Sample records for vertically oriented prismatic

  1. Horizontal high speed stacking for batteries with prismatic cans

    DOEpatents

    Bartos, Andrew L.; Lin, Yhu-Tin; Turner, III, Raymond D.

    2016-06-14

    A system and method for stacking battery cells or related assembled components. Generally planar, rectangular (prismatic-shaped) battery cells are moved from an as-received generally vertical stacking orientation to a generally horizontal stacking orientation without the need for robotic pick-and-place equipment. The system includes numerous conveyor belts that work in cooperation with one another to deliver, rotate and stack the cells or their affiliated assemblies. The belts are outfitted with components to facilitate the cell transport and rotation. The coordinated movement between the belts and the components promote the orderly transport and rotation of the cells from a substantially vertical stacking orientation into a substantially horizontal stacking orientation. The approach of the present invention helps keep the stacked assemblies stable so that subsequent assembly steps--such as compressing the cells or attaching electrical leads or thermal management components--may proceed with a reduced chance of error.

  2. Forced Vibrations of a Cantilever Beam

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Repetto, C. E.; Roatta, A.; Welti, R. J.

    2012-01-01

    The theoretical and experimental solutions for vibrations of a vertical-oriented, prismatic, thin cantilever beam are studied. The beam orientation is "downwards", i.e. the clamped end is above the free end, and it is subjected to a transverse movement at a selected frequency. Both the behaviour of the device driver and the beam's weak-damping…

  3. Friction and wear of metals in contact with pyrolytic graphite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Buckley, D. H.; Brainard, W. A.

    1975-01-01

    Sliding friction experiments were conducted with gold, iron, and tantalum single crystals sliding on prismatic and basal orientations of pyrolytic graphite in various environments, including vacuum, oxygen, water vapor, nitrogen, and hydrogen bromide. Surfaces were examined in the clean state and with various adsorbates present on the graphite surfaces. Auger and LEED spectroscopy, SEM, and EDXA were used to characterize the graphite surfaces. Results indicate that the prismatic and basal orientations do not contain nor do they chemisorb oxygen, water vapor, acetylene, or hydrogen bromide. All three metals exhibited higher friction on the prismatic than on the basal orientation and these metals transferred to the atomically clean prismatic orientation of pyrolytic graphite. No metal transfer to the graphite was observed in the presence of adsorbates at 760 torr. Ion bombardment of the graphite surface with nitrogen ions resulted in the adherence of nitrogen to the surface.

  4. In situ analysis of the organic framework in the prismatic layer of mollusc shell.

    PubMed

    Tong, Hua; Hu, Jiming; Ma, Wentao; Zhong, Guirong; Yao, Songnian; Cao, Nianxing

    2002-06-01

    A novel in situ analytic approach was constructed by means of ion sputtering, decalcification and deprotein techniques combining with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) ultrastructural analysis. The method was employed to determine the spatial distribution of the organic framework outside and the inner crystal and organic/inorganic interface spatial geometrical relationship in the prismatic layer of cristaris plicate (leach). The results show that there is a substructure of organic matrix in the intracrystalline region. The prismatic layer forms according to strict hierarchical configuration of regular pattern. Each unit of organic template of prismatic layer can uniquely determine the column crystal growth direction, spatial orientation and size. Cavity templates are responsible for supporting. limiting size and shape and determining the crystal growth spatial orientation, while the intracrystal organic matrix is responsible for providing nucleation point and inducing the nucleation process of calcite. The stereo hierarchical fabrication of prismatic layer was elucidated for the first time.

  5. Network of vertically c-oriented prismatic InN nanowalls grown on c-GaN/sapphire template by chemical vapor deposition technique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barick, B. K.; Saroj, Rajendra Kumar; Prasad, Nivedita; Sutar, D. S.; Dhar, S.

    2018-05-01

    Networks of vertically c-oriented prism shaped InN nanowalls, are grown on c-GaN/sapphire templates using a CVD technique, where pure indium and ammonia are used as metal and nitrogen precursors. A systematic study of the growth, structural and electronic properties of these samples shows a preferential growth of the islands along [ 1 1 2 bar 0 ] and [0 0 0 1] directions leading to the formation of such a network structure, where the vertically [0 0 0 1] oriented tapered walls are laterally align along one of the three [ 1 1 2 bar 0 ] directions. Inclined facets of these walls are identified as semipolar (1 1 2 bar 2) -planes of wurtzite InN. Onset of absorption for these samples is observed to be higher than the band gap of InN suggesting a high background carrier concentration in this material. Study of the valence band edge through XPS indicates the formation of positive depletion regions below the surface of the side facets [(1 1 2 bar 2) -planes] of the walls. This is in contrast with the observation for c-plane InN epilayers, where electron accumulation is often reported below the top surface.

  6. Initial formation of calcite crystals in the thin prismatic layer with the periostracum of Pinctada fucata.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Michio; Nakayama, Seiji; Nagasawa, Hiromichi; Kogure, Toshihiro

    2013-02-01

    Although the formation mechanism of calcite crystals in the prismatic layer has been studied well in many previous works, the initial state of calcite formation has not been observed in detail using electron microscopes. In this study, we report that the soft prismatic layer with transparent color (the thin prismatic layer) in the tip of the fresh shell of Pinctada fucata was picked up to observe the early calcification phase. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) image showed that the growth tip of the thin prismatic layer was covered by the periostracum, which was also where the initial formation of calcite crystals began. A cross-section containing the thin calcite crystals in the thin prismatic layer with the periostracum was made using a focused ion beam (FIB) system. In a transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation, the thin calcite crystal (thickness is about 1μm) on the periostracum was found to be a single crystal with the c-axis oriented perpendicular to the shell surface. On the other hand, many aggregated small particles consisting of bassanite crystals were observed in the periostracum suggesting the possibility that not only organic sulfate but also inorganic sulfates exist in the prismatic layer. These discoveries in the early calcification phase of the thin prismatic layer may help to clarify the mechanism of regulating the nucleation and orientation of the calcite crystal in the shell. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Effect of orientation of prismatic dislocation loops on interaction with free surfaces in BCC iron

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fikar, Jan; Gröger, Roman; Schäublin, Robin

    2017-12-01

    The prismatic loops appear in metals as a result of high-energy irradiation. Understanding their formation and interaction is important for quantification of irradiation-induced deterioration of mechanical properties. Characterization of dislocation loops in thin foils is commonly made using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), but the results are inevitably influenced by the proximity of free surfaces. The prismatic loops are attracted to free surfaces by image forces. Depending on the type, shape, size, orientation and depth of the loop in the foil, they can escape to the free surface creating denuded loop-free zones and thus invalidating TEM observations. In our previous studies we described a simple general method to determine the critical depth and the critical stress to move prismatic dislocation loops. The critical depths can be further used to correct measurements of the loop density by TEM. Here, we use this procedure to compare 〈100〉 loops and 1/2 〈111〉 loops in body-centered cubic (BCC) iron. The influences of the interatomic potential and the loop orientation are studied in detail. The difference between interstitial and vacancy type loop is also investigated.

  8. Crystallographic orientation inhomogeneity and crystal splitting in biogenic calcite

    PubMed Central

    Checa, Antonio G.; Bonarski, Jan T.; Willinger, Marc G.; Faryna, Marek; Berent, Katarzyna; Kania, Bogusz; González-Segura, Alicia; Pina, Carlos M.; Pospiech, Jan; Morawiec, Adam

    2013-01-01

    The calcitic prismatic units forming the outer shell of the bivalve Pinctada margaritifera have been analysed using scanning electron microscopy–electron back-scatter diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. In the initial stages of growth, the individual prismatic units are single crystals. Their crystalline orientation is not consistent but rather changes gradually during growth. The gradients in crystallographic orientation occur mainly in a direction parallel to the long axis of the prism, i.e. perpendicular to the shell surface and do not show preferential tilting along any of the calcite lattice axes. At a certain growth stage, gradients begin to spread and diverge, implying that the prismatic units split into several crystalline domains. In this way, a branched crystal, in which the ends of the branches are independent crystalline domains, is formed. At the nanometre scale, the material is composed of slightly misoriented domains, which are separated by planes approximately perpendicular to the c-axis. Orientational gradients and splitting processes are described in biocrystals for the first time and are undoubtedly related to the high content of intracrystalline organic molecules, although the way in which these act to induce the observed crystalline patterns is a matter of future research. PMID:23804442

  9. Direct measurement of critical resolved shear stress of prismatic and basal slip in polycrystalline Ti using high energy X-ray diffraction microscopy

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

    Wang, L.; Zheng, Z.; Phukan, H.

    Knowledge of the critical resolved shear stress (CRSS) values of different slip modes is important for accurately modeling plastic deformation of hexagonal materials. Here, we demonstrate that CRSS can be directly measured with an in-situ high energy X-ray diffraction microscopy (HEDM) experiment. A commercially pure Ti tensile specimen was deformed up to 2.6% strain. In-situ far-field HEDM experiments were carried out to track the evolution of crystallographic orientations, centers of masses, and stress states of 1153 grains in a material volume of 1.1mm×1mm×1mm. Predominant prismatic slip was identified in 18 grains, where the orientation change occurred primarily by rotation aroundmore » the c-axis during specimen deformation. By analyzing the resolved shear stress on individual slip systems, the estimated CRSS for prismatic slip is 96±18 MPa. Predominant basal slip was identified in 22 other grains, where the 2 orientation change occurred primarily by tilting the c-axis about an axis in the basal plane. The estimated CRSS for basal slip is 127±33 MPa. The ratio of CRSS basal/CRSS prismatic is in the range of 1.7-2.1. From indirect assessment, the CRSS for pyramidal < c+a > slip is likely greater than 240MPa. Lastly, grain size and free surface effects on the CRSS value in different grains are also examined.« less

  10. Direct measurement of critical resolved shear stress of prismatic and basal slip in polycrystalline Ti using high energy X-ray diffraction microscopy

    DOE PAGES

    Wang, L.; Zheng, Z.; Phukan, H.; ...

    2017-05-07

    Knowledge of the critical resolved shear stress (CRSS) values of different slip modes is important for accurately modeling plastic deformation of hexagonal materials. Here, we demonstrate that CRSS can be directly measured with an in-situ high energy X-ray diffraction microscopy (HEDM) experiment. A commercially pure Ti tensile specimen was deformed up to 2.6% strain. In-situ far-field HEDM experiments were carried out to track the evolution of crystallographic orientations, centers of masses, and stress states of 1153 grains in a material volume of 1.1mm×1mm×1mm. Predominant prismatic slip was identified in 18 grains, where the orientation change occurred primarily by rotation aroundmore » the c-axis during specimen deformation. By analyzing the resolved shear stress on individual slip systems, the estimated CRSS for prismatic slip is 96±18 MPa. Predominant basal slip was identified in 22 other grains, where the 2 orientation change occurred primarily by tilting the c-axis about an axis in the basal plane. The estimated CRSS for basal slip is 127±33 MPa. The ratio of CRSS basal/CRSS prismatic is in the range of 1.7-2.1. From indirect assessment, the CRSS for pyramidal < c+a > slip is likely greater than 240MPa. Lastly, grain size and free surface effects on the CRSS value in different grains are also examined.« less

  11. Biomineral repair of abalone shell apertures.

    PubMed

    Cusack, Maggie; Guo, Dujiao; Chung, Peter; Kamenos, Nicholas A

    2013-08-01

    The shell of the gastropod mollusc, abalone, is comprised of nacre with an outer prismatic layer that is composed of either calcite or aragonite or both, depending on the species. A striking characteristic of the abalone shell is the row of apertures along the dorsal margin. As the organism and shell grow, new apertures are formed and the preceding ones are filled in. Detailed investigations, using electron backscatter diffraction, of the infill in three species of abalone: Haliotis asinina, Haliotis gigantea and Haliotis rufescens reveals that, like the shell, the infill is composed mainly of nacre with an outer prismatic layer. The infill prismatic layer has identical mineralogy as the original shell prismatic layer. In H. asinina and H. gigantea, the prismatic layer of the shell and infill are made of aragonite while in H. rufescens both are composed of calcite. Abalone builds the infill material with the same high level of biological control, replicating the structure, mineralogy and crystallographic orientation as for the shell. The infill of abalone apertures presents us with insight into what is, effectively, shell repair. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Friction at ice-Ih / water interfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Louden, Patrick B.; Gezelter, J. Daniel

    We present evidence that the prismatic and secondary prism facets of ice-Ih crystals possess structural features that alter the effective hydrophilicity of the ice / water interface. This is shown through molecular dynamics simulations of solid-liquid friction, where the prismatic { 10 1 0 } , secondary prism { 11 2 0 } , basal { 0001 } , and pyramidal { 20 2 1 } facets are drawn through liquid water. We find that the two prismatic facets exhibit differential solid-liquid friction coefficients when compared with the basal and pyramidal facets. These results are complemented by a model solid/liquid interface with tunable hydrophilicity. These simulations provide evidence that the two prismatic faces have a significantly smaller effective surface area in contact with the liquid water. The ice / water interfacial widths for all four crystal facets are similar (using both structural and dynamic measures), and were found to be independent of the shear rate. Additionally, decomposition of orientational time correlation functions show position-dependence for the short- and longer-time decay components close to the interface. Support for this project was provided by the National Science Foundation under Grant CHE-1362211. Computational time was provided by the Center for Research Computing (CRC) at the University of Notre Dame.

  13. 3D non-linear inversion of magnetic anomalies caused by prismatic bodies using differential evolution algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Balkaya, Çağlayan; Ekinci, Yunus Levent; Göktürkler, Gökhan; Turan, Seçil

    2017-01-01

    3D non-linear inversion of total field magnetic anomalies caused by vertical-sided prismatic bodies has been achieved by differential evolution (DE), which is one of the population-based evolutionary algorithms. We have demonstrated the efficiency of the algorithm on both synthetic and field magnetic anomalies by estimating horizontal distances from the origin in both north and east directions, depths to the top and bottom of the bodies, inclination and declination angles of the magnetization, and intensity of magnetization of the causative bodies. In the synthetic anomaly case, we have considered both noise-free and noisy data sets due to two vertical-sided prismatic bodies in a non-magnetic medium. For the field case, airborne magnetic anomalies originated from intrusive granitoids at the eastern part of the Biga Peninsula (NW Turkey) which is composed of various kinds of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks, have been inverted and interpreted. Since the granitoids are the outcropped rocks in the field, the estimations for the top depths of two prisms representing the magnetic bodies were excluded during inversion studies. Estimated bottom depths are in good agreement with the ones obtained by a different approach based on 3D modelling of pseudogravity anomalies. Accuracy of the estimated parameters from both cases has been also investigated via probability density functions. Based on the tests in the present study, it can be concluded that DE is a useful tool for the parameter estimation of source bodies using magnetic anomalies.

  14. Multi-Level Building Reconstruction for Automatic Enhancement of High Resolution Dsms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arefi, H.; Reinartz, P.

    2012-07-01

    In this article a multi-level approach is proposed for reconstruction-based improvement of high resolution Digital Surface Models (DSMs). The concept of Levels of Detail (LOD) defined by CityGML standard has been considered as basis for abstraction levels of building roof structures. Here, the LOD1 and LOD2 which are related to prismatic and parametric roof shapes are reconstructed. Besides proposing a new approach for automatic LOD1 and LOD2 generation from high resolution DSMs, the algorithm contains two generalization levels namely horizontal and vertical. Both generalization levels are applied to prismatic model of buildings. The horizontal generalization allows controlling the approximation level of building footprints which is similar to cartographic generalization concept of the urban maps. In vertical generalization, the prismatic model is formed using an individual building height and continuous to included all flat structures locating in different height levels. The concept of LOD1 generation is based on approximation of the building footprints into rectangular or non-rectangular polygons. For a rectangular building containing one main orientation a method based on Minimum Bounding Rectangle (MBR) in employed. In contrast, a Combined Minimum Bounding Rectangle (CMBR) approach is proposed for regularization of non-rectilinear polygons, i.e. buildings without perpendicular edge directions. Both MBRand CMBR-based approaches are iteratively employed on building segments to reduce the original building footprints to a minimum number of nodes with maximum similarity to original shapes. A model driven approach based on the analysis of the 3D points of DSMs in a 2D projection plane is proposed for LOD2 generation. Accordingly, a building block is divided into smaller parts according to the direction and number of existing ridge lines. The 3D model is derived for each building part and finally, a complete parametric model is formed by merging all the 3D models of the individual parts and adjusting the nodes after the merging step. In order to provide an enhanced DSM, a surface model is provided for each building by interpolation of the internal points of the generated models. All interpolated models are situated on a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of corresponding area to shape the enhanced DSM. Proposed DSM enhancement approach has been tested on a dataset from Munich central area. The original DSM is created using robust stereo matching of Worldview-2 stereo images. A quantitative assessment of the new DSM by comparing the heights of the ridges and eaves shows a standard deviation of better than 50cm.

  15. Effect of using prismatic eye lenses on the posture of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis measured by 3-d motion analysis.

    PubMed

    Wong, M S; Mak, A F T; Luk, K D K; Evans, J H; Brown, B

    2002-08-01

    This is a preliminary investigation to detect the body sway and postural changes of patients with AIS under different spatial images. Two pairs of low-power prismatic eye lenses (Fresnel prisms) with 5 dioptre and 10 dioptre were used. In the experiment, the apices of the prisms were orientated randomly at every 22.5 degrees from 0 degrees to 360 degrees to test changes. Four patients with mean age of 11 and Cobb's angle of 30 degrees were recruited and the results showed that the low-power prisms at specific orientations (157.5 degrees and 180 degrees) could cause positive postural changes (2.1 degrees-2.7 degrees reduction of angle of trunk mis-alignment) measured by 3-D motion analysis. This might be used for controlling their scoliotic curves by induced visual bio-feedback. Apart from this laboratory test, a longitudinal study is necessary to investigate the long-term effect of the prisms at different powers and orientations (under both static and dynamic situations) on the patient's posture, spinal muscular activities, vision, eye-hand coordination, psychological state and other daily activities before it becomes an alternative management of AIS.

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

    Li, B.; The Peac Institute of Multiscale Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610207; Wang, L.

    With large-scale molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate shock response of He nanobubbles in single crystal Cu. For sufficient bubble size or internal pressure, a prismatic dislocation loop may form around a bubble in unshocked Cu. The internal He pressure helps to stabilize the bubble against plastic deformation. However, the prismatic dislocation loops may partially heal but facilitate nucleation of new shear and prismatic dislocation loops. For strong shocks, the internal pressure also impedes internal jetting, while a bubble assists local melting; a high speed jet breaks a He bubble into pieces dispersed among Cu. Near-surface He bubbles may burst andmore » form high velocity ejecta containing atoms and small fragments, while the ejecta velocities do not follow the three-dimensional Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions expected for thermal equilibrium. The biggest fragment size deceases with increasing shock strength. With a decrease in ligament thickness or an increase in He bubble size, the critical shock strength required for bubble bursting decreases, while the velocity range, space extension and average velocity component along the shock direction, increase. Small bubbles are more efficient in mass ejecting. Compared to voids and perfect single crystal Cu, He bubbles have pronounced effects on shock response including bubble/void collapse, Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL), deformation mechanisms, and surface jetting. HEL is the highest for perfect single crystal Cu with the same orientations, followed by He bubbles without pre-existing prismatic dislocation loops, and then voids. Complete void collapse and shear dislocations occur for embedded voids, as opposed to partial collapse, and shear and possibly prismatic dislocations for He bubbles. He bubbles lower the threshhold shock strength for ejecta formation, and increase ejecta velocity and ejected mass.« less

  17. Bypass Flow Resistance in Prismatic Gas-Cooled Nuclear Reactors

    DOE PAGES

    McEligot, Donald M.; Johnson, Richard W.

    2016-12-20

    Available computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions of pressure distributions in the vertical bypass flow between blocks in a prismatic gas-cooled reactor (GCR) have been analyzed to deduce apparent friction factors and loss coefficients for systems and network codes. We performed calculations for vertical gap spacings "s" of 2, 6 and 10 mm, horizontal gaps between the blocks of two mm and two flow rates, giving a range of gap Reynolds numbers Re Dh of about 40 to 5300. Laminar predictions of the fully-developed friction factor f fd were about three to ten per cent lower than the classical infinitely-wide channelmore » In the entry region, the local apparent friction factor was slightly higher than the classic idealized case but the hydraulic entry length L hy was approximately the same. The per cent reduction in flow resistance was greater than the per cent increase in flow area at the vertical corners of the blocks. The standard k-ϵ model was employed for flows expected to be turbulent. Its predictions of f fd and flow resistance were significantly higher than direct numerical simulations for the classic case; the value of L hy was about thirty gap spacings. Initial quantitative information for entry coefficients and loss coefficients for the expansion-contraction junctions between blocks is also presented. Our study demonstrates how CFD predictions can be employed to provide integral quantities needed in systems and network codes.« less

  18. Bypass Flow Resistance in Prismatic Gas-Cooled Nuclear Reactors

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

    McEligot, Donald M.; Johnson, Richard W.

    Available computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions of pressure distributions in the vertical bypass flow between blocks in a prismatic gas-cooled reactor (GCR) have been analyzed to deduce apparent friction factors and loss coefficients for systems and network codes. We performed calculations for vertical gap spacings "s" of 2, 6 and 10 mm, horizontal gaps between the blocks of two mm and two flow rates, giving a range of gap Reynolds numbers Re Dh of about 40 to 5300. Laminar predictions of the fully-developed friction factor f fd were about three to ten per cent lower than the classical infinitely-wide channelmore » In the entry region, the local apparent friction factor was slightly higher than the classic idealized case but the hydraulic entry length L hy was approximately the same. The per cent reduction in flow resistance was greater than the per cent increase in flow area at the vertical corners of the blocks. The standard k-ϵ model was employed for flows expected to be turbulent. Its predictions of f fd and flow resistance were significantly higher than direct numerical simulations for the classic case; the value of L hy was about thirty gap spacings. Initial quantitative information for entry coefficients and loss coefficients for the expansion-contraction junctions between blocks is also presented. Our study demonstrates how CFD predictions can be employed to provide integral quantities needed in systems and network codes.« less

  19. Control of early-formed vesicle cylinders on upper crustal prismatic jointing in compound pāhoehoe lavas of Elephanta Island, western Deccan Traps, India

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sheth, Hetu; Patel, Vanit; Samant, Hrishikesh

    2017-08-01

    Upper crustal prismatic joints and vesicle cylinders, common in pāhoehoe lava flows, form early and late, respectively, and are therefore independent features. However, small-scale compound pāhoehoe lava lobes on Elephanta Island (western Deccan Traps, India), which resemble S-type (spongy) pāhoehoe in some aspects, contain vesicle cylinders which apparently controlled the locations of upper crustal prismatic joints. The lobes are decimeters thick, did not experience inflation after emplacement, and solidified rapidly. They have meter-scale areas that are exceptionally rich in vesicle cylinders (up to 68 cylinders in 1 m2, with a mean spacing of 12.1 cm), separated by cylinder-free areas, and pervasive upper crustal prismatic jointing with T, curved T, and quadruple joint intersections. A majority (≥76.5%) of the cylinders are located exactly on joints or at joint intersections, and were not simply captured by downward growing joints, as the cylinders show no deflection in vertical section. We suggest that large numbers of cylinders originated in a layer of bubble-rich residual liquid at the top of a basal diktytaxitic crystal mush zone which was formed very early (probably within the first few minutes of the emplacement history). The locations where the rising cylinders breached the crust provided weak points or mechanical flaws towards which any existing joints (formed by thermal contraction) propagated. New joints may also have propagated outwards from the cylinders and linked up laterally. Some cylinders breached the crust between the joints, and thus formed a little later than most others. The Elephanta Island example reveals that, whereas thermal contraction is undoubtedly valid as a standard mechanism for forming upper crustal prismatic joints, abundant mechanical flaws (such as large concentrations of early-formed, crust-breaching vesicle cylinders) can also control the joint formation process.

  20. Morphology of calcite crystals in clast coatings from four soils in the Mojave desert region

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chadwick, Oliver A.; Sowers, Janet M.; Amundson, Ronald G.

    1989-01-01

    Pedogenic calcite-crystal coatings on clasts were examined in four soils along an altitudinal gradient on Kyle Canyon alluvium in southern Nevada. Clast coatings were studied rather than matrix carbonate to avoid the effects of soil matrix on crystallization. Six crystal sizes and shapes were recognized and distinguished. Equant micrite was the dominant crystal form with similar abundance at all elevations. The distributions of five categories of spar and microspar appear to be influenced by altitudinally induced changes in effective moisture. In the drier, lower elevation soils, crystals were equant or parallel prismatic with irregular, interlocking boundaries while in the more moist, higher elevation soils they were randomly oriented, euhedral, prismatic, and fibrous. There was little support for the supposition that Mg(+2) substitution or increased (Mg + Ca)/HCO3 ratios in the precipitating solution produced crystal elongation.

  1. Plasticity of the dense hydrous magnesium silicate phase A at subduction zones conditions

    DOE PAGES

    Gouriet, K.; Hilairet, N.; Amiguet, E.; ...

    2015-09-12

    The plasticity of the dense hydrous magnesium silicate (DHMS) phase A, a key hydrous mineral within cold subduction zones, was investigated by two complementary approaches: high-pressure deformation experiments and computational methods. The deformation experiments were carried out at 11 GPa, 400 and 580 °C, with in situ measurements of stress, strain and lattice preferred orientations (LPO). Based on viscoplastic self-consistent modeling (VPSC) of the observed LPO, the deformation mechanisms at 580 °C are consistent with glide on the (0 0 0 1) basal and prismatic planes. At 400 °C the deformation mechanisms involve glide on prismatic, (0 0 0 1)more » basal and pyramidal planes. Both give flow stresses of 2.5–3 GPa at strain rates of 2–4 × 10-5 s-1. We use the Peierls–Nabarro–Galerkin (PNG) approach, relying on first-principles calculations of generalized stacking fault (γ-surface), and model the core structure of potential dislocations in basal and prismatic planes. The computations show multiple dissociations of the and dislocations (⟨a⟩ and ⟨b⟩ dislocations) in the basal plane, which is compatible with the ubiquity of basal slip in the experiments. The γ-surface calculations also suggest and dislocations (⟨a+c⟩ or ⟨c-b⟩ directions) in prismatic and pyramidal planes, which is also consistent with the experimental data. Phase A has a higher flow strength than olivine. When forming at depths from the dehydration of weak and highly anisotropic hydrated ultramafic rocks, phase A may not maintain the mechanical softening antigorite can provide. The seismic properties calculated for moderately deformed aggregates suggest that S-wave seismic anisotropy of phase A-bearing rocks is lower than hydrous subduction zone lithologies such as serpentinites and blueschists.« less

  2. ARL Summer Student Research Symposium Compendium of Abstracts. Volume 2

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-12-01

    to withstand ballistic/blast impact. The mechanical response of these materials is primarily determined by the active deformation modes operating...atomic scale deformation mechanisms such as basal, prismatic, pyramidal slip and twinning on the microstructure of the system (i.e., loading orientation...deformation, the dependence of peak strength on grain size, and the mechanisms of failure are discussed. I wish to acknowledge the mentorship of Dr

  3. Characteristics of biogenic calcite in the prismatic layer of a pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata.

    PubMed

    Okumura, Taiga; Suzuki, Michio; Nagasawa, Hiromichi; Kogure, Toshihiro

    2010-10-01

    The fine structure of the calcite prism in the outer layer of a pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata, has been investigated using various electron beam techniques, in order to understand its characteristics and growth mechanism including the role of intracrystalline organic substances. As the calcite prismatic layer grows thicker, sinuous boundaries develop to divide the prism into a number of domains. The crystal misorientation between the adjacent domains is several to more than ten degrees. The component of the misorientation is mainly the rotation about the c-axis. There is no continuous organic membrane at the boundaries. Furthermore, the crystal orientation inside the domains changes gradually, as indicated by the electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination revealed that the domain consists of sub-grains of a few hundred nanometers divided by small-angle grain boundaries, which are probably the origin of the gradual change of the crystal orientation inside the domains. Spherular Fresnel contrasts were often observed at the small-angle grain boundaries, in defocused TEM images. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) indicated the spherules are organic macromolecules, suggesting that incorporation of organic macromolecules during the crystal growth forms the sub-grain structure of the calcite prism.

  4. Anisotropic Tribological Properties of Silicon Carbide

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miyoshi, K.; Buckley, D. H.

    1980-01-01

    The anisotropic friction, deformation and fracture behavior of single crystal silicon carbide surfaces were investigated in two categories. The categories were called adhesive and abrasive wear processes, respectively. In the adhesive wear process, the adhesion, friction and wear of silicon carbide were markedly dependent on crystallographic orientation. The force to reestablish the shearing fracture of adhesive bond at the interface between silicon carbide and metal was the lowest in the preferred orientation of silicon carbide slip system. The fracturing of silicon carbide occurred near the adhesive bond to metal and it was due to primary cleavages of both prismatic (10(-1)0) and basal (0001) planes.

  5. Violent transient sloshing-wave interaction with a baffle in a three-dimensional numerical tank

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xue, Mi-An; Zheng, Jinhai; Lin, Pengzhi; Xiao, Zhong

    2017-08-01

    A finite difference model for solving Navier Stokes equations with turbulence taken into account is used to investigate viscous liquid sloshing-wave interaction with baffles in a tank. The volume-of-fluid and virtual boundary force methods are employed to simulate free surface flow interaction with structures. A liquid sloshing experimental apparatus was established to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed model, as well as to study nonlinear sloshing in a prismatic tank with the baffles. Damping effects of sloshing in a rectangular tank with bottom-mounted vertical baffles and vertical baffles touching the free surface are studied numerically and experimentally. Good agreement is obtained between the present numerical results and experimental data. The numerical results match well with the current experimental data for strong nonlinear sloshing with large free surface slopes. The reduction in sloshing-wave elevation and impact pressure induced by the bottom-mounted vertical baffle and the vertical baffle touching the free surface is estimated by varying the external excitation frequency and the location and height of the vertical baffle under horizontal excitation.

  6. NUCLEAR REACTORS

    DOEpatents

    Long, E.; Ashby, J.W.

    1958-09-16

    ABS>A graphite moderator structure is presented for a nuclear reactor compriscd of an assembly of similarly orientated prismatic graphite blocks arranged on spaced longitudinal axes lying in common planes wherein the planes of the walls of the blocks are positioned so as to be twisted reintive to the planes of said axes so thatthe unlmpeded dtrect paths in direction wholly across the walls of the blocks are limited to the width of the blocks plus spacing between the blocks.

  7. How to measure slab-off and reverse slab prism in spectacle lenses.

    PubMed

    Christoff, Alexander; Guyton, David L

    2007-08-01

    It is well known that new spectacle lenses for the correction of anisometropia can induce diplopia with reading. The difference in the powers of the lenses induces a net prismatic effect that can cause double vision through off-center areas of the lenses. This is particularly bothersome when patients try to read, often noting vertical double vision in attempted downgaze, especially through multifocal add segments. This induced prismatic effect can be compensated at one level of downgaze by the use of slab-off or reverse slab prism. Typically the slab-off correction is ground into the stronger minus, or weaker plus lens. Reverse slab is ground into the weaker minus, or stronger plus, lens. Unfortunately, determining the amount of slab-off prism already incorporated into spectacle lenses is nonintuitive and inconvenient. This usually requires the use of a lens clock, which is not widely accessible to many ophthalmology practices. A simple technique, described in the past but poorly known, is illustrated here for quickly measuring slab-off and reverse slab prism prescription lenses in the clinic with a common manual lens meter.

  8. Solute softening and defect generation during prismatic slip in magnesium alloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yi, Peng; Cammarata, Robert C.; Falk, Michael L.

    2017-12-01

    Temperature and solute effects on prismatic slip of 〈a〉 dislocations in Mg are studied using molecular dynamics simulation. Prismatic slip is controlled by the low mobility screw dislocation. The screw dislocation glides on the prismatic plane through alternating cross-slip between the basal plane and the prismatic plane. In doing so, it exhibits a locking-unlocking mechanism at low temperatures and a more continuous wavy propagation at high temperatures. The dislocation dissociates into partials on the basal plane and the constriction formation of the partials is identified to be the rate-limiting process for unlocking. In addition, the diffusion of partials on the basal plane enables the formation of jogs and superjogs for prismatic slip, which lead to the generation of vacancies and dislocation loops. Solute softening in Mg alloys was observed in the presence of both Al and Y solute. The softening in prismatic slip is found to be due to solute pinning on the basal plane, instead of the relative energy change of the screw dislocation on the basal and prismatic planes, as has been hypothesized.

  9. Effect of equal-channel angular pressing and annealing conditions on the texture, microstructure, and deformability of an MA2-1 alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Serebryany, V. N.; Ivanova, T. M.; Kopylov, V. I.; Dobatkin, S. V.; Pozdnyakova, N. N.; Pimenov, V. A.; Savelova, T. I.

    2010-07-01

    Equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) of am MA2-1 alloy according to routes A and Bc is used to study the possibility of increasing the low-temperature deformability of the alloy due to grain refinement and a change in its texture. To separate the grain refinement effect from the effect of texture on the deformability of the alloy, samples after ECAP are subjected to recrystallization annealing that provides grain growth to the grain size characteristic of the initial state (IS) of the alloy. Upon ECAP, the average grain size is found to decrease to 2-2.4 μm and the initial sharp axial texture changes substantially (it decomposes into several scattered orientations). The type of orientations and the degree of their scattering depend on the type of ECAP routes. The detected change in the texture is accompanied by an increase in the deformability parameters (normal plastic anisotropy coefficient R, strain-hardening exponent n, relative uniform elongation δu) determined upon tensile tests at 20°C for the states of the alloy formed in the IS-4A-4Bc and IS-4Ao-4BcO sequences. The experimental values of R agree with the values calculated in terms of the Taylor model of plastic deformation in the Bishop-Hill approximation using quantitative texture data in the form of orientation distribution function coefficients with allowance for the activation of prismatic slip, especially for ECAP routes 4Bc and 4BcO. When the simulation results, the Hall-Petch relation, and the generalized Schmid factors are taken into account, a correlation is detected between the deformability parameter, the Hall-Petch coefficient, and the ratio of the critical shear stresses on prismatic and basal planes.

  10. Orientation influence on grain size-effects in ultrafine-grained magnesium

    DOE PAGES

    Fan, Haidong; Aubry, Sylvie; Arsenlis, A.; ...

    2014-11-08

    The mechanical behavior of ultrafine-grained magnesium was studied by discrete dislocation dynamics (DDD) simulations. Our results show basal slip yields a strong size effect, while prismatic and pyramidal slips produce a weak one. We developed a new size-strength model that considers dislocation transmission across grain boundaries. Good agreement between this model, current DDD simulations and previous experiments is observed. These results reveal that the grain size effect depends on 3 factors: Peierls stress, dislocation source strength and grain boundary strength.

  11. The Kerala Decentration Meter. A new method and devise for fitting the optical of spectacle lenses in the visual axis.

    PubMed

    Joseph, T K; Kartha, C P

    1982-01-01

    Centring of spectacle lenses is much neglected field of ophthalmology. The prismatic effect caused by wrong centring results in a phoria on the eye muscles which in turn causes persistent eyestrain. The theory of visual axis, optical axis and angle alpha is discussed. Using new methods the visual axis and optical axis of 35 subjects were measured. The results were computed for facial asymmetry, parallax error, angle alpha and also decentration for near vision. The results show that decentration is required on account of each of these factors. Considerable correction is needed in the vertical direction, a fact much neglected nowadays; and vertical decentration results in vertical phoria which is more symptomatic than horizontal phorias. Angle Alpha was computed for each of these patients. A new devise called 'The Kerala Decentration Meter' using the pinhole method for measuring the degree of decentration from the datum centre of the frame, and capable of correcting all the factors described above, is shown with diagrams.

  12. Orienting numbers in mental space: horizontal organization trumps vertical.

    PubMed

    Holmes, Kevin J; Lourenco, Stella F

    2012-01-01

    While research on the spatial representation of number has provided substantial evidence for a horizontally oriented mental number line, recent studies suggest vertical organization as well. Directly comparing the relative strength of horizontal and vertical organization, however, we found no evidence of spontaneous vertical orientation (upward or downward), and horizontal trumped vertical when pitted against each other (Experiment 1). Only when numbers were conceptualized as magnitudes (as opposed to nonmagnitude ordinal sequences) did reliable vertical organization emerge, with upward orientation preferred (Experiment 2). Altogether, these findings suggest that horizontal representations predominate, and that vertical representations, when elicited, may be relatively inflexible. Implications for spatial organization beyond number, and its ontogenetic basis, are discussed.

  13. Mechanisms of fine extinction band development in vein quartz: new insights from correlative light and electron microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Derez, Tine; Van Der Donck, Tom; Plümper, Oliver; Muchez, Philippe; Pennock, Gill; Drury, Martyn R.; Sintubin, Manuel

    2017-07-01

    Fine extinction bands (FEBs) (also known as deformation lamellae) visible with polarized light microscopy in quartz consist of a range of nanostructures, inferring different formation processes. Previous transmission electron microscopy studies have shown that most FEB nanostructures in naturally deformed quartz are elongated subgrains formed by recovery of dislocation slip bands. Here we show that three types of FEB nanostructure occur in naturally deformed vein quartz from the low-grade metamorphic High-Ardenne slate belt (Belgium). Prismatic oriented FEBs are defined by bands of dislocation walls. Dauphiné twin boundaries present along the FEB boundaries probably formed after FEB formation. In an example of two sub-rhombohedral oriented FEBs, developed as two sets in one grain, the finer FEB set consists of elongated subgrains, similar to FEBs described in previous transmission electron microscopy studies. The second wider FEB set consists of bands with different dislocation density and fluid-inclusion content. The wider FEB set is interpreted as bands with different plastic strain associated with the primary growth banding of the vein quartz grain. The nanometre-scale fluid inclusions are interpreted to have formed from structurally bounded hydroxyl groups that moreover facilitated formation of the elongate subgrains. Larger fluid inclusions aligned along FEBs are explained by fluid-inclusion redistribution along dislocation cores. The prismatic FEB nanostructure and the relation between FEBs and growth bands have not been recognized before, although related structures have been reported in experimentally deformed quartz.

  14. System for collecting products dumped on the surface of a mass of water

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

    Carro, F.J.

    1982-06-01

    A system for collecting products dumped on the surface of a mass of water includes cages to be arranged at the sides of a tanker. Each cage is preferably prismatic in shape. The height of the cages is such that when the tanker is at ballast, the lower parts of the cages will be submerged while the upper parts will be above the maximum loading line of the tanker. The cages are fastened to the sides of the tanker by freely rotating connection points. In the interiors of the cages is housed a series of floating suction pump inlet membersmore » or housings, likewise prismatic in shape, having appropriate dimensions to permit a great sensitivity to the least fluctuating movements of the liquid surface. The complete face of each suction pump inlet member, which is oriented in the direction of travel of the tanker, is provided with an opening which has a height such that the lower edge thereof will be positioned below the floating line of the suction pumps at an approximate depth of 0.01 meter.« less

  15. NUCLEAR REACTORS

    DOEpatents

    Long, E.; Ashley, J.W.

    1958-12-16

    A graphite moderator structure is described for a gas-cooled nuclear reactor having a vertical orlentation wherein the structure is physically stable with regard to dlmensional changes due to Wigner growth properties of the graphite, and leakage of coolant gas along spaces in the structure is reduced. The structure is comprised of stacks of unlform right prismatic graphite blocks positioned in layers extending in the direction of the lengths of the blocks, the adjacent end faces of the blocks being separated by pairs of tiles. The blocks and tiles have central bores which are in alignment when assembled and are provided with cooperatlng keys and keyways for physical stability.

  16. Nodal Diffusion Burnable Poison Treatment for Prismatic Reactor Cores

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

    A. M. Ougouag; R. M. Ferrer

    2010-10-01

    The prismatic block version of the High Temperature Reactor (HTR) considered as a candidate Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR)design may use burnable poison pins in locations at some corners of the fuel blocks (i.e., assembly equivalent structures). The presence of any highly absorbing materials, such as these burnable poisons, within fuel blocks for hexagonal geometry, graphite-moderated High Temperature Reactors (HTRs) causes a local inter-block flux depression that most nodal diffusion-based method have failed to properly model or otherwise represent. The location of these burnable poisons near vertices results in an asymmetry in the morphology of the assemblies (or blocks). Hencemore » the resulting inadequacy of traditional homogenization methods, as these “spread” the actually local effect of the burnable poisons throughout the assembly. Furthermore, the actual effect of the burnable poison is primarily local with influence in its immediate vicinity, which happens to include a small region within the same assembly as well as similar regions in the adjacent assemblies. Traditional homogenization methods miss this artifact entirely. This paper presents a novel method for treating the local effect of the burnable poison explicitly in the context of a modern nodal method.« less

  17. High- and Low-Temperature Deformation Behavior of Different Orientation Hot-Rolled Annealed Zircaloy-4

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zong, Yingying; Gen, Qingfeng; Jiang, Hongwei; Shan, Debin; Guo, Bin

    2018-03-01

    In this paper, the hot-rolled annealed Zircaloy-4 samples with different orientation were subjected to uniaxial compression with a strain rate of 0.001 s-1 to obtain the stress-strain curves of different initial orientation samples at different temperatures. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique and transmission electron microscope (TEM) technique were used to analyze the microstructures and textures of compressed samples. The mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of rolling directions (RD), transverse directions (TD) and normal directions (ND) were investigated under the conditions of - 150 °C low temperature, room temperature and 200 °C high temperature (simulated lunar temperature environment). The results show that the strength of Zircaloy-4 decreases with the increase in deformation temperature, and the strength in three orientations is ND > TD > RD. The deformation mechanism of hot-rolled annealed Zircaloy-4 with different orientation is different. In RD, { 10\\bar{1}0} < {a} > prismatic slip has the highest Schmid factor (SF), so it is most easy to activate the slip, followed by TD orientation, and ND orientation is the most difficult to activate. The deformed grains abide slip→twinning→slip rule, and the different orientation Zircaloy-4 deformation mechanisms mainly are the twinning coordinated with the slip.

  18. Students' Ideas about Prismatic Images: Teaching Experiments for an Image-Based Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grusche, Sascha

    2017-01-01

    Prismatic refraction is a classic topic in science education. To investigate how undergraduate students think about prismatic dispersion, and to see how they change their thinking when observing dispersed images, five teaching experiments were done and analysed according to the Model of Educational Reconstruction. For projection through a prism,…

  19. Texture evolution during thermomechanical processing in rare earth free magnesium alloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miller, Victoria Mayne

    The use of wrought magnesium alloys is highly desirable for a wide range of applications where low component weight is desirable due to the high specific strength and stiffness the alloys can achieve. However, the implementation of wrought magnesium has been hindered by the limited room temperature formability which typically results from deformation processing. This work identifies opportunities for texture modification during thermomechanical processing of conventional (rare earth free) magnesium alloys via a combination of experimental investigation and polycrystal plasticity simulations. During deformation, it is observed that a homogeneous distribution of coarse intermetallic particles efficiently weakens deformation texture at all strain levels, while a highly inhomogeneous particle distribution is only effective at high strains. The particle deformation effects are complemented by the addition of alkaline earth solute, which modifies the relative deformation mode activity. During recrystallization, grains with basal orientations recrystallize more readily than off-basal grains, despite similar levels of internal misorientation. Dislocation substructure investigations revealed that this is a result of enhanced nucleation in the basal grains due to the dominance of prismatic slip. This dissertation identifies avenues to enhance the potential formability of magnesium alloys during thermomechanical processing by minimizing the evolved texture strength. The following are the identified key aspects of microstructural control: -Maintaining a fine grain size, likely via Zener pinning, to favorably modify deformation mode activity and homogenize deformation. -Developing a coarse, homogeneously distributed population of coarse intermetallic particles to promote a diffuse deformation texture. -Minimizing the activity of prismatic slip to retard the recrystallization of grains with basal orientations, allowing the development of a more diffuse recrystallization texture.

  20. Demonstration of Tuning to Stimulus Orientation in the Human Visual Cortex: A High-Resolution fMRI Study with a Novel Continuous and Periodic Stimulation Paradigm

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Pei; Gardner, Justin L.; Costagli, Mauro; Ueno, Kenichi; Waggoner, R. Allen; Tanaka, Keiji; Cheng, Kang

    2013-01-01

    Cells in the animal early visual cortex are sensitive to contour orientations and form repeated structures known as orientation columns. At the behavioral level, there exist 2 well-known global biases in orientation perception (oblique effect and radial bias) in both animals and humans. However, their neural bases are still under debate. To unveil how these behavioral biases are achieved in the early visual cortex, we conducted high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments with a novel continuous and periodic stimulation paradigm. By inserting resting recovery periods between successive stimulation periods and introducing a pair of orthogonal stimulation conditions that differed by 90° continuously, we focused on analyzing a blood oxygenation level-dependent response modulated by the change in stimulus orientation and reliably extracted orientation preferences of single voxels. We found that there are more voxels preferring horizontal and vertical orientations, a physiological substrate underlying the oblique effect, and that these over-representations of horizontal and vertical orientations are prevalent in the cortical regions near the horizontal- and vertical-meridian representations, a phenomenon related to the radial bias. Behaviorally, we also confirmed that there exists perceptual superiority for horizontal and vertical orientations around horizontal and vertical meridians, respectively. Our results, thus, refined the neural mechanisms of these 2 global biases in orientation perception. PMID:22661413

  1. Fibre Optic Connections And Method For Using Same

    DOEpatents

    Chan, Benson; Cohen, Mitchell S.; Fortier, Paul F.; Freitag, Ladd W.; Hall, Richard R.; Johnson, Glen W.; Lin, How Tzu; Sherman, John H.

    2004-03-30

    A package is described that couples a twelve channel wide fiber optic cable to a twelve channel Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) transmitter and a multiple channel Perpendicularly Aligned Integrated Die (PAID) receiver. The package allows for reduction in the height of the assembly package by vertically orienting certain dies parallel to the fiber optic cable and horizontally orienting certain other dies. The assembly allows the vertically oriented optoelectronic dies to be perpendicularly attached to the horizontally oriented laminate via a flexible circuit.

  2. Prismatic Adaptation Modulates Oscillatory EEG Correlates of Motor Preparation but Not Visual Attention in Healthy Participants

    PubMed Central

    Veniero, Domenica; Oliveri, Massimiliano

    2018-01-01

    Prismatic adaption (PA) has been proposed as a tool to induce neural plasticity and is used to help neglect rehabilitation. It leads to a recalibration of visuomotor coordination during pointing as well as to aftereffects on a number of sensorimotor and attention tasks, but whether these effects originate at a motor or attentional level remains a matter of debate. Our aim was to further characterize PA aftereffects by using an approach that allows distinguishing between effects on attentional and motor processes. We recorded EEG in healthy human participants (9 females and 7 males) while performing a new double step, anticipatory attention/motor preparation paradigm before and after adaptation to rightward-shifting prisms, with neutral lenses as a control. We then examined PA aftereffects through changes in known oscillatory EEG signatures of spatial attention orienting and motor preparation in the alpha and beta frequency bands. Our results were twofold. First, we found PA to rightward-shifting prisms to selectively affect EEG signatures of motor but not attentional processes. More specifically, PA modulated preparatory motor EEG activity over central electrodes in the right hemisphere, contralateral to the PA-induced, compensatory leftward shift in pointing movements. No effects were found on EEG signatures of spatial attention orienting over occipitoparietal sites. Second, we found the PA effect on preparatory motor EEG activity to dominate in the beta frequency band. We conclude that changes to intentional visuomotor, rather than attentional visuospatial, processes underlie the PA aftereffect of rightward-deviating prisms in healthy participants. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Prismatic adaptation (PA) has been proposed as a tool to induce neural plasticity in both healthy participants and patients, due to its aftereffect impacting on a number of visuospatial and visuomotor functions. However, the neural mechanisms underlying PA aftereffects are poorly understood as only little neuroimaging evidence is available. Here, we examined, for the first time, the origin of PA aftereffects studying oscillatory brain activity. Our results show a selective modulation of preparatory motor activity following PA in healthy participants but no effect on attention-related activity. This provides novel insight into the PA aftereffect in the healthy brain and may help to inform interventions in neglect patients. PMID:29255004

  3. [When is the prescription of prismatic eyeglasses reasonable?].

    PubMed

    Kommerell, G

    2014-03-01

    Prismatic glasses are used to deflect rays of light. In ophthalmology, prisms are mainly used to correct double vision caused by strabismus which is acquired after early childhood. In congenital or infantile strabismus, the image of the deviated eye is usually suppressed so that double vision does not occur and prismatic glasses are not indicated. Latent strabismus is very common and only rarely leads to double vision or asthenopic symptoms so that correction with prismatic glasses is only indicated in exceptional cases. The "Measuring and Correcting Methodology after H.-J. Haase" is based on flawed assumptions, and therefore can not be recommended for the prescription of prisms.

  4. Modelling Accuracy of a Car Steering Mechanism with Rack and Pinion and McPherson Suspension

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Knapczyk, J.; Kucybała, P.

    2016-08-01

    Modelling accuracy of a car steering mechanism with a rack and pinion and McPherson suspension is analyzed. Geometrical parameters of the model are described by using the coordinates of centers of spherical joints, directional unit vectors and axis points of revolute, cylindrical and prismatic joints. Modelling accuracy is assumed as the differences between the values of the wheel knuckle position and orientation coordinates obtained using a simulation model and the corresponding measured values. The sensitivity analysis of the parameters on the model accuracy is illustrated by two numerical examples.

  5. Dynamic modulation of ocular orientation during visually guided saccades and smooth-pursuit eye movements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hess, Bernhard J M.; Angelaki, Dora E.

    2003-01-01

    Rotational disturbances of the head about an off-vertical yaw axis induce a complex vestibuloocular reflex pattern that reflects the brain's estimate of head angular velocity as well as its estimate of instantaneous head orientation (at a reduced scale) in space coordinates. We show that semicircular canal and otolith inputs modulate torsional and, to a certain extent, also vertical ocular orientation of visually guided saccades and smooth-pursuit eye movements in a similar manner as during off-vertical axis rotations in complete darkness. It is suggested that this graviceptive control of eye orientation facilitates rapid visual spatial orientation during motion.

  6. Genetic analysis of the gravitropic set-point angle in lateral roots of Arabidopsis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mullen, J. L.; Hangarter, R. P.; Kiss, J. Z. (Principal Investigator)

    2003-01-01

    Research on gravity responses in plants has mostly focused on primary roots and shoots, which typically orient to a vertical orientation. However, the distribution of lateral organs and their characteristically non-vertical growth orientation are critical for the determination of plant form. For example, in Arabidopsis, when lateral roots emerge from the primary root, they grow at a nearly horizontal orientation. As they elongate, the roots slowly curve until they eventually reach a vertical orientation. The regulation of this lateral root orientation is an important component affecting overall root system architecture. We found that this change in orientation is not simply due to the onset of gravitropic competence, as non-vertical lateral roots are capable of both positive and negative gravitropism. Thus, the horizontal growth of new lateral roots appears to be determined by what is called the gravitropic set-point angle (GSA). This developmental control of the GSA of lateral roots in Arabidopsis provides a useful system for investigating the components involved in regulating gravitropic responses. Using this system, we have identified several Arabidopsis mutants that have altered lateral root orientations but maintain normal primary root orientation. c2003 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Effect of dividing daylight in symmetric prismatic daylight collector

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yeh, Shih-Chuan; Lu, Ju-Lin; Cheng, Yu-Chin

    2017-04-01

    This paper presented a symmetric prismatic daylight collector to collect daylight for the natural light illumination system. We analyzed the characteristics of the emerging light when the parallel light beam illuminate on the horizontally placed symmetric prismatic daylight collector. The ratio of the relative intensities of collected daylight that emerging from each surface of the daylight collector shown that the ratio is varied with the incident angle during a day. The simulation of the emerging light of the daylight collector shown that the ratio of emerging light is varied with the tilted angle when sunshine illuminated on a symmetric prismatic daylight collector which was not placed horizontally. The integration of normalized intensity is also varied with the tilted angle. The symmetric prismatic daylight collector with the benefits of reducing glare and dividing intensity of incident daylight, it is applicable to using in the natural light illumination system and hybrid system for improving the efficiency of utilizing of solar energy.

  8. Reshaping the brain after stroke: The effect of prismatic adaptation in patients with right brain damage.

    PubMed

    Crottaz-Herbette, Sonia; Fornari, Eleonora; Notter, Michael P; Bindschaedler, Claire; Manzoni, Laura; Clarke, Stephanie

    2017-09-01

    Prismatic adaptation has been repeatedly reported to alleviate neglect symptoms; in normal subjects, it was shown to enhance the representation of the left visual space within the left inferior parietal cortex. Our study aimed to determine in humans whether similar compensatory mechanisms underlie the beneficial effect of prismatic adaptation in neglect. Fifteen patients with right hemispheric lesions and 11 age-matched controls underwent a prismatic adaptation session which was preceded and followed by fMRI using a visual detection task. In patients, the prismatic adaptation session improved the accuracy of target detection in the left and central space and enhanced the representation of this visual space within the left hemisphere in parts of the temporal convexity, inferior parietal lobule and prefrontal cortex. Across patients, the increase in neuronal activation within the temporal regions correlated with performance improvements in this visual space. In control subjects, prismatic adaptation enhanced the representation of the left visual space within the left inferior parietal lobule and decreased it within the left temporal cortex. Thus, a brief exposure to prismatic adaptation enhances, both in patients and in control subjects, the competence of the left hemisphere for the left space, but the regions extended beyond the inferior parietal lobule to the temporal convexity in patients. These results suggest that the left hemisphere provides compensatory mechanisms in neglect by assuming the representation of the whole space within the ventral attentional system. The rapidity of the change suggests that the underlying mechanism relies on uncovering pre-existing synaptic connections. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Magnetosensitive neurons mediate geomagnetic orientation in Caenorhabditis elegans

    PubMed Central

    Vidal-Gadea, Andrés; Ward, Kristi; Beron, Celia; Ghorashian, Navid; Gokce, Sertan; Russell, Joshua; Truong, Nicholas; Parikh, Adhishri; Gadea, Otilia; Ben-Yakar, Adela; Pierce-Shimomura, Jonathan

    2015-01-01

    Many organisms spanning from bacteria to mammals orient to the earth's magnetic field. For a few animals, central neurons responsive to earth-strength magnetic fields have been identified; however, magnetosensory neurons have yet to be identified in any animal. We show that the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans orients to the earth's magnetic field during vertical burrowing migrations. Well-fed worms migrated up, while starved worms migrated down. Populations isolated from around the world, migrated at angles to the magnetic vector that would optimize vertical translation in their native soil, with northern- and southern-hemisphere worms displaying opposite migratory preferences. Magnetic orientation and vertical migrations required the TAX-4 cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel in the AFD sensory neuron pair. Calcium imaging showed that these neurons respond to magnetic fields even without synaptic input. C. elegans may have adapted magnetic orientation to simplify their vertical burrowing migration by reducing the orientation task from three dimensions to one. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07493.001 PMID:26083711

  10. Theoretical characterization of a model of aragonite crystal orientation in red abalone nacre

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Coppersmith, S N; Gilbert, P U P A; Metzler, R A

    2009-03-01

    Nacre, commonly known as mother-of-pearl, is a remarkable biomineral that in red abalone consists of layers of 400 nm thick aragonite crystalline tablets confined by organic matrix sheets, with the [0 0 1] crystal axes of the aragonite tablets oriented to within ±12° from the normal to the layer planes. Recent experiments demonstrate that greater orientational order develops over a distance of tens of layers from the prismatic boundary at which nacre formation begins. Our previous simulations of a model in which the order develops because of differential tablet growth rates (oriented tablets growing faster than misoriented ones) yield patterns of tablets that agree qualitatively and quantitatively with the experimental measurements. This paper presents an analytical treatment of this model, focusing on how the dynamical development and eventual degree of order depend on model parameters. Dynamical equations for the probability distributions governing tablet orientations are introduced whose form can be determined from symmetry considerations and for which substantial analytic progress can be made. Numerical simulations are performed to relate the parameters used in the analytic theory to those in the microscopic growth model. The analytic theory demonstrates that the dynamical mechanism is able to achieve a much higher degree of order than naive estimates would indicate.

  11. Stereoacuity versus fixation disparity as indicators for vergence accuracy under prismatic stress.

    PubMed

    Kromeier, Miriam; Schmitt, Christina; Bach, Michael; Kommerell, Guntram

    2003-01-01

    Fixation disparity has been widely used as an indicator for vergence accuracy under prismatic stress. However, the targets used for measuring fixation disparity contain artificial features in that the fusional contours are thinned out. We considered that stereoacuity might be a preferable indicator of vergence accuracy, as stereo targets represent natural viewing conditions. We measured fixation disparity with a computer adaptation of Ogle's test and stereoacuity with the automatic Freiburg Stereoacuity Test. Eight subjects were examined under increasing base-in and base-out prisms. The response of fixation disparity to prismatic stress revealed the curve types described by Ogle and Crone. All eight subjects reached a stereoscopic threshold below 10 arcsec. In seven subjects the stereoscopic threshold increased before double vision occurred. Our data suggest that stereoacuity is suitable to assess the range of binocular vision under prismatic stress. As stereoacuity bears the advantage over fixation disparity in that it can be measured without introducing artificial viewing conditions, we suggest exploring whether stereoacuity under prismatic stress would be more meaningful in the work-up of asthenopic patients than is fixation disparity.

  12. Spatial Coding of Eye Movements Relative to Perceived Orientations During Roll Tilt with Different Gravitoinertial Loads

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wood, Scott; Clement, Gilles

    2013-01-01

    This purpose of this study was to examine the spatial coding of eye movements during roll tilt relative to perceived orientations while free-floating during the microgravity phase of parabolic flight or during head tilt in normal gravity. Binocular videographic recordings obtained in darkness from six subjects allowed us to quantify the mean deviations in gaze trajectories along both horizontal and vertical coordinates relative to the aircraft and head orientations. Both variability and curvature of gaze trajectories increased during roll tilt compared to the upright position. The saccades were less accurate during parabolic flight compared to measurements obtained in normal gravity. The trajectories of saccades along perceived horizontal orientations tended to deviate in the same direction as the head tilt, while the deviations in gaze trajectories along the perceived vertical orientations deviated in the opposite direction relative to the head tilt. Although subjects were instructed to look off in the distance while performing the eye movements, fixation distance varied with vertical gaze direction independent of whether the saccades were made along perceived aircraft or head orientations. This coupling of horizontal vergence with vertical gaze is in a consistent direction with the vertical slant of the horopter. The increased errors in gaze trajectories along both perceived orientations during microgravity can be attributed to the otolith's role in spatial coding of eye movements.

  13. Temperature Dependence of Morphology and Growth Mechanism of Vapor-Grown Cd crystals as Affected by Bi Impurities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yumoto, Hisami; Hasiguti, Ryukiti R.

    1984-07-01

    Hexagonal prismatic Cd crystals having {10\\bar{1}0} prismatic planes, or occasionally having {11\\bar{2}0} prismatic planes, were grown as high-temperature-type Cd crystals by the thin layer VLS mechanism at Ts (growth temperature) ≥ Tt (transition temperature range: 250-260°C). Pencil-shaped Cd crystals (low-temperature-type Cd crystals) were grown, having {10\\bar{1}0} and {11\\bar{2}0} prismatic planes and {10\\bar{1}1} pyramidal planes by the mixed-type VLS mechanism at Ts≤Tt. When the growth temperature was decreased below Tt, the shape of the solid-liquid interface changed from rounded to faceted. Three processes for the termination of the mixed-type VLS growth are proposed.

  14. Hyperbolic Prismatic Grid Generation and Solution of Euler Equations on Prismatic Grids

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pandya, S. A.; Chattot, JJ; Hafez, M. M.; Kutler, Paul (Technical Monitor)

    1994-01-01

    A hyperbolic grid generation method is used to generate prismatic grids and an approach using prismatic grids to solve the Euler equations is presented. The theory of the stability and feasibility of the hyperbolic grid generation method is presented. The hyperbolic grid generation method of Steger et al for structured grids is applied to a three dimensional triangularized surface definition to generate a grid that is unstructured on each successive layer. The grid, however, retains structure in the body-normal direction and has a computational cell shaped like a triangular prism. In order to take advantage of the structure in the normal direction, a finite-volume scheme that treats the unknowns along the normal direction implicitly is introduced and the flow over a sphere is simulated.

  15. 3D characterization of trans- and inter-lamellar fatigue crack in (α + β) Ti alloy

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

    Babout, Laurent, E-mail: Laurent.babout@p.lodz.pl; Jopek, Łukasz; Preuss, Michael

    2014-12-15

    This paper presents a three dimensional image processing strategy that has been developed to quantitatively analyze and correlate the path of a fatigue crack with the lamellar microstructure found in Ti-6246. The analysis is carried out on X-ray microtomography images acquired in situ during uniaxial fatigue testing. The crack, the primary β-grain boundaries and the α lamellae have been segmented separately and merged for the first time to allow a better characterization and understanding of their mutual interaction. This has particularly emphasized the role of translamellar crack growth at a very high propagation angle with regard to the lamellar orientation,more » supporting the central role of colonies favorably oriented for basal 〈a〉 slip to guide the crack in the fully lamellar microstructure of Ti alloy. - Highlights: • 3D tomography images reveal strong short fatigue crack interaction with α lamellae. • Proposed 3D image processing methodology makes their segmentation possible. • Crack-lamellae orientation maps show prevalence of translamellar cracking. • Angle study comforts the influence of basal/prismatic slip on crack path.« less

  16. Deformation of periodic nanovoid structures in Mg single crystals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Shuozhi; Su, Yanqing; Zare Chavoshi, Saeed

    2018-01-01

    Large scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in Mg single crystal containing periodic cylindrical voids subject to uniaxial tension along the z direction are carried out. Models with different initial void sizes and crystallographic orientations are explored using two interatomic potentials. It is found that (i) a larger initial void always leads to a lower yield stress, in agreement with an analytic prediction; (ii) in the model with x[\\bar{1}100]-y[0001]-z[11\\bar{2}0] orientations, the two potentials predict different types of tension twins and phase transformation; (iii) in the model with x[0001]-y[11\\bar{2}0]-z[\\bar{1}100] orientations, the two potentials identically predict the nucleation of edge dislocations on the prismatic plane, which then glide away from the void, resulting in extrusions at the void surface; in the case of the smallest initial void, these surface extrusions pinch the void into two voids. Besides bringing new physical understanding of the nanovoid structures, our work highlights the variability and uncertainty in MD simulations arising from the interatomic potential, an issue relatively lightly addressed in the literature to date.

  17. An advanced space photovoltaic concentrator array using Fresnel lenses, gallium arsenide cells, and prismatic cell covers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    O'Neill, Mark J.; Piszczor, Michael F.

    1988-01-01

    The current status of a space concentrator array which uses refractive optics, gallium arsenide cells, and prismatic cell covers to achieve excellent performance at a very low array mass is documented. The prismatically covered cells have established records for space cell performance (24.2 percent efficient at 100 AM0 suns and 25 C) and terrestrial single-junction cell performance (29.3 percent efficient at 200 AM1.5 suns and 25 C).

  18. Mica-dominated seismic properties of mid-crust beneath west Yunnan (China) and geodynamic implications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shao, Tongbin; Ji, Shaocheng; Oya, Shoma; Michibayashi, Katsuyoshi; Wang, Qian

    2016-05-01

    Measurements of crystallographic preferred orientations (CPO) and calculations of P- and S-wave velocities (Vp and Vs) and anisotropy were conducted on three quartz-mica schists and one felsic mylonite, which are representative of typical metamorphic rocks deformed in the middle crust beneath the southeastern Tibetan plateau. Results show that the schists have Vp anisotropy (AVp) ranging from 16.4% to 25.5% and maximum Vs anisotropy [AVs(max)] between 21.6% and 37.8%. The mylonite has lower AVp and AVs(max) but slightly higher foliation anisotropy, which are 13.2%, 18.5%, and 3.07%, respectively, due to the lower content and CPO strength of mica. With increasing mica content, the deformed rocks tend to form transverse isotropy (TI) with fast velocities in the foliation plane and slow velocities normal to the foliation. However, the presence of prismatic minerals (e.g., amphibole and sillimanite) forces the overall symmetry to deviate from TI. An increase in feldspar content reduces the bulk anisotropy caused by mica or quartz because the fast-axis of feldspar aligns parallel to the slow-axis of mica and/or quartz. The effect of quartz on seismic properties of mica-bearing rocks is complex, depending on its content and prevailing slip system. The greatest shear-wave splitting and fastest Vp both occur for propagation directions within the foliation plane, consistent with the fast Pms (S-wave converted from P-wave at the Moho) polarization directions in the west Yunnan where mica/amphibole-bearing rocks have developed pervasive subvertical foliation and subhorizontal lineation. The fast Pms directions are perpendicular to the approximately E-W orienting fast SKS (S-wave traversing the core as P-wave) directions, indicating a decoupling at the Moho interface between the crust and mantle beneath the region. The seismic data are inconsistent with the model of crustal channel flow as the latter should produce a subhorizontal foliation where vertically incident shear waves suffer little splitting.

  19. On the measurement of fiber orientation in fiberboard

    Treesearch

    Otto Suchsland; Charles W. McMillin

    1983-01-01

    An attempt to measure the vertical component of fiber orientation in fiberboard is described. The experiment is based on the obvious reduction of the furnish fiber length which occurs by cutting thin microtome sections of the board parallel to the board plane. Only when no vertical fiber orientation component is present will the fibers contained in these sections have...

  20. Reduced Oblique Effect in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

    PubMed Central

    Sysoeva, Olga V.; Davletshina, Maria A.; Orekhova, Elena V.; Galuta, Ilia A.; Stroganova, Tatiana A.

    2016-01-01

    People are very precise in the discrimination of a line orientation relative to the cardinal (vertical and horizontal) axes, while their orientation discrimination sensitivity along the oblique axes is less refined. This difference in discrimination sensitivity along cardinal and oblique axes is called the “oblique effect.” Given that the oblique effect is a basic feature of visual processing with an early developmental origin, its investigation in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may shed light on the nature of visual sensory abnormalities frequently reported in this population. We examined line orientation sensitivity along oblique and vertical axes in a sample of 26 boys with ASD (IQ > 68) and 38 typically developing (TD) boys aged 7–15 years, as well as in a subsample of carefully IQ-matched ASD and TD participants. Children were asked to detect the direction of tilt of a high-contrast black-and-white grating relative to vertical (90°) or oblique (45°) templates. The oblique effect was reduced in children with ASD as compared to TD participants, irrespective of their IQ. This reduction was due to poor orientation sensitivity along the vertical axis in ASD children, while their ability to discriminate line orientation along the oblique axis was unaffected. We speculate that this deficit in sensitivity to vertical orientation may reflect disrupted mechanisms of early experience-dependent learning that takes place during the critical period for orientation selectivity. PMID:26834540

  1. Feedback control of vibrations in a moving flexible robot arm with rotary and prismatic joints

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wang, P. K. C.; Wei, Jin-Duo

    1987-01-01

    A robot with a long extendible flexible arm which can also undergo both vertical translation and rotary motion is considered. First, A distributed-parameter model for the robot arm dynamics is developed. It is found that the extending motion could enhance the arm vibrations. Then, a Galerkin-type approximation based on an appropriate time-dependent basis for the solution space is used to obtain an approximate finite-dimensional model for simulation studies. A feedback control for damping the motion-induced vibrations is derived by considering the time rate-of-change of the total vibrational energy of the flexible arm. The authors conclude with some simulation results for a special case with the proposed control law.

  2. Anticipating the effects of visual gravity during simulated self-motion: estimates of time-to-passage along vertical and horizontal paths.

    PubMed

    Indovina, Iole; Maffei, Vincenzo; Lacquaniti, Francesco

    2013-09-01

    By simulating self-motion on a virtual rollercoaster, we investigated whether acceleration cued by the optic flow affected the estimate of time-to-passage (TTP) to a target. In particular, we studied the role of a visual acceleration (1 g = 9.8 m/s(2)) simulating the effects of gravity in the scene, by manipulating motion law (accelerated or decelerated at 1 g, constant speed) and motion orientation (vertical, horizontal). Thus, 1-g-accelerated motion in the downward direction or decelerated motion in the upward direction was congruent with the effects of visual gravity. We found that acceleration (positive or negative) is taken into account but is overestimated in module in the calculation of TTP, independently of orientation. In addition, participants signaled TTP earlier when the rollercoaster accelerated downward at 1 g (as during free fall), with respect to when the same acceleration occurred along the horizontal orientation. This time shift indicates an influence of the orientation relative to visual gravity on response timing that could be attributed to the anticipation of the effects of visual gravity on self-motion along the vertical, but not the horizontal orientation. Finally, precision in TTP estimates was higher during vertical fall than when traveling at constant speed along the vertical orientation, consistent with a higher noise in TTP estimates when the motion violates gravity constraints.

  3. Terrace-like morphology of the boundary created through basal-prismatic transformation in magnesium

    DOE PAGES

    Liu, Bo -Yu; Wan, Liang; Wang, Jian; ...

    2015-01-24

    Here, the boundaries created through basal-prismatic transformation in submicron-sized single crystal magnesium have been investigated systematically using in situ transmission electron microscopy. We found that these boundaries not only deviated significantly from the twin plane associated with {101¯2} twin, but also possessed a non-planar morphology. After the sample was thinned to be less than 90 nm, aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy observation found that the basic components of these boundaries are actually terrace-like basal-prismatic interfaces.

  4. A method of determining the refractive index of a prismatic lens.

    PubMed

    Buckley, John G

    2010-01-01

    A new method of measuring lens refractive index requiring immersion in solution and measuring lens power in air and in solution is extended. Prompted by a clinical need, the new method using lens power can be extended by applying it to prismatic power as well. This article provides a theoretical basis explaining why this can be done. The prismatic power of a prism is derived from first principles. Snell's Law and geometrical optics provide the framework for demonstrating the validity of the resulting formula. The sameness in formula derived using lens power or prism is shown, both from a paraxial and non-paraxial optics perspective. The effect of varying lens material and amount of prism is considered. The prismatic method described provides a useful alternative method of determining the refractive index of any lens. In some cases, it may be the only method available. Practitioners should consider when each method will provide optimal results.

  5. Taxel-addressable matrix of vertical nanowire piezotronic transistors

    DOEpatents

    Wang, Zhong Lin; Wu, Wenzhuo; Wen, Xiaonan

    2015-05-05

    A tactile sensing matrix includes a substrate, a first plurality of elongated electrode structures, a plurality of vertically aligned piezoelectric members, an insulating layer infused into the piezoelectric members and a second plurality of elongated electrode structures. The first plurality of elongated electrode structures is disposed on the substrate along a first orientation. The vertically aligned piezoelectric members is disposed on the first plurality of elongated electrode structures and form a matrix having columns of piezoelectric members disposed along the first orientation and rows of piezoelectric members disposed along a second orientation that is transverse to the first orientation. The second plurality of elongated electrode structures is disposed on the insulating layer along the second orientation. The elongated electrode structures form a Schottky contact with the piezoelectric members. When pressure is applied to the piezoelectric members, current flow therethrough is modulated.

  6. Heating equipment installation system

    DOEpatents

    Meuschke, Robert E.; Pomaibo, Paul P.

    1991-01-01

    A method for installing a heater unit assembly (52, 54) in a reactor pressure vessel (2) for performance of an annealing treatment on the vessel (2), the vessel (2) having a vertical axis, being open at the top, being provided at the top with a flange (6) having a horizontal surface, and being provided internally, at a location below the flange (6), with orientation elements (8) which are asymmetrical with respect to the vertical axis, by the steps of: providing an orientation fixture (10) having an upwardly extending guide member (18) and orientation elements (14, 16) and installing the orientation fixture (10) in the vessel (2) so that the orientation elements (14,16) of the orientation fixture (10) mate with the orientation elements (8) of the pressure vessel (2) in order to establish a defined position of the orientation fixture (10) in the pressure vessel (2), and so that the guide member (18) projects above the pressure vessel (2) flange (6); placing a seal ring (30) in a defined position on the pressure vessel (2) flange (6) with the aid of the guide member (18); mounting at least one vertical, upwardly extending guide stud (40) upon the seal ring (30); withdrawing the orientation fixture (10) from the pressure vessel (2); and moving the heater unit assembly (52,54) vertically downwardly into the pressure vessel (2) while guiding the heater unit assembly (52,54) along a path with the aid of the guide stud (40).

  7. Vertically oriented graphene bridging active-layer/current-collector interface for ultrahigh rate supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Bo, Zheng; Zhu, Weiguang; Ma, Wei; Wen, Zhenhai; Shuai, Xiaorui; Chen, Junhong; Yan, Jianhua; Wang, Zhihua; Cen, Kefa; Feng, Xinliang

    2013-10-25

    Dense networks of graphene nanosheets standing vertically on a current collector can work as numerous electrically conductive bridges to facilitate charge transport and mitigate the constriction/spreading resistance at the interface between the active material and the current collector. The vertically oriented graphene-bridged supercapacitors present excellent rate and power capabilities. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  8. Controlled elastic postbuckling of bilaterally constrained non-prismatic columns: application to enhanced quasi-static energy harvesters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Suihan; Burgueño, Rigoberto

    2016-12-01

    Axially compressed bilaterally constrained columns, which can attain multiple snap-through buckling events in their elastic postbuckling response, can be used as energy concentrators and mechanical triggers to transform external quasi-static displacement input to local high-rate motions and excite vibration-based piezoelectric transducers for energy harvesting devices. However, the buckling location with highest kinetic energy release along the element, and where piezoelectric oscillators should be optimally placed, cannot be controlled or isolated due to the changing buckling configurations. This paper proposes the concept of stiffness variations along the column to gain control of the buckling location for optimal placement of piezoelectric transducers. Prototyped non-prismatic columns with piece-wise varying thickness were fabricated through 3D printing for experimental characterization and numerical simulations were conducted using the finite element method. A simple theoretical model was also developed based on the stationary potential energy principle for predicting the critical line contact segment that triggers snap-through events and the buckling morphologies as compression proceeds. Results confirm that non-prismatic column designs allow control of the buckling location in the elastic postbuckling regime. Compared to prismatic columns, non-prismatic designs can attain a concentrated kinetic energy release spot and a higher number of snap-buckling mode transitions under the same global strain. The direct relation between the column’s dynamic response and the output voltage from piezoelectric oscillator transducers allows the tailorable postbuckling response of non-prismatic columns to be used as multi-stable energy concentrators with enhanced performance in micro-energy harvesters.

  9. Copper Nanowire Production for Interconnect Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Han, Jin-Woo (Inventor); Meyyappan, Meyya (Inventor)

    2014-01-01

    A method of fabricating metallic Cu nanowires with lengths up to about 25 micrometers and diameters in a range 20-100 nanometers, or greater if desired. Vertically oriented or laterally oriented copper oxide structures (CuO and/or Cu2O) are grown on a Cu substrate. The copper oxide structures are reduced with 99+ percent H or H2, and in this reduction process the lengths decrease (to no more than about 25 micrometers), the density of surviving nanostructures on a substrate decreases, and the diameters of the surviving nanostructures have a range, of about 20-100 nanometers. The resulting nanowires are substantially pure Cu and can be oriented laterally (for local or global interconnects) or can be oriented vertically (for standard vertical interconnects).

  10. Elastic stress analysis of general prismatic beams : final report.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1980-01-01

    This study developed a numerical methodology for the elastic stress analysis of general prismatic beams. The objective was to accurately determine stresses and displacements on a cross section of a beam where the stress resultants are prescribed. App...

  11. Slingram EMI prospection: Are vertical orientated devices a suitable solution in archaeological and pedological prospection?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thiesson, Julien; Rousselle, Gabrielle; Simon, François Xavier; Tabbagh, Alain

    2011-12-01

    Electromagnetic induction (EMI) is one of the geophysical techniques widely used in soil studies, the slingram devices being held horizontally over the soil surface, i.e. with the coils located at the same height above the ground surface. Our study aims assessing the abilities of slingram devices when held vertically. 1D and 3D modelling have been achieved in order to compare the theoretical responses of vertical devices to the horizontal ones. Some comparative surveys were also undertaken in archaeological contexts to confirm the reliability of theoretical conclusions. Both approaches show that vertical slingram devices are suitable for survey and can constitute an alternative to the usual horizontal orientation. We give a table in Appendix A which contains the calibration coefficient allowing transforming of the values given by some of commercially available devices which would be advantageous to use in vertical orientation

  12. The trigonal prism in coordination chemistry.

    PubMed

    Cremades, Eduard; Echeverría, Jorge; Alvarez, Santiago

    2010-09-10

    Herein we analyze the accessibility of the trigonal-prismatic geometry to metal complexes with different electron configurations, as well as the ability of several hexadentate ligands to favor that coordination polyhedron. Our study combines i) a structural database analysis of the occurrence of the prismatic geometry throughout the transition-metal series, ii) a qualitative molecular orbital analysis of the distortions expected for a trigonal-prismatic geometry, and iii) a computational study of complexes of several transition-metal ions with different hexadentate ligands. Also the tendency of specific electron configurations to present a cis bond-stretch Jahn-Teller distortion is analyzed.

  13. Electronic properties of prismatic modifications of single-wall carbon nanotubes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tomilin, O. B.; Muryumin, E. E.; Rodionova, E. V.; Ryskina, N. P.

    2018-01-01

    The article shows the possibility of target modifying the prismatic single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by regular chemisorption of fluorine atoms in the graphene surface. It is shown that the electronic properties of prismatic SWCNT modifications are determined by the interaction of π- and ρ(in-plane)-electron conjugation in the carbon-conjugated subsystems (tracks) formed in the faces. The contributions of π- and ρ(in-plane)-electron conjugation depend on the structural characteristics of the tracks. It was found that the minimum of degree deviation of the track from the plane of the prism face and the maximum of the track width ensure the maximum contribution of the π-electron conjugation, and the band gap of the prismatic modifications of the SWCNT tends to the band gap of the hydrocarbon analog of the carbon track. It is established that the maximum of degree deviation of the track from the plane of the prism face and the maximum of track width ensure the maximum contribution of the ρ(in-plane) electron interface, and the band gap of the prismatic modifications of the SWCNT tends to the band gap of the unmodified carbon nanotube. The calculation of the model systems has been carried out using an ab initio Hartree-Fock method in the 3-21G basis.

  14. Elastic fields, dipole tensors, and interaction between self-interstitial atom defects in bcc transition metals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dudarev, S. L.; Ma, Pui-Wai

    2018-03-01

    Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that self-interstitial atom (SIA) defects in nonmagnetic body-centered-cubic (bcc) metals adopt strongly anisotropic configurations, elongated in the <111 > direction [S. Han et al., Phys. Rev. B 66, 220101 (2002), 10.1103/PhysRevB.66.220101; D. Nguyen-Manh et al., Phys. Rev. B 73, 020101 (2006), 10.1103/PhysRevB.73.020101; P. M. Derlet et al., Phys. Rev. B 76, 054107 (2007), 10.1103/PhysRevB.76.054107; S. L. Dudarev, Annu. Rev. Mater. Res. 43, 35 (2013), 10.1146/annurev-matsci-071312-121626]. Elastic distortions, associated with such anisotropic atomic structures, appear similar to distortions around small prismatic dislocation loops, although the extent of this similarity has never been quantified. We derive analytical formulas for the dipole tensors of SIA defects, which show that, in addition to the prismatic dislocation looplike character, the elastic field of a SIA defect also has a significant isotropic dilatation component. Using empirical potentials and DFT calculations, we parametrize dipole tensors of <111 > defects for all the nonmagnetic bcc transition metals. This enables a quantitative evaluation of the energy of elastic interaction between the defects, which also shows that in a periodic three-dimensional simple cubic arrangement of crowdions, long-range elastic interactions between a defect and all its images favor a <111 > orientation of the defect.

  15. Design and simulation of an articulated surgical arm for guiding stereotactic neurosurgery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kadi, A. Majeed; Zamorano, Lucia J.; Frazer, Matthew P.; Lu, Yi

    1992-03-01

    In stereotactic surgery, the need exists for means of relating intraoperatively the position and orientation of the surgical instrument used by the neurosurgeon to a known frame of reference. An articulated arm is proposed which would provide the neurosurgeon with on-line information for position, and orientation of the surgical tools being moved by the neurosurgeon. The articulated arm has six degrees of freedom, with five revolute and one prismatic joints. The design features include no obstruction to the field of view, lightweight, good balance against gravity, an accuracy of 1 mm spherical error probability (SEP), and a solvable kinematic structure making it capable of fitting the operating room environment. The arm can be mounted on either the surgical table or the stereotactic frame. A graphical simulation of the arm was created using the IGRIP simulation package created by Deneb Robotics. The simulation demonstrates the use of the arm, mounted on several positions of the ring reaching various target points within the cranium.

  16. Orbit orientation in didelphid marsupials (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae)

    PubMed Central

    Pilatti, Patricia

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Usually considered a morphologically conservative group, didelphid marsupials present considerable variation in ecology and body size, some of which were shown to relate to morphological structures. Thus, changes on orbit morphology are likely and could be related to that variation. We calculated orbit orientation in 873 specimens of 16 Didelphidae genera yielding estimates of orbits convergence (their position relative to midsagittal line) and verticality (their position relative to frontal plane). We then compared similarities in these variables across taxa to ecological, morphological and phylogenetic data to evaluate the influencing factors on orbit orientation in didelphids. We found an inverse relation between convergence and verticality. Didelphids orbits have low verticality but are highly convergent, yet orbit orientation differs significantly between taxa, and that variation is related to morphological aspects of the cranium. Rostral variables are the only morphological features correlated with orbit orientation: increasing snout length yields more convergent orbits, whereas increase on snout breadth imply in more vertical orbits. Size and encephalization quotients are uncorrelated with orbit orientation. Among ecological data, diet showed significant correlation whereas locomotion is the factor that less affects the position of orbits. Phylogeny is uncorrelated to any orbital parameters measured. Ecological factors seemingly play a more important role on orbit orientation than previously expected, and differentiation on orbit orientation seems to be more functional than inherited. Thus, despite the apparent homogeneity on didelphid morphology, there is subtle morphological variability that may be directly related to feeding behavior. PMID:29492000

  17. Experimental investigation and CFD analysis on cross flow in the core of PMR200

    DOE PAGES

    Lee, Jeong -Hun; Yoon, Su -Jong; Cho, Hyoung -Kyu; ...

    2015-04-16

    The Prismatic Modular Reactor (PMR) is one of the major Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) concepts, which consists of hexagonal prismatic fuel blocks and reflector blocks made of nuclear gradegraphite. However, the shape of the graphite blocks could be easily changed by neutron damage duringthe reactor operation and the shape change can create gaps between the blocks inducing the bypass flow.In the VHTR core, two types of gaps, a vertical gap and a horizontal gap which are called bypass gap and cross gap, respectively, can be formed. The cross gap complicates the flow field in the reactor core by connectingmore » the coolant channel to the bypass gap and it could lead to a loss of effective coolant flow in the fuel blocks. Thus, a cross flow experimental facility was constructed to investigate the cross flow phenomena in the core of the VHTR and a series of experiments were carried out under varying flow rates and gap sizes. The results of the experiments were compared with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis results in order to verify its prediction capability for the cross flow phenomena. Fairly good agreement was seen between experimental results and CFD predictions and the local characteristics of the cross flow was discussed in detail. Based on the calculation results, pressure loss coefficient across the cross gap was evaluated, which is necessary for the thermo-fluid analysis of the VHTR core using a lumped parameter code.« less

  18. Origin of vertical orientation in two-dimensional metal halide perovskites and its effect on photovoltaic performance.

    PubMed

    Chen, Alexander Z; Shiu, Michelle; Ma, Jennifer H; Alpert, Matthew R; Zhang, Depei; Foley, Benjamin J; Smilgies, Detlef-M; Lee, Seung-Hun; Choi, Joshua J

    2018-04-06

    Thin films based on two-dimensional metal halide perovskites have achieved exceptional performance and stability in numerous optoelectronic device applications. Simple solution processing of the 2D perovskite provides opportunities for manufacturing devices at drastically lower cost compared to current commercial technologies. A key to high device performance is to align the 2D perovskite layers, during the solution processing, vertical to the electrodes to achieve efficient charge transport. However, it is yet to be understood how the counter-intuitive vertical orientations of 2D perovskite layers on substrates can be obtained. Here we report a formation mechanism of such vertically orientated 2D perovskite in which the nucleation and growth arise from the liquid-air interface. As a consequence, choice of substrates can be liberal from polymers to metal oxides depending on targeted application. We also demonstrate control over the degree of preferential orientation of the 2D perovskite layers and its drastic impact on device performance.

  19. Research showcase, winter 2014 : reducing traffic noise impacts, university transportation centers, advanced prismatic sheeting.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2014-01-01

    This issue of Research Showcase features articles on two successful research efforts, one on quiet : pavements and the other on the bene ts of prismatic sign sheeting, and an article on university : transportation center participation in Florida.

  20. A virtual model of the bench press exercise.

    PubMed

    Rahmani, Abderrahmane; Rambaud, Olivier; Bourdin, Muriel; Mariot, Jean-Pierre

    2009-08-07

    The objective of this study was to design and validate a three degrees of freedom model in the sagittal plane for the bench press exercise. The mechanical model was based on rigid segments connected by revolute and prismatic pairs, which enabled a kinematic approach and global force estimation. The method requires only three simple measurements: (i) horizontal position of the hand (x(0)); (ii) vertical displacement of the barbell (Z) and (iii) elbow angle (theta). Eight adult male throwers performed maximal concentric bench press exercises against different masses. The kinematic results showed that the vertical displacement of each segment and the global centre of mass followed the vertical displacement of the lifted mass. Consequently, the vertical velocity and acceleration of the combined centre of mass and the lifted mass were identical. Finally, for each lifted mass, there were no practical differences between forces calculated from the bench press model and those simultaneously measured with a force platform. The error was lower than 2.5%. The validity of the mechanical method was also highlighted by a standard error of the estimate (SEE) ranging from 2.0 to 6.6N in absolute terms, a coefficient of variation (CV) < or =0.8%, and a correlation between the two scores > or =0.99 for all the lifts (p<0.001). The method described here, which is based on three simple parameters, allows accurate evaluation of the force developed by the upper limb muscles during bench press exercises in both field and laboratory conditions.

  1. Get a Grip: Substrate Orientation and Digital Grasping Pressures in Strepsirrhines.

    PubMed

    Congdon, Kimberly A; Ravosa, Matthew J

    2016-01-01

    Skeletal functional morphology in primates underlies many fossil interpretations. Understanding the functional correlates of arboreal grasping is central to identifying locomotor signatures in extinct primates. We tested 3 predictions linking substrate orientation and digital grasping pressures: (1) below-branch pressures are greater than above-branch and vertical-branch pressures; (2) there is no difference in pressure exerted across digits within autopods at any substrate orientation, and (3) there is no difference in pressure exerted between homologous digits across autopods at any substrate orientation. Adult males and females from 3 strepsirrhine species crossed an artificial arboreal substrate oriented for above-, below- and vertical-branch locomotion. We compared digital pressures within and across behaviors via ANOVA and Tukey's Honest Significant Difference test. Results show limited support for all predictions: below-branch pressures exceeded vertical-branch pressures and above-branch pressures for some digits and species (prediction 1), lateral digits often exerted greater pressures than medial digits (prediction 2), and pedal digits occasionally exerted greater pressures than manual digits during above-branch and vertical orientations but less often for below-branch locomotion (prediction 3). We observed functional variability across autopods, substrate and species that could underlie morphological variation within and across primates. Future work should consider the complexity of arboreality when inferring locomotor modes in fossils. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  2. Two-stage epitaxial growth of vertically-aligned SnO 2 nano-rods on(001) ceria

    DOE PAGES

    Solovyov, Vyacheslav F.; Wu, Li-jun; Rupich, Martin W.; ...

    2014-09-20

    Growth of high-aspect ratio oriented tin oxide, SnO 2, nano-rods is complicated by a limited choice of matching substrates. We show that a (001) cerium oxide, CeO 2, surface uniquely enables epitaxial growth of tin-oxide nano-rods via a two-stage process. First, (100) oriented nano-wires coat the ceria surface by lateral growth, forming a uniaxially-textured SnO 2 deposit. Second, vertical SnO 2nano-rods nucleate on the deposit by homoepitaxy. We demonstrate growth of vertically oriented 1-2 μm long nano-rods with an average diameter of ≈20 nm.

  3. Contour symmetry detection: the influence of axis orientation and number of objects.

    PubMed

    Friedenberg, J; Bertamini, M

    2000-09-01

    Participants discriminated symmetrical from random contours connected by straight lines to form part of one- or two-objects. In experiment one, symmetrical contours were translated or reflected and presented at vertical, horizontal, and oblique axis orientations with orientation constant within blocks. Translated two-object contours were detected more easily than one, replicating a "lock-and-key" effect obtained previously for vertical orientations only [M. Bertamini, J.D. Friedenberg, M. Kubovy, Acta Psychologica, 95 (1997) 119-140]. A second experiment extended these results to a wider variety of axis orientations under mixed block conditions. The pattern of performance for translation and reflection at different orientations corresponded in both experiments, suggesting that orientation is processed similarly in the detection of these symmetries.

  4. A streaming multi-GPU implementation of image simulation algorithms for scanning transmission electron microscopy

    DOE PAGES

    Pryor, Alan; Ophus, Colin; Miao, Jianwei

    2017-10-25

    Simulation of atomic-resolution image formation in scanning transmission electron microscopy can require significant computation times using traditional methods. A recently developed method, termed plane-wave reciprocal-space interpolated scattering matrix (PRISM), demonstrates potential for significant acceleration of such simulations with negligible loss of accuracy. In this paper, we present a software package called Prismatic for parallelized simulation of image formation in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) using both the PRISM and multislice methods. By distributing the workload between multiple CUDA-enabled GPUs and multicore processors, accelerations as high as 1000 × for PRISM and 15 × for multislice are achieved relative to traditionalmore » multislice implementations using a single 4-GPU machine. We demonstrate a potentially important application of Prismatic, using it to compute images for atomic electron tomography at sufficient speeds to include in the reconstruction pipeline. Prismatic is freely available both as an open-source CUDA/C++ package with a graphical user interface and as a Python package, PyPrismatic.« less

  5. Evolution of silver/gold triangular nanoframes from prismatic silver/gold core/shell nanostructures and their SERS properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Parthiban, P.; Sakar, M.; Balakumar, S.

    2013-02-01

    We report the evolution of Ag/Au triangular nanoframes from nano core/shell of Ag/Au and their surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties. The Ag/Au prismatic core/shell nanostructures were synthesized using chemical reduction method. It was observed that, on the addition of excess gold chloride (HAuCl4) solution, the morphology of nano core/shell was changed to alloy like triangular nanoframes. Accordingly, a shift was found towards higher wavelengths in the UV-Visible absorption peaks of Ag/Au nanoframes compare to Ag/Au nano core/shell. Consequently, the SERS effect of these Ag/Au anisotropic nanostructures were studied on methylene blue. The Ag/Au alloy like prismatic nanoframes showed improved SERS effect than that of prismatic core/shell nanostructures. The experimental findings were revealed that the improved SERS effect could be resulted from the enhanced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) due to the alloy like construction of Ag/Au system.

  6. Crystal defects induced by chitin and chitinolytic enzymes in the prismatic layer of Pinctada fucata.

    PubMed

    Kintsu, Hiroyuki; Okumura, Taiga; Negishi, Lumi; Ifuku, Shinsuke; Kogure, Toshihiro; Sakuda, Shohei; Suzuki, Michio

    2017-07-22

    Biomineralization, in which organisms create biogenic hard tissues, with hardness or flexibility enhanced by organic-inorganic interaction is an interesting and attractive focus for application of biomimetic functional materials. Calcites in the prismatic layer of Pinctada fucata are tougher than abiotic calcites due to small crystal defects. However, the molecular mechanism of the defect formation remains unclear. Here, chitin and two chitinolytic enzymes, chitinase and chitobiase, were identified as organic matrices related to for the formation of small crystal defects in the prismatic layer. Experiments with a chitinase inhibitor in vivo showed chitinase is necessary to form the prismatic layer. Analysis of calcite crystals, which were synthesized in a chitin hydrogel treated with chitinolytic enzymes, by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that crystal defects became larger as chitin was more degraded. These results suggest that interactions between chitin and calcium carbonate increase as chitin is thinner. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  7. A streaming multi-GPU implementation of image simulation algorithms for scanning transmission electron microscopy.

    PubMed

    Pryor, Alan; Ophus, Colin; Miao, Jianwei

    2017-01-01

    Simulation of atomic-resolution image formation in scanning transmission electron microscopy can require significant computation times using traditional methods. A recently developed method, termed plane-wave reciprocal-space interpolated scattering matrix (PRISM), demonstrates potential for significant acceleration of such simulations with negligible loss of accuracy. Here, we present a software package called Prismatic for parallelized simulation of image formation in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) using both the PRISM and multislice methods. By distributing the workload between multiple CUDA-enabled GPUs and multicore processors, accelerations as high as 1000 × for PRISM and 15 × for multislice are achieved relative to traditional multislice implementations using a single 4-GPU machine. We demonstrate a potentially important application of Prismatic , using it to compute images for atomic electron tomography at sufficient speeds to include in the reconstruction pipeline. Prismatic is freely available both as an open-source CUDA/C++ package with a graphical user interface and as a Python package, PyPrismatic .

  8. A streaming multi-GPU implementation of image simulation algorithms for scanning transmission electron microscopy

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

    Pryor, Alan; Ophus, Colin; Miao, Jianwei

    Simulation of atomic-resolution image formation in scanning transmission electron microscopy can require significant computation times using traditional methods. A recently developed method, termed plane-wave reciprocal-space interpolated scattering matrix (PRISM), demonstrates potential for significant acceleration of such simulations with negligible loss of accuracy. In this paper, we present a software package called Prismatic for parallelized simulation of image formation in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) using both the PRISM and multislice methods. By distributing the workload between multiple CUDA-enabled GPUs and multicore processors, accelerations as high as 1000 × for PRISM and 15 × for multislice are achieved relative to traditionalmore » multislice implementations using a single 4-GPU machine. We demonstrate a potentially important application of Prismatic, using it to compute images for atomic electron tomography at sufficient speeds to include in the reconstruction pipeline. Prismatic is freely available both as an open-source CUDA/C++ package with a graphical user interface and as a Python package, PyPrismatic.« less

  9. Computation of Thin-Walled Prismatic Shells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vlasov, V. Z.

    1949-01-01

    We consider a prismatic shell consisting of a finite number of narrow rectangular plates and having in the cross-section a finite number of closed contours (fig. 1(a)). We shall assume that the rectangular plates composing the shell are rigidly joined so that there is no motion of any kind of one plate relative to the others meeting at a given connecting line. The position of a point on the middle prismatic surface is considered to be defined by the coordinate z, the distance to a certain initial cross-section z = O, end the coordinate s determining its position on the contour of the cross-section.

  10. Students' ideas about prismatic images: teaching experiments for an image-based approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grusche, Sascha

    2017-05-01

    Prismatic refraction is a classic topic in science education. To investigate how undergraduate students think about prismatic dispersion, and to see how they change their thinking when observing dispersed images, five teaching experiments were done and analysed according to the Model of Educational Reconstruction. For projection through a prism, the students used a 'split image projection' conceptualisation. For the view through a prism, this conceptualisation was not fruitful. Based on the observed images, six of seven students changed to a 'diverted image projection' conceptualisation. From a comparison between students' and scientists' ideas, teaching implications are derived for an image-based approach.

  11. Horizontal and Vertical Attentional Orienting in Parkinson's Disease

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nys, Gudrun M. S.; Santens, Patrick; Vingerhoets, Guy

    2010-01-01

    Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) typically suffer from an asymmetric degeneration of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra, resulting in right-sided (RPD) or left-sided (LPD) predominance of motor symptomatology. As the dopaminergic system is also involved in attention, we examined horizontal and vertical orienting of attention in LPD…

  12. Increase of electrodeposited catalyst stability via plasma grown vertically oriented graphene nanoparticle movement restriction.

    PubMed

    Vanrenterghem, Bart; Hodnik, Nejc; Bele, Marjan; Šala, Martin; Amelinckx, Giovanni; Neukermans, Sander; Zaplotnik, Rok; Primc, Gregor; Mozetič, Miran; Breugelmans, Tom

    2017-08-17

    Beside activity, electrocatalyst stability is gaining in importance. The most common degradation mechanism is the loss of the active surface area due to nanoparticle growth via coalescence/agglomeration. We propose a particle confinement strategy via vertically oriented graphene deposition to overcome degradation of the nanoparticles.

  13. An RGB Approach to Prismatic Colours

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Theilmann, Florian; Grusche, Sascha

    2013-01-01

    Teaching prismatic colours usually boils down to establishing the take-home message that white light consists of "differently refrangible" coloured rays. This approach explains the classical spectrum of seven colours but has its limitations, e.g. in discussing spectra from setups with higher resolution or in understanding the well…

  14. Microbial Biosignatures in a Streamer Mat Community from Silica-depositing, Hydrothermal Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jahnke, L. L.; Parenteau, M. N.; Farmer, J. D.

    2010-04-01

    Our goal is to establish community biosignatures within silica-rich microbial ecosystems. We describe a novel green streamer community and an underlying pink sinter mat associated with the outflow of Grand Prismatic Spring only during the winter months.

  15. Gravity response mechanisms of lateral organs and the control of plant architecture in Arabidopsis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mullen, J.; Hangarter, R.

    Most research on gravity responses in plants has focused on primary roots and shoots, which typically grow in a vertical orientation. However, the patterns of lateral organ formation and their growth orientation, which typically are not vertical, govern plant architecture. For example, in Arabidopsis, when lateral roots emerge from the primary root, they grow at a nearly horizontal orientation. As they elongate, the roots slowly curve until they eventually reach a vertical orientation. The regulation of this lateral root orientation is an important component affecting the overall root system architecture. We have found that this change in orientation is not simply due to the onset of gravitropic competence, as non-vertical lateral roots are capable of both positive and negative gravitropism. Thus, the horizontal growth of the new lateral roots is determined by what is called the gravitropic set-point angle (GSA). In Arabidopsis shoots, rosette leaves and inflorescence branches also display GSA-dependent developmental changes in their orientation. The developmental control of the GSA of lateral organs in Arabidopsis provides us with a useful system for investigating the components involved in regulating directionality of tropistic responses. We have identified several Arabidopsis mutants that have either altered lateral root orientations, altered orientation of lateral organs in the shoot, or both, but maintain normal primary organ orientation. The mgsa ({m}odified {g}ravitropic {s}et-point {a}ngle) mutants with both altered lateral root and shoot orientation show that there are common components in the regulation of growth orientation in the different organs. Rosette leaves and lateral roots also have in common a regulation of positioning by red light. Further molecular and physiological analyses of the GSA mutants will provide insight into the basis of GSA regulation and, thus, a better understanding of how gravity controls plant architecture. [This work was supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration through grant no. NCC 2-1200.

  16. The orientation of the cervical vertebral column in unrestrained awake animals. I. Resting position.

    PubMed

    Vidal, P P; Graf, W; Berthoz, A

    1986-01-01

    The orientation of the cervical vertebral column was studied by X-ray photography of the region containing the head and the neck in nine unrestrained species of vertebrates (man, monkey, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, rat, chicken, frog, lizard). In addition, the orientation of the horizontal semicircular canals was measured in four species using landmarks on the skull. In all vertebrates studied, with the exception of frog and lizard, the general orientation of the cervical vertebral column was vertical when animals were at rest, and not horizontal or oblique as suggested by the macroscopic appearance of the neck. The posture of the animal, whether lying, sitting or standing, had little effect on this general vertical orientation, although some variability was noticed depending on the species. This finding prompted the definition of a resting zone, where the cervical column can take any orientation within a narrow range around a mean position. The cervical vertebral column composes part of the S-shaped structure of the entire vertebral column, with one inflection around the cervico-thoracic (C7/Th1) junction. This feature is already noticable in the lizard. The vertical orientation of the cervical vertebral column is interpreted to provide a stable and energy saving balance of the head. Furthermore, when the head is lowered or raised, the atlanto-occipital and cervico-thoracic junctions are predominantly involved, while the entire cervical column largely preserves its intrinsic configuration. The curved configuration of the cervico-thoracic vertebral column embedded in long spring-like muscles is interpreted to function as a shock absorber. At rest, animals did not hold their heads with the horizontal canals oriented earth horizontally all the time, but often maintained them pitched up by ca. 5 deg, as has been reported for man. At other times, presumably when the vigilance level increased, the horizontal canals were brought into the earth horizontal plane. The vertical orientation of the cervical column results in a vertical positioning of the odontoid process of the axis (second cervical vertebra, C2), which thus provides the axis of rotation for yaw movements of the head. This axis corresponds to that of the horizontal semicircular canals. The vertical organization of the cervical vertebral column in birds and mammals, whether the animal is quadrupedal or bipedal, points to a common organizational principle for eye and head movement systems.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

  17. Cyclic Solvent Vapor Annealing for Rapid, Robust Vertical Orientation of Features in BCP Thin Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Paradiso, Sean; Delaney, Kris; Fredrickson, Glenn

    2015-03-01

    Methods for reliably controlling block copolymer self assembly have seen much attention over the past decade as new applications for nanostructured thin films emerge in the fields of nanopatterning and lithography. While solvent assisted annealing techniques are established as flexible and simple methods for achieving long range order, solvent annealing alone exhibits a very weak thermodynamic driving force for vertically orienting domains with respect to the free surface. To address the desire for oriented features, we have investigated a cyclic solvent vapor annealing (CSVA) approach that combines the mobility benefits of solvent annealing with selective stress experienced by structures oriented parallel to the free surface as the film is repeatedly swollen with solvent and dried. Using dynamical self-consistent field theory (DSCFT) calculations, we establish the conditions under which the method significantly outperforms both static and cyclic thermal annealing and implicate the orientation selection as a consequence of the swelling/deswelling process. Our results suggest that CSVA may prove to be a potent method for the rapid formation of highly ordered, vertically oriented features in block copolymer thin films.

  18. Two-stage epitaxial growth of vertically-aligned SnO2 nano-rods on (001) ceria

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

    Solovyov, VF; Wu, LJ; Rupich, MW

    2014-12-15

    Growth of high-aspect ratio oriented tin oxide, SnO2, nano-rods is complicated by a limited choice of matching substrates. We show that a (001) cerium oxide, CeO2, surface uniquely enables epitaxial growth of tin-oxide nano-rods via a two-stage process. First, (100) oriented nano-wires coat the ceria surface by lateral growth, forming a uniaxially-textured SnO2 deposit. Second, vertical SnO2 nano-rods nucleate on the deposit by homoepitaxy. We demonstrate growth of vertically oriented 1-2 mu m long nano-rods with an average diameter of approximate to 20 nm. 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Laser device

    DOEpatents

    Scott, Jill R.; Tremblay, Paul L.

    2008-08-19

    A laser device includes a virtual source configured to aim laser energy that originates from a true source. The virtual source has a vertical rotational axis during vertical motion of the virtual source and the vertical axis passes through an exit point from which the laser energy emanates independent of virtual source position. The emanating laser energy is collinear with an orientation line. The laser device includes a virtual source manipulation mechanism that positions the virtual source. The manipulation mechanism has a center of lateral pivot approximately coincident with a lateral index and a center of vertical pivot approximately coincident with a vertical index. The vertical index and lateral index intersect at an index origin. The virtual source and manipulation mechanism auto align the orientation line through the index origin during virtual source motion.

  20. Fabrication methods and anisotropic properties of graphite matrix compacts for use in HTGR

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yeo, Sunghwan; Yun, Jihae; Kim, Sungok; Cho, Moon Sung; Lee, Young-Woo

    2018-02-01

    This study investigated the anisotropic microstructural, mechanical, and thermal properties of fabricated graphite matrix prismatic compacts for High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGR) fuel. When the observed alignment of graphite grains and the coke derived from phenolic resin is in the transverse direction, the result is severely anisotropic thermal properties. Compacts with such orientation in the transverse direction exhibited increases of thermal expansion and conductivity up to 5.8 times and 4.82 times, respectively, more than those in the axial direction. The formation of pores due to the pyrolysis of phenolic resin was observed predominantly on upper region of the fabricated compacts. This anisotropic pore formation created anisotropic Vickers hardness on the planes with different directions.

  1. Polarization-dependent imaging contrast in abalone shells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Metzler, Rebecca A.; Zhou, Dong; Abrecht, Mike; Chiou, Jau-Wern; Guo, Jinghua; Ariosa, Daniel; Coppersmith, Susan N.; Gilbert, P. U. P. A.

    2008-02-01

    Many biominerals contain micro- or nanocrystalline mineral components, organized accurately into architectures that confer the material with improved mechanical performance at the macroscopic scale. We present here an effect which enables us to observe the relative orientation of individual crystals at the submicron scale. We call it polarization-dependent imaging contrast (PIC), as it is an imaging development of the well-known x-ray linear dichroism. Most importantly, PIC is obtained in situ, in biominerals. We present here PIC in the prismatic and nacreous layers of Haliotis rufescens (red abalone), confirm it in geologic calcite and aragonite, and corroborate the experimental data with theoretical simulated spectra. PIC reveals different and unexpected aspects of nacre architecture that have inspired theoretical models for nacre formation.

  2. Measurement of Posterior Corneal Astigmatism by the IOLMaster 700.

    PubMed

    LaHood, Benjamin R; Goggin, Michael

    2018-05-01

    To provide the first description of posterior corneal astigmatism as measured by the IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) and assess how its characteristics compare to previous measurements from other devices. A total of 1,098 routine IOLMaster 700 biometric measurements were analyzed to provide magnitudes and orientation of steep and flat axes of anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism. Subgroup analysis was conducted to assess correlation of posterior corneal astigmatism characteristics to anterior corneal astigmatism and describe the distribution of posterior corneal astigmatism with age. Mean posterior corneal astigmatism was 0.24 ± 0.15 diopters (D). The steep axis of posterior corneal astigmatism was vertically oriented in 73.32% of measurements. Correlation between the magnitude of anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism was greatest when the steep axis of the anterior corneal astigmatism was oriented vertically (r = 0.68, P < .0001). Vertical orientation of the steep axis of anterior corneal astigmatism became less common as age increased, whereas for posterior corneal astigmatism it remained by far the most common orientation. This first description of posterior corneal astigmatism measurement by the IOLMaster 700 found the average magnitude of posterior corneal astigmatism and proportion of vertical orientation of steep axis was lower than previous estimates. The IOLMaster 700 appears capable of providing enhanced biometric measurement for individualized surgical planning. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(5):331-336.]. Copyright 2018, SLACK Incorporated.

  3. Accuracy of saccades to remembered targets as a function of body orientation in space

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vogelstein, Joshua T.; Snyder, Lawrence H.; Angelaki, Dora E.

    2003-01-01

    A vertical asymmetry in memory-guided saccadic eye movements has been previously demonstrated in humans and in rhesus monkeys. In the upright orientation, saccades generally land several degrees above the target. The origin of this asymmetry has remained unknown. In this study, we investigated whether the asymmetry in memory saccades is dependent on body orientation in space. Thus animals performed memory saccades in four different body orientations: upright, left-side-down (LSD), right-side-down (RSD), and supine. Data in all three rhesus monkeys confirm previous observations regarding a significant upward vertical asymmetry. Saccade errors made from LSD and RSD postures were partitioned into components made along the axis of gravity and along the vertical body axis. Up/down asymmetry persisted only in body coordinates but not in gravity coordinates. However, this asymmetry was generally reduced in tilted positions. Therefore the upward bias seen in memory saccades is egocentric although orientation in space might play a modulatory role.

  4. Effect of outboard vertical-fin position and orientation on the low-speed aerodynamic performance of highly swept wings. [supersonic cruise aircraft research

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnson, V. S.; Coe, P. L., Jr.

    1979-01-01

    A theoretical study was conducted to determine the potential low-speed performance improvements which can be achieved by altering the position and orientation of the outboard vertical fins of low-aspect-ratio highly swept wings. Results show that the magnitude of the performance improvements is solely a function of the span-load distribution. Both the vertical-fin-chordwise position and toe angle provided effective means for adjusting the overall span-load distribution.

  5. Control of spatial orientation of the angular vestibuloocular reflex by the nodulus and uvula.

    PubMed

    Wearne, S; Raphan, T; Cohen, B

    1998-05-01

    Spatial orientation of the angular vestibuloocular reflex (aVOR) was studied in rhesus monkeys after complete and partial ablation of the nodulus and ventral uvula. Horizontal, vertical, and torsional components of slow phases of nystagmus were analyzed to determine the axes of eye rotation, the time constants (Tcs) of velocity storage, and its orientation vectors. The gravito-inertial acceleration vector (GIA) was tilted relative to the head during optokinetic afternystagmus (OKAN), centrifugation, and reorientation of the head during postrotatory nystagmus. When the GIA was tilted relative to the head in normal animals, horizontal Tcs decreased, vertical and/or roll time constants (Tc(vert/roll)) lengthened according to the orientation of the GIA, and vertical and/or roll eye velocity components appeared (cross-coupling). This shifted the axis of eye rotation toward alignment with the tilted GIA. Horizontal and vertical/roll Tcs varied inversely, with T(chor) being longest and T(cvert/roll) shortest when monkeys were upright, and the reverse when stimuli were around the vertical or roll axes. Vertical or roll Tcs were longest when the axes of eye rotation were aligned with the spatial vertical, respectively. After complete nodulo-uvulectomy, T(chor) became longer, and periodic alternating nystagmus (PAN) developed in darkness. T(chor) could not be shortened in any of paradigms tested. In addition, yaw-to-vertical/roll cross-coupling was lost, and the axes of eye rotation remained fixed during nystagmus, regardless of the tilt of the GIA with respect to the head. After central portions of the nodulus and uvula were ablated, leaving lateral portions of the nodulus intact, yaw-to-vertical/roll cross-coupling and control of Tc(vert/roll) was lost or greatly reduced. However, control of Tchor was maintained, and T(chor) continued to vary as a function of the tilted GIA. Despite this, the eye velocity vector remained aligned with the head during yaw axis stimulation after partial nodulo-uvulectomy, regardless of GIA orientation to the head. The data were related to a three-dimensional model of the aVOR, which simulated the experimental results. The model provides a basis for understanding how the nodulus and uvula control processing within the vestibular nuclei responsible for spatial orientation of the aVOR. We conclude that the three-dimensional dynamics of the velocity storage system are determined in the nodulus and ventral uvula. We propose that the horizontal and vertical/roll Tcs are separately controlled in the nodulus and uvula with the dynamic characteristics of vertical/roll components modulated in central portions and the horizontal components laterally, presumably in a semicircular canal-based coordinate frame.

  6. Endohedral beryllium atoms in germanium clusters with eight and fewer vertices: how small can a cluster be and still encapsulate a central atom?

    PubMed

    Uţă, M M; King, R B

    2012-05-31

    Structures of the beryllium-centered germanium clusters Be@Ge(n)(z) (n = 8, 7, 6; z = -4, -2, 0, +2) have been investigated by density functional theory to provide some insight regarding the smallest metal cluster that can encapsulate an interstitial atom. The lowest energy structures of the eight-vertex Be@Ge(8)(z) clusters (z = -4, -2, 0, +2) all have the Be atom at the center of a closed polyhedron, namely, a D(4d) square antiprism for Be@Ge(8)(4-), a D(2d) bisdisphenoid for Be@Ge(8)(2-), an ideal O(h) cube for Be@Ge(8), and a C(2v) distorted cube for Be@Ge(8)(2+). The Be-centered cubic structures predicted for Be@Ge(8) and Be@Ge(8)(2+) differ from the previously predicted lowest energy structures for the isoelectronic Ge(8)(2-) and Ge(8). This appears to be related to the larger internal volume of the cube relative to other closed eight-vertex polyhedra. The lowest energy structures for the smaller seven- and six-vertex clusters Be@Ge(n)(z) (n = 7, 6; z = -4, -2, 0, +2) no longer have the Be atom at the center of a closed Ge(n) polyhedron. Instead, either the Ge(n) polyhedron has opened up to provide a larger volume for the Be atom or the Be atom has migrated to the surface of the polyhedron. However, higher energy structures are found in which the Be atom is located at the center of a Ge(n) (n = 7, 6) polyhedron. Examples of such structures are a centered C(2v) capped trigonal prismatic structure for Be@Ge(7)(2-), a centered D(5h) pentagonal bipyramidal structure for Be@Ge(7), a centered D(3h) trigonal prismatic structure for Be@Ge(6)(4-), and a centered octahedral structure for Be@Ge(6). Cluster buildup reactions of the type Be@Ge(n)(z) + Ge(2) → Be@Ge(n+2)(z) (n = 6, 8; z = -4, -2, 0, +2) are all predicted to be highly exothermic. This suggests that interstitial clusters having an endohedral atom inside a bare post transition element polyhedron with eight or fewer vertices are less than the optimum size. This is consistent with the experimental observation of several types of 10-vertex polyhedral bare post transition element clusters with interstitial atoms but the failure to observe such clusters with external polyhedra having eight or fewer vertices.

  7. Visual Search for Object Orientation Can Be Modulated by Canonical Orientation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ballaz, Cecile; Boutsen, Luc; Peyrin, Carole; Humphreys, Glyn W.; Marendaz, Christian

    2005-01-01

    The authors studied the influence of canonical orientation on visual search for object orientation. Displays consisted of pictures of animals whose axis of elongation was either vertical or tilted in their canonical orientation. Target orientation could be either congruent or incongruent with the object's canonical orientation. In Experiment 1,…

  8. Vertical or horizontal orientation of foot radiographs does not affect image interpretation

    PubMed Central

    Ferran, Nicholas Antonio; Ball, Luke; Maffulli, Nicola

    2012-01-01

    Summary This study determined whether the orientation of dorsoplantar and oblique foot radiographs has an effect on radiograph interpretation. A test set of 50 consecutive foot radiographs were selected (25 with fractures, and 25 normal), and duplicated in the horizontal orientation. The images were randomly arranged, numbered 1 through 100, and analysed by six image interpreters. Vertical and horizontal area under the ROC curve, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each image interpreter. There was no significant difference in the area under the ROC curve, accuracy, sensitivity or specificity of image interpretation between images viewed in the vertical or horizontal orientation. While conventions for display of radiographs may help to improve the development of an efficient visual search strategy in trainees, and allow for standardisation of publication of radiographic images, variation from the convention in clinical practice does not appear to affect the sensitivity or specificity of image interpretation. PMID:23738310

  9. The impact of orientation filtering on face-selective neurons in monkey inferior temporal cortex.

    PubMed

    Taubert, Jessica; Goffaux, Valerie; Van Belle, Goedele; Vanduffel, Wim; Vogels, Rufin

    2016-02-16

    Faces convey complex social signals to primates. These signals are tolerant of some image transformations (e.g. changes in size) but not others (e.g. picture-plane rotation). By filtering face stimuli for orientation content, studies of human behavior and brain responses have shown that face processing is tuned to selective orientation ranges. In the present study, for the first time, we recorded the responses of face-selective neurons in monkey inferior temporal (IT) cortex to intact and scrambled faces that were filtered to selectively preserve horizontal or vertical information. Guided by functional maps, we recorded neurons in the lateral middle patch (ML), the lateral anterior patch (AL), and an additional region located outside of the functionally defined face-patches (CONTROL). We found that neurons in ML preferred horizontal-passed faces over their vertical-passed counterparts. Neurons in AL, however, had a preference for vertical-passed faces, while neurons in CONTROL had no systematic preference. Importantly, orientation filtering did not modulate the firing rate of neurons to phase-scrambled face stimuli in any recording region. Together these results suggest that face-selective neurons found in the face-selective patches are differentially tuned to orientation content, with horizontal tuning in area ML and vertical tuning in area AL.

  10. Statistical Analyses Comparing Prismatic Magnetite Crystals in ALH84001 Carbonate Globules with those from the Terrestrial Magnetotactic Bacteria Strain MV-1

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Thomas-Keprta, Kathie L.; Clemett, Simon J.; Bazylinski, Dennis A.; Kirschvink, Joseph L.; McKay, David S.; Wentworth, Susan J.; Vali, H.; Gibson, Everett K.

    2000-01-01

    Here we use rigorous mathematical modeling to compare ALH84001 prismatic magnetites with those produced by terrestrial magnetotactic bacteria, MV-1. We find that this subset of the Martian magnetites appears to be statistically indistinguishable from those of MV-1.

  11. Management of Duane retraction syndrome with prismatic glasses

    PubMed Central

    Aygit, Ebru Demet; Kocamaz, Murat; Inal, Asli; Fazil, Korhan; Ocak, Osman Bulut; Akar, Serpil; Gokyigit, Birsen

    2017-01-01

    Purpose To report the results of using prismatic glasses for Duane retraction syndrome (DRS). Methods Data were obtained from the records of patients who were evaluated during the year 2000 in the Strabismus Unit of the Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital. The average follow-up was 12.2±17.7 months. In all cases, 2 main variables were evaluated: horizontal deviation in the primary position and face turn. Prismatic glasses were provided to patients according to the degree of shift in the primary position. Results The mean age of patients was 11.2 years. An analysis was performed on the data collected from 12 cases; 7 patients were females (58.3%) and 5 were males (41.7%), with 11 (91.7%) cases being of type I DRS. All 12 patients had abnormal head posture (face turn) and an angle of mean deviation equaling 10 PD (prism dioptri). Conclusion Treatment was individualized on a case-by-case basis. Prismatic glasses are useful for eliminating abnormal head posture and ocular misalignment in selected cases. PMID:28442887

  12. Study of the microstructure and mechanical properties of white clam shell.

    PubMed

    Liang, Yunhong; Zhao, Qian; Li, Xiujuan; Zhang, Zhihui; Ren, Luquan

    2016-08-01

    The microstructure and mechanical properties of white clam shell were investigated, respectively. It can be divided into horny layer, prismatic layer and nacreous layer. Crossed-lamellar structure was the microstructural characteristic. The extension direction of lamellae in prismatic layer was different from that in nacreous layer, which formed an angle on the interface between prismatic layer and nacreous layer. The phase component of three layers was CaCO3 with crystallization morphology of aragonite, which confirmed the crossed-lamellar structural characteristic. White calm shell exhibited perfect mechanical properties. The microhardness values of three layers were 273HV, 240HV and 300HV, respectively. The average values of flexure and compression strength were 110.2MPa and 80.1MPa, respectively. The macroscopical cracks crossed the lamellae and finally terminated within the length range of about 80μm. It was the microstructure characteristics, the angle on the interface between prismatic and nacreous layer and the hardness diversity among the different layers that enhanced mechanical properties of white calm shell. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Measurements of heat generation in prismatic Li-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Kaiwei; Unsworth, Grant; Li, Xianguo

    2014-09-01

    An accurate understanding of the characteristics of battery heat generation is essential to the development and success of thermal management systems for electric vehicles. In this study, a calorimeter capable of measuring the heat generation rates of a prismatic battery is developed and verified by using a controllable electric heater. The heat generation rates of a prismatic A123 LiFePO4 battery is measured for discharge rates ranging from 0.25C to 3C and operating temperature ranging from -10 °C to 40 °C. At low rates of discharge the heat generation is not significant, even becoming endothermic at the battery operating temperatures of 30 °C and 40 °C. Heat of mixing is observed to be a non-negligible component of total heat generation at discharge rates as low as 0.25C for all tested battery operating temperatures. A double plateau in battery discharge curve is observed for operating temperatures of 30 °C and 40 °C. The developed experimental facility can be used for the characterization of heat generation for any prismatic battery, regardless of chemistries.

  14. Shape-designed frustration by local polymorphism in a near-equilibrium colloidal glass.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Kun; Mason, Thomas G

    2015-09-29

    We show that hard, convex, lithographic, prismatic kite platelets, each having three 72° vertices and one 144° vertex, preferentially form a disordered and arrested 2D glass when concentrated quasi-statically in a monolayer while experiencing thermal Brownian fluctuations. By contrast with 2D systems of other hard convex shapes, such as squares, rhombs, and pentagons, which readily form crystals at high densities, 72° kites retain a liquid-like disordered structure that becomes frozen-in as their long-time translational and rotational diffusion become highly bounded, yielding a 2D colloidal glass. This robust glass-forming propensity arises from competition between highly diverse few-particle local polymorphic configurations (LPCs) that have incommensurate features and symmetries. Thus, entropy maximization is consistent with the preservation of highly diverse LPCs en route to the arrested glass.

  15. Orientation of human optokinetic nystagmus to gravity: a model-based approach

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gizzi, M.; Raphan, T.; Rudolph, S.; Cohen, B.

    1994-01-01

    Optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) was induced by having subjects watch a moving display in a binocular, head-fixed apparatus. The display was composed of 3.3 degrees stripes moving at 35 degrees/s for 45 s. It subtended 88 degrees horizontally by 72 degrees vertically of the central visual field and could be oriented to rotate about axes that were upright or tilted 45 degrees or 90 degrees. The head was held upright or was tilted 45 degrees left or right on the body during stimulation. Head-horizontal (yaw axis) and head-vertical (pitch axis) components of OKN were recorded with electro-oculography (EOG). Slow phase velocity vectors were determined and compared with the axis of stimulation and the spatial vertical (gravity axis). With the head upright, the axis of eye rotation during yaw axis OKN was coincident with the stimulus axis and the spatial vertical. With the head tilted, a significant vertical component of eye velocity appeared during yaw axis stimulation. As a result the axis of eye rotation shifted from the stimulus axis toward the spatial vertical. Vertical components developed within 1-2 s of stimulus onset and persisted until the end of stimulation. In the six subjects there was a mean shift of the axis of eye rotation during yaw axis stimulation of approximately 18 degrees with the head tilted 45 degrees on the body. Oblique optokinetic stimulation with the head upright was associated with a mean shift of the axis of eye rotation toward the spatial vertical of 9.2 degrees. When the head was tilted and the same oblique stimulation was given, the axis of eye rotation rotated to the other side of the spatial vertical by 5.4 degrees. This counterrotation of the axis of eye rotation is similar to the "Muller (E) effect," in which the perception of the upright is counterrotated to the opposite side of the spatial vertical when subjects are tilted in darkness. The data were simulated by a model of OKN with a "direct" and "indirect" pathway. It was assumed that the direct visual pathway is oriented in a body, not a spatial frame of reference. Despite the short optokinetic after-nystagmus time constants, strong horizontal to vertical cross-coupling could be produced if the horizontal and vertical time constants were in proper ratio and there were no suppression of nystagmus in directions orthogonal to the stimulus direction. The model demonstrates that the spatial orientation of OKN can be achieved by restructuring the system matrix of velocity storage. We conclude that an important function of velocity storage is to orient slow-phase velocity toward the spatial vertical during movement in a terrestrial environment.

  16. Anisophoria and aniseikonia. Part I. The relation between optical anisophoria and aniseikonia.

    PubMed

    Remole, A

    1989-10-01

    Part I of this publication demonstrates and explains the close relation between aniseikonia and anisophoria induced by spectacles. It discusses the clinical implications of this relation by discussing certain aspects of aniseikonia theory, prismatic effects during oblique gaze through spectacles as for reading, and a simple formula that presents a comprehensive description of all prismatic effects and prismatic differences produced by a pair of spectacles. It also describes an easy method of specifying iseikonic lenses, as well as some conventional methods of measuring aniseikonia and anisophoria. Part II will deal with the correction and management of anisophoria when induced together with aniseikonia. Parts I and II, together, will convey a new approach toward the management of anisophoric spectacle corrections.

  17. Turbulent stresses in the surf-zone: Which way is up?

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Haines, John W.; Gelfenbaum, Guy; Edge, B.L

    1997-01-01

    Velocity observations from a vertical stack of three-component Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters (ADVs) within the energetic surf-zone are presented. Rapid temporal sampling and small sampling volume provide observations suitable for investigation of the role of turbulent fluctuations in surf-zone dynamics. While sensor performance was good, failure to recover reliable measures of tilt from the vertical compromise the data value. We will present some cursory observations supporting the ADV performance, and examine the sensitivity of stress estimates to uncertainty in the sensor orientation. It is well known that turbulent stress estimates are highly sensitive to orientation relative to vertical when wave motions are dominant. Analyses presented examine the potential to use observed flow-field characteristics to constrain sensor orientation. Results show that such an approach may provide a consistent orientation to a fraction of a degree, but the inherent sensitivity of stress estimates requires a still more restrictive constraint. Regardless, the observations indicate the degree to which stress estimates are dependent on orientation, and provide some indication of the temporal variability in time-averaged stress estimates.

  18. Crystallization Behavior of Poly(ethylene oxide) in Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotube Array.

    PubMed

    Sheng, Jiadong; Zhou, Shenglin; Yang, Zhaohui; Zhang, Xiaohua

    2018-03-27

    We investigate the effect of the presence of vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the orientation of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) lamellae and PEO crystallinity. The high alignment of carbon nanotubes acting as templates probably governs the orientation of PEO lamellae. This templating effect might result in the lamella planes of PEO crystals oriented along a direction parallel to the long axis of the nanotubes. The presence of aligned carbon nanotubes also gives rise to the decreases in PEO crystallinity, crystallization temperature, and melting temperature due to the perturbation of carbon nanotubes to the crystallization of PEO. These effects have significant implications for controlling the orientation of PEO lamellae and decreasing the crystallinity of PEO and thickness of PEO lamellae, which have significant impacts on ion transport in PEO/CNT composite and the capacitive performance of PEO/CNT composite. Both the decreased PEO crystallinity and the orientation of PEO lamellae along the long axes of vertically aligned CNTs give rise to the decrease in the charge transfer resistance, which is associated with the improvements in the ion transport and capacitive performance of PEO/CNT composite.

  19. Preferred negative geotactic orientation in mobile cells: Tetrahymena results.

    PubMed Central

    Noever, D A; Cronise, R; Matsos, H C

    1994-01-01

    For the protozoan species Tetrahymena a series of airplane experiments are reported, which varied gravity as an active laboratory parameter and tested for corresponding changes in geotaxic orientation of single cells. The airplane achieved alternating periods of low (0.01 g) and high (1.8 g; g = 980 cm/s) gravity by flying repeated Keplerian parabolas. The experimental design was undertaken to clearly distinguish gravity from competing aerodynamic and chemical gradients. In this way, each culture served as its own control, with gravity level alone determining the orientational changes. On average, 6.3% of the Tetrahymena oriented vertically in low gravity, while 27% oriented vertically in high-gravity phases. Simplified physical models are explored for describing these cell trajectories as a function of gravity, aerodynamic drag, and lift. The notable effect of gravity on turning behavior is emphasized as the biophysical cause of the observed negative geotaxis in Tetrahymena. A fundamental investigation of the biological gravity receptor (if it exists) and improved modeling for vertical migration in important types of ocean plankton motivate the present research. Images FIGURE 1 PMID:7858146

  20. Cultural value orientation and authoritarian parenting as parameters of bullying and victimization at school.

    PubMed

    Georgiou, Stelios N; Fousiani, Kyriaki; Michaelides, Michalis; Stavrinides, Panayiotis

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of the present study was to examine the existing association between cultural value orientation, authoritarian parenting, and bullying and victimization at school. The participants (N = 231) were early adolescents, randomly selected from 11 different schools in urban and rural areas of Cyprus. Participants completed self reports measuring cultural value orientation, authoritarian parenting, bullying, and victimization. These instruments were the following: the cultural value scale (CVS), the parental authority questionnaire (PAQ), and the revised bullying and victimization questionnaire (BVQ-R). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine mediation effects. It was found that vertical individualism acted as a mediator between authoritarian parenting and bullying. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between authoritarian parenting and the vertical dimensions of both cultural value orientations (individualism and collectivism), but not with the horizontal dimensions of either cultural orientation. Further, authoritarian parenting was also positively associated with bullying and victimization at school. The main contribution of the present study is the finding that vertical individualism significantly mediates the relationship between authoritarian parental style and bullying propensity.

  1. Preferred Negative Geotactic Orientation in Mobile Cells: Tetrahymena Results

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Noever, David A.; Cronise, Raymond; Matsos, Helen C.

    1994-01-01

    For the protozoan species Tetrahymena a series of airplane experiments are reported, which varied gravity as an active laboratory parameter and tested for corresponding changes in geotaxic orientation of single cells. The airplane achieved altemating periods of low (0.01 g) and high (1.8 g, g = 980 cm/s) gravity by flying repeated Keplerian parabolas. The experimental design was undertaken to clearly distinguish gravity from competing aerodynamic and chemical gradients. In this way, each culture served as its own control, with gravity level alone determining the orientational changes. On average, 6.3% of the Tetrahymena oriented vertically in low gravity, while 27% oriented vertically in high-gravity phases. Simplified physical models are explored for describing these cell trajectores as a function of gravity, aerodynamic drag, and lift. The notable effect of gravity on turning behavior is emphasized as the biophysical cause of the observed negative geotaxis in Tetrahymena. A fundamental investigation of the biological gravity receptor (it it exists) and improved modeling for vertical migration in important types of ocean plankton motivate the present research.

  2. An efficient, self-orienting, vertical-array, sand trap

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hilton, Michael; Nickling, Bill; Wakes, Sarah; Sherman, Douglas; Konlechner, Teresa; Jermy, Mark; Geoghegan, Patrick

    2017-04-01

    There remains a need for an efficient, low-cost, portable, passive sand trap, which can provide estimates of vertical sand flux over topography and within vegetation and which self-orients into the wind. We present a design for a stacked vertical trap that has been modelled (computational fluid dynamics, CFD) and evaluated in the field and in the wind tunnel. The 'swinging' trap orients to within 10° of the flow in the wind tunnel at 8 m s-1, and more rapidly in the field, where natural variability in wind direction accelerates orientation. The CFD analysis indicates flow is steered into the trap during incident wind flow. The trap has a low profile and there is only a small decrease in mass flow rate for multiple traps, poles and rows of poles. The efficiency of the trap was evaluated against an isokinetic sampler and found to be greater than 95%. The centre pole is a key element of the design, minimally decreasing trap efficiency. Finally, field comparisons with the trap of Sherman et al. (2014) yielded comparable estimates of vertical sand flux. The trap described in this paper provides accurate estimates of sand transport in a wide range of field conditions.

  3. Kinematics of an in-parallel actuated manipulator based on the Stewart platform mechanism

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Williams, Robert L., II

    1992-01-01

    This paper presents kinematic equations and solutions for an in-parallel actuated robotic mechanism based on Stewart's platform. These equations are required for inverse position and resolved rate (inverse velocity) platform control. NASA LaRC has a Vehicle Emulator System (VES) platform designed by MIT which is based on Stewart's platform. The inverse position solution is straight-forward and computationally inexpensive. Given the desired position and orientation of the moving platform with respect to the base, the lengths of the prismatic leg actuators are calculated. The forward position solution is more complicated and theoretically has 16 solutions. The position and orientation of the moving platform with respect to the base is calculated given the leg actuator lengths. Two methods are pursued in this paper to solve this problem. The resolved rate (inverse velocity) solution is derived. Given the desired Cartesian velocity of the end-effector, the required leg actuator rates are calculated. The Newton-Raphson Jacobian matrix resulting from the second forward position kinematics solution is a modified inverse Jacobian matrix. Examples and simulations are given for the VES.

  4. The fibre orientation influence in cementitious composite against extreme load resistance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lovichova, R.; Fornusek, J.; Mara, M.; Kocova, M.; Rihova, Z.

    2018-02-01

    This paper is focused on resistance of steel fibre-reinforced cement composite against impact of the deformable projectile shot from the 7.62 × 39 caliber. Different values of resistance against impact of the projectile are caused by different orientation of the fibres. The influence of formwork position, which is the main cause of the different orientation of the fibres, is investigated. The resistance was examined on thirty slabs made of ultra-high performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). Fifteen specimens with vertical orientation of formwork and fifteen with horizontal orientation of formwork was made. The resistance is classified according to the visual evaluation and local damage measurement on the front side and the rear side of the examined specimens. The experiment shown positive influence of vertically oriented formwork on the slabs according to their resistance against impact of the projectile.

  5. Development of Uav Photogrammetry Method by Using Small Number of Vertical Images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kunii, Y.

    2018-05-01

    This new and efficient photogrammetric method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) requires only a few images taken in the vertical direction at different altitudes. The method includes an original relative orientation procedure which can be applied to images captured along the vertical direction. The final orientation determines the absolute orientation for every parameter and is used for calculating the 3D coordinates of every measurement point. The measurement accuracy was checked at the UAV test site of the Japan Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Five vertical images were taken at 70 to 90 m altitude. The 3D coordinates of the measurement points were calculated. The plane and height accuracies were ±0.093 m and ±0.166 m, respectively. These values are of higher accuracy than the results of the traditional photogrammetric method. The proposed method can measure 3D positions efficiently and would be a useful tool for construction and disaster sites and for other field surveying purposes.

  6. Hierarchical structure observation and nanoindentation size effect characterization for a limnetic shell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Jingru; Fan, Cuncai; Ma, Hansong; Wei, Yueguang

    2015-06-01

    In the present research, hierarchical structure observation and mechanical property characterization for a type of biomaterial are carried out. The investigated biomaterial is Hyriopsis cumingii, a typical limnetic shell, which consists of two different structural layers, a prismatic "pillar" structure and a nacreous "brick and mortar" structure. The prismatic layer looks like a "pillar forest" with variation-section pillars sized on the order of several tens of microns. The nacreous material looks like a "brick wall" with bricks sized on the order of several microns. Both pillars and bricks are composed of nanoparticles. The mechanical properties of the hierarchical biomaterial are measured by using the nanoindentation test. Hardness and modulus are measured for both the nacre layer and the prismatic layer, respectively. The nanoindentation size effects for the hierarchical structural materials are investigated experimentally. The results show that the prismatic nanostructured material has a higher stiffness and hardness than the nacre nanostructured material. In addition, the nanoindentation size effects for the hierarchical structural materials are described theoretically, by using the trans-scale mechanics theory considering both strain gradient effect and the surface/interface effect. The modeling results are consistent with experimental ones.

  7. Skylight: a hollow prismatic CPC

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fernandez-Balbuena, Antonio Alvarez; Vázquez-Moliní, Daniel; Garcia-Fernandez, Berta; Garcia-Botella, Angel; Bernabeu, Eusebio

    2009-08-01

    Many applications involve the use of a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) like, natural lighting, thermal applications, optics for illuminators, optical fibre coupling and solar energy. The use of a CPC in reverse mode for natural lighting gives the chance to use it as a lighting skylight in ceilings because light output is controlled inside the design angle, on the contrary having a low flux transfer ratio because of the reduced area of the entrance pupil regarding exit pupil. The authors propose an innovative 3D hollow prismatic CPC (HPCPC) made of a dielectric material, which has a high efficiency comparing it with aluminium CPC. The basic idea is to use a hollow prismatic light guide with CPC shape. This paper reports 2D, 3D design and numerical analysis by raytracing software, also experimental results are shown. The system works almost like a true CPC when light enters through standard entrance pupil and also collect light that enters outside entrance pupil. Performance and efficiency of the prismatic CPC is in average 300% higher than standard aluminium CPC for collimated light in a range from 0º to 85º. A prototype has been developed and tested.

  8. The morphogenic features of otoconia during larval development of Cynops pyrrhogaster, the Japanese red-bellied newt

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Steyger, P. S.; Wiederhold, M. L.; Batten, J.

    1995-01-01

    Otoconia are calcified protein matrices within the gravity-sensing organs of the vertebrate vestibular system. Mammalian otoconia are barrel-shaped with triplanar facets at each end. Reptilian otoconia are commonly prismatic or fusiform in shape. Amphibians have all three otoconial morphologies, barrel-shaped otoconia within the utricle, with prismatic and fusiform otoconia in the saccule. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a sequential appearance of all three otoconial morphologies during larval development of the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster. The first otoconia appear within a single, developing otolith, and some resemble adult barrel-shaped otoconia. As the larvae hatch, around stages 39-42, the single otolith divides into two anatomically separate regions, the utricle and saccule, and both contain otoconia similar to those seen in the single otolith. Throughout development, these otoconia may have variable morphologies, with serrated surfaces, or circumferential striations with either separated facets or adjacent facets in the triplanar end-regions. Small fusiform otoconia occur later, at stage 51, and only in the saccule. Prismatic otoconia appear later still, at stage 55, and again only in the saccule. Thus, although prismatic otoconia are the most numerous in adult newts, it is the last vestibular otoconial morphology to be expressed.

  9. Visualization of newt aragonitic otoconial matrices using transmission electron microscopy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Steyger, P. S.; Wiederhold, M. L.

    1995-01-01

    Otoconia are calcified protein matrices within the gravity-sensing organs of the vertebrate vestibular system. These protein matrices are thought to originate from the supporting or hair cells in the macula during development. Previous studies of mammalian calcitic, barrel-shaped otoconia revealed an organized protein matrix consisting of a thin peripheral layer, a well-defined organic core and a flocculent matrix inbetween. No studies have reported the microscopic organization of the aragonitic otoconial matrix, despite its protein characterization. Pote et al. (1993b) used densitometric methods and inferred that prismatic (aragonitic) otoconia have a peripheral protein distribution, compared to that described for the barrel-shaped, calcitic otoconia of birds, mammals, and the amphibian utricle. By using tannic acid as a negative stain, we observed three kinds of organic matrices in preparations of fixed, decalcified saccular otoconia from the adult newt: (1) fusiform shapes with a homogenous electron-dense matrix; (2) singular and multiple strands of matrix; and (3) more significantly, prismatic shapes outlined by a peripheral organic matrix. These prismatic shapes remain following removal of the gelatinous matrix, revealing an internal array of organic matter. We conclude that prismatic otoconia have a largely peripheral otoconial matrix, as inferred by densitometry.

  10. Arthropod vertical stratification in temperate deciduous forests: Implications for conservation oriented management

    Treesearch

    Ulyshen Michael

    2011-01-01

    Studies on the vertical distribution patterns of arthropods in temperate deciduous forests reveal highly stratified (i.e., unevenly vertically distributed) communities. These patterns are determined by multiple factors acting simultaneously, including: (1) time (forest age, season, time of day); (2) forest structure (height, vertical foliage complexity, plant surface...

  11. Effect of micro-scale wind on the measurement of airborne pollen concentrations using volumetric methods on a building rooftop

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miki, Kenji; Kawashima, Shigeto; Fujita, Toshio; Nakamura, Kimihito; Clot, Bernard

    2017-06-01

    Evaluating airborne pollen concentrations is important for the understanding of the spatiotemporal dispersion of pollen grains. Using two identical pollen monitors in parallel, we performed two experiments in order to study the influences of a) the physical characteristics (orientation) of the air inlet and b) the presence of obstacles in proximity to the monitors on airborne pollen concentration data. The first experiment consisted of an evaluation of airborne pollen concentrations using two different types of orifices; 1) a vertically oriented inlet and 2) a wind vane intake, both attached to the same type of automatic pollen sampler. The second experiment investigated the relationship between vertical wind speed and horizontal wind direction around an obstacle with the goal of studying the impact of micro-scale wind on pollen sampling efficiency. The results of the two experiments suggest that the wind path near an obstacle might be redirected in a vertical direction before or after the wind flows over the obstacle, which causes measurement errors of airborne pollen concentrations that are proportional to the vertical wind speed, especially when a vertically oriented inlet is used.

  12. The persistence of the gravity signal in flax roots

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hasenstein, Karl H.

    Although the presentation time of gravitropism has been studied, no data exist as to how long a reorientation stimulus affects the gravitropic response of a root. We tested the duration of gravitropic curvature in roots of Linum usitatissimum after reversing a one hour, 90 degree gravistimulus by increasing time intervals in vertical orientation before clinorotating the roots and acquiring infrared digital images. Clinorotation was performed either parallel or perpendicular to the gravity vector. Under either condition the gravistimulus affected curvature during clinorotation only between two to three minutes. Maximal curvature after one minute of vertical reorientation was 15 degrees within one hour. After three minutes in vertical orientation the observed curvature was not statistically different from vertically growing roots. In both orientations, maximum curvature occurred after 1hr. Perpendicular (horizontal) clinorotation showed decreasing curvature with increasing reorientation time. Parallel (vertical) clinorotation resulted in greater variability to the reorientation time. These data indicate that the gravity stimulus operates essentially memory free and that clinorotation affects the gravity response. Therefore all aspects of clinorotation need to be studied before an assessment of clinostats for the simulation of microgravity is possible and a time limit for memory effects of mechanostimulation can be determined.

  13. Through-Thickness Vertically Ordered Lamellar Block Copolymer Thin Films on Unmodified Quartz with Cold Zone Annealing [Thru-Thickness Vertically Ordered Lamellar Block Copolymer Thin Films on Unmodified Quartz with Cold Zone Annealing

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

    Basutkar, Monali N.; Samant, Saumil; Strzalka, Joseph

    Here, template-free directed self-assembly of ultrathin (~10’s nm) lamellar block copolymer (l-BCP) films of high-interfacial area into vertically oriented nanodomains holds much technological relevance for fabrication of next-generation devices from nanoelectronics to nanomembranes due to domain interconnectivity and high interfacial area. We report for the first time, the formation of full thru-thickness vertically oriented lamellar domains in 100 nm thin polystyrene- block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS- b-PMMA) films on quartz substrate, achieved without any PMMA-block wetting layer formation, quartz surface modification (templating chemical, topographical) or system modifications (added surfactant, top-layer coat). Vertical ordering of l-BCPs results from the coupling between a molecularmore » and a macroscopic phenomenon. A molecular relaxation induced vertical l-BCP ordering occurs under a transient macroscopic vertical strain field, imposed by a high film thermal expansion rate under sharp thermal gradient cold zone annealing (CZA-S). The parametric window for vertical ordering is quantified via a coupling constant, C (= v∇ T), whose range is established in terms of a thermal gradient (∇ T) above a threshold value, and an optimal dynamic sample sweep rate ( v ~ d/τ), where τ is the l-BCP’s longest molecular relaxation time and d is the T g,heat- T g,cool distance. Real-time CZA-S morphology evolution of vertically oriented l-BCP tracked along ∇ T using in-situ Grazing Incidence Small Angle X-ray Scattering exhibited an initial formation phase of vertical lamellae, a polygrain structure formation stage, and a grain coarsening phase to fully vertically ordered l-BCP morphology development. CZA-S is a roll-to-roll manufacturing method, rendering this template-free thru-thickness vertical ordering of l-BCP films highly attractive and industrially relevant.« less

  14. Through-Thickness Vertically Ordered Lamellar Block Copolymer Thin Films on Unmodified Quartz with Cold Zone Annealing [Thru-Thickness Vertically Ordered Lamellar Block Copolymer Thin Films on Unmodified Quartz with Cold Zone Annealing

    DOE PAGES

    Basutkar, Monali N.; Samant, Saumil; Strzalka, Joseph; ...

    2017-11-14

    Here, template-free directed self-assembly of ultrathin (~10’s nm) lamellar block copolymer (l-BCP) films of high-interfacial area into vertically oriented nanodomains holds much technological relevance for fabrication of next-generation devices from nanoelectronics to nanomembranes due to domain interconnectivity and high interfacial area. We report for the first time, the formation of full thru-thickness vertically oriented lamellar domains in 100 nm thin polystyrene- block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS- b-PMMA) films on quartz substrate, achieved without any PMMA-block wetting layer formation, quartz surface modification (templating chemical, topographical) or system modifications (added surfactant, top-layer coat). Vertical ordering of l-BCPs results from the coupling between a molecularmore » and a macroscopic phenomenon. A molecular relaxation induced vertical l-BCP ordering occurs under a transient macroscopic vertical strain field, imposed by a high film thermal expansion rate under sharp thermal gradient cold zone annealing (CZA-S). The parametric window for vertical ordering is quantified via a coupling constant, C (= v∇ T), whose range is established in terms of a thermal gradient (∇ T) above a threshold value, and an optimal dynamic sample sweep rate ( v ~ d/τ), where τ is the l-BCP’s longest molecular relaxation time and d is the T g,heat- T g,cool distance. Real-time CZA-S morphology evolution of vertically oriented l-BCP tracked along ∇ T using in-situ Grazing Incidence Small Angle X-ray Scattering exhibited an initial formation phase of vertical lamellae, a polygrain structure formation stage, and a grain coarsening phase to fully vertically ordered l-BCP morphology development. CZA-S is a roll-to-roll manufacturing method, rendering this template-free thru-thickness vertical ordering of l-BCP films highly attractive and industrially relevant.« less

  15. Prenatal Organophosphates Exposure Alternates the Cleavage Plane Orientation of Apical Neural Progenitor in Developing Neocortex

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Xiao-Ping; Chen, Wei-Feng; Wang, Da-Wei

    2014-01-01

    Prenatal organophosphate exposure elicits long-term brain cytoarchitecture and cognitive function impairments, but the mechanism underlying the onset and development of neural progenitors remain largely unclear. Using precise positioned brain slices, we observed an alternated cleavage plane bias that emerged in the mitotic neural progenitors of embryonal neocortex with diazinion (DZN) and chlorpyrifos (CPF) pretreatment. In comparison with the control, DZN and CPF treatment induced decrease of vertical orientation, increase of oblique orientation, and increase of horizontal orientation. That is, the cleavage plane orientation bias had been rotated from vertical to horizontal after DZN and CPF treatment. Meanwhile, general morphology and mitotic index of the progenitors were unchanged. Acephate (ACP), another common organophosphate, had no significant effects on the cleavage plane orientation, cell morphology and mitotic index. These results represent direct evidence for the toxicity mechanism in onset multiplication of neural progenitors. PMID:24740262

  16. Misfit stress relaxation in composite core-shell nanowires with parallelepiped cores using rectangular prismatic dislocation loops

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krasnitckii, S. A.; Kolomoetc, D. R.; Smirnov, A. M.; Gutkin, M. Yu

    2018-03-01

    The misfit stress relaxation via generation of rectangular prismatic dislocation loops at the interface in core-shell nanowires is considered. The core has the shape of a long parallelepiped of a square cross-section. The energy change caused by loop generation in such nanowires is calculated. Critical conditions for the onset of such loops are calculated and analyzed.

  17. A new family of Ln₇ clusters with an ideal D(3h) metal-centered trigonal prismatic geometry, and SMM and photoluminescence behaviors.

    PubMed

    Mazarakioti, Eleni C; Poole, Katye M; Cunha-Silva, Luis; Christou, George; Stamatatos, Theocharis C

    2014-08-14

    The first use of the flexible Schiff base ligand N-salicylidene-2-aminocyclohexanol in metal cluster chemistry has afforded a new family of Ln7 clusters with ideal D(3h) point group symmetry and metal-centered trigonal prismatic topology; solid-state and solution studies revealed SMM and photoluminescence behaviors.

  18. Synthesis of Struvite using a Vertical Canted Reactor with Continuous Laminar Flow Process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sutiyono, S.; Edahwati, L.; Muryanto, S.; Jamari, J.; Bayuseno, A. P.

    2018-01-01

    Struvite is a white crystalline that is chemically known as magnesium ammonium phosphorus hexahydrate (MgNH4PO4·6H2O). It can easily dissolve in acidic conditions and slightly soluble in neutral and alkaline conditions. In industry, struvite forms as a scale deposit on a pipe with hot flow fluid. However, struvite can be used as fertilizer because of its phosphate content. A vertical canted reactor is a promising technology for recovering phosphate levels in wastewater through struvite crystallization. The study was carried out with the vertical canted reactor by mixing an equimolar stock solution of MgCl2, NH4OH, and H3PO4 in 1: 1: 1 ratio. The crystallization process worked with the flow rate of three stock solution entering the reactor in the range of 16-38 ml/min, the temperature in the reactor is worked on 20°, 30°, and 40°C, while the incoming air rate is kept constant at 0.25 liters/min. Moreover, pH was maintained at a constant value of 9. The struvite crystallization process run until the steady state was reached. Then, the result of crystal precipitates was filtered and dried at standard temperature room for 48 hours. After that, struvite crystals were stored for the subsequent analysis by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) method. The use of canted reactor provided the high pure struvite with a prismatic crystal morphology.

  19. Postdictive modulation of visual orientation.

    PubMed

    Kawabe, Takahiro

    2012-01-01

    The present study investigated how visual orientation is modulated by subsequent orientation inputs. Observers were presented a near-vertical Gabor patch as a target, followed by a left- or right-tilted second Gabor patch as a distracter in the spatial vicinity of the target. The task of the observers was to judge whether the target was right- or left-tilted (Experiment 1) or whether the target was vertical or not (Supplementary experiment). The judgment was biased toward the orientation of the distracter (the postdictive modulation of visual orientation). The judgment bias peaked when the target and distracter were temporally separated by 100 ms, indicating a specific temporal mechanism for this phenomenon. However, when the visibility of the distracter was reduced via backward masking, the judgment bias disappeared. On the other hand, the low-visibility distracter could still cause a simultaneous orientation contrast, indicating that the distracter orientation is still processed in the visual system (Experiment 2). Our results suggest that the postdictive modulation of visual orientation stems from spatiotemporal integration of visual orientation on the basis of a slow feature matching process.

  20. Case study on the orientation of phaco hand pieces during steam sterilization processes.

    PubMed

    van Doornmalen Gomez Hoyos, J P C M; van Wezel, R A C; van Doornmalen, H W J M

    2015-05-01

    Steam sterilization is an essential part of infection prevention. The literature shows that sterilization of medical instruments containing channels is not trivial. Phaco hand pieces have a simple configuration: a device contains a channel with a constant radius. No literature was found indicating whether the sterilization conditions on the inner surface of a phaco hand piece are influenced by the orientation of the hand piece. To determine whether the orientation of a phaco hand piece influences the results of a sterilization process of this device. A qualitative case study, including experiments, is performed with a protocolled combination of steam sterilizer, process, phaco hand piece, orientation of the phaco hand piece, and wrapping. In this specific case, the orientation of the hand piece influenced the result of the steam sterilization process; in vertically (upright) oriented phaco hand pieces with free water drainage, sterilization conditions are reproducibly established. In the same process, in horizontally oriented or vertically oriented hand pieces without free drainage, these conditions are not established in a reproducible way. In the investigated combination of sterilizer, process, load, loading pattern and wrapping, phaco hand pieces have to be oriented vertically (upright) with free water drainage to obtain steam sterilization conditions on the inner surface. It is likely that instruments with comparable configuration and dimensions will yield comparable results. It is therefore recommended that this issue is considered during the development of medical instruments and during performance qualifications of such instruments. Copyright © 2015 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Feasibility of observer system for determining orientation of balloon borne observational platforms

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nigro, N. J.; Gagliardi, J. C.

    1982-01-01

    The instantaneous orientation (i.e., the attitude) of the LACATE instrumentation platform with respect to a local vertical is discussed. An observer model for predicting the orientation of balloon-borne research platforms is described. Determination of the platform orientation as a function of time is addressed.

  2. Plane hydroelastic beam vibrations due to uniformly moving one axle vehicle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fleischer, D.; Park, S.-K.

    2004-06-01

    The hydroelastic vibrations of a beam with rectangular cross-section is analyzed under the effect of an uniformly moving single axle vehicle using modal analysis and two-dimensional potential flow theory of the fluid neglecting the effect of surface waves aside the beam. For the special case of homogeneous beam resting on the surface of a water filled prismatic basin, the normal modes are determined considering surface waves in beam direction under the condition of compensating the volume of the enclosed fluid. The way to determine the vertical acceleration of the single axle vehicle is shown, which governs the response of the system. As analysis results the course of wheel load, the surface waves along the beam and the flow velocity distribution of the fluid is demonstrated for a continuous floating bridge under the passage of a rolling mass moving with uniform speed.

  3. Control of Heat and Charge Transport in Nanostructured Hybrid Materials

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-07-21

    measurements in our groups have yielded device ZT values of 0.4 on thermoelectric modules consisting of vertically oriented silicon nanowires . This is... nanowires with aspect ratio’s exceeding 10,000. Temperature differences as high as 800 °C are achievable for both types. The bulk nanostructured...thermal conductivity of the silicon nanostructures. Specifically, experiments on an array of 20 nm diameter vertically oriented silicon nanowires have

  4. Apical control, gravitropic signaling, and the growth of lateral roots in Arabidopsis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mullen, Jack L.; Wolverton, Chris; Hangarter, Roger P.

    Most research on gravity responses in plants has focused on primary roots and shoots, which typically grow in a vertical orientation. However, the patterns of lateral organ growth, which generally have large effects on overall plant architecture, are such that the organs are typically not vertical. In lateral roots of Arabidopsis, growth is initially in a nearly horizontal orientation but changes to a near-vertical orientation as the lateral root develops. Although the non-vertical lateral roots are gravitropically competent, following gravitropic reorientation of seedlings, the lateral roots on the upper flank of the primary root have different growth patterns from those on the lower side of the primary root. The differences are in part dependent on reorientation of the primary root, suggesting that gravitropic signaling from the primary root also contributes to the control of lateral root growth. The hormone auxin appears to play a role in this signaling between the primary and lateral roots, as auxin transport inhibitors applied to the primary root affect lateral root growth. Also, lateral roots of pin3 mutants, which are impaired in polar auxin transport, have altered lateral root orientations. However, other signals from the primary root tip also play an important role in regulating lateral root growth.

  5. Radar Differential Phase Signatures of Ice Orientation for the Prediction of Lightning Initiation and Cessation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Carey, L.D.; Petersen, W.A.; Deierling, W.

    2009-01-01

    The majority of lightning-related casualties typically occur during thunderstorm initiation (e.g., first flash) or dissipation (e.g., last flash). The physics of electrification and lightning production during thunderstorm initiation is fairly well understood. As such, the literature includes a number of studies presenting various radar techniques (using reflectivity and, if available, other dual-polarimetric parameters) for the anticipation of initial electrification and first lightning flash. These radar techniques have shown considerable skill at forecasting first flash. On the other hand, electrical processes and lightning production during thunderstorm dissipation are not nearly as well understood and few, if any, successful techniques have been developed to anticipate the last flash and subsequent cessation of lightning. One promising approach involves the use of dual-polarimetric radar variables to infer the presence of oriented ice crystals in lightning producing storms. In the absence of strong vertical electric fields, ice crystals fall with their largest (semi-major) axis in the horizontal associated with gravitational and aerodynamic forces. In thunderstorms, strong vertical electric fields (100-200 kV m(sup -1)) have been shown to orient small (less than 2 mm) ice crystals such that their semi-major axis is vertical (or nearly vertical). After a lightning flash, the electric field is typically relaxed and prior radar research suggests that ice crystals rapidly resume their preferred horizontal orientation. In active thunderstorms, the vertical electric field quickly recovers and the ice crystals repeat this cycle of orientation for each nearby flash. This change in ice crystal orientation from primarily horizontal to vertical during the development of strong vertical electric fields prior to a lightning flash forms the physical basis for anticipating lightning initiation and, potentially, cessation. Research has shown that radar reflectivity (Z) and other co-polar back-scattering radar measurements like differential reflectivity (Z(sub dr)) typically measured by operational dual-polarimetric radars are not sensitive to these changes in ice crystal orientation. However, prior research has demonstrated that oriented ice crystals cause significant propagation effects that can be routinely measured by most dual-polarimetric radars from X-band (3 cm) to S-band (10 cm) wavelengths using the differential propagation phase shift (often just called differential phase, phi(sub dp)) or its range derivative, the specific differential phase (K(sub dp)). Advantages of the differential phase include independence from absolute or relative power calibration, attenuation, differential attenuation and relative insensitivity to ground clutter and partial beam occultation effects (as long as the signal remains above noise). In research mode, these sorts of techniques have been used to anticipate initial cloud electrification, lightning initiation, and cessation. In this study, we develop a simplified model of ice crystal size, shape, orientation, dielectric, and associated radar scattering and propagation effects in order to simulate various idealized scenarios of ice crystals responding to a hypothetical electric field and their dual-polarimetric radar signatures leading up to lightning initiation and particularly cessation. The sensitivity of the K(sub dp) ice orientation signature to various ice properties and radar wavelength will be explored. Since K(sub dp) is proportional to frequency in the Rayleigh- Gans scattering regime, the ice orientation signatures should be more obvious at higher (lower) frequencies (wavelengths). As a result, simulations at radar wavelengths from 10 cm down to 1 cm (Ka-band) will be conducted. Resonance effects will be considered using the T-matrix method. Since most K(sub dp) Vbased observations have been shown at S-band, we will present ice orientation signatures from C-band (UAH/NASA ARMOR) and X-bd (UAH MAX) dual-polarimetric radars located in Northern Alabama. Issues related to optimal radar scanning for the detection of oriented ice will be discussed. Preliminary suggestions on how these differential phase signatures of oriented ice could contribute to lightning initiation and cessation algorithms will be presented.

  6. Kinesthetic perceptions of earth- and body-fixed axes.

    PubMed

    Darling, W G; Hondzinski, J M

    1999-06-01

    The major purpose of this research was to determine whether kinesthetic/proprioceptive perceptions of the earth-fixed vertical axis are more accurate than perceptions of intrinsic axes. In one experiment, accuracy of alignment of the forearm to earth-fixed vertical and head- and trunk-longitudinal axes by seven blindfolded subjects was compared in four tasks: (1) Earth-Arm--arm (humerus) orientation was manipulated by the experimenter; subjects aligned the forearm parallel to the vertical axis, which was also aligned with the head and trunk longitudinal axis; (2) Head--head, trunk, and upper-limb orientations were manipulated by the experimenter, subjects aligned the forearm parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head using only elbow flexion/extension and shoulder internal/external rotation; (3) Trunk--same as (2), except that subjects aligned the forearm parallel to the trunk-longitudinal axis; (4) Earth--same as (2), except that subjects aligned the forearm parallel to the earth-fixed vertical. Head, trunk, and gravitational axes were never parallel in tasks 2, 3, and 4 so that subjects could not simultaneously match their forearm to all three axes. The results showed that the errors for alignment of the forearm with the earth-fixed vertical were lower than for the trunk- and head-longitudinal axes. Furthermore, errors in the Earth condition were less dependent on alterations of the head and trunk orientation than in the Head and Trunk conditions. These data strongly suggest that the earth-fixed vertical is used as one axis for the kinesthetic sensory coordinate system that specifies upper-limb orientation at the perceptual level. We also examined the effects of varying gravitational torques at the elbow and shoulder on the accuracy of forearm alignment to earth-fixed axes. Adding a 450 g load to the forearm to increase gravitational torques when the forearm is not vertical did not improve the accuracy of forearm alignment with the vertical. Furthermore, adding small, variably sized loads (between which the subjects could not distinguish at the perceptual level) to the forearm just proximal to the wrist produced similar errors in aligning the forearm with the vertical and horizontal. Forearm-positioning errors were not correlated with the size of the load, as would be expected if gravitational torques affected forearm-position sense. We conclude that gravitational torques exerted about the shoulder and elbow do not make significant contributions to sensing forearm-orientation relative to earth-fixed axes when the upper-limb segments are not constrained by external supports.

  7. PRISMATIC: Unified Hierarchical Probabilistic Verification Tool

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-09-01

    security protocols such as for anonymity and quantum cryptography ; and biological reaction pathways. PRISM is currently the leading probabilistic...a whole will only deadlock and fail with a probability ≤ p/2. The assumption allows us to partition the overall system verification problem into two ...run on any port using the standard HTTP protocol. In this way multiple instances of the PRISMATIC web service can respond to different requests when

  8. A Novel Matrix Protein Hic31 from the Prismatic Layer of Hyriopsis Cumingii Displays a Collagen-Like Structure.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiaojun; Zeng, Shimei; Dong, Shaojian; Jin, Can; Li, Jiale

    2015-01-01

    In this study, we clone and characterize a novel matrix protein, hic31, from the mantle of Hyriopsis cumingii. The amino acid composition of hic31 consists of a high proportion of Glycine residues (26.67%). Tissue expression detection by RT-PCR indicates that hic31 is expressed specifically at the mantle edge. In situ hybridization results reveals strong signals from the dorsal epithelial cells of the outer fold at the mantle edge, and weak signals from inner epithelial cells of the same fold, indicating that hic31 is a prismatic-layer matrix protein. Although BLASTP results identify no shared homology with other shell-matrix proteins or any other known proteins, the hic31 tertiary structure is similar to that of collagen I, alpha 1 and alpha 2. It has been well proved that collagen forms the basic organic frameworks in way of collagen fibrils and minerals present within or outside of these fibrils. Therefore, hic31 might be a framework-matrix protein involved in the prismatic-layer biomineralization. Besides, the gene expression of hic31 increase in the early stages of pearl sac development, indicating that hic31 may play important roles in biomineralization of the pearl prismatic layer.

  9. Radiation transfer in plant canopies - Transmission of direct solar radiation and the role of leaf orientation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Verstraete, Michel M.

    1987-01-01

    Understanding the details of the interaction between the radiation field and plant structures is important climatically because of the influence of vegetation on the surface water and energy balance, but also biologically, since solar radiation provides the energy necessary for photosynthesis. The problem is complex because of the extreme variety of vegetation forms in space and time, as well as within and across plant species. This one-dimensional vertical multilayer model describes the transfer of direct solar radiation through a leaf canopy, accounting explicitly for the vertical inhomogeneities of a plant stand and leaf orientation, as well as heliotropic plant behavior. This model reproduces observational results on homogeneous canopies, but it is also well adapted to describe vertically inhomogeneous canopies. Some of the implications of leaf orientation and plant structure as far as light collection is concerned are briefly reviewed.

  10. Prismatic louver active façades for natural illumination and thermal energy gain in high-rise and commercial buildings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vlachokostas, A.; Volkmann, C.; Madamopoulos, N.

    2013-06-01

    High-rise and commercial buildings in urban centers present a great challenge in terms of their energy consumption. Due to maximization of rentable square footage, the preferred urban façade system over the past 50 years has been the "curtain wall", only a few inches thick and comprised of modular steel or aluminum framing and predominant glass infills. The perceived Achilles heel of these modern glass façade systems is their thermal inefficiency: They are inadequate thermal barriers and exhibit excessive solar gain. The excessive solar gain has a negative impact on lighting and cooling loads of the entire building. This negative impact will be further exacerbated with rising energy costs. However, rather than view the glass façade's uncontrolled solar gain merely as a weakness contributing to higher energy consumption, the condition could indeed be considered as related to an energy solution. These glass façades can be retrofitted to operate as a provider of daylight and energy for the rest of the building, taking advantage of the overexposure to the sun. With today's technology, the sun's abundant renewable energy can be the driving force for the energy transition of these building envelopes. Illumination, thermal energy, and electricity production can be directly supplied from the sun, and when correctly and efficiently managed, they can lead to a significantly less energy-intensive building stock. We propose a multi-purpose, prismatic, louver-based façade to perform both daylight and thermal energy harvesting with a goal of offering a better daylight environment for the occupants, and reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint of the building. While decentralized air-conditioning units are commonly accepted as façade "plug-ins", such decentralization could be utilized with more benefits by passively managing the interior space conditions, without using any extra power. Just as living organisms respond and adapt to the environmental changes in their surroundings, the proposed multi-purpose prismatic louver façade can be responsive and resilient to daytime sky conditions, environmental temperatures and occupant needs by exploiting options presented by the three sides of the prismatic louvers. The façade is highly configurable since every side of the prismatic louver façade can perform a different operation. The prism itself operates as a redirector of sunlight from the glass façade to the ceiling and consequently diffuses the sunlight throughout the room, providing higher and more uniform illumination levels. In addition, each side of the prismatic louver can be implemented in multiple ways (e.g., visibly transparent photovoltaic cells, luminescent solar concentrators). The ability to rotate the prismatic louvers along their axes allows the user to expose a set of different surfaces to the sun's radiation in accordance with different climatic conditions and occupant needs. Thus, the prismatic louvers help achieve a selective control and management of the incoming light that allows us to manipulate the incoming energy for the benefit of the building and its occupants.

  11. Cytochemical localization of calcium in cap cells of primary roots of Zea mays L

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Moore, R.

    1986-01-01

    The distribution of calcium (Ca) in caps of vertically- and horizontally-oriented roots of Zea mays was monitored to determine its possible role in root graviresponsiveness. A modification of the antimonate precipitation procedure was used to localize Ca in situ. In vertically-oriented roots, the presumed graviperceptive (i.e., columella) cells were characterized by minimal and symmetric staining of the plasmalemma and mitochondria. No precipitate was present in plasmodesmata or cell walls. Within 5 min after horizontal reorientation, staining was associated with the portion of the cell wall adjacent to the distal end of the cell. This asymmetric staining persisted throughout the onset of gravicurvature. No staining of lateral cell walls of columella cells was observed at any stage of gravicurvature, suggesting that a lateral flow of Ca through the columella tissue of horizontally-oriented roots does not occur. The outermost peripheral cells of roots oriented horizontally and vertically secrete Ca through plasmodesmata-like structures in their cell walls. These results are discussed relative to proposed roles of root-cap Ca in root gravicurvature.

  12. Target-object integration, attention distribution, and object orientation interactively modulate object-based selection.

    PubMed

    Al-Janabi, Shahd; Greenberg, Adam S

    2016-10-01

    The representational basis of attentional selection can be object-based. Various studies have suggested, however, that object-based selection is less robust than spatial selection across experimental paradigms. We sought to examine the manner by which the following factors might explain this variation: Target-Object Integration (targets 'on' vs. part 'of' an object), Attention Distribution (narrow vs. wide), and Object Orientation (horizontal vs. vertical). In Experiment 1, participants discriminated between two targets presented 'on' an object in one session, or presented as a change 'of' an object in another session. There was no spatial cue-thus, attention was initially focused widely-and the objects were horizontal or vertical. We found evidence of object-based selection only when targets constituted a change 'of' an object. Additionally, object orientation modulated the sign of object-based selection: We observed a same-object advantage for horizontal objects, but a same-object cost for vertical objects. In Experiment 2, an informative cue preceded a single target presented 'on' an object or as a change 'of' an object (thus, attention was initially focused narrowly). Unlike in Experiment 1, we found evidence of object-based selection independent of target-object integration. We again found that the sign of selection was modulated by the objects' orientation. This result may reflect a meridian effect, which emerged due to anisotropies in the cortical representations when attention is oriented endogenously. Experiment 3 revealed that object orientation did not modulate object-based selection when attention was oriented exogenously. Our findings suggest that target-object integration, attention distribution, and object orientation modulate object-based selection, but only in combination.

  13. Orientation perception in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

    PubMed

    Wakita, Masumi

    2008-07-01

    It was previously demonstrated that monkeys divide the orientation continuum into cardinal and oblique categories. However, it is still unclear how monkeys perceive within-category orientations. To better understand monkeys' perception of orientation, two experiments were conducted using five monkeys. In experiment 1, they were trained to identify either one cardinal or one oblique target orientation out of six orientations. The results showed that they readily identified the cardinal target whether it was oriented horizontally or vertically. However, a longer training period was needed to identify the oblique target orientation regardless of its degree and direction of tilt. In experiment 2, the same monkeys were trained to identify two-oblique target orientations out of six orientations. These orientations were paired, either sharing the degree of tilt, direction of tilt, or neither property. The results showed that the monkeys readily identified oblique orientations when they had either the same degree or direction of tilt. However, when the target orientations had neither the same degree nor direction of tilt, the animals had difficulty in identifying them. In summary, horizontal and vertical orientations are individually processed, indicating that monkeys do not have a category for cardinal orientation, but they may recognize cardinal orientations as non-obliques. In addition, monkeys efficiently abstract either the degree or the direction of tilt from oblique orientations, but they have difficulty combining these features to identify an oblique orientation. Thus, not all orientations within the oblique category are equally perceived.

  14. Polarization-dependent DANES study on vertically-aligned ZnO nanorods

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

    Sun, Chengjun; Park, Chang-In; Jin, Zhenlan

    2016-05-01

    The local structural and local density of states of vertically-aligned ZnO nanorods were examined by using a polarization-dependent diffraction anomalous near edge structure (DANES) measurements from c-oriented ZnO nanorods at the Zn K edge with the incident x-ray electric field parallel and perpendicular to the x-ray momentum transfer direction. Orientation-dependent local structures determined by DANES were comparable with polarization-dependent EXAFS results. Unlike other techniques, polarization-dependent DANES can uniquely describe the orientation-dependent local structural properties and the local density of states of a selected element in selected-phased crystals of compounds or mixed-phased structures.

  15. Military Hydrology. Report 12. Case Study Evaluation of Alternative Dam-Breach Flood Wave Methods. Volume 1. Main Report.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-11-01

    Report Organization. .................... 7 *PART 11: CASE STUDIES .......................... 9 Teton Dam Failure Flood. ...................... 9...channel, (3) Laurel Run Dam , and (4) Stillhouse Hollow Dam . The Laurel Run and Teton case studies involved field data sets from actual dam failures. The...hypothetical prismatic channel case study used the Teton reservoir and dam data but replaced the complex Teton Valley geometry with a prismatic channel

  16. A mixed volume grid approach for the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Coirier, William J.; Jorgenson, Philip C. E.

    1996-01-01

    An approach for solving the compressible Euler and Navier-Stokes equations upon meshes composed of nearly arbitrary polyhedra is described. Each polyhedron is constructed from an arbitrary number of triangular and quadrilateral face elements, allowing the unified treatment of tetrahedral, prismatic, pyramidal, and hexahedral cells, as well the general cut cells produced by Cartesian mesh approaches. The basics behind the numerical approach and the resulting data structures are described. The accuracy of the mixed volume grid approach is assessed by performing a grid refinement study upon a series of hexahedral, tetrahedral, prismatic, and Cartesian meshes for an analytic inviscid problem. A series of laminar validation cases are made, comparing the results upon differing grid topologies to each other, to theory, and experimental data. A computation upon a prismatic/tetrahedral mesh is made simulating the laminar flow over a wall/cylinder combination.

  17. Eye-Tracking Reveals that the Strength of the Vertical-Horizontal Illusion Increases as the Retinal Image Becomes More Stable with Fixation

    PubMed Central

    Chouinard, Philippe A.; Peel, Hayden J.; Landry, Oriane

    2017-01-01

    The closer a line extends toward a surrounding frame, the longer it appears. This is known as a framing effect. Over 70 years ago, Teodor Künnapas demonstrated that the shape of the visual field itself can act as a frame to influence the perceived length of lines in the vertical-horizontal illusion. This illusion is typically created by having a vertical line rise from the center of a horizontal line of the same length creating an inverted T figure. We aimed to determine if the degree to which one fixates on a spatial location where the two lines bisect could influence the strength of the illusion, assuming that the framing effect would be stronger when the retinal image is more stable. We performed two experiments: the visual-field and vertical-horizontal illusion experiments. The visual-field experiment demonstrated that the participants could discriminate a target more easily when it was presented along the horizontal vs. vertical meridian, confirming a framing influence on visual perception. The vertical-horizontal illusion experiment determined the effects of orientation, size and eye gaze on the strength of the illusion. As predicted, the illusion was strongest when the stimulus was presented in either its standard inverted T orientation or when it was rotated 180° compared to other orientations, and in conditions in which the retinal image was more stable, as indexed by eye tracking. Taken together, we conclude that the results provide support for Teodor Künnapas’ explanation of the vertical-horizontal illusion. PMID:28392764

  18. Dimension changing phase transitions in instanton crystals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaplunovsky, Vadim; Sonnenschein, Jacob

    2014-04-01

    We investigate lattices of instantons and the dimension-changing transitions between them. Our ultimate goal is the 3D → 4D transition, which is holographically dual to the phase transition between the baryonic and the quarkyonic phases of cold nuclear matter. However, in this paper (just as in [1]) we focus on lower dimensions — the 1D lattice of instantons in a harmonic potential V ∝ , and the zigzag-shaped lattice as a first stage of the 1D → 2D transition. We prove that in the low- and moderate-density regimes, interactions between the instantons are dominated by two-body forces. This drastically simplifies finding the ground state of the instantons' orientations, so we made a numeric scan of the whole orientation space instead of assuming any particular ansatz. We find that depending on the M 2 /M 3 /M 4 ratios, the ground state of instanton orientations can follow a wide variety of patterns. For the straight 1D lattices, we found orientations periodically running over elements of a , Klein, prismatic, or dihedral subgroup of the , as well as irrational but link-periodic patterns. For the zigzag-shaped lattices, we detected 4 distinct orientation phases — the anti-ferromagnet, another abelian phase, and two non-abelian phases. Allowing the zigzag amplitude to vary as a function of increasing compression force, we obtained the phase diagrams for the straight and zigzag-shaped lattices in the (force , M 3 /M 4), (chemical potential , M 3 /M 4), and (density , M 3 /M 4) planes. Some of the transitions between these phases are second-order while others are first-order. Our techniques can be applied to other types of non-abelian crystals.

  19. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility studies in Tertiary ridge-parallel dykes (Iceland), Tertiary margin-normal Aishihik dykes (Yukon), and Proterozoic Kenora Kabetogama composite dykes (Minnesota and Ontario)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Craddock, John P.; Kennedy, Bryan C.; Cook, Avery L.; Pawlisch, Melissa S.; Johnston, Stephen T.; Jackson, Mike

    2008-02-01

    Mafic dykes of different ages were collected from three different tectonic settings and analyzed using anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) as a proxy for magmatic flow during intrusion. In Iceland, ridge-parallel basaltic dykes were sampled on each side of the active tectonic boundary. The dykes are < 10 m wide along a 1-2 km strike, and are the result of a single intrusion from 1-2 km deep magma chambers in oceanic crust. Thirteen samples were collected (7 N. American plate; 6 European) and 153 cores were analyzed by AMS and preserve a vertical Kmax orientation indicating vertical emplacement. The Eocene Aishihik dyke swarm intrudes the Yukon-Tanana terrane in the Yukon province, Canada over an area ~ 200 by 60 km. These dykes were intruded normal to the accretionary margin, are porphyritic andesites, and have an intermediate geochemical signature based on major and trace element analyses. Ten dykes were sampled and 111 cores analyzed using AMS, and the dykes preserve a vertical Kmax orientation, indicating intrusion was vertical through ~ 30 km of continental crust. The 2.06 Ga Kenora-Kabetogama dykes in northern Minnesota and western Ontario crosscut a variety of Archean terranes (thickness ~ 50 km) in a radiating pattern. The unmetamorphosed basaltic dykes are 1-120 m wide, 10-110 km in length, are vertical in orientation and can be grouped as either being single intrusion or multiple intrusion (composite) dykes. AMS data preserve a vertical Kmax orientation for the southerly locations (2 dykes, n = 53) and horizontal Kmax for the remainder to the northwest (15 dykes, n = 194). Maximum magnetic susceptibility axes (4 dykes, n = 92) for composite dykes are scattered and yield inconsistent flow directions with regard to the dyke margin. Almost all of our results are "normal" in that, the magnetic foliation (the plane containing Kmax and Kint, normal to Kmin) is parallel to the dyke planes, which gives us confidence that the magnetic lineations (i.e., Kmax orientations) are parallel to magmatic flow.

  20. The Role of Visual Cues in Microgravity Spatial Orientation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Oman, Charles M.; Howard, Ian P.; Smith, Theodore; Beall, Andrew C.; Natapoff, Alan; Zacher, James E.; Jenkin, Heather L.

    2003-01-01

    In weightlessness, astronauts must rely on vision to remain spatially oriented. Although gravitational down cues are missing, most astronauts maintain a subjective vertical -a subjective sense of which way is up. This is evidenced by anecdotal reports of crewmembers feeling upside down (inversion illusions) or feeling that a floor has become a ceiling and vice versa (visual reorientation illusions). Instability in the subjective vertical direction can trigger disorientation and space motion sickness. On Neurolab, a virtual environment display system was used to conduct five interrelated experiments, which quantified: (a) how the direction of each person's subjective vertical depends on the orientation of the surrounding visual environment, (b) whether rolling the virtual visual environment produces stronger illusions of circular self-motion (circular vection) and more visual reorientation illusions than on Earth, (c) whether a virtual scene moving past the subject produces a stronger linear self-motion illusion (linear vection), and (d) whether deliberate manipulation of the subjective vertical changes a crewmember's interpretation of shading or the ability to recognize objects. None of the crew's subjective vertical indications became more independent of environmental cues in weightlessness. Three who were either strongly dependent on or independent of stationary visual cues in preflight tests remained so inflight. One other became more visually dependent inflight, but recovered postflight. Susceptibility to illusions of circular self-motion increased in flight. The time to the onset of linear self-motion illusions decreased and the illusion magnitude significantly increased for most subjects while free floating in weightlessness. These decreased toward one-G levels when the subject 'stood up' in weightlessness by wearing constant force springs. For several subjects, changing the relative direction of the subjective vertical in weightlessness-either by body rotation or by simply cognitively initiating a visual reorientation-altered the illusion of convexity produced when viewing a flat, shaded disc. It changed at least one person's ability to recognize previously presented two-dimensional shapes. Overall, results show that most astronauts become more dependent on dynamic visual motion cues and some become responsive to stationary orientation cues. The direction of the subjective vertical is labile in the absence of gravity. This can interfere with the ability to properly interpret shading, or to recognize complex objects in different orientations.

  1. Vertical structures in vibrated wormlike micellar solutions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Epstein, Tamir; Deegan, Robert

    2008-11-01

    Vertically vibrated shear thickening particulate suspensions can support a free-standing interfaces oriented parallel to gravity. We find that shear thickening worm-like micellar solutions also support such vertical interfaces. Above a threshold in acceleration, the solution spontaneously accumulates into a labyrinthine pattern characterized by a well-defined vertical edge. The formation of vertical structures is of interest because they are unique to shear-thickening fluids, and they indicate the existence of an unknown stress bearing mechanism.

  2. Inactivation of the infragranular striate cortex broadens orientation tuning of supragranular visual neurons in the cat.

    PubMed

    Allison, J D; Bonds, A B

    1994-01-01

    Intracortical inhibition is believed to enhance the orientation tuning of striate cortical neurons, but the origin of this inhibition is unclear. To examine the possible influence of ascending inhibitory projections from the infragranular layers of striate cortex on the orientation selectivity of neurons in the supragranular layers, we measured the spatiotemporal response properties of 32 supragranular neurons in the cat before, during, and after neural activity in the infragranular layers beneath the recorded cells was inactivated by iontophoretic administration of GABA. During GABA iontophoresis, the orientation tuning bandwidth of 15 (46.9%) supragranular neurons broadened as a result of increases in response amplitude to stimuli oriented about +/- 20 degrees away from the preferred stimulus angle. The mean (+/- SD) baseline orientation tuning bandwidth (half width at half height) of these neurons was 13.08 +/- 2.3 degrees. Their mean tuning bandwidth during inactivation of the infragranular layers increased to 19.59 +/- 2.54 degrees, an increase of 49.7%. The mean percentage increase in orientation tuning bandwidth of the individual neurons was 47.4%. Four neurons exhibited symmetrical changes in their orientation tuning functions, while 11 neurons displayed asymmetrical changes. The change in form of the orientation tuning functions appeared to depend on the relative vertical alignment of the recorded neuron and the infragranular region of inactivation. Neurons located in close vertical register with the inactivated infragranular tissue exhibited symmetric changes in their orientation tuning functions. The neurons exhibiting asymmetric changes in their orientation tuning functions were located just outside the vertical register. Eight of these 11 neurons also demonstrated a mean shift of 6.67 +/- 5.77 degrees in their preferred stimulus orientation. The magnitude of change in the orientation tuning functions increased as the delivery of GABA was prolonged. Responses returned to normal approximately 30 min after the delivery of GABA was discontinued. We conclude that inhibitory projections from neurons within the infragranular layers of striate cortex in cats can enhance the orientation selectivity of supragranular striate cortical neurons.

  3. Ground Vehicle Power and Mobility Overview

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-05-30

    Program Li-Ion Phosphate (LFP) Cathode Materials Large Format Li-Ion Prismatic Cells and Modules with Integrated Liquid Cooling Integrated Prototype...using porous graphitic material3 4 5 8 5 6 60 W-hr/kg 80-120 W/kg Low Cycle Life LFP cathode Safer Less energetic materials ~ ~ Power Cell 85-120...Thermal Runaway Study Zebra Battery NaNiCl2 (FY08 ATO) Advanced Lead Acid LiFePO4 Cathode Prismatic Lithium-ion batteries and Integrated Liquid Cooling

  4. Analytical Method Used to Calculate Pile Foundations with the Widening Up on a Horizontal Static Impact

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kupchikova, N. V.; Kurbatskiy, E. N.

    2017-11-01

    This paper presents a methodology for the analytical research solutions for the work pile foundations with surface broadening and inclined side faces in the ground array, based on the properties of Fourier transform of finite functions. The comparative analysis of the calculation results using the suggested method for prismatic piles, piles with surface broadening prismatic with precast piles and end walls with precast wedges on the surface is described.

  5. Majorana states in prismatic core-shell nanowires

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Manolescu, Andrei; Sitek, Anna; Osca, Javier; Serra, Llorenç; Gudmundsson, Vidar; Stanescu, Tudor Dan

    2017-09-01

    We consider core-shell nanowires with conductive shell and insulating core and with polygonal cross section. We investigate the implications of this geometry on Majorana states expected in the presence of proximity-induced superconductivity and an external magnetic field. A typical prismatic nanowire has a hexagonal profile, but square and triangular shapes can also be obtained. The low-energy states are localized at the corners of the cross section, i.e., along the prism edges, and are separated by a gap from higher energy states localized on the sides. The corner localization depends on the details of the shell geometry, i.e., thickness, diameter, and sharpness of the corners. We study systematically the low-energy spectrum of prismatic shells using numerical methods and derive the topological phase diagram as a function of magnetic field and chemical potential for triangular, square, and hexagonal geometries. A strong corner localization enhances the stability of Majorana modes to various perturbations, including the orbital effect of the magnetic field, whereas a weaker localization favorizes orbital effects and reduces the critical magnetic field. The prismatic geometry allows the Majorana zero-energy modes to be accompanied by low-energy states, which we call pseudo Majorana, and which converge to real Majoranas in the limit of small shell thickness. We include the Rashba spin-orbit coupling in a phenomenological manner, assuming a radial electric field across the shell.

  6. Research and Development of High-Performance Axial-Flow Turbomachinery

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1968-05-01

    following conditions: 1. At any orientation of the turbocompressor in a zero to 0.18-g accelera- tion field; 2. At any angle between zero and 180...degrees shaft angle (where zero would correspond to a vertically oriented shaft with the compressor-end up and 180 degrees would be vertical with the...rpm. Hence, the absolute values of bearing forces in the vicinity of the rigid body criticals are approximate. Over the range of 40,000 to 60,000 rpm

  7. Presenting Your Best Self(ie): The Influence of Gender on Vertical Orientation of Selfies on Tinder.

    PubMed

    Sedgewick, Jennifer R; Flath, Meghan E; Elias, Lorin J

    2017-01-01

    When taking a self-portrait or "selfie" to display in an online dating profile, individuals may intuitively manipulate the vertical camera angle to embody how they want to be perceived by the opposite sex. Concepts from evolutionary psychology and grounded cognition suggest that this manipulation can provide cues of physical height and impressions of power to the viewer which are qualities found to influence mate-selection. We predicted that men would orient selfies more often from below to appear taller (i.e., more powerful) than the viewer, and women, from an above perspective to appear shorter (i.e., less powerful). A content analysis was conducted which coded the vertical orientation of 557 selfies from profile pictures on the popular mobile dating application, Tinder. In general, selfies were commonly used by both men (54%) and women (90%). Consistent with our predictions, a gender difference emerged; men's selfies were angled significantly more often from below, whereas women's were angled more often from above. Our findings suggest that selfies presented in a mate-attraction context are intuitively or perhaps consciously selected to adhere to ideal mate qualities. Further discussion proposes that biological or individual differences may also facilitate vertical compositions of selfies.

  8. Role of cerebellar nodulus and uvula on the vestibular quick phase spatial constancy.

    PubMed

    Pettorossi, V E; Grassi, S; Errico, P; Barmack, N H

    2001-01-01

    We investigated the orientation of quick phases (QPs) of vestibularly-induced eye movements in rabbits in response to "off-vertical" sinusoidal vestibular stimulation. We also examined the possible role of the cerebellar nodulus and ventral uvula in controlling QP spatial orientation and modification. During "off-vertical" vestibular stimulation QPs remained aligned with the earth's horizontal plane, while the slow phases (SPs) were aligned with the plane of vestibular stimulation. This suggests that QPs are coded in gravito-inertial coordinates and SPs in head coordinates. When rabbits were oscillated in the light (20 degrees peak-to-peak; 0.2 Hz) about an "off-vertical" axis for 2 h, the QPs changed their trajectory, abandoning the earth's horizontal plane to approach the plane of the stimulus. By contrast, in the absence of conjunctive optokinetic stimulation, QPs remained fixed in the earth's horizontal plane even after 2 h of "off-vertical" stimulation. The conjunctive combination of optokinetic and vestibular stimulation caused QPs to change their plane of rotation. After lesion of the nodulus-uvula the ability of rabbits to reorient QPs during conjoint vestibular-optokinetic stimulation was maintained. We conclude that the space orientation and adaptation of QPs do not require cerebellar control.

  9. Technical Note: Orientation of cracks and hydrology in a shrink-swell soil

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Crack orientations are an important soil physical property that affects water flow, particularly in vertic soils. However, the spatial and temporal variability of crack orientations across different land uses and gilgai features is not well-documented and addressed in hydrology models. Thus there is...

  10. Relationships between clubshaft motions and clubface orientation during the golf swing.

    PubMed

    Takagi, Tokio; Yokozawa, Toshiharu; Inaba, Yuki; Matsuda, Yuji; Shiraki, Hitoshi

    2017-09-01

    Since clubface orientation at impact affects ball direction and ball spin, the ability to control clubface orientation is one of the most important skills for golfers. This study presents a new method to describe clubface orientation as a function of the clubshaft motions (i.e., swing plane orientation, clubshaft angle in the swing plane, and clubshaft rolling angle) during a golf swing and investigates the relationships between the clubshaft motions and clubface orientation at impact. The club motion data of driver shots were collected from eight skilled golfers using a three-dimensional motion capture system. The degrees of influence of the clubshaft motions on the clubface orientation were investigated using sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis revealed that the swing plane horizontal angle affected the clubface horizontal angle to an extent of 100%, that the clubshaft angle in the swing plane affected both the clubface vertical and horizontal angles to extents of 74 and 68%, respectively, and that the clubshaft rolling angle affected both the clubface vertical and horizontal angles to extents of -67 and 75%, respectively. Since the method presented here relates clubface orientation to clubshaft motions, it is useful for understanding the clubface control of a golfer.

  11. Vertical spatial sensitivity and exploration depth of low-induction-number electromagnetic-induction instruments

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Callegary, J.B.; Ferré, T.P.A.; Groom, R.W.

    2007-01-01

    Vertical spatial sensitivity and effective depth of exploration (d e) of low-induction-number (LIN) instruments over a layered soil were evaluated using a complete numerical solution to Maxwell's equations. Previous studies using approximate mathematical solutions predicted a vertical spatial sensitivity for instruments operating under LIN conditions that, for a given transmitter-receiver coil separation (s), coil orientation, and transmitter frequency, should depend solely on depth below the land surface. When not operating under LIN conditions, vertical spatial sensitivity and de also depend on apparent soil electrical conductivity (??a) and therefore the induction number (??). In this new evaluation, we determined the range of ??a and ?? values for which the LIN conditions hold and how de changes when they do not. Two-layer soil models were simulated with both horizontal (HCP) and vertical (VCP) coplanar coil orientations. Soil layers were given electrical conductivity values ranging from 0.1 to 200 mS m-1. As expected, de decreased as ??a increased. Only the least electrically conductive soil produced the de expected when operating under LIN conditions. For the VCP orientation, this was 1.6s, decreasing to 0.8s in the most electrically conductive soil. For the HCP orientation, de decreased from 0.76s to 0.51s. Differences between this and previous studies are attributed to inadequate representation of skin-depth effect and scattering at interfaces between layers. When using LIN instruments to identify depth to water tables, interfaces between soil layers, and variations in salt or moisture content, it is important to consider the dependence of de on ??a. ?? Soil Science Society of America.

  12. Face perception is tuned to horizontal orientation in the N170 time window.

    PubMed

    Jacques, Corentin; Schiltz, Christine; Goffaux, Valerie

    2014-02-07

    The specificity of face perception is thought to reside both in its dramatic vulnerability to picture-plane inversion and its strong reliance on horizontally oriented image content. Here we asked when in the visual processing stream face-specific perception is tuned to horizontal information. We measured the behavioral performance and scalp event-related potentials (ERP) when participants viewed upright and inverted images of faces and cars (and natural scenes) that were phase-randomized in a narrow orientation band centered either on vertical or horizontal orientation. For faces, the magnitude of the inversion effect (IE) on behavioral discrimination performance was significantly reduced for horizontally randomized compared to vertically or nonrandomized images, confirming the importance of horizontal information for the recruitment of face-specific processing. Inversion affected the processing of nonrandomized and vertically randomized faces early, in the N170 time window. In contrast, the magnitude of the N170 IE was much smaller for horizontally randomized faces. The present research indicates that the early face-specific neural representations are preferentially tuned to horizontal information and offers new perspectives for a description of the visual information feeding face-specific perception.

  13. Anisotropic Negative Thermal Expansion Behavior of the As-Fabricated Ti-Rich and Equiatomic Ti-Ni Alloys Induced by Preferential Grain Orientation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Zhong-Xun; Ma, Xiao; Cao, Shan-Shan; Ke, Chang-Bo; Zhang, Xin-Ping

    2017-12-01

    The present study focuses on the anisotropic negative thermal expansion (NTE) behaviors of Ti-rich (Ti54Ni46) and equiatomic Ti-Ni (Ti50Ni50) alloys fabricated by vacuum arc melting and without subsequent plastic deformation. Both alloys exhibit NTE responses in vertical and horizontal directions, and the total strains and CTEs of the NTE stage along the two mutually perpendicular measuring directions are obviously different, indicating obvious anisotropic NTE behavior of the alloys. Besides, the numerical differences between the starting temperature of NTE and austenitic transformation and between the finishing temperature of NTE and austenitic transformation are very small, which indicates that an apparent relationship exists between the NTE behavior and the phase transformation. The microstructure in the vertical cross sections shows obviously preferential orientation characteristics: Ti2Ni phases of both alloys grow along the vertical direction, and B19' martensite of Ti50Ni50 alloy has distinct preferential orientation, which results from a large temperature gradient between the top and the bottom of the button ingots during solidification. The microstructure with preferential orientation induces the anisotropic NTE behavior of the samples.

  14. Carbon-Based Nano-Electro-Mechanical-Systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kaul, A. B.; Khan, A. R.; Megerian, K. G.; Epp, L.; LeDuc, G.; Bagge, L.; Jennings, A. T.; Jang, D.; Greer, J. R.

    2011-01-01

    We provide an overview of our work where carbon-based nanostructures have been applied to two-dimensional (2D) planar and three-dimensional (3D) vertically-oriented nano-electro-mechanical (NEM) switches. In the first configuration, laterally oriented single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) synthesized using thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) were implemented for forming bridge-type 2D NEMS switches, where switching voltages were on the order of a few volts. In the second configuration, vertically oriented carbon nanofibers (CNFs) synthesized using plasma-enhanced (PE) CVD have been explored for their potential application in 3D NEMS. We have performed nanomechanical measurements on such vertically oriented tubes using nanoindentation to determine the mechanical properties of the CNFs. Electrostatic switching was demonstrated in the CNFs synthesized on refractory metallic nitride substrates, where a nanoprobe was used as the actuating electrode inside a scanning-electron-microscope. The switching voltages were determined to be in the tens of volts range and van der Waals interactions at these length scales appeared significant, suggesting such structures are promising for nonvolatile memory applications. A finite element model was also developed to determine a theoretical pull-in voltage which was compared to experimental results.

  15. Anisotropic Negative Thermal Expansion Behavior of the As-Fabricated Ti-Rich and Equiatomic Ti-Ni Alloys Induced by Preferential Grain Orientation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Zhong-Xun; Ma, Xiao; Cao, Shan-Shan; Ke, Chang-Bo; Zhang, Xin-Ping

    2018-03-01

    The present study focuses on the anisotropic negative thermal expansion (NTE) behaviors of Ti-rich (Ti54Ni46) and equiatomic Ti-Ni (Ti50Ni50) alloys fabricated by vacuum arc melting and without subsequent plastic deformation. Both alloys exhibit NTE responses in vertical and horizontal directions, and the total strains and CTEs of the NTE stage along the two mutually perpendicular measuring directions are obviously different, indicating obvious anisotropic NTE behavior of the alloys. Besides, the numerical differences between the starting temperature of NTE and austenitic transformation and between the finishing temperature of NTE and austenitic transformation are very small, which indicates that an apparent relationship exists between the NTE behavior and the phase transformation. The microstructure in the vertical cross sections shows obviously preferential orientation characteristics: Ti2Ni phases of both alloys grow along the vertical direction, and B19' martensite of Ti50Ni50 alloy has distinct preferential orientation, which results from a large temperature gradient between the top and the bottom of the button ingots during solidification. The microstructure with preferential orientation induces the anisotropic NTE behavior of the samples.

  16. Prism adaptation does not alter configural processing of faces

    PubMed Central

    Bultitude, Janet H.; Downing, Paul E.; Rafal, Robert D.

    2013-01-01

    Patients with hemispatial neglect (‘neglect’) following a brain lesion show difficulty responding or orienting to objects and events on the left side of space. Substantial evidence supports the use of a sensorimotor training technique called prism adaptation as a treatment for neglect. Reaching for visual targets viewed through prismatic lenses that induce a rightward shift in the visual image results in a leftward recalibration of reaching movements that is accompanied by a reduction of symptoms in patients with neglect. The understanding of prism adaptation has also been advanced through studies of healthy participants, in whom adaptation to leftward prismatic shifts results in temporary neglect-like performance. Interestingly, prism adaptation can also alter aspects of non-lateralised spatial attention. We previously demonstrated that prism adaptation alters the extent to which neglect patients and healthy participants process local features versus global configurations of visual stimuli. Since deficits in non-lateralised spatial attention are thought to contribute to the severity of neglect symptoms, it is possible that the effect of prism adaptation on these deficits contributes to its efficacy. This study examines the pervasiveness of the effects of prism adaptation on perception by examining the effect of prism adaptation on configural face processing using a composite face task. The composite face task is a persuasive demonstration of the automatic global-level processing of faces: the top and bottom halves of two familiar faces form a seemingly new, unknown face when viewed together. Participants identified the top or bottom halves of composite faces before and after prism adaptation. Sensorimotor adaptation was confirmed by significant pointing aftereffect, however there was no significant change in the extent to which the irrelevant face half interfered with processing. The results support the proposal that the therapeutic effects of prism adaptation are limited to dorsal stream processing. PMID:25110574

  17. Prism adaptation does not alter configural processing of faces.

    PubMed

    Bultitude, Janet H; Downing, Paul E; Rafal, Robert D

    2013-01-01

    Patients with hemispatial neglect ('neglect') following a brain lesion show difficulty responding or orienting to objects and events on the left side of space. Substantial evidence supports the use of a sensorimotor training technique called prism adaptation as a treatment for neglect. Reaching for visual targets viewed through prismatic lenses that induce a rightward shift in the visual image results in a leftward recalibration of reaching movements that is accompanied by a reduction of symptoms in patients with neglect. The understanding of prism adaptation has also been advanced through studies of healthy participants, in whom adaptation to leftward prismatic shifts results in temporary neglect-like performance. Interestingly, prism adaptation can also alter aspects of non-lateralised spatial attention. We previously demonstrated that prism adaptation alters the extent to which neglect patients and healthy participants process local features versus global configurations of visual stimuli. Since deficits in non-lateralised spatial attention are thought to contribute to the severity of neglect symptoms, it is possible that the effect of prism adaptation on these deficits contributes to its efficacy. This study examines the pervasiveness of the effects of prism adaptation on perception by examining the effect of prism adaptation on configural face processing using a composite face task. The composite face task is a persuasive demonstration of the automatic global-level processing of faces: the top and bottom halves of two familiar faces form a seemingly new, unknown face when viewed together. Participants identified the top or bottom halves of composite faces before and after prism adaptation. Sensorimotor adaptation was confirmed by significant pointing aftereffect, however there was no significant change in the extent to which the irrelevant face half interfered with processing. The results support the proposal that the therapeutic effects of prism adaptation are limited to dorsal stream processing.

  18. Deformation Behavior of Ultra-Strong and Ductile Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr Alloy with Bimodal Microstructure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, C.; Fan, G. H.; Nakata, T.; Liang, X.; Chi, Y. Q.; Qiao, X. G.; Cao, G. J.; Zhang, T. T.; Huang, M.; Miao, K. S.; Zheng, M. Y.; Kamado, S.; Xie, H. L.

    2018-02-01

    An ultra-strong and ductile Mg-8.2Gd-3.8Y-1Zn-0.4Zr (wt pct) alloy was developed by using hot extrusion to modify the microstructure via forced-air cooling and an artificial aging treatment. A superior strength-ductility balance was obtained that had a tensile yield strength of 466 MPa and an elongation to failure of 14.5 pct. The local strain evolution during the in situ testing of the ultra-strong and ductile alloy was quantitatively analyzed with high-resolution electron backscattered diffraction and digital image correlation. The fracture behavior during the tensile test was characterized by synchrotron X-ray tomography along with SEM and STEM observations. The alloy showed a bimodal microstructure, consisting of dynamically recrystallized (DRXed) grains with random orientations and elongated hot-worked grains with < { 10{\\bar{1}}0} > parallel to the extrusion direction. The DRXed grains were deformed by the basal <;a> slip and the hot-worked grains were deformed by the prismatic slip dominantly. The strain evolution analysis indicated that the multilayered structure relaxed the strain localization via strain transfer from the DRXed to the hot-worked regions, which led to the high ductility of the alloy. Precipitation of the γ' on basal planes and the β' phases on the prismatic planes of the α-Mg generated closed volumes, which enhanced the strength by pinning dislocations effectively, and contributed to the high ductility by impeding the propagation of micro-cracks inside the grains. The deformation incompatibility between the hot-worked grains and the arched block-shaped long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases induced the crack initiation and propagation, which fractured the alloy.

  19. Ab initio tensile experiment on a model of an intergranular glassy film in β-Si3N4 with prismatic surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ching, W. Y.; Rulis, Paul; Ouyang, Lizhi; Misra, A.

    2009-02-01

    We report the results of a large-scale ab initio simulation of an intergranular glassy film (IGF) model in β-Si3N4. It is shown that the stress-strain behavior under uniaxial load in the model with prismatic surfaces and few defective bonds is very different from an earlier IGF model with basal planes. The results are explained by the fundamental electronic structure of the model.

  20. The effects of window shape and reticle presence on performance in a vertical alignment task

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rosenberg, Erika L.; Haines, Richard F.; Jordan, Kevin

    1989-01-01

    This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of selected interior work-station orientational cuing upon the ability to align a target image with local vertical in the frontal plane. Angular error from gravitational vertical in an alignment task was measured for 20 observers viewing through two window shapes (square, round), two initial orientations of a computer-generated space shuttle image, and the presence or absence of a stabilized optical alignment reticle. In terms of overall accuracy, it was found that observer error was significantly smaller for the square window and reticle-present conditions than for the round window and reticle-absent conditions. Response bias data reflected an overall tendency to undershoot and greater variability of response in the round window/no reticle condition. These results suggest that environmental cuing information, such as that provided by square window frames and alignment reticles, may aid in subjective orientation and increase accuracy of response in a Space Station proximity operations alignment task.

  1. Spatial displacement of numbers on a vertical number line in spatial neglect.

    PubMed

    Mihulowicz, Urszula; Klein, Elise; Nuerk, Hans-Christoph; Willmes, Klaus; Karnath, Hans-Otto

    2015-01-01

    Previous studies that investigated the association of numbers and space in humans came to contradictory conclusions about the spatial character of the mental number magnitude representation and about how it may be influenced by unilateral spatial neglect. The present study aimed to disentangle the debated influence of perceptual vs. representational aspects via explicit mapping of numbers onto space by applying the number line estimation paradigm with vertical orientation of stimulus lines. Thirty-five acute right-brain damaged stroke patients (6 with neglect) were asked to place two-digit numbers on vertically oriented lines with 0 marked at the bottom and 100 at the top. In contrast to the expected, nearly linear mapping in the control patient group, patients with spatial neglect overestimated the position of numbers in the lower middle range. The results corroborate spatial characteristics of the number magnitude representation. In neglect patients, this representation seems to be biased towards the ipsilesional side, independent of the physical orientation of the task stimuli.

  2. Retinal constraints on orientation specificity in cat visual cortex.

    PubMed

    Schall, J D; Vitek, D J; Leventhal, A G

    1986-03-01

    Most retinal ganglion cells (Levick and Thibos, 1982) and cortical cells (Leventhal, 1983; Leventhal et al., 1984) subserving peripheral vision respond best to stimuli that are oriented radially, i.e., like the spokes of a wheel with the area centralis at the hub. We have extended this work by comparing directly the distributions of orientations represented in topographically corresponding regions of retina and visual cortex. Both central and peripheral regions were studied. The relations between the orientations of neighboring ganglion cells and the manner in which the overrepresentation of radial orientations is accommodated in the functional architecture of visual cortex were also studied. Our results are based on an analysis of the orientations of the dendritic fields of 1296 ganglion cells throughout the retina and the preferred orientations of 1389 cells located in retinotopically corresponding regions of cortical areas 17, 18, and 19 in the cat. We find that horizontal and vertical orientations are overrepresented in regions of both retina and visual cortex subserving the central 5 degrees of vision. The distributions of the orientations of retinal ganglion cells and cortical cells subserving the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal meridians outside the area centralis differ significantly. The distribution of the preferred orientations of the S (simple) cells in areas 17, 18 and 19 subserving a given part of the retina corresponds to the distribution of the dendritic field orientations of the ganglion cells in that part of retina. The distribution of the preferred orientations of C (complex) cells with narrow receptive fields in area 17 but not C cells with wide receptive fields in areas 17, 18, or 19 subserving a given part of the retina matches the distribution of the orientations of the ganglion cells in that part of retina. The orientations of all of the alpha-cells in 5-9 mm2 patches of retina along the horizontal, vertical, and oblique meridians were determined. A comparison of the orientations of neighboring cells indicates that other than a mutual tendency to be oriented radially, ganglion cells with similar orientations are not clustered in the retina. Reconstructions of electrode penetrations into regions of visual cortex representing peripheral retina indicate that columns subserving radial orientations are wider than those subserving nonradial orientations. Our results provide evidence that the distribution of the preferred orientations of simple cells in visual cortex subserving any region of the visual field matches the distribution of the orientations of the ganglion cells subserving the same region of the visual field.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

  3. Synthesis and Characterization of a New Modification of the Quasi-Low-Dimensional Compound KMo 4O 6

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ramanujachary, K. V.; Greenblatt, D. M.; Jones, E. B.; McCarroll, W. H.

    1993-01-01

    Prismatic single crystals, up to 3 mm in length, of a third modification of KMo4O6 have been prepared by electrolysis of a melt with a high ratio of K2MoO4 to MoO3. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the structure conforms more closely than the other two modifications to that reported originally for NaMo4O6. When current is passed parallel to the tetragonal c axis (i.e., parallel to the trans-edge-sharing chains of Mo6 octahedra) the compound displays metallic conductivity down to 100 K, where a broad transition to semiconducting behavior occurs. If the current is passed perpendicular to the c axis the conductivity is approximately a factor of 5 lower. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on a randomly oriented collection of crystals showed Pauli paramagnetic behavior with a small Curie tail at low temperatures.

  4. Specific feature of magnetooptical images of stray fields of magnets of various geometrical shapes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ivanov, V. E.; Koveshnikov, A. V.; Andreev, S. V.

    2017-08-01

    Specific features of magnetooptical images (MOIs) of stray fields near the faces of prismatic hard magnetic elements have been studied. Attention has primarily been focused on MOIs of fields near faces oriented perpendicular to the magnetic moment of hard magnetic elements. With regard to the polar sensitivity, MOIs have practically uniform brightness and geometrically they coincide with the figures of the bases of the elements. With regard to longitudinal sensitivity, MOIs consist of several sectors, the number of which is determined by the number of angles of the image. Each angle is divided by the bisectrix into two sectors of different brightnesses; therefore, the MOI of a triangular magnet consists of three sectors. A rectangle consists of four sectors separated by the bisectrices of the interior angles. In all types of figures, these lines converge at the center of the figure and form a singular point of the source or sink type.

  5. Bra strap orientations and designs to minimise bra strap discomfort and pressure during sport and exercise in women with large breasts.

    PubMed

    Coltman, Celeste E; McGhee, Deirdre E; Steele, Julie R

    2015-01-01

    Bra straps are a primary source of discomfort during sport and exercise, particularly for women with large breasts. This study aimed to investigate the effects of altering bra strap orientation and design on bra strap comfort, pressure and breast support in women with large breasts. This is a descriptive laboratory study. Bra strap discomfort (visual analogue scale, 0 to 10), pressure (custom-designed 10 mm 2 calibrated pressure sensor, 0.5 to 24 kPa range, 50 Hz, S2011, Novel GmbH, Munich, Germany, placed under the right bra strap at the crest of each participant's shoulder), preference ranking and vertical breast displacement (VBD; Optotrak Certus® motion capture system, 200 Hz, Northern Digital, Ontario, Canada) data during dynamic treadmill running and static upright standing (pressure only) were collected for 23 active women with large breasts (D+ cup size) while they wore an encapsulation sports bra with six different bra strap conditions (two bra strap orientations: vertical and cross-back; three bra strap designs: standard width, wide and gel). Bra strap discomfort was significantly less ( p  ≤ 0.001) in the vertical compared to the cross-back strap orientation, which was the most preferred orientation despite no significant difference in strap pressure. The wide strap design had the lowest discomfort scores, significantly lower strap pressure compared to the standard width and gel strap designs ( p  < 0.001), and was equally the most preferred design with the gel straps. There was no significant difference in VBD among the six strap conditions. Bra straps that are vertically orientated and wide (approximately 4.5 cm in width) are preferable for women with large breasts during sport and exercise to minimise bra strap pressure and discomfort. The addition of gel pads under bra straps may also decrease discomfort and prevent straps slipping off the shoulders, although this notion warrants further investigation.

  6. Characterization of fracture permeability with high-resolution vertical flow measurements during borehole pumping.

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Paillet, Frederick L.; Hess, A.E.; Cheng, C.H.; Hardin, E.

    1987-01-01

    The distribution of fracture permeability in granitic rocks was investigated by measuring the distribution of vertical flow in boreholes during periods of steady pumping. Pumping tests were conducted at two sites chosen to provide examples of moderately fractured rocks near Mirror Lake, New Hampshire and intensely fractured rocks near Oracle, Arizona. A sensitive heat-pulse flowmeter was used for accurate measurements of vertical flow as low as 0.2 liter per minute. Results indicate zones of fracture permeability in crystalline rocks are composed of irregular conduits that cannot be approximated by planar fractures of uniform aperture, and that the orientation of permeability zones may be unrelated to the orientation of individual fractures within those zones.-Authors

  7. Spontaneous Emergence of Legibility in Writing Systems: The Case of Orientation Anisotropy.

    PubMed

    Morin, Olivier

    2018-03-01

    Cultural forms are constrained by cognitive biases, and writing is thought to have evolved to fit basic visual preferences, but little is known about the history and mechanisms of that evolution. Cognitive constraints have been documented for the topology of script features, but not for their orientation. Orientation anisotropy in human vision, as revealed by the oblique effect, suggests that cardinal (vertical and horizontal) orientations, being easier to process, should be overrepresented in letters. As this study of 116 scripts shows, the orientation of strokes inside written characters massively favors cardinal directions, and it is organized in such a way as to make letter recognition easier: Cardinal and oblique strokes tend not to mix, and mirror symmetry is anisotropic, favoring vertical over horizontal symmetry. Phylogenetic analyses and recently invented scripts show that cultural evolution over the last three millennia cannot be the sole cause of these effects. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Cognitive Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Cognitive Science Society.

  8. Multiple prismatic calcium phosphate layers in the jaws of present-day sharks (Chondrichthyes; Selachii).

    PubMed

    Dingerkus, G; Séret, B; Guilbert, E

    1991-01-15

    Jaws of large individuals, over 2 m in total length, of the shark species Carcharodon carcharias (great white shark) and Isurus oxyrinchus (mako shark) of the family Lamnidae, and Galeocerdo cuvieri (tiger shark) and Carcharhinus leucas (bull shark) of the family Carcharhinidae were found to have multiple, up to five, layers of prismatic calcium phosphate surrounding the cartilages. Smaller individuals of these species and other known species of living chondrichthyans have only one layer of prismatic calcium phosphate surrounding the cartilages, as also do most species of fossil chondrichthyans. Two exceptions are the fossil shark genera Xenacanthus and Tamiobatis. Where it is found in living forms, this multiple layered calcification does not appear to be phylogenetic, as it appears to be lacking in other lamnid and carcharhinid genera and species. Rather it appears to be functional, only appearing in larger individuals and species of these two groups, and hence may be necessary to strengthen the jaw cartilages of such individuals for biting.

  9. Effect of Layering on Cracking Initiation and Propagation under Uniaxial Compression

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Modiriasari, A.; Jiang, L.; Yoon, H.; Bobet, A.; Pyrak-Nolte, L. J.

    2017-12-01

    Rock anisotropy can arise from textural and structural causes both of which contribute to anisotropic strength and moduli. Rock variability makes it difficult to determine which properties dominate failure. Here, laboratory experiments were performed on 3D printed samples to examine the effect of layering on crack formation. Samples with two pre-existing coplanar flaws were fabricated using an additive 3D printing process (Projet CJP 360). Layers of gypsum (0.2 mm thick) were printed in either a horizontal (H) or a vertical (V) orientation to create prismatic samples (152.4 mm x 76.2 mm x 25.1 mm) with two 12.7 mm long coplanar flaws (19.05 mm apart) oriented at 450 with the load. Cracks were induced under uniaxial loading conditions. Digital image correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission (AE) (18 AE sensors with a frequency range of 100-450 kHz) were used to monitor crack evolution. DIC imaging of the V specimen during uniaxial compression showed that smooth cracks were initiated and propagated from the tips of the flaws parallel to the layering. Unlike the strongly bonded samples, no cracks were formed between the pre-existing flaws. The failure mechanism between the flaws was controlled by the weak bonding between the layers, and not by the coalescence of the new cracks. However, for the H specimen, failure was caused by crack coalescence between the two flaws. The new cracks exhibited a step-like roughness that was influenced by the layering in the sample. AE events were only detected when a synchronized mode was used. 3D printed samples can be effectively used to study the effect of anisotropic layering on crack initiation and propagation in a repeatable and controlled manner. Acknowledgements: Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525. This material is also based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Geosciences Research Program under Award Number (DE-FG02-09ER16022) and by the National Science Foundation, Geomechanics and Geotechnical Systems Program (award No. CMMI-1162082).

  10. Highly aligned vertical GaN nanowires using submonolayer metal catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Wang, George T [Albuquerque, NM; Li, Qiming [Albuquerque, NM; Creighton, J Randall [Albuquerque, NM

    2010-06-29

    A method for forming vertically oriented, crystallographically aligned nanowires (nanocolumns) using monolayer or submonolayer quantities of metal atoms to form uniformly sized metal islands that serve as catalysts for MOCVD growth of Group III nitride nanowires.

  11. Induction logging device

    DOEpatents

    Koelle, A.R.; Landt, J.A.

    An instrument is disclosed for mapping vertical conductive fractures in a resistive bedrock, magnetically inducing eddy currents by a pair of vertically oriented, mutually perpendicular, coplanar coils. The eddy currents drive magnetic fields which are picked up by a second, similar pair of coils.

  12. Prismatic displacement effect of progressive multifocal glasses on reaction time and accuracy in elderly people.

    PubMed

    Ellison, Ashton C; Campbell, A John; Robertson, M Clare; Sanderson, Gordon F

    2014-01-01

    Multifocal glasses (bifocals, trifocals, and progressives) increase the risk of falling in elderly people, but how they do so is unclear. To explain why glasses with progressive addition lenses increase the risk of falls and whether this can be attributed to false projection, this study aimed to 1) map the prismatic displacement of a progressive lens, and 2) test whether this displacement impaired reaction time and accuracy. The reaction times of healthy ≥75-year-olds (31 participants) were measured when grasping for a bar and touching a black line. Participants performed each test twice, wearing their progressives and new, matched single vision (distance) glasses in random order. The line and bar targets were positioned according to the maximum and minimum prismatic displacement effect through the progressive lens, mapped using a focimeter. Progressive spectacle lenses have large areas of prismatic displacement in the central visual axis and edges. Reaction time was faster for progressives compared with single vision glasses with a centrally-placed horizontal grab bar (mean difference 101 ms, P=0.011 [repeated measures analysis]) and a horizontal black line placed 300 mm below center (mean difference 80 ms, P=0.007). There was no difference in accuracy between the two types of glasses. Older people appear to adapt to the false projection of progressives in the central visual axis. This adaptation means that swapping to new glasses or a large change in prescription may lead to a fall. Frequently updating glasses may be more beneficial.

  13. Interaction of irradiation-induced prismatic dislocation loops with free surfaces in tungsten

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fikar, Jan; Gröger, Roman; Schäublin, Robin

    2017-02-01

    The prismatic dislocation loops appear in metals as a result of high-energy irradiation. Understanding their formation and interaction is important for quantification of irradiation-induced deterioration of mechanical properties. Characterization of dislocation loops in thin foils is commonly made using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), but the results are inevitably influenced by the proximity of free surfaces. The prismatic loops are attracted to free surfaces by image forces. Depending on the type, size and depth of the loop in the foil, they can escape to the free surface, thus invalidating TEM observations and conclusions. In this article small prismatic hexagonal and circular dislocation loops in tungsten with the Burgers vectors 1/2 〈 1 1 1 〉 and 〈 1 0 0 〉 are studied by molecular statics simulations using three embedded atom method (EAM) potentials. The calculated image forces are compared to known elastic solutions. A particular attention is paid to the critical stress to move edge dislocations. The escape of the loop to the free surface is quantified by a combination of atomistic simulations and elastic calculations. For example, for the 1/2 〈 1 1 1 〉 loop with diameter 7.4 nm in a 55 nm thick foil we calculated that about one half of the loops will escape to the free surface. This implies that TEM observations detect only approx. 50% of the loops that were originally present in the foil.

  14. Spatial coding of eye movements relative to perceived earth and head orientations during static roll tilt

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wood, S. J.; Paloski, W. H.; Reschke, M. F.

    1998-01-01

    This purpose of this study was to examine the spatial coding of eye movements during static roll tilt (up to +/-45 degrees) relative to perceived earth and head orientations. Binocular videographic recordings obtained in darkness from eight subjects allowed us to quantify the mean deviations in gaze trajectories along both horizontal and vertical coordinates relative to the true earth and head orientations. We found that both variability and curvature of gaze trajectories increased with roll tilt. The trajectories of eye movements made along the perceived earth-horizontal (PEH) were more accurate than movements along the perceived head-horizontal (PHH). The trajectories of both PEH and PHH saccades tended to deviate in the same direction as the head tilt. The deviations in gaze trajectories along the perceived earth-vertical (PEV) and perceived head-vertical (PHV) were both similar to the PHH orientation, except that saccades along the PEV deviated in the opposite direction relative to the head tilt. The magnitude of deviations along the PEV, PHH, and PHV corresponded to perceptual overestimations of roll tilt obtained from verbal reports. Both PEV gaze trajectories and perceptual estimates of tilt orientation were different following clockwise rather than counterclockwise tilt rotation; however, the PEH gaze trajectories were less affected by the direction of tilt rotation. Our results suggest that errors in gaze trajectories along PEV and perceived head orientations increase during roll tilt in a similar way to perceptual errors of tilt orientation. Although PEH and PEV gaze trajectories became nonorthogonal during roll tilt, we conclude that the spatial coding of eye movements during roll tilt is overall more accurate for the perceived earth reference frame than for the perceived head reference frame.

  15. Human spatial orientation in the pitch dimension

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cohen, M. M.; Larson, C. A.

    1974-01-01

    Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment I, each of eight Ss attempted to place himself at 13 different goal orientations between prone and supine. Deviations of achieved body pitch angles from goal orientations were determined. In Experiment II, each of eight Ss attempted to align a visual target with his morphological horizon while he was placed at each of the 13 goal orientations. Changes in settings of the target were examined. Results indicate that Ss underestimate body pitch when they are tilted less than 60 deg backward or forward from the vertical, overestimate body pitch when they are nearly prone, and accurately estimate body pitch when they are nearly supine. In contrast, Ss set the visual target maximally above the morphological horizon when they are tilted 30 deg forward from the vertical. The findings are discussed in terms of common and different physiological mechanism that may underlie judgments of these types.

  16. Updating of the spatial reference frame of head direction cells in response to locomotion in the vertical plane

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Sarah S.; Kim, Stanley Y.; Frohardt, Russell J.

    2013-01-01

    Many species navigate in three dimensions and are required to maintain accurate orientation while moving in an Earth vertical plane. Here we explored how head direction (HD) cells in the rat anterodorsal thalamus responded when rats locomoted along a 360° spiral track that was positioned vertically within the room at the N, S, E, or W location. Animals were introduced into the vertical plane either through passive placement (experiment 1) or by allowing them to run up a 45° ramp from the floor to the vertically positioned platform (experiment 2). In both experiments HD cells maintained direction-specific firing in the vertical plane with firing properties that were indistinguishable from those recorded in the horizontal plane. Interestingly, however, the cells' preferred directions were linked to different aspects of the animal's environment and depended on how the animal transitioned into the vertical plane. When animals were passively placed onto the vertical surface, the cells switched from using the room (global cues) as a reference frame to using the vertically positioned platform (local cues) as a reference frame, independent of where the platform was located. In contrast, when animals self-locomoted into the vertical plane, the cells' preferred directions remained anchored to the three-dimensional room coordinates and their activity could be accounted for by a simple 90° rotation of the floor's horizontal coordinate system to the vertical plane. These findings highlight the important role that active movement signals play for maintaining and updating spatial orientation when moving in three dimensions. PMID:23114216

  17. Relation of motion sickness susceptibility to vestibular and behavioral measures of orientation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Peterka, Robert J.

    1995-01-01

    The objective is to determine the relationship of motion sickness susceptibility to vestibulo-ocular reflexes (VOR), motion perception, and behavioral utilization of sensory orientation cues for the control of postural equilibrium. The work is focused on reflexes and motion perception associated with pitch and roll movements that stimulate the vertical semicircular canals and otolith organs of the inner ear. This work is relevant to the space motion sickness problem since 0 g related sensory conflicts between vertical canal and otolith motion cues are a likely cause of space motion sickness.

  18. First-principles study of the α-ω phase transformation in Ti and Zr coupled to slip modes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, Anil; Bronkhorst, Curt A.; Lookman, Turab

    2018-01-01

    We present first-principles density functional theory calculations to study the α-ω phase transformation in Ti and Zr and its coupling to slip modes of the two phases. We first investigate the relative energetics of all possible slip systems in the α and ω phases to predict the dominant slip system that is activated during a plastic deformation under an arbitrary load. Using this and the crystallographic orientation relationships between α and ω phases, we construct low energy α/ω interfaces and study the energetics of the slip system at the interface between α and ω to compare to the slip systems in the bulk phases. We find that for a particular crystallographic orientation relationship, where (basal) α∥(prismatic-II)ω , and [a] α∥[c] ω , the slip at the interface is preferred compared to its bulk counterparts. This implies that the plastically deformed α/ω phase with this orientation relationship prefers to retain the interface (or coexisting phases) than transforming back to the pure phase after unloading. This is consistent with the observation that the ω-phase is retained in samples loaded in flyer plate experiments or under high-pressure torsion. Furthermore, calculation of the energy barrier for α to ω phase transformation as a function of glide at the α/ω interface shows significant coupling between the α-ω phase transformation and slip modes in Ti and Zr.

  19. Gravity orientation tuning in macaque anterior thalamus.

    PubMed

    Laurens, Jean; Kim, Byounghoon; Dickman, J David; Angelaki, Dora E

    2016-12-01

    Gravity may provide a ubiquitous allocentric reference to the brain's spatial orientation circuits. Here we describe neurons in the macaque anterior thalamus tuned to pitch and roll orientation relative to gravity, independently of visual landmarks. We show that individual cells exhibit two-dimensional tuning curves, with peak firing rates at a preferred vertical orientation. These results identify a thalamic pathway for gravity cues to influence perception, action and spatial cognition.

  20. Catastrophic debris avalanche deposit of Socompa volcano, northern Chile

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Francis, P. W.; Gardeweg, M.; Ramirez, C. F.; Rothery, D. A.

    1985-01-01

    Between 10,000 and 500 yr ago the Socompa volcano in northern Chile experienced a catastrophic collapse of a 70 deg sector of the original cone, causing a debris avalanche that descended nearly 3000 m vertically and traveled more than 35 km from the volcano. The deposits cover some 490 sq km and have a minimum volume of 15 cu km. Parts of the original cone slumped in a nearly coherent form and are now preserved as large blocks more than 400 m high. The primary avalanche traveled northwestward over sloping ground before coming to rest transiently, forming a prominent marginal ridge, and then slid away northeastward to form a secondary flow, overriding much of the primary avalanche deposit. Abundant, prismatic, jointed dacite blocks within the debris avalanche deposit and a thin, fine-grained pumiceous deposit beneath it suggest that the collapse was triggered by magmatic activity and may have been accompanied by a violent lateral blast. Collapse was followed by eruption of pumiceous pyroclastic flows and extrusion of voluminous dacite domes.

  1. Habit control of deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystal for laser applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guzman, L. A.; Suzuki, M.; Fujimoto, Y.; Fujioka, K.

    2016-03-01

    In this study we investigate the habit of partially deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate (DKDP) crystals in the presence of Al3+ ions. We have grown single DKDP crystals in (50wt% and 80wt%) partially deuterated solutions and in solutions doped with Al3+ ions (2 ppm) by the point-seed rapid growth technique at controlled supercooling (ΔT=10°C). The growth length of each crystal face was measured and the aspect ratio was calculated. We found that crystals grown in partially deuterated solutions are similar in aspect ratio, while, crystals grown in deuterated solutions doped with Al3+ ions showed a relative change in aspect ratio, the crystal increased in size in the pyramidal direction (vertical axis direction). Crystal characteristics were also analyzed by X-ray diffraction, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. We have speculated that the relative habit modification is due to a probably adsorption and inclusions of Al3+ ions in the prismatic section of the crystal.

  2. Virtual-reality-Based 3D navigation training for emergency egress from spacecraft.

    PubMed

    Aoki, Hirofumi; Oman, Charles M; Natapoff, Alan

    2007-08-01

    Astronauts have reported spatial disorientation and navigation problems inside spacecraft whose interior visual vertical direction varies from module to module. If they had relevant preflight practice they might orient better. This experiment examined the influence of relative body orientation and individual spatial skills during VR training on a simulated emergency egress task. During training, 36 subjects were each led on 12 tours through a space station by a virtual tour guide. Subjects wore a head-mounted display and controlled their motion with a game-pad. Each tour traversed multiple modules and involved up to three changes in visual vertical direction. Each subject was assigned to one of three groups that maintained different postures: visually upright relative to the "local" module; constant orientation relative to the "station" irrespective of local visual vertical; and "mixed" (local, followed by station orientation). Groups were balanced on the basis of mental rotation and perspective-taking test scores. Subjects then performed 24 emergency egress testing trials without the tour guide. Smoke reduced visibility during the last 12 trials. Egress time, sense of direction (by pointing to origin and destination) and configuration knowledge were measured. Both individual 3D spatial abilities and orientation during training influence emergency egress performance, pointing, and configuration knowledge. Local training facilitates landmark and route learning, but station training enhances sense of direction relative to station, and, therefore, performance in low visibility. We recommend a sequence of local, followed by station, and then randomized orientation training, preferably customized to a trainee's 3D spatial ability.

  3. Vertical drying of a suspension of sticks: Monte Carlo simulation for continuous two-dimensional problem

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lebovka, Nikolai I.; Tarasevich, Yuri Yu.; Vygornitskii, Nikolai V.

    2018-02-01

    The vertical drying of a two-dimensional colloidal film containing zero-thickness sticks (lines) was studied by means of kinetic Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. The continuous two-dimensional problem for both the positions and orientations was considered. The initial state before drying was produced using a model of random sequential adsorption with isotropic orientations of the sticks. During the evaporation, an upper interface falls with a linear velocity in the vertical direction, and the sticks undergo translational and rotational Brownian motions. The MC simulations were run at different initial number concentrations (the numbers of sticks per unit area), pi, and solvent evaporation rates, u . For completely dried films, the spatial distributions of the sticks, the order parameters, and the electrical conductivities of the films in both the horizontal, x , and vertical, y , directions were examined. Significant evaporation-driven self-assembly and stratification of the sticks in the vertical direction was observed. The extent of stratification increased with increasing values of u . The anisotropy of the electrical conductivity of the film can be finely regulated by changes in the values of pi and u .

  4. Does Vertical Reading Help People with Macular Degeneration: An Exploratory Study

    PubMed Central

    Calabrèse, Aurélie; Liu, Tingting; Legge, Gordon E.

    2017-01-01

    Individuals with macular degeneration often develop a Preferred Retinal Locus (PRL) used in place of the impaired fovea. It is known that many people adopt a PRL left of the scotoma, which is likely to affect reading by occluding text to the right of fixation. For such individuals, we examined the possibility that reading vertical text, in which words are rotated 90° with respect to the normal horizontal orientation, would be beneficial for reading. Vertically oriented words would be tangential to the scotoma instead of being partially occluded by it. Here we report the results of an exploratory study that aimed at investigating this hypothesis. We trained individuals with macular degeneration who had PRLs left of their scotoma to read text rotated 90° clockwise and presented using rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP). Although training resulted in improved reading of vertical text, the training did not result in reading speeds that appreciably exceeded reading speeds following training with horizontal text. These results do not support the hypothesis that people with left PRLs read faster with vertical text. PMID:28114373

  5. Movement compatibility for frontal controls with displays located in four cardinal orientations.

    PubMed

    Chan, Alan H S; Hoffmann, Errol R

    2010-12-01

    Strength and reversibility of direction-of-motion stereotypes and response times are presented for different configurations of horizontal, vertical and rotary controls with horizontal, vertical and circular displays. Measures of the strength and reversibility of stereotypes were used to analyse the effects of direction of turn instruction (clockwise/anticlockwise; up/down; left/right), display orientation (North; East; South; West) and hand side (left/right) on movement compatibility. A number of acceptable display/control arrangements were identified for displays in each of the North, East, South and West orientations relative to the operator. For the horizontally moving control, the Worringham and Beringer principle was found to identify display/control arrangements having both high stereotype strength and high reversibility. Vertically moving controls are excellent with vertical displays but poor with horizontal and circular displays. Rotary controls have high stereotype strength and reversibility with both horizontal and circular displays (with the indicator at the 12 o'clock position). STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: Design of display/control arrangements requires a strong relationship between operator's expectancies and the response of a device to control inputs. The present research fills in gaps for stereotypes where data are not available, in particular where the operator is not seated facing a display directly to the front.

  6. Presenting Your Best Self(ie): The Influence of Gender on Vertical Orientation of Selfies on Tinder

    PubMed Central

    Sedgewick, Jennifer R.; Flath, Meghan E.; Elias, Lorin J.

    2017-01-01

    When taking a self-portrait or “selfie” to display in an online dating profile, individuals may intuitively manipulate the vertical camera angle to embody how they want to be perceived by the opposite sex. Concepts from evolutionary psychology and grounded cognition suggest that this manipulation can provide cues of physical height and impressions of power to the viewer which are qualities found to influence mate-selection. We predicted that men would orient selfies more often from below to appear taller (i.e., more powerful) than the viewer, and women, from an above perspective to appear shorter (i.e., less powerful). A content analysis was conducted which coded the vertical orientation of 557 selfies from profile pictures on the popular mobile dating application, Tinder. In general, selfies were commonly used by both men (54%) and women (90%). Consistent with our predictions, a gender difference emerged; men's selfies were angled significantly more often from below, whereas women's were angled more often from above. Our findings suggest that selfies presented in a mate-attraction context are intuitively or perhaps consciously selected to adhere to ideal mate qualities. Further discussion proposes that biological or individual differences may also facilitate vertical compositions of selfies. PMID:28484408

  7. Co-option of Hair Follicle Keratins into Amelogenesis Is Associated with the Evolution of Prismatic Enamel: A Hypothesis

    PubMed Central

    Beniash, Elia

    2017-01-01

    Recent discovery of hair follicle keratin 75 (KRT75) in enamel raises questions about the function of this protein in enamel and the mechanisms of its secretion. It is also not clear how this protein with a very specific and narrow expression pattern, limited to the inner root sheath of the hair follicle, became associated with enamel. We propose a hypothesis that KRT75 was co-opted by ameloblasts during the evolution of Tomes' process and the prismatic enamel in synapsids. PMID:29114231

  8. Modeling and control of a hydraulically actuated flexible-prismatic link robot

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

    Love, L.; Kress, R.; Jansen, J.

    1996-12-01

    Most of the research related to flexible link manipulators to date has focused on single link, fixed length, single plane of vibration test beds. In addition, actuation has been predominantly based upon electromagnetic motors. Ironically, these elements are rarely found in the existing industrial long reach systems. This manuscript describes a new hydraulically actuated, long reach manipulator with a flexible prismatic link at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Focus is directed towards both modeling and control of hydraulic actuators as well as flexible links that have variable natural frequencies.

  9. Vertically Oriented and Interpenetrating CuSe Nanosheet Films with Open Channels for Flexible All-Solid-State Supercapacitors

    DOE PAGES

    Li, Lingzhi; Gong, Jiangfeng; Liu, Chunyan; ...

    2017-03-22

    As a p-type multifunctional semiconductor, CuSe nanostructures show great promise in optoelectronic, sensing, and photocatalytic fields. Although great progress has been achieved, controllable synthesis of CuSe nanosheets (NSs) with a desirable spacial orientation and open frameworks remains a challenge, and their use in supercapacitors (SCs) has not been explored. Herein, a highly vertically oriented and interpenetrating CuSe NS film with open channels is deposited on an Au-coated polyethylene terephthalate substrate. Such CuSe NS films exhibit high specific capacitance (209 F g–1) and can be used as a carbon black- and binder-free electrode to construct flexible, symmetric all-solid-state SCs, using polyvinylmore » alcohol–LiCl gel as the solid electrolyte. A device fabricated with such CuSe NS films exhibits high volumetric specific capacitance (30.17 mF cm–3), good cycling stability, excellent flexibility, and desirable mechanical stability. The excellent performance of such devices results from the vertically oriented and interpenetrating configuration of CuSe NS building blocks, which can increase the available surface and facilitate the diffusion of electrolyte ions. Moreover, as a prototype for application, three such solid devices in series can be used to light up a red light-emitting diode.« less

  10. An absolute method for determination of misalignment of an immersion ultrasonic transducer.

    PubMed

    Narayanan, M M; Singh, Narender; Kumar, Anish; Babu Rao, C; Jayakumar, T

    2014-12-01

    An absolute methodology has been developed for quantification of misalignment of an ultrasonic transducer using a corner-cube retroreflector. The amplitude based and the time of flight (TOF) based C-scans of the reflector are obtained for various misalignments of the transducer. At zero degree orientation of the transducer, the vertical positions of the maximum amplitude and the minimum TOF in the C-scan coincide. At any other orientation of the transducer with the horizontal plane, there is a vertical shift in the position of the maximum amplitude with respect to the minimum TOF. The position of the minimum (TOF) remains the same irrespective of the orientation of the transducer and hence is used as a reference for any misalignment of the transducer. With the measurement of the vertical shift and the horizontal distance between the transducer and the vertex of the reflector, the misalignment of the transducer is quantified. Based on the methodology developed in the present study, retroreflectors are placed in the Indian 500MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor for assessment of the orientation of the ultrasonic transducer prior to the under-sodium ultrasonic scanning for detection of any protrusion of the subassemblies. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Vertically Oriented and Interpenetrating CuSe Nanosheet Films with Open Channels for Flexible All-Solid-State Supercapacitors

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

    Li, Lingzhi; Gong, Jiangfeng; Liu, Chunyan

    As a p-type multifunctional semiconductor, CuSe nanostructures show great promise in optoelectronic, sensing, and photocatalytic fields. Although great progress has been achieved, controllable synthesis of CuSe nanosheets (NSs) with a desirable spacial orientation and open frameworks remains a challenge, and their use in supercapacitors (SCs) has not been explored. Herein, a highly vertically oriented and interpenetrating CuSe NS film with open channels is deposited on an Au-coated polyethylene terephthalate substrate. Such CuSe NS films exhibit high specific capacitance (209 F g–1) and can be used as a carbon black- and binder-free electrode to construct flexible, symmetric all-solid-state SCs, using polyvinylmore » alcohol–LiCl gel as the solid electrolyte. A device fabricated with such CuSe NS films exhibits high volumetric specific capacitance (30.17 mF cm–3), good cycling stability, excellent flexibility, and desirable mechanical stability. The excellent performance of such devices results from the vertically oriented and interpenetrating configuration of CuSe NS building blocks, which can increase the available surface and facilitate the diffusion of electrolyte ions. Moreover, as a prototype for application, three such solid devices in series can be used to light up a red light-emitting diode.« less

  12. High-performance batteries for stationary energy storage and electric-vehicle propulsion. Progress report, October--December 1976. [Li--Al/LiCl--KCl/FeS or FeS/sub 2/, operate at 400 to 450 C

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

    Nelson, P.A.; Yao, N.P.; Steunenberg, R.K.

    1977-04-01

    These batteries are being developed for electric vehicle propulsion and for stationary energy storage applications. The present battery cells, which operate at 400 to 450/sup 0/C, are of a vertically oriented, prismatic design with a central positive electrode of FeS or FeS/sub 2/, two facing negative electrodes of lithium--aluminum alloy, and an electrolyte of molten LiCl--KCl. Testing and evaluation of industrially fabricated cells is continuing. During this period, Li--Al/FeS and Li--Al/FeS/sub 2/ cells from Eagle-Picher Industries were tested, and tests of Li--Al/FeS cells from Gould Inc. were initiated. The cells are tested individually and in parallel and series battery configurations.more » These tests provide information on the effects of cell design modifications and alternative materials. Improved electrode and cell designs are being developed and tested at ANL, and the more promising designs are incorporated in the industrially fabricated cells. Among the concepts receiving major attention are carbon-bonded positive electrodes, scaled-up stationary energy storage cell designs, additives to extend electrode lifetime, and alternative electrode separators. The materials development efforts include the development of a new lightweight electrical feedthrough; investigations of new separator materials (e.g.,Y/sub 2/O/sub 3/ powder, Y/sub 2/O/sub 3/ felt, and porous, rigid ceramics); corrosion tests of materials for cell components; and postoperative examinations of cells. The cell chemistry studies were directed to discharge mechanisms of FeS electrodes, emf measurements of the LiAl/FeS/sub 2/ couple at various states of discharge, and studies of other transition-metal sulfides as positive-electrode materials. The advanced battery effort mainly concerned the use of calcium alloys for negative electrode and transition metal sulfides or oxides for the positive electrode. 13 figures, 18 tables.« less

  13. Vertical migration of motile phytoplankton chains through turbulence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Climent, Eric; Lovecchio, Salvatore; Durham, William; Stocker, Roman

    2017-11-01

    Daily, phytoplankton needs to migrate vertically from and towards the ocean surface to find nutrients such as dissolved oxygen. To travel through the water column they need to fight against gravity (by swimming) and fluid turbulence which can make their journey longer. It is often observed that cells migrate across the water column as chains. The first benefit to form chains is that micro-organisms sum up their thrust while reducing their drag. Therefore, upwards swimming is faster for chains in a quiescent fluid with steady vertical orientation. However, as chain length increases their tendency to periodically tumble in turbulent structures increases which reduces orientation stability and limits their capacity to swim upwards. The purpose of our study is to elaborate on this apparent contradiction. We carried out direct numerical simulations and physical analysis of the coupled system of homogeneous isotropic turbulence and chain trajectories through Lagrangian tracking. Formation of chains is indeed favorable for vertical migration through the upper layer of the ocean.

  14. Prismatic displacement effect of progressive multifocal glasses on reaction time and accuracy in elderly people

    PubMed Central

    Ellison, Ashton C; Campbell, A John; Robertson, M Clare; Sanderson, Gordon F

    2014-01-01

    Background Multifocal glasses (bifocals, trifocals, and progressives) increase the risk of falling in elderly people, but how they do so is unclear. To explain why glasses with progressive addition lenses increase the risk of falls and whether this can be attributed to false projection, this study aimed to 1) map the prismatic displacement of a progressive lens, and 2) test whether this displacement impaired reaction time and accuracy. Methods The reaction times of healthy ≥75-year-olds (31 participants) were measured when grasping for a bar and touching a black line. Participants performed each test twice, wearing their progressives and new, matched single vision (distance) glasses in random order. The line and bar targets were positioned according to the maximum and minimum prismatic displacement effect through the progressive lens, mapped using a focimeter. Results Progressive spectacle lenses have large areas of prismatic displacement in the central visual axis and edges. Reaction time was faster for progressives compared with single vision glasses with a centrally-placed horizontal grab bar (mean difference 101 ms, P=0.011 [repeated measures analysis]) and a horizontal black line placed 300 mm below center (mean difference 80 ms, P=0.007). There was no difference in accuracy between the two types of glasses. Conclusion Older people appear to adapt to the false projection of progressives in the central visual axis. This adaptation means that swapping to new glasses or a large change in prescription may lead to a fall. Frequently updating glasses may be more beneficial. PMID:24872674

  15. Control of flexible robots with prismatic joints and hydraulic drives

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

    Love, L.J.; Kress, R.L.; Jansen, J.F.

    1997-03-01

    The design and control of long-reach, flexible manipulators has been an active research topic for over 20 years. Most of the research to date has focused on single link, fixed length, single plane of vibration test beds. In addition, actuation has been predominantly based upon electromagnetic motors. Ironically, these elements are rarely found in the existing industrial long-reach systems. One example is the Modified Light Duty Utility Arm (MLDUA) designed and built by Spar Aerospace for Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This arm operates in larger, underground waste storage tanks located at ORNL. The size and nature of the tanksmore » require that the robot have a reach of approximately 15 ft and a payload capacity of 250 lb. In order to achieve these criteria, each joint is hydraulically actuated. Furthermore, the robot has a prismatic degree-of-freedom to ease deployment. When fully extended, the robot`s first natural frequency is 1.76 Hz. Many of the projected tasks, coupled with the robot`s flexibility, present an interesting problem. How will many of the existing flexure control algorithms perform on a hydraulic, long-reach manipulator with prismatic links? To minimize cost and risk of testing these algorithms on the MLDUA, the authors have designed a new test bed that contains many of the same elements. This manuscript described a new hydraulically actuated, long-reach manipulator with a flexible prismatic link at ORNL. Focus is directed toward both modeling and control of hydraulic actuators as well as flexible links that have variable natural frequencies.« less

  16. The Effect of Visual Experience on Perceived Haptic Verticality When Tilted in the Roll Plane

    PubMed Central

    Cuturi, Luigi F.; Gori, Monica

    2017-01-01

    The orientation of the body in space can influence perception of verticality leading sometimes to biases consistent with priors peaked at the most common head and body orientation, that is upright. In this study, we investigate haptic perception of verticality in sighted individuals and early and late blind adults when tilted counterclockwise in the roll plane. Participants were asked to perform a stimulus orientation discrimination task with their body tilted to their left ear side 90° relative to gravity. Stimuli were presented by using a motorized haptic bar. In order to test whether different reference frames relative to the head influenced perception of verticality, we varied the position of the stimulus on the body longitudinal axis. Depending on the stimulus position sighted participants tended to have biases away or toward their body tilt. Visually impaired individuals instead show a different pattern of verticality estimations. A bias toward head and body tilt (i.e., Aubert effect) was observed in late blind individuals. Interestingly, no strong biases were observed in early blind individuals. Overall, these results posit visual sensory information to be fundamental in influencing the haptic readout of proprioceptive and vestibular information about body orientation relative to gravity. The acquisition of an idiotropic vector signaling the upright might take place through vision during development. Regarding early blind individuals, independent spatial navigation experience likely enhanced by echolocation behavior might have a role in such acquisition. In the case of participants with late onset blindness, early experience of vision might lead them to anchor their visually acquired priors to the haptic modality with no disambiguation between head and body references as observed in sighted individuals (Fraser et al., 2015). With our study, we aim to investigate haptic perception of gravity direction in unusual body tilts when vision is absent due to visual impairment. Insofar, our findings throw light on the influence of proprioceptive/vestibular sensory information on haptic perceived verticality in blind individuals showing how this phenomenon is affected by visual experience. PMID:29270109

  17. Effects of orientation and downward-facing convex curvature on pool-boiling critical heat flux

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Howard, Alicia Ann Harris

    Photographic studies of near-saturated pool boiling on both inclined flat surfaces and a downward-facing convex surface were conducted in order to determine the physical mechanisms that trigger critical heat flux (CHF). Based on the vapor behavior observed just prior to CHF, it is shown for the flat surfaces that the surface orientations can be divided into three regions: upward-facing (0-60°), near-vertical (60-165°), and downward-facing (165-180°) each region is associated with a unique CHIP trigger mechanism. In the upward-facing region, the buoyancy forces remove the vapor vertically off the heater surface. The near- vertical region is characterized by a wavy liquid-vapor interface which sweeps along the heater surface. In the downward-facing region, the vapor repeatedly stratifies on the heater surface, greatly decreasing CHF. The vapor behavior along the convex surface is cyclic in nature and similar to the nucleation/coalescence/stratification/release procedure observed for flat surfaces in the downward-facing region. The vapor stratification occurred at the bottom (downward-facing) heaters on the convex surface. CHF is always triggered on these downward-facing heaters and then propagates up the convex surface, and the orientations of these heaters are comparable with the orientation range of the flat surface downward-facing region. The vast differences between the observed vapor behavior within the three regions and on the convex surface indicate that a single overall pool boiling CHF model cannot possibly account for all the observed effects. Upward-facing surfaces have been examined and modeled extensively by many investigators and a few investigators have addressed downward-facing surfaces, so this investigation focuses on modeling the near-vertical region. The near-vertical CHF model incorporates classical two-dimensional interfacial instability theory, a separated flow model, an energy balance, and a criterion for separation of the wavy interface from the surface at CHF. The model was tested for different fluids and shows good agreement with CHF data. Additionally, the instability theory incorporated into this model accurately predicts the angle of transition between the near-vertical and downward-facing regions.

  18. Study of the Integration of LIDAR and Photogrammetric Datasets by in Situ Camera Calibration and Integrated Sensor Orientation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mitishita, E.; Costa, F.; Martins, M.

    2017-05-01

    Photogrammetric and Lidar datasets should be in the same mapping or geodetic frame to be used simultaneously in an engineering project. Nowadays direct sensor orientation is a common procedure used in simultaneous photogrammetric and Lidar surveys. Although the direct sensor orientation technologies provide a high degree of automation process due to the GNSS/INS technologies, the accuracies of the results obtained from the photogrammetric and Lidar surveys are dependent on the quality of a group of parameters that models accurately the user conditions of the system at the moment the job is performed. This paper shows the study that was performed to verify the importance of the in situ camera calibration and Integrated Sensor Orientation without control points to increase the accuracies of the photogrammetric and LIDAR datasets integration. The horizontal and vertical accuracies of photogrammetric and Lidar datasets integration by photogrammetric procedure improved significantly when the Integrated Sensor Orientation (ISO) approach was performed using Interior Orientation Parameter (IOP) values estimated from the in situ camera calibration. The horizontal and vertical accuracies, estimated by the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of the 3D discrepancies from the Lidar check points, increased around of 37% and 198% respectively.

  19. Haptic subjective vertical shows context dependence: task and vision play a role during dynamic tilt stimulation.

    PubMed

    Wright, William Geoffrey; Glasauer, Stefan

    2003-10-01

    Perceiving one's vertical is an integral part of efficiently functioning in an environment physically polarized along that dimension. How one determines the direction of gravity is not a task left only to inertial sensors, such as the vestibular organs, rather as numerous studies have shown, this task is influenced visually and somatosensorily. In addition, there is evidence that higher order cognitive effects such as expectancies and context are critical in perception of the vertical. One's ability to integrate these various inputs during normal activity is not generally questioned, one's doubts being satisfied by observing a waiter navigating a crowded restaurant with a tray balanced on one hand, neither tripping or dropping an entree. But how these various sources are integrated is still debated. Most research focuses on subjective vertical perception used visual matching/alignment tasks, verbal reports, or saccadic eye movements as a dependent measure. Although a motor task involving a joystick or indicator to be aligned with gravity without visual feedback is used much less frequently, there is good evidence that individuals easily orient limbs to an external gravity-aligned coordinate axis while being statically tilted. By exposure to a dynamic situation, the central nervous system should be no more challenged by the task of determining the subjective vertical than during static conditions, because our spatial orientation systems were likely selected for just that. In addition, the sensitive calibration between visual and other sensory input also must have been key to its selection. This sensory interaction can be tested by changing the relation between the various sources. With the advent of virtual reality technology, a complex and "natural" visual stimulus is achievable and is easily manipulable. How one tests perception of verticality is also a pertinent question when researching spatial orientation systems. The system's performance may be better indicated by a task of higher relevance to its normal function. In other words, the dependent measure can be made more or less relevant to real-world tasks. With an experimental design that attempts to mimic natural conditions, the current study focuses on two main topics. First, how does manipulation of the visual inputs during passive roll-tilt affect one's sense of body orientation? And second, how does changing the task used to measure subjective vertical affect one's performance?

  20. Role of orientation reference selection in motion sickness, supplement 2S

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Peterka, Robert J.; Black, F. Owen

    1987-01-01

    Previous experiments with moving platform posturography have shown that different people have varying abilities to resolve conflicts among vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive sensory signals. The conceptual basis of the present proposal hinges on the similarities between the space motion sickness problem and the sensory orientation reference selection problems associated with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) syndrome. These similarities include both etiology related to abnormal vertical canal-otolith function, and motion sickness initiating events provoked by pitch and roll head movements. The objectives are to explore and quantify the orientation reference selection abilities of subjects and the relation of this selection to motion sickness in humans. The overall objectives are to determine: if motion sickness susceptibility is related to sensory orientation reference selection abilities of subjects; if abnormal vertical canal-otolith function is the source of abnormal posture control strategies and if it can be quantified by vestibular and oculomotor reflex measurements, and if it can be quantified by vestibular and oculomotor reflex measurements; and quantifiable measures of perception of vestibular and visual motion cues can be related to motion sickness susceptibility and to orientation reference selection ability.

  1. A severe capacity limit in the consolidation of orientation information into visual short-term memory.

    PubMed

    Becker, Mark W; Miller, James R; Liu, Taosheng

    2013-04-01

    Previous research has suggested that two color patches can be consolidated into visual short-term memory (VSTM) via an unlimited parallel process. Here we examined whether the same unlimited-capacity parallel process occurs for two oriented grating patches. Participants viewed two gratings that were presented briefly and masked. In blocks of trials, the gratings were presented either simultaneously or sequentially. In Experiments 1 and 2, the presentation of the stimuli was followed by a location cue that indicated the grating on which to base one's response. In Experiment 1, participants responded whether the target grating was oriented clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to vertical. In Experiment 2, participants indicated whether the target grating was oriented along one of the cardinal directions (vertical or horizontal) or was obliquely oriented. Finally, in Experiment 3, the location cue was replaced with a third grating that appeared at fixation, and participants indicated whether either of the two test gratings matched this probe. Despite the fact that these responses required fairly coarse coding of the orientation information, across all methods of responding we found superior performance for sequential over simultaneous presentations. These findings suggest that the consolidation of oriented gratings into VSTM is severely limited in capacity and differs from the consolidation of color information.

  2. Dislocation dynamics simulations of interactions between gliding dislocations and radiation induced prismatic loops in zirconium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Drouet, Julie; Dupuy, Laurent; Onimus, Fabien; Mompiou, Frédéric; Perusin, Simon; Ambard, Antoine

    2014-06-01

    The mechanical behavior of Pressurized Water Reactor fuel cladding tubes made of zirconium alloys is strongly affected by neutron irradiation due to the high density of radiation induced dislocation loops. In order to investigate the interaction mechanisms between gliding dislocations and loops in zirconium, a new nodal dislocation dynamics code, adapted to Hexagonal Close Packed metals, has been used. Various configurations have been systematically computed considering different glide planes, basal or prismatic, and different characters, edge or screw, for gliding dislocations with -type Burgers vectors. Simulations show various interaction mechanisms such as (i) absorption of a loop on an edge dislocation leading to the formation of a double super-jog, (ii) creation of a helical turn, on a screw dislocation, that acts as a strong pinning point or (iii) sweeping of a loop by a gliding dislocation. It is shown that the clearing of loops is more favorable when the dislocation glides in the basal plane than in the prismatic plane explaining the easy dislocation channeling in the basal plane observed after neutron irradiation by transmission electron microscopy.

  3. Teaching Theory in an Empirically-Oriented Graduate Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Warner, R. Stephen

    1987-01-01

    Stresses that the role of theory is to facilitate cognitive integration, which has a vertical dimension (abstract to concrete) and a horizontal one (across schools and substantive fields). The author emphasizes horizontal integration over upper-level vertical integration to help students communicate across specialities. (Author/DH)

  4. Induction logging device with a pair of mutually perpendicular bucking coils

    DOEpatents

    Koelle, Alfred R.; Landt, Jeremy A.

    1981-01-01

    An instrument is disclosed for mapping vertical conductive fractures in a resistive bedrock, magnetically inducing eddy currents by a pair of vertically oriented, mutually perpendicular, coplanar coils. The eddy currents drive magnetic fields which are picked up by a second, similar pair of coils.

  5. Habitat use, vertical and horizontal behaviour of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea in relation to oceanographic conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bauer, Robert Klaus; Fromentin, Jean-Marc; Demarcq, Hervé; Bonhommeau, Sylvain

    2017-07-01

    We investigated the habitat utilization, vertical and horizontal behaviour of Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus (ABFT) in relation to oceanographic conditions in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea, based on 36 pop-up archival tags and different environmental data sets. Tags were deployed on early mature ABFT (127-255 cm) between July and November in 2007-2014, on the shelf area off Marseille, France. The data obtained from these tags provided 1643 daily summaries of ABFT vertical behaviour over 8 years of tag deployment. Based on a hierarchical clustering of this data, we could identify four principle daily vertical behaviour types, representing surface (≦ 10 m) and subsurface (10-100 m) orientation, moderate (50-200 m) and deep (≧ 200 m) diving behaviour. These vertical behaviour types showed seasonal variations with partly opposing trends in their frequencies. Accordingly, ABFT were more surface orientated during summer, while moderate diving behaviour was more common during winter. Depth time series data further revealed inverted day-night patterns for both of these periods. Tagged ABFT frequented the surface waters more regularly during daytime and deeper waters during the night in summer, while the opposite pattern was found in winter. Seasonal changes in the vertical behaviour of ABFT were accompanied by simultaneous changes in environmental conditions (SST, chla, thermal stratification). Accordingly, surface orientation and moderate diving behaviour appeared to be triggered by the thermal stratification of the water column, though less pronounced than previously reported for ABFT in the North Atlantic, probably indicating adaptive vertical behaviour related to the availability of epipelagic food resources (anchovies and sardines). Deep diving behaviour was particularly frequent during months of high biological productivity (February-May), although one recovered tag showed periodic and unusual long spike dives during summer-autumn, in relation to thermal fronts. Regional effects on the vertical behaviour of ABFT were identified through GAMs, with surface orientation being particularly pronounced in the Gulf of Lions, highlighting its suitability for an ongoing annual aerial survey program to estimate ABFT abundance in this region. In addition, increased levels of mesoscale activity/productivity (e.g. related to oceanic fronts) were detected in an area regularly utilized by ABFT, south of the Gulf of Lions, underlining its attractiveness as foraging ground. Kernel densities of geolocation estimates showed a seasonal shift in the horizontal distribution of ABFT from this "high-use" area towards the Gulf of Lions during summer, probably linked to the enhanced availability of epipelagic food resources at this time.

  6. Static deflection analysis of non prismatic multilayer p-NEMS cantilevers under electrical load

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

    Pavithra, M., E-mail: pavithramasi78@gmail.com; Muruganand, S.

    2016-04-13

    Deflection of Euler-Bernoulli non prismatic multilayer piezoelectric nano electromechanical (p-NEMS) cantilever beams have been studied theoretically for various profiles of p-NEMS cantilevers by applying the electrical load. This problem has been answered by applying the boundary conditions derived by simple polynomials. This method is applied for various profiles like rectangular and trapezoidal by varying the thickness of the piezoelectric layer as well as the material. The obtained results provide the better deflection for trapezoidal profile with ZnO piezo electric layer of suitable nano cantilevers for nano scale applications.

  7. Large perceptual distortions of locomotor action space occur in ground-based coordinates: Angular expansion and the large-scale horizontal-vertical illusion.

    PubMed

    Klein, Brennan J; Li, Zhi; Durgin, Frank H

    2016-04-01

    What is the natural reference frame for seeing large-scale spatial scenes in locomotor action space? Prior studies indicate an asymmetric angular expansion in perceived direction in large-scale environments: Angular elevation relative to the horizon is perceptually exaggerated by a factor of 1.5, whereas azimuthal direction is exaggerated by a factor of about 1.25. Here participants made angular and spatial judgments when upright or on their sides to dissociate egocentric from allocentric reference frames. In Experiment 1, it was found that body orientation did not affect the magnitude of the up-down exaggeration of direction, suggesting that the relevant orientation reference frame for this directional bias is allocentric rather than egocentric. In Experiment 2, the comparison of large-scale horizontal and vertical extents was somewhat affected by viewer orientation, but only to the extent necessitated by the classic (5%) horizontal-vertical illusion (HVI) that is known to be retinotopic. Large-scale vertical extents continued to appear much larger than horizontal ground extents when observers lay sideways. When the visual world was reoriented in Experiment 3, the bias remained tied to the ground-based allocentric reference frame. The allocentric HVI is quantitatively consistent with differential angular exaggerations previously measured for elevation and azimuth in locomotor space. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

  8. Rotation of vertically oriented objects during earthquakes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hinzen, Klaus-G.

    2012-10-01

    Vertically oriented objects, such as tombstones, monuments, columns, and stone lanterns, are often observed to shift and rotate during earthquake ground motion. Such observations are usually limited to the mesoseismal zone. Whether near-field rotational ground motion components are necessary in addition to pure translational movements to explain the observed rotations is an open question. We summarize rotation data from seven earthquakes between 1925 and 2009 and perform analog and numeric rotation testing with vertically oriented objects. The free-rocking motion of a marble block on a sliding table is disturbed by a pulse in the direction orthogonal to the rocking motion. When the impulse is sufficiently strong and occurs at the `right' moment, it induces significant rotation of the block. Numeric experiments of a free-rocking block show that the initiation of vertical block rotation by a cycloidal acceleration pulse applied orthogonal to the rocking axis depends on the amplitude of the pulse and its phase relation to the rocking cycle. Rotation occurs when the pulse acceleration exceeds the threshold necessary to provoke rocking of a resting block, and the rocking block approaches its equilibrium position. Experiments with blocks subjected to full 3D strong motion signals measured during the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake confirm the observations from the tests with analytic ground motions. Significant differences in the rotational behavior of a monolithic block and two stacked blocks exist.

  9. Large perceptual distortions of locomotor action space occur in ground-based coordinates: Angular expansion and the large-scale horizontal-vertical illusion

    PubMed Central

    Klein, Brennan J.; Li, Zhi; Durgin, Frank H.

    2015-01-01

    What is the natural reference frame for seeing large-scale spatial scenes in locomotor action space? Prior studies indicate an asymmetric angular expansion in perceived direction in large-scale environments: Angular elevation relative to the horizon is perceptually exaggerated by a factor of 1.5, whereas azimuthal direction is exaggerated by a factor of about 1.25. Here participants made angular and spatial judgments when upright or on their sides in order to dissociate egocentric from allocentric reference frames. In Experiment 1 it was found that body orientation did not affect the magnitude of the up-down exaggeration of direction, suggesting that the relevant orientation reference frame for this directional bias is allocentric rather than egocentric. In Experiment 2, the comparison of large-scale horizontal and vertical extents was somewhat affected by viewer orientation, but only to the extent necessitated by the classic (5%) horizontal-vertical illusion (HVI) that is known to be retinotopic. Large-scale vertical extents continued to appear much larger than horizontal ground extents when observers lay sideways. When the visual world was reoriented in Experiment 3, the bias remained tied to the ground-based allocentric reference frame. The allocentric HVI is quantitatively consistent with differential angular exaggerations previously measured for elevation and azimuth in locomotor space. PMID:26594884

  10. Bow Your Head in Shame, or, Hold Your Head Up with Pride: Semantic Processing of Self-Esteem Concepts Orients Attention Vertically.

    PubMed

    Taylor, J Eric T; Lam, Timothy K; Chasteen, Alison L; Pratt, Jay

    2015-01-01

    Embodied cognition holds that abstract concepts are grounded in perceptual-motor simulations. If a given embodied metaphor maps onto a spatial representation, then thinking of that concept should bias the allocation of attention. In this study, we used positive and negative self-esteem words to examine two properties of conceptual cueing. First, we tested the orientation-specificity hypothesis, which predicts that conceptual cues should selectively activate certain spatial axes (in this case, valenced self-esteem concepts should activate vertical space), instead of any spatial continuum. Second, we tested whether conceptual cueing requires semantic processing, or if it can be achieved with shallow visual processing of the cue words. Participants viewed centrally presented words consisting of high or low self-esteem traits (e.g., brave, timid) before detecting a target above or below the cue in the vertical condition, or on the left or right of the word in the horizontal condition. Participants were faster to detect targets when their location was compatible with the valence of the word cues, but only in the vertical condition. Moreover, this effect was observed when participants processed the semantics of the word, but not when processing its orthography. The results show that conceptual cueing by spatial metaphors is orientation-specific, and that an explicit consideration of the word cues' semantics is required for conceptual cueing to occur.

  11. Ocular and perceptual responses to linear acceleration in microgravity: alterations in otolith function on the COSMOS and Neurolab flights.

    PubMed

    Moore, Steven T; Clément, Gilles; Dai, Mingjai; Raphan, Theodore; Solomon, David; Cohen, Bernard

    2003-01-01

    In this paper we review space flight experiments performed by our laboratory. Rhesus monkeys were tested before and after 12 days in orbit on COSMOS flights 2044 (1989) and 2229 (1992-1993). There was a long-lasting decrease in post-flight ocular counter-rolling (70%) and vergence (50%) during off-vertical axis rotation. In one animal, the orientation of optokinetic after-nystagmus shifted by 28 degrees from the spatial vertical towards the body vertical early post-flight. Otolith-ocular and perceptual responses were also studied in four astronauts on the 17-day Neurolab shuttle mission (STS-90) in 1998. Ocular counter-rolling was unchanged in response to 1-g and 0.5-g Gy centrifugation during and after flight and to post-flight static roll tilts relative to pre-flight values. Orientation of the optokinetic nystagmus eye velocity axis to gravito-inertial acceleration (GIA) during centrifugation was also unaltered by exposure to microgravity. Perceptual orientation to the GIA was maintained in-flight, and subjects did not report sensation of translation during constant velocity centrifugation. These studies suggest that percepts and ocular responses to tilt are determined by sensing the body vertical relative to the GIA. The findings also raise the possibility that 'artificial gravity' during the Neurolab flight counteracted adaptation of these otolith-ocular responses.

  12. Lift-based up-ender and methods using same to manipulate a shipping container containing unirradiated nuclear fuel

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

    Nilles, Michael J.

    A shipping container containing an unirradiated nuclear fuel assembly is lifted off the ground by operating a crane to raise a lifting tool comprising a winch. The lifting tool is connected with the shipping container by a rigging line connecting with the shipping container at a lifting point located on the shipping container between the top and bottom of the shipping container, and by winch cabling connecting with the shipping container at the top of the shipping container. The shipping container is reoriented by operating the winch to adjust the length of the winch cabling so as to rotate themore » shipping container about the lifting point. Shortening the winch cabling rotates the shipping container about the lifting point from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation, while lengthening the winch cabling rotates the shipping container about the lifting point from the vertical orientation to the horizontal orientation.« less

  13. Electrical characterization of vertically stacked p-FET SOI nanowires

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cardoso Paz, Bruna; Cassé, Mikaël; Barraud, Sylvain; Reimbold, Gilles; Vinet, Maud; Faynot, Olivier; Antonio Pavanello, Marcelo

    2018-03-01

    This work presents the performance and transport characteristics of vertically stacked p-type MOSFET SOI nanowires (NWs) with inner spacers and epitaxial growth of SiGe raised source/drain. The conventional procedure to extract the effective oxide thickness (EOT) and Shift and Ratio Method (S&R) have been adapted and validated through tridimensional numerical simulations. Electrical characterization is performed for NWs with [1 1 0]- and [1 0 0]-oriented channels, as a function of both fin width (WFIN) and channel length (L). Results show a good electrostatic control and reduced short channel effects (SCE) down to 15 nm gate length, for both orientations. Effective mobility is found around two times higher for [1 1 0]- in comparison to [1 0 0]-oriented NWs due to higher holes mobility contribution in (1 1 0) plan. Improvements obtained on ION/IOFF by reducing WFIN are mainly due to subthreshold slope decrease, once small and none mobility increase is obtained for [1 1 0]- and [1 0 0]-oriented NWs, respectively.

  14. 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.

  15. Changes in running pattern due to fatigue and cognitive load in orienteering.

    PubMed

    Millet, Guillaume Y; Divert, Caroline; Banizette, Marion; Morin, Jean-Benoit

    2010-01-01

    The aim of this study was to examine the influence of fatigue on running biomechanics in normal running, in normal running with a cognitive task, and in running while map reading. Nineteen international and less experienced orienteers performed a fatiguing running exercise of duration and intensity similar to a classic distance orienteering race on an instrumented treadmill while performing mental arithmetic, an orienteering simulation, and control running at regular intervals. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance did not reveal any significant difference between mental arithmetic and control running for any of the kinematic and kinetic parameters analysed eight times over the fatiguing protocol. However, these parameters were systematically different between the orienteering simulation and the other two conditions (mental arithmetic and control running). The adaptations in orienteering simulation running were significantly more pronounced in the elite group when step frequency, peak vertical ground reaction force, vertical stiffness, and maximal downward displacement of the centre of mass during contact were considered. The effects of fatigue on running biomechanics depended on whether the orienteers read their map or ran normally. It is concluded that adding a cognitive load does not modify running patterns. Therefore, all changes in running pattern observed during the orienteering simulation, particularly in elite orienteers, are the result of adaptations to enable efficient map reading and/or potentially prevent injuries. Finally, running patterns are not affected to the same extent by fatigue when a map reading task is added.

  16. Orientation-crowding within contours.

    PubMed

    Glen, James C; Dakin, Steven C

    2013-07-15

    We examined how crowding (the breakdown of object recognition in the periphery caused by interference from "clutter") depends on the global arrangement of target and distracting flanker elements. Specifically we probed orientation discrimination using a near-vertical target Gabor flanked by two vertical distractor Gabors (one above and one below the target). By applying variable (opposite-sign) horizontal offsets to the positions of the two flankers we arranged the elements so that on some trials they formed contours with the target and on others they did not. While the presence of flankers generally elevated orientation discrimination thresholds for the target we observe maximal crowding not when flanker and targets were co-aligned but when a small spatial offset was applied to flanker location, so that contours formed between flanker and targets only when the target orientation was cued. We also report that observers' orientation judgments are biased, with target orientation appearing either attracted or repulsed by the global/contour orientation. A second experiment reveals that the sign of this effect is dependent both on observer and on eccentricity. In general, the magnitude of repulsion is reduced with eccentricity but whether this becomes attraction (of element orientation to contour orientation) is dependent on observer. We note however that across observers and eccentricities, the magnitude of repulsion correlates positively with the amount of release from crowding observed with co-aligned targets and flankers, supporting the notion of fluctuating bias as the basis for elevated crowding within contours.

  17. Center of mass trajectory and orientation to ankle and knee in sagittal plane is maintained with forward lean when backpack load changes during treadmill walking.

    PubMed

    Caron, Robert R; Wagenaar, Robert C; Lewis, Cara L; Saltzman, Elliot; Holt, Kenneth G

    2013-01-04

    Maintaining the normal shape and amplitude of the vertical trajectory of the center of mass (COM) during stance has been shown to maximize the efficiency of unloaded gait. Kinematic adaptations to load carriage, such as forward lean have yet to be understood in relation to COM movement. The purpose of this study is to better understand how load impacts the vertical COM(TSYS) trajectory and to clarify the impact of forward lean as it relates to the dynamics of sagittal plane COM(TSYS) movement during stance with changing load. 17 subjects walked on treadmill at a constant preferred walking velocity while nine different loads ranging from 12.5% to 40% bodyweight were systematically added and removed from a backpack. Kinematic data were collected using an Optotrak, three-dimensional motion analysis system and used to estimate position of the COM as well as segment and COM-to-joint vector orientation angles. The shape and amplitude of the COM vertical trajectory was maintained across all loaded conditions. The orientations of COM-to-ankle and -knee vectors were maintained in all loaded conditions except the heaviest load (40% BW). Results suggest that forward lean changed linearly with changes in load to maintain the COM-to-ankle and -knee vector orientations. COM vertical trajectory was maintained by a combination of invariants including lower-limb segment angles and a constant direction of toe-off impulse vector. The kinematic invariants found suggest a simplified control mechanism by which the system limits degrees of freedom and potentially minimizes torque about lower-extremity joints with added load. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Potential of a New Lunar Surface Radiator Concept for Hot Lunar Thermal Environments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ochoa, Dustin A.; Vogel, Matthew R.; Trevino, Luis A.; Stephan, Ryan A.

    2008-01-01

    The optimum radiator configuration in hot lunar thermal environments is one in which the radiator is parallel to the ground and has no view to the hot lunar surface. However, typical spacecraft configurations have limited real estate available for top-mounted radiators, resulting in a desire to use the spacecraft s vertically oriented sides. Vertically oriented, flat panel radiators will have a large view factor to the lunar surface, and thus will be subjected to significant incident lunar infrared heat. Consequently, radiator fluid temperatures will need to exceed approx.325 K (assuming standard spacecraft radiator optical properties) in order to provide positive heat rejection at lunar noon. Such temperatures are too high for crewed spacecraft applications in which a heat pump is to be avoided. A recent study of vertically oriented radiator configurations subjected to lunar noon thermal environments led to the discovery of a novel radiator concept that yielded positive heat rejection at lower fluid temperatures. This radiator configuration, called the Upright Lunar Terrain Radiator Assembly (ULTRA), has exhibited superior performance to all previously analyzed concepts in terms of heat rejection in the lunar noon thermal environment. A key benefit of the ULTRA is the absence of louvers or other moving parts and its simple geometry. Analysis of the ULTRA for a lunar extravehicular activity (EVA) portable life support system (PLSS) is shown to provide moderate heat rejection, on average, at all solar incident angles assuming an average radiator temperature of 294 K, whereas prior concepts exhibited insignificant heat rejection or heat absorption at higher incident angles. The performance of the ULTRA for a lunar lander is also discussed and compared to the performance of a vertically oriented, flat panel radiator at various lunar latitudes.

  19. Monte Carlo simulation of evaporation-driven self-assembly in suspensions of colloidal rods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lebovka, Nikolai I.; Vygornitskii, Nikolai V.; Gigiberiya, Volodymyr A.; Tarasevich, Yuri Yu.

    2016-12-01

    The vertical drying of a colloidal film containing rodlike particles was studied by means of kinetic Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. The problem was approached using a two-dimensional square lattice, and the rods were represented as linear k -mers (i.e., particles occupying k adjacent sites). The initial state before drying was produced using a model of random sequential adsorption (RSA) with isotropic orientations of the k -mers (orientation of the k -mers along horizontal x and vertical y directions are equiprobable). In the RSA model, overlapping of the k -mers is forbidden. During the evaporation, an upper interface falls with a linear velocity of u in the vertical direction and the k -mers undergo translation Brownian motion. The MC simulations were run at different initial concentrations, pi, (pi∈[0 ,pj] , where pj is the jamming concentration), lengths of k -mers (k ∈[1 ,12 ] ), and solvent evaporation rates, u . For completely dried films, the spatial distributions of k -mers and their electrical conductivities in both x and y directions were examined. Significant evaporation-driven self-assembly and orientation stratification of the k -mers oriented along the x and y directions were observed. The extent of stratification increased with increasing value of k . The anisotropy of the electrical conductivity of the film can be finely regulated by changes in the values of pi, k , and u .

  20. A Bayesian Account of Visual-Vestibular Interactions in the Rod-and-Frame Task.

    PubMed

    Alberts, Bart B G T; de Brouwer, Anouk J; Selen, Luc P J; Medendorp, W Pieter

    2016-01-01

    Panoramic visual cues, as generated by the objects in the environment, provide the brain with important information about gravity direction. To derive an optimal, i.e., Bayesian, estimate of gravity direction, the brain must combine panoramic information with gravity information detected by the vestibular system. Here, we examined the individual sensory contributions to this estimate psychometrically. We asked human subjects to judge the orientation (clockwise or counterclockwise relative to gravity) of a briefly flashed luminous rod, presented within an oriented square frame (rod-in-frame). Vestibular contributions were manipulated by tilting the subject's head, whereas visual contributions were manipulated by changing the viewing distance of the rod and frame. Results show a cyclical modulation of the frame-induced bias in perceived verticality across a 90° range of frame orientations. The magnitude of this bias decreased significantly with larger viewing distance, as if visual reliability was reduced. Biases increased significantly when the head was tilted, as if vestibular reliability was reduced. A Bayesian optimal integration model, with distinct vertical and horizontal panoramic weights, a gain factor to allow for visual reliability changes, and ocular counterroll in response to head tilt, provided a good fit to the data. We conclude that subjects flexibly weigh visual panoramic and vestibular information based on their orientation-dependent reliability, resulting in the observed verticality biases and the associated response variabilities.

  1. Control of gravitropic orientation. I. Non-vertical orientation by primary roots of maize results from decay of competence for orthogravitropic induction

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    LaMotte, Clifford E.; Pickard, Barbara G.

    2004-01-01

    Plant organs may respond to gravity by vertical (orthogravitropic), oblique (plagiogravitropic) or horizontal (diagravitropic) growth. Primary roots of maize (Zea mays L.) provide a good system for studying such behaviours because they are reportedly capable of displaying all three responses. In current work using maize seedlings of the Silver Queen cultivar, stabilisation of growth at an oblique orientation was commonplace. Hypothetically, plagiogravitropism may be accomplished either by a process we call graded orthogravitropism or by hunting about a sensed non-vertical setpoint. In graded orthotropism primary bending is unidirectional and depends on facilitative stimuli that determine its extent. The hallmark of the setpoint mechanism is restorative curvature of either sign following a displacement; both diagravitropism and orthogravitropism are based on setpoints. Roots settled in a plagiogravitropic orientation were tested with various illumination and displacement protocols designed to distinguish between these two hypotheses. The tests refuted the setpoint hypothesis and supported that of graded orthotropism. No evidence of diagravitropism could be found, thus, earlier claims were likely based on inadequately controlled observations of graded orthotropism. We propose that orthotropism is graded by the sequential action of dual gravity receptors: induction of a vectorial gravitropic response requires gravitational induction of a separate facilitative response, whose decay in the absence of fresh stimuli can brake gravitropism at plagiotropic angles.

  2. A Bayesian Account of Visual–Vestibular Interactions in the Rod-and-Frame Task

    PubMed Central

    de Brouwer, Anouk J.; Medendorp, W. Pieter

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Panoramic visual cues, as generated by the objects in the environment, provide the brain with important information about gravity direction. To derive an optimal, i.e., Bayesian, estimate of gravity direction, the brain must combine panoramic information with gravity information detected by the vestibular system. Here, we examined the individual sensory contributions to this estimate psychometrically. We asked human subjects to judge the orientation (clockwise or counterclockwise relative to gravity) of a briefly flashed luminous rod, presented within an oriented square frame (rod-in-frame). Vestibular contributions were manipulated by tilting the subject’s head, whereas visual contributions were manipulated by changing the viewing distance of the rod and frame. Results show a cyclical modulation of the frame-induced bias in perceived verticality across a 90° range of frame orientations. The magnitude of this bias decreased significantly with larger viewing distance, as if visual reliability was reduced. Biases increased significantly when the head was tilted, as if vestibular reliability was reduced. A Bayesian optimal integration model, with distinct vertical and horizontal panoramic weights, a gain factor to allow for visual reliability changes, and ocular counterroll in response to head tilt, provided a good fit to the data. We conclude that subjects flexibly weigh visual panoramic and vestibular information based on their orientation-dependent reliability, resulting in the observed verticality biases and the associated response variabilities. PMID:27844055

  3. Large-scale horizontally aligned ZnO microrod arrays with controlled orientation, periodic distribution as building blocks for chip-in piezo-phototronic LEDs.

    PubMed

    Guo, Zhen; Li, Haiwen; Zhou, Lianqun; Zhao, Dongxu; Wu, Yihui; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Wei; Li, Chuanyu; Yao, Jia

    2015-01-27

    A novel method of fabricating large-scale horizontally aligned ZnO microrod arrays with controlled orientation and periodic distribution via combing technology is introduced. Horizontally aligned ZnO microrod arrays with uniform orientation and periodic distribution can be realized based on the conventional bottom-up method prepared vertically aligned ZnO microrod matrix via the combing method. When the combing parameters are changed, the orientation of horizontally aligned ZnO microrod arrays can be adjusted (θ = 90° or 45°) in a plane and a misalignment angle of the microrods (0.3° to 2.3°) with low-growth density can be obtained. To explore the potential applications based on the vertically and horizontally aligned ZnO microrods on p-GaN layer, piezo-phototronic devices such as heterojunction LEDs are built. Electroluminescence (EL) emission patterns can be adjusted for the vertically and horizontally aligned ZnO microrods/p-GaN heterojunction LEDs by applying forward bias. Moreover, the emission color from UV-blue to yellow-green can be tuned by investigating the piezoelectric properties of the materials. The EL emission mechanisms of the LEDs are discussed in terms of band diagrams of the heterojunctions and carrier recombination processes. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. Gravity and the orientation of cell division

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Helmstetter, C. E.

    1997-01-01

    A novel culture system for mammalian cells was used to investigate division orientations in populations of Chinese hamster ovary cells and the influence of gravity on the positioning of division axes. The cells were tethered to adhesive sites, smaller in diameter than a newborn cell, distributed over a nonadhesive substrate positioned vertically. The cells grew and divided while attached to the sites, and the angles and directions of elongation during anaphase, projected in the vertical plane, were found to be random with respect to gravity. However, consecutive divisions of individual cells were generally along the same axis or at 90 degrees to the previous division, with equal probability. Thus, successive divisions were restricted to orthogonal planes, but the choice of plane appeared to be random, unlike the ordered sequence of cleavage orientations seen during early embryo development.

  5. fMRI orientation decoding in V1 does not require global maps or globally coherent orientation stimuli.

    PubMed

    Alink, Arjen; Krugliak, Alexandra; Walther, Alexander; Kriegeskorte, Nikolaus

    2013-01-01

    The orientation of a large grating can be decoded from V1 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, even at low resolution (3-mm isotropic voxels). This finding has suggested that columnar-level neuronal information might be accessible to fMRI at 3T. However, orientation decodability might alternatively arise from global orientation-preference maps. Such global maps across V1 could result from bottom-up processing, if the preferences of V1 neurons were biased toward particular orientations (e.g., radial from fixation, or cardinal, i.e., vertical or horizontal). Global maps could also arise from local recurrent or top-down processing, reflecting pre-attentive perceptual grouping, attention spreading, or predictive coding of global form. Here we investigate whether fMRI orientation decoding with 2-mm voxels requires (a) globally coherent orientation stimuli and/or (b) global-scale patterns of V1 activity. We used opposite-orientation gratings (balanced about the cardinal orientations) and spirals (balanced about the radial orientation), along with novel patch-swapped variants of these stimuli. The two stimuli of a patch-swapped pair have opposite orientations everywhere (like their globally coherent parent stimuli). However, the two stimuli appear globally similar, a patchwork of opposite orientations. We find that all stimulus pairs are robustly decodable, demonstrating that fMRI orientation decoding does not require globally coherent orientation stimuli. Furthermore, decoding remained robust after spatial high-pass filtering for all stimuli, showing that fine-grained components of the fMRI patterns reflect visual orientations. Consistent with previous studies, we found evidence for global radial and vertical preference maps in V1. However, these were weak or absent for patch-swapped stimuli, suggesting that global preference maps depend on globally coherent orientations and might arise through recurrent or top-down processes related to the perception of global form.

  6. A study on aircraft map display location and orientation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baty, D. L.; Wempe, T.; Huff, E.

    1973-01-01

    Six airline pilots participated in a fixed-based simulator study to determine the effects of two horizontal situation display (HSD/map) panel locations relative to the vertical situation display (VSD), and of three map orientations on manual piloting performance. Pilot comments and opinions were formally obtained. Significant performance differences were found between wind conditions and among pilots but not between map locations and orientations. The results also illustrate the potential tracking accuracy of such a display. Recommendations concerning display location and map orientation are made.

  7. A study on aircraft map display location and orientation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baty, D. L.; Wempe, T. E.; Huff, E. M.

    1974-01-01

    Six airline pilots participated in a fixed-base simulator study to determine the effects of two horizontal situation display (HSD/map) panel locations relative to the vertical situation display (VSD), and of three map orientations on manual piloting performance. Pilot comments and opinions were formally obtained. Significant performance differences were found between wind conditions and among pilots, but not between map locations and orientations. The results also illustrate the potential tracking accuracy of such a display. Recommendations concerning display location and map orientation are made.

  8. Enhanced antibacterial activity through the controlled alignment of graphene oxide nanosheets.

    PubMed

    Lu, Xinglin; Feng, Xunda; Werber, Jay R; Chu, Chiheng; Zucker, Ines; Kim, Jae-Hong; Osuji, Chinedum O; Elimelech, Menachem

    2017-11-14

    The cytotoxicity of 2D graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) is highly important for engineered applications and environmental health. However, the isotropic orientation of GBNs, most notably graphene oxide (GO), in previous experimental studies obscured the interpretation of cytotoxic contributions of nanosheet edges. Here, we investigate the orientation-dependent interaction of GBNs with bacteria using GO composite films. To produce the films, GO nanosheets are aligned in a magnetic field, immobilized by cross-linking of the surrounding matrix, and exposed on the surface through oxidative etching. Characterization by small-angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy confirms that GO nanosheets align progressively well with increasing magnetic field strength and that the alignment is effectively preserved by cross-linking. When contacted with the model bacterium Escherichia coli , GO nanosheets with vertical orientation exhibit enhanced antibacterial activity compared with random and horizontal orientations. Further characterization is performed to explain the enhanced antibacterial activity of the film with vertically aligned GO. Using phospholipid vesicles as a model system, we observe that GO nanosheets induce physical disruption of the lipid bilayer. Additionally, we find substantial GO-induced oxidation of glutathione, a model intracellular antioxidant, paired with limited generation of reactive oxygen species, suggesting that oxidation occurs through a direct electron-transfer mechanism. These physical and chemical mechanisms both require nanosheet penetration of the cell membrane, suggesting that the enhanced antibacterial activity of the film with vertically aligned GO stems from an increased density of edges with a preferential orientation for membrane disruption. The importance of nanosheet penetration for cytotoxicity has direct implications for the design of engineering surfaces using GBNs.

  9. Estimation of Leaf Area Index and Plant Area Index of a Submerged Macrophyte Canopy Using Digital Photography

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Dehua; Xie, Dong; Zhou, Hengjie; Jiang, Hao; An, Shuqing

    2012-01-01

    Non-destructive estimation using digital cameras is a common approach for estimating leaf area index (LAI) of terrestrial vegetation. However, no attempt has been made so far to develop non-destructive approaches to LAI estimation for aquatic vegetation. Using the submerged plant species Potamogeton malainus, the objective of this study was to determine whether the gap fraction derived from vertical photographs could be used to estimate LAI of aquatic vegetation. Our results suggested that upward-oriented photographs taken from beneath the water surface were more suitable for distinguishing vegetation from other objects than were downward-oriented photographs taken from above the water surface. Exposure settings had a substantial influence on the identification of vegetation in upward-oriented photographs. Automatic exposure performed nearly as well as the optimal trial exposure, making it a good choice for operational convenience. Similar to terrestrial vegetation, our results suggested that photographs taken for the purpose of distinguishing gap fraction in aquatic vegetation should be taken under diffuse light conditions. Significant logarithmic relationships were observed between the vertical gap fraction derived from upward-oriented photographs and plant area index (PAI) and LAI derived from destructive harvesting. The model we developed to depict the relationship between PAI and gap fraction was similar to the modified theoretical Poisson model, with coefficients of 1.82 and 1.90 for our model and the theoretical model, respectively. This suggests that vertical upward-oriented photographs taken from below the water surface are a feasible alternative to destructive harvesting for estimating PAI and LAI for the submerged aquatic plant Potamogeton malainus. PMID:23226557

  10. Spatial orientation of optokinetic nystagmus and ocular pursuit during orbital space flight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Moore, Steven T.; Cohen, Bernard; Raphan, Theodore; Berthoz, Alain; Clement, Gilles

    2005-01-01

    On Earth, eye velocity of horizontal optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) orients to gravito-inertial acceleration (GIA), the sum of linear accelerations acting on the head and body. We determined whether adaptation to micro-gravity altered this orientation and whether ocular pursuit exhibited similar properties. Eye movements of four astronauts were recorded with three-dimensional video-oculography. Optokinetic stimuli were stripes moving horizontally, vertically, and obliquely at 30 degrees/s. Ocular pursuit was produced by a spot moving horizontally or vertically at 20 degrees/s. Subjects were either stationary or were centrifuged during OKN with 1 or 0.5 g of interaural or dorsoventral centripetal linear acceleration. Average eye position during OKN (the beating field) moved into the quick-phase direction by 10 degrees during lateral and upward field movement in all conditions. The beating field did not shift up during downward OKN on Earth, but there was a strong upward movement of the beating field (9 degrees) during downward OKN in the absence of gravity; this likely represents an adaptation to the lack of a vertical 1-g bias in-flight. The horizontal OKN velocity axis tilted 9 degrees in the roll plane toward the GIA during interaural centrifugation, both on Earth and in space. During oblique OKN, the velocity vector tilted towards the GIA in the roll plane when there was a disparity between the direction of stripe motion and the GIA, but not when the two were aligned. In contrast, dorsoventral acceleration tilted the horizontal OKN velocity vector 6 degrees in pitch away from the GIA. Roll tilts of the horizontal OKN velocity vector toward the GIA during interaural centrifugation are consistent with the orientation properties of velocity storage, but pitch tilts away from the GIA when centrifuged while supine are not. We speculate that visual suppression during OKN may have caused the velocity vector to tilt away from the GIA during dorsoventral centrifugation. Vertical OKN and ocular pursuit did not exhibit orientation toward the GIA in any condition. Static full-body roll tilts and centrifugation generating an equivalent interaural acceleration produced the same tilts in the horizontal OKN velocity before and after flight. Thus, the magnitude of tilt in OKN velocity was dependent on the magnitude of interaural linear acceleration, rather than the tilt of the GIA with regard to the head. These results favor a 'filter' model of spatial orientation in which orienting eye movements are proportional to the magnitude of low frequency interaural linear acceleration, rather than models that postulate an internal representation of gravity as the basis for spatial orientation.

  11. Coal storage hopper with vibrating screen agitator

    DOEpatents

    Daw, Charles S.; Lackey, Mack E.; Sy, Ronald L.

    1984-01-01

    The present invention is directed to a vibrating screen agitator in a coal storage hopper for assuring the uniform feed of coal having sufficient moisture content to effect agglomeration and bridging thereof in the coal hopper from the latter onto a conveyor mechanism. The vibrating screen agitator is provided by a plurality of transversely oriented and vertically spaced apart screens in the storage hopper with a plurality of vertically oriented rods attached to the screens. The rods are vibrated to effect the vibration of the screens and the breaking up of agglomerates in the coal which might impede the uniform flow of the coal from the hopper onto a conveyer.

  12. Nanostructuring on zinc phthalocyanine thin films for single-junction organic solar cells

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

    Chaudhary, Dhirendra K.; Kumar, Lokendra, E-mail: lokendrakr@allduniv.ac.in

    2016-05-23

    Vertically aligned and random oriented crystalline molecular nanorods of organic semiconducting Zinc Phthalocyanine (ZnPc) have been grown on ITO coated glass substrate using solvent volatilization method. Interesting changes in surface morphology were observed under different solvent treatment. Vertically aligned nanorods of ZnPc thin film were observed in the films treated with acetone, where as the random oriented nanorods were observed in the films treated with chloroform. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been used for characterization of nanostructures. The optical properties of the nanorods have been investigated by UV-Vis. absorption spectroscopy.

  13. Coal storage hopper with vibrating-screen agitator

    DOEpatents

    Daw, C.S.; Lackey, M.E.; Sy, R.L.

    1982-04-27

    The present invention is directed to a vibrating screen agitator in a coal storage hopper for assuring the uniform feed of coal having sufficient moisture content to effect agglomeration and bridging thereof in the coal hopper from the latter onto a conveyer mechanism. The vibrating scrren agitator is provided by a plurality of transversely oriented and vertically spaced apart screens in the storage hopper with a plurality of vertically oriented rods attached to the screens. The rods are vibrated to effect the vibration of the screens and the breaking up of agglomerates in the coal which might impede the uniform flow of the coal from the hopper onto a conveyer.

  14. Palladium nanoparticles supported on vertically oriented reduced graphene oxide for methanol electro-oxidation.

    PubMed

    Yang, Liming; Tang, Yanhong; Luo, Shenglian; Liu, Chengbin; Song, Hejie; Yan, Dafeng

    2014-10-01

    Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is a promising support material for nanosized electrocatalysts. However, the conventional stacking arrangement of rGO sheets confines the electrocatalysts between rGO layers, which decreases the number of catalytic sites substantially. We report here a facile synthesis of vertically oriented reduced graphene oxide (VrGO) through cyclic voltammetric electrolysis of graphene oxide (GO) in the presence of Na2 PdCl4 . Experiments without Pd nanoparticles or with a low loading amount of Pd nanoparticles results in the deposition of rGO parallel to the electrodes. The vertical orientation of Pd/rGO nanoflakes causes a remarkable enhancement of the catalytic activity toward methanol electro-oxidation. The mass activity (620.1 A gPd (-1) ) of Pd/VrGO is 1.9 and 6.2 times that of Pd/flat-lying rGO (331.8 A gPd (-1) ) and commercial Pd/C (100.5 A gPd (-1) ), respectively. Furthermore, the Pd/VrGO catalyst shows excellent resistance to CO poisoning. This work provides a simple wet-chemical method for VrGO preparation. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. Influence of magnetic field on zebrafish activity and orientation in a plus maze.

    PubMed

    Osipova, Elena A; Pavlova, Vera V; Nepomnyashchikh, Valentin A; Krylov, Viacheslav V

    2016-01-01

    We describe an impact of the geomagnetic field (GMF) and its modification on zebrafish's orientation and locomotor activity in a plus maze with four arms oriented to the north, east, south and west. Zebrafish's directional preferences were bimodal in GMF: they visited two arms oriented in opposed directions (east-west) most frequently. This bimodal preference remained stable for same individuals across experiments divided by several days. When the horizontal GMF component was turned 90° clockwise, the preference accordingly shifted by 90° to arms oriented to the north and south. Other modifications of GMF (reversal of both vertical and horizontal GMF components; reversal of vertical component only; and reversal of horizontal component only) did not exert any discernible effect on the orientation of zebrafish. The 90° turn of horizontal component also resulted in a significant increase of fish's locomotor activity in comparison with the natural GMF. This increase became even more pronounced when the horizontal component was repeatedly turned by 90° and back with 1min interval between turns. Our results show that GMF and its variations should be taken into account when interpreting zebrafish's directional preferences and locomotor activity in mazes and other experimental devices. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  16. Anisotropic perception of visual angle: implications for the horizontal-vertical illusion, overconstancy of size, and the moon illusion.

    PubMed

    Higashiyama, A

    1992-03-01

    Three experiments investigated anisotropic perception of visual angle outdoors. In Experiment 1, scales for vertical and horizontal visual angles ranging from 20 degrees to 80 degrees were constructed with the method of angle production (in which the subject reproduced a visual angle with a protractor) and the method of distance production (in which the subject produced a visual angle by adjusting viewing distance). In Experiment 2, scales for vertical and horizontal visual angles of 5 degrees-30 degrees were constructed with the method of angle production and were compared with scales for orientation in the frontal plane. In Experiment 3, vertical and horizontal visual angles of 3 degrees-80 degrees were judged with the method of verbal estimation. The main results of the experiments were as follows: (1) The obtained angles for visual angle are described by a quadratic equation, theta' = a + b theta + c theta 2 (where theta is the visual angle; theta', the obtained angle; a, b, and c, constants). (2) The linear coefficient b is larger than unity and is steeper for vertical direction than for horizontal direction. (3) The quadratic coefficient c is generally smaller than zero and is negatively larger for vertical direction than for horizontal direction. And (4) the obtained angle for visual angle is larger than that for orientation. From these results, it was possible to predict the horizontal-vertical illusion, over-constancy of size, and the moon illusion.

  17. Three-dimensional cut wire pair behavior and controllable bianisotropic response in vertically oriented meta-atoms

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

    Burckel, David Bruce; Adomanis, Bryan M.; Sinclair, Michael B.

    2017-01-08

    This paper investigates three-dimensional cut wire pair (CWP) behavior in vertically oriented meta-atoms. We first analyze CWP metamaterial inclusions using full-wave electromagnetic simulations. The scattering behavior of the vertical CWP differs substantially from that of the planar version of the same structure. In particular, we show that the vertical CWP supports a magnetic resonance that is solely excited by the incident magnetic field. This is in stark contrast to the bianisotropic resonant excitation of in-plane CWPs. We further show that this CWP behavior can occur in other vertical metamaterial resonators, such as back-to-back linear dipoles and back-to-back split ring resonatorsmore » (SRRs), due to the strong coupling between the closely spaced metallic elements in the back-to-back configuration. In the case of SRRs, the vertical CWP mode (unexplored in previous literature) can be excited with a magnetic field that is parallel to both SRR loops, and exists in addition to the familiar fundamental resonances of the individual SRRs. In order to fully describe the scattering behavior from such dense arrays of three-dimensional structures, coupling effects between the close-packed inclusions must be included. Here, the new flexibility afforded by using vertical resonators allows us to controllably create purely electric inclusions, purely magnetic inclusions, as well as bianisotropic inclusions, and vastly increases the degrees of freedom for the design of metafilms.« less

  18. Chemical growth of ZnO nanorod arrays on textured nanoparticle nanoribbons and its second-harmonic generation performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gui, Zhou; Wang, Xian; Liu, Jian; Yan, Shanshan; Ding, Yanyan; Wang, Zhengzhou; Hu, Yuan

    2006-07-01

    On the basis of the highly oriented ZnO nanoparticle nanoribbons as the growth seed layer (GSL) and solution growth technique, we have synthesized vertical ZnO nanorod arrays with high density over a large area and multi-teeth brush nanostructure, respectively, according to the density degree of the arrangement of nanoparticle nanoribbons GSL on the glass substrate. This controllable and convenient technique opens the possibility of creating nanostructured film for industrial fabrication and may represent a facile way to get similar structures of other compounds by using highly oriented GSL to promote the vertical arrays growth. The growth mechanism of the formation of the ordered nanorod arrays is also discussed. The second-order nonlinear optical coefficient d31 of the vertical ZnO nanorod arrays measured by the Maker fringes technique is 11.3 times as large as that of d36 KH 2PO 4 (KDP).

  19. Reproductive isolation between Zaluzianskya species: the influence of volatiles and flower orientation on hawkmoth foraging choices.

    PubMed

    Campbell, Diane R; Jürgens, Andreas; Johnson, Steven D

    2016-04-01

    Floral trait differences between related species may play a key role in reproductive isolation imposed by pollinators. Volatile emissions can influence pollinator choice, but how they act in combination with traits such as flower orientation is rarely studied. We compared flower-opening patterns, morphology, colour, orientation and volatile emissions for two closely related species of Zaluzianskya and their natural hybrids. Hawkmoth pollinators were tested for preference between flowers of the two species, and between flowers with manipulations of volatiles or orientation. Flowers of Z. natalensis and Z. microsiphon open at night and day, respectively, but they overlap during early evening, when hawkmoths showed a strong preference for Z. natalensis. The species have similar flower size and colour, but Z. natalensis emits more floral volatiles in the evening and presents flowers vertically face-up as opposed to horizontally in Z. microsiphon, whereas natural hybrids are intermediate. Adding methyl benzoate and linalool to flowers of Z. microsiphon did not increase hawkmoth attraction, but re-orientation of flowers to face vertically increased attraction when scent cues were present, whereas re-orientation of Z. natalensis flowers to face horizontally decreased attraction. This study highlights the importance of flower orientation in imposing reproductive isolation. © 2015 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2015 New Phytologist Trust.

  20. Interplay of Gravicentric, Egocentric, and Visual Cues About the Vertical in the Control of Arm Movement Direction.

    PubMed

    Bock, Otmar; Bury, Nils

    2018-03-01

    Our perception of the vertical corresponds to the weighted sum of gravicentric, egocentric, and visual cues. Here we evaluate the interplay of those cues not for the perceived but rather for the motor vertical. Participants were asked to flip an omnidirectional switch down while their egocentric vertical was dissociated from their visual-gravicentric vertical. Responses were directed mid-between the two verticals; specifically, the data suggest that the relative weight of congruent visual-gravicentric cues averages 0.62, and correspondingly, the relative weight of egocentric cues averages 0.38. We conclude that the interplay of visual-gravicentric cues with egocentric cues is similar for the motor and for the perceived vertical. Unexpectedly, we observed a consistent dependence of the motor vertical on hand position, possibly mediated by hand orientation or by spatial selective attention.

  1. Horizontal and Vertical Structures: The Dynamics of Organization in Higher Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Keeling, Richard P.; Underhile, Ric; Wall, Andrew F.

    2007-01-01

    The organization of institutions of higher education has been seen as operating with ambiguous purposes in vertically oriented structures that are only loosely connected. The rationale for this ambiguity is twofold: (1) to allow for creative thinking, and (2) to respect--and even encourage--the autonomy of different disciplines. But ambiguity of…

  2. Local sensory control of a dexterous end effector

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pinto, Victor H.; Everett, Louis J.; Driels, Morris

    1990-01-01

    A numerical scheme was developed to solve the inverse kinematics for a user-defined manipulator. The scheme was based on a nonlinear least-squares technique which determines the joint variables by minimizing the difference between the target end effector pose and the actual end effector pose. The scheme was adapted to a dexterous hand in which the joints are either prismatic or revolute and the fingers are considered open kinematic chains. Feasible solutions were obtained using a three-fingered dexterous hand. An algorithm to estimate the position and orientation of a pre-grasped object was also developed. The algorithm was based on triangulation using an ideal sensor and a spherical object model. By choosing the object to be a sphere, only the position of the object frame was important. Based on these simplifications, a minimum of three sensors are needed to find the position of a sphere. A two dimensional example to determine the position of a circle coordinate frame using a two-fingered dexterous hand was presented.

  3. Pictorial communication in virtual and real environments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ellis, Stephen R. (Editor)

    1991-01-01

    Papers about the communication between human users and machines in real and synthetic environments are presented. Individual topics addressed include: pictorial communication, distortions in memory for visual displays, cartography and map displays, efficiency of graphical perception, volumetric visualization of 3D data, spatial displays to increase pilot situational awareness, teleoperation of land vehicles, computer graphics system for visualizing spacecraft in orbit, visual display aid for orbital maneuvering, multiaxis control in telemanipulation and vehicle guidance, visual enhancements in pick-and-place tasks, target axis effects under transformed visual-motor mappings, adapting to variable prismatic displacement. Also discussed are: spatial vision within egocentric and exocentric frames of reference, sensory conflict in motion sickness, interactions of form and orientation, perception of geometrical structure from congruence, prediction of three-dimensionality across continuous surfaces, effects of viewpoint in the virtual space of pictures, visual slant underestimation, spatial constraints of stereopsis in video displays, stereoscopic stance perception, paradoxical monocular stereopsis and perspective vergence. (No individual items are abstracted in this volume)

  4. Thermally-induced transition of lamellae orientation in block-copolymer films on ‘neutral’ nanoparticle-coated substrates

    DOE PAGES

    Yager, Kevin G.; Forrey, Christopher; Singh, Gurpreet; ...

    2015-06-01

    Block-copolymer orientation in thin films is controlled by the complex balance between interfacial free energies, including the inter-block segregation strength, the surface tensions of the blocks, and the relative substrate interactions. While block-copolymer lamellae orient horizontally when there is any preferential affinity of one block for the substrate, we recently described how nanoparticle-roughened substrates can be used to modify substrate interactions. We demonstrate how such ‘neutral’ substrates can be combined with control of annealing temperature to generate vertical lamellae orientations throughout a sample, at all thicknesses. We observe an orientational transition from vertical to horizontal lamellae upon heating, as confirmedmore » using a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), neutron reflectometry (NR) and rotational small-angle neutron scattering (RSANS). Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we identify substrate-localized distortions to the lamellar morphology as the physical basis of the novel behavior. In particular, under strong segregation conditions, bending of horizontal lamellae induce a large energetic cost. At higher temperatures, the energetic cost of conformal deformations of lamellae over the rough substrate is reduced, returning lamellae to the typical horizontal orientation. Thus, we find that both surface interactions and temperature play a crucial role in dictating block-copolymer lamellae orientation. As a result, our combined experimental and simulation findings suggest that controlling substrate roughness should provide a useful and robust platform for controlling block-copolymer orientation in applications of these materials.« less

  5. Role of Vision and Mechanoreception in Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius L. Behavior

    PubMed Central

    Singh, Narinderpal; Wang, Changlu; Cooper, Richard

    2015-01-01

    The role of olfactory cues such as carbon dioxide, pheromones, and kairomones in bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. behavior has been demonstrated. However, the role of vision and mechanoreception in bed bug behavior is poorly understood. We investigated bed bug vision by determining their responses to different colors, vertical objects, and their ability to detect colors and vertical objects under low and complete dark conditions. Results show black and red paper harborages are preferred compared to yellow, green, blue, and white harborages. A bed bug trapping device with a black or red exterior surface was significantly more attractive to bed bugs than that with a white exterior surface. Bed bugs exhibited strong orientation behavior toward vertical objects. The height (15 vs. 30 cm tall) and color (brown vs. black) of the vertical object had no significant effect on orientation behavior of bed bugs. Bed bugs could differentiate color and detect vertical objects at very low background light conditions, but not in complete darkness. Bed bug preference to different substrate textures (mechanoreception) was also explored. Bed bugs preferred dyed tape compared to painted tape, textured painted plastic, and felt. These results revealed that substrate color, presence of vertical objects, and substrate texture affect host-seeking and harborage-searching behavior of bed bugs. Bed bugs may use a combination of vision, mechanoreception, and chemoreception to locate hosts and seek harborages. PMID:25748041

  6. Role of vision and mechanoreception in bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. behavior.

    PubMed

    Singh, Narinderpal; Wang, Changlu; Cooper, Richard

    2015-01-01

    The role of olfactory cues such as carbon dioxide, pheromones, and kairomones in bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. behavior has been demonstrated. However, the role of vision and mechanoreception in bed bug behavior is poorly understood. We investigated bed bug vision by determining their responses to different colors, vertical objects, and their ability to detect colors and vertical objects under low and complete dark conditions. Results show black and red paper harborages are preferred compared to yellow, green, blue, and white harborages. A bed bug trapping device with a black or red exterior surface was significantly more attractive to bed bugs than that with a white exterior surface. Bed bugs exhibited strong orientation behavior toward vertical objects. The height (15 vs. 30 cm tall) and color (brown vs. black) of the vertical object had no significant effect on orientation behavior of bed bugs. Bed bugs could differentiate color and detect vertical objects at very low background light conditions, but not in complete darkness. Bed bug preference to different substrate textures (mechanoreception) was also explored. Bed bugs preferred dyed tape compared to painted tape, textured painted plastic, and felt. These results revealed that substrate color, presence of vertical objects, and substrate texture affect host-seeking and harborage-searching behavior of bed bugs. Bed bugs may use a combination of vision, mechanoreception, and chemoreception to locate hosts and seek harborages.

  7. The organization of the cone photoreceptor mosaic measured in the living human retina

    PubMed Central

    Sawides, Lucie; de Castro, Alberto; Burns, Stephen A.

    2016-01-01

    The cone photoreceptors represent the initial fundamental sampling step in the acquisition of visual information. While recent advances in adaptive optics have provided increasingly precise estimates of the packing density and spacing of the cone photoreceptors in the living human retina, little is known about the local cone arrangement beyond a tendency towards hexagonal packing. We analyzed the cone mosaic in data from 10 normal subjects. A technique was applied to calculate the local average cone mosaic structure which allowed us to determine the hexagonality, spacing and orientation of local regions. Using cone spacing estimates, we find the expected decrease in cone density with retinal eccentricity and higher densities along the horizontal meridians as opposed to the vertical meridians. Orientation analysis reveals an asymmetry in the local cone spacing of the hexagonal packing, with cones having a larger local spacing along the horizontal direction. This horizontal/vertical asymmetry is altered at eccentricities larger than 2 degrees in the superior meridian and 2.5 degrees in the inferior meridian. Analysis of hexagon orientations in the central 1.4° of the retina show a tendency for orientation to be locally coherent, with orientation patches consisting of between 35 and 240 cones. PMID:27353225

  8. Topographic instructions, Book 3, multiplex procedure; Chapter 3 C7a-e

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Loud, Edward I.

    1952-01-01

    By direct projection of overlapping photographs, printed on glass plates, the multiplex produces an exact optical model, in miniature, of the terrain to be mapped. To create the model, the multiplex projectors must be properly positioned and oriented so that they duplicate the orientation of the aerial camera at the instant of each exposure. By means of a floating mark, horizontal and vertical measurements can be made in the model, and planimetry and contours can be drawn. The applicability of the multiplex to a given mapping project depends largely on the contour interval and compilation scale required, and also depends, to a lesser extent, on the vegetation and terrain cover as it may affect accuracy requirements. The steps in multiplex procedure are orientation, stereotriangulation, and compilation of detail. In orientation, the projectors are arranged so that the projected images form a stereoscopic model which can be adjusted to fit horizontal and vertical control points. In stereotriangulation, three or more multiplex projectors are oriented so that the consecutive models fit existing control, permitting the establishment of additional or intermediate control. In compilation, the features appearing in the model are delineated on the map manuscript.

  9. Measurements of orientation, sedimentation, and dispersal of ramified particles in isotropic turbulence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Voth, Greg A.; Kramel, Stefan; Menon, Udayshankar K.; Koch, Donald L.

    2017-11-01

    We experimentally measure the sedimentation of non-spherical particles in isotropic turbulence. We obtain time-resolved 3D orientations of the particles along with the fluid velocity field around them in a vertical water tunnel. An active jet array with 40 individually controllable jets enables us to adjust the turbulence intensity and observe the transition from strongly aligned to randomized particle orientations. We focus on the orientation statistics of ramified particles formed from several slender arms, including fibers and particles with three arms in planar symmetry (triads), which allows us to study alignment of both fibers and disk-like particles. We can predict the turbulent intensity at which the transition from aligned to randomized particle orientations occurs using a non-dimensional settling factor given by the ratio of rotation timescale of the turbulence at the scale of the particle to the rotation timescale of a particles in quiescent flow due to inertial torques. A model of ramified particle motion based on slender body theory provides accurate predictions of the vertical and horizontal particle velocities relative to the turbulent fluid. Supported by Army Research Office Grant W911NF1510205.

  10. Muscle activity adapts to anti-gravity posture during pedalling in persons with post-stroke hemiplegia.

    PubMed

    Brown, D A; Kautz, S A; Dairaghi, C A

    1997-05-01

    With hemiplegia following stroke, a person's movement response to anti-gravity posture often appears rigid and inflexible, exacerbating the motor dysfunction. A major determinant of pathological movement in anti-gravity postures is the failure to adapt muscle-activity patterns automatically to changes in posture. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the impaired motor performance observed when persons with hemiplegia pedal in a horizontal position is exacerbated at more vertical anti-gravity body orientations. Twelve healthy elderly subjects and 17 subjects with chronic (> 6 months) post-stroke hemiplegia participated in the study. Subjects pedalled a modified ergometer at different body orientations (from horizontal to vertical), maintaining the same workload, cadence, and hip and knee kinematics. Pedal reaction forces, and crank and pedal kinematics, were measured and then used to calculate the work done by each leg and their net positive and negative components. The EMG was recorded from four leg muscles (tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, rectus femoris and biceps femoris). The main result from this study was that impaired plegic leg performance, as measured by net negative work done by the plegic leg and abnormal early rectus femoris activity, was exacerbated at the most vertical body orientations. However, contrary to the belief that muscle activity cannot adapt to anti-gravity postures, net positive work increased appropriately and EMG activity in all muscles showed modulated levels of activity similar to those in elderly control subjects. These results support the hypothesis that increased verticality exacerbates the already impaired movement performance. Yet, much of the motor response to verticality was flexible and appropriate, given the mechanics of the task.

  11. Unstructured Cartesian/prismatic grid generation for complex geometries

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Karman, Steve L., Jr.

    1995-01-01

    The generation of a hybrid grid system for discretizing complex three dimensional (3D) geometries is described. The primary grid system is an unstructured Cartesian grid automatically generated using recursive cell subdivision. This grid system is sufficient for computing Euler solutions about extremely complex 3D geometries. A secondary grid system, using triangular-prismatic elements, may be added for resolving the boundary layer region of viscous flows near surfaces of solid bodies. This paper describes the grid generation processes used to generate each grid type. Several example grids are shown, demonstrating the ability of the method to discretize complex geometries, with very little pre-processing required by the user.

  12. Prismatic sealed nickel-cadmium batteries utilizing fiber structured electrodes. II - Applications as a maintenance free aircraft battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anderman, Menahem; Benczur-Urmossy, Gabor; Haschka, Friedrich

    Test data on prismatic sealed Ni-Cd batteries utilizing fiber structured electrodes (sealed FNC) is discussed. It is shown that, under a voltage limited charging scheme, the charge acceptance of the sealed FNC battery is far superior to that of the standard vented aircraft Ni-Cd batteries. This results in the sealed FNC battery maintaining its capacity over several thousand cycles without any need for electrical conditioning or water topping. APU start data demonstrate superior power capabilities over existing technologies. Performance at low temperature is presented. Abuse test results reveal a safe fail mechanism even under severe electrical abuse.

  13. Safety Evaluation of Two Commercial Lithium-ion Batteries for Space Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jeevarajan, Judith A.; Collins, Jacob; Cook, Joseph S.

    2004-01-01

    Lithium-ion batteries have been used for applications on the Shuttle and Station for the past six years. A majority of the li-ion batteries flown are Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) varieties. The COTS batteries and cells were tested under nominal and abusive conditions for performance and safety characterization. Within the past six months two batteries have been certified for flight and use on the Space Station. The first one is a Hand Spring PDA battery that had a single prismatic li-ion cell and the second is an Iridium satellite phone that had a two-cell pack with prismatic li-ion cells.

  14. Pre-test CFD Calculations for a Bypass Flow Standard Problem

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

    Rich Johnson

    The bypass flow in a prismatic high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) is the flow that occurs between adjacent graphite blocks. Gaps exist between blocks due to variances in their manufacture and installation and because of the expansion and shrinkage of the blocks from heating and irradiation. Although the temperature of fuel compacts and graphite is sensitive to the presence of bypass flow, there is great uncertainty in the level and effects of the bypass flow. The Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) program at the Idaho National Laboratory has undertaken to produce experimental data of isothermal bypass flow between three adjacentmore » graphite blocks. These data are intended to provide validation for computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analyses of the bypass flow. Such validation data sets are called Standard Problems in the nuclear safety analysis field. Details of the experimental apparatus as well as several pre-test calculations of the bypass flow are provided. Pre-test calculations are useful in examining the nature of the flow and to see if there are any problems associated with the flow and its measurement. The apparatus is designed to be able to provide three different gap widths in the vertical direction (the direction of the normal coolant flow) and two gap widths in the horizontal direction. It is expected that the vertical bypass flow will range from laminar to transitional to turbulent flow for the different gap widths that will be available.« less

  15. First Prismatic Building Model Reconstruction from Tomosar Point Clouds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Y.; Shahzad, M.; Zhu, X.

    2016-06-01

    This paper demonstrates for the first time the potential of explicitly modelling the individual roof surfaces to reconstruct 3-D prismatic building models using spaceborne tomographic synthetic aperture radar (TomoSAR) point clouds. The proposed approach is modular and works as follows: it first extracts the buildings via DSM generation and cutting-off the ground terrain. The DSM is smoothed using BM3D denoising method proposed in (Dabov et al., 2007) and a gradient map of the smoothed DSM is generated based on height jumps. Watershed segmentation is then adopted to oversegment the DSM into different regions. Subsequently, height and polygon complexity constrained merging is employed to refine (i.e., to reduce) the retrieved number of roof segments. Coarse outline of each roof segment is then reconstructed and later refined using quadtree based regularization plus zig-zag line simplification scheme. Finally, height is associated to each refined roof segment to obtain the 3-D prismatic model of the building. The proposed approach is illustrated and validated over a large building (convention center) in the city of Las Vegas using TomoSAR point clouds generated from a stack of 25 images using Tomo-GENESIS software developed at DLR.

  16. Binary dislocation junction formation and strength in hexagonal close-packed crystals

    DOE PAGES

    Wu, Chi -Chin; Aubry, Sylvie; Arsenlis, Athanasios; ...

    2015-12-17

    This work examines binary dislocation interactions, junction formation and junction strengths in hexagonal close-packed ( hcp ) crystals. Through a line-tension model and dislocation dynamics (DD) simulations, the interaction and dissociation of different sets of binary junctions are investigated involving one dislocation on the (011¯0) prismatic plane and a second dislocation on one of the following planes: (0001) basal, (11¯00) prismatic, (11¯01) primary pyramidal, or (2¯112) secondary pyramidal. Varying pairs of Burgers vectors are chosen from among the common types the basal type < a > 1/3 < 112¯0 >, prismatic type < c > <0001>, and pyramidal type 1/3 < 112¯3¯ >. For binary interaction due to dislocation intersection, both the analytical results and DD-simulations indicate a relationship between symmetry of interaction maps and the relative magnitude of the Burgers vectors that constitute the junction. Using analytical formulae, a simple regressive model is also developed to represent the junction yield surface. The equation is treated as a degenerated super elliptical equation to quantify the aspect ratio and tilting angle. Lastly, the results provide analytical insights on binary dislocation interactions that may occur in general hcp metals.« less

  17. A Comparative Study of [CaEDTA](2-) and [MgEDTA](2-): Structural and Dynamical Insights from Quantum Mechanical Charge Field Molecular Dynamics.

    PubMed

    Tirler, Andreas O; Hofer, Thomas S

    2015-07-09

    Structure and dynamics of [MgEDTA](2-) and [CaEDTA](2-) complexes in aqueous solution have been investigated via quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) simulations. While for the first a 6-fold octahedral complex has been observed, the presence of an additional coordinating water ligand has been observed in the latter case. Because of rapidly exchanging water molecules, this 7-fold coordination complex was found to form pentagonal bipyramidal as well as capped trigonal prismatic configurations along the simulation interchanging on the picosecond time scale. Also in the case of [MgEDTA](2-) a trigonal prismatic configuration has been observed for a very short time period of approximately 1 ps. This work reports for the first time the presence of trigonal prismatic structures observed in the coordination sphere of [MgEDTA](2-) and [CaEDTA](2-) complexes in aqueous solution. In addition to the detailed characterization of structure and dynamics of the systems, the prediction of the associated infrared spectra indicates that the ion-water vibrational mode found at approximately 250 cm(-1) provides a distinctive measure to experimentally detect the presence of the coordinating water molecule via low-frequency IR setups.

  18. Photocatalytic Applications of Electrospun TiO2 Nanofibres Embedded with Bimodal Sized and Prismatic Gold Nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Gopika, G; Asha, A M; Sivakumar, N; Balakrishnan, A; Nair, S V; Subramanian, K R V

    2015-09-01

    In this paper, we have synthesized electrospun TiO2 nanofibers embedded with bimodal sized and prismatic gold nanoparticles. The surface plasmons generated in the gold nanoparticles were used to enhance the performance of photocatalysis. The photocatalytic conversion efficiencies of these bimodal sized/prismatic gold nanoparticles when embedded in electrospun TiO2 fibres showed an enhancement of upto 60% over bare fiber systems and also show higher efficiencies than electrospun fibrous systems embedded with unimodal sized gold nanoparticles. Anisotropic bimodal gold nanoparticles show the highest degree of photocatalytic activity. This may be attributed to greater density/concentration of nanoparticles with higher effective surface area and formation of a junction between the smaller and larger nanoparticles. Such a bimodally distributed range of nanoparticles could also lead to greater trapping of charge carriers at the TiO2 conduction band edge and promoting catalytic reactions on account of these trapped charges. This enhanced photocatalytic activity is explained by invoking different operating mechanisms such as improved surface area, greater trapping, coarse plasmon resonance and band effects. Thus, a useful applicability of the gold nanoparticles is shown in the area of photocatalysis.

  19. Use of prismatic films to control light distribution

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

    Kneipp, K.G.

    1994-12-31

    3M prismatic films are finding increasing utility in the construction of new hollow light guide fixtures which capitalize on the unique ways in which these novel materials interact with light. Often, the resulting systems provide features and end-user benefits which are difficult or impossible to achieve by alternative design or construction methods. It is apparent that the benefits may be applied to a wide variety of end-uses, and that the resulting products being developed will find utility in many diverse market areas. With the recognition that creating hollow light guide products and systems requires a substantial resource investment, and becausemore » of an existing prominent position in the traffic management market, 3M has decided to focus its current efforts in the development, manufacture, and distribution of value-added products for this market. However, through the sale of these prismatic films, a variety of companies have developed and are manufacturing and distributing other unrelated hollow light guide products which capitalize on the unique capabilities of these films in controlling and distributing light. There appears to be little doubt that the potential applications of this technology will grow both in numbers as well as in diversity.« less

  20. Insect Development in Altered Gravitational Environment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tischler, Marc E.

    1996-01-01

    When tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) larvae burrow underground (25-30 cm) to pupate, they reorient themselves to a relatively horizontal position indicating an ability to sense gravity. To evaluate their sensitivity to gravitational environment during metamorphosis, Manduca (pharate adults) were placed in a vertical (head-up) position. Distinct morphological changes, each one reflecting ensuing phases, were used to follow adult development. Five days after pupation, the vertical group showed accelerated (P less than 0.05) development and were nearly 4 phases ahead (P less than 0.0001) after 10 days. Differences in development in the vertical group were characterized further by increased (7-48%) hemolymph concentrations of 13 amino acids, but a decrease in cys and pro and no change in arg, his, met and val (trp, undetectable). Decreased (36%) turnover of injected H-3 - phenylalanine suggested slower utilization of amino acids contributed, at least partly, to the increased concentrations. Vertically-oriented Manduca also exhibited a greater (20 %, P less than 0.001) protein content in their flight muscles near the end of development. Analysis of hemolymph sugar levels showed a redistribution of sugars from the monosaccharide glucose to the disaccharide trehalose. Since injection of 20-hydroxyecdysone decreased (49%) turnover of H-3- phenylalanine in pharate adults and since ecdysteroids are known to increase flight muscle size and control adult development, these results are consistent with our measuring a greater (+80%, P less than 0.05) ecdysteroid titer in the vertically-oriented insects. These results suggest that gravity environment influences ecdysone output by the pharate adult. When we evaluated hemolymph flow in the head-up and control positions, we found that injected C-14-inulin was distributed somewhat more rapidly in the head-up group irrespective of the sight of injection (head or abdomen) likely because in the head-up position flow of the hemolymph is facilitated throughout the animal. Other experiments showed that an intact prothoracic gland is needed for the response. Hence vertical, head-up orientation affects release of ecdysone from the prothoracic gland.

  1. Responses of primate caudal parabrachial nucleus and Kolliker-fuse nucleus neurons to whole body rotation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Balaban, Carey D.; McGee, David M.; Zhou, Jianxun; Scudder, Charles A.

    2002-01-01

    The caudal aspect of the parabrachial (PBN) and Kolliker-Fuse (KF) nuclei receive vestibular nuclear and visceral afferent information and are connected reciprocally with the spinal cord, hypothalamus, amygdala, and limbic cortex. Hence, they may be important sites of vestibulo-visceral integration, particularly for the development of affective responses to gravitoinertial challenges. Extracellular recordings were made from caudal PBN cells in three alert, adult female Macaca nemestrina through an implanted chamber. Sinusoidal and position trapezoid angular whole body rotation was delivered in yaw, roll, pitch, and vertical semicircular canal planes. Sites were confirmed histologically. Units that responded during rotation were located in lateral and medial PBN and KF caudal to the trochlear nerve at sites that were confirmed anatomically to receive superior vestibular nucleus afferents. Responses to whole-body angular rotation were modeled as a sum of three signals: angular velocity, a leaky integration of angular velocity, and vertical position. All neurons displayed angular velocity and integrated angular velocity sensitivity, but only 60% of the neurons were position-sensitive. These responses to vertical rotation could display symmetric, asymmetric, or fully rectified cosinusoidal spatial tuning about a best orientation in different cells. The spatial properties of velocity and integrated velocity and position responses were independent for all position-sensitive neurons; the angular velocity and integrated angular velocity signals showed independent spatial tuning in the position-insensitive neurons. Individual units showed one of three different orientations of their excitatory axis of velocity rotation sensitivity: vertical-plane-only responses, positive elevation responses (vertical plane plus ipsilateral yaw), and negative elevation axis responses (vertical plane plus negative yaw). The interactions between the velocity and integrated velocity components also produced variations in the temporal pattern of responses as a function of rotation direction. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a vestibulorecipient region of the PBN and KF integrates signals from the vestibular nuclei and relay information about changes in whole-body orientation to pathways that produce homeostatic and affective responses.

  2. Insights Into the Solution Crystallization of Oriented Alq3 and Znq2 Microprisms and Nanorods.

    PubMed

    Boulet, Joel; Mohammadpour, Arash; Shankar, Karthik

    2015-09-01

    Optimized solution-based methods to grow high quality micro- and nanocrystals of organic semi-conductors with defined size, shape and orientation are important to a variety of optoelectronic applications. In this context, we report the growth of single crystal micro- and nanostructures of the organic semiconductors Tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3) and bis(8-hydroxyquinoline)zinc (Znq2) terminating in flat crystal planes using a combination of evaporative and antisolvent crystallization. By controlling substrate-specific nucleation and optimizing the conditions of growth, we generate vertically-oriented hexagonal prism arrays of Alq3, and vertical half-disks and sharp-edged rectangular prisms of Znq2. The effect of process variables such as ambient vapour pressure, choice of anti-solvent and temperature on the morphology and crystal habit of the nanostructures were studied and the results of varying them catalogued to gain a better understanding of the mechanism of growth.

  3. Emergence of polysaccharide membrane walls through macro-space partitioning via interfacial instability.

    PubMed

    Okeyoshi, Kosuke; Okajima, Maiko K; Kaneko, Tatsuo

    2017-07-21

    Living organisms in drying environments build anisotropic structures and exhibit directionality through self-organization of biopolymers. However, the process of macro-scale assembly is still unknown. Here, we introduce a dissipative structure through a non-equilibrium process between hydration and deposition in the drying of a polysaccharide liquid crystalline solution. By controlling the geometries of the evaporation front in a limited space, multiple nuclei emerge to grow vertical membrane walls with macroscopic orientation. Notably, the membranes are formed through rational orientation of rod-like microassemblies along the dynamic three-phase contact line. Additionally, in the non-equilibrium state, a dissipative structure is ultimately immobilized as a macroscopically partitioned space by multiple vertical membranes. We foresee that such oriented membranes will be applicable to soft biomaterials with direction controllability, and the macroscopic space partitionings will aid in the understanding of the space recognition ability of natural products under drying environments.

  4. Prism adaptation does not alter object-based attention in healthy participants.

    PubMed

    Bultitude, Janet H; List, Alexandra; Aimola Davies, Anne M

    2013-01-01

    Hemispatial neglect ('neglect') is a disabling condition that can follow damage to the right side of the brain, in which patients show difficulty in responding to or orienting towards objects and events that occur on the left side of space. Symptoms of neglect can manifest in both space- and object-based frames of reference. Although patients can show a combination of these two forms of neglect, they are considered separable and have distinct neurological bases. In recent years considerable evidence has emerged to demonstrate that spatial symptoms of neglect can be reduced by an intervention called prism adaptation. Patients point towards objects viewed through prismatic lenses that shift the visual image to the right. Approximately five minutes of repeated pointing results in a leftward recalibration of pointing and improved performance on standard clinical tests for neglect. The understanding of prism adaptation has also been advanced through studies of healthy participants, in whom adaptation to leftward prismatic shifts results in temporary neglect-like performance. Here we examined the effect of prism adaptation on the performance of healthy participants who completed a computerised test of space- and object-based attention. Participants underwent adaptation to leftward- or rightward-shifting prisms, or performed neutral pointing according to a between-groups design. Significant pointing after-effects were found for both prism groups, indicating successful adaptation. In addition, the results of the computerised test revealed larger reaction-time costs associated with shifts of attention between two objects compared to shifts of attention within the same object, replicating previous work. However there were no differences in the performance of the three groups, indicating that prism adaptation did not influence space- or object-based attention for this task. When combined with existing literature, the results are consistent with the proposal that prism adaptation may only perturb cognitive functions for which normal baseline performance is already biased.

  5. Prism adaptation does not alter object-based attention in healthy participants

    PubMed Central

    Bultitude, Janet H.

    2013-01-01

    Hemispatial neglect (‘neglect’) is a disabling condition that can follow damage to the right side of the brain, in which patients show difficulty in responding to or orienting towards objects and events that occur on the left side of space. Symptoms of neglect can manifest in both space- and object-based frames of reference. Although patients can show a combination of these two forms of neglect, they are considered separable and have distinct neurological bases. In recent years considerable evidence has emerged to demonstrate that spatial symptoms of neglect can be reduced by an intervention called prism adaptation. Patients point towards objects viewed through prismatic lenses that shift the visual image to the right. Approximately five minutes of repeated pointing results in a leftward recalibration of pointing and improved performance on standard clinical tests for neglect. The understanding of prism adaptation has also been advanced through studies of healthy participants, in whom adaptation to leftward prismatic shifts results in temporary neglect-like performance. Here we examined the effect of prism adaptation on the performance of healthy participants who completed a computerised test of space- and object-based attention. Participants underwent adaptation to leftward- or rightward-shifting prisms, or performed neutral pointing according to a between-groups design. Significant pointing after-effects were found for both prism groups, indicating successful adaptation. In addition, the results of the computerised test revealed larger reaction-time costs associated with shifts of attention between two objects compared to shifts of attention within the same object, replicating previous work. However there were no differences in the performance of the three groups, indicating that prism adaptation did not influence space- or object-based attention for this task. When combined with existing literature, the results are consistent with the proposal that prism adaptation may only perturb cognitive functions for which normal baseline performance is already biased. PMID:24715960

  6. Difference in quick phases induced by horizontal and vertical vestibular stimulations: role of the otolithic input.

    PubMed

    Pettorossi, V E; Errico, P; Ferraresi, A

    1997-01-01

    Quick phases (QPs) induced by horizontal and vertical sinusoidal vestibular stimulations were studied in rabbits, cats, and humans. In all the animals, large and frequent horizontal QPs were observed following yaw stimulation in prone position. By contrast, QPs were almost absent during roll stimulation in rabbits, and they were small and oblique during pitch stimulation in cats and humans. As a result of these differences, the range of gaze displacement induced by vestibular stimulations was greater in the horizontal plane than in the vertical one. We also found that the trajectory of the QPs in rabbits was kept horizontal even when the yaw rotation was off vertical axis of +/- 45 degrees in the sagittal plane. Moreover, in the rabbit, the rare horizontal QPs induced by roll stimulation did not change their orientation at various pitch angles of roll stimulation axis. The QPs were also analyzed following roll stimulation of the rabbit in supine position. In this condition, in which the otolithic receptors were activated in the opposite way compared to prone position, large vertical QPs were elicited. We concluded that these results provide evidence that the otolithic signal plays a role in controlling occurrence and trajectory orientation of the QPs.

  7. Modelling of the UV Index on vertical and 40° tilted planes for different orientations.

    PubMed

    Serrano, D; Marín, M J; Utrillas, M P; Tena, F; Martínez-Lozano, J A

    2012-02-01

    In this study, estimated data of the UV Index on vertical planes are presented for the latitude of Valencia, Spain. For that purpose, the UVER values have been generated on vertical planes by means of four different geometrical models a) isotropic, b) Perez, c) Gueymard, d) Muneer, based on values of the global horizontal UVER and the diffuse horizontal UVER, measured experimentally. The UVER values, obtained by any model, overestimate the experimental values for all orientations, with the exception of the Perez model for the East plane. The results show statistical values of the MAD parameter (Mean Absolute Deviation) between 10% and 25%, the Perez model being the one that obtained a lower MAD for all levels. As for the statistic RMSD parameter (Root Mean Square Deviation), the results show values between 17% and 32%, and again the Perez model provides the best results in all vertical planes. The difference between the estimated UV Index and the experimental UV Index, for vertical and 40° tilted planes, was also calculated. 40° is an angle close to the latitude of Burjassot, Valencia, (39.5°), which, according to various studies, is the optimum angle to capture maximum radiation on tilted planes. We conclude that the models provide a good estimate of the UV Index, as they coincide or differ in one unit compared to the experimental values in 99% of cases, and this is valid for all orientations. Finally, we examined the relation between the UV Index on vertical and 40° tilted planes, both the experimental and estimated by the Perez model, and the experimental UV Index on a horizontal plane at 12 GMT. Based on the results, we can conclude that it is possible to estimate with a good approximation the UV Index on vertical and 40° tilted planes in different directions on the basis of the experimental horizontal UVI value, thus justifying the interest of this study. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry and Owner Societies 2012

  8. A study on aircraft map display location and orientation. [effects of map display location on manual piloting performance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baty, D. L.; Wempe, T. E.; Huff, E. M.

    1973-01-01

    Six airline pilots participated in a fixed-base simulator study to determine the effects of two Horizontal Situation Display (HSD/map) panel locations relative to the Vertical Situation Display (VSD), and of three map orientations on manual piloting performance. Pilot comments and opinions were formally obtained. Significant performance differences were found between wind conditions, and among pilots, but not between map locations and orientations. The results also illustrate the potential tracking accuracy of such a display. Recommendations concerning display location and map orientation are made.

  9. The mandibular third molar position as a predictive criteria for risk for pericoronitis: a retrospective study.

    PubMed

    Halverson, B A; Anderson, W H

    1992-03-01

    During the 6-month period from mid February 1988 to mid August 1988, 148 patients presented with 154 diagnosed cases of mandibular third molar pericoronitis. All patients were members of the recruit population stationed at the Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. Selected clinical parameters relating to the orientation and eruption status of these third molars were collected and analyzed. The goal was to obtain a predictive clinical profile of the impacted mandibular third molar (MTM) at greatest risk for pericoronitis in the young naval and Marine Corps personnel. The majority of pericoronitis cases, 120 of 148 or 81.0%, involved vertically oriented MTMs; of this total, 79.1% were erupted to the approximate height of the occlusal plane of the arch. The remaining 20.9% were at or below the height of contour of the adjacent tooth. Mesioangular impacted MTMs accounted for only 11.2% of pericoronitis cases. The remaining cases comprised distoangular and horizontally impacted MTMs (3.4% and 3.8%, respectively). Involvement by impinging maxillary dentition was observed in 39.7% of the vertically oriented MTMs, 56.2% of the mesioangular oriented MTMs, 40.0% of the distoangular MTMs, and 14.0% of the horizontally impacted MTMs. The mean value for occlusal coverage by a soft tissue operculum observed for all MTMs in this study was 49%. In the population studied, risk for pericoronitis appears to increase with greater vertical orientation and height of eruption. The absence of impinging maxillary dentition did not eliminate the risk of mandibular third molar pericoronitis. These data have implications for targeting treatment needs of naval and Marine Corps personnel who may be without dental support for extended periods of time.

  10. Oriented matroids—combinatorial structures underlying loop quantum gravity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brunnemann, Johannes; Rideout, David

    2010-10-01

    We analyze combinatorial structures which play a central role in determining spectral properties of the volume operator (Ashtekar A and Lewandowski J 1998 Adv. Theor. Math. Phys. 1 388) in loop quantum gravity (LQG). These structures encode geometrical information of the embedding of arbitrary valence vertices of a graph in three-dimensional Riemannian space and can be represented by sign strings containing relative orientations of embedded edges. We demonstrate that these signature factors are a special representation of the general mathematical concept of an oriented matroid (Ziegler G M 1998 Electron. J. Comb.; Björner A et al 1999 Oriented Matroids (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)). Moreover, we show that oriented matroids can also be used to describe the topology (connectedness) of directed graphs. Hence, the mathematical methods developed for oriented matroids can be applied to the difficult combinatorics of embedded graphs underlying the construction of LQG. As a first application we revisit the analysis of Brunnemann and Rideout (2008 Class. Quantum Grav. 25 065001 and 065002), and find that enumeration of all possible sign configurations used there is equivalent to enumerating all realizable oriented matroids of rank 3 (Ziegler G M 1998 Electron. J. Comb.; Björner A et al 1999 Oriented Matroids (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)), and thus can be greatly simplified. We find that for 7-valent vertices having no coplanar triples of edge tangents, the smallest non-zero eigenvalue of the volume spectrum does not grow as one increases the maximum spin jmax at the vertex, for any orientation of the edge tangents. This indicates that, in contrast to the area operator, considering large jmax does not necessarily imply large volume eigenvalues. In addition we give an outlook to possible starting points for rewriting the combinatorics of LQG in terms of oriented matroids.

  11. System for loading slab-gel holders for electrophoresis separation

    DOEpatents

    Anderson, Norman G.; Anderson, Norman L.

    1979-01-01

    A slab-gel loading system includes a prismatic chamber for filling a plurality of slab-gel holders simultaneously. Each slab-gel holder comprises a pair of spaced apart plates defining an intermediate volume for gel containment. The holders are vertically positioned in the chamber with their major surfaces parallel to the chamber end walls. A liquid inlet is provided at the corner between the bottom and a side wall of the chamber for distributing a polymerizable monomer solution or a coagulable colloidal solution into each of the holders. The chamber is rotatably supported so that filling can begin with the corner having the liquid inlet directed downwardly such that the solution is gently funneled upwardly, without mixing, along the diverging side and bottom surfaces. As filling proceeds, the chamber is gradually rotated to position the bottom wall in a horizontal mode. The liquid filling means includes a plastic envelope with a septum dividing it into two compartments for intermixing two solutions of different density and thereby providing a liquid flow having a density gradient. The resulting gels have a density gradient between opposite edges for subsequent use in electrophoresis separations.

  12. Coding of Velocity Storage in the Vestibular Nuclei.

    PubMed

    Yakushin, Sergei B; Raphan, Theodore; Cohen, Bernard

    2017-01-01

    Semicircular canal afferents sense angular acceleration and output angular velocity with a short time constant of ≈4.5 s. This output is prolonged by a central integrative network, velocity storage that lengthens the time constants of eye velocity. This mechanism utilizes canal, otolith, and visual (optokinetic) information to align the axis of eye velocity toward the spatial vertical when head orientation is off-vertical axis. Previous studies indicated that vestibular-only (VO) and vestibular-pause-saccade (VPS) neurons located in the medial and superior vestibular nucleus could code all aspects of velocity storage. A recently developed technique enabled prolonged recording while animals were rotated and received optokinetic stimulation about a spatial vertical axis while upright, side-down, prone, and supine. Firing rates of 33 VO and 8 VPS neurons were studied in alert cynomolgus monkeys. Majority VO neurons were closely correlated with the horizontal component of velocity storage in head coordinates, regardless of head orientation in space. Approximately, half of all tested neurons (46%) code horizontal component of velocity in head coordinates, while the other half (54%) changed their firing rates as the head was oriented relative to the spatial vertical, coding the horizontal component of eye velocity in spatial coordinates. Some VO neurons only coded the cross-coupled pitch or roll components that move the axis of eye rotation toward the spatial vertical. Sixty-five percent of these VO and VPS neurons were more sensitive to rotation in one direction (predominantly contralateral), providing directional orientation for the subset of VO neurons on either side of the brainstem. This indicates that the three-dimensional velocity storage integrator is composed of directional subsets of neurons that are likely to be the bases for the spatial characteristics of velocity storage. Most VPS neurons ceased firing during drowsiness, but the firing rates of VO neurons were unaffected by states of alertness and declined with the time constant of velocity storage. Thus, the VO neurons are the prime components of the mechanism of coding for velocity storage, whereas the VPS neurons are likely to provide the path from the vestibular to the oculomotor system for the VO neurons.

  13. Coding of Velocity Storage in the Vestibular Nuclei

    PubMed Central

    Yakushin, Sergei B.; Raphan, Theodore; Cohen, Bernard

    2017-01-01

    Semicircular canal afferents sense angular acceleration and output angular velocity with a short time constant of ≈4.5 s. This output is prolonged by a central integrative network, velocity storage that lengthens the time constants of eye velocity. This mechanism utilizes canal, otolith, and visual (optokinetic) information to align the axis of eye velocity toward the spatial vertical when head orientation is off-vertical axis. Previous studies indicated that vestibular-only (VO) and vestibular-pause-saccade (VPS) neurons located in the medial and superior vestibular nucleus could code all aspects of velocity storage. A recently developed technique enabled prolonged recording while animals were rotated and received optokinetic stimulation about a spatial vertical axis while upright, side-down, prone, and supine. Firing rates of 33 VO and 8 VPS neurons were studied in alert cynomolgus monkeys. Majority VO neurons were closely correlated with the horizontal component of velocity storage in head coordinates, regardless of head orientation in space. Approximately, half of all tested neurons (46%) code horizontal component of velocity in head coordinates, while the other half (54%) changed their firing rates as the head was oriented relative to the spatial vertical, coding the horizontal component of eye velocity in spatial coordinates. Some VO neurons only coded the cross-coupled pitch or roll components that move the axis of eye rotation toward the spatial vertical. Sixty-five percent of these VO and VPS neurons were more sensitive to rotation in one direction (predominantly contralateral), providing directional orientation for the subset of VO neurons on either side of the brainstem. This indicates that the three-dimensional velocity storage integrator is composed of directional subsets of neurons that are likely to be the bases for the spatial characteristics of velocity storage. Most VPS neurons ceased firing during drowsiness, but the firing rates of VO neurons were unaffected by states of alertness and declined with the time constant of velocity storage. Thus, the VO neurons are the prime components of the mechanism of coding for velocity storage, whereas the VPS neurons are likely to provide the path from the vestibular to the oculomotor system for the VO neurons. PMID:28861030

  14. Perception of the dynamic visual vertical during sinusoidal linear motion.

    PubMed

    Pomante, A; Selen, L P J; Medendorp, W P

    2017-10-01

    The vestibular system provides information for spatial orientation. However, this information is ambiguous: because the otoliths sense the gravitoinertial force, they cannot distinguish gravitational and inertial components. As a consequence, prolonged linear acceleration of the head can be interpreted as tilt, referred to as the somatogravic effect. Previous modeling work suggests that the brain disambiguates the otolith signal according to the rules of Bayesian inference, combining noisy canal cues with the a priori assumption that prolonged linear accelerations are unlikely. Within this modeling framework the noise of the vestibular signals affects the dynamic characteristics of the tilt percept during linear whole-body motion. To test this prediction, we devised a novel paradigm to psychometrically characterize the dynamic visual vertical-as a proxy for the tilt percept-during passive sinusoidal linear motion along the interaural axis (0.33 Hz motion frequency, 1.75 m/s 2 peak acceleration, 80 cm displacement). While subjects ( n =10) kept fixation on a central body-fixed light, a line was briefly flashed (5 ms) at different phases of the motion, the orientation of which had to be judged relative to gravity. Consistent with the model's prediction, subjects showed a phase-dependent modulation of the dynamic visual vertical, with a subject-specific phase shift with respect to the imposed acceleration signal. The magnitude of this modulation was smaller than predicted, suggesting a contribution of nonvestibular signals to the dynamic visual vertical. Despite their dampening effect, our findings may point to a link between the noise components in the vestibular system and the characteristics of dynamic visual vertical. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A fundamental question in neuroscience is how the brain processes vestibular signals to infer the orientation of the body and objects in space. We show that, under sinusoidal linear motion, systematic error patterns appear in the disambiguation of linear acceleration and spatial orientation. We discuss the dynamics of these illusory percepts in terms of a dynamic Bayesian model that combines uncertainty in the vestibular signals with priors based on the natural statistics of head motion. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

  15. 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...

  16. 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...

  17. 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...

  18. Optical Tracker For Longwall Coal Shearer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Poulsen, Peter D.; Stein, Richard J.; Pease, Robert E.

    1989-01-01

    Photographic record yields information for correction of vehicle path. Tracking system records lateral movements of longwall coal-shearing vehicle. System detects lateral and vertical deviations of path of vehicle moving along coal face, shearing coal as it goes. Rides on rails in mine tunnel, advancing on toothed track in one of rails. As vehicle moves, retroreflective mirror rides up and down on teeth, providing series of pulsed reflections to film recorder. Recorded positions of pulses, having horizontal and vertical orientations, indicate vertical and horizontal deviations, respectively, of vehicle.

  19. Culture and Consumer Behavior: The Role of Horizontal and Vertical Cultural Factors

    PubMed Central

    Shavitt, Sharon; Cho, Hyewon

    2016-01-01

    We examine the influence of culture on consumer behavior with a particular focus on horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism. Cultures vary in their propensity to emphasize hierarchy, a distinction captured by examining horizontal/vertical cultural orientations or contexts. These cultural factors pattern personal values and goals, power concepts, and normative expectations applied to the exercise of power. We review implications for how consumers respond to brands in the marketplace, service providers, and each others' needs. PMID:28083559

  20. Culture and Consumer Behavior: The Role of Horizontal and Vertical Cultural Factors.

    PubMed

    Shavitt, Sharon; Cho, Hyewon

    2016-04-01

    We examine the influence of culture on consumer behavior with a particular focus on horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism. Cultures vary in their propensity to emphasize hierarchy, a distinction captured by examining horizontal/vertical cultural orientations or contexts. These cultural factors pattern personal values and goals, power concepts, and normative expectations applied to the exercise of power. We review implications for how consumers respond to brands in the marketplace, service providers, and each others' needs.

  1. Postural orientation in microgravity depends on straightening up movement performed

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vaugoyeau, Marianne; Assaiante, Christine

    2009-08-01

    Whether the vertical body orientation depends on the initial posture and/or the type of straightening up movement is the main question raised in this paper. Another objective was to specify the compensatory role of visual input while adopting an erected posture during microgravity. The final body orientation was analysed in microgravity during parabolic flights. After either (1) straightening up movement from a crouching or (2) a sitting posture, with and without vision. The main results are the following: (1) a vertical erected final posture is correctly achieved after sit to stand movement, whereas all subjects were tilted forward after straightening up from a crouching posture and (2) vision may contribute to correct final posture. These results suggest the existence of a re-weighting of the remaining sensory information, visual information, contact cutaneous cues and proprioceptive information under microgravity condition. We can put forward the alternative hypothesis that the control of body orientation under microgravity condition may also be achieved on the basis of a postural body scheme, that seems to be dependant on the type of movement and/ or the initial position of the whole body.

  2. Accuracy Analysis for Automatic Orientation of a Tumbling Oblique Viewing Sensor System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stebner, K.; Wieden, A.

    2014-03-01

    Dynamic camera systems with moving parts are difficult to handle in photogrammetric workflow, because it is not ensured that the dynamics are constant over the recording period. Minimum changes of the camera's orientation greatly influence the projection of oblique images. In this publication these effects - originating from the kinematic chain of a dynamic camera system - are analysed and validated. A member of the Modular Airborne Camera System family - MACS-TumbleCam - consisting of a vertical viewing and a tumbling oblique camera was used for this investigation. Focus is on dynamic geometric modeling and the stability of the kinematic chain. To validate the experimental findings, the determined parameters are applied to the exterior orientation of an actual aerial image acquisition campaign using MACS-TumbleCam. The quality of the parameters is sufficient for direct georeferencing of oblique image data from the orientation information of a synchronously captured vertical image dataset. Relative accuracy for the oblique data set ranges from 1.5 pixels when using all images of the image block to 0.3 pixels when using only adjacent images.

  3. Low-energy measurements of electron-photon angular correlation in electron-impact excitation of the 2/sup 1/P state of helium

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

    Steph, N.C.; Golden, D.E.

    1983-03-01

    Electron-photon angular correlations between electrons which have excited the 2/sup 1/P state of He and photons from the 2/sup 1/P..-->..1/sup 1/S transition have been studied for 27-, 30-, 35-, and 40-eV incident electrons. Values of lambda and Vertical BarchiVertical Bar obtained from these measurements are compared to values obtained in distorted-wave and R-matrix calculations. The values of lambda and Vertical BarchiVertical Bar have been combined to examine the behavior of Vertical BarO/sub 1//sub -//sup colvertical-bar/ (lambda(1-lambda)sinVertical BarchiVertical Bar), the nonvanishing component of orientation. At 27 eV, a substantial decrease was observed in the values of lambda and Vertical BarO/sub 1//submore » -//sup colvertical-bar/, compared with their values for E> or =30 eV.« less

  4. Vertical III-V nanowire device integration on Si(100).

    PubMed

    Borg, Mattias; Schmid, Heinz; Moselund, Kirsten E; Signorello, Giorgio; Gignac, Lynne; Bruley, John; Breslin, Chris; Das Kanungo, Pratyush; Werner, Peter; Riel, Heike

    2014-01-01

    We report complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible integration of compound semiconductors on Si substrates. InAs and GaAs nanowires are selectively grown in vertical SiO2 nanotube templates fabricated on Si substrates of varying crystallographic orientations, including nanocrystalline Si. The nanowires investigated are epitaxially grown, single-crystalline, free from threading dislocations, and with an orientation and dimension directly given by the shape of the template. GaAs nanowires exhibit stable photoluminescence at room temperature, with a higher measured intensity when still surrounded by the template. Si-InAs heterojunction nanowire tunnel diodes were fabricated on Si(100) and are electrically characterized. The results indicate a high uniformity and scalability in the fabrication process.

  5. 1.3 μm wavelength vertical cavity surface emitting laser fabricated by orientation-mismatched wafer bonding: A prospect for polarization control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Okuno, Yae L.; Geske, Jon; Gan, Kian-Giap; Chiu, Yi-Jen; DenBaars, Steven P.; Bowers, John E.

    2003-04-01

    We propose and demonstrate a long-wavelength vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) which consists of a (311)B InP-based active region and (100) GaAs-based distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs), with an aim to control the in-plane polarization of output power. Crystal growth on (311)B InP substrates was performed under low-migration conditions to achieve good crystalline quality. The VCSEL was fabricated by wafer bonding, which enables us to combine different materials regardless of their lattice and orientation mismatch without degrading their quality. The VCSEL was polarized with a power extinction ratio of 31 dB.

  6. Parabrachial nucleus neuronal responses to off-vertical axis rotation in macaques

    PubMed Central

    McCandless, Cyrus H.; Balaban, Carey D.

    2010-01-01

    The caudal aspect of the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) contains neurons responsive to whole body, periodic rotational stimulation in alert monkeys. This study characterizes the angular and linear motion-sensitive response properties of PBN unit responses during off-vertical axis rotation (OVAR) and position trapezoid stimulation. The OVAR responses displayed a constant firing component which varied from the firing rate at rest. Nearly two-thirds of the units also modulated their discharges with respect to head orientation (re: gravity) during constant velocity OVAR stimulation. The modulated response magnitudes were equal during ipsilateral and contralateral OVARs, indicative of a one-dimensional accelerometer. These response orientations during OVAR divided the units into three spatially tuned populations, with peak modulation responses centered in the ipsilateral ear down, contralateral anterior semicircular canal down, and occiput down orientations. Because the orientation of the OVAR modulation response was opposite in polarity to the orientation of the static tilt component of responses to position trapezoids for the majority of units, the linear acceleration responses were divided into colinear dynamic linear and static tilt components. The orientations of these unit responses formed two distinct population response axes: (1) units with an interaural linear response axis and (2) units with an ipsilateral anterior semicircular canal-contralateral posterior semicircular canal plane linear response axis. The angular rotation sensitivity of these units is in a head-vertical plane that either contains the linear acceleration response axis or is perpendicular to the linear acceleration axis. Hence, these units behave like head-based (‘strap-down’) inertial guidance sensors. Because the PBN contributes to sensory and interoceptive processing, it is suggested that vestibulo-recipient caudal PBN units may detect potentially dangerous anomalies in control of postural stability during locomotion. In particular, these signals may contribute to the range of affective and emotional responses that include panic associated with falling, malaise associated with motion sickness and mal-de-debarquement, and comorbid balance and anxiety disorders. PMID:20039027

  7. Backscattering of decametric waves on magnetically oriented ionosphere inhomogeneities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sivokon', V. P.

    2017-05-01

    The method of study of magnetically oriented ionosphere inhomogeneities based on the analysis of radar decametric emission backscattering on inhomogeneities is proposed. It is shown that certain conditions, including the orientation of the propagation route relative to the Earth's magnetic field lines and the polarization and frequency of the emitted wave, make possible resonant backscattering of radiolocation system emission on magnetically oriented ionosphere inhomogeneities. The paper presents the results of experimental observation of scattering in Kamchatka Peninsula. They demonstrated the opportunity to evaluate the extension of the scattering region, the vertical and horizontal components of the velocities of magnetically oriented inhomogeneities, and the frequency dependence of these parameters.

  8. Grain orientation in lunar soil

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mahmood, A.; Mitchell, J. K.; Carrier, W. D., III

    1974-01-01

    Orientation of lunar soil particles in a vertical plane, as seen in the radiographs of core tubes was characterized by preparing orientation diagrams for the different stratigraphic units. Radiographs of double-core drive tubes 64001/64002, 60009/60010, and 60013/60014 were used. The orientation results reinforced the stratigraphic differences. Another source of fabric data was the laboratory-deposited sample 14163,148. The artificial deposition results showed that the grain arrangements were dependent upon the method of deposition. These results from lunar soil and other data from a crushed basalt simulant can be a basis for the inference that lunar soil grain orientation and properties are useful in interpreting lunar surface history.

  9. Verification of Three Dimensional Triangular Prismatic Discrete Ordinates Transport Code ENSEMBLE-TRIZ by Comparison with Monte Carlo Code GMVP

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Homma, Yuto; Moriwaki, Hiroyuki; Ohki, Shigeo; Ikeda, Kazumi

    2014-06-01

    This paper deals with verification of three dimensional triangular prismatic discrete ordinates transport calculation code ENSEMBLE-TRIZ by comparison with multi-group Monte Carlo calculation code GMVP in a large fast breeder reactor. The reactor is a 750 MWe electric power sodium cooled reactor. Nuclear characteristics are calculated at beginning of cycle of an initial core and at beginning and end of cycle of equilibrium core. According to the calculations, the differences between the two methodologies are smaller than 0.0002 Δk in the multi-plication factor, relatively about 1% in the control rod reactivity, and 1% in the sodium void reactivity.

  10. Investigation of twin-twin interaction in deformed magnesium alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Qi; Ostapovets, Andriy; Zhang, Xiyan; Tan, Li; Liu, Qing

    2018-03-01

    Using transmission electron microscopy, we characterised the structures of the boundary caused by the interactions between different ? twin variants that share the same ? zone axis in a deformed magnesium alloy. We found that the twin-twin boundaries can adopt the habit planes that are parallel to the (0 0 0 2) basal plane or the ? prismatic plane or the ? twinning plane of the interacting twins. To investigate the formation mechanism of various twin-twin boundaries, we also performed atomic simulations. The results indicate that the formation of a twin-twin boundary may be related to the reaction of twinning disconnections that glide on the basal-prismatic planes of the interacting twins.

  11. Simulation of uniaxial deformation of hexagonal crystals (Mg, Be)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vlasova, A. M.; Kesarev, A. G.

    2017-12-01

    Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed for the nanocompression loading of nanocrystalline magnesium and beryllium modeled by an interatomic potential of the embedded atom method (EAM). It is shown that the main deformation modes are prismatic slip and twinning for magnesium, and only prismatic slip for beryllium. The formation of stable configurations of dislocation grids in magnesium and beryllium was observed. Dislocation networks are formed in the habit plane of the twin in a magnesium nanocrystall. Some dislocation reactions are suggested to explain the appearance of such networks. Shockley partial dislocations in a beryllium nanocrystall form grids in the slip plane. A strong anisotropy between slip systems was observed, which is in agreement with experimental data.

  12. Spatial interactions during bimanual coordination patterns: the effect of directional compatibility.

    PubMed

    Bogaerts, H; Swinnen, S P

    2001-04-01

    Whereas previous bimanual coordination research has predominantly focused on the constraining role of timing, the present study addressed the role of spatial (i.e., directional) constraints during the simultaneous production of equilateral triangles with both upper limbs. In addition to coordination modes in which mirror-image and isodirectional movements were performed (compatible patterns), new modes were tested in which the left limb lagged with respect to the right by one triangle side (non-compatible patterns). This resulted in the experimental manipulation of directional compatibility between the limbs. In addition, triangles with either horizontal or vertical orientations were to be drawn in order to assess the role of static images on movement production. Results supported the important role of directional constraints in bimanual coordination. Furthermore, triangles in vertical orientations (with a vertical symmetry axis, i.e., one apex pointing up) were drawn more successfully than those in horizontal orientations (with a horizontal symmetry axis, i.e., one apex pointing left or right), suggesting that the static aspects of a geometric form may affect movement dynamics. Finally, evidence suggested that cognitive processes related to integration of the submovements into a unified plan mediate the performance of new coordination patterns. The implications of the present finding for clinical populations are discussed

  13. Control of gravitropic orientation. II. Dual receptor model for gravitropism

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    LaMotte, Clifford E.; Pickard, Barbara G.

    2004-01-01

    Gravitropism of vascular plants has been assumed to require a single gravity receptor mechanism. However, based on the evidence in Part I of this study, we propose that maize roots require two. The first mechanism is without a directional effect and, by itself, cannot give rise to tropism. Its role is quantitative facilitation of the second mechanism, which is directional like the gravitational force itself and provides the impetus for tropic curvature. How closely coupled the two mechanisms may be is, as yet, unclear. The evidence for dual receptors supports a general model for roots. When readiness for gravifacilitation, or gravifacilitation itself, is constitutive, orthogravitropic curvature can go to completion. If not constitutively enabled, gravifacilitation can be weak in the absence of light and water deficit or strong in the presence of light and water deficit. In either case, it can decay and permit roots to assume reproducible non-vertical orientations (plagiogravitropic or plagiotropic orientations) without using non-vertical setpoints. In this way roots are deployed in a large volume of soil. Gravitropic behaviours in shoots are more diverse than in roots, utilising oblique and horizontal as well as vertical setpoints. As a guide to future experiments, we assess how constitutive v. non-constitutive modes of gravifacilitation might contribute to behaviours based on each kind of setpoint.

  14. Three-dimensional visual feature representation in the primary visual cortex

    PubMed Central

    Tanaka, Shigeru; Moon, Chan-Hong; Fukuda, Mitsuhiro; Kim, Seong-Gi

    2011-01-01

    In the cat primary visual cortex, it is accepted that neurons optimally responding to similar stimulus orientations are clustered in a column extending from the superficial to deep layers. The cerebral cortex is, however, folded inside a skull, which makes gyri and fundi. The primary visual area of cats, area 17, is located on the fold of the cortex called the lateral gyrus. These facts raise the question of how to reconcile the tangential arrangement of the orientation columns with the curvature of the gyrus. In the present study, we show a possible configuration of feature representation in the visual cortex using a three-dimensional (3D) self-organization model. We took into account preferred orientation, preferred direction, ocular dominance and retinotopy, assuming isotropic interaction. We performed computer simulation only in the middle layer at the beginning and expanded the range of simulation gradually to other layers, which was found to be a unique method in the present model for obtaining orientation columns spanning all the layers in the flat cortex. Vertical columns of preferred orientations were found in the flat parts of the model cortex. On the other hand, in the curved parts, preferred orientations were represented in wedge-like columns rather than straight columns, and preferred directions were frequently reversed in the deeper layers. Singularities associated with orientation representation appeared as warped lines in the 3D model cortex. Direction reversal appeared on the sheets that were delimited by orientation-singularity lines. These structures emerged from the balance between periodic arrangements of preferred orientations and vertical alignment of same orientations. Our theoretical predictions about orientation representation were confirmed by multi-slice, high-resolution functional MRI in the cat visual cortex. We obtained a close agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental observations. The present study throws a doubt about the conventional columnar view of orientation representation, although more experimental data are needed. PMID:21724370

  15. Three-dimensional visual feature representation in the primary visual cortex.

    PubMed

    Tanaka, Shigeru; Moon, Chan-Hong; Fukuda, Mitsuhiro; Kim, Seong-Gi

    2011-12-01

    In the cat primary visual cortex, it is accepted that neurons optimally responding to similar stimulus orientations are clustered in a column extending from the superficial to deep layers. The cerebral cortex is, however, folded inside a skull, which makes gyri and fundi. The primary visual area of cats, area 17, is located on the fold of the cortex called the lateral gyrus. These facts raise the question of how to reconcile the tangential arrangement of the orientation columns with the curvature of the gyrus. In the present study, we show a possible configuration of feature representation in the visual cortex using a three-dimensional (3D) self-organization model. We took into account preferred orientation, preferred direction, ocular dominance and retinotopy, assuming isotropic interaction. We performed computer simulation only in the middle layer at the beginning and expanded the range of simulation gradually to other layers, which was found to be a unique method in the present model for obtaining orientation columns spanning all the layers in the flat cortex. Vertical columns of preferred orientations were found in the flat parts of the model cortex. On the other hand, in the curved parts, preferred orientations were represented in wedge-like columns rather than straight columns, and preferred directions were frequently reversed in the deeper layers. Singularities associated with orientation representation appeared as warped lines in the 3D model cortex. Direction reversal appeared on the sheets that were delimited by orientation-singularity lines. These structures emerged from the balance between periodic arrangements of preferred orientations and vertical alignment of the same orientations. Our theoretical predictions about orientation representation were confirmed by multi-slice, high-resolution functional MRI in the cat visual cortex. We obtained a close agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental observations. The present study throws a doubt about the conventional columnar view of orientation representation, although more experimental data are needed. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Implicit Change Identification: A Replication of Fernandez-Duque and Thornton (2003)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Laloyaux, Cedric; Destrebecqz, Arnaud; Cleeremans, Axel

    2006-01-01

    Using a simple change detection task involving vertical and horizontal stimuli, I. M. Thornton and D. Fernandez-Duque (2000) showed that the implicit detection of a change in the orientation of an item influences performance in a subsequent orientation judgment task. However, S. R. Mitroff, D. J. Simons, and S. L. Franconeri (2002) were not able…

  17. Application of Effective Medium Theory to the Three-Dimensional Heterogeneity of Mantle Anisotropy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, X.; Jordan, T. H.

    2015-12-01

    A self-consistent theory for the effective elastic parameters of stochastic media with small-scale 3D heterogeneities has been developed using a 2nd-order Born approximation to the scattered wavefield (T. H. Jordan, GJI, in press). Here we apply the theory to assess how small-scale variations in the local anisotropy of the upper mantle affect seismic wave propagation. We formulate a anisotropic model in which the local elastic properties are specified by a constant stiffness tensor with hexagonal symmetry of arbitrary orientation. This orientation is guided by a Gaussian random vector field with transversely isotropic (TI) statistics. If the outer scale of the statistical variability is small compared to a wavelength, then the effective seismic velocities are TI and depend on two parameters, a horizontal-to-vertical orientation ratio ξ and a horizontal-to-vertical aspect ratio, η. If ξ = 1, the symmetry axis is isotropically distributed; if ξ < 1, it is vertical biased (bipolar distribution), and if ξ > 1, it is horizontally biased (girdle distribution). If η = 1, the heterogeneity is geometrically isotropic; as η à∞, the medium becomes a horizontal stochastic laminate; as η à0, the medium becomes a vertical stochastic bundle. Using stiffness tensors constrained by laboratory measurements of mantle xenoliths, we explore the dependence of the effective P and S velocities on ξ and η. The effective velocities are strongly controlled by the orientation ratio ξ; e.g., if the hexagonal symmetry axis of the local anisotropy is the fast direction of propagation, then vPH > vPV and vSH > vSV for ξ > 1. A more surprising result is the 2nd-order insensitivity of the velocities to the heterogeneity aspect ratio η. Consequently, the geometrical anisotropy of upper-mantle heterogeneity significantly enhances seismic-wave anisotropy only through local variations in the Voigt-averaged velocities, which depend primarily on rock composition and not deformation history.

  18. Vertical or Horizontal? Impact of Text Orientations on Performance and Preference for Young Readers of Chinese in Taiwan

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sun, Yu-Lin

    2010-01-01

    The Chinese writing system has traditionally organized the typographic text vertically, with one square-shaped character placed on top of another. With the influence of globalization, an increasing number of reading materials have been presented in the Western horizontal format, including school textbooks for children in Taiwan. This study looked…

  19. Formation and Stabilization of Vertical Hierarchies among Adolescents: Towards a Quantitative Ethology of Dominance among Humans

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Martin, John Levi

    2009-01-01

    Social psychological investigations of hierarchy formation have been almost entirely confined to the case of task-oriented groups and hence have produced theories that turn on the existence of such a task. But other forms of vertical hierarchy may emerge in non-task groups. One form, orderings of dominance, has been studied among animals using…

  20. Mergers, networking, and vertical integration: managed care and investor-owned hospitals.

    PubMed

    Brown, M

    1996-01-01

    This article links the forces of managed care and investor-owned firms as major factors driving the industry toward consolidation into vertically integrated, merged firms, often financed with investor capital. This relentless pressure to build regional systems of health services has transformed the industry from a charitable, community orientation to one of business, market shares, and profits.

  1. Vertically Oriented Growth of GaN Nanorods on Si Using Graphene as an Atomically Thin Buffer Layer.

    PubMed

    Heilmann, Martin; Munshi, A Mazid; Sarau, George; Göbelt, Manuela; Tessarek, Christian; Fauske, Vidar T; van Helvoort, Antonius T J; Yang, Jianfeng; Latzel, Michael; Hoffmann, Björn; Conibeer, Gavin; Weman, Helge; Christiansen, Silke

    2016-06-08

    The monolithic integration of wurtzite GaN on Si via metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy is strongly hampered by lattice and thermal mismatch as well as meltback etching. This study presents single-layer graphene as an atomically thin buffer layer for c-axis-oriented growth of vertically aligned GaN nanorods mediated by nanometer-sized AlGaN nucleation islands. Nanostructures of similar morphology are demonstrated on graphene-covered Si(111) as well as Si(100). High crystal and optical quality of the nanorods are evidenced through scanning transmission electron microscopy, micro-Raman, and cathodoluminescence measurements supported by finite-difference time-domain simulations. Current-voltage characteristics revealed high vertical conduction of the as-grown GaN nanorods through the Si substrates. These findings are substantial to advance the integration of GaN-based devices on any substrates of choice that sustains the GaN growth temperatures, thereby permitting novel designs of GaN-based heterojunction device concepts.

  2. Development of first generation aerospace NiMH cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tinker, Lawrence; Dell, Dan; Wu, Tony; Rampel, Guy

    1993-01-01

    Gates Aerospace Batteries in conjunction with Gates Energy Products (GEP) has been developing NiMH technology for aerospace use since 1990. GEP undertook the development of NiMH technology for commercial cell applications in 1987. This program focused on wound cell technology for replacement of current NiCd technology. As an off shoot of this program small, wound cells were used to evaluate initial design options for aerospace prismatic cell designs. Early in 1991, the first aerospace prismatic cell designs were built in a 6 Ah cell configuration. These cells were used to initially characterize performance in prismatic configurations and begin early life cycle testing. Soon after the 6 Ah cells were on test, several 22 Ah cells were built to test other options. The results of testing of these cells were used to identify potential problem areas for long lived cells and develop solutions to those problems. Following these two cell builds, a set of 7 Ah cells was built to evaluate improvements to the technology. To date results from these tests are very promising. Cycle lives in excess of 2,200 LEO cycles at 50 percent DoD were achieved with cells continuing on test. Results from these cell tests are discussed and data presented to demonstrate feasibility of this technology for aerospace programs.

  3. Growth inhibition at the ice prismatic plane induced by a spruce budworm antifreeze protein: a molecular dynamics simulation study.

    PubMed

    Nada, H; Furukawa, Y

    2011-11-28

    A molecular dynamics simulation was conducted to investigate the growth kinetics at the ice prismatic interface to which a spruce budworm antifreeze protein was bound. Two initial binding conformations of the protein at the interface--one energetically stable and the other energetically unstable--were examined. For both binding conformations, the growth of ice was observed around the protein. A sharp decrease in the rate of ice growth was observed around the protein that initially had the energetically stable binding conformation. Simulation results suggest that the observed decrease in the ice growth rate was attributable to melting point depression caused by the Gibbs-Thomson effect. The protein that initially had the energetically unstable binding conformation markedly relaxed so as to stably bind to the prismatic plane interface of the grown ice; thereafter, a decrease in the ice growth rate was observed as well. However, the binding conformation that the protein approached during the relaxation was different from that of the protein that initially had the energetically stable binding conformation. Thus, the simulation indicates the existence of two binding conformations for inducing a decrease in the ice growth rate. The results are possibly related to the hyperactivity of a spruce budworm antifreeze protein in real systems.

  4. Multifaceted prismatic silver nanoparticles: synthesis by chloride-directed selective growth from thiolate-protected clusters and SERS properties.

    PubMed

    Cathcart, Nicole; Kitaev, Vladimir

    2012-11-21

    We describe the synthetic preparation of well-defined symmetric multifaceted prismatic silver nanoparticles with chemically controlled faceting advantageous for strong and tunable surface-enhanced Raman scattering, SERS. These silver nanoparticles, that have been termed nanoflowers, AgNFls for their characteristic morphologies, have been prepared by a one-pot aqueous reaction under ambient conditions. AgNFl faceting is synthetically controlled by selective nanoparticle growth driven by chloride ions. Selective chloride binding to the surface of growing AgNFls results in nanoparticle enlargement predominantly at the points of their highest energy. These growth points are located at the tips of prismatic polygons in precursor prismatic morphologies that have been produced from thiolate-protected silver clusters whose coalescence is triggered with a strong base. For the practical aspects of AgNFl synthesis, concentrations of thiol and a strong base were found to be the key variables reliably controlling the extent of AgNFl faceting, as well as the kinetics of AgNFl formation and their stability. The selective growth of AgNFls progresses slower compared to that of non-faceted prisms: fewer nuclei can form leading to larger AgNFls with the diameter ranging from 130 to 2250 nm and asperity sizes on the order of 20 to 100 nm. Self-assembly of AgNFls yields columnar stacking. AgNFls were demonstrated to function as a promising substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering. SERS measurements were performed for a series of AgNFls with variable faceting, where the enhancement factors of 4.6 × 10(8) and 425 have been achieved for dry solid films and aqueous dispersions of non-aggregated AgNFls with single-particle enhancement, respectively. These SERS results are promising, especially in combination with that AgNFl nanoscale asperities can be conveniently tailored synthetically. Overall, AgNFls offer valuable opportunities for a system with synthetically variable nanoscale asperities.

  5. Role of orientation reference selection in motion sickness

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Peterka, Robert J.; Black, F. Owen

    1987-01-01

    The objectives of this proposal were developed to further explore and quantify the orientation reference selection abilities of subjects and the relation, if any, between motion sickness and orientation reference selection. The overall objectives of this proposal are to determine (1) if motion sickness susceptibility is related to sensory orientation reference selection abilities of subjects, (2) if abnormal vertical canal-otolith function is the source of these abnormal posture control strategies and if it can be quantified by vestibular and oculomotor reflex measurements, and (3) if quantifiable measures of perception of vestibular and visual motion cues can be related to motion sickness susceptibility and to orientation reference selection ability demonstrated by tests which systematically control the sensory imformation available for orientation.

  6. Seismic attenuation system for a nuclear reactor

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

    Liszkai, Tamas; Cadell, Seth

    A system for attenuating seismic forces includes a reactor pressure vessel containing nuclear fuel and a containment vessel that houses the reactor pressure vessel. Both the reactor pressure vessel and the containment vessel include a bottom head. Additionally, the system includes a base support to contact a support surface on which the containment vessel is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation. An attenuation device is located between the bottom head of the reactor pressure vessel and the bottom head of the containment vessel. Seismic forces that travel from the base support to the reactor pressure vessel via the containment vesselmore » are attenuated by the attenuation device in a direction that is substantially lateral to the vertical orientation of the containment vessel.« less

  7. Relation of motion sickness susceptibility to vestibular and behavioral measures of orientation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Peterka, Robert J.

    1994-01-01

    The objective of this proposal is to determine the relationship of motion sickness susceptibility to vestibulo-ocular reflexes (VOR), motion perception, and behavioral utilization of sensory orientation cues for the control of postural equilibrium. The work is focused on reflexes and motion perception associated with pitch and roll movements that stimulate the vertical semicircular canals and otolith organs of the inner ear. This work is relevant to the space motion sickness problem since 0 g related sensory conflicts between vertical canal and otolith motion cues are a likely cause of space motion sickness. Results of experimentation are summarized and modifications to a two-axis rotation device are described. Abstracts of a number of papers generated during the reporting period are appended.

  8. Enrichment of light hydrocarbon mixture

    DOEpatents

    Yang, Dali [Los Alamos, NM; Devlin, David [Santa Fe, NM; Barbero, Robert S [Santa Cruz, NM; Carrera, Martin E [Naperville, IL; Colling, Craig W [Warrenville, IL

    2011-11-29

    Light hydrocarbon enrichment is accomplished using a vertically oriented distillation column having a plurality of vertically oriented, nonselective micro/mesoporous hollow fibers. Vapor having, for example, both propylene and propane is sent upward through the distillation column in between the hollow fibers. Vapor exits neat the top of the column and is condensed to form a liquid phase that is directed back downward through the lumen of the hollow fibers. As vapor continues to ascend and liquid continues to countercurrently descend, the liquid at the bottom of the column becomes enriched in a higher boiling point, light hydrocarbon (propane, for example) and the vapor at the top becomes enriched in a lower boiling point light hydrocarbon (propylene, for example). The hollow fiber becomes wetted with liquid during the process.

  9. Enrichment of light hydrocarbon mixture

    DOEpatents

    Yang,; Dali, [Los Alamos, NM; Devlin, David [Santa Fe, NM; Barbero, Robert S [Santa Cruz, NM; Carrera, Martin E [Naperville, IL; Colling, Craig W [Warrenville, IL

    2010-08-10

    Light hydrocarbon enrichment is accomplished using a vertically oriented distillation column having a plurality of vertically oriented, nonselective micro/mesoporous hollow fibers. Vapor having, for example, both propylene and propane is sent upward through the distillation column in between the hollow fibers. Vapor exits neat the top of the column and is condensed to form a liquid phase that is directed back downward through the lumen of the hollow fibers. As vapor continues to ascend and liquid continues to countercurrently descend, the liquid at the bottom of the column becomes enriched in a higher boiling point, light hydrocarbon (propane, for example) and the vapor at the top becomes enriched in a lower boiling point light hydrocarbon (propylene, for example). The hollow fiber becomes wetted with liquid during the process.

  10. Central solar-energy receiver

    DOEpatents

    Not Available

    1981-10-27

    An improved tower-mounted central solar energy receiver for heating air drawn through the receiver by an induced draft fan is described. A number of vertically oriented, energy absorbing, fin-shaped slats are radially arranged in a number of concentric cylindrical arrays on top of the tower coaxially surrounding a pipe having air holes through which the fan draws air which is heated by the slats which receive the solar radiation from a heliostat field. A number of vertically oriented and wedge-shaped columns are radially arranged in a number of concentric cylindrical clusters surrounding the slat arrays. The columns have two mirror-reflecting sides to reflect radiation into the slat arrays and one energy absorbing side to reduce reradiation and reflection from the slat arrays.

  11. Central solar energy receiver

    DOEpatents

    Drost, M. Kevin

    1983-01-01

    An improved tower-mounted central solar energy receiver for heating air drawn through the receiver by an induced draft fan. A number of vertically oriented, energy absorbing, fin-shaped slats are radially arranged in a number of concentric cylindrical arrays on top of the tower coaxially surrounding a pipe having air holes through which the fan draws air which is heated by the slats which receive the solar radiation from a heliostat field. A number of vertically oriented and wedge-shaped columns are radially arranged in a number of concentric cylindrical clusters surrounding the slat arrays. The columns have two mirror-reflecting sides to reflect radiation into the slat arrays and one energy absorbing side to reduce reradiation and reflection from the slat arrays.

  12. Five-Axis, Three-Magnetic-Bearing Dynamic Spin Rig

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morrison, Carlos R.; Provenza, Andrew; Kurkov, Anatole; Mehmed, Oral; Johnson, Dexter; Montague, Gerald; Duffy, Kirsten; Jansen, Ralph

    2005-01-01

    The Five-Axis, Three-Magnetic-Bearing Dynamic Spin Rig is an apparatus for vibration testing of turbomachine blades in a vacuum at rotational speeds from 0 to 40,000 rpm. This rig includes (1) a vertically oriented shaft on which is mounted an assembly comprising a rotor holding the blades to be tested, (2) two actively controlled heteropolar radial magnetic bearings at opposite ends of the shaft, and (3) an actively controlled magnetic thrust bearing at the upper end of the shaft. This rig is a more capable successor to a prior apparatus, denoted the Dynamic Spin Rig (DSR), that included a vertically oriented shaft with a mechanical thrust bearing at the upper end and a single actively controlled heteropolar radial magnetic bearing at the lower end.

  13. Multiple groups of orientation-selective visual mechanisms underlying rapid orientated-line detection.

    PubMed Central

    Foster, D H; Westland, S

    1998-01-01

    Visual search for an edge or line element differing in orientation from a background of other edge or line elements can be performed rapidly and effortlessly. In this study, based on psychophysical measurements with ten human observers, threshold values of the angle between a target and background line elements were obtained as functions of background-element orientation, in brief masked displays. A repeated-loess analysis of the threshold functions suggested the existence of several groups of orientation-selective mechanisms contributing to rapid orientated-line detection; specifically, coarse, intermediate and fine mechanisms with preferred orientations spaced at angles of approximately 90 degrees, 35 degrees, and 10 degrees-25 degrees, respectively. The preferred orientations of coarse and some intermediate mechanisms coincided with the vertical or horizontal of the frontoparallel plane, but the preferred orientations of fine mechanisms varied randomly from observer to observer, possibly reflecting individual variations in neuronal sampling characteristics. PMID:9753784

  14. Adaptive Changes in the Perception of Fast and Slow Movement at Different Head Positions.

    PubMed

    Panichi, Roberto; Occhigrossi, Chiara; Ferraresi, Aldo; Faralli, Mario; Lucertini, Marco; Pettorossi, Vito E

    2017-05-01

    This paper examines the subjective sense of orientation during asymmetric body rotations in normal subjects. Self-motion perception was investigated in 10 healthy individuals during asymmetric whole-body rotation with different head orientations. Both on-vertical axis and off-vertical axis rotations were employed. Subjects tracked a remembered earth-fixed visual target while rotating in the dark for four cycles of asymmetric rotation (two half-sinusoidal cycles of the same amplitude, but of different duration). The rotations induced a bias in the perception of velocity (more pronounced with fast than with slow motion). At the end of rotation, a marked target position error (TPE) was present. For the on-vertical axis rotations, the TPE was no different if the rotations were performed with a 30° nose-down, a 60° nose-up, or a 90° side-down head tilt. With off-vertical axis rotations, the simultaneous activation of the semicircular canals and otolithic receptors produced a significant increase of TPE for all head positions. This difference between on-vertical and off-vertical axis rotation was probably partly due to the vestibular transfer function and partly due to different adaptation to the speed of rotation. Such a phenomenon might be generated in different components of the vestibular system. The adaptive process enhancing the perception of dynamic movement around the vertical axis is not related to the specific semicircular canals that are activated; the addition of an otolithic component results in a significant increase of the TPE.Panichi R, Occhigrossi C, Ferraresi A, Faralli M, Lucertini M, Pettorossi VE. Adaptive changes in the perception of fast and slow movement at different head positions. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(5):463-468.

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

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kirby, David J.

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

  16. Monte Carlo modeling of ultrasound probes for image guided radiotherapy

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

    Bazalova-Carter, Magdalena, E-mail: bazalova@uvic.ca; Schlosser, Jeffrey; Chen, Josephine

    2015-10-15

    Purpose: To build Monte Carlo (MC) models of two ultrasound (US) probes and to quantify the effect of beam attenuation due to the US probes for radiation therapy delivered under real-time US image guidance. Methods: MC models of two Philips US probes, an X6-1 matrix-array transducer and a C5-2 curved-array transducer, were built based on their megavoltage (MV) CT images acquired in a Tomotherapy machine with a 3.5 MV beam in the EGSnrc, BEAMnrc, and DOSXYZnrc codes. Mass densities in the probes were assigned based on an electron density calibration phantom consisting of cylinders with mass densities between 0.2 andmore » 8.0 g/cm{sup 3}. Beam attenuation due to the US probes in horizontal (for both probes) and vertical (for the X6-1 probe) orientation was measured in a solid water phantom for 6 and 15 MV (15 × 15) cm{sup 2} beams with a 2D ionization chamber array and radiographic films at 5 cm depth. The MC models of the US probes were validated by comparison of the measured dose distributions and dose distributions predicted by MC. Attenuation of depth dose in the (15 × 15) cm{sup 2} beams and small circular beams due to the presence of the probes was assessed by means of MC simulations. Results: The 3.5 MV CT number to mass density calibration curve was found to be linear with R{sup 2} > 0.99. The maximum mass densities in the X6-1 and C5-2 probes were found to be 4.8 and 5.2 g/cm{sup 3}, respectively. Dose profile differences between MC simulations and measurements of less than 3% for US probes in horizontal orientation were found, with the exception of the penumbra region. The largest 6% dose difference was observed in dose profiles of the X6-1 probe placed in vertical orientation, which was attributed to inadequate modeling of the probe cable. Gamma analysis of the simulated and measured doses showed that over 96% of measurement points passed the 3%/3 mm criteria for both probes placed in horizontal orientation and for the X6-1 probe in vertical orientation. The X6-1 probe in vertical orientation caused the highest attenuation of the 6 and 15 MV beams, which at 10 cm depth accounted for 33% and 43% decrease compared to the respective (15 × 15) cm{sup 2} open fields. The C5-2 probe in horizontal orientation, on the other hand, caused a dose increase of 10% and 53% for the 6 and 15 MV beams, respectively, in the buildup region at 0.5 cm depth. For the X6-1 probe in vertical orientation, the dose at 5 cm depth for the 3-cm diameter 6 MV and 5-cm diameter 15 MV beams was attenuated compared to the corresponding open fields to a greater degree by 65% and 43%, respectively. Conclusions: MC models of two US probes used for real-time image guidance during radiotherapy have been built. Due to the high beam attenuation of the US probes, the authors generally recommend avoiding delivery of treatment beams that intersect the probe. However, the presented MC models can be effectively integrated into US-guided radiotherapy treatment planning in cases for which beam avoidance is not practical due to anatomy geometry.« less

  17. Orientation of Ordered Structures of Cytosine and Cytidine 5'-Monophosphate Adsorbed at Au(110)/Liquid Interfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Weightman, P.; Dolan, G. J.; Smith, C. I.; Cuquerella, M. C.; Almond, N. J.; Farrell, T.; Fernig, D. G.; Edwards, C.; Martin, D. S.

    2006-03-01

    It is demonstrated using reflection anisotropy spectroscopy that the adsorption of cytosine and cytidine 5'-monophosphate at the Au(110) 1×2/electrolyte interface gives rise to ordered structures in which the base is oriented vertical to the surface and parallel to the [11¯0] axis of the Au(110) plane.

  18. Stair-climbing capabilities of USU's T3 ODV mobile robot

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Robinson, D. Reed; Wood, Carl G.

    2001-09-01

    A six-wheeled autonomous omni-directional vehicle (ODV) called T3 has been developed at Utah State University's (USU) Center for Self-Organizing and Intelligent Systems (CSOIS). This paper focuses on T3's ability to climb stairs using its unique configuration of 6 independently driven and steered wheels and active suspension height control. The ability of T3, or any similar vehicle, to climb stairs is greatly dependent on the chassis orientation relative to the stairs. Stability criteria is developed for any vehicle dimensions and orientation, on any staircase. All possible yaw and pitch angles on various staircases are evaluated to find vehicle orientations that will allow T3 to climb with the largest margin of stability. Different controller types are investigated for controlling vertical wheel movement with the objective of keeping all wheels in contact with the stairs, providing smooth load transfer between loaded and unloaded wheels, and maintaining optimum chassis pitch and roll angles. A controller is presented that uses feedback from wheel loading, vertical wheel position, and chassis orientation sensors. The implementation of the controller is described, and T3's stair climbing performance is presented and evaluated.

  19. Postural and Spatial Orientation Driven by Virtual Reality

    PubMed Central

    Keshner, Emily A.; Kenyon, Robert V.

    2009-01-01

    Orientation in space is a perceptual variable intimately related to postural orientation that relies on visual and vestibular signals to correctly identify our position relative to vertical. We have combined a virtual environment with motion of a posture platform to produce visual-vestibular conditions that allow us to explore how motion of the visual environment may affect perception of vertical and, consequently, affect postural stabilizing responses. In order to involve a higher level perceptual process, we needed to create a visual environment that was immersive. We did this by developing visual scenes that possess contextual information using color, texture, and 3-dimensional structures. Update latency of the visual scene was close to physiological latencies of the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Using this system we found that even when healthy young adults stand and walk on a stable support surface, they are unable to ignore wide field of view visual motion and they adapt their postural orientation to the parameters of the visual motion. Balance training within our environment elicited measurable rehabilitation outcomes. Thus we believe that virtual environments can serve as a clinical tool for evaluation and training of movement in situations that closely reflect conditions found in the physical world. PMID:19592796

  20. Process Evaluation of AISI 4340 Steel Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jelis, Elias; Hespos, Michael R.; Ravindra, Nuggehalli M.

    2018-01-01

    Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) involves the consolidation of metal powder, layer by layer, through laser melting and solidification. In this study, process parameters are optimized for AISI 4340 steel to produce dense and homogeneous structures. The optimized process parameters produce mechanical properties at the center of the build plate that are comparable to wrought in the vertical and horizontal orientations after heat treatment and machining. Four subsequent builds are filled with specimens to evaluate the mechanical behavior as a function of location and orientation. Variations in the mechanical properties are likely due to recoater blade interactions with the powder and uneven gas flow. The results obtained in this study are analyzed to assess the reliability and reproducibility of the process. A different build evaluates the performance of near-net-shaped tensile specimens angled 35°-90° from the build plate surface (horizontal). Ductility measurements and surface roughness vary significantly as a function of the build angle. In the stress-relieved and as-built conditions, the mechanical behavior of vertically oriented specimens exhibits somewhat lower and more variable ductility than horizontally oriented specimens. Therefore, several process variables affect the mechanical properties of parts produced by the L-PBF process.

  1. Erosion rates of wood during natural weathering. Part II, Earlywood and latewood erosion rates

    Treesearch

    R. Sam Williams; Mark T. Knaebe; William C. Feist

    2001-01-01

    This is the second in a series of reports on the erosion rates of wood exposed outdoors near Madison, Wisconsin. In the work reported here, the erosion rates of earlywood and latewood were determined for smooth-planed vertical-grained lumber for an exposure period of 14 years. The specimens were oriented vertically, facing south; erosion was measured annually for the...

  2. Remeasuring tree heights on permanent plots using rectangular coordinates and one angle per tree

    Treesearch

    Robert L. Neal

    1973-01-01

    Heights of permanent sample trees with tops visible from any point can be measured from that point with any clinometer, measuring one vertical angle per tree. Two horizontal angles and one additional vertical angle per observation point are necessary to orient the point to the plot. Permanently recorded coordinates and elevations of tree locations are used with the...

  3. The Effect of fluid buoyancy and fracture orientation on CaCO3 Formation in a Fracture

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Z.; Li, Q.; Sheets, J.; Kneafsey, T. J.; Jun, Y. S.; Cole, D. R.; Pyrak-Nolte, L. J.

    2016-12-01

    Sealing fractures through mineral precipitation is a potential way for improving caprock integrity in subsurface reservoirs. We investigated the effect of buoyancy and fracture orientation on the amount and spatial distribution of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitates in a fracture. To monitor mineral precipitation during reactive flow, transparent acrylic casts of an induced fracture in Austin chalk were used. To trigger CaCO3 precipitates, 1M CaCl2 with either 0.6M NaHCO3 solution (for surface adhering precipitation), or 0.3M Na2CO3 solution (for pore filling precipitation) were injected simultaneously into a saturated fracture. Experiments were performed with the fracture plane oriented either parallel or perpendicular to gravity. Acoustic wave transmission (compressional wave, 1 MHz) and optical imaging were used to monitor the sample prior to, during and after fluid injection. Complementary X-ray computed tomography was performed throughout the experiments on vertical fractures and post injection for the horizontal fractures. For the vertical fractures, the denser CaCl2 almost completely displaced the carbonate solution in the fracture and caused strong localization of the precipitates. The width of the precipitated region grew slowly over time. The horizontal fracture caused the less dense carbonate to flow over the CaCl2 solution thus resulting in more mixing and a more even distribution of precipitates throughout the fracture. The acoustic signatures depended on the type of precipitation that occurred. For pore filling experiments, the compressional wave amplitude increased by 5-20% and the velocity increased for both the vertical and horizontal fractures. However, the acoustic responses differed between the vertical and horizontal fractures for surface adhering experiments. Based on the acoustic response, surface adhering precipitation increased fracture specific stiffness more in the horizontal fracture than in the vertical fracture. The horizontal fracture enabled more mixing of the two solutions within the fracture than the vertical fracture. This work was supported by the Center for Nanoscale Controls on Geologic CO (NCGC), an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences under Award # DE-AC02-05CH11231

  4. Empirical assessment of a prismatic daylight-redirecting window film in a full-scale office testbed

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

    Thanachareonkit, Anothai; Lee, Eleanor S.; McNeil, Andrew

    2013-08-31

    Daylight redirecting systems with vertical windows have the potential to offset lighting energy use in deep perimeter zones. Microstructured prismatic window films can be manufactured using low-cost, roll-to-roll fabrication methods and adhered to the inside surface of existing windows as a retrofit measure or installed as a replacement insulating glass unit in the clerestory portion of the window wall. A clear film patterned with linear, 50-250 micrometer high, four-sided asymmetrical prisms was fabricated and installed in the south-facing, clerestory low-e, clear glazed windows of a full-scale testbed facility. Views through the film were distorted. The film was evaluated in amore » sunny climate over a two-year period to gauge daylighting and visual comfort performance. The daylighting aperture was small (window-towall ratio of 0.18) and the lower windows were blocked off to isolate the evaluation to the window film. Workplane illuminance measurements were made in the 4.6 m (15 ft) deep room furnished as a private office. Analysis of discomfort glare was conducted using high dynamic range imaging coupled with the evalglare software tool, which computes the daylight glare probability and other metrics used to evaluate visual discomfort. The window film was found to result in perceptible levels of discomfort glare on clear sunny days from the most conservative view point in the rear of the room looking toward the window. Daylight illuminance levels at the rear of the room were significantly increased above the reference window condition, which was defined as the same glazed clerestory window but with an interior Venetian blind (slat angle set to the cut-off angle), for the equinox to winter solstice period on clear sunny days. For partly cloudy and overcast sky conditions, daylight levels were improved slightly. To reduce glare, the daylighting film was coupled with a diffusing film in an insulating glazing unit. The diffusing film retained the directionality of the redirected light spreading it within a small range of outgoing angles. This solution was found to reduce glare to imperceptible levels while retaining for the most part the illuminance levels achieved solely by the daylighting film.« less

  5. Induced and evoked neural correlates of orientation selectivity in human visual cortex.

    PubMed

    Koelewijn, Loes; Dumont, Julie R; Muthukumaraswamy, Suresh D; Rich, Anina N; Singh, Krish D

    2011-02-14

    Orientation discrimination is much better for patterns oriented along the horizontal or vertical (cardinal) axes than for patterns oriented obliquely, but the neural basis for this is not known. Previous animal neurophysiology and human neuroimaging studies have demonstrated only a moderate bias for cardinal versus oblique orientations, with fMRI showing a larger response to cardinals in primary visual cortex (V1) and EEG demonstrating both increased magnitudes and reduced latencies of transient evoked responses. Here, using MEG, we localised and characterised induced gamma and transient evoked responses to stationary circular grating patches of three orientations (0, 45, and 90° from vertical). Surprisingly, we found that the sustained gamma response was larger for oblique, compared to cardinal, stimuli. This "inverse oblique effect" was also observed in the earliest (80 ms) evoked response, whereas later responses (120 ms) showed a trend towards the reverse, "classic", oblique response. Source localisation demonstrated that the sustained gamma and early evoked responses were localised to medial visual cortex, whilst the later evoked responses came from both this early visual area and a source in a more inferolateral extrastriate region. These results suggest that (1) the early evoked and sustained gamma responses manifest the initial tuning of V1 neurons, with the stronger response to oblique stimuli possibly reflecting increased tuning widths for these orientations, and (2) the classic behavioural oblique effect is mediated by an extrastriate cortical area and may also implicate feedback from extrastriate to primary visual cortex. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Does prism width from the shell prismatic layer have a random distribution?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vancolen, Séverine; Verrecchia, Eric

    2008-10-01

    A study of the distribution of the prism width inside the prismatic layer of Unio tumidus (Philipsson 1788, Diss Hist-Nat, Berling, Lundæ) from Lake Neuchâtel, Switzerland, has been conducted in order to determine whether or not this distribution is random. Measurements of 954 to 1,343 prism widths (depending on shell sample) have been made using a scanning electron microscope in backscattered electron mode. A white noise test has been applied to the distribution of prism sizes (i.e. width). It shows that there is no temporal cycle that could potentially influence their formation and growth. These results suggest that prism widths are randomly distributed, and related neither to external rings nor to environmental constraints.

  7. Adapting to variable prismatic displacement

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Welch, Robert B.; Cohen, Malcolm M.

    1989-01-01

    In each of two studies, subjects were exposed to a continuously changing prismatic displacement with a mean value of 19 prism diopters (variable displacement) and to a fixed 19-diopter displacement (fixed displacement). In Experiment 1, significant adaptation (post-pre shifts in hand-eye coordination) was found for fixed, but not for variable, displacement. Experiment 2 demonstrated that adaptation was obtained for variable displacement, but it was very fragile and is lost if the measures of adaptation are preceded by even a very brief exposure of the hand to normal or near-normal vision. Contrary to the results of some previous studies, an increase in within-S dispersion was not found of target pointing responses as a result of exposure to variable displacement.

  8. Hexagonal and prismatic nanowalled ZnO microboxes.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Fenghua; Lin, Wenjiao; Wu, Mingmei; Xu, Ningsheng; Yang, Xianfeng; Tian, Z Ryan; Su, Qiang

    2006-04-17

    We hereby report hydrothermal syntheses of new microstructures of semiconducting ZnO. Single-crystalline prismatic ZnO microboxes formed by nanowalls and hexagonal hollow microdisks closed by plates with micron-sized inorganic fullerene-like structures have been made in a base-free medium through a one-step hydrothermal synthesis with the help of n-butanol (NB). Structures and morphologies of the products were confirmed by results from powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. NB has been found to play a crucial role in the growth of these hollow structures. It is indicated that these hollow ZnO crystals were grown from redissolution of interiors. These ZnO microboxes exhibit a band emission in the visible range, implying the possession of a high content of defects.

  9. The development and testing of a novel cross axis wind turbine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chong, W. T.; Muzammil, W. K.; Gwani, M.; Wong, K. H.; Fazlizan, A.; Wang, C. T.; Poh, S. C.

    2016-06-01

    A novel cross axis wind turbine (CAWT) which comprises of a cross axis blades arrangement was presented and investigated experimentally. The CAWT is a new type of wind turbine that extracts wind energy from airflow coming from the horizontal and vertical directions. The wind turbine consists of three vertical blades and six horizontal blades arranged in a cross axis orientation. Hubs in the middle of the CAWT link the horizontal and vertical blades through connectors to form the CAWT. The study used a 45° deflector to guide the oncoming airflow upward (vertical wind direction). The results from the study showed that the CAWT produced significant improvements in power output and rotational speed performance compared to a conventional straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT).

  10. Physical vapor deposition as a route to glasses with liquid crystalline order

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gomez, Jaritza

    Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is an effective route to prepare glasses with a unique combination of properties. Substrate temperatures near the glass transition (Tg) and slow deposition rates can access enhanced mobility at the surface of the glass allowing molecules at the surface additional time to sample different molecular configurations. The temperature of the substrate can be used to control molecular mobility during deposition and properties in the resulting glasses such as higher density, kinetic stability and preferential molecular orientation. PVD was used to prepare glasses of itraconazole, a smectic A liquid crystal. We characterized molecular orientation using infrared and ellipsometry. Molecular orientation can be controlled by choice of Tsubstrate in a range of temperatures near Tg. Glasses deposited at Tsubstrate = Tg show nearly vertical molecular orientation relative to the substrate; at lower Tsubstrate, molecules are nearly parallel to the substrate. The molecular orientation depends on the temperature of the substrate during preparation and not on the molecular orientation of the underlying layer. This allows preparing samples of layers with differing orientations. We find these glasses are homogeneous solids without evidence of domain boundaries and are molecularly flat. We interpret the combination of properties obtained for vapor-deposited glasses of itraconazole to result from a process where molecular orientation is determined by the structure and dynamics at the free surface of the glass during deposition. We report the thermal and structural properties of glasses prepared using PVD of a rod-like molecule, posaconazole, which does not show equilibrium liquid crystal phases. These glasses show substantial molecular orientation that can be controlled by choice of Tsubstrate during deposition. Ellipsometry and IR indicate that glasses prepared at Tg - 3 K are highly ordered. At these Tsubstrate, molecules show preferential vertical orientation and orientation is similar to that measured in aligned nematic liquid crystal. Our results are consistent with a recently proposed mechanism where molecular orientation in equilibrium liquids can be trapped in PVD glasses and suggest that the orientation at the free surface of posaconazole is nematic-like. In addition, we show posaconazole glasses show high kinetic stability controlled by Tsubstrate.

  11. 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.

  12. Does the 'old bag' make a good 'wind bag'?: Comparison of four fabrics commonly used as exclusion bags in studies of pollination and reproductive biology.

    PubMed

    Neal, Paul R; Anderson, Gregory J

    2004-05-01

    Fabrics used in pollination bags may exclude pollen carried by biotic vectors, but have varying degrees of permeability to wind-borne pollen. The permeability of bags to wind-borne pollen may have important consequences in studies of pollination and reproductive biology. The permeability of four fabrics commonly used in the construction of pollination bags was examined. Deposition of wind-borne pollen on horizontally and vertically oriented microscope slides was assessed on slides enclosed in pollination bags, as well as on control slides. It was found that the permeability of fabrics to wind-borne pollen, as measured by deposition on both horizontally and vertically oriented slides, decreased with pore size. However, deposition on horizontal slides was always greater than on vertical slides for a given fabric; this could manifest itself as differential success of pollination of flowers in bags-dependent on flower orientation. Obviously, bags with mesh size smaller than most pollen grains are impermeable to pollen. However, material for such bags is very expensive. In addition, it was also observed that bags with even moderately small pore size, such as pores (approx. 200 microm) in twisted fibre cotton muslin, offered highly significant barriers to passage of wind-borne pollen. Such bags are sufficiently effective in most large-sample-size reproductive biology studies.

  13. Coupled elasticity–diffusion model for the effects of cytoskeleton deformation on cellular uptake of cylindrical nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Jizeng; Li, Long

    2015-01-01

    Molecular dynamic simulations and experiments have recently demonstrated how cylindrical nanoparticles (CNPs) with large aspect ratios penetrate animal cells and inevitably deform cytoskeletons. Thus, a coupled elasticity–diffusion model was adopted to elucidate this interesting biological phenomenon by considering the effects of elastic deformations of cytoskeleton and membrane, ligand–receptor binding and receptor diffusion. The mechanism by which the binding energy drives the CNPs with different orientations to enter host cells was explored. This mechanism involved overcoming the resistance caused by cytoskeleton and membrane deformations and the change in configurational entropy of the ligand–receptor bonds and free receptors. Results showed that deformation of the cytoskeleton significantly influenced the engulfing process by effectively slowing down and even hindering the entry of the CNPs. Additionally, the engulfing depth was determined quantitatively. CNPs preferred or tended to vertically attack target cells until they were stuck in the cytoskeleton as implied by the speed of vertically oriented CNPs that showed much faster initial engulfing speeds than horizontally oriented CNPs. These results elucidated the most recent molecular dynamics simulations and experimental observations on the cellular uptake of carbon nanotubes and phagocytosis of filamentous Escherichia coli bacteria. The most efficient engulfment showed the stiffness-dependent optimal radius of the CNPs. Cytoskeleton stiffness exhibited more significant influence on the optimal sizes of the vertical uptake than the horizontal uptake. PMID:25411410

  14. Reference Frames and 3-D Shape Perception of Pictured Objects: On Verticality and Viewpoint-From-Above

    PubMed Central

    van Doorn, Andrea J.; Wagemans, Johan

    2016-01-01

    Research on the influence of reference frames has generally focused on visual phenomena such as the oblique effect, the subjective visual vertical, the perceptual upright, and ambiguous figures. Another line of research concerns mental rotation studies in which participants had to discriminate between familiar or previously seen 2-D figures or pictures of 3-D objects and their rotated versions. In the present study, we disentangled the influence of the environmental and the viewer-centered reference frame, as classically done, by comparing the performances obtained in various picture and participant orientations. However, this time, the performance is the pictorial relief: the probed 3-D shape percept of the depicted object reconstructed from the local attitude settings of the participant. Comparisons between the pictorial reliefs based on different picture and participant orientations led to two major findings. First, in general, the pictorial reliefs were highly similar if the orientation of the depicted object was vertical with regard to the environmental or the viewer-centered reference frame. Second, a viewpoint-from-above interpretation could almost completely account for the shears occurring between the pictorial reliefs. More specifically, the shears could largely be considered as combinations of slants generated from the viewpoint-from-above, which was determined by the environmental as well as by the viewer-centered reference frame. PMID:27433329

  15. Trap height and orientation of yellow sticky traps affect capture of Chaetocnema pulicaria (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

    PubMed

    Esker, P D; Obrycki, J; Nutter, F W

    2004-02-01

    Field studies were conducted in Iowa during 2001 and 2002 to determine the optimal sampling height and orientation for using yellow sticky cards to monitor populations of Chaetocnema pulicaria Melsheimer, the vector of the bacterial pathogen Pantoea stewartii subsp, stewartii, the causal organism of Stewart's disease of corn, Zea mays L.. Sticky cards were placed at five different heights (0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60, and 0.90 m) and three orientations (horizontal, vertical, and 30 degree angle) at three locations (Ames, Crawfordsville, and Sutherland) in 2001 and two locations (Crawfordsville and Johnston) in 2002. No statistical differences were observed among the placement combinations for individual sampling periods or for the total number of C. pulicaria captured in 2001. In 2002, the 0.30 m and vertical cards captured significantly (1.1-35 times) more C. pulicaria than any other placement combination during sampling throughout August at both Crawfordsville and Johnston. Also, the cumulative number of C. pulicaria captured by the 0.30 m and vertical cards was significantly higher than all other placement combinations. This information is important in the development of sampling protocols to aid growers in making management decisions. These management decisions include where and when to apply foliar insecticides during the corn growing season to control C. pulicaria populations, thereby reducing the risk for Stewart's disease of corn.

  16. Evidence of environmental and vertical transmission of Burkholderia symbionts in the oriental chinch bug, Cavelerius saccharivorus (Heteroptera: Blissidae).

    PubMed

    Itoh, Hideomi; Aita, Manabu; Nagayama, Atsushi; Meng, Xian-Ying; Kamagata, Yoichi; Navarro, Ronald; Hori, Tomoyuki; Ohgiya, Satoru; Kikuchi, Yoshitomo

    2014-10-01

    The vertical transmission of symbiotic microorganisms is omnipresent in insects, while the evolutionary process remains totally unclear. The oriental chinch bug, Cavelerius saccharivorus (Heteroptera: Blissidae), is a serious sugarcane pest, in which symbiotic bacteria densely populate the lumen of the numerous tubule-like midgut crypts that the chinch bug develops. Cloning and sequence analyses of the 16S rRNA genes revealed that the crypts were dominated by a specific group of bacteria belonging to the genus Burkholderia of the Betaproteobacteria. The Burkholderia sequences were distributed into three distinct clades: the Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), the plant-associated beneficial and environmental (PBE) group, and the stinkbug-associated beneficial and environmental group (SBE). Diagnostic PCR revealed that only one of the three groups of Burkholderia was present in ∼89% of the chinch bug field populations tested, while infections with multiple Burkholderia groups within one insect were observed in only ∼10%. Deep sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene confirmed that the Burkholderia bacteria specifically colonized the crypts and were dominated by one of three Burkholderia groups. The lack of phylogenetic congruence between the symbiont and the host population strongly suggested host-symbiont promiscuity, which is probably caused by environmental acquisition of the symbionts by some hosts. Meanwhile, inspections of eggs and hatchlings by diagnostic PCR and egg surface sterilization demonstrated that almost 30% of the hatchlings vertically acquire symbiotic Burkholderia via symbiont-contaminated egg surfaces. The mixed strategy of symbiont transmission found in the oriental chinch bug might be an intermediate stage in evolution from environmental acquisition to strict vertical transmission in insects. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  17. On the coupled unsaturated-saturated flow process induced by vertical, horizontal, and slant wells in unconfined aquifers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liang, Xiuyu; Zhan, Hongbin; Zhang, You-Kuan; Liu, Jin

    2017-03-01

    Conventional models of pumping tests in unconfined aquifers often neglect the unsaturated flow process. This study concerns the coupled unsaturated-saturated flow process induced by vertical, horizontal, and slant wells positioned in an unconfined aquifer. A mathematical model is established with special consideration of the coupled unsaturated-saturated flow process and the well orientation. Groundwater flow in the saturated zone is described by a three-dimensional governing equation and a linearized three-dimensional Richards' equation in the unsaturated zone. A solution in the Laplace domain is derived by the Laplace-finite-Fourier-transform and the method of separation of variables, and the semi-analytical solutions are obtained using a numerical inverse Laplace method. The solution is verified by a finite-element numerical model. It is found that the effects of the unsaturated zone on the drawdown of a pumping test exist at any angle of inclination of the pumping well, and this impact is more significant in the case of a horizontal well. The effects of the unsaturated zone on the drawdown are independent of the length of the horizontal well screen. The vertical well leads to the largest water volume drained from the unsaturated zone (W) during the early pumping time, and the effects of the well orientation on W values become insignificant at the later time. The screen length of the horizontal well does not affect W for the whole pumping period. The proposed solutions are useful for the parameter identification of pumping tests with a general well orientation (vertical, horizontal, and slant) in unconfined aquifers affected from above by the unsaturated flow process.

  18. Measuring the light scattering and orientation of a spheroidal particle using in-line holography.

    PubMed

    Seo, Kyung Won; Byeon, Hyeok Jun; Lee, Sang Joon

    2014-07-01

    The light scattering properties of a horizontally and vertically oriented spheroidal particle under laser illumination are experimentally investigated using digital in-line holography. The reconstructed wave field shows the bright singular points as a result of the condensed beam formed by a transparent spheroidal particle acting as a lens. The in-plane (θ) and out-of-plane (ϕ) rotating angles of an arbitrarily oriented spheroidal particle are measured by using these scattering properties. As a feasibility test, the 3D orientation of a transparent spheroidal particle suspended in a microscale pipe flow is successfully reconstructed by adapting the proposed method.

  19. A comparative study of two methods for the orientation of the occlusal plane and the determination of the vertical dimension of occlusion in edentulous patients.

    PubMed

    Koller, M M; Merlini, L; Spandre, G; Palla, S

    1992-07-01

    The aim of this study was to compare two methods used to orientate the occlusal plane (OP) and to determine the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO). In method A the VDO was established by means of the rest position, the minimal speaking distance, and the patient's profile. Method B used a newly developed registration pin assembly. The VDO was registered using a silicone occlusion rim and the swallowing technique. The results were compared to the values of the new dentures. Three standardized lateral radiographs were taken at the VDO obtained with methods A, B, and at that of the final dentures. On each radiograph the orientation of the OP to the Camper plane and the VDO were measured by two investigators independently. The results indicated no statistically significant differences between the mean VDO with method A and B compared with the new dentures (P greater than 0.05). With both methods it was not possible to orientate the OP parallel to the Camper plane. None of the occlusal planes of the new dentures were parallel either. Their OP diverged on average by 7 degrees dorso-caudally. The time spent with method B to orient the OP and to determine the VDO was significantly lower than with method A (17-50 min).

  20. Electrochemical system and method for electropolishing hollow metal bodies

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

    Taylor, E. Jennings; Inman, Maria E.; Hall, Timothy

    A method and system for electrochemically machining a hollow body of a metal or a metal alloy. An electrode is positioned within a hollow body including a metal or metal alloy, where the hollow body has a variable internal diameter. The hollow body is oriented vertically, with the electrode oriented vertically therein. The hollow body is at least partially filled with an aqueous, acidic electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solution being devoid of hydrofluoric acid and having a viscosity less than 15 cP. An electric current is passed between the hollow body and the electrode, where the electric current includes amore » plurality of anodic pulses and a plurality of cathodic pulses, and where the cathodic pulses are interposed between at least some of the anodic pulses.« less

  1. Vertically oriented metamaterial broadband linear polariser

    DOE PAGES

    Campione, Salvatore; Burckel, David Bruce

    2018-03-14

    Control and manipulation of polarization is an important topic for imaging and light matter interactions. In the infrared regime, the large wavelengths make wire grid polarizers a viable option, as it is possible to create periodic arrays of metallic wires at that scale. The recent advent of metamaterials has spurred an increase in non-traditional polarizer motifs centred around more complicated repeat units, which potentially provide more functionality. In this paper we explore the use of two-dimensional (2D) arrays of single and back-to-back vertically oriented cross dipoles arranged in a cubic in-plane silicon matrix. Here, we show that both single andmore » back-to-back versions have higher rejection ratios and larger bandwidths than either wire grid polarizers or 2D arrays of linear dipoles.« less

  2. General method to evaluate substrate surface modification techniques for light extraction enhancement of organic light emitting diodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krummacher, B. C.; Mathai, M. K.; Choong, V.; Choulis, S. A.; So, F.; Winnacker, A.

    2006-09-01

    The external light output of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) can be increased by modifying the light emitting surface. The apparent light extraction enhancement is given by the ratio between the efficiency of the unmodified device and the efficiency of the modified device. This apparent light extraction enhancement is dependent on the OLED architecture itself and is not the correct value to judge the effectiveness of a technique to enhance light outcoupling due to substrate surface modification. We propose a general method to evaluate substrate surface modification techniques for light extraction enhancement of OLEDs independent from the device architecture. This method is experimentally demonstrated using green electrophosphorescent OLEDs with different device architectures. The substrate surface of these OLEDs was modified by applying a prismatic film to increase light outcoupling from the device stack. It was demonstrated that the conventionally measured apparent light extraction enhancement by means of the prismatic film does not reflect the actual performance of the light outcoupling technique. Rather, by comparing the light extracted out of the prismatic film to that generated in the OLED layers and coupled into the substrate (before the substrate/air interface), a more accurate evaluation of light outcoupling enhancement can be achieved. Furthermore we show that substrate surface modification can change the output spectrum of a broad band emitting OLED.

  3. Improved Neutronics Treatment of Burnable Poisons for the Prismatic HTR

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

    Y. Wang; A. A. Bingham; J. Ortensi

    2012-10-01

    In prismatic block High Temperature Reactors (HTR), highly absorbing material such a burnable poison (BP) cause local flux depressions and large gradients in the flux across the blocks which can be a challenge to capture accurately with traditional homogenization methods. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the error associated with spatial homogenization, spectral condensation and discretization and to highlight what is needed for improved neutronics treatments of burnable poisons for the prismatic HTR. A new triangular based mesh is designed to separate the BP regions from the fuel assembly. A set of packages including Serpent (Monte Carlo), Xuthosmore » (1storder Sn), Pronghorn (diffusion), INSTANT (Pn) and RattleSnake (2ndorder Sn) is used for this study. The results from the deterministic calculations show that the cross sections generated directly in Serpent are not sufficient to accurately reproduce the reference Monte Carlo solution in all cases. The BP treatment produces good results, but this is mainly due to error cancellation. However, the Super Cell (SC) approach yields cross sections that are consistent with cross sections prepared on an “exact” full core calculation. In addition, very good agreement exists between the various deterministic transport and diffusion codes in both eigenvalue and power distributions. Future research will focus on improving the cross sections and quantifying the error cancellation.« less

  4. Bifurcation of finitely deformed thick-walled electroelastic cylindrical tubes subject to a radial electric field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Melnikov, Andrey; Ogden, Ray W.

    2018-06-01

    This paper is concerned with the bifurcation analysis of a pressurized electroelastic circular cylindrical tube with closed ends and compliant electrodes on its curved boundaries. The theory of small incremental electroelastic deformations superimposed on a finitely deformed electroelastic tube is used to determine those underlying configurations for which the superimposed deformations do not maintain the perfect cylindrical shape of the tube. First, prismatic bifurcations are examined and solutions are obtained which show that for a neo-Hookean electroelastic material prismatic modes of bifurcation become possible under inflation. This result contrasts with that for the purely elastic case for which prismatic bifurcation modes were found only for an externally pressurized tube. Second, axisymmetric bifurcations are analyzed, and results for both neo-Hookean and Mooney-Rivlin electroelastic energy functions are obtained. The solutions show that in the presence of a moderate electric field the electroelastic tube becomes more susceptible to bifurcation, i.e., for fixed values of the axial stretch axisymmetric bifurcations become possible at lower values of the circumferential stretches than in the corresponding problems in the absence of an electric field. As the magnitude of the electric field increases, however, the possibility of bifurcation under internal pressure becomes restricted to a limited range of values of the axial stretch and is phased out completely for sufficiently large electric fields. Then, axisymmetric bifurcation is only possible under external pressure.

  5. Geometric Hitting Set for Segments of Few Orientations

    DOE PAGES

    Fekete, Sandor P.; Huang, Kan; Mitchell, Joseph S. B.; ...

    2016-01-13

    Here we study several natural instances of the geometric hitting set problem for input consisting of sets of line segments (and rays, lines) having a small number of distinct slopes. These problems model path monitoring (e.g., on road networks) using the fewest sensors (the \\hitting points"). We give approximation algorithms for cases including (i) lines of 3 slopes in the plane, (ii) vertical lines and horizontal segments, (iii) pairs of horizontal/vertical segments. Lastly, we give hardness and hardness of approximation results for these problems. We prove that the hitting set problem for vertical lines and horizontal rays is polynomially solvable.

  6. Structural ordering and interface morphology in symmetrically strained(GaIn)As/Ga(PAs) superlattices grown on off-oriented GaAs(100)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Giannini, C.; Tapfer, L.; Zhuang, Y.; de Caro, L.; Marschner, T.; Stolz, W.

    1997-02-01

    In this work we investigate the structural properties of symmetrically strained (GaIn)As/GaAs/Ga(PAs)/GaAs superlattices by means of x-ray diffraction, reciprocal-space mapping, and x-ray reflectivity. The multilayers were grown by metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy on (001) GaAs substrates intentionally off-oriented towards one of the nearest <110> directions. High-resolution triple-crystal reciprocal-space maps recorded for different azimuth angles in the vicinity of the (004) Bragg diffraction clearly show a double periodicity of the x-ray peak intensity that can be ascribed to a lateral and a vertical periodicity occurring parallel and perpendicular to the growth surface. Moreover, from the intensity modulation of the satellite peaks, a lateral-strain gradient within the epilayer unit cell is found, varying from a tensile to a compressive strain. Thus, the substrate off-orientation promotes a lateral modulation of the layer thickness (ordered interface roughness) and of the lattice strain, giving rise to laterally ordered macrosteps. In this respect, contour maps of the specular reflected beam in the vicinity of the (000) reciprocal lattice point were recorded in order to inspect the vertical and lateral interface roughness correlation. A semiquantitative analysis of our results shows that the interface morphology and roughness is greatly influenced by the off-orientation angle and the lateral strain distribution. Two mean spatial wavelengths can be determined, one corresponding exactly to the macrostep periodicity and the other indicating a further interface waviness along the macrosteps. The same spatial periodicities were found on the surface by atomic-force-microscopy images confirming the x-ray results and revealing a strong vertical correlation of the interfaces up to the outer surface.

  7. Thermocouple Probe Orientation Affects Prescribed Fire Behavior Estimation.

    PubMed

    Coates, T Adam; Chow, Alex T; Hagan, Donald L; Waldrop, Thomas A; Wang, G Geoff; Bridges, William C; Rogers, Mary-Frances; Dozier, James H

    2018-01-01

    Understanding the relationship between fire intensity and fuel mass is essential information for scientists and forest managers seeking to manage forests using prescribed fires. Peak burning temperature, duration of heating, and area under the temperature profile are fire behavior metrics obtained from thermocouple-datalogger assemblies used to characterize prescribed burns. Despite their recurrent usage in prescribed burn studies, there is no simple protocol established to guide the orientation of thermocouple installation. Our results from dormant and growing season burns in coastal longleaf pine ( Mill.) forests in South Carolina suggest that thermocouples located horizontally at the litter-soil interface record significantly higher estimates of peak burning temperature, duration of heating, and area under the temperature profile than thermocouples extending 28 cm vertically above the litter-soil interface ( < 0.01). Surprisingly, vertical and horizontal estimates of these measures did not show strong correlation with one another ( ≤ 0.14). The horizontal duration of heating values were greater in growing season burns than in dormant season burns ( < 0.01), but the vertical values did not indicate this difference ( = 0.52). Field measures of fuel mass and depth before and after fire showed promise as significant predictive variables ( ≤ 0.05) for the fire behavior metrics. However, all correlation coefficients were less than or equal to = 0.41. Given these findings, we encourage scientists, researchers, and managers to carefully consider thermocouple orientation when investigating fire behavior metrics, as orientation may affect estimates of fire intensity and the distinction of fire treatment effects, particularly in forests with litter-dominated surface fuels. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

  8. Direction of balance and perception of the upright are perceptually dissociable

    PubMed Central

    Panic, Alexander Sacha; DiZio, Paul; Lackner, James R.

    2015-01-01

    We examined whether the direction of balance rather than an otolith reference determines the perceived upright. Participants seated in a device that rotated around the roll axis used a joystick to control its motion. The direction of balance of the device, the location where it would not be accelerated to either side, could be offset from the gravitational vertical, a technique introduced by Riccio, Martin, and Stoffregen (J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform 18: 624–644, 1992). Participants used the joystick to align themselves in different trials with the gravitational vertical, the direction of balance, the upright, or the direction that minimized oscillations. They pressed the joystick trigger whenever they thought they were at the instructed orientation. Achieved angles for the “align with gravity” and “align with the upright” conditions were not different from each other and were significantly displaced past the gravitational vertical opposite from the direction of balance. Mean indicated angles for align with gravity and align with the upright coincided with the gravitational vertical. Both mean achieved and indicated angles for the “minimize oscillations” and “align with the direction of balance” conditions were significantly deviated toward the gravitational vertical. Three control experiments requiring self-settings to instructed orientations only, perceptual judgments only, and perceptual judgments during passive exposure to dynamic roll profiles confirmed that perception of the upright is determined by gravity, not by the direction of balance. PMID:25761954

  9. The dynamics and control of large flexible space structures, 3. Part A: Shape and orientation control of a platform in orbit using point actuators

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bainum, P. M.; Reddy, A. S. S. R.; Krishna, R.; James, P. K.

    1980-01-01

    The dynamics, attitude, and shape control of a large thin flexible square platform in orbit are studied. Attitude and shape control are assumed to result from actuators placed perpendicular to the main surface and one edge and their effect on the rigid body and elastic modes is modelled to first order. The equations of motion are linearized about three different nominal orientations: (1) the platform following the local vertical with its major surface perpendicular to the orbital plane; (2) the platform following the local horizontal with its major surface normal to the local vertical; and (3) the platform following the local vertical with its major surface perpendicular to the orbit normal. The stability of the uncontrolled system is investigated analytically. Once controllability is established for a set of actuator locations, control law development is based on decoupling, pole placement, and linear optimal control theory. Frequencies and elastic modal shape functions are obtained using a finite element computer algorithm, two different approximate analytical methods, and the results of the three methods compared.

  10. Point Cloud Analysis for Uav-Borne Laser Scanning with Horizontally and Vertically Oriented Line Scanners - Concept and First Results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Weinmann, M.; Müller, M. S.; Hillemann, M.; Reydel, N.; Hinz, S.; Jutzi, B.

    2017-08-01

    In this paper, we focus on UAV-borne laser scanning with the objective of densely sampling object surfaces in the local surrounding of the UAV. In this regard, using a line scanner which scans along the vertical direction and perpendicular to the flight direction results in a point cloud with low point density if the UAV moves fast. Using a line scanner which scans along the horizontal direction only delivers data corresponding to the altitude of the UAV and thus a low scene coverage. For these reasons, we present a concept and a system for UAV-borne laser scanning using multiple line scanners. Our system consists of a quadcopter equipped with horizontally and vertically oriented line scanners. We demonstrate the capabilities of our system by presenting first results obtained for a flight within an outdoor scene. Thereby, we use a downsampling of the original point cloud and different neighborhood types to extract fundamental geometric features which in turn can be used for scene interpretation with respect to linear, planar or volumetric structures.

  11. Mathematical Games

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gardner, Martin

    1978-01-01

    Describes and illustrates the structure of different versions of Mobius bands called prismatic rings or twisted prisms. Different forms are mentioned, such as the one bent into circular shapes and the toroidal polyhedrons. (GA)

  12. Mechanism of anisotropic surface self-diffusivity at the prismatic ice-vapor interface.

    PubMed

    Gladich, Ivan; Oswald, Amrei; Bowens, Natalie; Naatz, Sam; Rowe, Penny; Roeselova, Martina; Neshyba, Steven

    2015-09-21

    Predictive theoretical models for mesoscopic roughening of ice require improved understanding of attachment kinetics occurring at the ice-vapor interface. Here, we use classical molecular dynamics to explore the generality and mechanics of a transition from anisotropic to isotropic self-diffusivity on exposed prismatic surfaces. We find that self-diffusion parallel to the crystallographic a-axis is favored over the c-axis at sub-melt temperatures below about -35 °C, for three different representations of the water-water intermolecular potential. In the low-temperature anisotropic regime, diffusion results from interstitial admolecules encountering entropically distinct barriers to diffusion in the two in-plane directions. At higher temperatures, isotropic self-diffusion occurring deeper within the quasi-liquid layer becomes the dominant mechanism, owing to its larger energy of activation.

  13. Horizontal versus vertical orientation of the loop for tension band wiring of transverse patella fractures.

    PubMed

    Lee, Sang Ki; Hwang, Yoon Sub; Choy, Won Sik

    2014-03-01

    Conventional operative treatments of patella fractures are frequently associated with implant failure or displacement. Recent biomechanical studies showed that the orientation of the wire loop and the site of the wire twist can affect the fixation strength. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of the tension band technique with loops in different orientations and different knot positions. For this retrospective study, 72 patella fractures (71 patients) were fixed with figure-of-eight configurations in combination with 2 K-wires. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the orientation of tension band construct. A total of 40 patella fractures were placed with figure-of-eight configurations in a vertical orientation either with 1 wire twist (group 1; 16 patella fractures) or with 2 wire twists at the adjacent corners (group 2; 24 patella fractures). Thirty-two patella fractures were placed with figure-of-eight configurations in a horizontal orientation with 2 wire twists at the adjacent corners (group 3). Range of motion, complication rates, and knee scoring scales (Hospital for Special Surgery and Lysholm) were assessed during serial follow-up. Satisfactory reductions were achieved in all groups, but functional results in the early stage were different. Group 3 had better Hospital for Special Surgery and Lysholm scores at 3 months postoperatively; however, at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, all groups had similar scores. At the 1-year follow-up, all groups achieved acceptable flexion and range of motion. The overall complication rate was lower in the horizontal group (12.5%). Placing the figure-of-eight tension band construct in a horizontal orientation can provide functional benefits in the early stage after patella fractures. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.

  14. Cardinal rules: Visual orientation perception reflects knowledge of environmental statistics

    PubMed Central

    Girshick, Ahna R.; Landy, Michael S.; Simoncelli, Eero P.

    2011-01-01

    Humans are remarkably good at performing visual tasks, but experimental measurements reveal substantial biases in the perception of basic visual attributes. An appealing hypothesis is that these biases arise through a process of statistical inference, in which information from noisy measurements is fused with a probabilistic model of the environment. But such inference is optimal only if the observer’s internal model matches the environment. Here, we provide evidence that this is the case. We measured performance in an orientation-estimation task, demonstrating the well-known fact that orientation judgements are more accurate at cardinal (horizontal and vertical) orientations, along with a new observation that judgements made under conditions of uncertainty are strongly biased toward cardinal orientations. We estimate observers’ internal models for orientation and find that they match the local orientation distribution measured in photographs. We also show how a neural population could embed probabilistic information responsible for such biases. PMID:21642976

  15. The effect of implied orientation derived from verbal context on picture recognition.

    PubMed

    Stanfield, R A; Zwaan, R A

    2001-03-01

    Perceptual symbol systems assume an analogue relationship between a symbol and its referent, whereas amodal symbol systems assume an arbitrary relationship between a symbol and its referent. According to perceptual symbol theories, the complete representation of an object, called a simulation, should reflect physical characteristics of the object. Amodal theories, in contrast, do not make this prediction. We tested the hypothesis, derived from perceptual symbol theories, that people mentally represent the orientation of an object implied by a verbal description. Orientation (vertical-horizontal) was manipulated by having participants read a sentence that implicitly suggested a particular orientation for an object. Then recognition latencies to pictures of the object in each of the two orientations were measured. Pictures matching the orientation of the object implied by the sentence were responded to faster than pictures that did not match the orientation. This finding is interpreted as offering support for theories positing perceptual symbol systems.

  16. An after-market, five-port vertical beam line extension for the PETtrace

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barnhart, T. E.; Engle, J. W.; Severin, G. W.; Valdovinos, H. F.; Gagnon, K.; Nickles, R. J.

    2012-12-01

    Most commercial cyclotrons intended for medical isotope production provide a limited number of beam ports crowded into a minimal vault space. Taking advantage of our new lab construction, we planned and installed a beam-line on port ♯2 of our GEMS PETtrace to bring beam to an additional 5 target positions. These are oriented in the vertical plane, with the downward directed beam well suited for molten target substrates.

  17. Location and orientation of panel on the screen as a structural visual element to highlight text displayed

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Léger, Laure; Chevalier, Aline

    2017-07-01

    Searching for information on the internet has become a daily activity. It is considered to be a complex cognitive activity that involves visual attention. Many studies have demonstrated that users' information search are affected both by the spatial configuration of words and the elements displayed on the screen: elements that are used to structure web pages. One of these elements, the web panel, contains information. Web panel is a rectangular area with a colored background that was used to highlighting content presented in this specific rectangular area. Our general hypothesis was that the presence of a panel on a web page would affect the structure of a word display, as a result, information search accuracy. We carried out an experiment in which we manipulated the presence vs. the absence of a panel, as well as its orientation on the screen (vertical vs. horizontal). Twenty participants were asked to answer questions while their eye movements were recorded. Results showed that the presence of a panel resulted in reduced accuracy and shorter response times. Panel orientation affected scanpaths, especially when they were orientated vertically. We discuss these findings and suggest ways in which this research could be developed further in future.

  18. High-level context effects on spatial displacement: the effects of body orientation and language on memory

    PubMed Central

    Vinson, David W.; Abney, Drew H.; Dale, Rick; Matlock, Teenie

    2014-01-01

    Three decades of research suggests that cognitive simulation of motion is involved in the comprehension of object location, bodily configuration, and linguistic meaning. For example, the remembered location of an object associated with actual or implied motion is typically displaced in the direction of motion. In this paper, two experiments explore context effects in spatial displacement. They provide a novel approach to estimating the remembered location of an implied motion image by employing a cursor-positioning task. Both experiments examine how the remembered spatial location of a person is influenced by subtle differences in implied motion, specifically, by shifting the orientation of the person’s body to face upward or downward, and by pairing the image with motion language that differed on intentionality, fell versus jumped. The results of Experiment 1, a survey-based experiment, suggest that language and body orientation influenced vertical spatial displacement. Results of Experiment 2, a task that used Adobe Flash and Amazon Mechanical Turk, showed consistent effects of body orientation on vertical spatial displacement but no effect of language. Our findings are in line with previous work on spatial displacement that uses a cursor-positioning task with implied motion stimuli. We discuss how different ways of simulating motion can influence spatial memory. PMID:25071628

  19. Unconscious analyses of visual scenes based on feature conjunctions.

    PubMed

    Tachibana, Ryosuke; Noguchi, Yasuki

    2015-06-01

    To efficiently process a cluttered scene, the visual system analyzes statistical properties or regularities of visual elements embedded in the scene. It is controversial, however, whether those scene analyses could also work for stimuli unconsciously perceived. Here we show that our brain performs the unconscious scene analyses not only using a single featural cue (e.g., orientation) but also based on conjunctions of multiple visual features (e.g., combinations of color and orientation information). Subjects foveally viewed a stimulus array (duration: 50 ms) where 4 types of bars (red-horizontal, red-vertical, green-horizontal, and green-vertical) were intermixed. Although a conscious perception of those bars was inhibited by a subsequent mask stimulus, the brain correctly analyzed the information about color, orientation, and color-orientation conjunctions of those invisible bars. The information of those features was then used for the unconscious configuration analysis (statistical processing) of the central bars, which induced a perceptual bias and illusory feature binding in visible stimuli at peripheral locations. While statistical analyses and feature binding are normally 2 key functions of the visual system to construct coherent percepts of visual scenes, our results show that a high-level analysis combining those 2 functions is correctly performed by unconscious computations in the brain. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

  20. High-level context effects on spatial displacement: the effects of body orientation and language on memory.

    PubMed

    Vinson, David W; Abney, Drew H; Dale, Rick; Matlock, Teenie

    2014-01-01

    Three decades of research suggests that cognitive simulation of motion is involved in the comprehension of object location, bodily configuration, and linguistic meaning. For example, the remembered location of an object associated with actual or implied motion is typically displaced in the direction of motion. In this paper, two experiments explore context effects in spatial displacement. They provide a novel approach to estimating the remembered location of an implied motion image by employing a cursor-positioning task. Both experiments examine how the remembered spatial location of a person is influenced by subtle differences in implied motion, specifically, by shifting the orientation of the person's body to face upward or downward, and by pairing the image with motion language that differed on intentionality, fell versus jumped. The results of Experiment 1, a survey-based experiment, suggest that language and body orientation influenced vertical spatial displacement. Results of Experiment 2, a task that used Adobe Flash and Amazon Mechanical Turk, showed consistent effects of body orientation on vertical spatial displacement but no effect of language. Our findings are in line with previous work on spatial displacement that uses a cursor-positioning task with implied motion stimuli. We discuss how different ways of simulating motion can influence spatial memory.

  1. Force-chain evolution in a two-dimensional granular packing compacted by vertical tappings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Iikawa, Naoki; Bandi, M. M.; Katsuragi, Hiroaki

    2018-03-01

    We experimentally study the statistics of force-chain evolution in a vertically-tapped two-dimensional granular packing by using photoelastic disks. In this experiment, the tapped granular packing is gradually compacted. During the compaction, the isotropy of grain configurations is quantified by measuring the deviator anisotropy derived from fabric tensor, and then the evolution of force-chain structure is quantified by measuring the interparticle forces and force-chain orientational order parameter. As packing fraction increases, the interparticle force increases and finally saturates to an asymptotic value. Moreover, the grain configurations and force-chain structures become isotropically random as the tapping-induced compaction proceeds. In contrast, the total length of force chains remains unchanged. From the correlations of those parameters, we find two relations: (i) a positive correlation between the isotropy of grain configurations and the disordering of force-chain orientations, and (ii) a negative correlation between the increasing of interparticle forces and the disordering of force-chain orientations. These relations are universally held regardless of the mode of particle motions with or without convection.

  2. Relationship between morphologies and orientations of Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grains in Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder joints on different Cu pads

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

    Tian, Yanhong, E-mail: tianyh@hit.edu.cn; Zhang, Rui; Hang, Chunjin

    2014-02-15

    The morphologies and orientations of Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} intermetallic compounds in the Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder joints both on polycrystalline and single crystal Cu pads under different peak reflow temperatures and times above liquids were investigated. The relationship between Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grain orientations and morphologies was clarified. At the interface of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu/polycrystalline Cu pad, scalloped Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} intermetallic compounds formed at 250 °C and roof shape Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} formed at 300 °C. Both scalloped Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} and roof shape Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} had a preferred orientation of (0001) plane being parallel to polycrystalline Cu pad surface. Besides, themore » percentage of large angle grain boundaries increased as the peak reflow temperature rose. At the interface of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu/(111) single crystal Cu pad, the Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} intermetallic compounds were mainly scallop-type at 250 °C and were prism type at 300 °C. The prismatic Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grains grew along the three preferred directions with the inter-angles of 60° on (111) single crystal Cu pad while along two perpendicular directions on (100) single crystal Cu pad. The orientation relationship between Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grains and the single crystal Cu pads was investigated by electron backscatter diffraction technology. In addition, two types of hollowed Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} intermetallic compounds were found inside the joints of polycrystalline Cu pads. The long hexagonal Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} strips were observed in the joints reflowing at 250 °C while the hollowed Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} strips with the ‘▪’ shape cross-sections appeared at 300 °C, which was attributed to the different grain growth rates of different Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} crystal faces. - Highlights: • The orientation of interfacial Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grains was obtained by EBSD technology. • Two types of hollowed Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} strips were found at different temperatures. • The formation mechanism of hollowed Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} was elaborated based on Bravais law. • The relationship between Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grain orientations and morphologies was clarified.« less

  3. 49 CFR 238.115 - Emergency lighting.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... September 8, 2000, or placed in service for the first time on or after September 9, 2002. This section... equipment orientations within 45 degrees of vertical; (ii) Operating after the initial shock of a collision...

  4. 47 CFR 27.1235 - Post-transition notification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ...) The horizontal and vertical pattern of the antenna; (4) EIRP of the main lobe; (5) Orientation; (6) Height of antenna center of radiation; (7) Transmitter output power; (8) All line and combiner losses. (c...

  5. 47 CFR 27.1235 - Post-transition notification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ...) The horizontal and vertical pattern of the antenna; (4) EIRP of the main lobe; (5) Orientation; (6) Height of antenna center of radiation; (7) Transmitter output power; (8) All line and combiner losses. (c...

  6. 47 CFR 27.1235 - Post-transition notification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ...) The horizontal and vertical pattern of the antenna; (4) EIRP of the main lobe; (5) Orientation; (6) Height of antenna center of radiation; (7) Transmitter output power; (8) All line and combiner losses. (c...

  7. 47 CFR 27.1235 - Post-transition notification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ...) The horizontal and vertical pattern of the antenna; (4) EIRP of the main lobe; (5) Orientation; (6) Height of antenna center of radiation; (7) Transmitter output power; (8) All line and combiner losses. (c...

  8. Mechanically driven centrifugal pyrolyzer

    DOEpatents

    Linck, Martin Brendan [Mount Prospect, IL; Bush, Phillip Vann [Bartlett, IL

    2012-03-06

    An apparatus for fast pyrolysis of biomass and other solid organic materials including a vertically oriented cylindrical vessel having a solids outlet proximate the bottom thereof, a vapor outlet, a top wall forming at least one opening, and an adjacent heated side wall. Disposed within the cylindrical vessel and extending through the at least one opening in the top wall is a rotor having a rotatable shaft coincident with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel to which is attached at least one substantially vertically oriented blade having one edge connected directly or indirectly with the rotatable shaft and having an opposite edge spaced apart from the heated side wall, whereby a non-radial, preferably tangential, force is imparted on the feedstock in the cylindrical vessel. Also disclosed is a method for fast pyrolysis of biomass and other solid organic materials.

  9. Long Range In-Plane Order of Oriented Diblock Copolymer Thin Films by Graphoepitaxy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fontana, Scott; Dadmun, Mark; Lowndes, Douglas

    2003-03-01

    Previous work by Russell and coworkers has demonstrated that controlling the interfacial energies and wetting behavior of an asymmetric diblock copolymer enables the control of the orientation of its microphases. In particular the cylindrical phase can be readily aligned perpendicular to a substrate when it is placed on a surface that is neutral to both components of the copolymer. The minor phase, PMMA may then be removed using UV radiation leaving a nanoporous template. In this work, we will report long range, in-plane ordering of the hexagonally packed nanopores that is achieved using graphoepitaxy. The long range ordered and vertically aligned diblock copolymer film can be used to produce arrays of catalytic nickel dots, which grow vertically aligned carbon nano-fibers (VACNF), resulting in a well ordered array of VACNFs.

  10. Thrust Stand for Vertically Oriented Electric Propulsion Performance Evaluation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Moeller, Trevor; Polzin, Kurt A.

    2010-01-01

    A variation of a hanging pendulum thrust stand capable of measuring the performance of an electric thruster operating in the vertical orientation is presented. The vertical orientation of the thruster dictates that the thruster must be horizontally offset from the pendulum pivot arm, necessitating the use of a counterweight system to provide a neutrally-stable system. Motion of the pendulum arm is transferred through a balance mechanism to a secondary arm on which deflection is measured. A non-contact light-based transducer is used to measure displacement of the secondary beam. The members experience very little friction, rotating on twisting torsional pivots with oscillatory motion attenuated by a passive, eddy current damper. Displacement is calibrated using an in situ thrust calibration system. Thermal management and self-leveling systems are incorporated to mitigate thermal and mechanical drifts. Gravitational restoring force and torsional spring constants associated with flexure pivots provide restoring moments. An analysis of the design indicates that the thrust measurement range spans roughly four decades, with the stand capable of measuring thrust up to 12 N for a 200 kg thruster and up to approximately 800 mN for a 10 kg thruster. Data obtained from calibration tests performed using a 26.8 lbm simulated thruster indicated a resolution of 1 mN on 100 mN-level thrusts, while those tests conducted on 200 lbm thruster yielded a resolution of roughly 2.5 micro at thrust levels of 0.5 N and greater.

  11. Thrust stand for vertically oriented electric propulsion performance evaluation

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

    Moeller, Trevor; Polzin, Kurt A.

    A variation of a hanging pendulum thrust stand capable of measuring the performance of an electric thruster operating in the vertical orientation is presented. The vertical orientation of the thruster dictates that the thruster must be horizontally offset from the pendulum pivot arm, necessitating the use of a counterweight system to provide a neutrally stable system. Motion of the pendulum arm is transferred through a balance mechanism to a secondary arm on which deflection is measured. A noncontact light-based transducer is used to measure displacement of the secondary beam. The members experience very little friction, rotating on twisting torsional pivotsmore » with oscillatory motion attenuated by a passive, eddy-current damper. Displacement is calibrated using an in situ thrust calibration system. Thermal management and self-leveling systems are incorporated to mitigate thermal and mechanical drifts. Gravitational force and torsional spring constants associated with flexure pivots provide restoring moments. An analysis of the design indicates that the thrust measurement range spans roughly four decades, with the stand capable of measuring thrust up to 12 N for a 200 kg thruster and up to approximately 800 mN for a 10 kg thruster. Data obtained from calibration tests performed using a 26.8 lbm simulated thruster indicated a resolution of 1 mN on 100 mN level thrusts, while those tests conducted on a 200 lbm thruster yielded a resolution of roughly 2.5 mN at thrust levels of 0.5 N and greater.« less

  12. Coupled elasticity-diffusion model for the effects of cytoskeleton deformation on cellular uptake of cylindrical nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jizeng; Li, Long

    2015-01-06

    Molecular dynamic simulations and experiments have recently demonstrated how cylindrical nanoparticles (CNPs) with large aspect ratios penetrate animal cells and inevitably deform cytoskeletons. Thus, a coupled elasticity-diffusion model was adopted to elucidate this interesting biological phenomenon by considering the effects of elastic deformations of cytoskeleton and membrane, ligand-receptor binding and receptor diffusion. The mechanism by which the binding energy drives the CNPs with different orientations to enter host cells was explored. This mechanism involved overcoming the resistance caused by cytoskeleton and membrane deformations and the change in configurational entropy of the ligand-receptor bonds and free receptors. Results showed that deformation of the cytoskeleton significantly influenced the engulfing process by effectively slowing down and even hindering the entry of the CNPs. Additionally, the engulfing depth was determined quantitatively. CNPs preferred or tended to vertically attack target cells until they were stuck in the cytoskeleton as implied by the speed of vertically oriented CNPs that showed much faster initial engulfing speeds than horizontally oriented CNPs. These results elucidated the most recent molecular dynamics simulations and experimental observations on the cellular uptake of carbon nanotubes and phagocytosis of filamentous Escherichia coli bacteria. The most efficient engulfment showed the stiffness-dependent optimal radius of the CNPs. Cytoskeleton stiffness exhibited more significant influence on the optimal sizes of the vertical uptake than the horizontal uptake. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

  13. Robust and fast pedestrian detection method for far-infrared automotive driving assistance systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Qiong; Zhuang, Jiajun; Ma, Jun

    2013-09-01

    Despite considerable effort has been contributed to night-time pedestrian detection for automotive driving assistance systems recent years, robust and real-time pedestrian detection is by no means a trivial task and is still underway due to the moving cameras, uncontrolled outdoor environments, wide range of possible pedestrian presentations and the stringent performance criteria for automotive applications. This paper presents an alternative night-time pedestrian detection method using monocular far-infrared (FIR) camera, which includes two modules (regions of interest (ROIs) generation and pedestrian recognition) in a cascade fashion. Pixel-gradient oriented vertical projection is first proposed to estimate the vertical image stripes that might contain pedestrians, and then local thresholding image segmentation is adopted to generate ROIs more accurately within the estimated vertical stripes. A novel descriptor called PEWHOG (pyramid entropy weighted histograms of oriented gradients) is proposed to represent FIR pedestrians in recognition module. Specifically, PEWHOG is used to capture both the local object shape described by the entropy weighted distribution of oriented gradient histograms and its pyramid spatial layout. Then PEWHOG is fed to a three-branch structured classifier using support vector machines (SVM) with histogram intersection kernel (HIK). An off-line training procedure combining both the bootstrapping and early-stopping strategy is introduced to generate a more robust classifier by exploiting hard negative samples iteratively. Finally, multi-frame validation is utilized to suppress some transient false positives. Experimental results on FIR video sequences from various scenarios demonstrate that the presented method is effective and promising.

  14. Does the ‘Old Bag’ Make a Good ‘Wind Bag’?: Comparison of Four Fabrics Commonly Used as Exclusion Bags in Studies of Pollination and Reproductive Biology

    PubMed Central

    NEAL, PAUL R.; ANDERSON, GREGORY J.

    2004-01-01

    • Background and Aims Fabrics used in pollination bags may exclude pollen carried by biotic vectors, but have varying degrees of permeability to wind‐borne pollen. The permeability of bags to wind‐borne pollen may have important consequences in studies of pollination and reproductive biology. The permeability of four fabrics commonly used in the construction of pollination bags was examined. • Methods Deposition of wind‐borne pollen on horizontally and vertically oriented microscope slides was assessed on slides enclosed in pollination bags, as well as on control slides. • Key Results It was found that the permeability of fabrics to wind‐borne pollen, as measured by deposition on both horizontally and vertically oriented slides, decreased with pore size. However, deposition on horizontal slides was always greater than on vertical slides for a given fabric; this could manifest itself as differential success of pollination of flowers in bags—dependent on flower orientation. • Conclusions Obviously, bags with mesh size smaller than most pollen grains are impermeable to pollen. However, material for such bags is very expensive. In addition, it was also observed that bags with even moderately small pore size, such as pores (approx. 200 µm) in twisted fibre cotton muslin, offered highly significant barriers to passage of wind‐borne pollen. Such bags are sufficiently effective in most large‐sample‐size reproductive biology studies. PMID:15037446

  15. Electrodeposition of ZnO nanorod arrays on ZnO substrate with tunable orientation and optical properties.

    PubMed

    Jehl, Z; Rousset, J; Donsanti, F; Renou, G; Naghavi, N; Lincot, D

    2010-10-01

    The electrodeposition of ZnO nanorods on ZnO:Al films with different orientations is reported. The influence of the total charge exchanged during electrodeposition on the nanorod's geometry (length, diameter, aspect ratio and surface density) and the optical transmission properties of the nanorod arrays is studied on a [0001]-oriented ZnO:Al substrate. The nanorods are highly vertically oriented along the c axis, following the lattice matching with the substrate. The growth on a [1010] and [1120] ZnO:Al-oriented substrate with c axis parallel to the substrate leads to a systematic deviation angle of 55 degrees from the perpendicular direction. This finding has been explained by the occurrence of a minority orientation with the [1011] planes parallel to the surface, with a preferential growth on corresponding [0001] termination. Substrate crystalline orientation is thereby found to be a major parameter in finely tuning the orientation of the nanorod array. This new approach allows us to optimize the light scattering properties of the films.

  16. Growth and quantum transport properties of vertical Bi2Se3 nanoplate films on Si substrates.

    PubMed

    Li, Mingze; Wang, Zhenhua; Yang, Liang; Pan, Desheng; Li, Da; Gao, Xuan P A; Zhang, Zhidong

    2018-08-03

    Controlling the growth direction (planar versus vertical) and surface-to-bulk ratio can lead to lots of unique properties for two-dimensional layered materials. We report a simple method to fabricate continuous films of vertical Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplates on Si substrate and investigate the quantum transport properties of such films. In contrast to (001) oriented planar Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplate film, vertical Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplate films are enclosed by (015) facets, which possess high surface-to-bulk ratio that can enhance the quantum transport property of topological surface states. And by controlling the compactness of vertical Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplates, we realized an effective tuning of the weak antilocalization effect from topological surface states in Bi 2 Se 3 films. Our work paves a way for exploring the unique transport properties of this unconventional structure topological insulator film.

  17. The Self- and Directed Assembly of Nanowires

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Smith, Benjamin David

    This thesis explores the self- and directed assembly of nanowires. Specifically, we examine the driving forces behind nanowire self-assembly and the macro-structures that are formed. Particle-dense, oriented nanowire structures show promise in the fields of photonics, energy, sensing, catalysis, and electronics. Arrays of spherical particles have already found uses in electronic inks, sensing arrays, and many other commercial applications; but, it is a challenge to create specific arrays of morphologically and/or compositionally anisotropic particles. The following chapters illuminate the interactions that drive the assembly of anisotropic particles in high density solutions in the absence of applied fields or solution drying. Special emphasis is placed on the structures that are formed. The properties of micro- and nanoparticles and their assembly are introduced in Chapter 1. In particular, the properties of shape and material anisotropic particles are highlighted, while challenges in producing desired arrays are discussed. In this thesis, metallic nanowires of increasing complexity were used to examine the self-assembly behavior of both shape and material anisotropic particles. Nanowires were synthesized through templated electrodeposition. In this process, porous alumina membranes served as a template in which metal salts were reduced to form particles. Upon template dissolution, billions of nominally identical particles were released. We specifically focused on segmented, metallic nanowires 2-13 mum in length and 180 to 350 nm in diameter. Since these particles have strong van der Waals (VDWs) attractions, an electrostatically repulsive coating was necessary to prevent aggregation; we used small molecule, DNA, or amorphous silica coatings. Nanowires and their coatings were characterized by electron microscopy. In order to study self-assembly behavior, particle-dense aqueous suspensions were placed within an assembly chamber defined by a silicone spacer. The nanowires rapidly sedimented due to gravity onto a glass cover slip to concentrate and form a dense film. Particles and assemblies were imaged using inverted optical microscopy. We quantitatively analyzed the images and movies captured in order to track and classify particles and classify the overall arrays formed. We then correlated how particle characteristics, e.g., materials, size, segmentation, etc. changed the ordering and alignment observed. With that knowledge, we hope to be able to form new and interesting structures. We began our studies by examining the assembly of single component nanowires. Chapter 2 describes this work, in which solid Au nanowires measuring 2-7 mum in length and 290 nm in diameter self-assembled into smectic rows. By both experiment and theory, we determined that these rows formed due to a balance of electrostatic repulsions and van der Waals attractions. Final assemblies were stable for at least several days. Monte Carlo methods were used to simulate assemblies and showed structures that mirrored those experimentally observed. Simulations indicated that the smectic phase was preferred over others, i.e., nematic, when an additional small charge was added to the ends of the nanowires. Our particles have rough tips, which might create these additional electrostatic repulsions. To increase the particle and array complexity, two-component, metallic nanowire assembly was explored in Chapter 3. We examined numerous types of nanowires by changing the segment length, ratio, and material, the nanowire length, the surface coating, and the presence of small third segments. These segmented nanowires were generally Au-Ag and also ordered into smectic rows. Segmented wires arranged in rows, however, can be aligned in two possible ways with respect to a neighboring particle. The Au segments on neighboring particles can be oriented in the same direction or opposed to each other. Orientation was quantified in terms of an order parameter that took into account alignment with respect to nearest neighbor particles. All experiments showed order parameters indicating a slight preference for orientational ordering that was relatively insensitive to segment size, nanowire size, and nanowire coating. Monte Carlo simulations pointed towards this alignment as a consequence of small differences in the van der Waals attractions between the segments. Experimentally, ordering might to be limited by the large size of the nanowires, which results in kinetically trapped structures. In an attempt to obtain better ordering within rows, silica coated nanowires with partial Au cores were made. The synthesis involved silica-coating the nanowires and selectively etching a Ag segment. These particles have extremely different VDWs attractions between their segments, as the Au cores are much more attractive than the solvent-filled etched ends. The assembly of these partially etched nanowires (PENs) is detailed in Chapters 4, 5, and 6. When allowed to self-assemble, we observed the formation of either vertically or horizontally oriented arrays depending on PEN composition. The formation of vertically oriented arrays of anisotropic particles is important, since not many methods to produce these structures are currently available for particles of this size. We examined the effects of PEN length, PEN diameter, and the size, number, and location of the core segments. Our findings showed a large etched segment at one end (which resulted in a large offset in the center of mass and concentrated the VDWs attractions to one end of the particle) resulted in the best columnar assemblies. These vertically orientated arrays formed in a two part process. First, after PENs sedimented, they fell flat and oriented parallel to the surface. These PENs then sampled many orientations, including rotating out of the surface plane. When higher surface concentrations of particles built as more PENs fell to the surface of the cover slip, neighboring particles stabilized vertical orientations. Second, particles fell oriented vertically and when the surface concentrations were high, they retained this orientation upon reaching the substrate. Since vertically aligned PENs supported each other, assembly into vertical arrays was highly dependent on the surface concentration. But, oriented arrays could be easily formed on larger or smaller substrates, provided a particle concentration scaled to the substrate were used. The mixing of these particles to form heterogeneous arrays was examined. The overall array structure favored that of particles which sedimented more quickly and/or were present in higher amounts. The semi-automated counting of PENs in images by software is used heavily in Chapters 4 and 5. Appendix A describes the use, development, and validation of macros within Image-Pro. The structure, syntax, and use are specifically examined for three nanowire counting macros. The counting results; including: number of particles in an image, number of horizontally vs. vertically oriented PENs, and PENs in microwells; are compared with manual hand counts. Chapter 7 examines the overall conclusions and future directions for this research. By combining our assembly techniques with known directing forces (e.g., electric or magnetic fields) more specific alignment and/or positioning could be achieved. We have also begun to explore directing assembly through lithographic microwells. Further work needs to explore the integration of arrays into devices and the use of functional materials. Then, high density, oriented arrays could be created for photonic, energy, sensing, catalytic, and electronic applications.

  18. Influence of gravity on cat vertical vestibulo-ocular reflex

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tomko, D. L.; Wall, C., III; Robinson, F. R.; Staab, J. P.

    1988-01-01

    The vertical vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) was recorded in cats using electro-oculography during sinusoidal angular pitch. Peak stimulus velocity was 50 deg/s over a frequency range from 0.01 to 4.0 Hz. To test the effect of gravity on the vertical VOR, the animal was pitched while sitting upright or lying on its side. Upright pitch changed the cat's orientation relative to gravity, while on-side pitch did not. The cumulative slow component position of the eye during on-side pitch was less symmetric than during upright pitch. Over the mid-frequency range (0.1 to 1.0 Hz), the average gain of the vertical VOR was 14.5 percent higher during upright pitch than during on-side pitch. At low frequencies (less than 0.05 Hz) changing head position relative to gravity raised the vertical VOR gain and kept the reflex in phase with stimulus velocity. These results indicate that gravity-sensitive mechanisms make the vertical VOR more compensatory.

  19. An after-market, five-port vertical beam line extension for the PETtrace

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

    Barnhart, T. E.; Engle, J. W.; Severin, G. W.

    2012-12-19

    Most commercial cyclotrons intended for medical isotope production provide a limited number of beam ports crowded into a minimal vault space. Taking advantage of our new lab construction, we planned and installed a beam-line on port Music-Sharp-Sign 2 of our GEMS PETtrace to bring beam to an additional 5 target positions. These are oriented in the vertical plane, with the downward directed beam well suited for molten target substrates.

  20. Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer Spirally Fluted Tubing,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-08-01

    Condensation of Helically Fluted Tubes in a Vertical Configuration 7 2. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM 2.1 Water Flow Facility 13 2.2 Test Section Construction...transfer on the outside of the tube is achieved. In a vertical orientation with fluid condensing on the outside of the helically fluted tube, the...transfer performance on the inside of helically fluted tubes as indicated by the Nusselt modulus, Nu/Pr0 .4 . as a function of the Reynolds number is

  1. Combined VIS-IR spectrometer with vertical probe beam

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Protopopov, V.

    2017-12-01

    A prototype of a combined visible-infrared spectrometer with a vertical probe beam is designed and tested. The combined spectral range is 0.4-20 μ with spatial resolution 1 mm. Basic features include the ability to measure both visibly transparent and opaque substances, as well as buried structures, such as in semiconductor industry; horizontal orientation of a sample, including semiconductor wafers; and reflection mode of operation, delivering twice the sensitivity compared to the transmission mode.

  2. Movement compatibility for configurations of displays located in three cardinal orientations and ipsilateral, contralateral and overhead controls.

    PubMed

    Chan, Alan H S; Hoffmann, Errol R

    2012-01-01

    Stereotype strength and reversibility were determined for displays that were in the Front, Right and Left orientations relative to the operator, along with rotary, horizontally and vertically-moving controls located in the overhead, left-sagittal and right-sagittal planes. In each case, responses were made using the left and right hands. The arrangements used were (i) rotary control with a circular display (ii) horizontal/transverse control moving forward/rearward in the left and right-sagittal planes or transversely in the overhead plane and (iii) vertical/longitudinal control moving vertically in the left and right-sagittal planes and longitudinally in the overhead plane. These are all combinations not previously researched. Stereotype strength varied with display plane, type of control and plane of control. Models for the stereotype strength are developed, showing the contribution of various components to the overall stereotype strength. The major component for horizontally-moving controls comes from the "visual field" model of Worringham and Beringer (1998); for the rotary control important factors are "clockwise-for-clockwise" and the hand/control location effect (Hoffmann, 2009a). Vertically-moving controls are governed by a simple 'up-for-up' relationship between displays and controls. Overall stereotype strength is a maximum when all components add positively. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

  3. Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries for aircraft power

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

    Erbacher, J.K.; Kruchek, C.L.; Vukson, S.P.

    1995-12-31

    Commercial nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries are under evaluation for potential application as a replacement for existing Ni-Cd and Pb-Acid batteries currently used by the USAF. Replacement of these batteries is desirable due to the high cost of maintenance and acquisition, the environmental hazards associated with worker exposure to hazardous materials, and the high cost of reclamation programs for these existing batteries. Both cylindrical and prismatic AB5 cells show promise for this application, but will require alloy and single cell development to reduce self-discharge, increase discharge and charge rates, and expand the temperature range to meet austere military environments. Testedmore » AB{sub 2} cylindrical cell technology appear inadequate to meet military requirements although these cells show better charge capability at 71 C than AB{sub 5} cylindrical or prismatic cells.« less

  4. Synthesis and isolation of [Fe@Ge(10)](3-): a pentagonal prismatic Zintl ion cage encapsulating an interstitial iron atom.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Binbin; Denning, Mark S; Kays, Deborah L; Goicoechea, Jose M

    2009-03-04

    Reaction of an ethylenediamine (en) solution of the Zintl phase precursor K(4)Ge(9) with FeAr(2) (Ar = 2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)) in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt (4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane) yielded the endohedral Zintl ion [Fe@Ge(10)](3-) (1) which was crystallographically characterized as a [K(2,2,2-crypt)](+) salt in [K(2,2,2-crypt)](3)[Fe@Ge(10)]*2en. This unprecedented Zintl ion exhibits a pentagonal prismatic 10-atom germanium cage with an interstitial iron atom in the central cavity. Confirmation of the existence of the cluster anion in solution was corroborated by positive and negative ion mode electrospray mass spectrometry.

  5. Ubiquitylation Functions in the Calcium Carbonate Biomineralization in the Extracellular Matrix

    PubMed Central

    Fang, Dong; Pan, Cong; Lin, Huijuan; Lin, Ya; Xu, Guangrui; Zhang, Guiyou; Wang, Hongzhong; Xie, Liping; Zhang, Rongqing

    2012-01-01

    Mollusks shell formation is mediated by matrix proteins and many of these proteins have been identified and characterized. However, the mechanisms of protein control remain unknown. Here, we report the ubiquitylation of matrix proteins in the prismatic layer of the pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata. The presence of ubiquitylated proteins in the prismatic layer of the shell was detected with a combination of western blot and immunogold assays. The coupled ubiquitins were separated and identified by Edman degradation and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Antibody injection in vivo resulted in large amounts of calcium carbonate randomly accumulating on the surface of the nacreous layer. These ubiquitylated proteins could bind to specific faces of calcite and aragonite, which are the two main mineral components of the shell. In the in vitro calcium carbonate crystallization assay, they could reduce the rate of calcium carbonate precipitation and induce the calcite formation. Furthermore, when the attached ubiquitins were removed, the functions of the EDTA-soluble matrix of the prismatic layer were changed. Their potency to inhibit precipitation of calcium carbonate was decreased and their influence on the morphology of calcium carbonate crystals was changed. Taken together, ubiquitylation is involved in shell formation. Although the ubiquitylation is supposed to be involved in every aspect of biophysical processes, our work connected the biomineralization-related proteins and the ubiquitylation mechanism in the extracellular matrix for the first time. This would promote our understanding of the shell biomineralization and the ubiquitylation processes. PMID:22558208

  6. Shape optimization of electrostatically driven microcantilevers using simulated annealing to enhance static travel range

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Trivedi, R. R.; Joglekar, M. M.; Shimpi, R. P.; Pawaskar, D. N.

    2013-12-01

    The objective of this paper is to present a systematic development of the generic shape optimization of elec- trostatically actuated microcantilever beams for extending their static travel range. Electrostatic actuators are widely used in micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) devices because of low power density and ease of fab- rication. However, their useful travel range is often restricted by a phenomenon known as pull-in instability. The Rayleigh- Ritz energy method is used for computation of pull-in parameters which includes electrostatic potential and fringing field effect. Appropriate width function and linear thickness functions are employed along the length of the non-prismatic beam to achieve enhanced travel range. Parameters used for varying the thick- ness and width functions are optimized using simulated annealing with pattern search method towards the end to refine the results. Appropriate penalties are imposed on the violation of volume, width, thickness and area constraints. Nine test cases are considered for demonstration of the said optimization method. Our results indicate that around 26% increase in the travel range of a non-prismatic beam can be achieved after optimiza- tion compared to that in a prismatic beam having the same volume. Our results also show an improvement in the pull-in displacement of around 5% compared to that of a variable width constant thickness actuator. We show that simulated annealing is an effective and flexible method to carry out design optimization of structural elements under electrostatic loading.

  7. Interrelated chemical-microstructural-nanomechanical variations in the structural units of the cuttlebone of Sepia officinalis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    North, L.; Labonte, D.; Oyen, M. L.; Coleman, M. P.; Caliskan, H. B.; Johnston, R. E.

    2017-11-01

    "Cuttlebone," the internalized shell found in all members of the cephalopod family Sepiidae, is a sophisticated buoyancy device combining high porosity with considerable strength. Using a complementary suite of characterization tools, we identified significant structural, chemical, and mechanical variations across the different structural units of the cuttlebone: the dorsal shield consists of two stiff and hard layers with prismatic mineral organization which encapsulate a more ductile and compliant layer with a lamellar structure, enriched with organic matter. A similar organization is found in the chambers, which are separated by septa, and supported by meandering plates ("pillars"). Like the dorsal shield, septa contain two layers with lamellar and prismatic organization, respectively, which differ significantly in their mechanical properties: layers with prismatic organization are a factor of three stiffer and up to a factor of ten harder than those with lamellar organization. The combination of stiff and hard, and compliant and ductile components may serve to reduce the risk of catastrophic failure, and reflect the role of organic matter for the growth process of the cuttlebone. Mechanically "weaker" units may function as sacrificial structures, ensuring a stepwise failure of the individual chambers in cases of overloading, allowing the animals to retain near-neutral buoyancy even with partially damaged cuttlebones. Our findings have implications for our understanding of the structure-property-function relationship of cuttlebone, and may help to identify novel bioinspired design strategies for light-weight yet high-strength foams.

  8. Tunnel Vision Prismatic Field Expansion: Challenges and Requirements

    PubMed Central

    Apfelbaum, Henry; Peli, Eli

    2015-01-01

    Purpose No prismatic solution for peripheral field loss (PFL) has gained widespread acceptance. Field extended by prisms has a corresponding optical scotoma at the prism apices. True expansion can be achieved when each eye is given a different view (through visual confusion). We analyze the effects of apical scotomas and binocular visual confusion in different designs to identify constraints on any solution that is likely to meet acceptance. Methods Calculated perimetry diagrams were compared to perimetry with PFL patients wearing InWave channel prisms and Trifield spectacles. Percept diagrams illustrate the binocular visual confusion. Results Channel prisms provide no benefit at primary gaze. Inconsequential extension was provided by InWave prisms, although accessible with moderate gaze shifts. Higher-power prisms provide greater extension, with greater paracentral scotoma loss, but require uncomfortable gaze shifts. Head turns, not eye scans, are needed to see regions lost to the apical scotomas. Trifield prisms provide field expansion at all gaze positions, but acceptance was limited by disturbing effects of central binocular visual confusion. Conclusions Field expansion when at primary gaze (where most time is spent) is needed while still providing unobstructed central vision. Paracentral multiplexing prisms we are developing that superimpose shifted and see-through views may accomplish that. Translational Relevance Use of the analyses and diagramming techniques presented here will be of value when considering prismatic aids for PFL, and could have prevented many unsuccessful designs and the improbable reports we cited from the literature. New designs must likely address the challenges identified here. PMID:26740910

  9. Tunnel Vision Prismatic Field Expansion: Challenges and Requirements.

    PubMed

    Apfelbaum, Henry; Peli, Eli

    2015-12-01

    No prismatic solution for peripheral field loss (PFL) has gained widespread acceptance. Field extended by prisms has a corresponding optical scotoma at the prism apices. True expansion can be achieved when each eye is given a different view (through visual confusion). We analyze the effects of apical scotomas and binocular visual confusion in different designs to identify constraints on any solution that is likely to meet acceptance. Calculated perimetry diagrams were compared to perimetry with PFL patients wearing InWave channel prisms and Trifield spectacles. Percept diagrams illustrate the binocular visual confusion. Channel prisms provide no benefit at primary gaze. Inconsequential extension was provided by InWave prisms, although accessible with moderate gaze shifts. Higher-power prisms provide greater extension, with greater paracentral scotoma loss, but require uncomfortable gaze shifts. Head turns, not eye scans, are needed to see regions lost to the apical scotomas. Trifield prisms provide field expansion at all gaze positions, but acceptance was limited by disturbing effects of central binocular visual confusion. Field expansion when at primary gaze (where most time is spent) is needed while still providing unobstructed central vision. Paracentral multiplexing prisms we are developing that superimpose shifted and see-through views may accomplish that. Use of the analyses and diagramming techniques presented here will be of value when considering prismatic aids for PFL, and could have prevented many unsuccessful designs and the improbable reports we cited from the literature. New designs must likely address the challenges identified here.

  10. Impacts of Space Shuttle thermal protection system tile on F-15 aircraft vertical tile

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ko, W. L.

    1985-01-01

    Impacts of the space shuttle thermal protection system (TPS) tile on the leading edge and the side of the vertical tail of the F-15 aircraft were analyzed under different TPS tile orientations. The TPS tile-breaking tests were conducted to simulate the TPS tile impacts. It was found that the predicted tile impact forces compare fairly well with the tile-breaking forces, and the impact forces exerted on the F-15 aircraft vertical tail were relatively low because a very small fraction of the tile kinetic energy was dissipated in the impact, penetration, and fracture of the tile. It was also found that the oblique impact of the tile on the side of the F-15 aircraft vertical tail was unlikely to dent the tail surface.

  11. Lipids from the nacreous and prismatic layers of two Pteriomorpha Mollusc shells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Farre, B.; Dauphin, Y.

    2009-04-01

    Mollusc shells are the best-known Ca-carbonate biominerals. They are commonly described as a mineralized two layered structure: an outer layer composed of calcite prismatic units, and an internal layer composed of tablets of aragonite: the nacreous layer. An external organic layer (periostracum) is present in most taxa. However, the most common structure in the Mollusc shell is the aragonite crossed lamellar layer, but aragonite prisms, calcite foliated layers and homogeneous layers have been also described by Boggild (1930) in all the Mollusc orders. Since, more detailed descriptions of Bivalve shells have been done (Taylor et al., 1969, 1973). Despite the nacroprismatic arrangement is rare, calcite prismatic and aragonite nacreous layers are the best studied because of their simple 3D structure and large units. Among these Molluscs, some Bivalve species composed of these two layers are of commercial interest, such as the pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, cultivated in French Polynesia to produce black pearls. It is well established that Mollusc shells are composite structures of organic and inorganic components (Hatchett, 1799; Grégoire et al., 1955; Beedham, 1958; Simkiss, 1965; Mutvei, 1969; Cuif et al., 1980; Berman et al., 1993; Kobayashi and Samata, 2006). Numerous studies are concerned with the organic matrix of the shell. Organic components are commonly obtained after a strong or mild decalcification process. They are said to consist of both a soluble and insoluble fraction. The main part of studies is dedicated to the soluble components, and among them, proteins (Grégoire et al., 1955; Grégoire, 1961; Krampitz et al., 1976; Samata et al., 1980, 2004; Weiner, 1983; Miyamoto et al., 2006). Despite the pioneering work of Wada (1980) sugars are usually neglected despite their role in biomineralization. The third component of the organic matrix of calcareous biominerals is lipids. To date, there is a paucity of information concerning the presence, abundance and composition of these components in Mollusc shells. Goulletquer and Wolowicz (1989) have estimated that proteins represent 90% of the organic matrix of the shell, carbohydrates vary from 0.15 to 0.29%, while lipids vary from 0.8 to 2.9%. Fatty acids, cholesterol, phytadienes and ketones have been described in modern and fossil shells (Cobabe and Pratt, 1995). Using a procedure to extract intra- and intercrystalline organic matrices, Collins et al. (1995) have detected n-alkanes, n-alcohols, fatty acids and sterols in modern shells. It is suggested that the contents and ratios of these components are dependant on the environment and phylogeny. Lipids of the nacreous layer of Pinctada are diverse, with cholesterol, fatty acids, triglycerides and other unknown components (Rousseau et al., 2006). It has been established that the main part of the soluble organic matrices of the nacreous layer is composed of acidic proteins (Samata, 1988, 1990), whereas the prismatic layer of Pinna is mainly composed of acidic and sulphated polysaccharides (Dauphin, 2002; Dauphin et al., 2003). The amino acid compositions of the two layers are also different (Samata, 1990). Because the organic matrices extracted from the aragonite nacre and calcite prisms are the best known materials, the lipids extracted from the calcite prisms of Pinna nobilis and Pinctada margaritifera and the aragonite nacre of P. margaritifera have been chosen as test material for characterisation of the lipid fraction of molusk shells. The nacreous layer of Pinctada is thick,whereas its prismatic layer is thin, and the prisms display complex structures. On the opposite, the calcitic prismatic layer of Pinna is thick, with no intraprismatic membranes, and its nacreous layer is thin and present only in the oldest part of the shell. Moreover, these layers have a simple geometry so that some organic components (membranes, wall…) said to be insoluble, are clearly visible. Lipids were extracted from the calcite prismatic and aragonite nacreous layer of two mollusc shells thanks organic solvents. Two methods were used for the characterisation of the lipid obtaiened Fourier Tranform Infrared Spectrometry and thin layed chromatography. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry shows that lipids are present in both samples, but they are not similar. Thin layer chromatography confirms that lipids are different in the two studied layers, so that it may be suggested they are species-dependant, but also structure-dependant. Although not yet deciphered, their role in biomineralization and fossilisation processes is probably important.

  12. Assessment of the perception of verticality and horizontality with self-paced saccades.

    PubMed

    Pettorossi, V E; Bambagioni, D; Bronstein, A M; Gresty, M A

    1998-07-01

    We investigated the ability of human subjects (Ss) to make self-paced saccades in the earth-vertical and horizontal directions (space-referenced task) and in the direction of the head-vertical and horizontal axis (self-referenced task) during whole body tilts of 0 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees in the frontal (roll) plane. Saccades were recorded in the dark with computerised video-oculography. During space-referenced tasks, the saccade vectors did not fully counter-rotate to compensate for larger angles of body tilt. This finding is in agreement with the 'A' effect reported for the visual vertical. The error was significantly larger for saccades intended to be space-horizontal than space-vertical. This vertico-horizontal dissociation implies greater difficulty in defining horizontality than verticality with the non-visual motor task employed. In contrast, normal Ss (and an alabyrinthine subject tested) were accurate in orienting saccades to their own (cranio-centric) vertical and horizontal axes regardless of tilt indicating that cranio-centric perception is robust and apparently not affected by gravitational influences.

  13. 49 CFR 572.194 - Shoulder.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ..., while the midsagittal plane of the dummy is in vertical orientation. (4) Push the dummy at the knees and... back until the back of the upper torso is in contact with the seat back. (5) While maintaining the...

  14. Tapered bed bioreactor

    DOEpatents

    Scott, Charles D.; Hancher, Charles W.

    1977-01-01

    A vertically oriented conically shaped column is used as a fluidized bed bioreactor wherein biologically catalyzed reactions are conducted in a continuous manner. The column utilizes a packing material a support having attached thereto a biologically active catalytic material.

  15. Hierarchical super-structure identified by polarized light microscopy, electron microscopy and nanoindentation: Implications for the limits of biological control over the growth mode of abalone sea shells

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Mollusc shells are commonly investigated using high-resolution imaging techniques based on cryo-fixation. Less detailed information is available regarding the light-optical properties. Sea shells of Haliotis pulcherina were embedded for polishing in defined orientations in order to investigate the interface between prismatic calcite and nacreous aragonite by standard materialographic methods. A polished thin section of the interface was prepared with a defined thickness of 60 μm for quantitative birefringence analysis using polarized light and LC-PolScope microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy images were obtained for comparison. In order to study structural-mechanical relationships, nanoindentation experiments were performed. Results Incident light microscopy revealed a super-structure in semi-transparent regions of the polished cross-section under a defined angle. This super-structure is not visible in transmitted birefringence analysis due to the blurred polarization of small nacre platelets and numerous organic interfaces. The relative orientation and homogeneity of calcite prisms was directly identified, some of them with their optical axes exactly normal to the imaging plane. Co-oriented "prism colonies" were identified by polarized light analyses. The nacreous super-structure was also visualized by secondary electron imaging under defined angles. The domains of the super-structure were interpreted to consist of crystallographically aligned platelet stacks. Nanoindentation experiments showed that mechanical properties changed with the same periodicity as the domain size. Conclusions In this study, we have demonstrated that insights into the growth mechanisms of nacre can be obtained by conventional light-optical methods. For example, we observed super-structures formed by co-oriented nacre platelets as previously identified using X-ray Photo-electron Emission Microscopy (X-PEEM) [Gilbert et al., Journal of the American Chemical Society 2008, 130:17519–17527]. Polarized optical microscopy revealed unprecedented super-structures in the calcitic shell part. This bears, in principle, the potential for in vivo studies, which might be useful for investigating the growth modes of nacre and other shell types. PMID:22967319

  16. Molecular Orientation in Two Component Vapor-Deposited Glasses: Effect of Substrate Temperature and Molecular Shape

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Powell, Charles; Jiang, Jing; Walters, Diane; Ediger, Mark

    Vapor-deposited glasses are widely investigated for use in organic electronics including the emitting layers of OLED devices. These materials, while macroscopically homogenous, have anisotropic packing and molecular orientation. By controlling this orientation, outcoupling efficiency can be increased by aligning the transition dipole moment of the light-emitting molecules parallel to the substrate. Light-emitting molecules are typically dispersed in a host matrix, as such, it is imperative to understand molecular orientation in two-component systems. In this study we examine two-component vapor-deposited films and the orientations of the constituent molecules using spectroscopic ellipsometry, UV-vis and IR spectroscopy. The role of temperature, composition and molecular shape as it effects molecular orientation is examined for mixtures of DSA-Ph in Alq3 and in TPD. Deposition temperature relative to the glass transition temperature of the two-component mixture is the primary controlling factor for molecular orientation. In mixtures of DSA-Ph in Alq3, the linear DSA-Ph has a horizontal orientation at low temperatures and slight vertical orientation maximized at 0.96Tg,mixture, analogous to one-component films.

  17. Axis of Eye Rotation Changes with Head-Pitch Orientation during Head Impulses about Earth-Vertical

    PubMed Central

    Schubert, Michael C.; Clendaniel, Richard A.; Carey, John P.; Della Santina, Charles C.; Minor, Lloyd B.; Zee, David S.

    2006-01-01

    The goal of this study was to assess how the axis of head rotation, Listing's law, and eye position influence the axis of eye rotation during brief, rapid head rotations. We specifically asked how the axis of eye rotation during the initial angular vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) changed when the pitch orientation of the head relative to Earth-vertical was varied, but the initial position of the eye in the orbit and the orientation of Listing's plane with respect to the head were fixed. We measured three-dimensional eye and head rotation axes in eight normal humans using the search coil technique during head-and-trunk (whole-body) and head-on-trunk (head-only) “impulses” about an Earth-vertical axis. The head was initially oriented at one of five pitch angles (30° nose down, 15° nose down, 0°, 15° nose up, 30° nose up). The fixation target was always aligned with the nasooccipital axis. Whole-body impulses were passive, unpredictable, manual, rotations with peak-amplitude of ∼20°, peak-velocity of ∼80°/s, and peak-acceleration of ∼1000°/s2. Head-only impulses were also passive, unpredictable, manual, rotations with peak-amplitude of ∼20°, peak-velocity of ∼150°/s, and peak-acceleration of ∼3000°/s2. During whole-body impulses, the axis of eye rotation tilted in the same direction, and by an amount proportional (0.51 ± 0.09), to the starting pitch head orientation (P < 0.05). This proportionality constant decreased slightly to 0.39 ± 0.08 (P < 0.05) during head-only impulses. Using the head-only impulse data, with the head pitched up, we showed that only 50% of the tilt in the axis of eye rotation could be predicted from vectorial summation of the gains (eye velocity/head velocity) obtained for rotations about the pure yaw and roll head axes. Thus, even when the orientation of Listing's plane and eye position in the orbit are fixed, the axis of eye rotation during the VOR reflects a compromise between the requirements of Listing's law and a perfectly compensatory VOR. PMID:16552499

  18. NEXUS - Resilient Intelligent Middleware

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaveh, N.; Hercock, R. Ghanea

    Service-oriented computing, a composition of distributed-object computing, component-based, and Web-based concepts, is becoming the widespread choice for developing dynamic heterogeneous software assets available as services across a network. One of the major strengths of service-oriented technologies is the high abstraction layer and large granularity level at which software assets are viewed compared to traditional object-oriented technologies. Collaboration through encapsulated and separately defined service interfaces creates a service-oriented environment, whereby multiple services can be linked together through their interfaces to compose a functional system. This approach enables better integration of legacy and non-legacy services, via wrapper interfaces, and allows for service composition at a more abstract level especially in cases such as vertical market stacks. The heterogeneous nature of service-oriented technologies and the granularity of their software components makes them a suitable computing model in the pervasive domain.

  19. The importance of vertical buildings in perception and memorising the city

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alihodzic, Rifat; Zupančič, Domen

    2018-03-01

    Being aware of the surrounding we live in, among other things, means establishing of spatial relationships between oneself and the environment, equally important as relationship between oneself and others. Environment consists of facilities and space. Space, "gift by itself", is defined by terrain topography, sky horizon, plants and animals. The architecture, as a profession, is interested in space created distinctively. Perception, as elementary process of consciousness and psychological life, deals with being conscious about something. In this case, physical structures that create a city. Psychological experience of urban environment is important factor having effect on perception, memorising and orientation in urban space. Gestalt psychology of perceiving is area applying to and significant for architecture either. The importance of vertical lies in its perceiving the gravitation, forming perceiving focus, landmark, for urban units and subunits to be memorised, creating spatial hierarchy and perception logics, remembering and orientation in space. This work analyses reasons for building upright with comparative analyses in their participation in space and on human psychology. This paper's purpose is to, using fundamental facts, show the importance of vertical buildings, not as a spatial use phenomenon, but also as significant phenomenon.

  20. The effects of printing orientation on the electrochemical behaviour of 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/carbon black electrodes.

    PubMed

    Bin Hamzah, Hairul Hisham; Keattch, Oliver; Covill, Derek; Patel, Bhavik Anil

    2018-06-14

    Additive manufacturing also known as 3D printing is being utilised in electrochemistry to reproducibly develop complex geometries with conductive properties. In this study, we explored if the electrochemical behavior of 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/carbon black electrodes was influenced by printing direction. The electrodes were printed in both horizontal and vertical directions. The horizsontal direction resulted in a smooth surface (HPSS electrode) and a comparatively rougher surface (HPRS electrode) surface. Electrodes were characterized using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. For various redox couples, the vertical printed (VP) electrode showed enhanced current response when compared the two electrode surfaces generated by horizontal print direction. No differences in the capacitive response was observed, indicating that the conductive surface area of all types of electrodes were identical. The VP electrode had reduced charge transfer resistance and uncompensated solution resistance when compared to the HPSS and HPRS electrodes. Overall, electrodes printed in a vertical direction provide enhanced electrochemical performance and our study indicates that print orientation is a key factor that can be used to enhance sensor performance.

  1. The paradox of vertical σ2 in foreland fold and thrust belts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tavani, Stefano

    2014-05-01

    Occurrence of aesthetically appealing thrust systems and associated large scale anticlines, in both active and fossil foreland fold and thrust belts, is commonly interpreted as an evidence for Andersonian compressional framework. Indeed, these structures would testify for a roughly vertical σ3. Such a correlation between thrusts occurrence and stress field orientation, however, frequently fails to explain denser observations at a smaller scale. The syn-orogenic deformation meso-structures hosted in exposed km-scale thrust-related folds, in fact, frequently and paradoxically witness for a syn-thrusting strike-slip stress configuration, with a near-vertical σ2 and a sub-horizontal σ3. This apparent widespread inconsistency between syn-orogenic meso-structures and stress field orientation is here named "the σ2 paradox". A possible explanation for such a paradox is provided by inherited extensional deformation structures commonly developed prior to thrusting, in the flexural foreland basins located ahead of fold and thrust belts. Thrust nucleation and propagation is facilitated and driven by the positive inversion of the extensional inheritances, and their subsequent linkage. This process eventually leads to the development of large reverse fault zones and can occur both in compressive and strike-slip stress configurations.

  2. Calibration of Low Cost Digital Camera Using Data from Simultaneous LIDAR and Photogrammetric Surveys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mitishita, E.; Debiasi, P.; Hainosz, F.; Centeno, J.

    2012-07-01

    Digital photogrammetric products from the integration of imagery and lidar datasets are a reality nowadays. When the imagery and lidar surveys are performed together and the camera is connected to the lidar system, a direct georeferencing can be applied to compute the exterior orientation parameters of the images. Direct georeferencing of the images requires accurate interior orientation parameters to perform photogrammetric application. Camera calibration is a procedure applied to compute the interior orientation parameters (IOPs). Calibration researches have established that to obtain accurate IOPs, the calibration must be performed with same or equal condition that the photogrammetric survey is done. This paper shows the methodology and experiments results from in situ self-calibration using a simultaneous images block and lidar dataset. The calibration results are analyzed and discussed. To perform this research a test field was fixed in an urban area. A set of signalized points was implanted on the test field to use as the check points or control points. The photogrammetric images and lidar dataset of the test field were taken simultaneously. Four strips of flight were used to obtain a cross layout. The strips were taken with opposite directions of flight (W-E, E-W, N-S and S-N). The Kodak DSC Pro SLR/c digital camera was connected to the lidar system. The coordinates of the exposition station were computed from the lidar trajectory. Different layouts of vertical control points were used in the calibration experiments. The experiments use vertical coordinates from precise differential GPS survey or computed by an interpolation procedure using the lidar dataset. The positions of the exposition stations are used as control points in the calibration procedure to eliminate the linear dependency of the group of interior and exterior orientation parameters. This linear dependency happens, in the calibration procedure, when the vertical images and flat test field are used. The mathematic correlation of the interior and exterior orientation parameters are analyzed and discussed. The accuracies of the calibration experiments are, as well, analyzed and discussed.

  3. 47 CFR 27.1235 - Post-transition notification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 27.1235 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) COMMON CARRIER SERVICES MISCELLANEOUS WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Broadband Radio Service and Educational Broadband Service...) The horizontal and vertical pattern of the antenna; (4) EIRP of the main lobe; (5) Orientation; (6...

  4. 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.

  5. Contactor/filter improvements

    DOEpatents

    Stelman, D.

    1988-06-30

    A contactor/filter arrangement for removing particulate contaminants from a gaseous stream is described. The filter includes a housing having a substantially vertically oriented granular material retention member with upstream and downstream faces, a substantially vertically oriented microporous gas filter element, wherein the retention member and the filter element are spaced apart to provide a zone for the passage of granular material therethrough. A gaseous stream containing particulate contaminants passes through the gas inlet means as well as through the upstream face of the granular material retention member, passing through the retention member, the body of granular material, the microporous gas filter element, exiting out of the gas outlet means. A cover screen isolates the filter element from contact with the moving granular bed. In one embodiment, the granular material is comprised of porous alumina impregnated with CuO, with the cover screen cleaned by the action of the moving granular material as well as by backflow pressure pulses. 6 figs.

  6. Autonomous orbital navigation using Kepler's equation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Boltz, F. W.

    1974-01-01

    A simple method of determining the six elements of elliptic satellite orbits has been developed for use aboard manned and unmanned spacecraft orbiting the earth, moon, or any planet. The system requires the use of a horizon sensor or other device for determining the local vertical, a precision clock or timing device, and Apollo-type navigation equipment including an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a digital computer, and a coupling data unit. The three elements defining the in-plane motion are obtained from simultaneous measurements of central angle traversed around the planet and elapsed flight time using a linearization of Kepler's equation about a reference orbit. It is shown how Kalman filter theory may also be used to determine the in-plane orbital elements. The three elements defining the orbit orientation are obtained from position angles in celestial coordinates derived from the IMU with the spacecraft vertically oriented after alignment of the IMU to a known inertial coordinate frame.

  7. Hetero-junction photovoltaic device and method of fabricating the device

    DOEpatents

    Aytug, Tolga; Christen, David K; Paranthaman, Mariappan Parans; Polat, Ozgur

    2014-02-10

    A hetero-junction device and fabrication method in which phase-separated n-type and p-type semiconductor pillars define vertically-oriented p-n junctions extending above a substrate. Semiconductor materials are selected for the p-type and n-type pillars that are thermodynamically stable and substantially insoluble in one another. An epitaxial deposition process is employed to form the pillars on a nucleation layer and the mutual insolubility drives phase separation of the materials. During the epitaxial deposition process, the orientation is such that the nucleation layer initiates propagation of vertical columns resulting in a substantially ordered, three-dimensional structure throughout the deposited material. An oxidation state of at least a portion of one of the p-type or the n-type semiconductor materials is altered relative to the other, such that the band-gap energy of the semiconductor materials differ with respect to stoichiometric compositions and the device preferentially absorbs particular selected bands of radiation.

  8. Figure ground segregation modulates perceived direction of ambiguous moving gratings and plaids.

    PubMed

    Tommasi, L; Vallortigara, G

    1999-02-01

    A translating oriented grating viewed through a circular aperture with an occluding area in the middle appeared to move alternately in an oblique or in a vertical direction depending on the foreground/background assignment on the central occluding area. The effect occurred even when the central area was simply removed from the display, thus giving rise to a 'subjective' occluder. Parametric studies revealed that the probability of seeing oblique or vertical motion was affected by the size of the central area but not by its contrast relationships with the grating. Similar phenomena of ambiguous motion direction were observed using changes in colour along a translating grating that produced neon colour spreading effects, or using oriented edge discontinuities that collapsed into subjective plaids composed of two one-dimensional gratings. These results are discussed with respect to the hypothesis that surface segmentation mechanisms play a crucial part in the interpretation of motion signals.

  9. Increased Sensitivity to Mirror Symmetry in Autism

    PubMed Central

    Perreault, Audrey; Gurnsey, Rick; Dawson, Michelle; Mottron, Laurent; Bertone, Armando

    2011-01-01

    Can autistic people see the forest for the trees? Ongoing uncertainty about the integrity and role of global processing in autism gives special importance to the question of how autistic individuals group local stimulus attributes into meaningful spatial patterns. We investigated visual grouping in autism by measuring sensitivity to mirror symmetry, a highly-salient perceptual image attribute preceding object recognition. Autistic and non-autistic individuals were asked to detect mirror symmetry oriented along vertical, oblique, and horizontal axes. Both groups performed best when the axis was vertical, but across all randomly-presented axis orientations, autistics were significantly more sensitive to symmetry than non-autistics. We suggest that under some circumstances, autistic individuals can take advantage of parallel access to local and global information. In other words, autistics may sometimes see the forest and the trees, and may therefore extract from noisy environments genuine regularities which elude non-autistic observers. PMID:21559337

  10. Experimental and simulation studies on the effect of suction opening orientation on solar vertical chimney

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, L. Madan Ananda; Sivaramakrishnan, V.; Premalatha, M.; Vivekanandan, M.

    2017-07-01

    The zero energy building considered is a single storey building in Tiruchirappalli city retrofitted with various green features. This study investigated the effect of a suction opening orientation on a vertical solar chimney (VSC), integrated into a one-storey building. It was designed, manufactured and tested through selection of different suction openings for the entry of air, including right, left, front, back, both right and left and both front and back sides. Genetic algorithm (GA) calculates maximum air flow rate for a building with VSC for better suction opening, in Tiruchirappalli's dry, environmental conditions. GA is a useful technique for finding an improved suction opening specifically in the presence of a host of independent parameters which are large. The obtained results are related to fluid flow temperature distribution along the chimney, mass flow rate and air change per hour. The findings between the GA and the experimental results show sound agreement.

  11. Interactions of light and gravity on growth, orientation, and lignin biosynthesis in mung beans

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jahns, G. C.

    1984-01-01

    Mung beans (Vigna radiata L.) seedlings grown on the third Space Transport Mission (STS-3) showed marked orientation problems (some of the stems elongated horizontally and many of the roots were growing upward) and had a lower lignin content than the ground based controls. This research was initiated to determine if the atypical growth characteristics of mung beans grown in microgravity could be simulated using horizontal clinostats. Most of the effort focused on the design, construction and testing of the clinostats. In order to closely approximate the growth conditions of the plants grown in the plant growth unit on STS-3, cylindrical lexan minichambers were constructed. Results showed that plants grown using these clinostats in the horizontal position exhibit similar growth characteristics to the plants grown on STS-3 (disorientation of both stems and roots), while the vertical stationary and vertical rotating controls exhibit normal growth.

  12. Collection of gravitropic effectors from mucilage of electrotropically-stimulated roots of Zea mays L

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fondren, W. M.; Moore, R.

    1987-01-01

    We placed agar blocks adjacent to tips of electrotropically stimulated primary roots of Zea mays. Blocks placed adjacent to the anode-side of the roots for 3 h induced significant curvature when subsequently placed asymmetrically on tips of vertically-oriented roots. Curvature was always toward the side of the root unto which the agar block was placed. Agar blocks not contacting roots and blocks placed adjacent to the cathode-side of electrotropically stimulated roots did not induce significant curvature when placed asymmetrically on tips of vertically-oriented roots. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry indicated that blocks adjacent to the anode-side of electrotropically-stimulated roots contained significantly more calcium than (1) blocks not contacting roots, and (2) blocks contacting the cathode-side of roots. These results demonstrate the presence of a gradient of endogenous Ca in mucilage of electrotropically-stimulated roots (i.e. roots undergoing gravitropic-like curvature).

  13. 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.

  14. Vertically aligned carbon nanofibers as sacrificial templates for nanofluidic structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Melechko, A. V.; McKnight, T. E.; Guillorn, M. A.; Merkulov, V. I.; Ilic, B.; Doktycz, M. J.; Lowndes, D. H.; Simpson, M. L.

    2003-02-01

    We report a method to fabricate nanoscale pipes ("nanopipes") suitable for fluidic transport. Vertically aligned carbon nanofibers grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition are used as sacrificial templates for nanopipes with internal diameters as small as 30 nm and lengths up to several micrometers that are oriented perpendicular to the substrate. This method provides a high level of control over the nanopipe location, number, length, and diameter, permitting them to be deterministically positioned on a substrate and arranged into arrays.

  15. Response of Buried Vertically Oriented Cylinders to Dynamic Loading,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-06-01

    BALSARA • , . / ,, _,-, -. 1i S ,LESPONSE OF BURIED VERTICALLY 9RIENTED CYLINDERS 𔃺 .-TO DINAMIC LOADING_ 9AYLE E. LRTOrwW&-N JIIMY P./BALSARA Nk...1.7, 2,8, and 4.0 inches). The end caps for the cylinders consisted of a steel shell filled with high- strength concrete; however, the end caps were...not designed to be test articles. The average concrete compressive strength of the cylinders on test day was 44.0 MPa (6,380 psi). The three DEOT

  16. Relation between the Fluctuating Wall Pressure and the Turbulent Structure of a Boundary Layer on a Cylinder in Axial Flow

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-08-12

    Shop for their expert assistance during thze design ard development ur the wind tunnel and experimental apparatus; Drs. Alan L. Kistler, Seth Lichter...vertical wind tunnel was designed and built for this research. I With the test section in a vertical orientation, gravity effects leading to cylinder sag...were eliminated. The overall design and layout of the wind tunnel, as well as specific design features incorporated into the wind tunnel to satisfy

  17. Construction Foundation Report for Seepage Control Adits Abiquiu Dam and Reservoir, New Mexico

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-02-02

    by broad folds and gentle regional dips to the north and west. Steeply dipping normal faults with a general north to northeast trend are common and...often exhibit throws in excess of 200 feet. Jointing is generally north-west to north-east and are nearly vertical to vertical. [1] The close of the...numerous minor joints. Joints faces in the mudstone are commonly striated and slickensided in random orientations. [1] The Agua Zarca Sandstone member of

  18. Spatial orientation of caloric nystagmus in semicircular canal-plugged monkeys.

    PubMed

    Arai, Yasuko; Yakushin, Sergei B; Cohen, Bernard; Suzuki, Jun-Ichi; Raphan, Theodore

    2002-08-01

    We studied caloric nystagmus before and after plugging all six semicircular canals to determine whether velocity storage contributed to the spatial orientation of caloric nystagmus. Monkeys were stimulated unilaterally with cold ( approximately 20 degrees C) water while upright, supine, prone, right-side down, and left-side down. The decline in the slow phase velocity vector was determined over the last 37% of the nystagmus, at a time when the response was largely due to activation of velocity storage. Before plugging, yaw components varied with the convective flow of endolymph in the lateral canals in all head orientations. Plugging blocked endolymph flow, eliminating convection currents. Despite this, caloric nystagmus was readily elicited, but the horizontal component was always toward the stimulated (ipsilateral) side, regardless of head position relative to gravity. When upright, the slow phase velocity vector was close to the yaw and spatial vertical axes. Roll components became stronger in supine and prone positions, and vertical components were enhanced in side down positions. In each case, this brought the velocity vectors toward alignment with the spatial vertical. Consistent with principles governing the orientation of velocity storage, when the yaw component of the velocity vector was positive, the cross-coupled pitch or roll components brought the vector upward in space. Conversely, when yaw eye velocity vector was downward in the head coordinate frame, i.e., negative, pitch and roll were downward in space. The data could not be modeled simply by a reduction in activity in the ipsilateral vestibular nerve, which would direct the velocity vector along the roll direction. Since there is no cross coupling from roll to yaw, velocity storage alone could not rotate the vector to fit the data. We postulated, therefore, that cooling had caused contraction of the endolymph in the plugged canals. This contraction would deflect the cupula toward the plug, simulating ampullofugal flow of endolymph. Inhibition and excitation induced by such cupula deflection fit the data well in the upright position but not in lateral or prone/supine conditions. Data fits in these positions required the addition of a spatially orientated, velocity storage component. We conclude, therefore, that three factors produce cold caloric nystagmus after canal plugging: inhibition of activity in ampullary nerves, contraction of endolymph in the stimulated canals, and orientation of eye velocity to gravity through velocity storage. Although the response to convection currents dominates the normal response to caloric stimulation, velocity storage probably also contributes to the orientation of eye velocity.

  19. The Effect of the Heat Flux on the Self-Ignition of Oriented Strand Board

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hirle, Siegfried; Balog, Karol

    2017-06-01

    This article deals with the initiation phase of flaming and smouldering burning of oriented strand board. The influence of heat flux on thermal degradation of OSB boards, time to ignition, heat release rate and mass loss rate using thermal analysis and vertical electrical radiation panel methods were studied. Significant information on the influence of the heat flux density and the thickness of the material on time to ignition was obtained.

  20. Boiling Visualization and Critical Heat Flux Phenomena In Narrow Rectangular Gap

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

    J. J. Kim; Y. H. Kim; S. J. Kim

    2004-12-01

    An experimental study was performed to investifate the pool boling critical hear flux (CHF) on one-dimensional inclined rectangular channels with narrow gaps by changing the orientation of a copper test heater assembly. In a pool of saturated water at atmospheric pressure, the test parameters include the gap sizes of 1,2,5, and 10 mm, andthe surface orientation angles from the downward facing position (180 degrees) to the vertical position (90 degress) respectively.

  1. Comparison of three underwater antennas for use in radiotelemetry

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Beeman, J.W.; Grant, C.; Haner, P.V.

    2004-01-01

    The radiation patterns of three versions of underwater radiotelemetry antennas were measured to compare the relative reception ranges in the horizontal and vertical planes, which are important considerations when designing detection systems. The received signal strengths of an antenna made by stripping shielding from a section of coaxial cable (stripped coax) and by two versions of a dipole antenna were measured at several orientations relative to a dipole transmit antenna under controlled field conditions. The received signal strengths were greater when the transmit and receive antennas were parallel to each other than when they were perpendicular, indicating that a parallel orientation provides optimal detection range. The horizontal plane radiation pattern of the flexible, stripped coax antenna was similar to that of a rigid dipole antenna, but movement of underwater stripped coax antennas in field applications could affect the orientation of transmit and receive antennas in some applications, resulting in decreased range and variation in received signal strengths. Compared with a standard dipole, a dipole antenna armored by housing within a polyvinyl chloride fitting had a smaller radiation pattern in the horizontal plane but a larger radiation pattern in the vertical plane. Each of these types of underwater antenna can be useful, but detection ranges can be maximized by choosing an appropriate antenna after consideration of the location, relation between transmit and receive antenna orientations, radiation patterns, and overall antenna resiliency.

  2. Approach for Improving the Integrated Sensor Orientation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mitishita, E.; Ercolin Filho, L.; Graça, N.; Centeno, J.

    2016-06-01

    The direct determination of exterior orientation parameters (EOP) of aerial images via integration of the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and GPS is often used in photogrammetric mapping nowadays. The accuracies of the EOP depend on the accurate parameters related to sensors mounting when the job is performed (offsets of the IMU relative to the projection centre and the angles of boresigth misalignment between the IMU and the photogrammetric coordinate system). In principle, when the EOP values do not achieve the required accuracies for the photogrammetric application, the approach, known as Integrated Sensor Orientation (ISO), is used to refine the direct EOP. ISO approach requires accurate Interior Orientation Parameters (IOP) and standard deviation of the EOP under flight condition. This paper investigates the feasibility of use the in situ camera calibration to obtain these requirements. The camera calibration uses a small sub block of images, extracted from the entire block. A digital Vexcel UltraCam XP camera connected to APPLANIX POS AVTM system was used to get two small blocks of images that were use in this study. The blocks have different flight heights and opposite flight directions. The proposed methodology improved significantly the vertical and horizontal accuracies of the 3D point intersection. Using a minimum set of control points, the horizontal and vertical accuracies achieved nearly one image pixel of resolution on the ground (GSD). The experimental results are shown and discussed.

  3. Effects of tool handle dimension and workpiece orientation and size on wrist ulnar/radial torque strength, usability and discomfort in a wrench task.

    PubMed

    Dianat, Iman; Rahimi, Soleyman; Nedaei, Moein; Asghari Jafarabadi, Mohammad; Oskouei, Ali E

    2017-03-01

    The effects of tool handle dimension (three modified designs of wrenches with 30-50 mm diameter cylindrical handles and traditional design with rectangular cross-sectional (5 mm × 25 mm) handle), workpiece orientation (vertical/horizontal) and workpiece size (small/large) as well as user's hand size on wrist ulnar/radial (U/R) torque strength, usability and discomfort, and also the relationship between these variables were evaluated in a maximum torque task using wrenches. The highest and lowest levels of maximal wrist U/R torque strength were recorded for the 30 mm diameter handle and traditional wrench design, respectively. The prototype handle with 30 mm diameter, together with 40 mm diameter handle, was also better than other designs as they received higher usability ratings and caused less discomfort. The mean wrist torque strength exerted on a vertically oriented workpiece (in the sagittal plane) was 23.8% higher than that exerted on a horizontally oriented one (in the transverse plane). The user's hand size had no effect on torque exertions. The wrist torque strength and usability were negatively correlated with hand and finger discomfort ratings. The results are also discussed in terms of their implications for hand tool and workstation configuration in torque tasks involving wrenches. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Dual-keel electrodynamic maglev system

    DOEpatents

    He, Jianliang; Wang, Zian; Rote, Donald M.; Coffey, Howard T.; Hull, John R.; Mulcahy, Thomas M.; Cal, Yigang

    1996-01-01

    A propulsion and stabilization system with a plurality of superconducting magnetic devices affixed to the dual-keels of a vehicle, where the superconducting magnetic devices produce a magnetic field when energized. The system also includes a plurality of figure-eight shaped null-flux coils affixed to opposing vertical sides of slots in a guideway. The figure-eight shaped null-flux coils are vertically oriented, laterally cross-connected in parallel, longitudinally connected in series, and continue the length of the vertical slots providing levitation and guidance force. An external power source energizes the figure-eight shaped null-flux coils to create a magnetic traveling wave that interacts with the magnetic field produced by the superconducting magnets to impart motion to the vehicle.

  5. A generalized method for multiple robotic manipulator programming applied to vertical-up welding

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fernandez, Kenneth R.; Cook, George E.; Andersen, Kristinn; Barnett, Robert Joel; Zein-Sabattou, Saleh

    1991-01-01

    The application is described of a weld programming algorithm for vertical-up welding, which is frequently desired for variable polarity plasma arc welding (VPPAW). The Basic algorithm performs three tasks simultaneously: control of the robotic mechanism so that proper torch motion is achieved while minimizing the sum-of-squares of joint displacement; control of the torch while the part is maintained in a desirable orientation; and control of the wire feed mechanism location with respect to the moving welding torch. Also presented is a modification of this algorithm which permits it to be used for vertical-up welding. The details of this modification are discussed and simulation examples are provided for illustration and verification.

  6. On the Magnitude and Orientation of Stress during Shock Metamorphism: Understanding Peak Ring Formation by Combining Observations and Models.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rae, A.; Poelchau, M.; Collins, G. S.; Timms, N.; Cavosie, A. J.; Lofi, J.; Salge, T.; Riller, U. P.; Ferrière, L.; Grieve, R. A. F.; Osinski, G.; Morgan, J. V.; Expedition 364 Science Party, I. I.

    2017-12-01

    Shock metamorphism occurs during the earliest moments after impact. The magnitude and orientation of shock leaves recordable signatures in rocks, which spatially vary across an impact structure. Consequently, observations of shock metamorphism can be used to understand deformation and its history within a shock wave, and to examine subsequent deformation during crater modification. IODP-ICDP Expedition 364 recovered nearly 600 m of shocked target rocks from the peak ring of the Chicxulub Crater. Samples from the expedition were used to measure the magnitude and orientation of shock in peak ring materials, and to determine the mechanism of peak-ring emplacement. Here, we present the results of petrographic analyses of the shocked granitic target rocks of the Chicxulub peak ring; using universal-stage optical microscopy, back-scattered electron images, and electron back-scatter diffraction. Deformation microstructures in quartz include planar deformation features (PDFs), feather features (FFs), which are unique to shock conditions, as well as planar fractures and crystal-plastic deformation bands. The assemblage of PDFs in quartz suggest that the peak-ring rocks experienced shock pressures of 15 GPa throughout the recovered drill core, and that the orientation of FFs are consistent with the present-day orientation of the maximum principal stress direction during shock is close to vertical. Numerical impact simulations of the impact event were run to determine the magnitude and orientation of principal stresses during shock and track those orientations throughout crater formation. Our results are remarkably consistent with the geological data, and accurately predict both the shock-pressure magnitudes, and the final near-vertical orientation of the direction of maximum principal stress in the shock wave. Furthermore, analysis of the state of stress throughout the impact event can be used to constrain the timing of fracture and fault orientations observed in the core. Our results quantitatively describe the deviatoric stress conditions of rocks in shock, which are consistent with observations of shock deformation. Our integrated analysis provides further support for the dynamic collapse model of peak-ring formation, and places dynamic constraints on the conditions of peak-ring formation.

  7. Some Experiments with Thin Prisms.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fernando, P. C. B.

    1980-01-01

    Described are several experiments, for a course in geometrical optics or for a college physics laboratory, which have a bearing on ophthalmic optics. Experiments include the single thin prism, crossed prisms, and the prismatic power of a lens. (Author/DS)

  8. Does a ‘turbophoretic’ effect account for layer concentrations of insects migrating in the stable night-time atmosphere?

    PubMed Central

    Reynolds, A.M; Reynolds, D.R; Riley, J.R

    2008-01-01

    Large migrating insects, such as noctuid moths and acridoid grasshoppers, flying within the stable nocturnal boundary layer commonly become concentrated into horizontal layers. These layers frequently occur near the top of the surface temperature inversion where warm fast-moving airflows provide good conditions for downwind migration. On some occasions, a layer may coincide with a higher altitude temperature maximum such as a subsidence inversion, while on others, it may seem unrelated to any obvious feature in the vertical profile of meteorological variables. Insects within the layers are frequently orientated, either downwind or at an angle to the wind, but the mechanisms involved in both layer formation and common orientation have remained elusive. Here, we show through the results of numerical simulations that if insects are treated as neutrally buoyant particles, they tend to be advected by vertical gusts (through the ‘turbophoretic’ mechanism) into layers in the atmosphere where the turbulent kinetic energy has local minima. These locations typically coincide with local maxima in the wind speed and/or air temperature, and they may also provide cues for orientation. However, the degree of layering predicted by this model is very much weaker than that observed in the field. We have therefore hypothesized that insects behave in a way that amplifies the turbophoretic effect by initiating climbs or descents in response to vertical gusts. New simulations incorporating this behaviour demonstrated the formation of layers that closely mimic field observations, both in the degree of concentration in layers and the rate at which they form. PMID:18611845

  9. Does a 'turbophoretic' effect account for layer concentrations of insects migrating in the stable night-time atmosphere?

    PubMed

    Reynolds, A M; Reynolds, D R; Riley, J R

    2009-01-06

    Large migrating insects, such as noctuid moths and acridoid grasshoppers, flying within the stable nocturnal boundary layer commonly become concentrated into horizontal layers. These layers frequently occur near the top of the surface temperature inversion where warm fast-moving airflows provide good conditions for downwind migration. On some occasions, a layer may coincide with a higher altitude temperature maximum such as a subsidence inversion, while on others, it may seem unrelated to any obvious feature in the vertical profile of meteorological variables. Insects within the layers are frequently orientated, either downwind or at an angle to the wind, but the mechanisms involved in both layer formation and common orientation have remained elusive. Here, we show through the results of numerical simulations that if insects are treated as neutrally buoyant particles, they tend to be advected by vertical gusts (through the 'turbophoretic' mechanism) into layers in the atmosphere where the turbulent kinetic energy has local minima. These locations typically coincide with local maxima in the wind speed and/or air temperature, and they may also provide cues for orientation. However, the degree of layering predicted by this model is very much weaker than that observed in the field. We have therefore hypothesized that insects behave in a way that amplifies the turbophoretic effect by initiating climbs or descents in response to vertical gusts. New simulations incorporating this behaviour demonstrated the formation of layers that closely mimic field observations, both in the degree of concentration in layers and the rate at which they form.

  10. A superior architecture of brightness enhancement for display backlighting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dross, Oliver; Parkyn, William A.; Chaves, Julio; Falicoff, Waqidi; Miñano, Juan Carlos; Benitez, Pablo; Alvarez, Roberto

    2006-08-01

    Brightness enhancement of backlighting for displays is typically achieved via crossed micro prismatic films that are introduced between a backlight unit and a transmissive (LCD) display. Prismatic films let pass light only into a restricted angular range, while, in conjunction with other reflective elements below the backlight, all other light is recycled within the backlight unit, thereby increasing the backlight luminance. This design offers no free parameters to influence the resulting light distribution and suffers from insufficient stray light control. A novel strategy of light recycling is introduced, using a microlens array in conjunction with a hole array in a reflective surface, that can provide higher luminance, superior stray light control, and can be designed to meet almost any desired emission pattern. Similar strategies can be applied to mix light from different colored LEDs being mounted upside down to shine into a backlight unit.

  11. Design and evaluation of a foam-filled hat-stiffened panel concept for aircraft primary structural applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ambur, Damodar R.

    1995-01-01

    A structurally efficient hat-stiffened panel concept that utilizes a structural foam as stiffener core has been designed for aircraft primary structural applications. This stiffener concept utilizes a manufacturing process that can be adapted readily to grid-stiffened structural configurations which possess inherent damage tolerance characteristics due to their multiplicity of load paths. The foam-filled hat-stiffener concept in a prismatically stiffened panel configuration is more efficient than most other stiffened panel configurations in a load range that is typical for both fuselage and wing structures. The prismatically stiffened panel concept investigated here has been designed using AS4/3502 preimpregnated tape and Rohacell foam core and evaluated for its buckling and postbuckling behavior with and without low-speed impact damage. The results from single-stiffener and multi-stiffener specimens suggest that this structural concept responds to loading as anticipated and has good damage tolerance characteristics.

  12. Solute effect on basal and prismatic slip systems of Mg.

    PubMed

    Moitra, Amitava; Kim, Seong-Gon; Horstemeyer, M F

    2014-11-05

    In an effort to design novel magnesium (Mg) alloys with high ductility, we present a first principles data based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT). The DFT was employed to calculate the generalized stacking fault energy curves, which can be used in the generalized Peierls-Nabarro (PN) model to study the energetics of basal slip and prismatic slip in Mg with and without solutes to calculate continuum scale dislocation core widths, stacking fault widths and Peierls stresses. The generalized stacking fault energy curves for pure Mg agreed well with other DFT calculations. Solute effects on these curves were calculated for nine alloying elements, namely Al, Ca, Ce, Gd, Li, Si, Sn, Zn and Zr, which allowed the strength and ductility to be qualitatively estimated based on the basal dislocation properties. Based on our multiscale methodology, a suggestion has been made to improve Mg formability.

  13. Optimum design using VICONOPT, a buckling and strength constraint program for prismatic assemblies of anisotropic plates

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Butler, R.; Williams, F. W.

    1992-01-01

    A computer program for obtaining the optimum (least mass) dimensions of the kind of prismatic assemblies of laminated, composite plates which occur in advanced aerospace construction is described. Rigorous buckling analysis (derived from exact member theory) and a tailored design procedure are used to produce designs which satisfy buckling and material strength constraints and configurational requirements. Analysis is two to three orders of magnitude quicker than FEM, keeps track of all the governing modes of failure and is efficiently adapted to give sensitivities and to maintain feasibility. Tailoring encourages convergence in fewer sizing cycles than competing programs and permits start designs which are a long way from feasible and/or optimum. Comparisons with its predecessor, PASCO, show that the program is more likely to produce an optimum, will do so more quickly in some cases, and remains accurate for a wider range of problems.

  14. Atomistic Simulation of Interstitial Dislocation Loop Evolution under Applied Stresses in BCC Iron

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

    Long, Xue Hao; Wang, Dong; Setyawan, Wahyu

    Evolution of an interstitial 1/2⟨111⟩ dislocation loop under tensile, shear, and torsion stresses is studied with molecular statics method. Under a tensile stress, the dependence of ultimate tensile strength on size of loop is calculated. The formation of small shear loops around the initial prismatic loop is confirmed as an intermediate state to form the final dislocation network. Under a shear stress, the rotation of a loop is observed not only by a change of the habit plane but also through a transformation between a shear and a prismatic loop. Under torsion, a perfect BCC crystal may undergo a BCCmore » to FCC or BCC to HCP transformation. The present work indicates that a 1/2⟨111⟩ loop can delay these transformations, resulting in the formation of micro-crack on the surface.« less

  15. Rational design of reconfigurable prismatic architected materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bertoldi, Katia; Overvelde, Johannes; Hoberman, Chuck; Weaver, James

    Advances in fabrication technologies are enabling the production of architected materials with unprecedented properties. While most of these materials are characterized by a fixed geometry,an intriguing avenue is to incorporate internal mechanisms capable of recon_guring their spatial architecture, therefore enabling tunable functionality. Inspired by the structural diversity and foldability of the prismatic geometries that can be constructed using the snapology origami-technique, here we introduce a robust design strategy based on space-filling polyhedra to create 3D reconfigurable materials comprising a periodic assembly of rigid plates and elastic hinges. Guided by numerical analysis and physical prototypes, we systematically explore the mobility of the designed structures and identify a wide range of qualitatively di_erent deformations and internal rearrangements. Given that the underlying principles are scale-independent, our strategy can be applied to design the next generation of reconfigurable structures and materials, ranging from transformable meter-scale architectures to nanoscale tunable photonic systems..

  16. Revised Point of Departure Design Options for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fittje, James E.; Borowski, Stanley K.; Schnitzler, Bruce

    2015-01-01

    In an effort to further refine potential point of departure nuclear thermal rocket engine designs, four proposed engine designs representing two thrust classes and utilizing two different fuel matrix types are designed and analyzed from both a neutronics and thermodynamic cycle perspective. Two of these nuclear rocket engine designs employ a tungsten and uranium dioxide cermet (ceramic-metal) fuel with a prismatic geometry based on the ANL-200 and the GE-710, while the other two designs utilize uranium-zirconium-carbide in a graphite composite fuel and a prismatic fuel element geometry developed during the Rover/NERVA Programs. Two engines are analyzed for each fuel type, a small criticality limited design and a 111 kN (25 klbf) thrust class engine design, which has been the focus of numerous manned mission studies, including NASA's Design Reference Architecture 5.0. slightly higher T/W ratios, but they required substantially more 235U.

  17. Efficient finite element simulation of slot spirals, slot radomes and microwave structures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gong, J.; Volakis, J. L.

    1995-01-01

    This progress report contains the following two documents: (1) 'Efficient Finite Element Simulation of Slot Antennas using Prismatic Elements' - A hybrid finite element-boundary integral (FE-BI) simulation technique is discussed to treat narrow slot antennas etched on a planar platform. Specifically, the prismatic elements are used to reduce the redundant sampling rates and ease the mesh generation process. Numerical results for an antenna slot and frequency selective surfaces are presented to demonstrate the validity and capability of the technique; and (2) 'Application and Design Guidelines of the PML Absorber for Finite Element Simulations of Microwave Packages' - The recently introduced perfectly matched layer (PML) uniaxial absorber for frequency domain finite element simulations has several advantages. In this paper we present the application of PML for microwave circuit simulations along with design guidelines to obtain a desired level of absorption. Different feeding techniques are also investigated for improved accuracy.

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

    Asamoto, Shingo, E-mail: asamoto@mail.saitama-u.ac.j; Ohtsuka, Ayumu; Kuwahara, Yuta

    In this paper, the effects of actual environmental actions on shrinkage, creep and shrinkage cracking of concrete are studied comprehensively. Prismatic specimens of plain concrete were exposed to three sets of artificial outdoor conditions with or without solar radiation and rain to examine the shrinkage. For the purpose of studying shrinkage cracking behavior, prismatic concrete specimens with reinforcing steel were also subjected to the above conditions at the same time. The shrinkage behavior is described focusing on the effects of solar radiation and rain based on the moisture loss. The significant environment actions to induce shrinkage cracks are investigated frommore » viewpoints of the amount of the shrinkage and the tensile strength. Finally, specific compressive creep behavior according to solar radiation and rainfall is discussed. It is found that rain can greatly inhibit the progresses of concrete shrinkage and creep while solar radiation is likely to promote shrinkage cracking and creep.« less

  19. An RGB approach to prismatic colours

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Theilmann, Florian; Grusche, Sascha

    2013-11-01

    Teaching prismatic colours usually boils down to establishing the take-home message that white light consists of ‘differently refrangible’ coloured rays. This approach explains the classical spectrum of seven colours but has its limitations, e.g. in discussing spectra from setups with higher resolution or in understanding the well saturated colours of simple edge spectra. Besides, the connection of physical wavelength and colour remains obscure—after all, colour and wavelength are not equivalent. In this paper, we suggest that teachers demonstrate these impressive experiments in the classroom by using a video projector and a prism to disperse black-and-white slit images. We introduce experimental and diagrammatic methods for establishing the connection between the original slit image and the wavelength composition of the resulting spectrum. From this (or any other given) wavelength composition, students can systematically derive the colours with a simple RGB approach, thus gaining a more accurate picture of the relation between wavelength and colour.

  20. Combined electrochemical, heat generation, and thermal model for large prismatic lithium-ion batteries in real-time applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Farag, Mohammed; Sweity, Haitham; Fleckenstein, Matthias; Habibi, Saeid

    2017-08-01

    Real-time prediction of the battery's core temperature and terminal voltage is very crucial for an accurate battery management system. In this paper, a combined electrochemical, heat generation, and thermal model is developed for large prismatic cells. The proposed model consists of three sub-models, an electrochemical model, heat generation model, and thermal model which are coupled together in an iterative fashion through physicochemical temperature dependent parameters. The proposed parameterization cycles identify the sub-models' parameters separately by exciting the battery under isothermal and non-isothermal operating conditions. The proposed combined model structure shows accurate terminal voltage and core temperature prediction at various operating conditions while maintaining a simple mathematical structure, making it ideal for real-time BMS applications. Finally, the model is validated against both isothermal and non-isothermal drive cycles, covering a broad range of C-rates, and temperature ranges [-25 °C to 45 °C].

  1. Improvement of infrared single-photon detectors absorptance by integrated plasmonic structures

    PubMed Central

    Csete, Mária; Sipos, Áron; Szalai, Anikó; Najafi, Faraz; Szabó, Gábor; Berggren, Karl K.

    2013-01-01

    Plasmonic structures open novel avenues in photodetector development. Optimized illumination configurations are reported to improve p-polarized light absorptance in superconducting-nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) comprising short- and long-periodic niobium-nitride (NbN) stripe-patterns. In OC-SNSPDs consisting of ~quarter-wavelength dielectric layer closed by a gold reflector the highest absorptance is attainable at perpendicular incidence onto NbN patterns in P-orientation due to E-field concentration at the bottom of nano-cavities. In NCAI-SNSPDs integrated with nano-cavity-arrays consisting of vertical and horizontal gold segments off-axis illumination in S-orientation results in polar-angle-independent perfect absorptance via collective resonances in short-periodic design, while in long-periodic NCAI-SNSPDs grating-coupled surface waves promote EM-field transportation to the NbN stripes and result in local absorptance maxima. In NCDAI-SNSPDs integrated with nano-cavity-deflector-array consisting of longer vertical gold segments large absorptance maxima appear in 3p-periodic designs due to E-field enhancement via grating-coupled surface waves synchronized with the NbN stripes in S-orientation, which enable to compensate fill-factor-related retrogression. PMID:23934331

  2. A comparison of blood loss during the Halal slaughter of lambs following Traditional Religious Slaughter without stunning, Electric Head-Only Stunning and Post-Cut Electric Head-Only Stunning.

    PubMed

    Khalid, Rizvan; Knowles, Toby G; Wotton, Steve B

    2015-12-01

    Blood lost at exsanguination during the Halal slaughter of lambs was compared between the slaughter methods of Traditional Religious Slaughter without stunning (TRS), Electric Head-Only Stunning (EHOS) and Post-Cut Electric Head-Only Stunning (PCEHOS). Two protocols were examined, Experimental (80 lambs) and Commercial (360 lambs), assessing varying periods of animal orientation during the 4 min bleeding process (upright orientation before vertical hanging). Live-weight, blood weight (Experimental only), carcass weights and by-product weights were recorded. The Experimental protocol highlighted an increase in blood loss at 60s in EHOS and PCEHOS compared to TRS (P<0.001) but by 90 s there was no significant difference. A post-slaughter change in animal orientation from an upright to a vertical hanging position aided the amount of blood loss. The bleeding of lambs is largely completed by 2 min. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in final blood loss between treatments. This research was undertaken to inform discussion on the merits of different slaughter methods compatible with Halal requirements. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  3. The possible involvement of root-cap mucilage in gravitropism and calcium movement across root tips of Allium cepa L

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Moore, R.; Fondren, W. M.

    1986-01-01

    Roots of Allium cepa L. grown in aerated water elongate rapidly, but are not graviresponsive. These roots (1) possess extensive columella tissues comprised of cells containing numerous sedimented amyloplasts, (2) lack mucilage on their tips, and (3) are characterized by a weakly polar movement of calcium (Ca) across their tips. Placing roots in humid air correlates positively with the (1) onset of gravicurvature, (2) appearance of mucilage on tips of the roots, and (3) onset of the ability to transport Ca polarly to the lower side of the root tip. Gravicurvature of roots previously submerged in aerated water is more rapid when roots are oriented vertically for 1-2 h in humid air prior to being oriented horizontally. The more rapid gravicurvature of these roots correlates positively with the accumulation of mucilage at the tips of roots during the time the roots are oriented vertically. Therefore, the onset of gravicurvature and the ability of roots to transport Ca to the lower sides of their tips correlate positively with the presence of mucilage at their tips. These results suggest that mucilage may be important for the transport of Ca across root caps.

  4. Genus Ranges of 4-Regular Rigid Vertex Graphs

    PubMed Central

    Buck, Dorothy; Dolzhenko, Egor; Jonoska, Nataša; Saito, Masahico; Valencia, Karin

    2016-01-01

    A rigid vertex of a graph is one that has a prescribed cyclic order of its incident edges. We study orientable genus ranges of 4-regular rigid vertex graphs. The (orientable) genus range is a set of genera values over all orientable surfaces into which a graph is embedded cellularly, and the embeddings of rigid vertex graphs are required to preserve the prescribed cyclic order of incident edges at every vertex. The genus ranges of 4-regular rigid vertex graphs are sets of consecutive integers, and we address two questions: which intervals of integers appear as genus ranges of such graphs, and what types of graphs realize a given genus range. For graphs with 2n vertices (n > 1), we prove that all intervals [a, b] for all a < b ≤ n, and singletons [h, h] for some h ≤ n, are realized as genus ranges. For graphs with 2n − 1 vertices (n ≥ 1), we prove that all intervals [a, b] for all a < b ≤ n except [0, n], and [h, h] for some h ≤ n, are realized as genus ranges. We also provide constructions of graphs that realize these ranges. PMID:27807395

  5. [Associative Learning between Orientation and Color in Early Visual Areas].

    PubMed

    Amano, Kaoru; Shibata, Kazuhisa; Kawato, Mitsuo; Sasaki, Yuka; Watanabe, Takeo

    2017-08-01

    Associative learning is an essential neural phenomenon where the contingency of different items increases after training. Although associative learning has been found to occur in many brain regions, there is no clear evidence that associative learning of visual features occurs in early visual areas. Here, we developed an associative decoded functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback (A-DecNef) to determine whether associative learning of color and orientation can be induced in early visual areas. During the three days' training, A-DecNef induced fMRI signal patterns that corresponded to a specific target color (red) mostly in early visual areas while a vertical achromatic grating was simultaneously, physically presented to participants. Consequently, participants' perception of "red" was significantly more frequently than that of "green" in an achromatic vertical grating. This effect was also observed 3 to 5 months after training. These results suggest that long-term associative learning of two different visual features such as color and orientation, was induced most likely in early visual areas. This newly extended technique that induces associative learning may be used as an important tool for understanding and modifying brain function, since associations are fundamental and ubiquitous with respect to brain function.

  6. Sensory substitution in bilateral vestibular a-reflexic patients

    PubMed Central

    Alberts, Bart B G T; Selen, Luc P J; Verhagen, Wim I M; Medendorp, W Pieter

    2015-01-01

    Patients with bilateral vestibular loss have balance problems in darkness, but maintain spatial orientation rather effectively in the light. It has been suggested that these patients compensate for vestibular cues by relying on extravestibular signals, including visual and somatosensory cues, and integrating them with internal beliefs. How this integration comes about is unknown, but recent literature suggests the healthy brain remaps the various signals into a task-dependent reference frame, thereby weighting them according to their reliability. In this paper, we examined this account in six patients with bilateral vestibular a-reflexia, and compared them to six age-matched healthy controls. Subjects had to report the orientation of their body relative to a reference orientation or the orientation of a flashed luminous line relative to the gravitational vertical, by means of a two-alternative-forced-choice response. We tested both groups psychometrically in upright position (0°) and 90° sideways roll tilt. Perception of body tilt was unbiased in both patients and controls. Response variability, which was larger for 90° tilt, did not differ between groups, indicating that body somatosensory cues have tilt-dependent uncertainty. Perception of the visual vertical was unbiased when upright, but showed systematic undercompensation at 90° tilt. Variability, which was larger for 90° tilt than upright, did not differ between patients and controls. Our results suggest that extravestibular signals substitute for vestibular input in patients’ perception of spatial orientation. This is in line with the current status of rehabilitation programs in acute vestibular patients, targeting at recognizing body somatosensory signals as a reliable replacement for vestibular loss. PMID:25975644

  7. Optokinetic and vestibular stimulation determines the spatial orientation of negative optokinetic afternystagmus in the rabbit.

    PubMed

    Pettorossi, V E; Errico, P; Ferraresi, A; Barmack, N H

    1999-02-15

    Prolonged binocular optokinetic stimulation (OKS) in the rabbit induces a high-velocity negative optokinetic afternystagmus (OKAN II) that persists for several hours. We have taken advantage of this uniform nystagmus to study how changes in static head orientation in the pitch plane might influence the orientation of the nystagmus. After horizontal OKS, the rotation axis of the OKAN II remained almost constant in space as it was kept aligned with the gravity vector when the head was pitched by as much as 80 degrees up and 35 degrees down. Moreover, during reorientation, slow-phase eye velocity decreased according to the head pitch angle. Thereafter, we analyzed the space orientation of OKAN II after optokinetic stimulation during which the head and/or the OKS were pitched upward and downward. The rotation axis of OKAN II did not remain aligned with an earth vertical axis nor a head vertical axis, but it tended to be aligned with that of the OKS respace. The slow-phase eye velocity of OKAN II was also affected by the head pitch angle during OKS, because maximal OKAN II velocity occurred at the same head pitch angle as that during optokinetic stimulation. We suggest that OKAN II is coded in gravity-centered rather than in head-centered coordinates, but that this coordinate system may be influenced by optokinetic and vestibular stimulation. Moreover, the velocity attenuation of OKAN II seems to depend on the mismatch between the space-centered nystagmus rotation axis orientation and that of the "remembered" head-centered optokinetic pathway activated by OKS.

  8. Natural convection immersion cooling of an array of vertically oriented heated protrusions in an enclosure filled with a dielectric liquid: Effects of enclosure width, Prandtl number and component orientation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matthews, Scott T.

    1991-12-01

    The natural convection heat transfer characteristics of a 3 x 3 array of vertically oriented heated protrusions, immersed in a dielectric liquid, were investigated. Aluminum blocks, 24 x 8 x 6 mm, were used to simulate 20 pin dual in-line packages. Surface temperature measurements of the components were made by imbedding copper-constantan thermocouples below the surface of each component face. A constant heat flux was provided to each component using an Inconel foil heating element. Power supplied to each component varied from 0.115 to 2.90 W. The aluminum blocks were mounted on a plexiglass substrate to form a 3 x 3 array of simulated electronic components. The circuit board containing the components was placed in a rectangular, plexiglass enclosure with inner dimensions: L = 203.2 mm H = 152.0 mm W = 82.6 mm, and a wall thickness of 25.4 mm. The upper boundary was maintained at 10 C, while all other exterior surfaces were insulated. The chamber width, measured from the surface of the circuit board to the opposite, inner wall of the enclosure, was varied from 42 to 7 mm by inserting plexiglass spacers into the enclosure. Two dielectric liquids, FC-75 and FC-43, were used as working fluids. Nondimensional data from this study was combined with the data obtained for a horizontal component orientation, to develop an empirical correlation which predicts the Nusselt number as a function of Rayleigh number, Prandtl number, component orientation, and chamber width.

  9. Near Surface Investigation of Agricultural Soils using a Multi-Frequency Electromagnetic Sensor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sadatcharam, K.; Unc, A.; Krishnapillai, M.; Cheema, M.; Galagedara, L.

    2017-12-01

    Electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensors have been used as precision agricultural tools over decades. They are being used to measure spatiotemporal variability of soil properties and soil stratification in the sense of apparent electrical conductivity (ECa). We mapped the ECa variability by horizontal coplanar (HCP) and by vertical coplanar (VCP) orientation of a multi-frequency EMI sensor and identified its interrelation with physical properties of soil. A broadband, multi-frequency handheld EMI sensor (GEM-2) was used on a loamy sand soil cultivated with silage-corn in western Newfoundland, Canada. Log and line spaced, three frequency ranges (weak, low, and high), based on the factory calibration were tested using HCP and VCP orientation to produce spatiotemporal data of ECa. In parallel, we acquired data on soil moisture content, texture and bulk density. We then assessed the statistical significance of the relationship between ECa and soil physical properties. The test site had three areas of distinct soil properties corresponding to the elevation, in particular. The same spatial variability was also identified by ECa mapping at different frequencies and the two modes of coil orientations. Data analysis suggested that the high range frequency (38 kHz (log-spaced) and 49 kHz (line-spaced)) for both HCP and VCP orientations produced accurate ECa maps, better than the weak and low range frequencies tested. Furthermore, results revealed that the combined effects of soil texture, moisture content and bulk density affect ECameasurements as obtained by both frequencies and two coil orientations. Keywords: Apparent electrical conductivity, Electromagnetic induction, Horizontal coplanar, Soil properties, Vertical coplanar

  10. Optimized Radiator Geometries for Hot Lunar Thermal Environments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ochoa, Dustin

    2013-01-01

    The optimum radiator configuration in hot lunar thermal environments is one in which the radiator is parallel to the ground and has no view to the hot lunar surface. However, typical spacecraft configurations have limited real estate available for top-mounted radiators, resulting in a desire to use the spacecraft's vertically oriented sides. Vertically oriented, flat panel radiators will have a large view factor to the lunar surface, and thus will be subjected to significant incident lunar infrared heat. Consequently, radiator fluid temperatures will need to exceed approximately 325 K (assuming standard spacecraft radiator optical properties) in order to provide positive heat rejection at lunar noon. Such temperatures are too high for crewed spacecraft applications in which a heat pump is to be avoided. A recent study of vertically oriented radiator configurations subjected to lunar noon thermal environments led to the discovery of a novel radiator concept that yielded positive heat rejection at lower fluid temperatures. This radiator configuration, called the Intense Thermal Infrared Reflector (ITIR), has exhibited superior performance to all previously analyzed concepts in terms of heat rejection in the lunar noon thermal environment. A key benefit of ITIR is the absence of louvers or other moving parts and its simple geometry (no parabolic shapes). ITIR consists of a specularly reflective shielding surface and a diffuse radiating surface joined to form a horizontally oriented V-shape (shielding surface on top). The point of intersection of these surfaces is defined by two angles, those which define the tilt of each surface with respect to the local horizontal. The optimum set of these angles is determined on a case-by-case basis. The idea assumes minimal conductive heat transfer between shielding and radiating surfaces, and a practical design would likely stack sets of these surfaces on top of one another to reduce radiator thickness.

  11. Exploring point-cloud features from partial body views for gender classification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fouts, Aaron; McCoppin, Ryan; Rizki, Mateen; Tamburino, Louis; Mendoza-Schrock, Olga

    2012-06-01

    In this paper we extend a previous exploration of histogram features extracted from 3D point cloud images of human subjects for gender discrimination. Feature extraction used a collection of concentric cylinders to define volumes for counting 3D points. The histogram features are characterized by a rotational axis and a selected set of volumes derived from the concentric cylinders. The point cloud images are drawn from the CAESAR anthropometric database provided by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Human Effectiveness Directorate and SAE International. This database contains approximately 4400 high resolution LIDAR whole body scans of carefully posed human subjects. Success from our previous investigation was based on extracting features from full body coverage which required integration of multiple camera images. With the full body coverage, the central vertical body axis and orientation are readily obtainable; however, this is not the case with a one camera view providing less than one half body coverage. Assuming that the subjects are upright, we need to determine or estimate the position of the vertical axis and the orientation of the body about this axis relative to the camera. In past experiments the vertical axis was located through the center of mass of torso points projected on the ground plane and the body orientation derived using principle component analysis. In a natural extension of our previous work to partial body views, the absence of rotational invariance about the cylindrical axis greatly increases the difficulty for gender classification. Even the problem of estimating the axis is no longer simple. We describe some simple feasibility experiments that use partial image histograms. Here, the cylindrical axis is assumed to be known. We also discuss experiments with full body images that explore the sensitivity of classification accuracy relative to displacements of the cylindrical axis. Our initial results provide the basis for further investigation of more complex partial body viewing problems and new methods for estimating the two position coordinates for the axis location and the unknown body orientation angle.

  12. Design and performance characteristics of a mechanically driven vestibular stimulator.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1964-01-01

    In order to determine basic response characteristics of mammalian vestibular systems, the sytems so important for spatial orientation, a device to provide programs of controlled angular accelerations about the vertical axis was required. The small ro...

  13. Gravity Gradient Tensor of Arbitrary 3D Polyhedral Bodies with up to Third-Order Polynomial Horizontal and Vertical Mass Contrasts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ren, Zhengyong; Zhong, Yiyuan; Chen, Chaojian; Tang, Jingtian; Kalscheuer, Thomas; Maurer, Hansruedi; Li, Yang

    2018-03-01

    During the last 20 years, geophysicists have developed great interest in using gravity gradient tensor signals to study bodies of anomalous density in the Earth. Deriving exact solutions of the gravity gradient tensor signals has become a dominating task in exploration geophysics or geodetic fields. In this study, we developed a compact and simple framework to derive exact solutions of gravity gradient tensor measurements for polyhedral bodies, in which the density contrast is represented by a general polynomial function. The polynomial mass contrast can continuously vary in both horizontal and vertical directions. In our framework, the original three-dimensional volume integral of gravity gradient tensor signals is transformed into a set of one-dimensional line integrals along edges of the polyhedral body by sequentially invoking the volume and surface gradient (divergence) theorems. In terms of an orthogonal local coordinate system defined on these edges, exact solutions are derived for these line integrals. We successfully derived a set of unified exact solutions of gravity gradient tensors for constant, linear, quadratic and cubic polynomial orders. The exact solutions for constant and linear cases cover all previously published vertex-type exact solutions of the gravity gradient tensor for a polygonal body, though the associated algorithms may differ in numerical stability. In addition, to our best knowledge, it is the first time that exact solutions of gravity gradient tensor signals are derived for a polyhedral body with a polynomial mass contrast of order higher than one (that is quadratic and cubic orders). Three synthetic models (a prismatic body with depth-dependent density contrasts, an irregular polyhedron with linear density contrast and a tetrahedral body with horizontally and vertically varying density contrasts) are used to verify the correctness and the efficiency of our newly developed closed-form solutions. Excellent agreements are obtained between our solutions and other published exact solutions. In addition, stability tests are performed to demonstrate that our exact solutions can safely be used to detect shallow subsurface targets.

  14. Sensitivity Profile for Orientation Selectivity in the Visual Cortex of Goggle-Reared Mice

    PubMed Central

    Yoshida, Takamasa; Ozawa, Katsuya; Tanaka, Shigeru

    2012-01-01

    It has been widely accepted that ocular dominance in the responses of visual cortical neurons can change depending on visual experience in a postnatal period. However, experience-dependent plasticity for orientation selectivity, which is another important response property of visual cortical neurons, is not yet fully understood. To address this issue, using intrinsic signal imaging and two-photon calcium imaging we attempted to observe the alteration of orientation selectivity in the visual cortex of juvenile and adult mice reared with head-mounted goggles, through which animals can experience only the vertical orientation. After one week of goggle rearing, the density of neurons optimally responding to the exposed orientation increased, while that responding to unexposed orientations decreased. These changes can be interpreted as a reallocation of preferred orientations among visually responsive neurons. Our obtained sensitivity profile for orientation selectivity showed a marked peak at 5 weeks and sustained elevation at 12 weeks and later. These features indicate the existence of a critical period between 4 and 7 weeks and residual orientation plasticity in adult mice. The presence of a dip in the sensitivity profile at 10 weeks suggests that different mechanisms are involved in orientation plasticity in childhood and adulthood. PMID:22792390

  15. Vertical gaze angle: absolute height-in-scene information for the programming of prehension.

    PubMed

    Gardner, P L; Mon-Williams, M

    2001-02-01

    One possible source of information regarding the distance of a fixated target is provided by the height of the object within the visual scene. It is accepted that this cue can provide ordinal information, but generally it has been assumed that the nervous system cannot extract "absolute" information from height-in-scene. In order to use height-in-scene, the nervous system would need to be sensitive to ocular position with respect to the head and to head orientation with respect to the shoulders (i.e. vertical gaze angle or VGA). We used a perturbation technique to establish whether the nervous system uses vertical gaze angle as a distance cue. Vertical gaze angle was perturbed using ophthalmic prisms with the base oriented either up or down. In experiment 1, participants were required to carry out an open-loop pointing task whilst wearing: (1) no prisms; (2) a base-up prism; or (3) a base-down prism. In experiment 2, the participants reached to grasp an object under closed-loop viewing conditions whilst wearing: (1) no prisms; (2) a base-up prism; or (3) a base-down prism. Experiment 1 and 2 provided clear evidence that the human nervous system uses vertical gaze angle as a distance cue. It was found that the weighting attached to VGA decreased with increasing target distance. The weighting attached to VGA was also affected by the discrepancy between the height of the target, as specified by all other distance cues, and the height indicated by the initial estimate of the position of the supporting surface. We conclude by considering the use of height-in-scene information in the perception of surface slant and highlight some of the complexities that must be involved in the computation of environmental layout.

  16. Relative Impacts of Low Permeability Subsurface Deposits on Recharge Basin Infiltration Rates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oconnell, P.; Becker, M.; Pham, C.; Rodriguez, G.; Hutchinson, A.; Plumlee, M.

    2017-12-01

    Artificial recharge of aquifers through spreading basins has become an important component of water management in semi-arid climates. The rate at which water can be recharged in these basins is limited by the natural vertical permeability of the underlying deposits which may be highly variable both laterally and vertically. To help understand hydrostratigraphic controls on recharge, a newly constructed basin was surveyed and instrumented. Prior to flooding the basin, lithology was characterized by shallow hand coring, direct push coring, ground penetrating radar, and electrical resistivity. After flooding, recharge was monitored through piezometers, electrical resistivity, and a network of fiber optic distributed temperature sensing (DTS). The DTS network used temperature as a tracer to measure infiltration rate on 25 cm intervals both laterally and vertically. Several hundred paired DTS time series datasets (from fiber optic cables located at 0 and 0.5 meters below ground surface) were processed with the cross-wavelet transform (XWT) to calculate spatially and temporally continuous infiltration rates, which can be interpolated and animated to visualize heterogeneity. Time series data from 8-meter deep, vertically oriented DTS cables reveal depth intervals where infiltration rates vary. Inverted resistivity sections from repeated dipole-dipole surveys along the sidewall of a spreading basin exhibit a positive correlation with the distribution of relatively high and low infiltration rates, indicating zones of preferential downward (efficient) and lateral (inefficient) flow, respectively. In contrast to other monitored basins, no perching was observed in the vertically oriented DTS cables. The variation in recharge across the basin and the appearance of subsurface lateral flow can be explained in context of the alluvial depositional environment.

  17. Vapor-liquid-solid epitaxial growth of Si 1-xGe x alloy nanowires. Composition dependence on precursor reactivity and morphology control for vertical forests

    DOE PAGES

    Choi, S. G.; Manandhar, P.; Picraux, S. T.

    2015-07-07

    The growth of high-density group IV alloy nanowire forests is critical for exploiting their unique functionalities in many applications. Here, the compositional dependence on precursor reactivity and optimized conditions for vertical growth are studied for Si 1- x Ge x alloy nanowires grown by the vapor-liquid-solid method. The nanowire composition versus gas partial-pressure ratio for germane-silane and germane-disilane precursor combinations is obtained at 350°C over a wide composition range (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.98) and a generalized model to predict composition for alloy nanowires is developed based on the relative precursor partial pressures and reactivity ratio. In combination with germane,more » silane provides more precise compositional control at high Ge concentrations (x > 0.7), whereas disilane greatly increases the Si concentration for a given gas ratio and enables more precise alloy compositional control at small Ge concentrations (x < 0.3). Vertically oriented, non-kinking nanowire forest growth on Si (111) substrates is then discussed for silane/germane over a wide range of compositions, with temperature and precursor partial pressure optimized by monitoring the nanowire growth front using in-situ optical reflectance. For high Ge compositions (x ≈ 0.9), a “two-step” growth approach with nucleation at higher temperatures results in nanowires with high-density and uniform vertical orientation. Furthermore, increasing Si content (x ≈ 0.8), the optimal growth window is shifted to higher temperatures, which minimizes nanowire kinking morphologies. For Si-rich Si 1- x Ge x alloys (x ≈ 0.25), vertical nanowire growth is enhanced by single-step, higher-temperature growth at reduced pressures.« less

  18. Virtual remote center of motion control for needle placement robots.

    PubMed

    Boctor, Emad M; Webster, Robert J; Mathieu, Herve; Okamura, Allison M; Fichtinger, Gabor

    2004-01-01

    We present an algorithm that enables percutaneous needle-placement procedures to be performed with unencoded, unregistered, minimally calibrated robots while removing the constraint of placing the needle tip on a mechanically enforced Remote Center of Motion (RCM). The algorithm requires only online tracking of the surgical tool and a five-degree-of-freedom (5-DOF) robot comprising three prismatic DOF and two rotational DOF. An incremental adaptive motion control cycle guides the needle to the insertion point and also orients it to align with the target-entry-point line. The robot executes RCM motion without having a physically constrained fulcrum point. The proof-of-concept prototype system achieved 0.78 mm translation accuracy and 1.4 degrees rotational accuracy (this is within the tracker accuracy) within 17 iterative steps (0.5-1 s). This research enables robotic assistant systems for image-guided percutaneous procedures to be prototyped/constructed more quickly and less expensively than has been previously possible. Since the clinical utility of such systems is clear and has been demonstrated in the literature, our work may help promote widespread clinical adoption of this technology by lowering system cost and complexity.

  19. In-situ analysis of the slip activity during tensile deformation of cast and extruded Mg-10Gd-3Y-0.5Zr (wt.%) at 250 °C

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

    Wang, H.; The State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240; Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824

    The slip activity and slip interaction in tensile deformation of peak-aged cast and extruded Mg-10Gd-3Y-0.5Zr (wt.%) at 250 °C was investigated using in-situ scanning electron microscopy. Basal slip was the most likely system to be activated during the tensile deformation, while prismatic < a > and pyramidal < c + a > slip also contributed to the deformation. No twinning was observed. The number of non-basal slip systems accounted for ~ 36% of the total active slip systems for the cast alloy, while non-basal slip accounted for 12–17% of the total deformation observations in the extruded alloy. Multiple-slip was observedmore » within grains, and the basal/prismatic pairing type dominated the multiple-slip observations. Slip transfer occurred across grain boundaries and most of the slip transfer observations showed basal-basal type. The involved slip systems of slip transfer pairs were always associated with the same < a > direction. The slip transfer occurred more easily at low angle boundaries (LABs) and boundaries with misorientations greater than 75°. - Highlights: • Slip deformation of a Mg-RE alloy at 250 °C was investigated using in-situ SEM. • The extruded-T5 GW103 alloy did not exhibit a high anisotropic behavior. • Multiple-slip was observed within grains, and basal/prismatic type dominated. • Slip transfer occurred and most of the observations showed basal-basal type. • Slip transfer occurred more easily at LABs and boundaries with misorientations > 75°.« less

  20. Ultrastructure of the surface of dental enamel with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) with and without acid etching.

    PubMed

    Bozal, Carola B; Kaplan, Andrea; Ortolani, Andrea; Cortese, Silvina G; Biondi, Ana M

    2015-01-01

    The aim of the present work was to analyze the ultrastructure and mineral composition of the surface of the enamel on a molar with MIH, with and without acid etching. A permanent tooth without clinical MIH lesions (control) and a tooth with clinical diagnosis of mild and moderate MIH, with indication for extraction, were processed with and without acid etching (H3PO4 37%, 20") for observation with scanning electron microscope (SEM) ZEISS (Supra 40) and mineral composition analysis with an EDS detector (Oxford Instruments). The control enamel showed normal prismatic surface and etching pattern. The clinically healthy enamel on the tooth with MIH revealed partial loss of prismatic pattern. The mild lesion was porous with occasional cracks. The moderate lesion was more porous, with larger cracks and many scales. The mineral composition of the affected surfaces had lower Ca and P content and higher O and C. On the tooth with MIH, even on normal looking enamel, the demineralization does not correspond to an etching pattern, and exhibits exposure of crystals with rods with rounded ends and less demineralization in the inter-prismatic spaces. Acid etching increased the presence of cracks and deep pores in the adamantine structure of the enamel with lesion. In moderate lesions, the mineral composition had higher content of Ca, P and Cl. Enamel with MIH, even on clinically intact adamantine surfaces, shows severe alterations in the ultrastructure and changes in ionic composition, which affect the acid etching pattern and may interfere with adhesion.

  1. Directional control-response relationships for mining equipment.

    PubMed

    Burgess-Limerick, R; Krupenia, V; Wallis, G; Pratim-Bannerjee, A; Steiner, L

    2010-06-01

    A variety of directional control-response relationships are currently found in mining equipment. Two experiments were conducted in a virtual environment to determine optimal direction control-response relationships in a wide variety of circumstances. Direction errors were measured as a function of control orientation (horizontal or vertical), location (left, front, right) and directional control-response relationships. The results confirm that the principles of consistent direction and visual field compatibility are applicable to the majority of situations. An exception is that fewer direction errors were observed when an upward movement of a horizontal lever or movement of a vertical lever away from the participants caused extension (lengthening) of the controlled device, regardless of whether the direction of movement of the control is consistent with the direction in which the extension occurs. Further, both the control of slew by horizontally oriented controls and the control of device movements in a frontal plane by the perpendicular movements of vertical levers were associated with relatively high rates of directional errors, regardless of the directional control-response relationship, and these situations should be avoided. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: The results are particularly applicable to the design of mining equipment such as drilling and bolting machines, and have been incorporated into MDG35.1 Guideline for bolting & drilling plant in mines (Industry & Investment NSW, 2010). The results are also relevant to the design of any equipment where vertical or horizontal levers are used to control the movement of equipment appendages, e.g. cranes mounted to mobile equipment and the like.

  2. Vertically oriented arrays of ReS 2 nanosheets for electrochemical energy storage and electrocatalysis

    DOE PAGES

    Gao, Jian; Li, Lu; Tan, Jiawei; ...

    2016-05-17

    Here, transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanolayers show potential as high-performance catalysts in energy conversion and storage devices. Synthetic TMDs produced by chemical-vapor deposition (CVD) methods tend to grow parallel to the growth substrate. Here, we show that with the right precursors and appropriate tuning of the CVD growth conditions, ReS 2 nanosheets can be made to orient perpendicular to the growth substrate. This accomplishes two important objectives; first, it drastically increases the wetted or exposed surface area of the ReS 2 sheets, and second, it exposes the sharp edges and corners of the ReS 2 sheets. We show that these structuralmore » features of the vertically grown ReS 2 sheets can be exploited to significantly improve their performance as polysulfide immobilizers and electrochemical catalysts in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries and in hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). After 300 cycles, the specific capacity of the Li–S battery with vertical ReS 2 catalyst is retained above 750 mA h g –1, with only ~0.063% capacity decay per cycle, much better than the baseline battery (without ReS 2), which shows ~0.184% capacity decay per cycle under the same test conditions. As a HER catalyst, the vertical ReS 2 provides very small onset overpotential (<100 mV) and an exceptional exchange-current density (~67.6 μA/cm 2), which is vastly superior to the baseline electrode without ReS 2.« less

  3. Advanced EMI Models and Classification Algorithms: The Next Level of Sophistication to Improve Discrimination of Challenging Targets

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-01-01

    Inverted effective ONVMS for an M30 Bomb in a test-stand scenario. The target is oriented 45 degrees at a depth of 150 cm depth (top) and oriented...vertically at a depth of 210 cm (bottom). The red lines are the total ONVMS for a library AN M30 Bomb , and the other lines correspond to the...Centimeter DE Differential Evolution DLL Dynamic Link Libraries DoD Department of Defense EM Electromagnetic EMA Expectation

  4. Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) Vertical Cylinder Habitat

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Howe, Alan; Kennedy, Kriss J.; Gill, Tracy R.; Tri, Terry O.; Toups, Larry; Howard, Robert I.; Spexarth, Gary R.; Cavanaugh, Stephen; Langford, William M.; Dorsey, John T.

    2014-01-01

    NASA's Constellation Architecture Team defined an outpost scenario optimized for intensive mobility that uses small, highly mobile pressurized rovers supported by portable habitat modules that can be carried between locations of interest on the lunar surface. A compact vertical cylinder characterizes the habitat concept, where the large diameter maximizes usable flat floor area optimized for a gravity environment and allows for efficient internal layout. The module was sized to fit into payload fairings for the Constellation Ares V launch vehicle, and optimized for surface transport carried by the All-Terrain Hex-Limbed Extra-Terrestrial Explorer (ATHLETE) mobility system. Launch and other loads are carried through the barrel to a top and bottom truss that interfaces with a structural support unit (SSU). The SSU contains self-leveling feet and docking interfaces for Tri-ATHLETE grasping and heavy lift. A pressurized module needed to be created that was appropriate for the lunar environment, could be easily relocated to new locations, and could be docked together in multiples for expanding pressurized volume in a lunar outpost. It was determined that horizontally oriented pressure vessels did not optimize floor area, which takes advantage of the gravity vector for full use. Hybrid hard-inflatable habitats added an unproven degree of complexity that may eventually be worked out. Other versions of vertically oriented pressure vessels were either too big, bulky, or did not optimize floor area. The purpose of the HDU vertical habitat module is to provide pressurized units that can be docked together in a modular way for lunar outpost pressurized volume expansion, and allow for other vehicles, rovers, and modules to be attached to the outpost to allow for IVA (intra-vehicular activity) transfer between them. The module is a vertically oriented cylinder with a large radius to allow for maximal floor area and use of volume. The modular, 5- m-diameter HDU vertical habitat module consists of a 2-m-high barrel with 0.6-mhigh end domes forming the 56-cubicmeter pressure vessel, and a 19-squaremeter floor area. The module has up to four docking ports located orthogonally from each other around the perimeter, and up to one docking port each on the top or bottom end domes. In addition, the module has mounting trusses top and bottom for equipment, and to allow docking with the ATHLETE mobility system. Novel or unique features of the HDU vertical habitat module include the nodelike function with multiple pressure hatches for docking with other versions of itself and other modules and vehicles; the capacity to be carried by an ATHLETE mobility system; and the ability to attach inflatable 'attic' domes to the top for additional pressurized volume.

  5. Large-scale fabrication of vertically aligned ZnO nanowire arrays

    DOEpatents

    Wang, Zhong L; Das, Suman; Xu, Sheng; Yuan, Dajun; Guo, Rui; Wei, Yaguang; Wu, Wenzhuo

    2013-02-05

    In a method for growing a nanowire array, a photoresist layer is placed onto a nanowire growth layer configured for growing nanowires therefrom. The photoresist layer is exposed to a coherent light interference pattern that includes periodically alternately spaced dark bands and light bands along a first orientation. The photoresist layer exposed to the coherent light interference pattern along a second orientation, transverse to the first orientation. The photoresist layer developed so as to remove photoresist from areas corresponding to areas of intersection of the dark bands of the interference pattern along the first orientation and the dark bands of the interference pattern along the second orientation, thereby leaving an ordered array of holes passing through the photoresist layer. The photoresist layer and the nanowire growth layer are placed into a nanowire growth environment, thereby growing nanowires from the nanowire growth layer through the array of holes.

  6. Snow Crystal Orientation Effects on the Scattering of Passive Microwave Radiation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Foster, J. L.; Barton, J. S.; Chang, A. T. C.; Hall, D. K.

    1999-01-01

    For this study, consideration is given to the role crystal orientation plays in scattering and absorbing microwave radiation. A discrete dipole scattering model is used to measure the passive microwave radiation, at two polarizations (horizontal and vertical), scattered by snow crystals oriented in random and non random positions, having various sizes (ranging between 1 micrometers to 10,000 micrometers in radius), and shapes (including spheroids, cylinders, hexagons). The model results demonstrate that for the crystal sizes typically found in a snowpack, crystal orientation is insignificant compared to crystal size in terms of scattering microwave energy in the 8,100 gm (37 GHz) region of the spectrum. Therefore, the assumption used in radiative transfer approaches, where snow crystals are modeled as randomly oriented spheres, is adequate to account for the transfer of microwave energy emanating from the ground and passing through a snowpack.

  7. Orientation priming of grasping decision for drawings of objects and blocks, and words.

    PubMed

    Chainay, Hanna; Naouri, Lucie; Pavec, Alice

    2011-05-01

    This study tested the influence of orientation priming on grasping decisions. Two groups of 20 healthy participants had to select a preferred grasping orientation (horizontal, vertical) based on drawings of everyday objects, geometric blocks or object names. Three priming conditions were used: congruent, incongruent and neutral. The facilitating effects of priming were observed in the grasping decision task for drawings of objects and blocks but not object names. The visual information about congruent orientation in the prime quickened participants' responses but had no effect on response accuracy. The results are discussed in the context of the hypothesis that an object automatically potentiates grasping associated with it, and that the on-line visual information is necessary for grasping potentiation to occur. The possibility that the most frequent orientation of familiar objects might be included in object-action representation is also discussed.

  8. Gravity modulates Listing's plane orientation during both pursuit and saccades

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hess, Bernhard J M.; Angelaki, Dora E.

    2003-01-01

    Previous studies have shown that the spatial organization of all eye orientations during visually guided saccadic eye movements (Listing's plane) varies systematically as a function of static and dynamic head orientation in space. Here we tested if a similar organization also applies to the spatial orientation of eye positions during smooth pursuit eye movements. Specifically, we characterized the three-dimensional distribution of eye positions during horizontal and vertical pursuit (0.1 Hz, +/-15 degrees and 0.5 Hz, +/-8 degrees) at different eccentricities and elevations while rhesus monkeys were sitting upright or being statically tilted in different roll and pitch positions. We found that the spatial organization of eye positions during smooth pursuit depends on static orientation in space, similarly as during visually guided saccades and fixations. In support of recent modeling studies, these results are consistent with a role of gravity on defining the parameters of Listing's law.

  9. Ant-nest ichnofossils in honeycomb calcretes, Neogene Ogallala Formation, High Plains region of western Kansas, U.S.A.

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Smith, J.J.; Platt, B.F.; Ludvigson, Greg A.; Thomasson, J.R.

    2011-01-01

    Two new ant-nest trace fossils are described from calcic sandy paleosols of the Neogene Ogallala Formation in western Kansas. The ichnofossils are preserved within and below calcrete beds weathering in positive relief as carbonate-filled casts or as cavities in negative relief. Daimoniobarax ichnogenus nov. is established for burrow systems composed of vertically tiered, horizontally oriented pancake-shaped chambers connected by predominantly vertical and cylindrical shafts ~. 0.8. cm in diameter. Ichnospecies of Daimoniobarax are differentiated based on differences in the plan view outline of chambers, shaft orientation, and junctions between chambers and shafts.Daimoniobarax nephroides ichnospecies nov. is composed of an ~. 24-76. cm long vertical sequence of distinctly lobed chambers (~. 2-20. cm wide and ~. 1. cm high) arranged along sinuous to helical shafts. Chamber shape in plan view ranges from small teardrops to larger kidney- and U-shaped forms. Shafts intersect at chamber edges such that chambers appear to bud from the central shafts. Daimoniobarax nephroides is most similar to the nests of extant seed-harvester ants of the New World genus Pogonomyrmex. Such ants are specialized granivores and prefer sandy soils in arid to semi-arid grassland and desert regions.Daimoniobarax tschinkeli ichnospecies nov. is ~. 30-80. cm in vertical extent. Chambers (~. 2-30. cm wide and ~. 1. cm high) are circular to elongate or pseudopodial in plan view. Vertical shafts are straight to slightly sinuous and intersect most often toward the center of the chambers. The generalized architecture of D. tschinkeli is similar to that of the nests or nest portions of several extant ant genera, though it does not closely resemble any known modern nest.Ant ichnofossils provide valuable information on hidden biodiversity, paleohydrologic regimes, paleopedogenic processes, and paleoclimate during the time of nest occupation. Depth-related changes in chamber size and vertical spacing may also help interpret paleosurfaces and paleodepths, and serve as geopetal features. ?? 2011 Elsevier B.V.

  10. SU-G-BRB-12: Polarity Effects in Small Volume Ionization Chambers in Small Fields

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

    Arora, V; Parsai, E; Mathew, D

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: Dosimetric quantities such as the polarity correction factor (Ppol) are important parameters for determining the absorbed dose and can influence the choice of dosimeter. Ppol has been shown to depend on beam energy, chamber design, and field size. This study is to investigate the field size and detector orientation dependence of Ppol in small fields for several commercially available micro-chambers. Methods: We evaluate the Exradin A26, Exradin A16, PTW 31014, PTW 31016, and two prototype IBA CC-01 micro-chambers in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Measurements were taken at 10cm depth and 100cm SSD in a Wellhofer BluePhantom2. Measurements weremore » made at square fields of 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 2.0, 2.4, 3.0, and 5.0 cm on each side using 6MV with both ± 300VDC biases. PPol was evaluated as described in TG-51, reported using −300VDC bias for Mraw. Ratios of PPol measured in the clinical field to the reference field are presented. Results: A field size dependence of Ppol was observed for all chambers, with increased variations when mounted vertically. The maximum variation observed in PPol over all chambers mounted horizontally was <1%, and occurred at different field sizes for different chambers. Vertically mounted chambers demonstrated variations as large as 3.2%, always at the smallest field sizes. Conclusion: Large variations in Ppol were observed for vertically mounted chambers compared to horizontal mountings. Horizontal mountings demonstrated a complicated relationship between polarity variation and field size, probably relating to differing details in each chambers construction. Vertically mounted chambers consistently demonstrated the largest PPol variations for the smallest field sizes. Measurements obtained with a horizontal mounting appear to not need significant polarity corrections for relative measurements, while those obtained using a vertical mounting should be corrected for variations in PPol.« less

  11. Installation package for concentrating solar collector panels

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1978-01-01

    The concentrating solar collector panels comprise a complete package array consisting of collector panels using modified Fresnel prismatic lenses for a 10 to 1 concentrating ratio, supporting framework, fluid manifolding and tracking drive system, and unassembled components for field erection.

  12. A conditioned visual orientation requires the ellipsoid body in Drosophila

    PubMed Central

    Guo, Chao; Du, Yifei; Yuan, Deliang; Li, Meixia; Gong, Haiyun; Gong, Zhefeng

    2015-01-01

    Orientation, the spatial organization of animal behavior, is an essential faculty of animals. Bacteria and lower animals such as insects exhibit taxis, innate orientation behavior, directly toward or away from a directional cue. Organisms can also orient themselves at a specific angle relative to the cues. In this study, using Drosophila as a model system, we established a visual orientation conditioning paradigm based on a flight simulator in which a stationary flying fly could control the rotation of a visual object. By coupling aversive heat shocks to a fly's orientation toward one side of the visual object, we found that the fly could be conditioned to orientate toward the left or right side of the frontal visual object and retain this conditioned visual orientation. The lower and upper visual fields have different roles in conditioned visual orientation. Transfer experiments showed that conditioned visual orientation could generalize between visual targets of different sizes, compactness, or vertical positions, but not of contour orientation. Rut—Type I adenylyl cyclase and Dnc—phosphodiesterase were dispensable for visual orientation conditioning. Normal activity and scb signaling in R3/R4d neurons of the ellipsoid body were required for visual orientation conditioning. Our studies established a visual orientation conditioning paradigm and examined the behavioral properties and neural circuitry of visual orientation, an important component of the insect's spatial navigation. PMID:25512578

  13. Vertex stability and topological transitions in vertex models of foams and epithelia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Spencer, Meryl; Jabeen, Zahera; Lubensky, David

    Vertex models are widely used to computationally simulate dry foams and epithelial tissues. This class of models describes the shape and motion of cells as a function of the forces on vertices where 3 or more cells meet. Despite the widespread use of these models, relatively little is known about their basic theoretical properties. One outstanding issue is the stability of fourfold vertices. In real foams, fourfold vertices are always unstable, but it has been unclear whether vertex models necessarily reflect this behavior. In biological tissues, fourfold vertices arise as an intermediate in T1 transitions, which are one of the fundamental processes by which tissues change topology, and stable fourfold vertices have recently been observed in several different epithelia. We show that, when all edges have the same tension, stationary fourfold vertices in vertex models must always break up. However, when tensions depend on edge orientation, as they might in a planar-polarized tissue, fourfold vertices can become stable. These findings pave the way for studies of more biologically realistic models that couple topological transitions to the dynamics of regulatory proteins. NSF Grant No. DMR-1056456 and NSF-GRFP Grant No. DGE-1256260.

  14. Microsoft C#.NET program and electromagnetic depth sounding for large loop source

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prabhakar Rao, K.; Ashok Babu, G.

    2009-07-01

    A program, in the C# (C Sharp) language with Microsoft.NET Framework, is developed to compute the normalized vertical magnetic field of a horizontal rectangular loop source placed on the surface of an n-layered earth. The field can be calculated either inside or outside the loop. Five C# classes with member functions in each class are, designed to compute the kernel, Hankel transform integral, coefficients for cubic spline interpolation between computed values and the normalized vertical magnetic field. The program computes the vertical magnetic field in the frequency domain using the integral expressions evaluated by a combination of straightforward numerical integration and the digital filter technique. The code utilizes different object-oriented programming (OOP) features. It finally computes the amplitude and phase of the normalized vertical magnetic field. The computed results are presented for geometric and parametric soundings. The code is developed in Microsoft.NET visual studio 2003 and uses various system class libraries.

  15. Coarse-Scale Biases for Spirals and Orientation in Human Visual Cortex

    PubMed Central

    Heeger, David J.

    2013-01-01

    Multivariate decoding analyses are widely applied to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, but there is controversy over their interpretation. Orientation decoding in primary visual cortex (V1) reflects coarse-scale biases, including an over-representation of radial orientations. But fMRI responses to clockwise and counter-clockwise spirals can also be decoded. Because these stimuli are matched for radial orientation, while differing in local orientation, it has been argued that fine-scale columnar selectivity for orientation contributes to orientation decoding. We measured fMRI responses in human V1 to both oriented gratings and spirals. Responses to oriented gratings exhibited a complex topography, including a radial bias that was most pronounced in the peripheral representation, and a near-vertical bias that was most pronounced near the foveal representation. Responses to clockwise and counter-clockwise spirals also exhibited coarse-scale organization, at the scale of entire visual quadrants. The preference of each voxel for clockwise or counter-clockwise spirals was predicted from the preferences of that voxel for orientation and spatial position (i.e., within the retinotopic map). Our results demonstrate a bias for local stimulus orientation that has a coarse spatial scale, is robust across stimulus classes (spirals and gratings), and suffices to explain decoding from fMRI responses in V1. PMID:24336733

  16. Updating of visual orientation in a gravity-based reference frame.

    PubMed

    Niehof, Nynke; Tramper, Julian J; Doeller, Christian F; Medendorp, W Pieter

    2017-10-01

    The brain can use multiple reference frames to code line orientation, including head-, object-, and gravity-centered references. If these frames change orientation, their representations must be updated to keep register with actual line orientation. We tested this internal updating during head rotation in roll, exploiting the rod-and-frame effect: The illusory tilt of a vertical line surrounded by a tilted visual frame. If line orientation is stored relative to gravity, these distortions should also affect the updating process. Alternatively, if coding is head- or frame-centered, updating errors should be related to the changes in their orientation. Ten subjects were instructed to memorize the orientation of a briefly flashed line, surrounded by a tilted visual frame, then rotate their head, and subsequently judge the orientation of a second line relative to the memorized first while the frame was upright. Results showed that updating errors were mostly related to the amount of subjective distortion of gravity at both the initial and final head orientation, rather than to the amount of intervening head rotation. In some subjects, a smaller part of the updating error was also related to the change of visual frame orientation. We conclude that the brain relies primarily on a gravity-based reference to remember line orientation during head roll.

  17. Nevadaite, (Cu2+, Al, V3+)6 [Al8 (PO4)8 F8] (OH 2 (H2O)22, a new phosphate mineral species from the Gold Quarry mine, Carlin, Eureka County, Nevada: description and crystal structure

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Cooper, M.A.; Hawthorne, F.C.; Roberts, Andrew C.; Foord, E.E.; Erd, Richard C.; Evans, H.T.; Jensen, M.C.

    2004-01-01

    Nevadaite, (Cu2+, ???, Al, V3+)6 (PO4)8 F8 (OH)2 (H2O)22, is a new supergene mineral species from the Gold Quarry mine, near Carlin, Eureka County, Nevada, U.S.A. Nevadaite forms radiating clusters to 1 mm of prismatic crystals, locally covering surfaces more that 2 cm across; individual crystals are elongate on [001] with a length:width ratio of > 10:1 and a maximum diameter of ???30 ??m. It also occurs as spherules and druses associated with colorless to purple-black fluellite, colorless wavellite, strengitevariscite, acicular maroon-to-red hewettite, and rare anatase, kazakhstanite, tinticite, leucophosphite, torbernite and tyuyamunite. Nevadaite is pale green to turquoise blue with a pale powder-blue streak and a vitreous luster; it does not fluoresce under ultra-violet light. It has no cleavage, a Mohs hardness of ???3, is brittle with a conchoidal fracture, and has measured and calculated densities of 2.54 and 2.55 g/cm3, respectively. Nevadaite is biaxial negative, with ?? 1.540, ?? 1.548, ?? 1.553, 2V(obs.) = 76??, 2V(calc.) = 76??, pleochroic with X pale greenish blue, Y very pale greenish blue, Z blue, and with absorption Z ??? X > Y and orientation X = c, Y = a, Z = b. Nevadaite is orthorhombic, space group P21mn, a 12.123(2), b 18.999(2), c 4.961(1) A?? , V 1142.8(2) A??3, Z = 1, a:b:c = 0.6391:1:0.2611. The strongest seven lines in the X-ray powder-diffraction pattern [d in A??(I)(hkl)] are: 6.077(10)(200), 5.618(9)(130), 9.535(8)(020), 2.983(6)(241), 3.430(4)(041), 2.661(4)(061 , and 1.844(4)(352). A chemical analysis with an electron microprobe gave P2O5 32.54, Al2O3 27.07, V2O3 4.24, Fe2O3 0.07, CuO 9.24, ZnO 0.11, F 9.22, H2O (calc.) 23.48, OH ??? F -3.88, sum 102.09 wt.%; the valence states of V and Fe, and the amount of H2O, were determined by crystal-structure analysis. The resulting empirical formula on the basis of 63.65 anions (including 21.65 H2O pfu) is (CU2+2.00 Zn0.02 V3+0.98 Fe3+0.01 Al1.15)??4.16 Al8 P7.90 O32 [F8.37 (OH 1.63]??10 (H2O 21.65. The crystal structure of nevadaite was solved by direct methods and refined to an R index of 4.0% based on 1307 observed reflections collected on a four-circle diffractometer with MoK?? X-radiation. The structure consists of ordered layers of vertex-sharing octahedra and tetrahedra alternating with layers of disordered vertex-sharing and face-sharing octahedra in the b direction. [Al??5] chains of octahedra are decorated by (PO4) tetrahedra that share vertices with octahedra adjacent in the chain. These chains link in the c direction by sharing vertices between octahedra and tetrahedra to form an ordered layer of the form [Al8(PO4)8F8(H2O 8]. In the disordered layer, octahedra containing positionally disordered Cu2+, V3+, Al and ??? (vacancy) share trans faces to form columns that link by sharing octahedron vertices to form ribbons extending in the c direction; the resulting layer has the form (Cu2+2???2V3+, Al ??6 (H2O)12 (OH)2 (H2O)x,, X ??? 2. The layers link in the b direction by sharing vertices between octahedra and tetrahedra. Although decorated chains topologically equivalent to that in nevadaite are common in many oxysalt minerals, its chain is geometrically distinct from those topologically equivalent chains. The M-M linkage along the [M??5] chains in most minerals take place through trans vertices of the octahedra, with one example of linkage through cis vertices; in nevadaite, the M-M linkage involves both trans and cis vertices, as does the chain in slavi??kite. In most of these decorated chains, alternate tetrahedra along the chain occur either in a trans or a cis arrangement. In nevadaite and slavi??kite, the tetrahedra are arranged in both trans and cis arrangements; the arrangements in these two minerals are geometrically distinct, however.

  18. Dual-keel electrodynamic maglev system

    DOEpatents

    He, J.L.; Wang, Z.; Rote, D.M.; Coffey, H.T.; Hull, J.R.; Mulcahy, T.M.; Cal, Y.

    1996-12-24

    A propulsion and stabilization system is disclosed with a plurality of superconducting magnetic devices affixed to the dual-keels of a vehicle, where the superconducting magnetic devices produce a magnetic field when energized. The system also includes a plurality of figure-eight shaped null-flux coils affixed to opposing vertical sides of slots in a guideway. The figure-eight shaped null-flux coils are vertically oriented, laterally cross-connected in parallel, longitudinally connected in series, and continue the length of the vertical slots providing levitation and guidance force. An external power source energizes the figure-eight shaped null-flux coils to create a magnetic traveling wave that interacts with the magnetic field produced by the superconducting magnets to impart motion to the vehicle. 6 figs.

  19. Documentation of programs that compute 1) quasi-static tilts produced by an expanding dislocation loop in an elastic and viscoelastic material, and 2) surface shear stresses, strains, and shear displacements produced by screw dislocations in a vertical slab with modulus contrast

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    McHugh, Stuart

    1976-01-01

    The material in this report can be grouped into two categories: 1) programs that compute tilts produced by a vertically oriented expanding rectangular dislocation loop in an elastic or viscoelastic material and 2) programs that compute the shear stresses, strains, and shear displacements in a three-phase half-space (i.e. a half-space containing a vertical slab). Each section describes the relevant theory, and provides a detailed guide to the operation of the programs. A series of examples is provided at the end of each section.

  20. Hierarchical microstructures in CZT

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sundaram, S. K.; Henager, C. H.; Edwards, D. J.; Schemer-Kohrn, A. L.; Bliss, M.; Riley, B. R.; Toloczko, M. B.; Lynn, K. G.

    2011-10-01

    Advanced characterization tools, such as electron backscatter diffraction and transmitted IR microscopy, are being applied to study critical microstructural features and orientation relations in as-grown CZT crystals to aid in understanding the relation between structure and properties in radiation detectors. Even carefully prepared single crystals of CZT contain regions of slight misorientation, Te-particles, and dislocation networks that must be understood for more accurate models of detector response. This paper describes initial research at PNNL into the hierarchy of microstructures observed in CZT grown via the vertical gradient freeze or vertical Bridgman method at PNNL and WSU.

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