Customer Ordering Behavior

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

operational scenarios ( Caldera and Shinseki, 2000:3). A responsive and agile force requires a responsive and agile logistics structure. The Army...assistance, disaster relief, peace-keeping, peace-making, and major theater wars ( Caldera and Shinseki, 2000:3). In fact, since 1995, the U.S. Army has...must be responsive, deployable, agile, versatile, lethal, survivable, and sustainable ( Caldera and Shinseki, 2000:4-5). Logistics Transformation

JobCenter: an open source, cross-platform, and distributed job queue management system optimized for scalability and versatility.

PubMed

Jaschob, Daniel; Riffle, Michael

2012-07-30

Laboratories engaged in computational biology or bioinformatics frequently need to run lengthy, multistep, and user-driven computational jobs. Each job can tie up a computer for a few minutes to several days, and many laboratories lack the expertise or resources to build and maintain a dedicated computer cluster. JobCenter is a client-server application and framework for job management and distributed job execution. The client and server components are both written in Java and are cross-platform and relatively easy to install. All communication with the server is client-driven, which allows worker nodes to run anywhere (even behind external firewalls or "in the cloud") and provides inherent load balancing. Adding a worker node to the worker pool is as simple as dropping the JobCenter client files onto any computer and performing basic configuration, which provides tremendous ease-of-use, flexibility, and limitless horizontal scalability. Each worker installation may be independently configured, including the types of jobs it is able to run. Executed jobs may be written in any language and may include multistep workflows. JobCenter is a versatile and scalable distributed job management system that allows laboratories to very efficiently distribute all computational work among available resources. JobCenter is freely available at http://code.google.com/p/jobcenter/.

Enterobacter aerogenes and Enterobacter cloacae; versatile bacterial pathogens confronting antibiotic treatment.

PubMed

Davin-Regli, Anne; Pagès, Jean-Marie

2015-01-01

Enterobacter aerogenes and E. cloacae have been reported as important opportunistic and multiresistant bacterial pathogens for humans during the last three decades in hospital wards. These Gram-negative bacteria have been largely described during several outbreaks of hospital-acquired infections in Europe and particularly in France. The dissemination of Enterobacter sp. is associated with the presence of redundant regulatory cascades that efficiently control the membrane permeability ensuring the bacterial protection and the expression of detoxifying enzymes involved in antibiotic degradation/inactivation. In addition, these bacterial species are able to acquire numerous genetic mobile elements that strongly contribute to antibiotic resistance. Moreover, this particular fitness help them to colonize several environments and hosts and rapidly and efficiently adapt their metabolism and physiology to external conditions and environmental stresses. Enterobacter is a versatile bacterium able to promptly respond to the antibiotic treatment in the colonized patient. The balance of the prevalence, E. aerogenes versus E. cloacae, in the reported hospital infections during the last period, questions about the horizontal transmission of mobile elements containing antibiotic resistance genes, e.g., the efficacy of the exchange of resistance genes Klebsiella pneumoniae to Enterobacter sp. It is also important to mention the possible role of antibiotic use in the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases in this E. aerogenes/E. cloacae evolution.

Enterobacter aerogenes and Enterobacter cloacae; versatile bacterial pathogens confronting antibiotic treatment

PubMed Central

Davin-Regli, Anne; Pagès, Jean-Marie

2015-01-01

Enterobacter aerogenes and E. cloacae have been reported as important opportunistic and multiresistant bacterial pathogens for humans during the last three decades in hospital wards. These Gram-negative bacteria have been largely described during several outbreaks of hospital-acquired infections in Europe and particularly in France. The dissemination of Enterobacter sp. is associated with the presence of redundant regulatory cascades that efficiently control the membrane permeability ensuring the bacterial protection and the expression of detoxifying enzymes involved in antibiotic degradation/inactivation. In addition, these bacterial species are able to acquire numerous genetic mobile elements that strongly contribute to antibiotic resistance. Moreover, this particular fitness help them to colonize several environments and hosts and rapidly and efficiently adapt their metabolism and physiology to external conditions and environmental stresses. Enterobacter is a versatile bacterium able to promptly respond to the antibiotic treatment in the colonized patient. The balance of the prevalence, E. aerogenes versus E. cloacae, in the reported hospital infections during the last period, questions about the horizontal transmission of mobile elements containing antibiotic resistance genes, e.g., the efficacy of the exchange of resistance genes Klebsiella pneumoniae to Enterobacter sp. It is also important to mention the possible role of antibiotic use in the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases in this E. aerogenes/E. cloacae evolution. PMID:26042091

Numerical Simulation of Unsteady Turbulent Flow Induced by Two-Dimensional Elevator Car and Counter Weight System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Li-qun; Liu, Ying-zheng; Jin, Si-yu; Cao, Zhao-min

2007-12-01

A two-dimensional model of unsteady turbulent flow induced by high-speed elevator system was established in the present study. The research was focused on the instantaneous variation of the aerodynamic force on the car structure during traversing motion of the counter weight in the hoistway. A dynamic meshing method was employed to treat the multi-body motion system to avoid poor distortion of meshes. A comprehensive understanding of this significant aspect was obtained by varying the horizontal gap (Δ = 0.1m, 0.2m, and 0.3m) between the elevator car and the counter weight, and the moving speed ( U 0 = 2m/s, 6m/s, and 10m/s) of the elevator system. A pulsed intensification of the aerodynamic force on the elevator car and subsequent appearance of large valley with negative aerodynamic force were clearly observed in the numerical results. In parameters studied (Δ = 0.1m, U 0 = 2m/s, 6m/s, 10m/s), the peaked horizontal and vertical forces are respectively 7-11 and 4.3-5.65 times of that when the counter weight is far from the car. These results demonstrated the prominent influence of the traversing counter weight on aerodynamic force on the elevator car, which is of great significance to designers of high-speed elevator system.

Asymmetry after hamstring injury in English Premier League: issue resolved, or perhaps not?

PubMed

Barreira, P; Drust, B; Robinson, M A; Vanrenterghem, J

2015-06-01

Hamstring injuries constitute one of the most concerning injuries in English Premier League football, due to its high primary incidence but also its recurrence. Functional methods assessing hamstring function during high-risk performance tasks such as sprinting are vital to identify potential risk factors. The purpose of this study was to assess horizontal force deficits during maximum sprint running on a non-motorized treadmill in football players with previous history of hamstring strains as a pre-season risk-assessment in a club setting. 17 male football players from one Premier League Club were divided into 2 groups, experimental (n=6, age=24.5±2.3 years) and control (n=11, age=21.3±1.2 years), according to history of previous hamstring injury. Participants performed a protocol including a 10-s maximum sprint on a non-motorized treadmill. Force deficits during acceleration phase and steady state phases of the sprint were assessed between limbs and between groups. The main outcome measures were horizontal and vertical peak forces during the acceleration phase or steady state. There were no significant differences in peak forces between previously injured and non-injured limbs, or between groups, challenging the ideas around functional force deficits in sprint running as a diagnostic measure of hamstring re-injury risk. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Aeroelastic deformation of a perforated strip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guttag, M.; Karimi, H. H.; Falcón, C.; Reis, P. M.

2018-01-01

We perform a combined experimental and numerical investigation into the static deformation of perforated elastic strips under uniform aerodynamic loading at high-Reynolds-number conditions. The static shape of the porous strips, clamped either horizontally or vertically, is quantified as they are deformed by wind loading, induced by a horizontal flow. The experimental profiles are compared to numerical simulations using a reduced model that takes into account the normal drag force on the deformed surface. For both configurations (vertical and horizontal clamping), we compute the drag coefficient of the strip, by fitting the experimental data to the model, and find that it decreases as a function of porosity. Surprisingly, we find that, for every value of porosity, the drag coefficients for the horizontal configuration are larger than those of the vertical configuration. For all data in both configurations, with the exception of the continuous strip clamped vertically, a linear relation is found between the porosity and drag. Making use of this linearity, we can rescale the drag coefficient in a way that it becomes constant as a function of the Cauchy number, which relates the force due to fluid loading on the elastic strip to its bending rigidity, independently of the material properties and porosity of the strip and the flow speed. Our findings on flexible strips are contrasted to previous work on rigid perforated plates. These results highlight some open questions regarding the usage of reduced models to describe the deformation of flexible structures subjected to aerodynamic loading.

BFPTool: a software tool for analysis of Biomembrane Force Probe experiments.

PubMed

Šmít, Daniel; Fouquet, Coralie; Doulazmi, Mohamed; Pincet, Frédéric; Trembleau, Alain; Zapotocky, Martin

2017-01-01

The Biomembrane Force Probe is an approachable experimental technique commonly used for single-molecule force spectroscopy and experiments on biological interfaces. The technique operates in the range of forces from 0.1 pN to 1000 pN. Experiments are typically repeated many times, conditions are often not optimal, the captured video can be unstable and lose focus; this makes efficient analysis challenging, while out-of-the-box non-proprietary solutions are not freely available. This dedicated tool was developed to integrate and simplify the image processing and analysis of videomicroscopy recordings from BFP experiments. A novel processing feature, allowing the tracking of the pipette, was incorporated to address a limitation of preceding methods. Emphasis was placed on versatility and comprehensible user interface implemented in a graphical form. An integrated analytical tool was implemented to provide a faster, simpler and more convenient way to process and analyse BFP experiments.

Inverse and Direct Energy Cascades in Three-Dimensional Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence at Low Magnetic Reynolds Number

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Nathaniel T.; Pothérat, Alban; Davoust, Laurent; Debray, François

2018-06-01

This experimental study analyzes the relationship between the dimensionality of turbulence and the upscale or downscale nature of its energy transfers. We do so by forcing low-R m magnetohydrodynamic turbulence in a confined channel, while precisely controlling its dimensionality by means of an externally applied magnetic field. We first identify a specific length scale l^⊥ c that separates smaller 3D structures from larger quasi-2D ones. We then show that an inverse energy cascade of horizontal kinetic energy along horizontal scales is always observable at large scales, and that it extends well into the region of 3D structures. At the same time, a direct energy cascade confined to the smallest and strongly 3D scales is observed. These dynamics therefore appear not to be simply determined by the dimensionality of individual scales, nor by the forcing scale, unlike in other studies. In fact, our findings suggest that the relationship between kinematics and dynamics is not universal and may strongly depend on the forcing and dissipating mechanisms at play.

Single Cell Force Spectroscopy for Quantification of Cellular Adhesion on Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christenson, Wayne B.

Cell adhesion is an important aspect of many biological processes. The atomic force microscope (AFM) has made it possible to quantify the forces involved in cellular adhesion using a technique called single cell force spectroscopy (SCFS). AFM based SCFS offers versatile control over experimental conditions for probing directly the interaction between specific cell types and specific proteins, surfaces, or other cells. Transmembrane integrins are the primary proteins involved in cellular adhesion to the extra cellular matix (ECM). One of the chief integrins involved in the adhesion of leukocyte cells is alpha Mbeta2 (Mac-1). The experiments in this dissertation quantify the adhesion of Mac-1 expressing human embryonic kidney (HEK Mac-1), platelets, and neutrophils cells on substrates with different concentrations of fibrinogen and on fibrin gels and multi-layered fibrinogen coated fibrin gels. It was shown that multi-layered fibrinogen reduces the adhesion force of these cells considerably. A novel method was developed as part of this research combining total internal reflection microscopy (TIRFM) with SCFS allowing for optical microscopy of HEK Mac-1 cells interacting with bovine serum albumin (BSA) coated glass after interacting with multi-layered fibrinogen. HEK Mac-1 cells are able to remove fibrinogen molecules from the multi-layered fibrinogen matrix. An analysis methodology for quantifying the kinetic parameters of integrin-ligand interactions from SCFS experiments is proposed, and the kinetic parameters of the Mac-1 fibrinogen bond are quantified. Additional SCFS experiments quantify the adhesion of macrophages and HEK Mac-1 cells on functionalized glass surfaces and normal glass surfaces. Both cell types show highest adhesion on a novel functionalized glass surface that was prepared to induce macrophage fusion. These experiments demonstrate the versatility of AFM based SCFS, and how it can be applied to address many questions in cellular biology offering quantitative insights.

MEMS-Based Force-Detected Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (FDNMR) Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Choonsup; Butler, Mark C.; Elgammal, Ramez A.; George, Thomas; Hunt, Brian; Weitekamp, Daniel P.

2006-01-01

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy allows assignment of molecular structure by acquiring the energy spectrum of nuclear spins in a molecule, and by interpreting the symmetry and positions of resonance lines in the spectrum. As such, NMR has become one of the most versatile and ubiquitous spectroscopic methods. Despite these tremendous successes, NMR experiments suffer from inherent low sensitivity due to the relatively low energy of photons in the radio frequency (rt) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Here, we describe a high-resolution spectroscopy in samples with diameters in the micron range and below. We have reported design and fabrication of force-detected nuclear magnetic resonance (FDNMR).

Note: Force- and torque-detection of high frequency electron spin resonance using a membrane-type surface-stress sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Hideyuki; Ishimura, Kento; Okamoto, Tsubasa; Ohmichi, Eiji; Ohta, Hitoshi

2018-03-01

We developed a practical useful method for force- and torque-detected electron spin resonance (FDESR/TDESR) spectroscopy in the millimeter wave frequency region. This method uses a commercially available membrane-type surface-stress (MSS) sensor. The MSS is composed of a silicon membrane supported by four beams in which piezoresistive paths are integrated for detecting the deformation of the membrane. Although this device has a lower spin sensitivity than a microcantilever, it offers several distinct advantages, including mechanical strength, ease of use, and versatility. These advantages make this device suitable for practical applications that require FDESR/TDESR.

Living matter—nexus of physics and biology in the 21st century

PubMed Central

Gardel, Margaret L.

2012-01-01

Cells are made up of complex assemblies of cytoskeletal proteins that facilitate force transmission from the molecular to cellular scale to regulate cell shape and force generation. The “living matter” formed by the cytoskeleton facilitates versatile and robust behaviors of cells, including their migration, adhesion, division, and morphology, that ultimately determine tissue architecture and mechanics. Elucidating the underlying physical principles of such living matter provides great opportunities in both biology and physics. For physicists, the cytoskeleton provides an exceptional toolbox to study materials far from equilibrium. For biologists, these studies will provide new understanding of how molecular-scale processes determine cell morphological changes. PMID:23112229

A Low Temperature Scanning Force Microscope with a Vertical Cantilever and Interferometric Detection Scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jeehoon; Williams, T. L.; Chu, Sang Lin; Korre, Hasan; Chalfin, Max; Hoffman, J. E.

2008-03-01

We have developed a fiber-optic interferometry system with a vertical cantilever for scanning force microscopy. A lens, mounted on a Pan-type walker, was used to collect the interference signal in the cavity between the cantilever and the single mode fiber. This vertical geometry has several advantages: (1) it is directly sensitive to lateral forces; (2) low spring constant vertical cantilevers may allow increased force sensitivity by solving the ``snap-in'' problem that occurs with soft horizontal cantilevers. We have sharpened vertical cantilevers by focused ion beam (FIB), achieving a tip radius of 20 nm. We will show test results of a magnetic force microscope (MFM) with this vertical cantilever system.

Ground Reaction Forces Generated During Rhythmical Squats as a Dynamic Loads of the Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pantak, Marek

2017-10-01

Dynamic forces generated by moving persons can lead to excessive vibration of the long span, slender and lightweight structure such as floors, stairs, stadium stands and footbridges. These dynamic forces are generated during walking, running, jumping and rhythmical body swaying in vertical or horizontal direction etc. In the paper the mathematical models of the Ground Reaction Forces (GRFs) generated during squats have been presented. Elaborated models was compared to the GRFs measured during laboratory tests carried out by author in wide range of frequency using force platform. Moreover, the GRFs models were evaluated during dynamic numerical analyses and dynamic field tests of the exemplary structure (steel footbridge).

The response of stationary planetary waves to tropospheric forcing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alpert, J. C.; Geller, M. A.; Avery, S. K.

1983-01-01

The lower boundary forcing of airflow over topography, and the internal forcing that results from the geographical distribution of diabatic heating, are studied in light of a steady state, linear, quasi-geostrophic model of stationary waves on a sphere. The lower boundary vertical motions forced by airflow over topography depend on whether the horizontal deflection of airflow around topographic features is taken into account, the level of the wind profile at which flow over topography is assumed to take place, and the topographic data set that was used in the forcing formulation. The lower boundary forcing is taken to be given by the observed stationary planetary wave in lower boundary geopotential height, and the internal forcing is computed using the planetary wave propagation equation on the observed wave structure.

Selective particle trapping using an oscillating microbubble.

PubMed

Rogers, Priscilla; Neild, Adrian

2011-11-07

The ability to isolate and sort analytes within complex microfluidic volumes is essential to the success of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices. In this study, acoustically-excited oscillating bubbles are used to selectively trap particles, with the selectivity being a function of both particle size and density. The operating principle is based on the interplay between the strong microstreaming-induced drag force and the attractive secondary Bjerknes force. Depending upon the size of the bubble, and thus its resonant frequency, it is possible to cause one force to dominate over the other, resulting in either particle attraction or repulsion. A theoretical analysis reveals the extent of the contribution of each force for a given particle size; in close agreement with experimental findings. Density-based trapping is also demonstrated, highlighting that denser particles experience a larger secondary Bjerknes force resulting in their attraction. This study showcases the excellent applicability and versatility of using oscillating bubbles as a trapping and sorting mechanism within LOC devices. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

Effects of horizontal vs vertical vaginal cuff closure techniques on vagina length after vaginal hysterectomy: a prospective randomized study.

PubMed

Cavkaytar, Sabri; Kokanali, Mahmut Kuntay; Topcu, Hasan Onur; Aksakal, Orhan Seyfi; Doganay, Melike

2014-01-01

To compare the effects of horizontal and vertical vaginal cuff closure techniques on vagina length after vaginal hysterectomy. Prospective randomized study (Canadian Task Force classification I). Teaching and research hospital, a tertiary center. Fifty-two women with POP-Q stage 0 or 1 uterine prolapse were randomized into 2 groups using vertical (n = 26) or horizontal (n = 26) vaginal cuff closure. All patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy. Vagina length in the 2 groups was compared preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and at 6 weeks postoperatively. Mean (SD) preoperative vagina length in the horizontal and vertical groups was similar (7.87 [0.92] cm vs 7.99 [0.78] cm; p = .41). Immediately postoperatively, the vagina was significantly shorter in the horizontal group than in the vertical group (6.61 [0.89] cm vs 7.51 [0.74] cm; p < .001). At 6 weeks postoperatively, the vagina was still significantly shorter in the horizontal group (6.55 [0.89] cm vs 7.42 (0.73) cm; p < .001). The mean difference in vagina length before and after surgery was also significantly higher in the horizontal group than in the vertical group (-1.26 [0.12] cm vs 0.49 [0.11] cm; p < .001). Vertical cuff closure during vaginal hysterectomy seems to preserve vagina length better than does horizontal cuff closure. Copyright © 2014 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Upstream-advancing waves generated by three-dimensional moving disturbances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Seung-Joon; Grimshaw, Roger H. J.

1990-02-01

The wave field resulting from a surface pressure or a bottom topography in a horizontally unbounded domain is studied. Upstream-advancing waves successively generated by various forcing disturbances moving with near-resonant speeds are found by numerically solving a forced Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (fKP) equation, which shows in its simplest form the interplay of a basic linear wave operator, longitudinal and transverse dispersion, nonlinearity, and forcing. Curved solitary waves are found as a slowly varying similarity solution of the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP) equation, and are favorably compared with the upstream-advancing waves numerically obtained.

Summer Study Program in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics - The Influence of Convection on Large-Scale Circulations - 1988

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-07-01

the vector of the body force." lo., ,P /’P l> 16 __ __ _ __ ___P . 19 U In the first lecture we define the buoyancy force, develop a simplified...force and l’is a unit vector along the motion vector . Integrating Bernoulli’s law over a closed loop one gets: I also [ C by integrating along the...convection. It is conveiient to write these equations as evolution equations for a atate vector U(x, z, t) where x is the horizontal coordinate vector

A Physics Based Vehicle Terrain Interaction Model for Soft Soil off-Road Vehicle Simulations

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

assumed terrain deformation, use of empirical relationships for the deformation, or finite/discrete element approaches for the terrain. A real-time...vertical columns of soil, and the deformation of each is modeled using visco-elasto-plastic compressibility relationships that relate subsoil pressures to...produced by tractive and turning forces will also be incorporated into the model. Both the vertical and horizontal force/displacement relationships

Tire-soil interaction model for turning (steered) tires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karafiath, L. L.

1985-07-01

A review of the experimental information on the development of lateral forces on tires traveling at an angle to their center plane is presented and the usefulness of the consideration of the lateral forces for the development of an analytical model is evaluated. Major components of the lateral force have been identified as the forces required to balance the tractive force and the drawbar pull vectorially. These are the shear stresses developing in the contact area and the horizontal component of the normal stresses acting on the in-ground portion or the curved side walls of the tire. The tire-soil interaction model for steady state straight travel has been expanded to include the necessary algorithms for the calculation of these lateral forces. The pattern of tractive force-slip and longitudinal-lateral force relationships is in general agreement with experiments.

Frontal Impact of Rolling Spheres.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Domenech, A.; Casasus, E.

1991-01-01

A model of the inelastic collision between two spheres rolling along a horizontal track is presented, taking into account the effects of frictional forces at impact. This experiment makes possible direct estimates of the coefficients of restitution and friction. (Author)

Scale Issues in Air Quality Modeling

EPA Science Inventory

This presentation reviews past model evaluation studies investigating the impact of horizontal grid spacing on model performance. It also presents several examples of using a spectral decomposition technique to separate the forcings from processes operating on different time scal...

46 CFR 194.05-7 - Explosives-Detail requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...) Stowage shall be in a location reasonably protected from the full force of boarding seas. (2) Stowage... shall not be on or under the bridge, or navigating deck, or within a distance, in a horizontal plane, of...

46 CFR 194.05-7 - Explosives-Detail requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...) Stowage shall be in a location reasonably protected from the full force of boarding seas. (2) Stowage... shall not be on or under the bridge, or navigating deck, or within a distance, in a horizontal plane, of...

46 CFR 194.05-7 - Explosives-Detail requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...) Stowage shall be in a location reasonably protected from the full force of boarding seas. (2) Stowage... shall not be on or under the bridge, or navigating deck, or within a distance, in a horizontal plane, of...

46 CFR 194.05-7 - Explosives-Detail requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...) Stowage shall be in a location reasonably protected from the full force of boarding seas. (2) Stowage... shall not be on or under the bridge, or navigating deck, or within a distance, in a horizontal plane, of...

Passive magnetic bearing for a horizontal shaft

DOEpatents

Post, Richard F.

2003-12-02

A passive magnetic bearing is composed of a levitation element and a restorative element. The levitation element is composed of a pair of stationary arcuate ferromagnetic segments located within an annular radial-field magnet array. The magnet array is attached to the inner circumference of a hollow shaft end. An attractive force between the arcuate segments and the magnet array acts vertically to levitate the shaft, and also in a horizontal transverse direction to center the shaft. The restorative element is comprised of an annular Halbach array of magnets and a stationary annular circuit array located within the Halbach array. The Halbach array is attached to the inner circumference of the hollow shaft end. A repulsive force between the Halbach array and the circuit array increases inversely to the radial space between them, and thus acts to restore the shaft to its equilibrium axis of rotation when it is displaced therefrom.

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

S. Chouhan, J. DeKamp, A. Zeller, P. Brindza, S. Lassiter, M. Fowler, E. Sun

A collaboration between NSCL and Jlab has developed the reference design and coil winding for Jlab's Super High Momentum Spectrometer (SHMS) horizontal bend magnet. A warm iron ??C?? type superferric dipole magnet will bend the 12 GeV/c particles horizontally by 3?? to allow the SHMS to reach angles as low as 5.5??. This requires an integral field strength of up to 2.1 T.m. The major challenges are the tight geometry, high and unbalanced forces and a required low fringe field in primary beam path. A coil design based on flattened SSC Rutherford cable that provides a large current margin andmore » commercially available fiberglass prepreg epoxy tape has been developed. A complete test coil has been wound and will be cold tested. This paper present the modified magnet design includes coil forces, coil restraint system and fringe field. In addition, coil properties, quench calculations and the full mechanical details are also presented.« less

Conductive-probe atomic force microscopy characterization of silicon nanowire

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

The electrical conduction properties of lateral and vertical silicon nanowires (SiNWs) were investigated using a conductive-probe atomic force microscopy (AFM). Horizontal SiNWs, which were synthesized by the in-plane solid-liquid-solid technique, are randomly deployed into an undoped hydrogenated amorphous silicon layer. Local current mapping shows that the wires have internal microstructures. The local current-voltage measurements on these horizontal wires reveal a power law behavior indicating several transport regimes based on space-charge limited conduction which can be assisted by traps in the high-bias regime (> 1 V). Vertical phosphorus-doped SiNWs were grown by chemical vapor deposition using a gold catalyst-driving vapor-liquid-solid process on higly n-type silicon substrates. The effect of phosphorus doping on the local contact resistance between the AFM tip and the SiNW was put in evidence, and the SiNWs resistivity was estimated. PMID:21711623

Tempest in a glass tube: A helical vortex formation in a complex plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saitou, Yoshifumi; Ishihara, Osamu; Ishihara

2014-12-01

A collective behavior of dust particles in a complex plasma with a magnetic field (up to 4 kG) is investigated. Dust particles form a dust disk which is rotating in a horizontal plane pushed by ions rotating with the E × B drift as a trigger force. The thickness of the disk is determined by controlling the experimental conditions. The disk rotates in a horizontal plane and forms a two-dimensional thin structure when the pressure pAr is relatively high. The dust particles are ejected from near the disk center and form a rotation in the vertical plane and, hence, forms a helical vortex when the disk is thick for relatively low pAr . The reason the dust disk has the different thickness is due to the neutral pressure. Under a higher (lower) neutral gas pressure, the disk becomes two (three) dimensional due to the influence of the neutral drag force.

Liposculpture 4. Fundamentals of good liposculpture technique.

PubMed

Fischer, G

1992-03-01

The fundamentals for good liposculpture are discussed. Horizontal tunneling is to be avoided because the more horizontally the tunnel is angled, the more likely the overlying skin will drape in folds, resulting in poor cosmesis. Superficial tunneling (less than 1 cm) is to be avoided. The author believes that it is important to maintain the adhesive forces and lymphatics of the superficial layer of fat because it leads to more even healing and remodelling postoperatively. Liposuction within 3 cm of the subgluteal fold should be avoided because it can lead to ptosis of the buttocks postoperatively.

Modeling of two-hot-arm horizontal thermal actuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Dong; Khajepour, Amir; Mansour, Raafat

2003-03-01

Electrothermal actuators have a very promising future in MEMS applications since they can generate large deflection and force with low actuating voltages and small device areas. In this study, a lumped model of a two-hot-arm horizontal thermal actuator is presented. In order to prove the accuracy of the lumped model, finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental results are provided. The two-hot-arm thermal actuator has been fabricated using the MUMPs process. Both the experimental and FEA results are in good agreement with the results of lumped modeling.

Limitation on the use of the horizontal clinostat as a gravity compensator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, A. H.; Dahl, A. O.; Chapman, D. K.

1975-01-01

If the horizontal clinostat effectively compensates for the influence of the gravity vector on the rotating plant, it makes the plant unresponsive to whatever chronic acceleration may be applied transverse to the axis of clinostat rotation. This was tested by centrifuging plants while they were growing on clinostats. For a number of morphological endpoints of development, the results depended on the magnitude of the applied g-force. Gravity compensation by the clinostat was incomplete, and this conclusion is in agreement with results of satellite experiments which are reviewed.

Measurements of drag and lift on smooth balls in flight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cross, Rod; Lindsey, Crawford

2017-07-01

Measurements are presented on the drag and lift coefficients for three relatively smooth balls launched in air and tracked with two cameras separated horizontally by 6.4 m. The ball spin was varied in order to investigate whether the Magnus force would increase or decrease when the ball spin was increased. For one ball, the Magnus force increased. For another ball, the Magnus force decreased almost to zero after reaching a maximum. For the third ball, the Magnus force was negative at low ball spins and positive at high ball spins. For one of the balls, the ball spin increased with time as it travelled through the air.

Tactical Implications for Peacemaking in Ethnic Conflict

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-02-04

means to achieve unity of effort; but unity of effort is achievable without unity of command. Second, units exhibited great versatility. Third , the Army...reviews the post-Persian Gulf War operations, emphasizing OPC. The third section analyzes some tactical lessons learned from OPC. This section uses the...commitments have not decreased. Third , the nation and the Army cannot afford a standing force dedicated to every type of contingency. Finally

MicroMegascope.

PubMed

Canale, L; Laborieux, A; Mogane, A Aroul; Jubin, L; Comtet, J; Lainé, A; Bocquet, L; Siria, A; Niguès, A

2018-08-31

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) allows us to reconstruct the topography of surfaces with resolution in the nanometer range. The exceptional resolution attainable with the AFM makes this instrument a key tool in nanoscience and technology. The core of a standard AFM set-up relies on the detection of the change of the mechanical motion of a micro-oscillator when approaching the sample to image. This is despite the fact that AFM is nowadays a very common instrument for both fundamental and applied research. The fabrication of the micrometric scale mechanical oscillator is still a very complicated and expensive task requiring dedicated platforms. Being able to perform AFM with a macroscopic oscillator would make the instrument more versatile and accessible for an even larger spectrum of applications and audience. Here, we present atomic force imaging with a centimetric oscillator, an aluminum tuning fork of centimeter size as a sensor on which an accelerometer is glued on one prong to measure the oscillations. We show that it is possible to perform topographic images of nanometric resolution with a gram tuning fork. In addition to the stunning sensitivity, we show the high versatility of such an oscillator by imaging both in air and liquid. The set-up proposed here can be extended to numerous experiments where the probe has to be heavy and/or very complex, and so too the environment.

Decay characteristics of electroadhesive forces by periodic electrodes in dielectric layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Junseok; Cha, Youngsu

2017-07-01

Electroadhesive force is the force generated by induced dipoles in the gradient of an electric field. Owing to its benefits of mechanical characteristics and versatility, it is widely used to hold and manipulate objects in robotic applications. So far, most studies in this field have been focused on the maximization of the magnitude of electroadhesive force. In this paper, we focus on the decay characteristics of electroadhesive force depending on the spatial distance from electrodes to employ the force to precisely separate a single layer from stacked dielectric layers. It turns out that all configurations with periodically repeating electrodes' arrangement, have the same decay characteristics which significantly depend on the geometrical period of the electrode patterns. Also, we find that the other parameters including the applied voltage and geometry of electrodes have little effect on the decay characteristics. The electric potential of an arbitrary electrode configuration is expanded in terms of the Fourier series, and we use it to analytically prove the high dependence of decay characteristics on the geometrical period. Numerical analysis is performed using the finite element method.

An intercomparison of GCM and RCM dynamical downscaling for characterizing the hydroclimatology of California and Nevada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Z.; Rhoades, A.; Johansen, H.; Ullrich, P. A.; Collins, W. D.

2017-12-01

Dynamical downscaling is widely used to properly characterize regional surface heterogeneities that shape the local hydroclimatology. However, the factors in dynamical downscaling, including the refinement of model horizontal resolution, large-scale forcing datasets and dynamical cores, have not been fully evaluated. Two cutting-edge global-to-regional downscaling methods are used to assess these, specifically the variable-resolution Community Earth System Model (VR-CESM) and the Weather Research & Forecasting (WRF) regional climate model, under different horizontal resolutions (28, 14, and 7 km). Two groups of WRF simulations are driven by either the NCEP reanalysis dataset (WRF_NCEP) or VR-CESM outputs (WRF_VRCESM) to evaluate the effects of the large-scale forcing datasets. The impacts of dynamical core are assessed by comparing the VR-CESM simulations to the coupled WRF_VRCESM simulations with the same physical parameterizations and similar grid domains. The simulated hydroclimatology (i.e., total precipitation, snow cover, snow water equivalent and surface temperature) are compared with the reference datasets. The large-scale forcing datasets are critical to the WRF simulations in more accurately simulating total precipitation, SWE and snow cover, but not surface temperature. Both the WRF and VR-CESM results highlight that no significant benefit is found in the simulated hydroclimatology by just increasing horizontal resolution refinement from 28 to 7 km. Simulated surface temperature is sensitive to the choice of dynamical core. WRF generally simulates higher temperatures than VR-CESM, alleviates the systematic cold bias of DJF temperatures over the California mountain region, but overestimates the JJA temperature in California's Central Valley.

Robot-Applied Resistance Augments the Effects of Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training on Stepping and Synaptic Plasticity in a Rodent Model of Spinal Cord Injury.

PubMed

Hinahon, Erika; Estrada, Christina; Tong, Lin; Won, Deborah S; de Leon, Ray D

2017-08-01

The application of resistive forces has been used during body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) to improve walking function after spinal cord injury (SCI). Whether this form of training actually augments the effects of BWSTT is not yet known. To determine if robotic-applied resistance augments the effects of BWSTT using a controlled experimental design in a rodent model of SCI. Spinally contused rats were treadmill trained using robotic resistance against horizontal (n = 9) or vertical (n = 8) hind limb movements. Hind limb stepping was tested before and after 6 weeks of training. Two control groups, one receiving standard training (ie, without resistance; n = 9) and one untrained (n = 8), were also tested. At the terminal experiment, the spinal cords were prepared for immunohistochemical analysis of synaptophysin. Six weeks of training with horizontal resistance increased step length, whereas training with vertical resistance enhanced step height and movement velocity. None of these changes occurred in the group that received standard (ie, no resistance) training or in the untrained group. Only standard training increased the number of step cycles and shortened cycle period toward normal values. Synaptophysin expression in the ventral horn was highest in rats trained with horizontal resistance and in untrained rats and was positively correlated with step length. Adding robotic-applied resistance to BWSTT produced gains in locomotor function over BWSTT alone. The impact of resistive forces on spinal connections may depend on the nature of the resistive forces and the synaptic milieu that is present after SCI.

3-D ballistic transport of ellipsoidal volcanic projectiles considering horizontal wind field and variable shape-dependent drag coefficients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertin, Daniel

2017-02-01

An innovative 3-D numerical model for the dynamics of volcanic ballistic projectiles is presented here. The model focuses on ellipsoidal particles and improves previous approaches by considering horizontal wind field, virtual mass forces, and drag forces subjected to variable shape-dependent drag coefficients. Modeling suggests that the projectile's launch velocity and ejection angle are first-order parameters influencing ballistic trajectories. The projectile's density and minor radius are second-order factors, whereas both intermediate and major radii of the projectile are of third order. Comparing output parameters, assuming different input data, highlights the importance of considering a horizontal wind field and variable shape-dependent drag coefficients in ballistic modeling, which suggests that they should be included in every ballistic model. On the other hand, virtual mass forces should be discarded since they almost do not contribute to ballistic trajectories. Simulation results were used to constrain some crucial input parameters (launch velocity, ejection angle, wind speed, and wind azimuth) of the block that formed the biggest and most distal ballistic impact crater during the 1984-1993 eruptive cycle of Lascar volcano, Northern Chile. Subsequently, up to 106 simulations were performed, whereas nine ejection parameters were defined by a Latin-hypercube sampling approach. Simulation results were summarized as a quantitative probabilistic hazard map for ballistic projectiles. Transects were also done in order to depict aerial hazard zones based on the same probabilistic procedure. Both maps combined can be used as a hazard prevention tool for ground and aerial transits nearby unresting volcanoes.

Influence of gravitoinertial force level on vestibular and visual velocity storage in yaw and pitch.

PubMed

Dizio, P; Lackner, J R

1992-01-01

Velocity storage is an important aspect of sensory-motor control of body orientation. The effective decay rate and three-dimensional organization of velocity storage are dependent upon body orientation relative to gravity and also are influenced by gravitoinertial force (G) level. Several of the inputs to velocity storage including otolithic, somatosensory, proprioceptive, and possibly motor are highly dependent on G level. To see whether the G dependency of velocity storage is related to changes in the effective coupling of individual sensory inputs to the velocity storage mechanism or to alterations in the time constant of velocity storage per se, we have studied horizontal vestibular nystagmus, horizontal optokinetic after nystagmus (OKAN) and vertical vestibular nystagmus as a function of force level. Horizontal OKAN and vestibular nystagmus both showed no effect of G level on their initial or peak slow phase velocities but their decay rates were quicker in 0G and 1.8G than in 1G. Vertical vestibular nystagmus also showed no effect of G level on peak velocity but decayed quicker in 0G relative to 1G. These-findings indicate that the intrinsic decay rate of a common velocity storage mechanism is affected by the magnitude of G. A negligible amount of slow phase eye velocity was observed in planes outside the planes of stimulation, thus short-term changes in G across multiple body axes can change velocity storage, but the change is restricted to the axis common to the rotary stimulus and the G vector.

Implementation of the vortex force formalism in the coupled ocean-atmosphere-wave-sediment transport (COAWST) modeling system for inner shelf and surf zone applications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kumar, Nirnimesh; Voulgaris, George; Warner, John C.; Olabarrieta, Maitane

2012-01-01

Model results from the planar beach case show good agreement with depth-averaged analytical solutions and with theoretical flow structures. Simulation results for the DUCK' 94 experiment agree closely with measured profiles of cross-shore and longshore velocity data from and . Diagnostic simulations showed that the nonlinear processes of wave roller generation and wave-induced mixing are important for the accurate simulation of surf zone flows. It is further recommended that a more realistic approach for determining the contribution of wave rollers and breaking induced turbulent mixing can be formulated using non-dimensional parameters which are functions of local wave parameters and the beach slope. Dominant terms in the cross-shore momentum balance are found to be the quasi-static pressure gradient and breaking acceleration. In the alongshore direction, bottom stress, breaking acceleration, horizontal advection and horizontal vortex forces dominate the momentum balance. The simulation results for the bar/rip channel morphology case clearly show the ability of the modeling system to reproduce horizontal and vertical circulation patterns similar to those found in laboratory studies and to numerical simulations using the radiation stress representation. The vortex force term is found to be more important at locations where strong flow vorticity interacts with the wave-induced Stokes flow field. Outside the surf zone, the three-dimensional model simulations of wave-induced flows for non-breaking waves closely agree with flow observations from MVCO, with the vertical structure of the simulated flow varying as a function of the vertical viscosity as demonstrated by Lentz et al. (2008).

Numerical investigation of flow motion and performance of a horizontal axis tidal turbine subjected to a steady current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lin-juan; Zheng, Jin-hai; Peng, Yu-xuan; Zhang, Ji-sheng; Wu, Xiu-guang

2015-04-01

Horizontal axis tidal turbines have attracted more and more attentions nowadays, because of their convenience and low expense in construction and high efficiency in extracting tidal energy. The present study numerically investigates the flow motion and performance of a horizontal axis tidal turbine with a supporting vertical cylinder under steady current. In the numerical model, the continuous equation and incompressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved, and the volume of fluid method is employed to track free surface motion. The RNG k- ɛ model is adopted to calculate turbulence transport while the fractional area/volume obstacle representation method is used to describe turbine characteristics and movement. The effects of installation elevation of tidal turbine and inlet velocity on the water elevation, and current velocity, rotating speed and resultant force on turbine are discussed. Based on the comparison of the numerical results, a better understanding of flow structure around horizontal axis tidal turbine and turbine performance is achieved.

Hybrid metamaterials for electrically triggered multifunctional control

PubMed Central

Liu, Liu; Kang, Lei; Mayer, Theresa S.; Werner, Douglas H.

2016-01-01

Despite the exotic material properties that have been demonstrated to date, practical examples of versatile metamaterials remain exceedingly rare. The concept of metadevices has been proposed in the context of hybrid metamaterial composites: systems in which active materials are introduced to advance tunability, switchability and nonlinearity. In contrast to the successful hybridizations seen at lower frequencies, there has been limited exploration into plasmonic and photonic nanostructures due to the lack of available optical materials with non-trivial activity, together with difficulties in regulating responses to external forces in an integrated manner. Here, by presenting a series of proof-of-concept studies on electrically triggered functionalities, we demonstrate a vanadium dioxide integrated photonic metamaterial as a transformative platform for multifunctional control. The proposed hybrid metamaterial integrated with transition materials represents a major step forward by providing a universal approach to creating self-sufficient and highly versatile nanophotonic systems. PMID:27807342

New Recording Layer of Recordable Digital Versatile Disc with CrOx Film Using Red Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chung Ping; Hung, Yao Ti

2006-03-01

In this study, CrOx film deposited by rf magnetron reactive sputtering was used as a new recording layer for a recordable digital versatile disc (DVD-R) with a red laser. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated the films have three major components: CrO2, CrO3, and Cr2O3. From disc dynamic tests and atomic force microscope (AFM) images of a polycarbonate (PC) substrate, a DVD-R structure of PC/ZnS-SiO2 (30 nm)/CrOx (120 nm)/ZnS-SiO2 (40 nm)/Ag (50 nm), deposited by sputtering at an O2/Ar flow rate ratio of 0.4, had an improved carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR). The principle of recording depends primarily on the explosive pressure of the O2 released due to laser heating of the annealed CrOx film.

Structured light enables biomimetic swimming and versatile locomotion of photoresponsive soft microrobots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palagi, Stefano; Mark, Andrew G.; Reigh, Shang Yik; Melde, Kai; Qiu, Tian; Zeng, Hao; Parmeggiani, Camilla; Martella, Daniele; Sanchez-Castillo, Alberto; Kapernaum, Nadia; Giesselmann, Frank; Wiersma, Diederik S.; Lauga, Eric; Fischer, Peer

2016-06-01

Microorganisms move in challenging environments by periodic changes in body shape. In contrast, current artificial microrobots cannot actively deform, exhibiting at best passive bending under external fields. Here, by taking advantage of the wireless, scalable and spatiotemporally selective capabilities that light allows, we show that soft microrobots consisting of photoactive liquid-crystal elastomers can be driven by structured monochromatic light to perform sophisticated biomimetic motions. We realize continuum yet selectively addressable artificial microswimmers that generate travelling-wave motions to self-propel without external forces or torques, as well as microrobots capable of versatile locomotion behaviours on demand. Both theoretical predictions and experimental results confirm that multiple gaits, mimicking either symplectic or antiplectic metachrony of ciliate protozoa, can be achieved with single microswimmers. The principle of using structured light can be extended to other applications that require microscale actuation with sophisticated spatiotemporal coordination for advanced microrobotic technologies.

Clap-and-fling mechanism in a hovering insect-like two-winged flapping-wing micro air vehicle.

PubMed

Phan, Hoang Vu; Au, Thi Kim Loan; Park, Hoon Cheol

2016-12-01

This study used numerical and experimental approaches to investigate the role played by the clap-and-fling mechanism in enhancing force generation in hovering insect-like two-winged flapping-wing micro air vehicle (FW-MAV). The flapping mechanism was designed to symmetrically flap wings at a high flapping amplitude of approximately 192°. The clap-and-fling mechanisms were thereby implemented at both dorsal and ventral stroke reversals. A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model was constructed based on three-dimensional wing kinematics to estimate the force generation, which was validated by the measured forces using a 6-axis load cell. The computed forces proved that the CFD model provided reasonable estimation with differences less than 8%, when compared with the measured forces. The measurement indicated that the clap and flings at both the stroke reversals augmented the average vertical force by 16.2% when compared with the force without the clap-and-fling effect. In the CFD simulation, the clap and flings enhanced the vertical force by 11.5% and horizontal drag force by 18.4%. The observations indicated that both the fling and the clap contributed to the augmented vertical force by 62.6% and 37.4%, respectively, and to the augmented horizontal drag force by 71.7% and 28.3%, respectively. The flow structures suggested that a strong downwash was expelled from the opening gap between the trailing edges during the fling as well as the clap at each stroke reversal. In addition to the fling phases, the influx of air into the low-pressure region between the wings from the leading edges also significantly contributed to augmentation of the vertical force. The study conducted for high Reynolds numbers also confirmed that the effect of the clap and fling was insignificant when the minimum distance between the two wings exceeded 1.2c (c = wing chord). Thus, the clap and flings were successfully implemented in the FW-MAV, and there was a significant improvement in the vertical force.

Clap-and-fling mechanism in a hovering insect-like two-winged flapping-wing micro air vehicle

PubMed Central

Phan, Hoang Vu; Au, Thi Kim Loan

2016-01-01

This study used numerical and experimental approaches to investigate the role played by the clap-and-fling mechanism in enhancing force generation in hovering insect-like two-winged flapping-wing micro air vehicle (FW-MAV). The flapping mechanism was designed to symmetrically flap wings at a high flapping amplitude of approximately 192°. The clap-and-fling mechanisms were thereby implemented at both dorsal and ventral stroke reversals. A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model was constructed based on three-dimensional wing kinematics to estimate the force generation, which was validated by the measured forces using a 6-axis load cell. The computed forces proved that the CFD model provided reasonable estimation with differences less than 8%, when compared with the measured forces. The measurement indicated that the clap and flings at both the stroke reversals augmented the average vertical force by 16.2% when compared with the force without the clap-and-fling effect. In the CFD simulation, the clap and flings enhanced the vertical force by 11.5% and horizontal drag force by 18.4%. The observations indicated that both the fling and the clap contributed to the augmented vertical force by 62.6% and 37.4%, respectively, and to the augmented horizontal drag force by 71.7% and 28.3%, respectively. The flow structures suggested that a strong downwash was expelled from the opening gap between the trailing edges during the fling as well as the clap at each stroke reversal. In addition to the fling phases, the influx of air into the low-pressure region between the wings from the leading edges also significantly contributed to augmentation of the vertical force. The study conducted for high Reynolds numbers also confirmed that the effect of the clap and fling was insignificant when the minimum distance between the two wings exceeded 1.2c (c = wing chord). Thus, the clap and flings were successfully implemented in the FW-MAV, and there was a significant improvement in the vertical force. PMID:28083112

Vertical and Horizontal Forces: A Framework for Understanding Airpower Command and Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-22

failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ...ABSTRACT The Air Force has long maintained the tenet of “centralized control , decentralized execution.” Changes in the contextual environment and...help commanders understand how command and control (C2) systems work best today. The proposed cognitive framework moves beyond centralization

A theoretical study of the application of jet flap circulation control for reduction of rotor vibratory forces, addendum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Renka, A. R.

1975-01-01

The theoretical potential of a jet flap control system for reducing the vertical and horizontal non-cancelling helicopter rotor blade root shears was investigated. It was determined that the dominant contributor to the rotor power requirements is the requirement to maintain moment trim as well as force trim. It was also found that the requirement to maintain moment trim does not entail a power penalty.

Physical properties and collapse force of according to the z-position of poly-Si pattern using nano-tribology.

PubMed

Kim, Soo In; Lee, Chang Woo

2011-02-01

Nowadays, many researchers try to measure the collapse force of fine pattern. However, most of the researches use LFM to gauge it indirectly and LFM can measure not for collapse force directly but only limited for horizontal force. Thus, nano-scratch is suggested to measure the collapse force possibly. We used poly-Si pattern on Si plate and changed the z-location of the pattern. From these experiments, the stiffness was decease as depth increase from surface and well fitted with negative exponential curve. Also, the elastic modulus was decreased. From the results, the collapse force of poly-Si nano-patterns was decreased as the depth increased over than 30% from the surface and the maximum collapse force was 26.91 microN and pattern was collapsed between poly-Si and plate.

A computer module used to calculate the horizontal control surface size of a conceptual aircraft design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sandlin, Doral R.; Swanson, Stephen Mark

1990-01-01

The creation of a computer module used to calculate the size of the horizontal control surfaces of a conceptual aircraft design is discussed. The control surface size is determined by first calculating the size needed to rotate the aircraft during takeoff, and, second, by determining if the calculated size is large enough to maintain stability of the aircraft throughout any specified mission. The tail size needed to rotate during takeoff is calculated from a summation of forces about the main landing gear of the aircraft. The stability of the aircraft is determined from a summation of forces about the center of gravity during different phases of the aircraft's flight. Included in the horizontal control surface analysis are: downwash effects on an aft tail, upwash effects on a forward canard, and effects due to flight in close proximity to the ground. Comparisons of production aircraft with numerical models show good accuracy for control surface sizing. A modified canard design verified the accuracy of the module for canard configurations. Added to this stability and control module is a subroutine that determines one of the three design variables, for a stable vectored thrust aircraft. These include forward thrust nozzle position, aft thrust nozzle angle, and forward thrust split.

Large-scale anisotropy in stably stratified rotating flows

DOE PAGES

Marino, R.; Mininni, P. D.; Rosenberg, D. L.; ...

2014-08-28

We present results from direct numerical simulations of the Boussinesq equations in the presence of rotation and/or stratification, both in the vertical direction. The runs are forced isotropically and randomly at small scales and have spatial resolutions of up tomore » $1024^3$ grid points and Reynolds numbers of $$\\approx 1000$$. We first show that solutions with negative energy flux and inverse cascades develop in rotating turbulence, whether or not stratification is present. However, the purely stratified case is characterized instead by an early-time, highly anisotropic transfer to large scales with almost zero net isotropic energy flux. This is consistent with previous studies that observed the development of vertically sheared horizontal winds, although only at substantially later times. However, and unlike previous works, when sufficient scale separation is allowed between the forcing scale and the domain size, the total energy displays a perpendicular (horizontal) spectrum with power law behavior compatible with $$\\sim k_\\perp^{-5/3}$$, including in the absence of rotation. In this latter purely stratified case, such a spectrum is the result of a direct cascade of the energy contained in the large-scale horizontal wind, as is evidenced by a strong positive flux of energy in the parallel direction at all scales including the largest resolved scales.« less

Matrix method for acoustic levitation simulation.

PubMed

Andrade, Marco A B; Perez, Nicolas; Buiochi, Flavio; Adamowski, Julio C

2011-08-01

A matrix method is presented for simulating acoustic levitators. A typical acoustic levitator consists of an ultrasonic transducer and a reflector. The matrix method is used to determine the potential for acoustic radiation force that acts on a small sphere in the standing wave field produced by the levitator. The method is based on the Rayleigh integral and it takes into account the multiple reflections that occur between the transducer and the reflector. The potential for acoustic radiation force obtained by the matrix method is validated by comparing the matrix method results with those obtained by the finite element method when using an axisymmetric model of a single-axis acoustic levitator. After validation, the method is applied in the simulation of a noncontact manipulation system consisting of two 37.9-kHz Langevin-type transducers and a plane reflector. The manipulation system allows control of the horizontal position of a small levitated sphere from -6 mm to 6 mm, which is done by changing the phase difference between the two transducers. The horizontal position of the sphere predicted by the matrix method agrees with the horizontal positions measured experimentally with a charge-coupled device camera. The main advantage of the matrix method is that it allows simulation of non-symmetric acoustic levitators without requiring much computational effort.

Effect of spaceflight on the spatial orientation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex during eccentric roll rotation: A case report.

PubMed

Reschke, Millard F; Wood, Scott J; Clément, Gilles

2018-01-01

Ground-based studies have reported shifts of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) slow phase velocity (SPV) axis toward the resultant gravito-inertial force vector. The VOR was examined during eccentric roll rotation before, during and after an 8-day orbital mission. On orbit this vector is aligned with the head z-axis. Our hypothesis was that eccentric roll rotation on orbit would generate horizontal eye movements. Two subjects were rotated in a semi-supine position with the head nasal-occipital axis parallel to the axis of rotation and 0.5 m off-center. The chair accelerated at 120 deg/s2 to 120 deg/s, rotated at constant velocity for one minute, and then decelerated to a stop in similar fashion. On Earth, the stimulation primarily generated torsional VOR. During spaceflight, in one subject torsional VOR became horizontal VOR, and then decayed very slowly. In the other subject, torsional VOR was reduced on orbit relative to pre- and post-flight, but the SPV axis did not rotate. We attribute the shift from torsional to horizontal VOR on orbit to a spatial orientation of velocity storage toward alignment with the gravito-inertial force vector, and the inter-individual difference to cognitive factors related to the subjective straight-ahead.

Patellar tendon load in different types of eccentric squats.

PubMed

Frohm, A; Halvorsen, K; Thorstensson, A

2007-07-01

Differences in mechanical loading of the patellar tendon have been suggested as a reason for varying effects in rehabilitation of patellar tendinopathy using different eccentric squat exercises and devices. The aim was to characterize the magnitude and pattern of mechanical load at the knee and on the patellar tendon during four types of eccentric squat. Subjects performed squats with a submaximal free weight and with maximal effort in a device for eccentric overloading (Bromsman), on a decline board and horizontal surface. Kinematics was recorded with a motion-capture system, reaction forces with force plates, and electromyography from three leg muscles with surface electrodes. Inverse dynamics was used to calculate knee joint kinetics. Eccentric work, mean and peak patellar tendon force, and angle at peak force were greater (25-30%) for squats on decline board compared to horizontal surface with free weight, but not in Bromsman. Higher knee load forces (60-80%), but not work, were observed with Bromsman than free weight. Angular excursions at the knee and ankle were larger with decline board, particularly with free weight, and smaller in Bromsman than with free weight. Mean electromyography was greater on a decline board for gastrocnemius (13%) and vastus medialis (6%) with free weight, but in Bromsman only for gastrocnemius (7%). The results demonstrated clear differences in the biomechanical loading on the knee during different squat exercises. Quantification of such differences provides information that could be used to explain differences in rehabilitation effects as well as in designing more optimal rehabilitation exercises for patellar tendinopathy.

Thrust performance of unsteady propulsors using a novel measurement system, and corresponding wake patterns

PubMed Central

Clark, Richard P.; Smits, Alexander J.

2009-01-01

An apparatus is described for the measurement of unsteady thrust and propulsive efficiency produced by biologically inspired oscillating hydrodynamic propulsors. Force measurement is achieved using a strain-gauge-based force transducer, augmented with a lever to amplify or attenuate the applied force and control the measurement sensitivity and natural frequency of vibration. The lever can be used to tune the system to a specific application and it is shown that, using the lever, the stiffness can be made to increase more rapidly than the measurement sensitivity decreases. Efficiency is computed from measurements of the time-averaged power imparted to the fluid. The apparatus is applied to two different propulsors, demonstrating the versatility of the system; wake visualizations are examined, which provide insight into the physical mechanisms of efficient propulsion. PMID:19946574

Fiber based optical tweezers for simultaneous in situ force exertion and measurements in a 3D polyacrylamide gel compartment.

PubMed

Ti, Chaoyang; Thomas, Gawain M; Ren, Yundong; Zhang, Rui; Wen, Qi; Liu, Yuxiang

2015-07-01

Optical tweezers play an important role in biological applications. However, it is difficult for traditional optical tweezers based on objective lenses to work in a three-dimensional (3D) solid far away from the substrate. In this work, we develop a fiber based optical trapping system, namely inclined dual fiber optical tweezers, that can simultaneously apply and measure forces both in water and in a 3D polyacrylamide gel matrix. In addition, we demonstrate in situ, non-invasive characterization of local mechanical properties of polyacrylamide gel by measurements on an embedded bead. The fiber optical tweezers measurements agree well with those of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The inclined dual fiber optical tweezers provide a promising and versatile tool for cell mechanics study in 3D environments.

Buoyant Effects on the Flammability of Silicone Samples Planned for the Spacecraft Fire Experiment (Saffire)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Niehaus, Justin; Ferkul, Paul V.; Gokoglu, Suleyman; Ruff, Gary

2015-01-01

Flammability experiments on silicone samples were conducted in anticipation of the Spacecraft Fire Experiment (Saffire). The sample geometry was chosen to match the NASA 6001 Test 1 specification, namely 5 cm wide by 30 cm tall. Four thicknesses of silicone (0.25, 0.36, 0.61 and 1.00 mm) were examined. Tests included traditional upward buoyant flame spread using Test 1 procedures, downward opposed flow flame spread, horizontal and angled flame spread, forced flow upward and downward flame spread. In addition to these configurations, upward and downward tests were also conducted in a chamber with varying oxygen concentrations. In the upward buoyant flame spread tests, the flame generally did not burn the entire sample. As thickness was increased, the flame spread distance decreased before flame extinguishment. For the thickest sample, ignition could not be achieved. In the downward tests, the two thinnest samples permitted the flame to burn the entire sample, but the spread rate was lower compared to the corresponding upward values. The other two thicknesses could not be ignited in the downward configuration. The increased flammability for downward spreading flames relative to upward ones is uncommon. The two thinnest samples also burned completely in the horizontal configuration, as well as at angles up to 75 degrees from the horizontal. The upward and downward flammability behavior was compared in atmospheres of varying oxygen concentration to determine a maximum oxygen concentration for each configuration. Upward tests in air with an added forced flow were more flammable. Complementary analyses using SEM and TGA techniques suggest the importance of the silica layer formed on the burned sample surface. As silicone burns upward, silica deposits downstream •If the silicone is ignited in the downward configuration, it burns the entire length of the sample •Burning upward at an angle increases the burn length in some cases possibly due to less silica deposition •Forced flow in the upward burning case increases flammability, likely due to an increase in convective flow preventing silica from depositing •Samples in upward configuration burning under forced flow self extinguish after forced flow is removed

Backstroke start kinematic and kinetic changes due to different feet positioning.

PubMed

de Jesus, Karla; de Jesus, Kelly; Figueiredo, Pedro; Gonçalves, Pedro; Pereira, Suzana Matheus; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo; Fernandes, Ricardo Jorge

2013-01-01

The backstroke swimming start international rules changed in 2005. This study compared two backstroke start variants, both with feet parallel to each other but in complete immersion and emersion. Six elite swimmers performed two sets of 4 maximal 15 m bouts, each set using one of the variants. The starts were videotaped in the sagittal plane with two cameras, providing bi-dimensional dual-media kinematic evaluation, and an underwater force plate and a handgrip instrumented with a load cell collected kinetic data. Backstroke start with feet immerged displayed greater centre-of-mass horizontal starting position, centre-of-mass horizontal velocity at hands-off and take-off angle. Backstroke start with feet emerged showed greater wall contact time, centre-of-mass horizontal and downward vertical velocity at take-off, lower limbs horizontal impulse, and centre-of-mass downward vertical velocity during flight phase. Backstroke start with feet immerged and emerged displayed similar centre-of-mass horizontal water reach, back arc angle and 5 m starting time. Irrespective of the swimmer's feet positioning, coaches should emphasise each variant's mechanical advantages during the wall contact phases. Furthermore, the maintenance of those advantages throughout the flight should be stressed for better backstroke start performance.

Direct and inverse energy cascades in a forced rotating turbulence experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campagne, Antoine; Gallet, Basile; Moisy, Frédéric; Cortet, Pierre-Philippe

2014-11-01

Turbulence in a rotating frame provides a remarkable system where 2D and 3D properties may coexist, with a possible tuning between direct and inverse cascades. We present here experimental evidence for a double cascade of kinetic energy in a statistically stationary rotating turbulence experiment. Turbulence is generated by a set of vertical flaps which continuously injects velocity fluctuations towards the center of a rotating water tank. The energy transfers are evaluated from two-point third-order three-component velocity structure functions, which we measure using stereoscopic PIV in the rotating frame. Without global rotation, the energy is transferred from large to small scales, as in classical 3D turbulence. For nonzero rotation rates, the horizontal kinetic energy presents a double cascade: a direct cascade at small horizontal scales and an inverse cascade at large horizontal scales. By contrast, the vertical kinetic energy is always transferred from large to small horizontal scales, a behavior reminiscent of the dynamics of a passive scalar in 2D turbulence. At the largest rotation rate, the flow is nearly 2D and a pure inverse energy cascade is found for the horizontal energy.

An Assessment of the Air Force Weather Agency’s Readiness for Knowledge Management Initiatives

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

epistemology into a versatile public commodity (to show contrast or growth) (Drucker, 1993). In the early 1900s many organizations began to recognize the...ideas and theories concerning its development and implementation. This research attempts to address some organizational characteristics that impinge upon...first discussing the literary and theorectical paradigms that have influenced the development of KM and Holt et al’s (2007) KM readiness contruct. We

Block copolymer libraries: modular versatility of the macromolecular Lego system.

PubMed

Lohmeijer, Bas G G; Wouters, Daan; Yin, Zhihui; Schubert, Ulrich S

2004-12-21

The synthesis and characterization of a new 4 x 4 library of block copolymers based on polystyrene and poly(ethylene oxide) connected by an asymmetrical octahedral bis(terpyridine) ruthenium complex at the block junction are described, while initial studies on the thin film morphology of the components of the library are presented by the use of Atomic Force Microscopy, demonstrating the impact of a library approach to derive structure-property relationships.

General Purpose Force Capability; the Challenge of Versatility and Achieving Balance Along the Widest Possible Spectrum of Conflict

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

billion dollar systems and platforms. In the looming era of limited resources for defense spending, military and civilian leaders light of recent...conventional systems .”28 Finding the Proper Balance Abandoning our military superiority in conventional warfare would b On the other hand, swinging...Defense Strategy published in March 2005. The 2005 version of the National Defense Strategy recognized that, “we are confronting fundamentally

High-order accurate finite-volume formulations for the pressure gradient force in layered ocean models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engwirda, Darren; Kelley, Maxwell; Marshall, John

2017-08-01

Discretisation of the horizontal pressure gradient force in layered ocean models is a challenging task, with non-trivial interactions between the thermodynamics of the fluid and the geometry of the layers often leading to numerical difficulties. We present two new finite-volume schemes for the pressure gradient operator designed to address these issues. In each case, the horizontal acceleration is computed as an integration of the contact pressure force that acts along the perimeter of an associated momentum control-volume. A pair of new schemes are developed by exploring different control-volume geometries. Non-linearities in the underlying equation-of-state definitions and thermodynamic profiles are treated using a high-order accurate numerical integration framework, designed to preserve hydrostatic balance in a non-linear manner. Numerical experiments show that the new methods achieve high levels of consistency, maintaining hydrostatic and thermobaric equilibrium in the presence of strongly-sloping layer geometries, non-linear equations-of-state and non-uniform vertical stratification profiles. These results suggest that the new pressure gradient formulations may be appropriate for general circulation models that employ hybrid vertical coordinates and/or terrain-following representations.

Sprint mechanics return to competition follow-up after hamstring injury on a professional soccer player: A case study with an inertial sensor unit based methodological approach.

PubMed

Setuain, Igor; Lecumberri, Pablo; Izquierdo, Mikel

2017-10-03

The present research aimed to describe an inertial unit (IU)-based sprint mechanics evaluation model for assessing players' readiness to return to competition after suffering a grade I hamstring injury. A professional male football player (age 19years; height 177cm; weight 70kg, midfielder, Spanish, 3° Division) with a grade 1 biceps femoris injury was evaluated at pre-season, at return to play after injury and at the end of the competitive season. Sprint mechanics were analyzed via the use of an inertial orientation tracker (Xsens Technologies B.V. Enschede, Netherlands) attached over the L3-L4 region of the subject's lumbar spine. Sprint mechanics such as horizontal components of ground reaction force were assessed in both legs during sprinting actions. Findings and interpretation: Both the coefficient of the horizontal force application (SFV) and the ratio of forces (DRF) applied at increasing velocity were decreased in the injured limb compared with the contralateral healthy limb at the return to play evaluation (73% and 76% reductions, respectively) and returned to symmetrical levels at the end-season evaluation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurement of Unsteady Aerodynamics Load on the Blade of Field Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamada, Yasunari; Maeda, Takao; Naito, Keita; Ouchi, Yuu; Kozawa, Masayoshi

This paper describes an experimental field study of the rotor aerodynamics of wind turbines. The test wind turbine is a horizontal axis wind turbine, or: HAWT with a diameter of 10m. The pressure distributions on the rotating blade are measured with multi point pressure transducers. Sectional aerodynamic forces are analyzed from pressure distribution. Blade root moments are measured simultaneously by a pair of strain gauges. The inflow wind is measured by a three component sonic anemometer, the local inflow of the blade section are measured by a pair of 7 hole Pitot tubes. The relation between the aerodynamic moments on the blade root from pressure distribution and the mechanical moment from strain gauges is discussed. The aerodynamic moments are estimated from the sectional aerodynamic forces and show oscillation caused by local wind speed and direction change. The mechanical moment shows similar oscillation to the aerodynamic excepting the short period oscillation of the blade first mode frequency. The fluctuation of the sectional aerodynamic force triggers resonant blade oscillations. Where stall is present along the blade section, the blade's first mode frequency is dominant. Without stall, the rotating frequency is dominant in the blade root moment.

Modification of Impulse Generation During Pirouette Turns With Increased Rotational Demands.

PubMed

Zaferiou, Antonia M; Wilcox, Rand R; McNitt-Gray, Jill L

2016-10-01

This study determined how dancers regulated angular and linear impulse during the initiation of pirouettes of increased rotation. Skilled dancers (n = 11) performed single and double pirouette turns with each foot supported by a force plate. Linear and angular impulses generated by each leg were quantified and compared between turn types using probability-based statistical methods. As rotational demands increased, dancers increased the net angular impulse generated. The contribution of each leg to net angular impulse in both single and double pirouettes was influenced by stance configuration strategies. Dancers who generated more angular impulse with the push leg than with the turn leg initiated the turn with the center of mass positioned closer to the turn leg than did other dancers. As rotational demands increased, dancers tended to increase the horizontal reaction force magnitude at one or both feet; however, they used subject-specific mechanisms. By coordinating the generation of reaction forces between legs, changes in net horizontal impulse remained minimal, despite impulse regulation at each leg used to achieve more rotations. Knowledge gained regarding how an individual coordinates the generation of linear and angular impulse between both legs as rotational demand increased can help design tools to improve that individual's performance.

Impacts of Horizontal Propagation of Orographic Gravity Waves on the Wave Drag in the Stratosphere and Lower Mesosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xin; Wang, Yuan; Xue, Ming; Zhu, Kefeng

2017-11-01

The impact of horizontal propagation of mountain waves on the orographic gravity wave drag (OGWD) in the stratosphere and lower mesosphere of the Northern Hemisphere is evaluated for the first time. Using a fine-resolution (1 arc min) terrain and 2.5°×2.5° European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts ERA-Interim reanalysis data during 2011-2016, two sets of OGWD are calculated offline according to a traditional parameterization scheme (without horizontal propagation) and a newly proposed scheme (with horizontal propagation). In both cases, the zonal mean OGWDs show similar spatial patterns and undergo a notable seasonal variation. In winter, the OGWD is mainly distributed in the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere of middle to high latitudes, whereas the summertime OGWD is confined in the lower stratosphere. Comparison between the two sets of OGWD reveal that the horizontal propagation of mountain waves tends to decrease (increase) the OGWD in the lower stratosphere (middle to upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere). Consequently, including the horizontal propagation of mountain waves in the parameterization of OGWD can reduce the excessive OGWD in the lower stratosphere and strengthen the insufficient gravity wave forcing in the mesosphere, which are the known problems of traditional OGWD schemes. The impact of horizontal propagation is more prominent in winter than in summer, with the OGWD in western Tibetan Plateau, Rocky Mountains, and Greenland notably affected.

Patellar tendon properties distinguish elite from non-elite soccer players and are related to peak horizontal but not vertical power.

PubMed

Murtagh, Conall F; Stubbs, Michael; Vanrenterghem, Jos; O'Boyle, Andrew; Morgans, Ryland; Drust, Barry; Erskine, Robert M

2018-06-02

To investigate potential differences in patellar tendon properties between elite and non-elite soccer players, and to establish whether tendon properties were related to power assessed during unilateral jumps performed in different directions. Elite (n = 16; age 18.1 ± 1.0 years) and non-elite (n = 13; age 22.3 ± 2.7 years) soccer players performed vertical, horizontal-forward and medial unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJs) on a force plate. Patellar tendon (PT) cross-sectional area, elongation, strain, stiffness, and Young's modulus (measured at the highest common force interval) were assessed with ultrasonography and isokinetic dynamometry. Elite demonstrated greater PT elongation (6.83 ± 1.87 vs. 4.92 ± 1.88 mm, P = 0.011) and strain (11.73 ± 3.25 vs. 8.38 ± 3.06%, P = 0.009) than non-elite soccer players. Projectile range and peak horizontal power during horizontal-forward CMJ correlated positively with tendon elongation (r = 0.657 and 0.693, P < 0.001) but inversely with Young's modulus (r = - 0.376 and - 0.402; P = 0.044 and 0.031). Peak medial power during medial CMJ correlated positively with tendon elongation (r = 0.658, P < 0.001) but inversely with tendon stiffness (r = - 0.368, P = 0.050). Not only does a more compliant patellar tendon appear to be an indicator of elite soccer playing status but it may also facilitate unilateral horizontal-forward and medial, but not vertical CMJ performance. These findings should be considered when prescribing talent selection and development protocols related to direction-specific power in elite soccer players.

Impact of Harness Attachment Point on Kinetics and Kinematics During Sled Towing.

PubMed

Bentley, Ian; Atkins, Steve J; Edmundson, Christopher J; Metcalfe, John; Sinclair, Jonathan K

2016-03-01

Resisted sprint training is performed in a horizontal direction and involves similar muscles, velocities, and ranges of motion (ROM) to those of normal sprinting. Generally, sleds are attached to the athletes through a lead (3 m) and harness; the most common attachment points are the shoulder or waist. At present, it is not known how the different harness point's impact on the kinematics and kinetics associated with sled towing (ST). The aim of the current investigation was to examine the kinetics and kinematics of shoulder and waist harness attachment points in relation to the acceleration phase of ST. Fourteen trained men completed normal and ST trials, loaded at 10% reduction of sprint velocity. Sagittal plane kinematics from the trunk, hip, knee, and ankle were measured, together with stance phase kinetics (third footstrike). Kinetic and kinematic parameters were compared between harness attachments using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. The results indicated that various kinetic differences were present between the normal and ST conditions. Significantly greater net horizontal mean force, net horizontal impulses, propulsive mean force, and propulsive impulses were measured (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the waist harness also led to greater net horizontal impulse when compared with the shoulder attachment (p < 0.001). In kinematic terms, ST conditions significantly increased peak flexion in hip, knee, and ankle joints compared with the normal trials (p < 0.05). Results highlighted that the shoulder harness had a greater impact on trunk and knee joint kinematics when compared with the waist harness (p < 0.05). In summary, waist harnesses seem to be the most suitable attachment point for the acceleration phase of sprinting. Sled towing with these attachments resulted in fewer kinematic alterations and greater net horizontal impulse when compared with the shoulder harness. Future research is necessary in order to explore the long-term adaptations of these acute changes.

Nutations of sunflower seedlings on tilted clinostats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, A. H.; Chapman, D. K.

1977-01-01

The kinetics of hypocotyl nutations in Helianthus annuus L. were measured on plants which were rotated on clinostats with axes of rotation inclined at various angles, alpha, away from the vertical. The g-force component acting in the direction of the plant axis was taken as g cos alpha. The average period and average amplitude of nutation were constant for all such axially directed g-forces between 1.0 and 0.2 g (vertical to about 80 inclination). On the horizontal clinostat (90 inclination) nutation was neither initiated nor sustained. The g-force just sufficient fully to activate nutational oscillations should be sought for g-force parameter values ranging from 0 to 0.2.

Magnetic N-doped carbon nanotubes: A versatile and efficient material for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental water samples.

PubMed

Menezes, Helvécio Costa; de Barcelos, Stella Maris Resende; Macedo, Damiana Freire Dias; Purceno, Aluir Dias; Machado, Bruno Fernades; Teixeira, Ana Paula Carvalho; Lago, Rochel Monteiro; Serp, Philippe; Cardeal, Zenilda Lourdes

2015-05-11

This paper describes a new, efficient and versatile method for the sampling and preconcentration of PAH in environmental water matrices using special hybrid magnetic carbon nanotubes. These N-doped amphiphilic CNT can be easily dispersed in any aqueous matrix due to the N containing hydrophilic part and at the same time show high efficiency for the adsorption of different PAH contaminants due to the very hydrophobic surface. After adsorption, the CNT can be easily removed from the medium by a simple magnetic separation. GC/MS analyses showed that the CNT method is more efficient than the use of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with much lower solvent consumption, technical simplicity and time, showing good linearity (range 0.18-80.00 μg L(-1)) and determination coefficient (R(2) > 0.9810). The limit of detection ranged from 0.05 to 0.42 μg L(-1) with limit of quantification from 0.18 to 1.40 μg L(-1). Recovery (n=9) ranged from 80.50 ± 10 to 105.40 ± 12%. Intraday precision (RSD, n=9) ranged from 1.91 to 9.01%, whereas inter day precision (RSD, n=9) ranged from 7.02 to 17.94%. The method was applied to the analyses of PAH in four lake water samples collected in Belo Horizonte City, Brazil. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

JobCenter: an open source, cross-platform, and distributed job queue management system optimized for scalability and versatility

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Laboratories engaged in computational biology or bioinformatics frequently need to run lengthy, multistep, and user-driven computational jobs. Each job can tie up a computer for a few minutes to several days, and many laboratories lack the expertise or resources to build and maintain a dedicated computer cluster. Results JobCenter is a client–server application and framework for job management and distributed job execution. The client and server components are both written in Java and are cross-platform and relatively easy to install. All communication with the server is client-driven, which allows worker nodes to run anywhere (even behind external firewalls or “in the cloud”) and provides inherent load balancing. Adding a worker node to the worker pool is as simple as dropping the JobCenter client files onto any computer and performing basic configuration, which provides tremendous ease-of-use, flexibility, and limitless horizontal scalability. Each worker installation may be independently configured, including the types of jobs it is able to run. Executed jobs may be written in any language and may include multistep workflows. Conclusions JobCenter is a versatile and scalable distributed job management system that allows laboratories to very efficiently distribute all computational work among available resources. JobCenter is freely available at http://code.google.com/p/jobcenter/. PMID:22846423

Yo-yo Pull Demonstration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Layton, William

2013-03-01

A popular demonstration involves placing a yo-yo on a level table and gently pulling the string horizontally when it is wrapped to come out below the center of the yo-yo's axis. Students are then asked to predict which way the yo-yo will move. A similar demonstration is performed with a tricycle by pulling forward on a pedal with the pedal down in its lowest position.2,3 As well as pulling the yo-yo horizontally, often the string is lifted until the angle it makes with the table causes no motion. This occurs when the line extended from the string intersects the point of contact of the yo-yo with the table.4 This paper describes an apparatus that extends these demonstrations to the situation where the force pulling the yo-yo is still horizontal yet is below the level of the table.

Limitation on the Use of the Horizontal Clinostat as a Gravity Compensator 123

PubMed Central

Brown, Allan H.; Dahl, A. O.; Chapman, D. K.

1976-01-01

If the horizontal clinostat effectively compensates for the influence of the gravity vector on the rotating plant, it should make the plant unresponsive to whatever chronic acceleration may be applied transverse to the axis of clinostat rotation. This was tested by centrifuging plants while they were growing on clinostats. For a number of morphological end-points of development the results depended on the magnitude of the applied g-force. Therefore, gravity compensation by the clinostat was incomplete. This conclusion is in agreement with results of satellite experiments which are reviewed. PMID:16659631

Ecological networks to unravel the routes to horizontal transposon transfers.

PubMed

Venner, Samuel; Miele, Vincent; Terzian, Christophe; Biémont, Christian; Daubin, Vincent; Feschotte, Cédric; Pontier, Dominique

2017-02-01

Transposable elements (TEs) represent the single largest component of numerous eukaryotic genomes, and their activity and dispersal constitute an important force fostering evolutionary innovation. The horizontal transfer of TEs (HTT) between eukaryotic species is a common and widespread phenomenon that has had a profound impact on TE dynamics and, consequently, on the evolutionary trajectory of many species' lineages. However, the mechanisms promoting HTT remain largely unknown. In this article, we argue that network theory combined with functional ecology provides a robust conceptual framework and tools to delineate how complex interactions between diverse organisms may act in synergy to promote HTTs.

Computational and theoretical analysis of free surface flow in a thin liquid film under zero and normal gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Faghri, Amir; Swanson, Theodore D.

1988-01-01

The results of a numerical computation and theoretical analysis are presented for the flow of a thin liquid film in the presence and absence of a gravitational body force. Five different flow systems were used. Also presented are the governing equations and boundary conditions for the situation of a thin liquid emanating from a pressure vessel; traveling along a horizontal plate with a constant initial height and uniform initial velocity; and traveling radially along a horizontal disk with a constant initial height and uniform initial velocity.

The influence of planetary-wave transience on horizontal air motions in the stratosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salby, Murry L.

1992-01-01

The influence of transience of the planetary-wave field on the horizontal air motions and tracer distributions in the stratosphere was investigated in equivalent barotropic calculations. Two classes of transience are considered: a monochromatic traveling wave, representative of discrete components such as the 5- and 16-day waves, and a second-order stochastic process representative of broadband variability. The response to each of these forms of unsteady forcing is investigated in terms of the characteristic time scale of the transience. Results are presented, and the implications these results have on stratospheric behavior are discussed.

Why the water bridge does not collapse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aerov, Artem A.

2011-09-01

In 2007 an interesting phenomenon was discovered [J. Phys. DJPAPBE0022-372710.1088/0022-3727/40/19/052 40, 6112 (2007)]: a horizontal thread of water, the so-called water bridge, hangs in a horizontal electrostatic field. A different explanation of the water bridge stability is proposed herein: the force supporting it is the surface tension of water, while the role of the electric field is to not allow the water bridge to reduce its surface energy by breaking into separate drops. It is proven that electrostatic field is not the origin of the tension holding the bridge.

Solar Radiometric Data Quality Assessment of SIRS, SKYRAD and GNDRAD Measurements (Poster)

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

Habte, A.; Stoffel, T.; Reda, I.

2014-03-01

Solar radiation is the driving force for the earth's weather and climate. Understanding the elements of this dynamic energy balance requires accurate measurements of broadband solar irradiance. Since the mid-1990's the ARM Program has deployed pyrheliometers and pyranometers for the measurement of direct normal irradiance (DNI), global horizontal irradiance (GHI), diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI), and upwelling shortwave (US) radiation at permanent and mobile field research sites. This poster summarizes the basis for assessing the broadband solar radiation data available from the SIRS, SKYRAD, and GNDRAD measurement systems and provides examples of data inspections.

Generating a Reduced Gravity Environment on Earth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dungan, L. K.; Valle, P.; Shy, C.

2015-01-01

The Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) is designed to simulate reduced gravity environments, such as Lunar, Martian, or microgravity using a vertical lifting hoist and horizontal motion system. Three directions of motion are provided over a 41 ft x 24 ft x 25 ft tall area. ARGOS supplies a continuous offload of a portion of a person's weight during dynamic motions such as walking, running, and jumping. The ARGOS system tracks the person's motion in the horizontal directions to maintain a vertical offload force directly above the person or payload by measuring the deflection of the cable and adjusting accordingly.

Baroclinic instability with variable gravity: A perturbation analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giere, A. C.; Fowliss, W. W.; Arias, S.

1980-01-01

Solutions for a quasigeostrophic baroclinic stability problem in which gravity is a function of height were obtained. Curvature and horizontal shear of the basic state flow were omitted and the vertical and horizontal temperature gradients of the basic state were taken as constant. The effect of a variable dielectric body force, analogous to gravity, on baroclinic instability for the design of a spherical, baroclinic model for Spacelab was determined. Such modeling could not be performed in a laboratory on the Earth's surface because the body force could not be made strong enough to dominate terrestrial gravity. A consequence of the body force variation and the preceding assumptions was that the potential vorticity gradient of the basic state vanished. The problem was solved using a perturbation method. The solution gives results which are qualitatively similar to Eady's results for constant gravity; a short wavelength cutoff and a wavelength of maximum growth rate were observed. The averaged values of the basic state indicate that both the wavelength range of the instability and the growth rate at maximum instability are increased. Results indicate that the presence of the variable body force will not significantly alter the dynamics of the Spacelab experiment. The solutions are also relevant to other geophysical fluid flows where gravity is constant but the static stability or Brunt-Vaisala frequency is a function of height.

Aerodynamics in the classroom and at the ball park

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cross, Rod

2012-04-01

Experiments suitable for classroom projects or demonstrations are described concerning the aerodynamics of polystyrene balls. A light ball with sufficient backspin can curve vertically upward through the air, defying gravity and providing a dramatic visual demonstration of the Magnus effect. A ball projected with backspin can also curve downward with a vertical acceleration greater than that due to gravity if the Magnus force is negative. These effects were investigated by filming the flight of balls projected in an approximately horizontal direction so that the lift and drag forces could be easily measured. The balls were also fitted with artificial raised seams and projected with backspin toward a vertical target in order to measure the sideways deflection over a known horizontal distance. It was found that (a) a ball with a seam on one side can deflect either left or right depending on its launch speed and (b) a ball with a baseball seam can also deflect sideways even when there is no sideways component of the drag or lift forces acting on the ball. Depending on the orientations of the seam and the spin axis, a sideways force on a baseball can arise either if there is rough patch on one side of the ball or if there is a smooth patch. A scuff ball with a rough patch on one side is illegal in baseball. The effect of a smooth patch is a surprising new observation.

Rotational effect of buoyancy in frontcrawl: Does it really cause the legs to sink?

PubMed

Yanai, T

2001-02-01

The purposes of this study were to quantify the rotational effect of buoyant force (buoyant torque) during the performance of front crawl and to reexamine the mechanics of horizontal alignment of the swimmers. Three-dimensional videography was used to measure the position and orientation of the body segments of 11 competitive swimmers performing front crawl stroke at a sub-maximum sprinting speed. The dimensions of each body segment were defined mathematically to match the body segment parameters (mass, density, and centroid position) reported in the literature. The buoyant force and torque were computed for every video-field (60fields/s), assuming that the water surface followed a sine curve along the length of the swimmer. The average buoyant torque over the stroke cycle (mean=22Nm) was directed to raise the legs and lower the head, primarily because the recovery arm and a part of the head were lifted out of the water and the center of buoyancy shifted toward the feet. This finding contradicts the prevailing speculation that buoyancy only causes the legs to sink throughout the stroke cycle. On the basis of a theoretical analysis of the results, it is postulated that the buoyant torque, and perhaps the forces generated by kicks, function to counteract the torque generated by the hydrodynamic forces acting on the hands, so as to maintain the horizontal alignment of the body in front crawl.

Atmospheric waves on Venus as seen by the Venus Express Radio Science Experiment VeRa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tellmann, S.; Häusler, B.; Hinson, D. P.; Tyler, G. L.; Andert, T. P.; Bird, M. K.; Imamura, T.; Pätzold, M.; Remus, S.

2013-09-01

Next to quasi-horizontal waves and eddies on near planetary scales, diurnally forced eddies and thermal tides, small-scale gravity waves and turbulence play a significant role in the development and maintenance of atmospheric super rotation.

Delta II JPSS-1 First Stage Transport to SLC-1 for Processing

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-04-05

The first stage of United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket for the Joint Polar Satellite System, or JPSS-1, is transported from NASA Hangar 836 to the Horizontal Processing Facility, located at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

Depletion forces on circular and elliptical obstacles induced by active matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leite, L. R.; Lucena, D.; Potiguar, F. Q.; Ferreira, W. P.

2016-12-01

Depletion forces exerted by self-propelled particles on circular and elliptical passive objects are studied using numerical simulations. We show that a bath of active particles can induce repulsive and attractive forces which are sensitive to the shape and orientation of the passive objects (either horizontal or vertical ellipses). The resultant force on the passive objects due to the active particles is studied as a function of the shape and orientation of the passive objects, magnitude of the angular noise, and distance between the passive objects. By increasing the distance between obstacles the magnitude of the repulsive depletion force increases, as long as such a distance is less than one active particle diameter. For longer distances, the magnitude of the force always decreases with increasing distance. We also found that attractive forces may arise for vertical ellipses at high enough area fraction.

A Basic Study on Countermeasure Against Aerodynamic Force Acting on Train Running Inside Tunnel Using Air Blowing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Masahiro; Nakade, Koji

A basic study of flow controls using air blowing was conducted to reduce unsteady aerodynamic force acting on trains running in tunnels. An air blowing device is installed around a model car in a wind tunnel. Steady and periodic blowings are examined utilizing electromagnetic valves. Pressure fluctuations are measured and the aerodynamic force acting on the car is estimated. The results are as follows: a) The air blowing allows reducing the unsteady aerodynamic force. b) It is effective to blow air horizontally at the lower side of the car facing the tunnel wall. c) The reduction rate of the unsteady aerodynamic force relates to the rate of momentum of the blowing to that of the uniform flow. d) The periodic blowing with the same frequency as the unsteady aerodynamic force reduces the aerodynamic force in a manner similar to the steady blowing.

Depletion forces on circular and elliptical obstacles induced by active matter.

PubMed

Leite, L R; Lucena, D; Potiguar, F Q; Ferreira, W P

2016-12-01

Depletion forces exerted by self-propelled particles on circular and elliptical passive objects are studied using numerical simulations. We show that a bath of active particles can induce repulsive and attractive forces which are sensitive to the shape and orientation of the passive objects (either horizontal or vertical ellipses). The resultant force on the passive objects due to the active particles is studied as a function of the shape and orientation of the passive objects, magnitude of the angular noise, and distance between the passive objects. By increasing the distance between obstacles the magnitude of the repulsive depletion force increases, as long as such a distance is less than one active particle diameter. For longer distances, the magnitude of the force always decreases with increasing distance. We also found that attractive forces may arise for vertical ellipses at high enough area fraction.

Interfacial instabilities in vibrated fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porter, Jeff; Laverón-Simavilla, Ana; Tinao Perez-Miravete, Ignacio; Fernandez Fraile, Jose Javier

2016-07-01

Vibrations induce a range of different interfacial phenomena in fluid systems depending on the frequency and orientation of the forcing. With gravity, (large) interfaces are approximately flat and there is a qualitative difference between vertical and horizontal forcing. Sufficient vertical forcing produces subharmonic standing waves (Faraday waves) that extend over the whole interface. Horizontal forcing can excite both localized and extended interfacial phenomena. The vibrating solid boundaries act as wavemakers to excite traveling waves (or sloshing modes at low frequencies) but they also drive evanescent bulk modes whose oscillatory pressure gradient can parametrically excite subharmonic surface waves like cross-waves. Depending on the magnitude of the damping and the aspect ratio of the container, these locally generated surfaces waves may interact in the interior resulting in temporal modulation and other complex dynamics. In the case where the interface separates two fluids of different density in, for example, a rectangular container, the mass transfer due to vertical motion near the endwalls requires a counterflow in the interior region that can lead to a Kelvin-Helmholtz type instability and a ``frozen wave" pattern. In microgravity, the dominance of surface forces favors non-flat equilibrium configurations and the distinction between vertical and horizontal applied forcing can be lost. Hysteresis and multiplicity of solutions are more common, especially in non-wetting systems where disconnected (partial) volumes of fluid can be established. Furthermore, the vibrational field contributes a dynamic pressure term that competes with surface tension to select the (time averaged) shape of the surface. These new (quasi-static) surface configurations, known as vibroequilibria, can differ substantially from the hydrostatic state. There is a tendency for the interface to orient perpendicular to the vibrational axis and, in some cases, a bulge or cavity is induced that leads to splitting (fluid separation). We investigate the interaction of these prominent interfacial instabilities in the absence of gravity, concentrating on harmonically vibrated rectangular containers of fluid. We compare vibroequilibria theory with direct numerical simulations and consider the effect of surfaces waves, which can excite sloshing motion of the vibroequilibria. We systematically investigate the saddle-node bifurcation experienced by a symmetric singly connected vibroequilibria solution, for sufficiently deep containers, as forcing is increased. Beyond this instability, the fluid rapidly separates into (at least) two distinct masses. Pronounced hysteresis is associated with this transition, even in the presence of gravity. The interaction of vibroequilibria and frozen waves is investigated in two-fluid systems. Preparations for a parabolic flight experiment on fluids vibrated at high frequencies are discussed.

The effect of different foot and hand set-up positions on backstroke start performance.

PubMed

de Jesus, Karla; de Jesus, Kelly; Abraldes, J Arturo; Mourão, Luis; Borgonovo-Santos, Márcio; Medeiros, Alexandre I A; Gonçalves, Pedro; Chainok, Phornpot; Fernandes, Ricardo J; Vaz, Mário A P; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo

2016-11-01

Foot and hand set-up position effects were analysed on backstroke start performance. Ten swimmers randomly completed 27 starts grouped in trials (n = 3) of each variation, changing foot (totally immersed, partially and totally emerged) and hand (lowest, highest horizontal and vertical) positioning. Fifteen cameras recorded kinematics, and four force plates collected hands and feet kinetics. Standardised mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were used. Variations with feet immersed have shown lower vertical centre of mass (CM) set-up position (0.16 m), vertical impulse exerted at the hands, horizontal and vertical impulse exerted at the feet (0.28, 0.41, 0.16 N/BW.s, respectively) than feet emerged with hands horizontal and vertically positioned. Most variations with feet partially emerged exhibited higher and lesser vertical impulse exerted at hands than feet immersed and emerged (e.g. vertical handgrip, 0.13, 0.15 N/BW.s, respectively). Variation with feet emerged and hands on the lowest horizontal handgrip depicted shorter horizontal (0.23, 0.26 m) and vertical CM positioning at flight (0.16, 0.15 m) than the highest horizontal and vertical handgrip, respectively. Start variations have not affected 15-m time. Variations with feet partially or totally emerged depicted advantages, but focusing on the entry and underwater biomechanics is relevant for a shorter start time.

Climate Implications of the Heterogeneity of Anthropogenic Aerosol Forcing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Persad, Geeta Gayatri

Short-lived anthropogenic aerosols are concentrated in regions of high human activity, where they interact with radiation and clouds, causing horizontally heterogeneous radiative forcing between polluted and unpolluted regions. Aerosols can absorb shortwave energy in the atmosphere, but deplete it at the surface, producing opposite radiative perturbations between the surface and atmosphere. This thesis investigates climate and policy implications of this horizontal and vertical heterogeneity of anthropogenic aerosol forcing, employing the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory's AM2.1 and AM3 models, both at a global scale and using East Asia as a regional case study. The degree of difference between spatial patterns of climate change due to heterogeneous aerosol forcing versus homogeneous greenhouse gas forcing deeply impacts the detection, attribution, and prediction of regional climate change. This dissertation addresses a gap in current understanding of these two forcings' response pattern development, using AM2.1 historical forcing simulations. The results indicate that fast atmospheric and land-surface processes alone substantially homogenize the global pattern of surface energy flux response to heterogeneous aerosol forcing. Aerosols' vertical redistribution of energy significantly impacts regional climate, but is incompletely understood. It is newly identified here, via observations and historical and idealized forcing simulations, that increased aerosol-driven atmospheric absorption may explain half of East Asia's recent surface insolation decline. Further, aerosols' surface and atmospheric effects counteract each other regionally---atmospheric heating enhances summer monsoon circulation, while surface dimming suppresses it---but absorbing aerosols' combined effects reduce summer monsoon rainfall. This thesis constitutes the first vertical decomposition of aerosols' impacts in this high-emissions region and elucidates the monsoonal response to aerosols' surface versus atmospheric forcing. Future aerosol emissions patterns will affect the distribution of regional climate impacts. This dissertation interrogates how international trade affects existing assumptions about East Asia's future black carbon aerosol emissions, using integrated assessment modeling, emissions and economic data, and AM3 simulations. Exports emerge as a uniquely large and potentially growing source of Chinese black carbon emissions that could impede projected regional emissions reductions, with substantial climate and health consequences. The findings encourage greater emissions projection sophistication and illustrate how societal decisions may influence future aerosol forcing heterogeneity.

TMAP - A Versatile Mobile Robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Joel A.; Simmons, Richard K.

1989-03-01

TMAP, the Teleoperated Mobile All-purpose Platform, provides the Army with a low cost, light weight, flexibly designed, modularly expandable platform for support of maneuver forces and light infantry units. The highly mobile, four wheel drive, diesel-hydraulic platform is controllable at distances of up to 4km from a portable operator control unit using either fiber optic or RF control links. The Martin Marietta TMAP system is based on a hierarchical task decomposition Real-time Control System architecture that readily supports interchange of mission packages and provides the capability for simple incorporation of supervisory control concepts leading to increased system autonomy and resulting force multiplication. TMAP has been designed to support a variety of missions including target designation, anti-armor, anti-air, countermine, and reconnaissance/surveillance. As a target designation system TMAP will provide the soldier with increased survivability and effectiveness by providing substantial combat standoff, and the firepower effectiveness of several manual designator operators. Force-on-force analysis of simulated TMAP engagements indicate that TMAP should provide significant force multiplication for the Army in Air-Land Battle 2000.

Energy harvesting from controlled buckling of piezoelectric beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ansari, M. H.; Karami, M. Amin

2015-11-01

A piezoelectric vibration energy harvester is presented that can generate electricity from the weight of passing cars or crowds. The energy harvester consists of a piezoelectric beam, which buckles when the device is stepped on. The energy harvester can have a horizontal or vertical configuration. In the vertical (direct) configuration, the piezoelectric beam is vertical and directly sustains the weight of the vehicles or people. In the horizontal (indirect) configuration, the vertical weight is transferred to a horizontal axial force through a scissor-like mechanism. Buckling of the beam results in significant stresses and, thus, large power production. However, if the beam’s buckling is not controlled, the beam will fracture. To prevent this, the axial deformation is constrained to limit the deformations of the beam. In this paper, the energy harvester is analytically modeled. The considered piezoelectric beam is a general non-uniform beam. The natural frequencies, mode shapes, and the critical buckling force corresponding to each mode shape are calculated. The electro-mechanical coupling and the geometric nonlinearities are included in the model. The design criteria for the device are discussed. It is demonstrated that a device, realized with commonly used piezoelectric patches, can generate tens of milliwatts of power from passing car traffic. The proposed device could also be implemented in the sidewalks or integrated in shoe soles for energy generation. One of the key features of the device is its frequency up-conversion characteristics. The piezoelectric beam undergoes free vibrations each time the weight is applied to or removed from the energy harvester. The frequency of the free vibrations is orders of magnitude larger than the frequency of the load. The device is, thus, both efficient and insensitive to the frequency of the force excitations.

Determination of real-time predictors of the wind turbine wake meandering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muller, Yann-Aël; Aubrun, Sandrine; Masson, Christian

2015-03-01

The present work proposes an experimental methodology to characterize the unsteady properties of a wind turbine wake, called meandering, and particularly its ability to follow the large-scale motions induced by large turbulent eddies contained in the approach flow. The measurements were made in an atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel. The wind turbine model is based on the actuator disc concept. One part of the work has been dedicated to the development of a methodology for horizontal wake tracking by mean of a transverse hot wire rake, whose dynamic response is adequate for spectral analysis. Spectral coherence analysis shows that the horizontal position of the wake correlates well with the upstream transverse velocity, especially for wavelength larger than three times the diameter of the disc but less so for smaller scales. Therefore, it is concluded that the wake is actually a rather passive tracer of the large surrounding turbulent structures. The influence of the rotor size and downstream distance on the wake meandering is studied. The fluctuations of the lateral force and the yawing torque affecting the wind turbine model are also measured and correlated with the wake meandering. Two approach flow configurations are then tested: an undisturbed incoming flow (modelled atmospheric boundary layer) and a disturbed incoming flow, with a wind turbine model located upstream. Results showed that the meandering process is amplified by the presence of the upstream wake. It is shown that the coherence between the lateral force fluctuations and the horizontal wake position is significant up to length scales larger than twice the wind turbine model diameter. This leads to the conclusion that the lateral force is a better candidate than the upstream transverse velocity to predict in real time the meandering process, for either undisturbed (wake free) or disturbed incoming atmospheric flows.

Functional Inference of Complex Anatomical Tendinous Networks at a Macroscopic Scale via Sparse Experimentation

PubMed Central

Saxena, Anupam; Lipson, Hod; Valero-Cuevas, Francisco J.

2012-01-01

In systems and computational biology, much effort is devoted to functional identification of systems and networks at the molecular-or cellular scale. However, similarly important networks exist at anatomical scales such as the tendon network of human fingers: the complex array of collagen fibers that transmits and distributes muscle forces to finger joints. This network is critical to the versatility of the human hand, and its function has been debated since at least the 16th century. Here, we experimentally infer the structure (both topology and parameter values) of this network through sparse interrogation with force inputs. A population of models representing this structure co-evolves in simulation with a population of informative future force inputs via the predator-prey estimation-exploration algorithm. Model fitness depends on their ability to explain experimental data, while the fitness of future force inputs depends on causing maximal functional discrepancy among current models. We validate our approach by inferring two known synthetic Latex networks, and one anatomical tendon network harvested from a cadaver's middle finger. We find that functionally similar but structurally diverse models can exist within a narrow range of the training set and cross-validation errors. For the Latex networks, models with low training set error [<4%] and resembling the known network have the smallest cross-validation errors [∼5%]. The low training set [<4%] and cross validation [<7.2%] errors for models for the cadaveric specimen demonstrate what, to our knowledge, is the first experimental inference of the functional structure of complex anatomical networks. This work expands current bioinformatics inference approaches by demonstrating that sparse, yet informative interrogation of biological specimens holds significant computational advantages in accurate and efficient inference over random testing, or assuming model topology and only inferring parameters values. These findings also hold clues to both our evolutionary history and the development of versatile machines. PMID:23144601

Functional inference of complex anatomical tendinous networks at a macroscopic scale via sparse experimentation.

PubMed

Saxena, Anupam; Lipson, Hod; Valero-Cuevas, Francisco J

2012-01-01

In systems and computational biology, much effort is devoted to functional identification of systems and networks at the molecular-or cellular scale. However, similarly important networks exist at anatomical scales such as the tendon network of human fingers: the complex array of collagen fibers that transmits and distributes muscle forces to finger joints. This network is critical to the versatility of the human hand, and its function has been debated since at least the 16(th) century. Here, we experimentally infer the structure (both topology and parameter values) of this network through sparse interrogation with force inputs. A population of models representing this structure co-evolves in simulation with a population of informative future force inputs via the predator-prey estimation-exploration algorithm. Model fitness depends on their ability to explain experimental data, while the fitness of future force inputs depends on causing maximal functional discrepancy among current models. We validate our approach by inferring two known synthetic Latex networks, and one anatomical tendon network harvested from a cadaver's middle finger. We find that functionally similar but structurally diverse models can exist within a narrow range of the training set and cross-validation errors. For the Latex networks, models with low training set error [<4%] and resembling the known network have the smallest cross-validation errors [∼5%]. The low training set [<4%] and cross validation [<7.2%] errors for models for the cadaveric specimen demonstrate what, to our knowledge, is the first experimental inference of the functional structure of complex anatomical networks. This work expands current bioinformatics inference approaches by demonstrating that sparse, yet informative interrogation of biological specimens holds significant computational advantages in accurate and efficient inference over random testing, or assuming model topology and only inferring parameters values. These findings also hold clues to both our evolutionary history and the development of versatile machines.

Effects of different regional climate model resolution and forcing scales on projected hydrologic changes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendoza, Pablo A.; Mizukami, Naoki; Ikeda, Kyoko; Clark, Martyn P.; Gutmann, Ethan D.; Arnold, Jeffrey R.; Brekke, Levi D.; Rajagopalan, Balaji

2016-10-01

We examine the effects of regional climate model (RCM) horizontal resolution and forcing scaling (i.e., spatial aggregation of meteorological datasets) on the portrayal of climate change impacts. Specifically, we assess how the above decisions affect: (i) historical simulation of signature measures of hydrologic behavior, and (ii) projected changes in terms of annual water balance and hydrologic signature measures. To this end, we conduct our study in three catchments located in the headwaters of the Colorado River basin. Meteorological forcings for current and a future climate projection are obtained at three spatial resolutions (4-, 12- and 36-km) from dynamical downscaling with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) regional climate model, and hydrologic changes are computed using four different hydrologic model structures. These projected changes are compared to those obtained from running hydrologic simulations with current and future 4-km WRF climate outputs re-scaled to 12- and 36-km. The results show that the horizontal resolution of WRF simulations heavily affects basin-averaged precipitation amounts, propagating into large differences in simulated signature measures across model structures. The implications of re-scaled forcing datasets on historical performance were primarily observed on simulated runoff seasonality. We also found that the effects of WRF grid resolution on projected changes in mean annual runoff and evapotranspiration may be larger than the effects of hydrologic model choice, which surpasses the effects from re-scaled forcings. Scaling effects on projected variations in hydrologic signature measures were found to be generally smaller than those coming from WRF resolution; however, forcing aggregation in many cases reversed the direction of projected changes in hydrologic behavior.

Kinematic Patterns Associated with the Vertical Force Produced during the Eggbeater Kick.

PubMed

Oliveira, Nuno; Chiu, Chuang-Yuan; Sanders, Ross H

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the kinematic patterns that maximized the vertical force produced during the water polo eggbeater kick. Twelve water polo players were tested executing the eggbeater kick with the trunk aligned vertically and with the upper limbs above water while trying to maintain as high a position as possible out of the water for nine eggbeater kick cycles. Lower limb joint angular kinematics, pitch angles and speed of the feet were calculated. The vertical force produced during the eggbeater kick cycle was calculated using inverse dynamics for the independent lower body segments and combined upper body segments, and a participant-specific second-degree regression equation for the weight and buoyancy contributions. Vertical force normalized to body weight was associated with hip flexion (average, r = 0.691; maximum, r = 0.791; range of motion, r = 0.710), hip abduction (maximum, r = 0.654), knee flexion (average, r = 0.716; minimum, r = 0.653) and knee flexion-extension angular velocity (r = 0.758). Effective orientation of the hips resulted in fast horizontal motion of the feet with positive pitch angles. Vertical motion of the feet was negatively associated with vertical force. A multiple regression model comprising the non-collinear variables of maximum hip abduction, hip flexion range of motion and knee flexion angular velocity accounted for 81% of the variance in normalized vertical force. For high performance in the water polo, eggbeater kick players should execute fast horizontal motion with the feet by having large abduction and flexion of the hips, and fast extension and flexion of the knees.

Characteristics of finite amplitude stationary gravity waves in the atmosphere of Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Richard E.; Walterscheid, Richard L.; Schubert, Gerald; Pfister, Leonhard; Houben, Howard; Bindschadler, Duane L.

1994-01-01

This paper extends the study of stationary gravity waves generated near the surface of Venus reported previously by Young et al. to include finite amplitude effects associated with large amplitude waves. Waves are forced near the surface of Venus by periodic forcing. The height-dependent profiles of static stability and mean wind in the Venus atmosphere play a very important role in the evolution of the nonlinear behavior of the waves, just as they do in the linear wave solutions. Certain wave properties are qualitatively consistent with linear wave theory, such as wave trapping, resonance, and wave evanescence for short horizontal wavelenghts. However, the finite amplitude solutions also exhibit many other interesting features. In particular, for forcing amplitudes representative of those that could be expected in mountainous regions such as Aphrodite Terra, waves generated near the surface can reach large amplitudes at and above cloud levels, with clear signatures in the circulation pattern. At still higher levels, the waves can reach large enough amplitude to break, unless damping rates above the clouds are sufficient to limit wave amplitude growth. Well below cloud levels the waves develop complex flow patterns as the result of finite amplitude wave-wave interactions, and waves are generated having considerably shorter horizontal wavelenghts than that associated with the forcing near the surface. Nonlinear interactions can excite waves that are resonant with the background wind and static stability fields even when the primary surface forcing does not, and these waves can dominate the wave spectrum near cloud levels. A global map of Venus topographic slopes derived from Magellan altimetry data shows that slopes of magnitude comparable to or exceeding that used to force the model are ubiquitous over the surface.

Sources of the traveling ionospheric disturbances observed by the ionospheric TIDDBIT sounder near Wallops Island on 30 October 2007

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vadas, Sharon L.; Crowley, Geoff

2010-07-01

We model the gravity waves (GWs) excited by Tropical Storm (TS) Noel at 0432 UT on 30 October 2007. Using forward ray tracing, we calculate the body forces which result from the saturation and dissipation of these GWs. We then analyze the 59 traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) observed by the TIDDBIT ionospheric sounder at 0400-1000 UT near Wallops Island. These TIDs were located at the bottomside of the F layer at z = 230-290 km, had periods of τr = 15 to 90 min, horizontal wavelengths of λH = 100 to 3000 km, and horizontal phase speeds of cH = 140 to 650 m/s. 33 (˜60%) of the TIDs were propagating northwest(NW) and north(N)ward, from the direction of TS Noel 1700-2000 km away. We show that these TIDs were likely GWs. 40% of these GWs had phase speeds larger than 280m/s. This precluded a tropospheric source and suggested mesospheric and thermospheric sources instead. Using reverse ray tracing, we compare the GW locations with the regions of convective overshoot, mesospheric body forces, and thermospheric body forces. We identify 27 of the northwest/northward propagating GWs as likely being secondary GWs excited by thermospheric body forces. Three may have originated from mesospheric body forces, although this is much less likely. None are identified as primary GWs excited directly by TS Noel. 11 of these GWs with cH < 205 m/s likely reflected near the tropopause prior to detection. This secondary GW spectrum peaks at λH ˜ 100-300 km and cH ˜ 100-300 m/s. To our knowledge, this is the first identification and quantification of secondary GWs from thermospheric body forces.

Finding the cell center by a balance of dynein and myosin pulling and microtubule pushing: a computational study.

PubMed

Zhu, Jie; Burakov, Anton; Rodionov, Vladimir; Mogilner, Alex

2010-12-01

The centrosome position in many types of interphase cells is actively maintained in the cell center. Our previous work indicated that the centrosome is kept at the center by pulling force generated by dynein and actin flow produced by myosin contraction and that an unidentified factor that depends on microtubule dynamics destabilizes position of the centrosome. Here, we use modeling to simulate the centrosome positioning based on the idea that the balance of three forces-dyneins pulling along microtubule length, myosin-powered centripetal drag, and microtubules pushing on organelles-is responsible for the centrosome displacement. By comparing numerical predictions with centrosome behavior in wild-type and perturbed interphase cells, we rule out several plausible hypotheses about the nature of the microtubule-based force. We conclude that strong dynein- and weaker myosin-generated forces pull the microtubules inward competing with microtubule plus-ends pushing the microtubule aster outward and that the balance of these forces positions the centrosome at the cell center. The model also predicts that kinesin action could be another outward-pushing force. Simulations demonstrate that the force-balance centering mechanism is robust yet versatile. We use the experimental observations to reverse engineer the characteristic forces and centrosome mobility.

Shaping metallic glasses by electromagnetic pulsing

PubMed Central

Kaltenboeck, Georg; Demetriou, Marios D.; Roberts, Scott; Johnson, William L.

2016-01-01

With damage tolerance rivalling advanced engineering alloys and thermoplastic forming capabilities analogous to conventional plastics, metallic glasses are emerging as a modern engineering material. Here, we take advantage of their unique electrical and rheological properties along with the classic Lorentz force concept to demonstrate that electromagnetic coupling of electric current and a magnetic field can thermoplastically shape a metallic glass without conventional heating sources or applied mechanical forces. Specifically, we identify a process window where application of an electric current pulse in the presence of a normally directed magnetic field can ohmically heat a metallic glass to a softened state, while simultaneously inducing a large enough magnetic body force to plastically shape it. The heating and shaping is performed on millisecond timescales, effectively bypassing crystallization producing fully amorphous-shaped parts. This electromagnetic forming approach lays the groundwork for a versatile, time- and energy-efficient manufacturing platform for ultrastrong metals. PMID:26853460

Airborne mass spectrometers: four decades of atmospheric and space research at the Air Force research laboratory.

PubMed

Viggiano, A A; Hunton, D E

1999-11-01

Mass spectrometry is a versatile research tool that has proved to be extremely useful for exploring the fundamental nature of the earth's atmosphere and ionosphere and in helping to solve operational problems facing the Air Force and the Department of Defense. In the past 40 years, our research group at the Air Force Research Laboratory has flown quadrupole mass spectrometers of many designs on nearly 100 sounding rockets, nine satellites, three Space Shuttles and many missions of high-altitude research aircraft and balloons. We have also used our instruments in ground-based investigations of rocket and jet engine exhaust, combustion chemistry and microwave breakdown chemistry. This paper is a review of the instrumentation and techniques needed for space research, a summary of the results from many of the experiments, and an introduction to the broad field of atmospheric and space mass spectrometry in general. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Characterisation of the membrane affinity of an isoniazide peptide conjugate by tensiometry, atomic force microscopy and sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy, using a phospholipid Langmuir monolayer model.

PubMed

Hill, Katalin; Pénzes, Csanád Botond; Schnöller, Donát; Horváti, Kata; Bosze, Szilvia; Hudecz, Ferenc; Keszthelyi, Tamás; Kiss, Eva

2010-10-07

Tensiometry, sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy were employed to assess the cell penetration ability of a peptide conjugate of the antituberculotic agent isoniazide. Isoniazide was conjugated to peptide (91)SEFAYGSFVRTVSLPV(106), a functional T-cell epitope of the immunodominant 16 kDa protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. As a simple but versatile model of the cell membrane a phospholipid Langmuir monolayer at the liquid/air interface was used. Changes induced in the structure of the phospholipid monolayer by injection of the peptide conjugate into the subphase were followed by tensiometry and sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy. The drug penetrated lipid films were transferred to a solid support by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, and their structures were characterized by atomic force microscopy. Peptide conjugation was found to strongly enhance the cell penetration ability of isoniazide.

Atomic force microscopy and spectroscopy to probe single membrane proteins in lipid bilayers.

PubMed

Sapra, K Tanuj

2013-01-01

The atomic force microscope (AFM) has opened vast avenues hitherto inaccessible to the biological scientist. The high temporal (millisecond) and spatial (nanometer) resolutions of the AFM are suited for studying many biological processes in their native conditions. The AFM cantilever stylus is aptly termed as a "lab on a tip" owing to its versatility as an imaging tool as well as a handle to manipulate single bonds and proteins. Recent examples assert that the AFM can be used to study the mechanical properties and monitor processes of single proteins and single cells, thus affording insight into important mechanistic details. This chapter specifically focuses on practical and analytical protocols of single-molecule AFM methodologies related to high-resolution imaging and single-molecule force spectroscopy of membrane proteins. Both these techniques are operator oriented, and require specialized working knowledge of the instrument, theoretical, and practical skills.

The C-17: An Attempt at Increased Airlift Versatility.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-07

prevented the C-5A from completely fulfilling its original concept goals. While instituting the strategic role of the giant aircraft, the Air Force...expected to close its Marietta, Georgia facility as the C-130 and C-141 . prgrams wound to a close. It can be speculated that cost, idle production...Package Procurement Process 58 * 1’ was precisely what it was designed to prevent ; uncontrolled cost in defense weapons acquisition. In spite of all

A Prelongitudinal Test of Motor Stage Theory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Langendorfer, Stephen

1987-01-01

A test of motor stage theory was conducted to screen cross-sectionally for the existence of "horizontal structure" among motor sequences within four movement components of overarm throwing and overarm striking for force. Subjects were 58 preschool and elementary school boys. Findings are discussed. (Author/MT)

Natural convection in binary gases driven by combined horizontal thermal and vertical solutal gradients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weaver, J. A.; Viskanta, Raymond

1992-01-01

An investigation of natural convection is presented to examine the influence of a horizontal temperature gradient and a concentration gradient occurring from the bottom to the cold wall in a cavity. As the solutal buoyancy force changes from augmenting to opposing the thermal buoyancy force, the fluid motion switches from unicellular to multicellular flow (fluid motion is up the cold wall and down the hot wall for the bottom counterrotating flow cell). Qualitatively, the agreement between predicted streamlines and smoke flow patterns is generally good. In contrast, agreement between measured and predicted temperature and concentration distributions ranges from fair to poor. Part of the discrepancy can be attributed to experimental error. However, there remains considerable discrepancy between data and predictions due to the idealizations of the mathematical model, which examines only first-order physical effects. An unsteady flow, variable thermophysical properties, conjugate effects, species interdiffusion, and radiation were not accounted for in the model.

Stereoscopic particle image velocimetry investigations of the mixed convection exchange flow through a horizontal vent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varrall, Kevin; Pretrel, Hugues; Vaux, Samuel; Vauquelin, Olivier

2017-10-01

The exchange flow through a horizontal vent linking two compartments (one above the other) is studied experimentally. This exchange is here governed by both the buoyant natural effect due to the temperature difference of the fluids in both compartments, and the effect of a (forced) mechanical ventilation applied in the lower compartment. Such a configuration leads to uni- or bi-directional flows through the vent. In the experiments, buoyancy is induced in the lower compartment thanks to an electrical resistor. The forced ventilation is applied in exhaust or supply modes and three different values of the vent area. To estimate both velocity fields and flow rates at the vent, measurements are realized at thermal steady state, flush the vent in the upper compartment using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV), which is original for this kind of flow. The SPIV measurements allows the area occupied by both upward and downward flows to be determined.

New Correlation Methods of Evaporation Heat Transfer in Horizontal Microfine Tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makishi, Osamu; Honda, Hiroshi

A stratified flow model and an annular flow model of evaporation heat transfer in horizontal microfin tubes have been proposed. In the stratified flow model, the contributions of thin film evaporation and nucleate boiling in the groove above a stratified liquid were predicted by a previously reported numerical analysis and a newly developed correlation, respectively. The contributions of nucleate boiling and forced convection in the stratified liquid region were predicted by the new correlation and the Carnavos equation, respectively. In the annular flow model, the contributions of nucleate boiling and forced convection were predicted by the new correlation and the Carnavos equation in which the equivalent Reynolds number was introduced, respectively. A flow pattern transition criterion proposed by Kattan et al. was incorporated to predict the circumferential average heat transfer coefficient in the intermediate region by use of the two models. The predictions of the heat transfer coefficient compared well with available experimental data for ten tubes and four refrigerants.

Force-controlled patch clamp of beating cardiac cells.

PubMed

Ossola, Dario; Amarouch, Mohamed-Yassine; Behr, Pascal; Vörös, János; Abriel, Hugues; Zambelli, Tomaso

2015-03-11

From its invention in the 1970s, the patch clamp technique is the gold standard in electrophysiology research and drug screening because it is the only tool enabling accurate investigation of voltage-gated ion channels, which are responsible for action potentials. Because of its key role in drug screening, innovation efforts are being made to reduce its complexity toward more automated systems. While some of these new approaches are being adopted in pharmaceutical companies, conventional patch-clamp remains unmatched in fundamental research due to its versatility. Here, we merged the patch clamp and atomic force microscope (AFM) techniques, thus equipping the patch-clamp with the sensitive AFM force control. This was possible using the FluidFM, a force-controlled nanopipette based on microchanneled AFM cantilevers. First, the compatibility of the system with patch-clamp electronics and its ability to record the activity of voltage-gated ion channels in whole-cell configuration was demonstrated with sodium (NaV1.5) channels. Second, we showed the feasibility of simultaneous recording of membrane current and force development during contraction of isolated cardiomyocytes. Force feedback allowed for a gentle and stable contact between AFM tip and cell membrane enabling serial patch clamping and injection without apparent cell damage.

Baroclinic instability with variable static stability - A design study for a spherical atmospheric model experiment. [for Spacelab flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giere, A. C.; Fowlis, W. W.

1980-01-01

The effect of a radially-variable, dielectric body force, analogous to gravity on baroclinic instability for the design of a spherical, synoptic-scale, atmospheric model experiment in a Spacelab flight is investigated. Exact solutions are examined for quasi-geostrophic baroclinic instability in which the rotational Froude number is a linear function of the height. Flow in a rotating rectilinear channel with a vertically variable body force without horizontal shear of the basic state is also discussed.

Forces Exerted by Waves on a Pipeline at or Near the Ocean Bottom

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-10-01

horizontal anl . vertical range of the force data over the two wave cycles, and an envelope curve was drawn over these points. Examination of these plots as a...0. t.64 .396 14.30 .*If? 7.4% 7.94 7.94 31.29 * 6034 .043 -43.67 o0£a .260 0. 3.80 .986 1-4.8 .6192 1.2d. 9.26 IN 26 20.40 *4563 2.61 25057 3221 .250

Substantial reduction of the heat losses to ambient air by natural convection from horizontal in-tube flows: impact of an axial bundle of passive baffles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campo, A.; Cortés, C.

This paper is concerned with a distinct and effective technique to insulate horizontal tubes carrying hot fluids without using the variety of insulating materials traditionally utilized in industry. The tubes transport hot fluids and are exposed to a natural convection environment of air at standard atmospheric temperature and pressure. Essentially, an ``equivalent quantity of insulation'' is provided by an envelope of straight symmetric baffles made from a low conductivity material that is affixed to the outer surface of the horizontal tubes. A simple 1-D lumped model of comparable precision to the customary 2-D differential model serves to regulate the thermal interaction between the two perpendicular fluid streams, one horizontal due to internal forced convection and the other vertical due to external natural convection in air. All computations are algebraic and lead to a rapid determination of the two quantities that are indispensable to design engineers: the mean bulk temperatures of the internal hot fluid moving either laminarly or turbulently, together with the degraded levels of heat transfer rates.

Crosstalk between vertical and horizontal gene transfer: plasmid replication control by a conjugative relaxase

PubMed Central

Lorenzo-Díaz, Fabián; Fernández-López, Cris; Lurz, Rudi

2017-01-01

Abstract Horizontal gene transfer is a key process in the evolution of bacteria and also represents a source of genetic variation in eukaryotes. Among elements participating in gene transfer, thousands of small (<10 kb) mobile bacterial plasmids that replicate by the rolling circle mechanism represent a driving force in the spread of antibiotic resistances. In general, these plasmids are built as genetic modules that encode a replicase, an antibiotic-resistance determinant, and a relaxase that participates in their conjugative mobilization. Further, they control their relatively high copy number (∼30 copies per genome equivalent) by antisense RNAs alone or combined with a repressor protein. We report here that the MobM conjugative relaxase encoded by the promiscuous plasmid pMV158 participates in regulation of the plasmid copy number by transcriptional repression of the antisense RNA, thus increasing the number of plasmid molecules ready to be horizontally transferred (mobilization) and/or vertically inherited (replication). This type of crosstalk between genetic modules involved in vertical and horizontal gene flow has not been reported before. PMID:28525572

Comment on "Horizontal aquifer movement in a theis-theim confined system, by Donald C. Helm

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hsieh, Paul A.; Cooley, Richard L.

1995-01-01

In a recent paper, Helm [1994] presents an analysis of horizontal aquifer movement induced by groundwater withdrawal from a confined aquifer in which fluid and grains are incompressible. The analysis considers the aquifer in isolation (ignoring overlying and underlying strata) and assumes that the aquifer deforms purely in the horizontal direction (with no vertical movement). Helm's solution for grain displacement is obtained through introduction of a quantity known as bulk flux, qb, defined asqb = nvw + (1 - n)vswhere n is porosity, vw is velocity of water, and vs is the velocity of the solid grains. On the basis of the bulk flux concept, Helm develops an explanation for the driving force on the bulk material.It is our view that Helm's analysis is subject to four limitations. First, Helm's assumption of zero vertical displacement is not supported by field observations and could result in over- estimation of radial displacement. Second, in ignoring the role of overlying and underlying strata, Helm's solution does not yield reliable estimates of aquifer deformation. Third, Helm's solution method works only for problems that involve one spatial coordinate (for example, x or r) but does not generally work for problems involving three-dimensional flow and de- formation. Fourth, Helm's explanation of the driving force on the bulk material is faulty for general three-dimensional problems. The purpose of our comment is to discuss these four issues.

Biomechanical effects of two different collar implant structures on stress distribution under cantilever fixed partial dentures.

PubMed

Merıç, Gökçe; Erkmen, Erkan; Kurt, Ahmet; Eser, Atilim; özden, Ahmet Utku

2011-11-01

The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of two distinct collar geometries of implants on stress distribution in the bone around the implants supporting cantilever fixed partial dentures (CFPDs) as well as in the implant-abutment complex and superstructures. The three-dimensional finite element method was selected to evaluate the stress distribution. CFPDs which was supported by microthread collar structured (MCS) and non-microthread collar structured (NMCS) implants was modeled; 300 N vertical, 150 N oblique and 60 N horizontal forces were applied to the models separately. The stress values in the bone, implant-abutment complex and superstructures were calculated. In the MCS model, higher stresses were located in the cortical bone and implant-abutment complex in the case of vertical load while decreased stresses in cortical bone and implant-abutment complex were noted within horizontal and oblique loading. In the case of vertical load, decreased stresses have been noted in cancellous bone and framework. Upon horizontal and oblique loading, a MCS model had higher stress in cancellous bone and framework than the NMCS model. Higher von Mises stresses have been noted in veneering material for NMCS models. It has been concluded that stress distribution in implant-supported CFPDs correlated with the macro design of the implant collar and the direction of applied force.

Hovering of model insects: simulation by coupling equations of motion with Navier-Stokes equations.

PubMed

Wu, Jiang Hao; Zhang, Yan Lai; Sun, Mao

2009-10-01

When an insect hovers, the centre of mass of its body oscillates around a point in the air and its body angle oscillates around a mean value, because of the periodically varying aerodynamic and inertial forces of the flapping wings. In the present paper, hover flight including body oscillations is simulated by coupling the equations of motion with the Navier-Stokes equations. The equations are solved numerically; periodical solutions representing the hover flight are obtained by the shooting method. Two model insects are considered, a dronefly and a hawkmoth; the former has relatively high wingbeat frequency (n) and small wing mass to body mass ratio, whilst the latter has relatively low wingbeat frequency and large wing mass to body mass ratio. The main results are as follows. (i) The body mainly has a horizontal oscillation; oscillation in the vertical direction is about 1/6 of that in the horizontal direction and oscillation in pitch angle is relatively small. (ii) For the hawkmoth, the peak-to-peak values of the horizontal velocity, displacement and pitch angle are 0.11 U (U is the mean velocity at the radius of gyration of the wing), 0.22 c=4 mm (c is the mean chord length) and 4 deg., respectively. For the dronefly, the corresponding values are 0.02 U, 0.05 c=0.15 mm and 0.3 deg., much smaller than those of the hawkmoth. (iii) The horizontal motion of the body decreases the relative velocity of the wings by a small amount. As a result, a larger angle of attack of the wing, and hence a larger drag to lift ratio or larger aerodynamic power, is required for hovering, compared with the case of neglecting body oscillations. For the hawkmoth, the angle of attack is about 3.5 deg. larger and the specific power about 9% larger than that in the case of neglecting the body oscillations; for the dronefly, the corresponding values are 0.7 deg. and 2%. (iv) The horizontal oscillation of the body consists of two parts; one (due to wing aerodynamic force) is proportional to 1/cn2 and the other (due to wing inertial force) is proportional to wing mass to body mass ratio. For many insects, the values of 1/cn2 and wing mass to body mass ratio are much smaller than those of the hawkmoth, and the effects of body oscillation would be rather small; thus it is reasonable to neglect the body oscillations in studying their aerodynamics.

Horizontal density-gradient effects on simulation of flow and transport in the Potomac Estuary

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schaffranek, Raymond W.; Baltzer, Robert A.; ,

1990-01-01

A two-dimensional, depth-integrated, hydrodynamic/transport model of the Potomac Estuary between Indian Head and Morgantown, Md., has been extended to include treatment of baroclinic forcing due to horizontal density gradients. The finite-difference model numerically integrates equations of mass and momentum conservation in conjunction with a transport equation for heat, salt, and constituent fluxes. Lateral and longitudinal density gradients are determined from salinity distributions computed from the convection-diffusion equation and an equation of state that expresses density as a function of temperature and salinity; thus, the hydrodynamic and transport computations are directly coupled. Horizontal density variations are shown to contribute significantly to momentum fluxes determined in the hydrodynamic computation. These fluxes lead to enchanced tidal pumping, and consequently greater dispersion, as is evidenced by numerical simulations. Density gradient effects on tidal propagation and transport behavior are discussed and demonstrated.

A U-shaped linear ultrasonic motor using longitudinal vibration transducers with double feet.

PubMed

Liu, Yingxiang; Liu, Junkao; Chen, Weishan; Shi, Shengjun

2012-05-01

A U-shaped linear ultrasonic motor using longitudinal vibration transducers with double feet was proposed in this paper. The proposed motor contains a horizontal transducer and two vertical transducers. The horizontal transducer includes two exponential shape horns located at the leading ends, and each vertical transducer contains one exponential shape horn. The horns of the horizontal transducer and the vertical transducer intersect at the tip ends where the driving feet are located. Longitudinal vibrations are superimposed in the motor and generate elliptical motions at the driving feet. The two vibration modes of the motor are discussed, and the motion trajectories of driving feet are deduced. By adjusting the structural parameters, the resonance frequencies of two vibration modes were degenerated. A prototype motor was fabricated and measured. Typical output of the prototype is no-load speed of 854 mm/s and maximum thrust force of 40 N at a voltage of 200 V(rms).

Parallel alignment of bacteria using near-field optical force array for cell sorting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, H. T.; Zhang, Y.; Chin, L. K.; Yap, P. H.; Wang, K.; Ser, W.; Liu, A. Q.

2017-08-01

This paper presents a near-field approach to align multiple rod-shaped bacteria based on the interference pattern in silicon nano-waveguide arrays. The bacteria in the optical field will be first trapped by the gradient force and then rotated by the scattering force to the equilibrium position. In the experiment, the Shigella bacteria is rotated 90 deg and aligned to horizontal direction in 9.4 s. Meanwhile, 150 Shigella is trapped on the surface in 5 min and 86% is aligned with angle < 5 deg. This method is a promising toolbox for the research of parallel single-cell biophysical characterization, cell-cell interaction, etc.

Model tests and numerical analyses on horizontal impedance functions of inclined single piles embedded in cohesionless soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goit, Chandra Shekhar; Saitoh, Masato

2013-03-01

Horizontal impedance functions of inclined single piles are measured experimentally for model soil-pile systems with both the effects of local soil nonlinearity and resonant characteristics. Two practical pile inclinations of 5° and 10° in addition to a vertical pile embedded in cohesionless soil and subjected to lateral harmonic pile head loadings for a wide range of frequencies are considered. Results obtained with low-to-high amplitude of lateral loadings on model soil-pile systems encased in a laminar shear box show that the local nonlinearities have a profound impact on the horizontal impedance functions of piles. Horizontal impedance functions of inclined piles are found to be smaller than the vertical pile and the values decrease as the angle of pile inclination increases. Distinct values of horizontal impedance functions are obtained for the `positive' and `negative' cycles of harmonic loadings, leading to asymmetric force-displacement relationships for the inclined piles. Validation of these experimental results is carried out through three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analyses, and the results from the numerical models are in good agreement with the experimental data. Sensitivity analyses conducted on the numerical models suggest that the consideration of local nonlinearity at the vicinity of the soil-pile interface influence the response of the soil-pile systems.

Horizontal gene transfer is more frequent with increased heterotrophy and contributes to parasite adaptation.

PubMed

Yang, Zhenzhen; Zhang, Yeting; Wafula, Eric K; Honaas, Loren A; Ralph, Paula E; Jones, Sam; Clarke, Christopher R; Liu, Siming; Su, Chun; Zhang, Huiting; Altman, Naomi S; Schuster, Stephan C; Timko, Michael P; Yoder, John I; Westwood, James H; dePamphilis, Claude W

2016-10-24

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is the transfer of genetic material across species boundaries and has been a driving force in prokaryotic evolution. HGT involving eukaryotes appears to be much less frequent, and the functional implications of HGT in eukaryotes are poorly understood. We test the hypothesis that parasitic plants, because of their intimate feeding contacts with host plant tissues, are especially prone to horizontal gene acquisition. We sought evidence of HGTs in transcriptomes of three parasitic members of Orobanchaceae, a plant family containing species spanning the full spectrum of parasitic capabilities, plus the free-living Lindenbergia Following initial phylogenetic detection and an extensive validation procedure, 52 high-confidence horizontal transfer events were detected, often from lineages of known host plants and with an increasing number of HGT events in species with the greatest parasitic dependence. Analyses of intron sequences in putative donor and recipient lineages provide evidence for integration of genomic fragments far more often than retro-processed RNA sequences. Purifying selection predominates in functionally transferred sequences, with a small fraction of adaptively evolving sites. HGT-acquired genes are preferentially expressed in the haustorium-the organ of parasitic plants-and are strongly biased in predicted gene functions, suggesting that expression products of horizontally acquired genes are contributing to the unique adaptive feeding structure of parasitic plants.

Direct and inverse energy cascades in a forced rotating turbulence experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campagne, Antoine; Gallet, Basile; Moisy, Frédéric; Cortet, Pierre-Philippe

2014-12-01

We present experimental evidence for a double cascade of kinetic energy in a statistically stationary rotating turbulence experiment. Turbulence is generated by a set of vertical flaps, which continuously injects velocity fluctuations towards the center of a rotating water tank. The energy transfers are evaluated from two-point third-order three-component velocity structure functions, which we measure using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry in the rotating frame. Without global rotation, the energy is transferred from large to small scales, as in classical three-dimensional turbulence. For nonzero rotation rates, the horizontal kinetic energy presents a double cascade: a direct cascade at small horizontal scales and an inverse cascade at large horizontal scales. By contrast, the vertical kinetic energy is always transferred from large to small horizontal scales, a behavior reminiscent of the dynamics of a passive scalar in two-dimensional turbulence. At the largest rotation rate, the flow is nearly two-dimensional, and a pure inverse energy cascade is found for the horizontal energy. To describe the scale-by-scale energy budget, we consider a generalization of the Kármán-Howarth-Monin equation to inhomogeneous turbulent flows, in which the energy input is explicitly described as the advection of turbulent energy from the flaps through the surface of the control volume where the measurements are performed.

Servo control of an optical trap.

PubMed

Wulff, Kurt D; Cole, Daniel G; Clark, Robert L

2007-08-01

A versatile optical trap has been constructed to control the position of trapped objects and ultimately to apply specified forces using feedback control. While the design, development, and use of optical traps has been extensive and feedback control has played a critical role in pushing the state of the art, few comprehensive examinations of feedback control of optical traps have been undertaken. Furthermore, as the requirements are pushed to ever smaller distances and forces, the performance of optical traps reaches limits. It is well understood that feedback control can result in both positive and negative effects in controlled systems. We give an analysis of the trapping limits as well as introducing an optical trap with a feedback control scheme that dramatically improves an optical trap's sensitivity at low frequencies.

Orion EM-1 Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) move from HIF to DOC

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-04-12

The Orion EM-1 Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage is moved from the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) to the Delta Operations Center (DOC) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to continue processing for it's future mission on the Space Launch System rocket.

ROUNDUP - APOLLO TEST - BOILERPLATE

NASA Image and Video Library

1966-05-16

The first test of Apollo boilerplate equipped with landing rockets took place at Ellington AFB, 05/16. Spacecraft was dropped at 30-ft. p/s with 23-ft. p/s horizontal velocity. A force of 6 g's was measured inside the spacecraft during the landing. ELLINGTON AFB, HOUSTON, TX B&W

Quasi-steady vortical structures in vertically vibrating soap films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vega, José M.; Higuera, F. J.; Weidman, P. D.

1998-10-01

An analysis of the quasi-steady streaming of the liquid in a vertically vibrated horizontal soap film is reported. The air around the soap film is seen to play a variety of roles: it transmits normal and tangential oscillatory stresses to the film, damps out Marangoni waves, and forces non-oscillatory deflection of the film and tangential motion of the liquid. Non-oscillatory volume forcing originating inside the liquid is also analysed. This forcing dominates the quasi-steady streaming when the excitation frequency is close to the eigenfrequency of a Marangoni mode of the soap film, while both volume forcing in the liquid and surface forcing of the gas on the liquid are important when no Marangoni mode resonates. Different manners by which the combined forcings can induce quasi-steady streaming motion are discussed and some numerical simulations of the quasi-steady liquid flow are presented.

Theory of nanobubble formation and induced force in nanochannels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arai, Noriyoshi; Koishi, Takahiro; Ebisuzaki, Toshikazu

2017-10-01

This paper presents a fundamental theory of nanobubble formation and induced force in confined nanochannels. It is shown that nanobubble formation between hydrophobic plates can be predicted from their surface tension and geometry, with estimated values for the surface free energy and the force acting on the plates in good agreement with the results of molecular dynamics simulation and experimentation. When a bubble is formed between two plates, vertical attractive force and horizontal retract force due to the shifted plates are applied to the plates. The net force exerted on the plates is not dependent on the distance between them. The short-range force between hydrophobic surfaces due to hydrophobic interaction appears to correspond to the force estimated by our theory. We compared between experimental and theoretical values for the binding energy of a molecular motor system to validate our theory. The tendency that the binding energy increases as the size of the protein increases is consistent with the theory.

Probing physical properties at the nanoscale using atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ditzler, Lindsay Rachel

Techniques that measure physical properties at the nanoscale with high sensitivity are significantly limited considering the number of new nanomaterials being developed. The development of atomic force microscopy (AFM) has lead to significant advancements in the ability to characterize physical properties of materials in all areas of science: chemistry, physics, engineering, and biology have made great scientific strides do to the versatility of the AFM. AFM is used for quantification of many physical properties such as morphology, electrical, mechanical, magnetic, electrochemical, binding interactions, and protein folding. This work examines the electrical and mechanical properties of materials applicable to the field of nano-electronics. As electronic devices are miniaturized the demand for materials with unique electrical properties, which can be developed and exploited, has increased. For example, discussed in this work, a derivative of tetrathiafulvalene, which exhibits a unique loss of conductivity upon compression of the self-assembled monolayer could be developed into a molecular switch. This work also compares tunable organic (tetraphenylethylene tetracarboxylic acid and bis(pyridine)s assemblies) and metal-organic (Silver-stilbizole coordination compounds) crystals which show high electrical conductivity. The electrical properties of these materials vary depending on their composition allowing for the development of compositionally tunable functional materials. Additional work was done to investigate the effects of molecular environment on redox active 11-ferroceneyl-1 undecanethiol (Fc) molecules. The redox process of mixed monolayers of Fc and decanethiol was measured using conductive probe atomic force microscopy and force spectroscopy. As the concentration of Fc increased large, variations in the force were observed. Using these variations the number of oxidized molecules in the monolayer was determined. AFM is additionally capable of investigating interactions at the nanoscale, such as ligand-receptor interactions. This work examines the interactions between the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), a widely investigated enzyme targeted for cancer and antimicrobial pharmaceutical, and methotrexate (MTX), a strong competitive inhibitor of DHFR. The DHFR was immobilized on a gold substrate, bound through a single surface cysteine, and maintained catalytic activity. AFM probe was functionalized with MTX and the interaction strength was measured using AFM. This work highlights the versatility of AFM, specifically force spectroscopy for the quantification of electrical, mechanical, and ligand-receptor interactions at the nanoscale.

Arbitrary Symmetric Running Gait Generation for an Underactuated Biped Model.

PubMed

Dadashzadeh, Behnam; Esmaeili, Mohammad; Macnab, Chris

2017-01-01

This paper investigates generating symmetric trajectories for an underactuated biped during the stance phase of running. We use a point mass biped (PMB) model for gait analysis that consists of a prismatic force actuator on a massless leg. The significance of this model is its ability to generate more general and versatile running gaits than the spring-loaded inverted pendulum (SLIP) model, making it more suitable as a template for real robots. The algorithm plans the necessary leg actuator force to cause the robot center of mass to undergo arbitrary trajectories in stance with any arbitrary attack angle and velocity angle. The necessary actuator forces follow from the inverse kinematics and dynamics. Then these calculated forces become the control input to the dynamic model. We compare various center-of-mass trajectories, including a circular arc and polynomials of the degrees 2, 4 and 6. The cost of transport and maximum leg force are calculated for various attack angles and velocity angles. The results show that choosing the velocity angle as small as possible is beneficial, but the angle of attack has an optimum value. We also find a new result: there exist biped running gaits with double-hump ground reaction force profiles which result in less maximum leg force than single-hump profiles.

Finding the Cell Center by a Balance of Dynein and Myosin Pulling and Microtubule Pushing: A Computational Study

PubMed Central

Zhu, Jie; Burakov, Anton; Rodionov, Vladimir

2010-01-01

The centrosome position in many types of interphase cells is actively maintained in the cell center. Our previous work indicated that the centrosome is kept at the center by pulling force generated by dynein and actin flow produced by myosin contraction and that an unidentified factor that depends on microtubule dynamics destabilizes position of the centrosome. Here, we use modeling to simulate the centrosome positioning based on the idea that the balance of three forces—dyneins pulling along microtubule length, myosin-powered centripetal drag, and microtubules pushing on organelles—is responsible for the centrosome displacement. By comparing numerical predictions with centrosome behavior in wild-type and perturbed interphase cells, we rule out several plausible hypotheses about the nature of the microtubule-based force. We conclude that strong dynein- and weaker myosin-generated forces pull the microtubules inward competing with microtubule plus-ends pushing the microtubule aster outward and that the balance of these forces positions the centrosome at the cell center. The model also predicts that kinesin action could be another outward-pushing force. Simulations demonstrate that the force-balance centering mechanism is robust yet versatile. We use the experimental observations to reverse engineer the characteristic forces and centrosome mobility. PMID:20980619

Arbitrary Symmetric Running Gait Generation for an Underactuated Biped Model

PubMed Central

Esmaeili, Mohammad; Macnab, Chris

2017-01-01

This paper investigates generating symmetric trajectories for an underactuated biped during the stance phase of running. We use a point mass biped (PMB) model for gait analysis that consists of a prismatic force actuator on a massless leg. The significance of this model is its ability to generate more general and versatile running gaits than the spring-loaded inverted pendulum (SLIP) model, making it more suitable as a template for real robots. The algorithm plans the necessary leg actuator force to cause the robot center of mass to undergo arbitrary trajectories in stance with any arbitrary attack angle and velocity angle. The necessary actuator forces follow from the inverse kinematics and dynamics. Then these calculated forces become the control input to the dynamic model. We compare various center-of-mass trajectories, including a circular arc and polynomials of the degrees 2, 4 and 6. The cost of transport and maximum leg force are calculated for various attack angles and velocity angles. The results show that choosing the velocity angle as small as possible is beneficial, but the angle of attack has an optimum value. We also find a new result: there exist biped running gaits with double-hump ground reaction force profiles which result in less maximum leg force than single-hump profiles. PMID:28118401

Frontogenesis driven by horizontally quadratic distributions of density

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacqmin, David

1991-01-01

Attention is given to the quadratic density distribution in a channel, which has been established by Simpson and Linden to be the simplest case of the horizontally nonlinear distribution of fluid density required for the production of frontogenesis. The porous-media and Boussinesq flow models are examined, and their evolution equations are reduced to one-dimensional systems. While both the porous-media and the inviscid/nondiffusive Boussinesq systems exhibit classic frontogenesis behavior, the viscous Boussinesq system exhibits a more complex behavior: boundary-layer effects force frontogenesis away from the lower boundary, and at late times the steepest density gradients are close to mid-channel.

Effect of rotating electric field on 3D complex (dusty) plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wörner, L.; Nosenko, V.; Ivlev, A. V.; Zhdanov, S. K.; Thomas, H. M.; Morfill, G. E.; Kroll, M.; Schablinski, J.; Block, D.

2011-06-01

The effect of rotating electric field on 3D particle clusters suspended in rf plasma was studied experimentally. Spheroidal clusters were suspended inside a glass box mounted on the lower horizontal rf electrode, with gravity partially balanced by thermophoretic force. Clusters rotated in the horizontal plane, in response to rotating electric field that was created inside the box using conducting coating on its inner surfaces ("rotating wall" technique). Cluster rotation was always in the direction of applied field and had a shear in the vertical direction. The angular speed of rotation was 104-107 times lower than applied frequency. The experiment is compared to a recent theory.

Fabrication of a micro-fluid gathering tool for the gastrointestinal juice sampling function of a versatile capsular endoscope.

PubMed

Koo, Kyo-In; Lee, Sangmin; Cho, Dong-il Dan

2011-01-01

This paper presents a micro-fluid gathering tool for a versatile capsular endoscope that employs a solid chemical propellant, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). The proposed tool consists of a micro-heater, an AIBN matrix, a Venturi tube, a reservoir, an inlet, and an outlet. The micro-heater heats the AIBN matrix to be decomposed into by-products and nitrogen gas. This nitrogen gas generates negative pressure passing through the Venturi tube. The generated negative pressure inhales a target fluid from around the inlet into the reservoir. All the parts are designed to be embedded inside a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 17 mm and a height of 2.3 mm in order to integrate it into a versatile developmental capsular endoscope without any scaledown. Two sets of the proposed tools are fabricated and tested: one is made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and the other is made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). In performance comparisons, the PDMS gathering tool can withstand a stronger pulling force, and the PMMA gathering tool requires a less negative pressure for inhaling the same target fluid. Due to the instant and full activation of the thin AIBN matrix, both types of gathering tool show analogous performance in the sample gathering evaluation. The gathered volume is approximately 1.57 μL using approximately 25.4 μL of AIBN compound.

Fabrication of a Micro-Fluid Gathering Tool for the Gastrointestinal Juice Sampling Function of a Versatile Capsular Endoscope

PubMed Central

Koo, Kyo-in; Lee, Sangmin; Cho, Dong-il Dan

2011-01-01

This paper presents a micro-fluid gathering tool for a versatile capsular endoscope that employs a solid chemical propellant, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). The proposed tool consists of a micro-heater, an AIBN matrix, a Venturi tube, a reservoir, an inlet, and an outlet. The micro-heater heats the AIBN matrix to be decomposed into by-products and nitrogen gas. This nitrogen gas generates negative pressure passing through the Venturi tube. The generated negative pressure inhales a target fluid from around the inlet into the reservoir. All the parts are designed to be embedded inside a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 17 mm and a height of 2.3 mm in order to integrate it into a versatile developmental capsular endoscope without any scaledown. Two sets of the proposed tools are fabricated and tested: one is made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and the other is made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). In performance comparisons, the PDMS gathering tool can withstand a stronger pulling force, and the PMMA gathering tool requires a less negative pressure for inhaling the same target fluid. Due to the instant and full activation of the thin AIBN matrix, both types of gathering tool show analogous performance in the sample gathering evaluation. The gathered volume is approximately 1.57 μL using approximately 25.4 μL of AIBN compound. PMID:22163997

Acoustic Purification of Extracellular Microvesicles

PubMed Central

Lee, Kyungheon; Shao, Huilin; Weissleder, Ralph; Lee, Hakho

2015-01-01

Microvesicles (MVs) are an increasingly important source for biomarker discovery and clinical diagnostics. The small size of MVs and their presence in complex biological environment, however, pose practical technical challenges, particularly when sample volumes are small. We herein present an acoustic nano-filter system that size-specifically separates MVs in a continuous and contact-free manner. The separation is based on ultrasound standing waves that exert differential acoustic force on MVs according to their size and density. By optimizing the design of the ultrasound transducers and underlying electronics, we were able to achieve a high separation yield and resolution. The “filter size-cutoff” can be controlled electronically in situ and enables versatile MV-size selection. We applied the acoustic nano-filter to isolate nanoscale (<200 nm) vesicles from cell culture media as well as MVs in stored red blood cell products. With the capacity for rapid and contact-free MV isolation, the developed system could become a versatile preparatory tool for MV analyses. PMID:25672598

Fine control of nuclear confinement identifies a threshold deformation leading to lamina rupture and induction of specific genes.

PubMed

Le Berre, Maël; Aubertin, Johannes; Piel, Matthieu

2012-11-01

The quest to understand how the mechanical and geometrical environment of cells impacts their behavior and fate has been a major force driving the recent development of new technologies in cell biology research. Despite rapid advances in this field, many challenges remain in order to bridge the gap between the classical and simple cell culture plate and the biological reality of actual tissue. In tissues, cells have their physical space constrained by neighboring cells and the extracellular matrix. Here, we propose a simple and versatile device to precisely and dynamically control this confinement parameter in cultured cells. We show that there is a precise threshold deformation above which the nuclear lamina breaks and reconstructs, whereas nuclear volume changes. We also show that different nuclear deformations correlate with the expression of specific sets of genes, including nuclear factors and classical mechanotransduction pathways. This versatile device thus enables the precise control of cell and nuclear deformation by confinement and the correlative study of the associated molecular events.

Conserved versatile master regulators in signalling pathways in response to stress in plants

PubMed Central

Balderas-Hernández, Victor E.; Alvarado-Rodríguez, Miguel; Fraire-Velázquez, Saúl

2013-01-01

From the first land plants to the complex gymnosperms and angiosperms of today, environmental conditions have forced plants to develop molecular strategies to surpass natural obstacles to growth and proliferation, and these genetic gains have been transmitted to the following generations. In this long natural process, novel and elaborate mechanisms have evolved to enable plants to cope with environmental limitations. Elements in many signalling cascades enable plants to sense different, multiple and simultaneous ambient cues. A group of versatile master regulators of gene expression control plant responses to stressing conditions. For crop breeding purposes, the task is to determine how to activate these key regulators to enable accurate and optimal reactions to common stresses. In this review, we discuss how plants sense biotic and abiotic stresses, how and which master regulators are implied in the responses to these stresses, their evolution in the life kingdoms, and the domains in these proteins that interact with other factors to lead to a proper and efficient plant response. PMID:24147216

A versatile 50 ft-lb-sec reaction wheel for TRMM and XTE missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bialke, Bill

A 50 ft-lb-sec Reaction Wheel is being manufactured by ITHACO, Inc. for NASA's X-ray Timing Explorer (XTE) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) missions, using the same mechanical assemblies as a similar Reaction Wheel developed by ITHACO for the Air Force's Advanced Research and Global Observation Satellite (ARGOS) (P91-1) mission. The versatile design allows variation in motor torque and speed capability with no mechanical modifications. State of the art ball bearing technology is combined with flight proven materials and conventional fabrication techniques to produce a relaible and manufacturable wheel assembly. An ironless armature brushless DC motor is incorporated for high efficiency and minimum weight. Comprehensive tradeoff analyses from the Reaction Wheel development are discussed for each component, and performance characteristics are presented for design variations from a high torque Reaction Wheel used in a three axis stabilized spacecraft to a low torque Momentum Wheel used in a momentum biased attitude Control System.

Using walker during walking: a pilot study for health elder.

PubMed

Po-Chan, Yeh; Cherng-Yee, Leung

2012-01-01

Walker operation completely relies on the walker handle, however most marketed walkers possess two horizontal handles. Several researchers have suggested that horizontal handles might lead to wrist injury. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the relevant design aspects of walker for elderly people. 28 elders participated in this study; when the experiment was started, subject walked on the tile for 3 meter distance twice by using walker. Data for analysis were selected at the corresponding wrist deviation and vertical force. The results showed that during walker using, the mean wrist deviation was greater than zero. The largest vertical force is significantly larger than the smallest one, and different wrist deviation occurred at three phases, the largest wrist deviation while raising walker is larger than the smallest one, however, no significant different was found between the largest and smallest wrist deviation while pressing walker. No significant correlation occurred between weight and wrist deviation. The correlation between weight and vertical force was significantly positive. With wrist deviation walker use may cause injury to upper-limb, however wrists remain in a neutral position during hand movement to prevent damage. The findings of this study should improve the design of walker handles to reduce the wrist deviations of users.

A comparison between the dynamics of horizontal and vertical axis offshore floating wind turbines.

PubMed

Borg, M; Collu, M

2015-02-28

The need to further exploit offshore wind resources in deeper waters has led to a re-emerging interest in vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) for floating foundation applications. However, there has been little effort to systematically compare VAWTs to the more conventional horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT). This article initiates this comparison based on prime principles, focusing on the turbine aerodynamic forces and their impact on the floating wind turbine static and dynamic responses. VAWTs generate substantially different aerodynamic forces on the support structure, in particular, a potentially lower inclining moment and a substantially higher torque than HAWTs. Considering the static stability requirements, the advantages of a lower inclining moment, a lower wind turbine mass and a lower centre of gravity are illustrated, all of which are exploitable to have a less costly support structure. Floating VAWTs experience increased motion in the frequency range surrounding the turbine [number of blades]×[rotational speed] frequency. For very large VAWTs with slower rotational speeds, this frequency range may significantly overlap with the range of wave excitation forces. Quantitative considerations are undertaken comparing the reference NREL 5 MW HAWT with the NOVA 5 MW VAWT. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Enhanced vertical mixing within mesoscale eddies due to high frequency winds in the South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardona, Yuley; Bracco, Annalisa

The South China Sea is a marginal basin with a complex circulation influenced by the East Asian Monsoon, river discharge and intricate bathymetry. As a result, both the mesoscale eddy field and the near-inertial energy distribution display large spatial variability and they strongly influence the oceanic transport and mixing. With an ensemble of numerical integrations using a regional ocean model, this work investigates how the temporal resolution of the atmospheric forcing fields modifies the horizontal and vertical velocity patterns and impacts the transport properties in the basin. The response of the mesoscale circulation in the South China Sea is investigated under three different forcing conditions: monthly, daily and 6-hourly momentum and heat fluxes. While the horizontal circulation does not display significant differences, the representation of the vertical velocity field displays high sensitivity to the frequency of the wind forcing. If the wind field contains energy at the inertial frequency or higher (daily and 6-hourly cases), then submesoscale fronts, vortex Rossby waves and near inertial waves are excited as ageostrophic expression of the vigorous eddy field. Those quasi- and near-inertial waves dominate the vertical velocity field in the mixed layer (vortex Rossby waves) and below the first hundred meters (near inertial waves) and they are responsible for the differences in the vertical transport properties under the various forcing fields as quantified by frequency spectra, vertical velocity profiles and vertical dispersion of Lagrangian tracers.

Research on the porous flow of the mechanism of viscous-elastic fluids displacing residual oil droplets in micro pores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Guanyu

2018-03-01

In order to analyze the microscopic stress field acting on residual oil droplets in micro pores, calculate its deformation, and explore the hydrodynamic mechanism of viscous-elastic fluids displacing oil droplets, the viscous-elastic fluid flow equations in micro pores are established by choosing the Upper Convected Maxwell constitutive equation; the numerical solutions of the flow field are obtained by volume control and Alternate Direction Implicit methods. From the above, the velocity field and microscopic stress field; the forces acting on residual oil droplets; the deformations of residual oil droplets by various viscous-elastic displacing fluids and at various Wiesenberg numbers are calculated and analyzed. The result demonstrated that both the normal stress and horizontal force acting on the residual oil droplets by viscous-elastic fluids are much larger compared to that of inelastic fluid; the distribution of normal stress changes abruptly; under the condition of the same pressure gradient in the system under investigation, the ratio of the horizontal forces acting on the residual oil droplets by different displacing fluids is about 1:8:20, which means that under the above conditions, the driving force on a oil droplet is 20 times higher for a viscous-elastic fluid compared to that of a Newtonian Fluid. The conclusions are supportive of the mechanism that viscous-elastic driving fluids can increase the Displacement Efficiency. This should be of help in designing new chemicals and selecting Enhanced Oil Recovery systems.

Tropical Waves and the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation in a 7-km Global Climate Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holt, Laura A.; Alexander, M. Joan; Coy, Lawrence; Molod, Andrea; Putman, William; Pawson, Steven

2016-01-01

This study investigates tropical waves and their role in driving a quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO)-like signal in stratospheric winds in a global 7-km-horizontal-resolution atmospheric general circulation model. The Nature Run (NR) is a 2-year global mesoscale simulation of the Goddard Earth Observing System Model, version 5 (GEOS-5). In the tropics, there is evidence that the NR supports a broad range of convectively generated waves. The NR precipitation spectrum resembles the observed spectrum in many aspects, including the preference for westward-propagating waves. However, even with very high horizontal resolution and a healthy population of resolved waves, the zonal force provided by the resolved waves is still too low in the QBO region and parameterized gravity wave drag is the main driver of the NR QBO-like oscillation (NRQBO). The authors suggest that causes include coarse vertical resolution and excessive dissipation. Nevertheless, the very-high-resolution NR provides an opportunity to analyze the resolved wave forcing of the NR-QBO. In agreement with previous studies, large-scale Kelvin and small-scale waves contribute to the NRQBO driving in eastward shear zones and small-scale waves dominate the NR-QBO driving in westward shear zones. Waves with zonal wavelength,1000 km account for up to half of the small-scale (,3300 km) resolved wave forcing in eastward shear zones and up to 70% of the small-scale resolved wave forcing in westward shear zones of the NR-QBO.

United States Air Force Summer Faculty Research Program. Program Technical Report. 1990. Volume 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-06-05

flowchart of the progran "NCHIPSIM" is shown o. the following two pages. 95-7 SSTAR ’ ’.Choose-Chip type; Microprocessor or Gate,-Array Choose...oeet ~alulaew ntegrionRsut YEYES FLOW CHART FOR NCHIPSIM" 95-9 IV. THE PROGRAM "NCHIPSIM": Using the flowchart and the steps outlined in the above...would make the technique more versatile in flaw detection in metallic materials. 113-16 REFERENCES 1. RUDLIN, J.R., "A Beginners Guide to-Eddy Current

Was It Really Worth Pain? Refurbishment of Mercedes-Benz Trucks by Botswana Defence Force

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-12-01

staff, especially those who were involved in rework, was their inability to access the fleet management system Mincom Ellipse database. Access to...CHAPTER IV This chapter analyzes the survey/questionnaires that were sent to the users, the project middle managers, and the CMER. The CMER was a de ...transferred directly to the BDF; they were accessed from a fund set up for the project. This enabled the project manager to have versatility in the

Bridging the Communication Gap (Combler les Lacunes dans le Domaine de la Communication)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-02-01

mobile and versatile to allow for maximum flexibility in responding to a crisis. - NATO will scale back the readiness of its active units, reducing...of 20% over the next 5 years. - The restructuring of our forces, md higher mobility , can not be achieved through organisational measures alone. We...A one of the major applications, is that the-real breakthrough of the industrial ap- re is such a need for translation that aplication of NLP has

14 CFR 23.445 - Outboard fins or winglets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Outboard fins or winglets. 23.445 Section 23.445 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT... with loads induced by the fins or winglets and moments or forces exerted on the horizontal surfaces or...

14 CFR 23.445 - Outboard fins or winglets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Outboard fins or winglets. 23.445 Section 23.445 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT... with loads induced by the fins or winglets and moments or forces exerted on the horizontal surfaces or...

7. Credit BG. View looking west into small solid rocket ...

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

7. Credit BG. View looking west into small solid rocket motor testing bay of Test Stand 'E' (Building 4259/E-60). Motors are mounted on steel table and fired horizontally toward the east. - Jet Propulsion Laboratory Edwards Facility, Test Stand E, Edwards Air Force Base, Boron, Kern County, CA

Aeroelastic analysis of wind energy conversion systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dugundji, J.

1978-01-01

An aeroelastic investigation of horizontal axis wind turbines is described. The study is divided into two simpler areas; (1) the aeroelastic stability of a single blade on a rigid tower; and (2) the mechanical vibrations of the rotor system on a flexible tower. Some resulting instabilities and forced vibration behavior are described.

40 CFR 1065.310 - Torque calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... force is measured. The lever arm must be perpendicular to gravity (i.e., horizontal), and it must be... known distance along a lever arm. Make sure the weights' lever arm is perpendicular to gravity (i.e... Earth's gravity, as described in § 1065.630. Calculate the reference torque as the weights' reference...

Entropic Damping of the Motion of a Piston

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mungan, Carl E.

2017-01-01

The concept of an "entropic force" can be introduced by considering a familiar setup, namely a horizontal cylinder enclosing an ideal monatomic gas by a piston of cross-sectional area "A" and mass "m" that can slide without friction. The surrounding atmospheric pressure P[subscript atm] keeps the piston from flying…

Impact of the spatial distribution of the atmospheric forcing on water mass formation in the Mediterranean Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

BéRanger, Karine; Drillet, Yann; Houssais, Marie-NoëLle; Testor, Pierre; Bourdallé-Badie, Romain; Alhammoud, Bahjat; Bozec, Alexandra; Mortier, Laurent; Bouruet-Aubertot, Pascale; CréPon, Michel

2010-12-01

The impact of the atmospheric forcing on the winter ocean convection in the Mediterranean Sea was studied with a high-resolution ocean general circulation model. The major areas of focus are the Levantine basin, the Aegean-Cretan Sea, the Adriatic Sea, and the Gulf of Lion. Two companion simulations differing by the horizontal resolution of the atmospheric forcing were compared. The first simulation (MED16-ERA40) was forced by air-sea fields from ERA40, which is the ECMWF reanalysis. The second simulation (MED16-ECMWF) was forced by the ECMWF-analyzed surface fields that have a horizontal resolution twice as high as those of ERA40. The analysis of the standard deviations of the atmospheric fields shows that increasing the resolution of the atmospheric forcing leads in all regions to a better channeling of the winds by mountains and to the generation of atmospheric mesoscale patterns. Comparing the companion ocean simulation results with available observations in the Adriatic Sea and in the Gulf of Lion shows that MED16-ECMWF is more realistic than MED16-ERA40. In the eastern Mediterranean, although deep water formation occurs in the two experiments, the depth reached by the convection is deeper in MED16-ECMWF. In the Gulf of Lion, deep water formation occurs only in MED16-ECMWF. This larger sensitivity of the western Mediterranean convection to the forcing resolution is investigated by running a set of sensitivity experiments to analyze the impact of different time-space resolutions of the forcing on the intense winter convection event in winter 1998-1999. The sensitivity to the forcing appears to be mainly related to the effect of wind channeling by the land orography, which can only be reproduced in atmospheric models of sufficient resolution. Thus, well-positioned patterns of enhanced wind stress and ocean surface heat loss are able to maintain a vigorous gyre circulation favoring efficient preconditioning of the area at the beginning of winter and to drive realistic buoyancy loss and mixing responsible for strong convection at the end of winter.

Why do Hematite FORCs Look Weird?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrison, R. J.

2017-12-01

Although much progress has been made in the modelling of first-order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams for ensembles of interacting single domain (SD) magnetite particles with cubic and uniaxial anisotropy, a comprehensive understanding of FORC diagrams for magnetic minerals with other forms of anisotropy is currently lacking. For example, it has long been recognised that FORC diagrams for hematite display a range of unexplained features, including one or more of the following: 1) a kidney-shaped positive peak that is negatively offset from the horizontal axis; 2) a negative peak that sits below the offset positive peak; and 3) a negative-positive streak that extends at a steep negative angle to the horizontal axis. Here we demonstrate that many of the diagnostic features of hematite FORCs can be explained as an intrinsic consequence of hexagonal anisotropy operating within the basal plane. Simulations are performed for an ensemble of identical, randomly oriented, non-interacting SD particles, with easy axes located at 60° to each other within a basal plane. In the general case, there are six stable or metastable solutions for the magnetic state of a particle, with different critical fields for switching into and out of the corresponding hysteresis branch. Downward switching between branches at the reversal field is paired with either symmetrical or asymmetrical upward switching between branches at the measurement field. Paired switching events lead to both symmetrical (central ridge) and asymmetrical (negatively shifted) signals in the FORC diagram. A downward transition out of one branch means the corresponding upward transition from that branch is no longer accessible, leading to a negative contribution to the FORC distribution. At the same time, an upward transition from a different branch becomes newly accessible, leading to a paired positive contribution to the FORC distribution. Simulations of interacting SD particles with hexagonal anisotropy and a broad range of switching fields reproduce many of the features typically associated with hematite FORC diagrams, demonstrating that key features can largely be explained as an intrinsic effect caused by the availability of multiple hysteresis branches.

Effects of independently altering body weight and body mass on the metabolic cost of running.

PubMed

Teunissen, Lennart P J; Grabowski, Alena; Kram, Rodger

2007-12-01

The metabolic cost of running is substantial, despite the savings from elastic energy storage and return. Previous studies suggest that generating vertical force to support body weight and horizontal forces to brake and propel body mass are the major determinants of the metabolic cost of running. In the present study, we investigated how independently altering body weight and body mass affects the metabolic cost of running. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that reducing body weight would decrease metabolic rate proportionally, and adding mass and weight would increase metabolic rate proportionally. Further, because previous studies show that adding mass alone does not affect the forces generated on the ground, we hypothesized that adding mass alone would have no substantial effect on metabolic rate. We manipulated the body weight and body mass of 10 recreational human runners and measured their metabolic rates while they ran at 3 m s(-1). We reduced weight using a harness system, increased mass and weight using lead worn about the waist, and increased mass alone using a combination of weight support and added load. We found that net metabolic rate decreased in less than direct proportion to reduced body weight, increased in slightly more than direct proportion to added load (added mass and weight), and was not substantially different from normal running with added mass alone. Adding mass alone was not an effective method for determining the metabolic cost attributable to braking/propelling body mass. Runners loaded with mass alone did not generate greater vertical or horizontal impulses and their metabolic costs did not substantially differ from those of normal running. Our results show that generating force to support body weight is the primary determinant of the metabolic cost of running. Extrapolating our reduced weight data to zero weight suggests that supporting body weight comprises at most 74% of the net cost of running. However, 74% is probably an overestimate of the metabolic demand of body weight to support itself because in reduced gravity conditions decrements in horizontal impulse accompanied decrements in vertical impulse.

Impact of tropical cyclones on modeled extreme wind-wave climate

DOE PAGES

Timmermans, Ben; Stone, Daithi; Wehner, Michael; ...

2017-02-16

Here, the effect of forcing wind resolution on the extremes of global wind-wave climate are investigated in numerical simulations. Forcing winds from the Community Atmosphere Model at horizontal resolutions of ~1.0° and ~0.25° are used to drive Wavewatch III. Differences in extreme wave height are found to manifest most strongly in tropical cyclone (TC) regions, emphasizing the need for high-resolution forcing in those areas. Comparison with observations typically show improvement in performance with increased forcing resolution, with a strong influence in the tail of the distribution, although simulated extremes can exceed observations. A simulation for the end of the 21stmore » century under a RCP 8.5 type emission scenario suggests further increases in extreme wave height in TC regions.« less

Impact of tropical cyclones on modeled extreme wind-wave climate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timmermans, Ben; Stone, Dáithí; Wehner, Michael; Krishnan, Harinarayan

2017-02-01

The effect of forcing wind resolution on the extremes of global wind-wave climate are investigated in numerical simulations. Forcing winds from the Community Atmosphere Model at horizontal resolutions of ˜1.0° and ˜0.25° are used to drive Wavewatch III. Differences in extreme wave height are found to manifest most strongly in tropical cyclone (TC) regions, emphasizing the need for high-resolution forcing in those areas. Comparison with observations typically show improvement in performance with increased forcing resolution, with a strong influence in the tail of the distribution, although simulated extremes can exceed observations. A simulation for the end of the 21st century under a RCP 8.5 type emission scenario suggests further increases in extreme wave height in TC regions.

Comparison of commercial and noncommercial endotracheal tube-securing devices.

PubMed

Fisher, Daniel F; Chenelle, Christopher T; Marchese, Andrew D; Kratohvil, Joseph P; Kacmarek, Robert M

2014-09-01

Tracheal intubation is used to establish a secure airway in patients who require mechanical ventilation. Unexpected extubation can have serious complications, including airway trauma and death. Various methods and devices have been developed to maintain endotracheal tube (ETT) security. Associated complications include pressure ulcers due to decreased tissue perfusion. Device consideration includes ease of use, rapid application, and low exerted pressure around the airway. Sixteen ETT holders were evaluated under a series of simulated clinical conditions. ETT security was tested by measuring distance displaced after a tug. Nine of the 16 methods could be evaluated for speed of moving the ETT to the opposite side of the mouth. Sensors located on a mannequin measured applied forces when the head was rotated vertically or horizontally. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance, with P < .05. Median displacement of the ETT by the tug test was 0 cm (interquartile range of 0.0-0.10 cm, P < .001). The mean time to move the ETT from one side of the mouth to the other ranged from 1.25 ± 0.2 s to 34.4 ± 3.4 s (P < .001). Forces applied to the face with a vertical head lift ranged from < 0.2 newtons (N) to a maximum of 3.52 N (P < .001). Forces applied to the face with a horizontal rotation ranged from < 0.2 N to 3.52 N (P < .001). Commercial devices produced greater force than noncommercial devices. Noncommercial airway holders exert less force on a patient's face than commercial devices. Airway stability is affected by the type of securing method. Many commercial holders allow for rapid but secure movement of the artificial airway from one side of the mouth to the other. Copyright © 2014 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Reaching to multiple targets when standing: the spatial organization of feedforward postural adjustments.

PubMed

Leonard, Julia A; Brown, Ryan H; Stapley, Paul J

2009-04-01

We examined the spatial organization of feedforward postural adjustments produced prior to and during voluntary arm reaching movements executed while standing. We sought to investigate whether the activity of postural muscles before and during reaching was directionally tuned and whether a strategy of horizontal force constraint could be observed. To this end, eight human subjects executed self-paced reach-to-point movements on the random illumination of one of 13 light targets placed within a 180 degrees array centered along the midline of the body. Analysis was divided into two periods: a first corresponding to the 250 ms preceding the onset of the reaching movements (termed pPA period) and a second 250-ms period immediately preceding target attainment (the aPA period). For both periods, electromyographic activity of the lower limb muscles revealed a clear directional tuning, with groups of muscles being activated for similar directions of reach. Analysis of horizontal ground reaction forces supported the existence of a force constraint strategy only for the pPA period, however, with those in the aPA period being more widely dispersed. We suggest that the strategy adopted for feedforward pPAs is one where the tuned muscle synergies constrain the forces diagonally away from the center of mass (CoM) to move it within the support base. However, the need to control for final finger and body position for each target during the aPA phase resulted in a distribution of vectors across reaching directions. Overall, our results would support the idea that endpoint limb force during postural tasks depends on the use of functional muscle synergies, which are used to displace the CoM or decelerate the body at the end of the reach.

Eigenmode resonance in a two-layer stratification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanda, Isao; Linden, P. F.

2002-06-01

In this paper, we study the velocity field at the density interface of a two-layer stratification system when the flow is forced at the mid-depth of the lower layer by the source sink forcing method. It is known that, in a sufficiently strong linear stratification, the source sink forcing in certain configurations produces a single-vortex pattern which corresponds to the lowest eigenmode of the Helmholtz equation (Kanda & Linden 2001). Two types of forcing configuration are used for the two-layer experiments: one that leads to a steady single-vortex pattern in a linear stratification, and one that results in an unsteady irregular state. Strong single-vortex patterns appear intermittently for the former configurations despite the absence of stratification at the forcing height. When the single-vortex pattern occurs at the density interface, a similar flow field extends down to the forcing height. The behaviour is explained as the coupling of the resonant eigenmode at the interface with the horizontal component of the forcing jets. The results show that stratification can organise a flow, even though it is forced by an apparently random three-dimensional forcing.

An experimental validation of the influence of flow profiles and stratified two-phase flow to Lorentz force velocimetry for weakly conducting fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiederhold, Andreas; Ebert, Reschad; Resagk, Christian; Research Training Group: "Lorentz Force Velocimetry; Lorentz Force Eddy Current Testing" Team

2016-11-01

We report about the feasibility of Lorentz force velocimetry (LFV) for various flow profiles. LFV is a contactless non-invasive technique to measure flow velocity and has been developed in the last years in our institute. This method is advantageous if the fluid is hot, aggressive or opaque like glass melts or liquid metal flows. The conducted experiments shall prove an increased versatility for industrial applications of this method. For the force measurement we use an electromagnetic force compensation balance. As electrolyte salty water is used with an electrical conductivity in the range of 0.035 which corresponds to tap water up to 20 Sm-1. Because the conductivity is six orders less than that of liquid metals, here the challenging bottleneck is the resolution of the measurement system. The results show only a slight influence in the force signal at symmetric and strongly asymmetric flow profiles. Furthermore we report about the application of LFV to stratified two-phase flows. We show that it is possible to detect interface instabilities, which is important for the dimensioning of liquid metal batteries. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft DFG.

Cellular Force Microscopy for in Vivo Measurements of Plant Tissue Mechanics1[W][OA

PubMed Central

Routier-Kierzkowska, Anne-Lise; Weber, Alain; Kochova, Petra; Felekis, Dimitris; Nelson, Bradley J.; Kuhlemeier, Cris; Smith, Richard S.

2012-01-01

Although growth and morphogenesis are controlled by genetics, physical shape change in plant tissue results from a balance between cell wall loosening and intracellular pressure. Despite recent work demonstrating a role for mechanical signals in morphogenesis, precise measurement of mechanical properties at the individual cell level remains a technical challenge. To address this challenge, we have developed cellular force microscopy (CFM), which combines the versatility of classical microindentation techniques with the high automation and resolution approaching that of atomic force microscopy. CFM’s large range of forces provides the possibility to map the apparent stiffness of both plasmolyzed and turgid tissue as well as to perform micropuncture of cells using very high stresses. CFM experiments reveal that, within a tissue, local stiffness measurements can vary with the level of turgor pressure in an unexpected way. Altogether, our results highlight the importance of detailed physically based simulations for the interpretation of microindentation results. CFM’s ability to be used both to assess and manipulate tissue mechanics makes it a method of choice to unravel the feedbacks between mechanics, genetics, and morphogenesis. PMID:22353572

Coastal Ocean Variability Off the Coast of Taiwan in Response toTyphoon Morakot: River Forcing, Atmospheric Forcing, and Cold Dome Dynamics

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

very short time period and in this research, we model and study the effects of this rainfall on Taiwan?s coastal oceans as a result of river discharge...model and study the effects of this rainfall on Taiwan’s coastal oceans as a result of river discharge. We do this through the use of a river discharge... Effects of Footprint Shape on the Bulk Mixing Model . . . . . . . . . 57 4.2 Effects of the Horizontal Extent of the Bulk Mixing Model . . . . . . 59

User satisfaction and forces generated during laryngoscopy using disposable Miller blades: a manikin study.

PubMed

Sudhir, G; Wilkes, A R; Clyburn, P; Aguilera, I; Hall, J E

2007-10-01

Increasing awareness of prion-related diseases has led to an increase in the number of disposable laryngoscope blades available. We compared 11 disposable and standard re-usable Miller size 1 blades. In this manikin-based study, we studied user satisfaction for field of view at laryngoscopy, build quality and users' willingness to use the blade in an emergency situation. These were found to be better with metal disposable blades (p

Estimation of viscoelastic parameters in Prony series from shear wave propagation

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

Jung, Jae-Wook; Hong, Jung-Wuk, E-mail: j.hong@kaist.ac.kr, E-mail: jwhong@alum.mit.edu; Lee, Hyoung-Ki

2016-06-21

When acquiring accurate ultrasonic images, we must precisely estimate the mechanical properties of the soft tissue. This study investigates and estimates the viscoelastic properties of the tissue by analyzing shear waves generated through an acoustic radiation force. The shear waves are sourced from a localized pushing force acting for a certain duration, and the generated waves travel horizontally. The wave velocities depend on the mechanical properties of the tissue such as the shear modulus and viscoelastic properties; therefore, we can inversely calculate the properties of the tissue through parametric studies.

Are Brazil nuts attractive?

PubMed

Sanders, Duncan A; Swift, Michael R; Bowley, R M; King, P J

2004-11-12

We present event-driven simulation results for single and multiple intruders in a vertically vibrated granular bed. Under our vibratory conditions, the mean vertical position of a single intruder is governed primarily by a buoyancylike effect. Multiple intruders also exhibit buoyancy governed behavior; however, multiple neutrally buoyant intruders cluster spontaneously and undergo horizontal segregation. These effects can be understood by considering the dynamics of two neutrally buoyant intruders. We have measured an attractive force between such intruders which has a range of five intruder diameters, and we provide a mechanistic explanation for the origins of this force.

Genome Dynamics in Legionella: The Basis of Versatility and Adaptation to Intracellular Replication

PubMed Central

Gomez-Valero, Laura; Buchrieser, Carmen

2013-01-01

Legionella pneumophila is a bacterial pathogen present in aquatic environments that can cause a severe pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease. Soon after its recognition, it was shown that Legionella replicates inside amoeba, suggesting that bacteria replicating in environmental protozoa are able to exploit conserved signaling pathways in human phagocytic cells. Comparative, evolutionary, and functional genomics suggests that the Legionella–amoeba interaction has shaped this pathogen more than previously thought. A complex evolutionary scenario involving mobile genetic elements, type IV secretion systems, and horizontal gene transfer among Legionella, amoeba, and other organisms seems to take place. This long-lasting coevolution led to the development of very sophisticated virulence strategies and a high level of temporal and spatial fine-tuning of bacteria host–cell interactions. We will discuss current knowledge of the evolution of virulence of Legionella from a genomics perspective and propose our vision of the emergence of this human pathogen from the environment. PMID:23732852

All-laser-micromachining of ridge waveguides in LiNbO3 crystal for mid-infrared band applications.

PubMed

Li, Lingqi; Nie, Weijie; Li, Ziqi; Lu, Qingming; Romero, Carolina; Vázquez de Aldana, Javier R; Chen, Feng

2017-08-01

The femtosecond laser micromachining of transparent optical materials offers a powerful and feasible solution to fabricate versatile photonic components towards diverse applications. In this work, we report on a new design and fabrication of ridge waveguides in LiNbO 3 crystal operating at the mid-infrared (MIR) band by all-femtosecond-laser microfabrication. The ridges consist of laser-ablated sidewalls and laser-written bottom low-index cladding tracks, which are constructed for horizontal and longitudinal light confinement, respectively. The ridge waveguides are found to support good guidance at wavelength of 4 μm. By applying this configuration, Y-branch waveguiding structures (1 × 2 beam splitters) have been produced, which reach splitting ratios of ∼1:1 at 4 μm. This work paves a simple and feasible way to construct novel ridge waveguide devices in dielectrics through all-femtosecond-laser micro-processing.

The quest for the perfect gravity anomaly: Part 1 - New calculation standards

USGS Publications Warehouse

Li, X.; Hildenbrand, T.G.; Hinze, W. J.; Keller, Gordon R.; Ravat, D.; Webring, M.

2006-01-01

The North American gravity database together with databases from Canada, Mexico, and the United States are being revised to improve their coverage, versatility, and accuracy. An important part of this effort is revision of procedures and standards for calculating gravity anomalies taking into account our enhanced computational power, modern satellite-based positioning technology, improved terrain databases, and increased interest in more accurately defining different anomaly components. The most striking revision is the use of one single internationally accepted reference ellipsoid for the horizontal and vertical datums of gravity stations as well as for the computation of the theoretical gravity. The new standards hardly impact the interpretation of local anomalies, but do improve regional anomalies. Most importantly, such new standards can be consistently applied to gravity database compilations of nations, continents, and even the entire world. ?? 2005 Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

Mandibular reconstruction in irradiated patients utilizing myosseous-cutaneous flaps

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

Pearlman, N.W.; Albin, R.E.; O'Donnell, R.S.

1983-10-01

Myosseous-cutaneous flaps were used for mandibular reconstruction in 16 irradiated patients. Three of six sternomastoid-clavicle flaps failed (all in conjunction with a neck dissection), as did one of 10 pectoralis major-anterior-fifth rib flaps. One trapezius-scapular flap was used and it succeeded. We found the blood supply of the sternomastoid-clavicle flap too tenuous for use in conjunction with a neck dissection. The trapezius-scapular flap had too short an arc of rotation to be used for defects other than those in the horizontal ramus. In addition, this flap required a change of position and created an undesirable functional deformity. The pectoralis major-fifthmore » rib flap, in contrast, could be used for a variety of defects, in conjunction with a neck dissection, and did not require a change of position during operation. We found it to be the most versatile and dependable of the flaps employed in this series.« less

Experiments in balance with a 2D one-legged hopping machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raibert, M. H.; Brown, H. B., Jr.

1984-03-01

The ability to balance is important to the mobility obtained by legged creatures found in nature, and may someday lead to versatile legged vehicles. In order to study the role of balance in legged locomotion and to develop appropriate control strategies, a 2D hopping machine was constructed for experimentation. The machine has one leg on which it hops and runs, making balance a prime consideration. Control of the machine's locomotion was decomposed into three separate parts: a vertical height control part, a horizontal velocity part, and an angular attitude control part. Experiments showed that the three part control scheme, while very simple to implement, was powerful enough to permit the machine to hop in place, to run at a desired rate, to translate from place to place, and to leap over obstacles. Results from modeling and computer simulation of a similar one-legged device are described by Raibert (1983).

Stirling Laboratory Research Engine: Preprototype configuration report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoehn, F. W.

1982-01-01

The concept of a simple Stirling research engine that could be used by industrial, university, and government laboratories was studied. The conceptual and final designs, hardware fabrication and the experimental validation of a preprototype stirling laboratory research engine (SLRE) were completed. Also completed was a task to identify the potential markets for research engines of this type. An analytical effort was conducted to provide a stirling cycle computer model. The versatile engine is a horizontally opposed, two piston, single acting stirling engine with a split crankshaft drive mechanism; special instrumentation is installed at all component interfaces. Results of a thermodynamic energy balance for the system are reported. Also included are the engine performance results obtained over a range of speeds, working pressures, phase angles and gas temperatures. The potential for a stirling research engine to support the laboratory requirements of educators and researchers was demonstrated.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci as reservoirs of genes facilitating MRSA infection

PubMed Central

Otto, Michael

2013-01-01

Recent research has suggested that Staphylococcus epidermidis is a reservoir of genes that, after horizontal transfer, facilitate the potential of Staphylococcus aureus to colonize, survive during infection, or resist antibiotic treatment, traits that are notably manifest in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). S. aureus is a dangerous human pathogen and notorious for acquiring antibiotic resistance. MRSA in particular is one of the most frequent causes of morbidity and death in hospitalized patients. S. aureus is an extremely versatile pathogen with a multitude of mechanisms to cause disease and circumvent immune defenses. In contrast, most other staphylococci, such as S. epidermidis, are commonly benign commensals and only occasionally cause disease. Recent findings highlight the key importance of efforts to better understand how genes of staphylococci other than S. aureus contribute to survival in the human host, how they are transferred to S. aureus, and why this exchange appears to be uni-directional. PMID:23165978

Genome dynamics in Legionella: the basis of versatility and adaptation to intracellular replication.

PubMed

Gomez-Valero, Laura; Buchrieser, Carmen

2013-06-01

Legionella pneumophila is a bacterial pathogen present in aquatic environments that can cause a severe pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease. Soon after its recognition, it was shown that Legionella replicates inside amoeba, suggesting that bacteria replicating in environmental protozoa are able to exploit conserved signaling pathways in human phagocytic cells. Comparative, evolutionary, and functional genomics suggests that the Legionella-amoeba interaction has shaped this pathogen more than previously thought. A complex evolutionary scenario involving mobile genetic elements, type IV secretion systems, and horizontal gene transfer among Legionella, amoeba, and other organisms seems to take place. This long-lasting coevolution led to the development of very sophisticated virulence strategies and a high level of temporal and spatial fine-tuning of bacteria host-cell interactions. We will discuss current knowledge of the evolution of virulence of Legionella from a genomics perspective and propose our vision of the emergence of this human pathogen from the environment.

Characterizing the Severe Turbulence Environments Associated with Commercial Aviation Accidents. Part 2; Hydrostatic Mesobeta Scale Numerical Simulations of Supergradient Wind Flow and Streamwise Ageostrophic Frontogenesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaplan, Michael L.; Huffman, Allan W.; Lux, Kevin M.; Cetola, Jeffrey D.; Charney, Joseph J.; Riordan, Allen J.; Lin, Yuh-Lang; Waight, Kenneth T., III; Proctor, Fred (Technical Monitor)

2003-01-01

Simulation experiments reveal key processes that organize a hydrostatic environment conducive to severe turbulence. The paradigm requires juxtaposition of the entrance region of a curved jet stream, which is highly subgeostrophic, with the entrance region of a straight jet stream, which is highly supergeostrophic. The wind and mass fields become misphased as the entrance regions converge resulting in the significant spatial variation of inertial forcing, centripetal forcing, and along- and cross-stream pressure gradient forcing over a mesobeta scale region. This results in frontogenesis and the along-stream divergence of cyclonic and convergence of cyclonic ageostrophic vertical vorticity. The centripetally forced mesoscale front becomes the locus of large gradients of ageostrophic vertical vorticity along an overturning isentrope. This region becomes favorable for streamwise vorticity gradient formation enhancing the environment for organization of horizontal vortex tubes in the presence of buoyant forcing.

Dust remobilization in fusion plasmas under steady state conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tolias, P.; Ratynskaia, S.; De Angeli, M.; De Temmerman, G.; Ripamonti, D.; Riva, G.; Bykov, I.; Shalpegin, A.; Vignitchouk, L.; Brochard, F.; Bystrov, K.; Bardin, S.; Litnovsky, A.

2016-02-01

The first combined experimental and theoretical studies of dust remobilization by plasma forces are reported. The main theoretical aspects of remobilization in fusion devices under steady state conditions are analyzed. In particular, the dominant role of adhesive forces is highlighted and generic remobilization conditions—direct lift-up, sliding, rolling—are formulated. A novel experimental technique is proposed, based on controlled adhesion of dust grains on tungsten samples combined with detailed mapping of the dust deposition profile prior and post plasma exposure. Proof-of-principle experiments in the TEXTOR tokamak and the EXTRAP-T2R reversed-field pinch are presented. The versatile environment of the linear device Pilot-PSI allowed for experiments with different magnetic field topologies and varying plasma conditions that were complemented with camera observations.

Automated AFM for small-scale and large-scale surface profiling in CMP applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zandiatashbar, Ardavan; Kim, Byong; Yoo, Young-kook; Lee, Keibock; Jo, Ahjin; Lee, Ju Suk; Cho, Sang-Joon; Park, Sang-il

2018-03-01

As the feature size is shrinking in the foundries, the need for inline high resolution surface profiling with versatile capabilities is increasing. One of the important areas of this need is chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process. We introduce a new generation of atomic force profiler (AFP) using decoupled scanners design. The system is capable of providing small-scale profiling using XY scanner and large-scale profiling using sliding stage. Decoupled scanners design enables enhanced vision which helps minimizing the positioning error for locations of interest in case of highly polished dies. Non-Contact mode imaging is another feature of interest in this system which is used for surface roughness measurement, automatic defect review, and deep trench measurement. Examples of the measurements performed using the atomic force profiler are demonstrated.

Massive horizontal transfer of transposable elements in insects

PubMed Central

Peccoud, Jean; Loiseau, Vincent; Cordaux, Richard

2017-01-01

Horizontal transfer (HT) of genetic material is central to the architecture and evolution of prokaryote genomes. Within eukaryotes, the majority of HTs reported so far are transfers of transposable elements (TEs). These reports essentially come from studies focusing on specific lineages or types of TEs. Because of the lack of large-scale survey, the amount and impact of HT of TEs (HTT) in eukaryote evolution, as well as the trends and factors shaping these transfers, are poorly known. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of HTT in 195 insect genomes, representing 123 genera and 13 of the 28 insect orders. We found that these insects were involved in at least 2,248 HTT events that essentially occurred during the last 10 My. We show that DNA transposons transfer horizontally more often than retrotransposons, and unveil phylogenetic relatedness and geographical proximity as major factors facilitating HTT in insects. Even though our study is restricted to a small fraction of insect biodiversity and to a recent evolutionary timeframe, the TEs we found to be horizontally transferred generated up to 24% (2.08% on average) of all nucleotides of insect genomes. Together, our results establish HTT as a major force shaping insect genome evolution. PMID:28416702

Vertical and horizontal integration of knowledge and skills - a working model.

PubMed

Snyman, W D; Kroon, J

2005-02-01

The new integrated outcomes-based curriculum for dentistry was introduced at the University of Pretoria in 1997. The first participants graduated at the end of 2001. Educational principles that underpin the new innovative dental curriculum include vertical and horizontal integration, problem-oriented learning, student-centred learning, a holistic attitude to patient care and the promotion of oral health. The aim of this research project was to develop and assay a model to facilitate vertical integration of knowledge and skills thereby justifying the above mentioned action. The learning methodology proposed for the specific outcome of the Odontology module, namely the diagnosis of dental caries and the design of a primary preventive programme, included problem-solving as the driving force for the facilitation of vertical and horizontal integration, and an instructional design for the integration of the basic knowledge and clinical skills into a single learning programme. The paper describes the methodology of problem-oriented learning as applied in this study together with the detail of the programme. The consensus of those teachers who represent the basic and clinical sciences and who participate in this learning programme is that this model is practical and can assist vertical as well as horizontal integration of knowledge.

Cytoskeletal Configuration Modulates Mechanically Induced Changes in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteogenesis, Morphology, and Stiffness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pongkitwitoon, Suphannee; Uzer, Gunes; Rubin, Janet; Judex, Stefan

2016-10-01

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) responding to mechanical cues generated by physical activity is critical for skeletal development and remodeling. Here, we utilized low intensity vibrations (LIV) as a physiologically relevant mechanical signal and hypothesized that the confined cytoskeletal configuration imposed by 2D culture will enable human bone marrow MSCs (hBMSC) to respond more robustly when LIV is applied in-plane (horizontal-LIV) rather than out-of-plane (vertical-LIV). All LIV signals enhanced hBMSC proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and upregulated genes associated with cytoskeletal structure. The cellular response was more pronounced at higher frequencies (100 Hz vs 30 Hz) and when applied in the horizontal plane. Horizontal but not vertical LIV realigned the cell cytoskeleton, culminating in increased cell stiffness. Our results show that applying very small oscillatory motions within the primary cell attachment plane, rather than perpendicular to it, amplifies the cell’s response to LIV, ostensibly facilitating a more effective transfer of intracellular forces. Transcriptional and structural changes in particular with horizontal LIV, together with the strong frequency dependency of the signal, emphasize the importance of intracellular cytoskeletal configuration in sensing and responding to high-frequency mechanical signals at low intensities.

Transient boiling heat transfer in saturated liquid nitrogen and F113 at standard and zero gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oker, E.; Merte, H., Jr.

1973-01-01

Transient and steady state nucleate boiling in saturated LN2 and F113 at standard and near zero gravity conditions were investigated for the horizontal up, vertical and horizontal down orientations of the heating surface. Two distinct regimes of heat transfer mechanisms were observed during the interval from the step increase of power input to the onset of nucleate boiling: the conduction and convection dominated regimes. The time duration in each regime was considerably shorter with LN2 than with F113, and decreased as heat flux increased, as gravity was reduced, and as the orientation was changed from horizontal up to horizontal down. In transient boiling, boiling initiates at a single point following the step increase in power, and then spreads over the surface. The delay time for the inception of boiling at the first site, and the velocity of spread of boiling varies depending upon the heat flux, orientation, body force, surface roughness and liquid properties, and are a consequence of changes in boundary layer temperature levels associated with changes in natural convection. Following the step increase in power input, surface temperature overshoot and undershoot occur before the steady state boiling temperature level is established.

Metal muscles and nerves—a self-sensing SMA-actuated hand concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simone, F.; Rizzello, G.; Seelecke, S.

2017-09-01

Bio-inspired hand-like grippers actuated by Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires represent an emerging new technology with potential applications in many different fields, ranging from industrial assembly processes to biomedical systems. The inherently high energy density makes SMAs a natural choice for compact, lightweight, and silent actuator systems capable of producing a high amount of work, such as hand prostheses or robotic systems in industrial human/machine environments. In this work, a concept for a compact and versatile gripping system is developed, in which SMA wires are implemented as antagonistic muscles actuating an artificial hand with three fingers. In order to combine high gripping force with sufficient actuation speed, the muscle implementation pursues a multi-wire concept with several 0.1 mm diameter NiTi wires connected in parallel, in order to increase the surface-to-volume ratio for accelerated cooling. The paper starts with an illustration of the design concept of an individual 3-phalanx-finger, along with kinematic considerations for optimal placement of SMA wires. Three identical fingers are subsequently fabricated via 3D printing and assembled into a hand-like gripper. The maximum displacement of each finger phalanx is measured, and an average phalanxes dynamic responsiveness is evaluated. SMA self-sensing is documented by experiments relating the wires change in resistance to the finger motion. Several finger force measurements are also performed. The versatility of the gripper is finally documented by displaying a variety of achievable grasping configurations.

Horizontal transfer and gene conversion as an important driving force in shaping the landscape of mitochondrial introns.

PubMed

Wu, Baojun; Hao, Weilong

2014-04-16

Group I introns are highly dynamic and mobile, featuring extensive presence-absence variation and widespread horizontal transfer. Group I introns can invade intron-lacking alleles via intron homing powered by their own encoded homing endonuclease gene (HEG) after horizontal transfer or via reverse splicing through an RNA intermediate. After successful invasion, the intron and HEG are subject to degeneration and sequential loss. It remains unclear whether these mechanisms can fully address the high dynamics and mobility of group I introns. Here, we found that HEGs undergo a fast gain-and-loss turnover comparable with introns in the yeast mitochondrial 21S-rRNA gene, which is unexpected, as the intron and HEG are generally believed to move together as a unit. We further observed extensively mosaic sequences in both the introns and HEGs, and evidence of gene conversion between HEG-containing and HEG-lacking introns. Our findings suggest horizontal transfer and gene conversion can accelerate HEG/intron degeneration and loss, or rescue and propagate HEG/introns, and ultimately result in high HEG/intron turnover rate. Given that up to 25% of the yeast mitochondrial genome is composed of introns and most mitochondrial introns are group I introns, horizontal transfer and gene conversion could have served as an important mechanism in introducing mitochondrial intron diversity, promoting intron mobility and consequently shaping mitochondrial genome architecture.

Horizontal gene transfer is more frequent with increased heterotrophy and contributes to parasite adaptation

PubMed Central

Yang, Zhenzhen; Zhang, Yeting; Wafula, Eric K.; Honaas, Loren A.; Ralph, Paula E.; Jones, Sam; Clarke, Christopher R.; Liu, Siming; Su, Chun; Zhang, Huiting; Altman, Naomi S.; Schuster, Stephan C.; Timko, Michael P.; Yoder, John I.; dePamphilis, Claude W.

2016-01-01

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is the transfer of genetic material across species boundaries and has been a driving force in prokaryotic evolution. HGT involving eukaryotes appears to be much less frequent, and the functional implications of HGT in eukaryotes are poorly understood. We test the hypothesis that parasitic plants, because of their intimate feeding contacts with host plant tissues, are especially prone to horizontal gene acquisition. We sought evidence of HGTs in transcriptomes of three parasitic members of Orobanchaceae, a plant family containing species spanning the full spectrum of parasitic capabilities, plus the free-living Lindenbergia. Following initial phylogenetic detection and an extensive validation procedure, 52 high-confidence horizontal transfer events were detected, often from lineages of known host plants and with an increasing number of HGT events in species with the greatest parasitic dependence. Analyses of intron sequences in putative donor and recipient lineages provide evidence for integration of genomic fragments far more often than retro-processed RNA sequences. Purifying selection predominates in functionally transferred sequences, with a small fraction of adaptively evolving sites. HGT-acquired genes are preferentially expressed in the haustorium—the organ of parasitic plants—and are strongly biased in predicted gene functions, suggesting that expression products of horizontally acquired genes are contributing to the unique adaptive feeding structure of parasitic plants. PMID:27791104

16 CFR 1216.2 - Requirements for infant walkers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... coefficient of friction = 0.05 NCAMI = Normal force (for CAMI dummy scenario) = weight of CAMI dummy and... occupant seating area and arms placed on the walker tray. (ii) [Reserved] (8) Instead of complying with... horizontally (0 ± 0.5° with respect to the table surface). (ii) [Reserved] (9) Instead of complying with...

ARC-1996-AC95-0154-333

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-02-23

CALF/JAST X-32 test program: the LSPM (Large Scale Powered Model), Lockheed's concept for a tri-service aircraft (Air Force, Navy, Marines) CALF (Common Affordable Lightweight Fighter) as part of the Department of Defense's Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) is being tested in the 80x120ft w.t. test-930 with rear horizontal stabilizer

49 CFR 572.197 - Abdomen.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... vertical orientation. (4) Push the dummy at the knees and at mid-sternum of the upper torso with just sufficient horizontally oriented force towards the seat back until the back of the upper torso is in contact with the seat back. (5) While maintaining the dummy's position as specified in paragraph (b)(3) and (4...

49 CFR 572.196 - Thorax without arm.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... orientation. (4) Push the dummy at the knees and at mid-sternum of the upper torso with just sufficient horizontally oriented force towards the seat back until the back of the upper torso is in contact with the seat back. (5) While maintaining the dummy's position as specified in paragraphs (b)(3) and (4) of this...

49 CFR 572.198 - Pelvis acetabulum.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... the dummy is in vertical orientation. (4) Push the dummy at the knees and at mid-sternum of the upper torso with just sufficient horizontally oriented force towards the seat back until the back of the upper torso is in contact with the seat back. (5) While maintaining the dummy's position as specified in...

49 CFR 572.195 - Thorax with arm.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... dummy is in vertical orientation. (4) Push the dummy at the knees and at mid-sternum of the upper torso with just sufficient horizontally oriented force towards the seat back until the back of the upper torso is in contact with the seat back. (5) While maintaining the dummy's position as specified in...

Particle Sliding on a Rough Incline

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zurcher, Ulrich

2007-01-01

We study a particle sliding on a rough inclined plane as an example of a mechanical problem with nonholonomic constraint. The particle is launched in an arbitrary direction so that its motion has both a horizontal and a "vertical" (i.e., up- and downhill) direction. The friction force acts along the instantaneous velocity, so that the horizontal…

Sidewall penetrator for oil wells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, E. R., Jr.

1981-01-01

Penetrator bores horizontal holes in well casing to increase trapped oil drainage. Several penetrators operated by common drive are inserted into well at once. Shaft, made from spiraling cable, rotates and thrusts simultaneously through rigid curvilinear guide tube forcing bit through casing into strata. Device pierces more deeply than armor-piercing bullets and shaped explosive charges.

49 CFR 572.76 - Limbs assembly and test procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

.... (3) Align the test probe specified in § 572.77(a) with the longitudinal center line of the femur force gauge, so that at impact, the probe's longitudinal center line coincides with the sensor's longitudinal center line within ±2 degrees. (4) Impact the knee with the test probe moving horizontally and...

49 CFR 572.76 - Limbs assembly and test procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

.... (3) Align the test probe specified in § 572.77(a) with the longitudinal center line of the femur force gauge, so that at impact, the probe's longitudinal center line coincides with the sensor's longitudinal center line within ±2 degrees. (4) Impact the knee with the test probe moving horizontally and...

49 CFR 572.76 - Limbs assembly and test procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

.... (3) Align the test probe specified in § 572.77(a) with the longitudinal center line of the femur force gauge, so that at impact, the probe's longitudinal center line coincides with the sensor's longitudinal center line within ±2 degrees. (4) Impact the knee with the test probe moving horizontally and...

49 CFR 572.76 - Limbs assembly and test procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

.... (3) Align the test probe specified in § 572.77(a) with the longitudinal center line of the femur force gauge, so that at impact, the probe's longitudinal center line coincides with the sensor's longitudinal center line within ±2 degrees. (4) Impact the knee with the test probe moving horizontally and...

Large-scale phenomena, chapter 3, part D

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Oceanic phenomena with horizontal scales from approximately 100 km up to the widths of the oceans themselves are examined. Data include: shape of geoid, quasi-stationary anomalies due to spatial variations in sea density and steady current systems, and the time dependent variations due to tidal and meteorological forces and to varying currents.

Mountain-Wave Induced Rotors in the Lee of Three-Dimensional Ridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doyle, J. D.; Durran, D. R.

2003-12-01

Mountain waves forced by elongated ridges are often accompanied by low-level vortices that have horizontal circulation axes parallel to the ridgeline. These horizontal vortices, known as rotors, can be severe aeronautical hazards and have been cited as contributing to numerous aircraft accidents. In spite of their obvious importance, mountain-induced rotors still remain poorly understood, particularly with respect to three-dimensional aspects of the flow. In this study, the dynamics of rotors forced by three-dimensional topography are investigated through a series of high-resolution idealized simulations with the non-hydrostatic COAMPS model. The focus of this investigation is on the internal structure of rotors and in particular on the dynamics of small-scale intense circulations within rotors that we refer to as "sub-rotors". These are the first known simulations of sub-rotors in three dimensions, likely because explicit simulations have only just recently become computationally feasible with the new generation of massively parallel computers. The calculations were performed on an SGI Origin 3000 at the DoD Major Shared Resource Facility High Performance Computing Facility at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, Mississippi as part of the DoD Challenge program. Simulations are conducted using an upstream reference state representative of the conditions under which rotors form in the real atmosphere; in particular a vertical profile approximating the conditions upstream of the Colorado Front Range on 1200 UTC 3 March 1991. This is a few hours prior to a B737 crash at the Colorado Springs, CO airport that was initially linked to rotors and near the time when rotor clouds were observed in vicinity. The topography is specified as a 1000-m high elongated ridge with a half-width of 15 km on the upstream portion and 5 km on the downstream side. In several experiments, a 500-m circular peak with a half-width of 7.5 km is used to investigate the sensitivity of the rotor dynamics to topographic variations in the cross-flow direction. As many as six nested grids are used with a minimum horizontal resolution of 22 m and 90 vertical levels in order to resolve the internal rotor structure and sub-rotors. The simulation results indicate a thin sheet of high-vorticity fluid develops adjacent to the ground along the lee slope and then ascends abruptly as it is advected into the updraft at the leading edge of the first trapped lee wave. This vortex sheet is primarily forced by mechanical shear associated with frictional processes at the surface. Instability of the horizontal vortex sheet occurs along the leading edge of the "parent" rotor and as a result coherent sub-rotor circulations subsequently develop. These sub-rotors intensify and are advected downstream or back toward the mountain into the parent rotor at low-levels leading to an enhancement of the near-surface horizontal vorticity. Horizontal vorticity within the sub-rotors are enhanced several fold. The horizontal vorticity generation appears to be enhanced near the edges of the wake emanating from the circular peak due to vortex stretching of the parent rotor and also further maximized due to stretching associated with three-dimensional turbulent eddies. The results suggest that preferred regions of intense rotors may exist near topographic features that enhance vortex stretching.

Levitation pressure and friction losses in superconducting bearings

DOEpatents

Hull, John R.

2001-01-01

A superconducting bearing having at least one permanent magnet magnetized with a vertical polarization. The lower or stator portion of the bearing includes an array of high-temperature superconducting elements which are comprised of a plurality of annular rings. An annular ring is located below each permanent magnet and an annular ring is offset horizontally from at least one of the permanent magnets. The rings are composed of individual high-temperature superconducting elements located circumferentially along the ring. By constructing the horizontally-offset high-temperature superconducting ring so that the c-axis is oriented in a radial direction, a higher levitation force can be achieved. Such an orientation will also provide substantially lower rotational drag losses in the bearing.

The moon illusion: a test of the vestibular hypothesis under monocular viewing conditions.

PubMed

Carter, D S

1977-12-01

The results of earlier monocular experiments on the moon illusion have been either negative or confounded. To test the role of vestibular function, 24 subjects made forced-choice distance comparisons between stimuli mounted in translucent tubes. The stimulus tube for standard distance could be positioned in three viewing angles (45 degrees up, horizontal, and 45 degrees down). A comparison tube adjustable for distance was mounted horizontally. There was a greater perception of depth in the downward looking condition. The relatively weak effects are discussed in terms of a two-hypothesis explanation of the real-life moon illusion and the poor cues for depth perception in monocular viewing.

Cambodian students’ prior knowledge of projectile motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piten, S.; Rakkapao, S.; Prasitpong, S.

2017-09-01

Students always bring intuitive ideas about physics into classes, which can impact what they learn and how successful they are. To examine what Cambodian students think about projectile motion, we have developed seven open-ended questions and applied into grade 11 students before (N=124) and after (N=131) conventional classes. Results revealed several consistent misconceptions, for instance, many students believed that the direction of a velocity vector of a projectile follows the curved path at every position. They also thought the direction of an acceleration (or a force) follows the direction of motion. Observed by a pilot sitting on the plane, the falling object, dropped from a plane moving at a constant initial horizontal speed, would travel backward and land after the point of its release. The greater angle of the launched projectile creates the greater horizontal range. The hand force imparted with the ball leads the ball goes straight to hit the target. The acceleration direction points from the higher position to lower position. The misconceptions will be used as primary resources to develop instructional instruments to promote Cambodian students’ understanding of projectile motion in the following work.

Biased Brownian motion in narrow channels with asymmetry and anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

To, Kiwing; Peng, Zheng

2016-11-01

We study Brownian motion of a single millimeter size bead confined in a quasi-two-dimensional horizontal channel with built-in anisotropy and asymmetry. Channel asymmetry is implemented by ratchet walls while anisotropy is introduced using a channel base that is grooved along the channel axis so that a bead can acquire a horizontal impulse perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when it collides with the base. When energy is injected to the channel by vertical vibration, the combination of asymmetric walls and anisotropic base induces an effective force which drives the bead into biased diffusive motion along the channel axis with diffusivity and drift velocity increase with vibration strength. The magnitude of this driving force, which can be measured in experiments of tilted channel, is found to be consistent to those obtained from dynamic mobility and position probability distribution measurements. These results are explained by a simple collision model that suggests the random kinetic energies transfer between different translational degrees of freedom may be turned into useful work in the presence of asymmetry and anisotropy.

Biased Brownian motion in narrow channels with asymmetry and anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Zheng; To, Kiwing

2016-08-01

We study Brownian motion of a single millimeter size bead confined in a quasi-two-dimensional horizontal channel with built-in anisotropy and asymmetry. Channel asymmetry is implemented by ratchet walls while anisotropy is introduced using a channel base that is grooved along the channel axis so that a bead can acquire a horizontal impulse perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when it collides with the base. When energy is injected to the channel by vertical vibration, the combination of asymmetric walls and anisotropic base induces an effective force which drives the bead into biased diffusive motion along the channel axis with diffusivity and drift velocity increase with vibration strength. The magnitude of this driving force, which can be measured in experiments on a tilted channel, is found to be consistent with those obtained from dynamic mobility and position probability distribution measurements. These results are explained by a simple collision model that suggests the random kinetic energy transfer between different translational degrees of freedom may be turned into useful work in the presence of asymmetry and anisotropy.

The Value Range of Contact Stiffness Factor between Pile and Soil Based on Penalty Function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Sandy H. L.; Wu, Xinliu

2018-03-01

The value range of contact stiffness factor based on penalty function is studied when we use finite element software ANSYS to analyze contact problems, take single pile and soil of a certain project for example, the normal contact between pile and soil is analyzed with 2D simplified model in horizontal load. The study shows that when adopting linear elastic model to simulate soil, the maximum contact pressure and penetration approach steady value as the contact stiffness factor increases. The reasonable value range of contact stiffness factor reduces as the underlying element thickness decreases, but the rule reverses when refers to the soil stiffness. If choose DP model to simulate soil, the stiffness factor should be magnified 100 times compares to the elastic model regardless of the soil bears small force and still in elastic deformation stage or into the plastic deformation stage. When the soil bears big force and into plastic deformation stage, the value range of stiffness factor relates to the plastic strain range of the soil, and reduces as the horizontal load increases.

Study on monitoring of deep foundation pit with SMW engineering method plus anchor cable retaining structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wenzhao; Cui, Wenping

2018-03-01

The SMW method has many advantages, such as little influence on the surrounding environment, good watertight performance, wide range of application, short construction period, low cost and so on. In this paper, we chose the SMW engineering method combined with anchor cable to support structure in the second phase deep foundation pit of Jinan LuJinDongCheng as the research object, monitored and analysed the horizontal displacement of the pile top, Peripheral surface subsidence and internal force of the anchor cable in the foundation pit. We also discussed the displacement, internal force of anchor cable and the settlement of surrounding environment in the excavation of foundation pit and in different stages of construction. Conclusion:(1)The maximum horizontal displacement of the retaining structure is closely related to the depth and time of excavation, the construction of anchor cable can well limit the deformation of pile body; (2)Groundwater seepage caused by foundation pit dewatering will change the effective stress of soil. The change of groundwater level has an important influence on the working behavior of smw anchor cable supporting structure.

Prediction of human gait parameters from temporal measures of foot-ground contact

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Breit, G. A.; Whalen, R. T.

1997-01-01

Investigation of the influence of human physical activity on bone functional adaptation requires long-term histories of gait-related ground reaction force (GRF). Towards a simpler portable GRF measurement, we hypothesized that: 1) the reciprocal of foot-ground contact time (1/tc); or 2) the reciprocal of stride-period-normalized contact time (T/tc) predict peak vertical and horizontal GRF, loading rates, and horizontal speed during gait. GRF data were collected from 24 subjects while they walked and ran at a variety of speeds. Linear regression and ANCOVA determined the dependence of gait parameters on 1/tc and T/tc, and prediction SE. All parameters were significantly correlated to 1/tc and T/tc. The closest pooled relationship existed between peak running vertical GRF and T/tc (r2 = 0.896; SE = 3.6%) and improved with subject-specific regression (r2 = 0.970; SE = 2.2%). We conclude that temporal measures can predict force parameters of gait and may represent an alternative to direct GRF measurements for determining daily histories of habitual lower limb loading quantities necessary to quantify a bone remodeling stimulus.

Construction of a stochastic model of track geometry irregularities and validation through experimental measurements of dynamic loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panunzio, Alfonso M.; Puel, G.; Cottereau, R.; Simon, S.; Quost, X.

2017-03-01

This paper describes the construction of a stochastic model of urban railway track geometry irregularities, based on experimental data. The considered irregularities are track gauge, superelevation, horizontal and vertical curvatures. They are modelled as random fields whose statistical properties are extracted from a large set of on-track measurements of the geometry of an urban railway network. About 300-1000 terms are used in the Karhunen-Loève/Polynomial Chaos expansions to represent the random fields with appropriate accuracy. The construction of the random fields is then validated by comparing on-track measurements of the contact forces and numerical dynamics simulations for different operational conditions (train velocity and car load) and horizontal layouts (alignment, curve). The dynamics simulations are performed both with and without randomly generated geometrical irregularities for the track. The power spectrum densities obtained from the dynamics simulations with the model of geometrical irregularities compare extremely well with those obtained from the experimental contact forces. Without irregularities, the spectrum is 10-50 dB too low.

Analog Exercise Hardware to Implement a High Intensity Exercise Program During Bed Rest

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loerch, Linda; Newby, Nate; Ploutz-Snyder, Lori

2012-01-01

Background: In order to evaluate novel countermeasure protocols in a space flight analog prior to validation on the International Space Station (ISS), NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) is sponsoring a multi-investigator bedrest campaign that utilizes a combination of commercial and custom-made exercise training hardware to conduct daily resistive and aerobic exercise protocols. This paper will describe these pieces of hardware and how they are used to support current bedrest studies at NASA's Flight Analog Research Unit in Galveston, TX. Discussion: To implement candidate exercise countermeasure studies during extended bed rest studies the following analog hardware are being utilized: Stand alone Zero-Gravity Locomotion Simulator (sZLS) -- a custom built device by NASA, the sZLS allows bedrest subjects to remain supine as they run on a vertically-oriented treadmill (0-15 miles/hour). The treadmill includes a pneumatic subject loading device to provide variable body loading (0-100%) and a harness to keep the subject in contact with the motorized treadmill to provide a ground reaction force at their feet that is quantified by a Kistler Force Plate. Supine Cycle Ergometer -- a commercially available supine cycle ergometer (Lode, Groningen, Netherlands) is used for all cycle ergometer sessions. The ergometer has adjustable shoulder supports and handgrips to help stabilize the subject during exercise. Horizontal Squat Device (HSD) -- a custom built device by Quantum Fitness Corp (Stafford, TX), the HSD allows for squat exercises to be performed while lying in a supine position. The HSD can provide 0 to 600 pounds of force in selectable 5 lb increments, and allows hip translation in both the vertical and horizontal planes. Prone Leg Curl -- a commercially available prone leg curl machine (Cybex International Inc., Medway, MA) is used to complete leg curl exercises. Horizontal Leg Press -- a commercially available horizontal leg press (Quantum Fitness Corporation) is used for leg press and heel raise exercises. Minor modifications were made to the device including adding 200 lbs to the weight stack, raising the frame by 12 inches, making the footplate adjustable, and providing removable handles. Conclusion: A combination of novel and commercial exercise hardware are used to mimic the exercise hardware capabilities aboard the ISS, allowing scientific investigation of new countermeasure protocols in a space flight analog prior to flight validation

Warm-Core Intensification Through Horizontal Eddy Heat Transports into the Eye

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Braun, Scott A.; Montgomery, Michael T.; Fulton, John; Nolan, David S.; Starr, David OC (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

A simulation of Hurricane Bob (1991) using the PSU/NCAR MM5 mesoscale model with a finest mesh spacing of 1.3 km is used to diagnose the heat budget of the hurricane. Heat budget terms, including latent and radiative heating, boundary layer forcing, and advection terms were output directly from the model for a 6-h period with 2-min frequency. Previous studies of warm core formation have emphasized the warming associated with gentle subsidence within the eye. The simulation of Hurricane Bob confirms subsidence warming as a major factor for eye warming, but also shows a significant contribution from horizontal advective terms. When averaged over the area of the eye, subsidence is found to strongly warm the mid-troposphere (2-9 km) while horizontal advection warms the mid to upper troposphere (5-13 km) with about equal magnitude. Partitioning of the horizontal advective terms into azimuthal mean and eddy components shows that the mean radial circulation does not, as expected, generally contribute to this warming, but that it is produced almost entirely by the horizontal eddy transport of heat into the eye. A further breakdown of the eddy components into azimuthal wave numbers 1, 2, and higher indicates that the warming is dominated by wave number 1 asymmetries, with smaller coming from higher wave numbers. Warming by horizontal eddy transport is consistent with idealized modeling of vortex Rossby waves and work is in progress to identify and clarify the role of vortex Rossby waves in warm-core intensification in both the full-physics model and idealized models.

Does shoe heel design influence ground reaction forces and knee moments during maximum lunges in elite and intermediate badminton players?

PubMed

Lam, Wing-Kai; Ryue, Jaejin; Lee, Ki-Kwang; Park, Sang-Kyoon; Cheung, Jason Tak-Man; Ryu, Jiseon

2017-01-01

Lunge is one frequently executed movement in badminton and involves a unique sagittal footstrike angle of more than 40 degrees at initial ground contact compared with other manoeuvres. This study examined if the shoe heel curvature design of a badminton shoe would influence shoe-ground kinematics, ground reaction forces, and knee moments during lunge. Eleven elite and fifteen intermediate players performed five left-forward maximum lunge trials with Rounded Heel Shoe (RHS), Flattened Heel Shoe (FHS), and Standard Heel Shoes (SHS). Shoe-ground kinematics, ground reaction forces, and knee moments were measured by using synchronized force platform and motion analysis system. A 2 (Group) x 3 (Shoe) ANOVA with repeated measures was performed to determine the effects of different shoes and different playing levels, as well as the interaction of two factors on all variables. Shoe effect indicated that players demonstrated lower maximum vertical loading rate in RHS than the other two shoes (P < 0.05). Group effect revealed that elite players exhibited larger footstrike angle, faster approaching speed, lower peak horizontal force and horizontal loading rates but higher vertical loading rates and larger peak knee flexion and extension moments (P < 0.05). Analysis of Interactions of Group x Shoe for maximum and mean vertical loading rates (P < 0.05) indicated that elite players exhibited lower left maximum and mean vertical loading rates in RHS compared to FHS (P < 0.01), while the intermediate group did not show any Shoe effect on vertical loading rates. These findings indicate that shoe heel curvature would play some role in altering ground reaction force impact during badminton lunge. The differences in impact loads and knee moments between elite and intermediate players may be useful in optimizing footwear design and training strategy to minimize the potential risks for impact related injuries in badminton.

Mechanical Determinants of Faster Change of Direction Speed Performance in Male Athletes.

PubMed

DosʼSantos, Thomas; Thomas, Christopher; Jones, Paul A; Comfort, Paul

2017-03-01

Dos'Santos, T, Thomas, C, Jones, PA, and Comfort, P. Mechanical determinants of faster change of direction speed performance in male athletes. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 696-705, 2017-Mechanical variables during change of directions, for example, braking and propulsive forces, impulses, and ground contact times (GCT) have been identified as determinants of faster change of direction speed (CODS) performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical determinants of 180° CODS performance with mechanical characteristic comparisons between faster and slower performers; while exploring the role of the penultimate foot contact (PEN) during the change of direction. Forty multidirectional male athletes performed 6 modified 505 (mod505) trials (3 left and right), and ground reaction forces were collected across the PEN and final foot contact (FINAL) during the change of direction. Pearson's correlation coefficients and coefficients of determination were used to explore the relationship between mechanical variables and mod505 completion time. Independent T-tests and Cohen's d effect sizes (ES) were conducted between faster (n = 10) and slower (n = 10) mod505 performers to explore differences in mechanical variables. Faster CODS performance was associated (p ≤ 0.05) with shorter GCTs (r = 0.701-0.757), greater horizontal propulsive forces (HPF) (r = -0.572 to -0.611), greater horizontal braking forces (HBF) in the PEN (r = -0.337), lower HBF ratios (r = -0.429), and lower FINAL vertical impact forces (VIF) (r = 0.449-0.559). Faster athletes demonstrated significantly (p ≤ 0.05, ES = 1.08-2.54) shorter FINAL GCTs, produced lower VIF, lower HBF ratios, and greater HPF in comparison to slower athletes. These findings suggest that different mechanical properties are required to produce faster CODS performance, with differences in mechanical properties observed between fast and slower performers. Furthermore, applying a greater proportion of braking force during the PEN relative to the FINAL may be advantageous for turning performance.

Does shoe heel design influence ground reaction forces and knee moments during maximum lunges in elite and intermediate badminton players?

PubMed Central

Cheung, Jason Tak-Man; Ryu, Jiseon

2017-01-01

Background Lunge is one frequently executed movement in badminton and involves a unique sagittal footstrike angle of more than 40 degrees at initial ground contact compared with other manoeuvres. This study examined if the shoe heel curvature design of a badminton shoe would influence shoe-ground kinematics, ground reaction forces, and knee moments during lunge. Methods Eleven elite and fifteen intermediate players performed five left-forward maximum lunge trials with Rounded Heel Shoe (RHS), Flattened Heel Shoe (FHS), and Standard Heel Shoes (SHS). Shoe-ground kinematics, ground reaction forces, and knee moments were measured by using synchronized force platform and motion analysis system. A 2 (Group) x 3 (Shoe) ANOVA with repeated measures was performed to determine the effects of different shoes and different playing levels, as well as the interaction of two factors on all variables. Results Shoe effect indicated that players demonstrated lower maximum vertical loading rate in RHS than the other two shoes (P < 0.05). Group effect revealed that elite players exhibited larger footstrike angle, faster approaching speed, lower peak horizontal force and horizontal loading rates but higher vertical loading rates and larger peak knee flexion and extension moments (P < 0.05). Analysis of Interactions of Group x Shoe for maximum and mean vertical loading rates (P < 0.05) indicated that elite players exhibited lower left maximum and mean vertical loading rates in RHS compared to FHS (P < 0.01), while the intermediate group did not show any Shoe effect on vertical loading rates. Conclusions These findings indicate that shoe heel curvature would play some role in altering ground reaction force impact during badminton lunge. The differences in impact loads and knee moments between elite and intermediate players may be useful in optimizing footwear design and training strategy to minimize the potential risks for impact related injuries in badminton. PMID:28334016

An evaluation of the Royal Air Force helicopter search and rescue services in Britain with reference to Royal Air Force Valley 1980-1989.

PubMed Central

Liskiewicz, W J

1992-01-01

The Royal Air Force (RAF) operates a helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) service in the United Kingdom and territorial waters; it also provides a similar service in several locations abroad. A 10-year retrospective study of the SAR helicopter service operating from the RAF base at Valley on the island of Anglesey in North Wales is presented, with national SAR statistics over a similar period provided for comparison. Analysis of records kept by SAR aircrew at RAF Valley shows that their assistance had been requested on 1490 occasions during the 10-year period studied; most of these requests were the result of incidents involving holidaymakers, particularly in the mountains or along the coast. The results illustrate the versatility and life-saving potential of a highly skilled and motivated service able to work in adverse weather and dangerous locations. In the light of current debate, the value of aeromedical evacuation of seriously ill patients using helicopters is discussed. PMID:1494160

Digital holographic microscopy long-term and real-time monitoring of cell division and changes under simulated zero gravity.

PubMed

Pan, Feng; Liu, Shuo; Wang, Zhe; Shang, Peng; Xiao, Wen

2012-05-07

The long-term and real-time monitoring the cell division and changes of osteoblasts under simulated zero gravity condition were succeed by combing a digital holographic microscopy (DHM) with a superconducting magnet (SM). The SM could generate different magnetic force fields in a cylindrical cavity, where the gravitational force of biological samples could be canceled at a special gravity position by a high magnetic force. Therefore the specimens were levitated and in a simulated zero gravity environment. The DHM was modified to fit with SM by using single mode optical fibers and a vertically-configured jig designed to hold specimens and integrate optical device in the magnet's bore. The results presented the first-phase images of living cells undergoing dynamic divisions and changes under simulated zero gravity environment for a period of 10 hours. The experiments demonstrated that the SM-compatible DHM setup could provide a highly efficient and versatile method for research on the effects of microgravity on biological samples.

Pairwise Force SPH Model for Real-Time Multi-Interaction Applications.

PubMed

Yang, Tao; Martin, Ralph R; Lin, Ming C; Chang, Jian; Hu, Shi-Min

2017-10-01

In this paper, we present a novel pairwise-force smoothed particle hydrodynamics (PF-SPH) model to enable simulation of various interactions at interfaces in real time. Realistic capture of interactions at interfaces is a challenging problem for SPH-based simulations, especially for scenarios involving multiple interactions at different interfaces. Our PF-SPH model can readily handle multiple types of interactions simultaneously in a single simulation; its basis is to use a larger support radius than that used in standard SPH. We adopt a novel anisotropic filtering term to further improve the performance of interaction forces. The proposed model is stable; furthermore, it avoids the particle clustering problem which commonly occurs at the free surface. We show how our model can be used to capture various interactions. We also consider the close connection between droplets and bubbles, and show how to animate bubbles rising in liquid as well as bubbles in air. Our method is versatile, physically plausible and easy-to-implement. Examples are provided to demonstrate the capabilities and effectiveness of our approach.

Adaptive Evolution of Extreme Acidophile Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans Potentially Driven by Horizontal Gene Transfer and Gene Loss

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xian; Liu, Xueduan; Liang, Yili; Guo, Xue; Xiao, Yunhua; Ma, Liyuan; Miao, Bo; Liu, Hongwei; Peng, Deliang; Huang, Wenkun; Zhang, Yuguang

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Recent phylogenomic analysis has suggested that three strains isolated from different copper mine tailings around the world were taxonomically affiliated with Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans. Here, we present a detailed investigation of their genomic features, particularly with respect to metabolic potentials and stress tolerance mechanisms. Comprehensive analysis of the Sulfobacillus genomes identified a core set of essential genes with specialized biological functions in the survival of acidophiles in their habitats, despite differences in their metabolic pathways. The Sulfobacillus strains also showed evidence for stress management, thereby enabling them to efficiently respond to harsh environments. Further analysis of metabolic profiles provided novel insights into the presence of genomic streamlining, highlighting the importance of gene loss as a main mechanism that potentially contributes to cellular economization. Another important evolutionary force, especially in larger genomes, is gene acquisition via horizontal gene transfer (HGT), which might play a crucial role in the recruitment of novel functionalities. Also, a successful integration of genes acquired from archaeal donors appears to be an effective way of enhancing the adaptive capacity to cope with environmental changes. Taken together, the findings of this study significantly expand the spectrum of HGT and genome reduction in shaping the evolutionary history of Sulfobacillus strains. IMPORTANCE Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and gene loss are recognized as major driving forces that contribute to the adaptive evolution of microbial genomes, although their relative importance remains elusive. The findings of this study suggest that highly frequent gene turnovers within microorganisms via HGT were necessary to incur additional novel functionalities to increase the capacity of acidophiles to adapt to changing environments. Evidence also reveals a fascinating phenomenon of potential cross-kingdom HGT. Furthermore, genome streamlining may be a critical force in driving the evolution of microbial genomes. Taken together, this study provides insights into the importance of both HGT and gene loss in the evolution and diversification of bacterial genomes. PMID:28115381

Adaptive Evolution of Extreme Acidophile Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans Potentially Driven by Horizontal Gene Transfer and Gene Loss.

PubMed

Zhang, Xian; Liu, Xueduan; Liang, Yili; Guo, Xue; Xiao, Yunhua; Ma, Liyuan; Miao, Bo; Liu, Hongwei; Peng, Deliang; Huang, Wenkun; Zhang, Yuguang; Yin, Huaqun

2017-04-01

Recent phylogenomic analysis has suggested that three strains isolated from different copper mine tailings around the world were taxonomically affiliated with Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans Here, we present a detailed investigation of their genomic features, particularly with respect to metabolic potentials and stress tolerance mechanisms. Comprehensive analysis of the Sulfobacillus genomes identified a core set of essential genes with specialized biological functions in the survival of acidophiles in their habitats, despite differences in their metabolic pathways. The Sulfobacillus strains also showed evidence for stress management, thereby enabling them to efficiently respond to harsh environments. Further analysis of metabolic profiles provided novel insights into the presence of genomic streamlining, highlighting the importance of gene loss as a main mechanism that potentially contributes to cellular economization. Another important evolutionary force, especially in larger genomes, is gene acquisition via horizontal gene transfer (HGT), which might play a crucial role in the recruitment of novel functionalities. Also, a successful integration of genes acquired from archaeal donors appears to be an effective way of enhancing the adaptive capacity to cope with environmental changes. Taken together, the findings of this study significantly expand the spectrum of HGT and genome reduction in shaping the evolutionary history of Sulfobacillus strains. IMPORTANCE Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and gene loss are recognized as major driving forces that contribute to the adaptive evolution of microbial genomes, although their relative importance remains elusive. The findings of this study suggest that highly frequent gene turnovers within microorganisms via HGT were necessary to incur additional novel functionalities to increase the capacity of acidophiles to adapt to changing environments. Evidence also reveals a fascinating phenomenon of potential cross-kingdom HGT. Furthermore, genome streamlining may be a critical force in driving the evolution of microbial genomes. Taken together, this study provides insights into the importance of both HGT and gene loss in the evolution and diversification of bacterial genomes. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Explosive lower limb extension mechanics: An on-land vs. in-water exploratory comparison.

PubMed

Guignard, Brice; Lauer, Jessy; Samozino, Pierre; Mourão, Luis; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo; Rouard, Annie Hélène

2017-12-08

During a horizontal underwater push-off, performance is strongly limited by the presence of water, inducing resistances due to its dense and viscous nature. At the same time, aquatic environments offer a support to the swimmer with the hydrostatic buoyancy counteracting the effects of gravity. Squat jump is a vertical terrestrial push-off with a maximal lower limb extension limited by the gravity force, which attracts the body to the ground. Following this observation, we characterized the effects of environment (water vs. air) on the mechanical characteristics of the leg push-off. Underwater horizontal wall push-off and vertical on-land squat jumps of two local swimmers were evaluated with force plates, synchronized with a lateral camera. To better understand the resistances of the aquatic movement, a quasi-steady Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed. The force-, velocity- and power-time curves presented similarities in both environments corresponding to a proximo-distal joints organization. In water, swimmers developed a three-step explosive rise of force, which the first one mainly related to the initiation of body movement. Drag increase, which was observed from the beginning to the end of the push-off, related to the continuous increase of body velocity with high values of drag coefficient (C D ) and frontal areas before take-off. Specifically, with velocity, frontal area was the main drag component to explain inter-individual differences, suggesting that the streamlined position of the lower limbs is decisive to perform an efficient push-off. This study motivates future CFD simulations under more ecological, unsteady conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Clustering of vertically constrained passive particles in homogeneous isotropic turbulence.

PubMed

De Pietro, Massimo; van Hinsberg, Michel A T; Biferale, Luca; Clercx, Herman J H; Perlekar, Prasad; Toschi, Federico

2015-05-01

We analyze the dynamics of small particles vertically confined, by means of a linear restoring force, to move within a horizontal fluid slab in a three-dimensional (3D) homogeneous isotropic turbulent velocity field. The model that we introduce and study is possibly the simplest description for the dynamics of small aquatic organisms that, due to swimming, active regulation of their buoyancy, or any other mechanism, maintain themselves in a shallow horizontal layer below the free surface of oceans or lakes. By varying the strength of the restoring force, we are able to control the thickness of the fluid slab in which the particles can move. This allows us to analyze the statistical features of the system over a wide range of conditions going from a fully 3D incompressible flow (corresponding to the case of no confinement) to the extremely confined case corresponding to a two-dimensional slice. The background 3D turbulent velocity field is evolved by means of fully resolved direct numerical simulations. Whenever some level of vertical confinement is present, the particle trajectories deviate from that of fluid tracers and the particles experience an effectively compressible velocity field. Here, we have quantified the compressibility, the preferential concentration of the particles, and the correlation dimension by changing the strength of the restoring force. The main result is that there exists a particular value of the force constant, corresponding to a mean slab depth approximately equal to a few times the Kolmogorov length scale η, that maximizes the clustering of the particles.

In Vitro Tensile Strength Study on Suturing Technique and Material.

PubMed

González-Barnadas, Albert; Camps-Font, Octavi; Espanya-Grifoll, Dunia; España-Tost, Antoni; Figueiredo, Rui; Valmaseda-Castellón, Eduard

2017-06-01

Suture technique and materials are important in preventing complications such as wound dehiscences. The purpose of this study was to determine the tensile strength of different suturing techniques, comparing several materials with different diameters. One hundred sixty sutures were performed using silk, e-PTFE, and 2 types of polyamide (monofilament and Supramid). Ten simple, 10 horizontal mattress, and 10 combinations of the two stitches were performed with 4-0 gauge of each material. Additionally, 10 simple sutures were performed with the 5-0 gauge of each material. The maximum tensile force resisted by each suture was recorded. When 5 mm of traction was applied, the polyamide monofilament resisted significantly better without untying or breaking compared with Supramid or silk, while the e-PTFE was superior to all the others. However, the force when e-PTFE 4-0 sutures untied or broke was lower than for either type of polyamide. The combined technique withstood a significantly higher tensile force before unknotting or breaking than did the simple and mattress stitches. The 5-0 gauges of silk and both types of polyamide showed lower tensile strengths than the 4-0 materials. Among the 5-0 sutures, Supramid showed a higher tensile strength than silk. The combined suture technique possessed greater tensile strength than did a simple or a horizontal mattress suture, and e-PTFE 4-0 withstood more traction without untying or breaking than did all the other materials, although at a lower tensile force. With the exception of e-PTFE, 4-0 sutures had greater tensile strength than did 5-0 sutures.

The evolution of vertical climbing in primates: evidence from reaction forces.

PubMed

Hanna, Jandy B; Granatosky, Michael C; Rana, Pooja; Schmitt, Daniel

2017-09-01

Vertical climbing is an essential behavior for arboreal animals, yet limb mechanics during climbing are poorly understood and rarely compared with those observed during horizontal walking. Primates commonly engage in both arboreal walking and vertical climbing, and this makes them an ideal taxa in which to compare these locomotor forms. Additionally, primates exhibit unusual limb mechanics compared with most other quadrupeds, with weight distribution biased towards the hindlimbs, a pattern that is argued to have evolved in response to the challenges of arboreal walking. Here we test an alternative hypothesis that functional differentiation between the limbs evolved initially as a response to climbing. Eight primate species were recorded locomoting on instrumented vertical and horizontal simulated arboreal runways. Forces along the axis of, and normal to, the support were recorded. During walking, all primates displayed forelimbs that were net braking, and hindlimbs that were net propulsive. In contrast, both limbs served a propulsive role during climbing. In all species, except the lorisids, the hindlimbs produced greater propulsive forces than the forelimbs during climbing. During climbing, the hindlimbs tends to support compressive loads, while the forelimb forces tend to be primarily tensile. This functional disparity appears to be body-size dependent. The tensile loading of the forelimbs versus the compressive loading of the hindlimbs observed during climbing may have important evolutionary implications for primates, and it may be the case that hindlimb-biased weight support exhibited during quadrupedal walking in primates may be derived from their basal condition of climbing thin branches. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

The free-flight response of Drosophila to motion of the visual environment.

PubMed

Mronz, Markus; Lehmann, Fritz-Olaf

2008-07-01

In the present study we investigated the behavioural strategies with which freely flying fruit flies (Drosophila) control their flight trajectories during active optomotor stimulation in a free-flight arena. We measured forward, turning and climbing velocities of single flies using high-speed video analysis and estimated the output of a 'Hassenstein-Reichardt' elementary motion detector (EMD) array and the fly's gaze to evaluate flight behaviour in response to a rotating visual panorama. In a stationary visual environment, flight is characterized by flight saccades during which the animals turn on average 120 degrees within 130 ms. In a rotating environment, the fly's behaviour typically changes towards distinct, concentric circular flight paths where the radius of the paths increases with increasing arena velocity. The EMD simulation suggests that this behaviour is driven by a rotation-sensitive EMD detector system that minimizes retinal slip on each compound eye, whereas an expansion-sensitive EMD system with a laterally centred visual focus potentially helps to achieve centring response on the circular flight path. We developed a numerical model based on force balance between horizontal, vertical and lateral forces that allows predictions of flight path curvature at a given locomotor capacity of the fly. The model suggests that turning flight in Drosophila is constrained by the production of centripetal forces needed to avoid side-slip movements. At maximum horizontal velocity this force may account for up to 70% of the fly's body weight during yaw turning. Altogether, our analyses are widely consistent with previous studies on Drosophila free flight and those on the optomotor response under tethered flight conditions.

Aircraft control position indicator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dennis, Dale V. (Inventor)

1987-01-01

An aircraft control position indicator was provided that displayed the degree of deflection of the primary flight control surfaces and the manner in which the aircraft responded. The display included a vertical elevator dot/bar graph meter display for indication whether the aircraft will pitch up or down, a horizontal aileron dot/bar graph meter display for indicating whether the aircraft will roll to the left or to the right, and a horizontal dot/bar graph meter display for indicating whether the aircraft will turn left or right. The vertical and horizontal display or displays intersect to form an up/down, left/right type display. Internal electronic display driver means received signals from transducers measuring the control surface deflections and determined the position of the meter indicators on each dot/bar graph meter display. The device allows readability at a glance, easy visual perception in sunlight or shade, near-zero lag in displaying flight control position, and is not affected by gravitational or centrifugal forces.

Residual nutational activity of the sunflower hypocotyl in simulated weightlessness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, D. K.; Brown, A. H.

1979-01-01

The gravity dependence of circumnutational activity in the sunflower hypocotyl is investigated under conditions of simulated weightlessness. Seedling cultures of the sunflower Helianthus annuus were placed four days after planting in clinostats rotating at a rate of 1.0 rpm in the horizontal or somersaulting configurations, and plant movements around their growth axes were recorded in infrared light by a time-lapse closed-circuit video system. The amplitudes and mean cycle durations of the plant nutations in the horizontal and tumbling clinostats are observed to be 20% and 72%, and 32% and 74%, respectively, of the values observed in stationary plants; extrapolations to a state of zero g by the imposition of small centripetal forces on horizontally clinostated plants also indicate some nutational motion in the absence of gravity. It is concluded that the results are incompatible with the model of Israelsson and Johnsson (1967) of geotropic response with overshoot for sunflower circumnutation; however, results of the Spacelab 1 mission experiment are needed to unambiguously define the role of gravitation.

On the state of lithospheric stress in the absence of applied tectonic forces

USGS Publications Warehouse

McGarr, A.

1988-01-01

Numerous published analyses of the nontectonic state of stress are based on Hooke's law and the boundary condition of zero horizontal deformation. This approach has been used to determine the gravitational stress state as well as the effects of processes such as erosion and temperature changes on the state of lithospheric stress. The major disadvantage of these analyses involves the assumption of lateral constraint which seems unrealistic in view of the observational fact that the crust can deform horizontally in response to applied loads. If the same problems are addressed by assuming that the remote stress state is constant, instead of the condition of zero horizontal deformation, then the resulting stress states are entirely different and in good accord with observations. The processes of erosion and sedimentation have slight tendencies to increase and decrease, respectively, the state of deviatoric stress. Temperature changes have only minor effects on the stress state, as averaged over the thickness of the lithosphere. -from Author

Tracing common origins of Genomic Islands in prokaryotes based on genome signature analyses.

PubMed

van Passel, Mark Wj

2011-09-01

Horizontal gene transfer constitutes a powerful and innovative force in evolution, but often little is known about the actual origins of transferred genes. Sequence alignments are generally of limited use in tracking the original donor, since still only a small fraction of the total genetic diversity is thought to be uncovered. Alternatively, approaches based on similarities in the genome specific relative oligonucleotide frequencies do not require alignments. Even though the exact origins of horizontally transferred genes may still not be established using these compositional analyses, it does suggest that compositionally very similar regions are likely to have had a common origin. These analyses have shown that up to a third of large acquired gene clusters that reside in the same genome are compositionally very similar, indicative of a shared origin. This brings us closer to uncovering the original donors of horizontally transferred genes, and could help in elucidating possible regulatory interactions between previously unlinked sequences.

Lubrication theory for a random fibrous medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirbod, Parisa; Andreopoulos, Yiannis; Weinbaum, Sheldon

2007-11-01

In the classical theory for a slipper bearing one examines the relative motion of an inclined planar surface and a horizontal planar surface. The solution for the pressure distribution and lift force are independent of which boundary is moving and there is an optimum tilt k=h1/h2=2.2 for maximum lift. This symmetry is lost if the intervening space is filled with a soft porous fibrous material. In this paper the generalized Reynolds equation derived in Feng and Weinbaum (2000) J. Fluid Mech. 422:281 is extended to treat a random fiber matrix satisfying the widely used Carman-Kozeny equation. We show that the solutions are strikingly different depending on whether a) the inclined upper boundary moves or b) the upper boundary is stationary and the horizontal lower boundary moves beneath it. The behavior depends critically on the value of the dimensionless fiber interaction layer thickness α=H/√Kp . In a) the pressure and lift force increase as 2̂ and asymptotically approach a limiting behavior for large values of α since the fluid is pushed forward by the tilt of the upper boundary. In b) the pressure and lift force decay as &-2circ; since the fiber interaction layer thickness decreases and the amount of fluid dragged though the fluid gap decreases as α increases and vanishes for α>> 1.

Kinematic, kinetic and EMG analysis of four front crawl flip turn techniques.

PubMed

Pereira, Suzana Matheus; Ruschel, Caroline; Hubert, Marcel; Machado, Leandro; Roesler, Helio; Fernandes, Ricardo Jorge; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo

2015-01-01

This study aimed to analyse the kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic characteristics of four front crawl flip turn technique variants. The variants distinguished from each other by differences in body position (i.e., dorsal, lateral, ventral) during rolling, wall support, pushing and gliding phases. Seventeen highly trained swimmers (17.9 ± 3.2 years old) participated in interventional sessions and performed three trials of each variant, being monitored with a 3-D video system, a force platform and an electromyography (EMG) system. Studied variables: rolling time and distance, wall support time, push-off time, peak force and horizontal impulse at wall support and push-off, centre of mass horizontal velocity at the end of the push-off, gliding time, centre of mass depth, distance, average and final velocity during gliding, total turn time and electrical activity of Gastrocnemius Medialis, Tibialis Anterior, Biceps Femoris and Vastus Lateralis muscles. Depending on the variant, total turn time ranged from 2.37 ± 0.32 to 2.43 ± 0.33 s, push-off force from 1.86 ± 0.33 to 1.92 ± 0.26 BW and centre of mass velocity during gliding from 1.78 ± 0.21 to 1.94 ± 0.22 m · s(-1). The variants were not distinguishable in terms of kinematical, kinetic and EMG parameters during the rolling, wall support, pushing and gliding phases.

Effects of submaximal fatiguing contractions on the components of dynamic stability control after forward falls.

PubMed

Walsh, Mark; Peper, Andreas; Bierbaum, Stefanie; Karamanidis, Kiros; Arampatzis, Adamantios

2011-04-01

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of lower extremity muscle fatigue on the dynamic stability control of physically active adults during forward falls. Thirteen participants (body mass: 70.2kg, height: 175cm) were instructed to regain balance with a single step after a sudden induced fall from a forward-leaning position before and after the fatigue protocol. The ground reaction forces were collected using four force plates at a sampling rate of 1080Hz. Kinematic data were recorded with 12 vicon cameras operating at 120Hz. Neither the reaction time nor the duration until touchdown showed any differences (p>0.05). The ability of the subjects to prevent falling did not change after the fatigue protocol. In the fatigued condition, the participants demonstrated an increase in knee flexion during the main stance phase and an increased time to decelerate the horizontal CM motion (both p<0.05). Significant (p<0.05) decreases were seen post-fatigue in average horizontal and vertical force and maximum knee and ankle joint moments. The fatigue related decrease in muscle strength did not affect the margin of stability, the boundary of the base of support or the position of the extrapolated centre of mass during the forward induced falls, indicating an appropriate adjustment of the motor commands to compensate the deficit in muscle strength. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modification of impulse generation during piqué turns with increased rotational demands.

PubMed

Zaferiou, Antonia M; Wilcox, Rand R; McNitt-Gray, Jill L

2016-06-01

During initiation of a piqué turn, a dancer generates impulse to achieve the desired lateral translation and whole-body rotation. The goal of this study was to determine how individuals regulate impulse generation when initiating piqué turns with increased rotational demands. Skilled dancers (n=10) performed single (∼360°) and double (∼720°) piqué turns from a stationary position. Linear and angular impulse generated by the push and turn legs were quantified using ground reaction forces and compared across turn conditions as a group and within a dancer using probability-based statistical methods. The results indicate that as the rotation demands of the piqué turn increased, the net angular impulse generated increased whereas net lateral impulse decreased. Early during turn initiation, the free moment contributed to angular impulse generation. Later during turn initiation, horizontal reaction forces were controlled to generate angular impulse. As rotational demands increased, the moment applied increased primarily from redirection of the horizontal reaction force (RFh) at the push leg and a combination of RFh magnitude and moment arm increases at the turn leg. RFh at each leg were coordinated to limit unwanted net linear impulse. Knowledge of observed subject-specific mechanisms is important to inform the design of turning performance training tools. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.