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Sample records for lyotropic lamellar phase

  1. Electroclinic effect in the chiral lamellar α phase of a lyotropic liquid crystal

    Science.gov (United States)

    Harjung, Marc D.; Giesselmann, Frank

    2018-03-01

    In thermotropic chiral Sm -A* phases, an electric field along the smectic layers breaks the D∞ symmetry of the Sm -A* phase and induces a tilt of the liquid crystal director. This so-called electroclinic effect (ECE) was first reported by Garoff and Meyer in 1977 and attracted substantial scientific and technological interest due to its linear and submicrosecond electro-optic response [S. Garoff and R. B. Meyer, Phys. Rev. A 19, 338 (1979), 10.1103/PhysRevA.19.338]. We now report the observation of an ECE in the pretransitional regime from a lyotropic chiral lamellar Lα* phase into a lyo-Sm -C* phase, the lyotropic analog to the thermotropic Sm -C* phase which was recently discovered by Bruckner et al. [Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 52, 8934 (2013), 10.1002/anie.201303344]. We further show that the observed ECE has all signatures of its thermotropic counterpart, namely (i) the effect is chiral in nature and vanishes in the racemic Lα phase, (ii) the effect is essentially linear in the sign and magnitude of the electric field, and (iii) the magnitude of the effect diverges hyperbolically as the temperature approaches the critical temperature of the second order tilting transition. Specific deviations between the ECEs in chiral lamellar and chiral smectic phases are related to the internal field screening effect of electric double layers formed by inevitable ionic impurities in lyotropic phases.

  2. Hierarchical transport of nanoparticles in a lyotropic lamellar phase

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kimura, Yasuyuki; Mori, Teppei; Yamamoto, Akira; Mizuno, Daisuke

    2005-01-01

    The dynamics of nanosized colloidal particles dispersed in a hyper-swollen lyotropic lamellar phase of a nonionic surfactant has been studied by ac electrophoretic light scattering and direct tracking of particles under a microscope. The frequency spectrum of electrophoretic mobility shows two relaxation processes. These are originated from the hindrance of free diffusion of particles by the interaction between membranes and particles. By direct tracking measurement, we find that particles jump from site to site where they stay for a long time. This trap-jump process greatly decreases the mobility at low frequencies

  3. Ribbon phase in a phase-separated lyotropic lamellar-sponge mixture under shear flow

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cristobal, G.; Rouch, J.; Panizza, P.; Narayanan, T.

    2001-07-01

    We report the effect of shear flow on a phase-separated system composed of lyotropic lamellar (Lα) and sponge (L3) phases in a mixture of brine, surfactant, and cosurfactant. Optical microscopy, small-angle light, and x-ray scattering measurements are consistent with the existence of a steady state made of multilamellar ribbonlike structures aligned in the flow direction. At high shear rates, these ribbonlike structures become unstable and break up into monodisperse droplets resulting in a shear-thickening transition.

  4. Conductivity of an inverse lyotropic lamellar phase under shear flow

    Science.gov (United States)

    Panizza, P.; Soubiran, L.; Coulon, C.; Roux, D.

    2001-08-01

    We report conductivity measurements on solutions of closed compact monodisperse multilamellar vesicles (the so-called ``onion texture'') formed by shearing an inverse lyotropic lamellarphase. The conductivity measured in different directions as a function of the applied shear rate reveals a small anisotropy of the onion structure due to the existence of free oriented membranes. The results are analyzed in terms of a simple model that allows one to deduce the conductivity tensor of the Lα phase itself and the proportion of free oriented membranes. The variation of these two parameters is measured along a dilution line and discussed. The high value of the conductivity perpendicular to the layers with respect to that of solvent suggests the existence of a mechanism of ionic transport through the insulating solvent.

  5. Direct Visualisation of the Structural Transformation between the Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Lamellar and Bicontinuous Cubic Mesophase.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tran, Nhiem; Zhai, Jiali; Conn, Charlotte E; Mulet, Xavier; Waddington, Lynne J; Drummond, Calum J

    2018-05-29

    The transition between the lyotropic liquid crystalline lamellar and the bicontinuous cubic mesophase drives multiple fundamental cellular processes involving changes in cell membrane topology including endocytosis and membrane budding. While several theoretical models have been proposed to explain this dynamic transformation, experimental validation of these models has been challenging due to the short lived nature of the intermediates present during the phase transition. Herein, we report the direct observation of a lamellar to bicontinuous cubic phase transition in nanoscale dispersions using a combination of cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and static small angle X-ray scattering. The results represent the first experimental confirmation of a theoretical model which proposed that the bicontinuous cubic phase originates from the centre of a lamellar vesicle, then propagates outward via the formation of inter-lamellar attachments and stalks. The observation was possible due to the precise control of the lipid composition to place the dispersion systems at the phase boundary of a lamellar and a cubic phase, allowing for the creation of long-lived structural intermediates. By surveying the nanoparticles using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, a complete phase transition sequence was established.

  6. Nonionic diethanolamide amphiphiles with isoprenoid-type hydrocarbon chains: thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystalline phase behaviour

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sagnella, Sharon M.; Conn, Charlotte E.; Krodkiewska, Irena; Drummond, Calum J. (CSIRO/MSE)

    2014-09-24

    The thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystalline phase behaviour of a series of diethanolamide amphiphiles with isoprenoid-type hydrocarbon chains (geranoyl, H-farnesoyl, and phytanoyl) has been investigated. When neat, both H-farnesoyl and phytanoyl diethanolamide form a smectic liquid crystalline structure at sub-zero temperatures. In addition, all three diethanolamides exhibit a glass transition temperature at around -73 C. Geranoyl diethanolamide forms a lamellar crystalline phase with a lattice parameter of 17.4 {angstrom} following long term storage accompanied by the loss of the glass transition. In the presence of water, H-farnesoyl and phytanoyl diethanolamide form lyotropic liquid crystalline phases, whilst geranoyl diethanolamide forms an L{sub 2} phase. H-farnesoyl diethanolamide forms a fluid lamellar phase (L{sub {alpha}}) at room temperature and up to {approx} 40 C. Phytanoyl diethanolamide displays a rich mesomorphism forming the inverse diamond (Q{sub II}{sup D}) and gyroid (Q{sub II}{sup G}) bicontinuous cubic phases in addition to an L{sub {alpha}} phase.

  7. Incorporation of poly-saccharidic derivatives in model biological systems: monolayers, lamellar phases and vesicles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Deme, Bruno

    1995-01-01

    Our aim is to introduce a soluble polymer in a lyotropic lamellar phase, and to modify the force balance in the case of a collapsed system where no repulsive contribution overcomes the van der Waals attraction, except at very short distances where hydration forces dominate (i.e. a collapsed stack of membranes). Mixed layers of a synthetic lecithin (DMPC) and a hydrophobically modified polysaccharide (cholesteryl-pullulan, CHP) have been investigated at the air-water interface by surface tension experiments and by specular reflection of neutrons. The DMPC/CHP/water ternary phase diagram has been determined by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). CHP derivatives are associative polymers bearing lateral cholesterol groups that interact with a polar phases such as phospholipid monolayers and biological membranes. These derivatives are surface active and self-aggregate in solution leading to the formation of soluble micellar type aggregates. The interaction of CHP derivatives with lipidic structures involves the anchoring of the cholesterol groups that yields to the tethering of the poly-saccharidic backbones at lipid/water interfaces. These poly-saccharidic backbones are flexible chains in good solvent in water. Using these derivatives and a new preparation procedure, we show that it is possible to avoid the depletion of the polysaccharide due to its steric exclusion by the collapsed DMPC lamellar phase. We are able to prepare samples at thermodynamic equilibrium with the polysaccharide solubilized in the lamellar phase, a situation opposed to the well known behavior of mixed polysaccharide/lecithin Systems commonly used in osmotic stress experiments. Here, the osmotic pressure of the chains confined in the lamellar lattice acts as a new long range repulsive contribution in the DMPC lyotropic L_α phase and results in the swelling of the lamellar phase at large membrane separations (570 A). Such bilayer separations allow out of

  8. Lyotropic liquid crystalline phase behaviour in amphiphile-protic ionic liquid systems.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Zhengfei; Greaves, Tamar L; Fong, Celesta; Caruso, Rachel A; Drummond, Calum J

    2012-03-21

    Approximate partial phase diagrams for nine amphiphile-protic ionic liquid (PIL) systems have been determined by synchrotron source small angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry and cross polarised optical microscopy. The binary phase diagrams of some common cationic (hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, CTAC, and hexadecylpyridinium bromide, HDPB) and nonionic (polyoxyethylene (10) oleyl ether, Brij 97, and Pluronic block copolymer, P123) amphiphiles with the PILs, ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), ethanolammonium nitrate (EOAN) and diethanolammonium formate (DEOAF), have been studied. The phase diagrams were constructed for concentrations from 10 wt% to 80 wt% amphiphile, in the temperature range 25 °C to >100 °C. Lyotropic liquid crystalline phases (hexagonal, cubic and lamellar) were formed at high surfactant concentrations (typically >50 wt%), whereas at thermal stability of the phases formed by these surfactants persisted to temperatures above 100 °C. The phase behaviour of amphiphile-PIL systems was interpreted by considering the PIL cohesive energy, liquid nanoscale order, polarity and ionicity. For comparison the phase behaviour of the four amphiphiles was also studied in water.

  9. Self-Assembled Supramolecular Architectures Lyotropic Liquid Crystals

    CERN Document Server

    Garti, Nissim

    2012-01-01

    This book will describe fundamentals and recent developments in the area of Self-Assembled Supramolecular Architecture and their relevance to the  understanding of the functionality of  membranes  as delivery systems for active ingredients. As the heirarchial architectures determine their performance capabilities, attention will be paid to theoretical and design aspects related to the construction of lyotropic liquid crystals: mesophases such as lamellar, hexagonal, cubic, sponge phase micellosomes. The book will bring to the reader mechanistic aspects, compositional c

  10. Lamellar-lamellar phase separation of phospholipid bilayers induced by salting-in/-out effects

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hishida, Mafumi [Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501 (Japan); Seto, Hideki, E-mail: hideki.seto@kek.jp [KENS and CMRC, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, Tsukuba 305-0801 (Japan)

    2011-01-01

    The multilamellar structure of phospholipid bilayers is stabilized by the interactions between bilayers. Although the lamellar repeat distance is uniquely determined at the balance point of interactions between bilayers, a lamellar-lamellar phase separation, where the two phases with different lamellar repeat distance coexist, has been reported in a case of adding a salt to the aqueous solution of lipids. In order to understand the physical mechanism of the lamellar-lamellar phase separation, the effects of adding monovalent salt on the lamellar structure are studied by visual observation and by small-angle X-ray scattering. Further, a theoretical model based on the mean field theory is introduced and it is concluded that the salting-in and -out effects of lipid bilayers trigger the lamellar-lamellar phase separation.

  11. Rheophysics of Lamellar Phases Rhéophysiques de phases lamellaires

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Roux D.

    2006-12-01

    Full Text Available We have developed several techniques to study the effect of shear on complex fluids. These techniques are based on shear cells specially adapted to scattering techniques or transport properties. A brief description of the cells will be given together with the results that can be obtained using these techniques. Exemples on lyotropic systems will be detailed. The effect of shear on lyotropic lamellar phases is studied by light scattering, neutron scattering and microscopic observations. We found three different states of orientation separated with out-of-equilibrium transitions. In the state at very low shear rate, the lamellar phase is, in average, oriented with the layers in the shear plane and a few dislocations remains in the direction of the flow. In the intermediate state, the layers organize themselves into monodisperse multilayer vesicles (MLV whose size is controlled by the shear rate. The last state corresponds to the same orientation than the first one but with no dislocations in the flow direction. The second state of orientation : leading to the MLV structure, is more precisely studied. It is shown that the size of the MLV is fixed by a balance between the viscous and elastic stresses and varies as the inverse square root of the shear rate. A possible mechanism for the formation of this structure is proposed. We show that this structure can be swollen in a solvent leading to a monodisperse emulsion of a lamellar structure in an isotropic liquid. Linear and nonlinear rheological properties are measured and discussed. It is shown that the viscosity is sensitive to the structure and varies of several order of magnitude depending in which phase of orientation the system is. Both shear thickening and shear thinning are described and explanations in terms or orientation transitions are given. The discovery of the oriented to MLV instability is the basis a very efficient process leading to well controlled microcapsules made of surfactant

  12. One- and two-dimensional fluids properties of smectic, lamellar and columnar liquid crystals

    CERN Document Server

    Jakli, Antal

    2006-01-01

    Smectic and lamellar liquid crystals are three-dimensional layered structures in which each layer behaves as a two-dimensional fluid. Because of their reduced dimensionality they have unique physical properties and challenging theoretical descriptions, and are the subject of much current research. One- and Two-Dimensional Fluids: Properties of Smectic, Lamellar and Columnar Liquid Crystals offers a comprehensive review of these phases and their applications. The book details the basic structures and properties of one- and two-dimensional fluids and the nature of phase transitions. The later chapters consider the optical, magnetic, and electrical properties of special structures, including uniformly and non-uniformly aligned anisotropic films, lyotropic lamellar systems, helical and chiral structures, and organic anisotropic materials. Topics also include typical and defective features, magnetic susceptibility, and electrical conductivity. The book concludes with a review of current and potential applications ...

  13. Butterfly patterns in a sheared lamellar-system

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Lindner, P [Institut Max von Laue - Paul Langevin (ILL), 38 - Grenoble (France); Zipfel, J; Richtering, W [Freiburg Univ. (Germany)

    1997-04-01

    A technologically important extension of `classical` scattering techniques is to investigate soft-matter systems under non-equilibrium conditions. Shear flow is known to have a profound influence on the structure and orientation of complex fluids like thermotropic or lyotropic liquid-crystals, colloidal and polymeric solutions. There is a fundamental interest in understanding the microscopic structure and dynamics of such complex fluids as the macroscopic material properties might change with the application of an external perturbation like shear. The following example illustrates a recent study of the influence of shear on the structure of a lyotropic lamellar phase. Results using a cone-and-plate and the ILL Couette type shear-cell were obtained by rheo-small-angle light scattering (rheo-SALS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) at D11. Because of the broad range of momentum transfer Q available at D11 a characteristic butterfly-pattern with a scattering peak revealing both the structure and the supramolecular structure of the system could be detected at very low Q. (author). 5 refs.

  14. Oligosaccharides and glycolipids addition in charged lamellar phases

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ricoul, F.

    1997-01-01

    The aim of this work is to study the addition of oligosaccharides and glycolipids in lamellar phases of the cationic surfactant DDAB (di-dodecyl-dimethyl-ammonium bromide). Two steps have been followed: the determination of phases prisms and the thermodynamic interpretation in terms of molecular interactions. In order to characterize these systems, two new experimental small angle scattering methods have been perfected: 1) a neutron scattering contrast variation method which allows to study the adsorption of aqueous solution in bilayers and 2) a capillary concentration gradient method to establish directly and quantitatively the phases diagrams of ternary systems by X rays scattering. It has been pointed out that the oligosaccharides induce a depletion attractive force on the lamellar-lamellar equilibrium of the DDAB when they are excluded of the most concentrated phase. For the two studied glycolipids: 2-O lauroyl-saccharose and N-lauroyl N-nonyl lactitol, the ternary phase diagrams water-DDAB-glycolipid have been established in terms of temperature. Critical points at ambient temperature have been given. The osmotic pressure in concentrated lamellar phases has been measured. It has been shown that glycolipids increase the hydration repulsion at short distance and that the electrostatic repulsion is outstanding and unchanged at high distance if there is at less 1 mole percent of ionic surfactant. In a dilute solution, glycolipids decrease the maximum swelling of lamellar phases, with a competition between the lamellar phase and the micellae dilute phase for water. (O.M.)

  15. Nanoparticle guests in lyotropic liquid crystals

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dölle, Sarah; Park, Ji Hyun; Schymura, Stefan; Jo, Hyeran; Scalia, Giusy; Lagerwall, Jan P. F.

    In this chapter we discuss the benefits, peculiarities and main challenges related to nanoparticle templating in lyotropic liquid crystals. We first give a brief bird's-eye view of the field, discussing different nanoparticles as well as different lyotropic hosts that have been explored, but then quickly focus on the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in surfactant-based lyotropic nematic phases. We discuss in some detail how the transfer of orientational order from liquid crystal host to nanoparticle guest can be verified and which degree of ordering can be expected, as well as the importance of choosing the right surfactant and its concentration for the stability of the nanoparticle suspension. We introduce a method for dispersing nanoparticles with an absolute minimum of stabilizing surfactant, based on dispersion below the Krafft temperature, and we discuss the peculiar phenomenon of filament formation in lyotropic nematic phases with a sufficient concentration of well-dispersed carbon nanotubes. Finally, we describe how the total surfactant concentration in micellar nematics can be greatly reduced by combining cat- and anionic surfactants, and we discuss how nanotubes can help in inducing the liquid crystal phase close to the isotropic-nematic boundary.

  16. Effect of electric and magnetic fields on current-voltage characteristics of a lyotropic liquid crystal

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Minasyants, M.Kh.; Badalyan, G. G.; Shahinian, A. A.

    1997-01-01

    The effect of electric and magnetic fields on current-voltage characteristics is studied for the lamellar phase in the lyotropic liquid-crystal sodium pentadecylsulfonate (SPDS)-water and lecithin-water systems. It has been found that the current-voltage characteristics of both systems have hysteresis. In the case of ionogenic SPDS, the hysteresis is formed due to ion current caused by the spatial reorientation of domains consisting of parallel lamellar fragments; in the case of lecithin, whose molecules contain dipoles, the hysteresis is formed due to the spatial reorientation of domains caused by the interaction of the resultant dipole moment of the domains with the electric field. It is shown that the introduction into lamellae of cetylpyridine bromide, which has an intrinsic magnetic moment, changes the resultant magnetic moment of domains and, thus, also the hysteresis loop of the current-voltage characteristic. The systems studied show the 'memory' effect with respect to both the electric and magnetic fields. Field-induced processes of domain reorientation were recorded by the method of small-angle x-ray scattering

  17. Shear-induced structural transitions in Newtonian non-Newtonian two-phase flow

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cristobal, G.; Rouch, J.; Colin, A.; Panizza, P.

    2000-09-01

    We show the existence under shear flow of steady states in a two-phase region of a brine-surfactant system in which lyotropic dilute lamellar (non-Newtonian) and sponge (Newtonian) phases are coexisting. At high shear rates and low sponge phase-volume fractions, we report on the existence of a dynamic transition corresponding to the formation of a colloidal crystal of multilamellar vesicles (or ``onions'') immersed in the sponge matrix. As the sponge phase-volume fraction increases, this transition exhibits a hysteresis loop leading to a structural bistability of the two-phase flow. Contrary to single phase lamellar systems where it is always 100%, the onion volume fraction can be monitored continuously from 0 to 100 %.

  18. Oral and transdermal drug delivery systems: role of lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystals

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rajabalaya R

    2017-02-01

    Full Text Available Rajan Rajabalaya, Muhammad Nuh Musa, Nurolaini Kifli, Sheba R David PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam Abstract: Liquid crystal (LC dosage forms, particularly those using lipid-based lyotropic LCs (LLCs, have generated considerable interest as potential drug delivery systems. LCs have the physical properties of liquids but retain some of the structural characteristics of crystalline solids. They are compatible with hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds of many different classes and can protect even biologicals and nucleic acids from degradation. This review, focused on research conducted over the past 5 years, discusses the structural evaluation of LCs and their effects in drug formulations. The structural classification of LLCs into lamellar, hexagonal and micellar cubic phases is described. The structures of these phases are influenced by the addition of surfactants, which include a variety of nontoxic, biodegradable lipids; these also enhance drug solubility. LLC structure influences drug localization, particle size and viscosity, which, in turn, determine drug delivery properties. Through several specific examples, we describe the applications of LLCs in oral and topical drug formulations, the latter including transdermal and ocular delivery. In oral LLC formulations, micelle compositions and the resulting LLC structures can determine drug solubilization and stability as well as intestinal transport and absorption. Similarly, in topical LLC formulations, composition can influence whether the drug is retained in the skin or delivered transdermally. Owing to their enhancement of drug stability and promotion of controlled drug delivery, LLCs are becoming increasingly popular in pharmaceutical formulations. Keywords: liquid crystal, drug delivery, controlled release, lyotropic, surfactants, drug localization

  19. Insertion of anisotropic particles in lamellar surfactant phases

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Grillo, Isabelle

    1998-01-01

    We search for the interactions governing the possibility to mix organic and inorganic colloids. We use laponite, a synthetic anionic clay, made of 30 nm diameter and 1 nm thickness anisotropic disks. Three surfactant Systems, an anionic one (AOT), a cationic one (DDAB) and a nonionic one (C_1_2E_5) investigate three different cases of interaction forces. We establish experimentally the equilibrium phase diagrams and characterise the structure of these ternary Systems by SANS and SAXS experiments. We quantify the adsorption. An AOT bilayer surround the particle edges; an almost complete bilayer of DDAB and C_1_2E_5 is formed on the basal faces. SANS contrast variation experiments under controlled conditions along the adsorption isotherm of C_1_2E_5 allow to determine the average thickness of the adsorbed surfactant layer. In the monophasic lamellar domain, the particles stay between the membranes, when the spacing is larger than the particle thickness. In the biphasic domain, dense clay aggregates are in equilibrium with a lamellar phase, containing few amount of particles. They enter in the AOT bilayers when the space between the bilayers are smaller than 8 A. From the phase diagram and interaction forces study, three conditions of stability emerge: - an osmotic one: the osmotic lamellar pressure is higher or equal to the colloidal one. - an energetic one: the interaction energy between a particle and the surfactant bilayer is close to the particle energy in aqueous suspension. - an entropic one: particles should not inhibit the stabilising fluctuations of the lamellar phase. (author) [fr

  20. Strengthening behavior of beta phase in lamellar microstructure of TiAl alloys

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhu, Hanliang; Seo, D. Y.; Maruyama, K.

    2010-01-01

    β phase can be introduced to TiAl alloys by the additions of β stabilizing elements such as Cr, Nb, W, and Mo. The β phase has a body-centered cubic lattice structure and is softer than the α2 and γ phases in TiAl alloys at elevated temperatures, and hence is thought to have a detrimental effect on creep strength. However, fine β precipitates can be formed at lamellar interfaces by proper heat treatment conditions and the β interfacial precipitate improves the creep resistance of fully lamellar TiAl alloys, since the phase interface of γ/β retards the motion of dislocations during creep. This paper reviews recent research on high-temperature strengthening behavior of the β phase in fully lamellar TiAl alloys.

  1. Electrochemical studies of redox probes in self-organized lyotropic ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Administrator

    quinone|hydroquinone, methyl viologen and ferrocenemethanol probes in a lyotropic hexagonal columnar phase (H1 phase) using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance ..... hydrogen bond of hydroquinone during oxidation is.

  2. Oligosaccharides and glycolipids addition in charged lamellar phases; Addition d`oligosaccharides et de glycolipides dans des phases lamellaires chargees

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ricoul, F

    1997-09-26

    The aim of this work is to study the addition of oligosaccharides and glycolipids in lamellar phases of the cationic surfactant DDAB (di-dodecyl-dimethyl-ammonium bromide). Two steps have been followed: the determination of phases prisms and the thermodynamic interpretation in terms of molecular interactions. In order to characterize these systems, two new experimental small angle scattering methods have been perfected: 1) a neutron scattering contrast variation method which allows to study the adsorption of aqueous solution in bilayers and 2) a capillary concentration gradient method to establish directly and quantitatively the phases diagrams of ternary systems by X rays scattering. It has been pointed out that the oligosaccharides induce a depletion attractive force on the lamellar-lamellar equilibrium of the DDAB when they are excluded of the most concentrated phase. For the two studied glycolipids: 2-O lauroyl-saccharose and N-lauroyl N-nonyl lactitol, the ternary phase diagrams water-DDAB-glycolipid have been established in terms of temperature. Critical points at ambient temperature have been given. The osmotic pressure in concentrated lamellar phases has been measured. It has been shown that glycolipids increase the hydration repulsion at short distance and that the electrostatic repulsion is outstanding and unchanged at high distance if there is at less 1 mole percent of ionic surfactant. In a dilute solution, glycolipids decrease the maximum swelling of lamellar phases, with a competition between the lamellar phase and the micellae dilute phase for water. (O.M.). 165 refs.

  3. Modeling creep deformation of a two-phase TiAI/Ti3Al alloy with a lamellar microstructure

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bartholomeusz, Michael F.; Wert, John A.

    1994-10-01

    A two-phase TiAl/Ti3Al alloy with a lamellar microstructure has been previously shown to exhibit a lower minimum creep rate than the minimum creep rates of the constituent TiAl and Ti3Al single-phase alloys. Fiducial-line experiments described in the present article demonstrate that the creep rates of the constituent phases within the two-phase TiAl/Ti3Al lamellar alloy tested in compression are more than an order of magnitude lower than the creep rates of single-phase TiAl and Ti3Al alloys tested in compression at the same stress and temperature. Additionally, the fiducial-line experiments show that no interfacial sliding of the phases in the TiAl/Ti3Al lamellar alloy occurs during creep. The lower creep rate of the lamellar alloy is attributed to enhanced hardening of the constituent phases within the lamellar microstructure. A composite-strength model has been formulated to predict the creep rate of the lamellar alloy, taking into account the lower creep rates of the constituent phases within the lamellar micro-structure. Application of the model yields a very good correlation between predicted and experimentally observed minimum creep rates over moderate stress and temperature ranges.

  4. Determination of phase transitions in a lyotropic liquid crystal by Positron Annihilation technique

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Castillo V, V.M.

    1994-01-01

    Positron annihilation technique was used to determine the phase transitions in a lyotropic liquid crystal, as a function of temperature. Seven different concentrations of the surfactant cetyldimethylethylammonium bromide, were studied. The liquid crystal studied consisted of a binary system, formed by the surfactant and water. Positron annihilation technique has a very high sensitivity toward changes in the microestructure, in condensed matter, this is useful in order to detect the temperatures at which phase transitions occur and the number of these, in a liquid crystalline system. Thus, phase transitions are related with changes occurred in the ortho-positronium parameters: lifetime (τ 3 ) and intensity of formation (I 3 ). Six different kinds of phases were detected in the system studied in a temperature range of 35 to 140 Centigrade degrees, those phases were: hexagonal, hexagonal-lamellae, lamellae, lamellae-cubic, nematic and anisotropic. Using optical microscopic the textures of these phases were assigned. (Author)

  5. A structural study of lamellar phases formed by nucleoside-functionalized lipids

    CERN Document Server

    Berti, D; Baglioni, P; Dante, S; Hauss, T

    2002-01-01

    We report a neutron-scattering investigation of lamellar phases formed by novel phospholipids bearing nucleosides at the polar-head-group region. These nucleolipids can interact through stacking and H-bond interactions, following a pattern that resembles base-base coupling in natural nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), i.e. they have similar recognition properties. Bilayer stacks formed of DPP-adenosine, DPP-uridine and their 1:1 mixture were investigated after equilibration in a 98% relative humidity atmosphere. The DPP-adenosine spectrum can be accounted for (in analogy to DPPC) by a lamellar phase with a smectic period of about 60 A. DPP-uridine displays a not so straightforward behavior that we have tentatively ascribed to the coexistence of lamellae with different smectic periods. In the 1:1 mixture the lamellar mesophase of DPP-uridine is retained, suggesting a specific interaction of the uridine polar-head group with the adenosine moiety of DPP-adenosine. It should be stressed that this behavior can be considere...

  6. Lyotropic liquid crystal based on zinc oxide nanoparticles obtained by microwave solvothermal synthesis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Omelchenko, M.M., E-mail: momelchenko@chem.uw.edu.pl [Department of Chemistry, Warsaw University, Al. Zwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw (Poland); Wojnarowicz, J. [Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sokolowska 29/37, Warsaw, 01-142 (Poland); Salamonczyk, M. [Department of Chemistry, Warsaw University, Al. Zwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw (Poland); Lojkowski, W. [Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sokolowska 29/37, Warsaw, 01-142 (Poland)

    2017-05-01

    Abstract: The ZnO nanoparticles, obtained by microwave solvothermal synthesis, were used for the liquid crystal phase preparation. The structure of the material was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), helium pycnometry, specific surface area (SSA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The stability of aqueous suspensions was monitored by Multiple Light Scattering (MLS) technique and the average agglomerate size in suspensions was obtained by dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique. The lyotropic columnar hexagonal phase was formed by doping ZnO nanoparticles into the cetylpiridinium chloride/water/hexanol system. The structure of this phase was confirmed by x-ray diffraction. The luminescent properties of the LC phase were compared with properties of ZnO nanoparticles isolated in solution and analogues lyotropic system without nanoparticles.

  7. A structural study of lamellar phases formed by nucleoside-functionalized lipids

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Berti, D.; Fratini, E.; Baglioni, P. [Department of Chemistry and CSGI, University of Florence, Via G. Capponi 9, 50121 Florence (Italy); Dante, S.; Hauss, T. [Berlin Neutron Scattering Center, Hahn Meitner Institut, Glienicker Strasse 100, Wannsee, 14109 Berlin (Germany)

    2002-07-01

    We report a neutron-scattering investigation of lamellar phases formed by novel phospholipids bearing nucleosides at the polar-head-group region. These nucleolipids can interact through stacking and H-bond interactions, following a pattern that resembles base-base coupling in natural nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), i.e. they have similar recognition properties. Bilayer stacks formed of DPP-adenosine, DPP-uridine and their 1:1 mixture were investigated after equilibration in a 98% relative humidity atmosphere. The DPP-adenosine spectrum can be accounted for (in analogy to DPPC) by a lamellar phase with a smectic period of about 60 A. DPP-uridine displays a not so straightforward behavior that we have tentatively ascribed to the coexistence of lamellae with different smectic periods. In the 1:1 mixture the lamellar mesophase of DPP-uridine is retained, suggesting a specific interaction of the uridine polar-head group with the adenosine moiety of DPP-adenosine. It should be stressed that this behavior can be considered as an indication of the recognition process occurring at the polar-head-group region of the mixed phospholiponucleoside membrane. (orig.)

  8. Electrochemical properties and diffusion of a redox active surfactant incorporated in bicontinuous cubic and lamellar phase

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kostela, J.; Elmgren, M.; Almgren, M.

    2005-01-01

    The objective of this study was to investigate the electrochemical behaviour of the divalent redox active surfactant, N-cetyl-N'-methylviologen (CMV), in bicontinuous cubic and lamellar phases. The liquid crystalline phases were prepared from the system glycerolmonooleate (GMO)-water (and brine)-cationic surfactant. A comparison of the phase behaviour of GMO with the monovalent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and the divalent CMV surfactant showed that the surfactants gave about the same effect at the same surface charge density. The electrochemical measurements were made with a mixture of CTAB and CMV as the surfactant. Cyclic voltammetry was used to study the electrochemistry of CMV incorporated in the cubic and lamellar phases that were spread on a gold electrode. The E 0 -values in the cubic samples were more negative (-0.55 V versus SCE) than in the lamellar samples (-0.53 V versus SCE). This can be explained by the higher charge density in the lamellar phase. The diffusion coefficients were also measured in the cubic phase. The mass transport is slowed down about fifty times in the cubic phase compared to in the pure electrolyte. The concentration dependence on the diffusion coefficient was also investigated. No electron hopping could be observed, which suggest that diffusional movement of the redox probe is the main source of charge transport. By placing the samples on a conducting glass slide, spectroelectrochemical investigations were performed. In the lamellar phase strong dimerization was detected at high concentration of viologen, but much less in the cubic phase

  9. Electrochemical properties and diffusion of a redox active surfactant incorporated in bicontinuous cubic and lamellar phase

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kostela, J. [Uppsala University, Department of Physical Chemistry, Box 579, S-75123 Uppsala (Sweden)]. E-mail: johan.kostela@fki.uu.se; Elmgren, M. [Uppsala University, Department of Physical Chemistry, Box 579, S-75123 Uppsala (Sweden); Almgren, M. [Uppsala University, Department of Physical Chemistry, Box 579, S-75123 Uppsala (Sweden)

    2005-05-30

    The objective of this study was to investigate the electrochemical behaviour of the divalent redox active surfactant, N-cetyl-N'-methylviologen (CMV), in bicontinuous cubic and lamellar phases. The liquid crystalline phases were prepared from the system glycerolmonooleate (GMO)-water (and brine)-cationic surfactant. A comparison of the phase behaviour of GMO with the monovalent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and the divalent CMV surfactant showed that the surfactants gave about the same effect at the same surface charge density. The electrochemical measurements were made with a mixture of CTAB and CMV as the surfactant. Cyclic voltammetry was used to study the electrochemistry of CMV incorporated in the cubic and lamellar phases that were spread on a gold electrode. The E {sup 0}-values in the cubic samples were more negative (-0.55 V versus SCE) than in the lamellar samples (-0.53 V versus SCE). This can be explained by the higher charge density in the lamellar phase. The diffusion coefficients were also measured in the cubic phase. The mass transport is slowed down about fifty times in the cubic phase compared to in the pure electrolyte. The concentration dependence on the diffusion coefficient was also investigated. No electron hopping could be observed, which suggest that diffusional movement of the redox probe is the main source of charge transport. By placing the samples on a conducting glass slide, spectroelectrochemical investigations were performed. In the lamellar phase strong dimerization was detected at high concentration of viologen, but much less in the cubic phase.

  10. Lyotropic liquid crystal preconcentrates for the treatment of periodontal disease.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fehér, A; Urbán, E; Eros, I; Szabó-Révész, P; Csányi, E

    2008-06-24

    The aim of our study was to develop water-free lyotropic liquid crystalline preconcentrates, which consist of oils and surfactants with good physiological tolerance and spontaneously form lyotropic liquid crystalline phase in aqueous environment. In this way these preconcentrates having low viscosity can be injected into the periodontal pocket, where they are transformed into highly viscous liquid crystalline phase, so that the preparation is prevented from flowing out of the pocket due to its great viscosity, while drug release is controlled by the liquid crystalline texture. In order to follow the structure alteration upon water absorption polarization microscopical and rheological examinations were performed. The water absorption mechanism of the samples was examined by the Enslin-method. Metronidazole-benzoate was used as active agent the release of which was characterized via in vitro investigations performed by means of modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. On the grounds of the results it can be stated that the 4:1 mixture of the investigated surfactants (Cremophor EL, Cremophor RH40) and oil (Miglyol 810) formed lyotopic liquid crystalline phases upon water addition. Polarization microscopic examinations showed that samples with 10-40% water content possessed anisotropic properties. On the basis of water absorption, rheological and drug release studies it can be concluded that the amount of absorbed water and stiffness of lyotropic structure influenced by the chemical entity of the surfactant exerted major effect on the drug release.

  11. Oral and transdermal drug delivery systems: role of lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystals.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rajabalaya, Rajan; Musa, Muhammad Nuh; Kifli, Nurolaini; David, Sheba R

    2017-01-01

    Liquid crystal (LC) dosage forms, particularly those using lipid-based lyotropic LCs (LLCs), have generated considerable interest as potential drug delivery systems. LCs have the physical properties of liquids but retain some of the structural characteristics of crystalline solids. They are compatible with hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds of many different classes and can protect even biologicals and nucleic acids from degradation. This review, focused on research conducted over the past 5 years, discusses the structural evaluation of LCs and their effects in drug formulations. The structural classification of LLCs into lamellar, hexagonal and micellar cubic phases is described. The structures of these phases are influenced by the addition of surfactants, which include a variety of nontoxic, biodegradable lipids; these also enhance drug solubility. LLC structure influences drug localization, particle size and viscosity, which, in turn, determine drug delivery properties. Through several specific examples, we describe the applications of LLCs in oral and topical drug formulations, the latter including transdermal and ocular delivery. In oral LLC formulations, micelle compositions and the resulting LLC structures can determine drug solubilization and stability as well as intestinal transport and absorption. Similarly, in topical LLC formulations, composition can influence whether the drug is retained in the skin or delivered transdermally. Owing to their enhancement of drug stability and promotion of controlled drug delivery, LLCs are becoming increasingly popular in pharmaceutical formulations.

  12. A Study of the Confinement Induced Sponge to Lamellar Phase Transformation by Direct Force Measurement

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Antelmi, David

    1996-10-01

    The interactions between two macroscopic walls immersed in an isotropic symmetric sponge phase (L_3) at different volume fractions, Φ, were studied with a surface force apparatus. The purpose of these experiments was to investigate the behaviour of the sponge phase when confined between two smooth rigid surfaces. Particular attention was given to investigating this behaviour as the bulk transition to the lamellar phase (L_α) was approached. At temperatures far from the L_3/L_α bulk transition temperature, the force-distance profile showed weak oscillations with a periodicity approximately equal to twice the characteristic length, ξ, measured for the sponge phase from small angle x-ray scattering. Furthermore, the oscillations were superimposed on an exponential attractive background that decayed with an order parameter correlation length of 2-3 times ξ The attractive background was explained by the enhancement of the sponge order in the vicinity of the rigid walls. The structural oscillations observed in the force-distance profile, although not completely understood, were discussed in terms of the packing of sponge cells (cell size ξ). The significance of the observed periodicity (2ξ) may indicate the importance of the symmetric nature of the sponge phase. By moving pairs of cells in response to an applied strain, the symmetry of the sponge structure is protected. As the temperature increased towards the L_3/L_α bulk transition temperature, an abrupt change in the force-distance profile was observed at a threshold separation labelled D*_i_n. A different force regime was observed for separations below D*_i_n which oscillated with a periodicity that was twice the reticular spacing, d, for a L_α phase of similar Φ. The force oscillations were superimposed on an attractive background that was almost linear. These observations were consistent with a first order phase transition from the sponge phase to the lamellar phase, induced by the confinement, where the

  13. pH-responsive lyotropic liquid crystals for the preparation of pure cubic zirconia nanoparticles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    He, Wei Yan; Liu, Jin Rong; He, Zhang; Cao, Zhen Zhu; Li, Cai Hong; Gao, Yan Fang [Inner Mongolia University of Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, Hohhot (China)

    2016-07-15

    We present a lyotropic liquid crystal system consisting of SDS/Triton X-100/water at 25 C. This system is respond to pH variations with a phase switch. When pH is altered from alkaline (pH 13) to acidic (pH 2) conditions, phase change occurs from a bicontinuous hexagonal phase to a partially hexagonal phase until it disappears. The hexagonal phase under alkaline conditions is stable. Thus, this system is an ideal candidate for the preparation of pure cubic ZrO{sub 2} nanoparticles. XRD results confirm that the as-synthesized powder is composed of pure cubic ZrO{sub 2}. These nanoparticles also exhibit a thermal stability of up to 800 C. The size and morphological characteristics of the nanoparticles are greatly affected by ZrOCl{sub 2} concentration. The mechanism of zirconia nanoparticle synthesis in a lyotropic hexagonal phase was proposed. (orig.)

  14. Extended constitutive laws for lamellar phases

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Chi-Deuk Yoo

    2013-10-01

    Full Text Available Classically, stress and strain rate in linear viscoelastic materials are related by a constitutive relationship involving the viscoelastic modulus G(t. The same constitutive law, within Linear Response Theory, relates currents of conserved quantities and gradients of existing conjugate variables, and it involves the autocorrelation functions of the currents in equilibrium. We explore the consequences of the latter relationship in the case of a mesoscale model of a block copolymer, and derive the resulting relationship between viscous friction and order parameter diffusion that would result in a lamellar phase. We also explicitly consider in our derivation the fact that the dissipative part of the stress tensor must be consistent with the uniaxial symmetry of the phase. We then obtain a relationship between the stress and order parameter autocorrelation functions that can be interpreted as an extended constitutive law, one that offers a way to determine them from microscopic experiment or numerical simulation.

  15. Two types of lamellar phase in TTAB/water/pentanol system as detected by positron lifetime spectroscopy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Khani, P.H.; Yadav, R.; Singh, K.C.; Jain, P.C.

    2004-01-01

    Positron lifetime measurements were performed in TTAB(Tetradecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide)/water/pentanol ternary systems prepared by adding varying amounts of pentanol to different mother solutions of TTAB/water system having fixed TTAB concentrations. Besides delineating various phase boundaries as obtained by other conventional techniques, positron annihilation parameters were also found to be sensitive in detecting two kinds of lamellar structures in the otherwise considered to be a single liquid crystalline D phase of the system. The existence of such lamellar structures has been demonstrated by a change in the trend of o-Ps lifetime parameter when the system passes from one type of lamellar structure to the other type. The results of such a finding are presented in this paper. (orig.)

  16. Closed compact Taylor's droplets in a phase-separated lamellar-sponge mixture under shear flow

    Science.gov (United States)

    Courbin, L.; Cristobal, G.; Rouch, J.; Panizza, P.

    2001-09-01

    We have studied by optical microscopy, small-angle light scattering, and rheology, the behavior under shear flow of a phase-separated lamellar-sponge (Lα - L3) ternary mixture. We observe in the Lα-rich region (ΦLα > 80%) the existence of a Newtonian assembly made of closed compact monodisperse lamellar droplets immersed in the sponge phase. Contrary to the classical onion glassy texture obtained upon shearing Lα phases, the droplet size scales herein as dot gamma-1, the inverse of the shear rate. This result is in good agreement with Taylor's picture. Above a critical shear rate, dot gammac, the droplets organize to form a single colloidal crystal whose lattice size varies as dot gamma-1/3. To the memory of Tess Melissa P.

  17. Effect of a lanthanide ion on the micellation and self-organization of lyotropic liquid crystal systems

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Selivanova, N.M.; Osipova, V.V.; Galyametdinov, Yu.G.

    2006-01-01

    Lanthanide-containing lyotropic liquid-crystalline systems were synthesized and their phase behavior, as well as the micellar behavior of aqueous solutions of decaethylene glycol monodecyl ether in the absence and presence of a lanthanide ion, were studied. Tensimetry and conductometry were used to determine the critical micellation concentration, and the values obtained by these methods were found to be in close agreement with each other. Polarization microscopy observations showed that, in concentrated aqueous solutions, ordered lyotropic mesophases arise. The parameters of the phase transitions in the systems under study were determined. The mesophase obtained was demonstrated to have a 2D hexagonal supramolecular structure [ru

  18. Steps and dislocations in cubic lyotropic crystals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Leroy, S; Pieranski, P

    2006-01-01

    It has been shown recently that lyotropic systems are convenient for studies of faceting, growth or anisotropic surface melting of crystals. All these phenomena imply the active contribution of surface steps and bulk dislocations. We show here that steps can be observed in situ and in real time by means of a new method combining hygroscopy with phase contrast. First results raise interesting issues about the consequences of bicontinuous topology on the structure and dynamical behaviour of steps and dislocations

  19. Enhanced thermal lens effect in gold nanoparticle-doped Lyotropic liquid crystal by nanoparticle clustering probed by Z-scan technique

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gomez, S.L.; Lenart, V.M.

    2015-01-01

    This work presents an experimental study of the thermal lens effect in Au nanoparticles-doped lyotropic liquid crystals under cw 532 nm optical excitation. Spherical Au nanoparticles of about 12 nm were prepared by Turkevich’s method, and the lyotropic liquid crystal was a ternary mixture of SDS, 1-DeOH, and water that exhibits an isotropic phase at room temperature. The lyotropic matrix induces aggregation of the nanoparticles, leading to a broad and a red-shifted surface plasmon resonance. The thermal nonlinear optical refraction coefficient n 2 increases as a power of number density of nanoparticles, being possible to address this behavior to nanoparticle clustering. (author)

  20. Enhanced thermal lens effect in gold nanoparticle-doped Lyotropic liquid crystal by nanoparticle clustering probed by Z-scan technique

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gomez, S.L.; Lenart, V.M., E-mail: sgomez@uepg.br [Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa (UEPG), PR (Brazil). Dept. de Fisica; Turchiello, R.T. [Universidade Federal Tecnologica do Parana (UFTPR), Ponta Grossa, PR (Brazil). Dept. de Fisica; Goya, G.F. [Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Aragon Institute of Nanoscience, Zaragoza (Spain)

    2015-10-01

    This work presents an experimental study of the thermal lens effect in Au nanoparticles-doped lyotropic liquid crystals under cw 532 nm optical excitation. Spherical Au nanoparticles of about 12 nm were prepared by Turkevich’s method, and the lyotropic liquid crystal was a ternary mixture of SDS, 1-DeOH, and water that exhibits an isotropic phase at room temperature. The lyotropic matrix induces aggregation of the nanoparticles, leading to a broad and a red-shifted surface plasmon resonance. The thermal nonlinear optical refraction coefficient n{sub 2} increases as a power of number density of nanoparticles, being possible to address this behavior to nanoparticle clustering. (author)

  1. Chain confinement, phase transitions, and lamellar structure in semicrystalline polymers, polymer blends and polymer nanocomposites

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Huipeng

    Recent studies suggest that there are three phase fractions in semicrystalline polymers, the crystalline, the mobile amorphous and the rigid amorphous phases. Due to the distinct properties of the rigid amorphous fraction, RAF, it has been investigated for more than twenty years. In this thesis, a general method using quasi-isothermal temperature-modulated differential scaning calorimetry, DSC, is provided for the first time to obtain the temperature dependent RAF and the other two fractions, crystalline fraction and mobile amorphous fraction, MAF. For poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, our results show RAF was vitrified during quasi-isothermal cooling after crystallization had been completed and became totally devitrified during quasi-isothermal heating before the start of melting. Several years after people initially discovered the existence of RAF, another issue arose relating to the physical location of RAF and mobile amorphous fraction, MAF, within a lamellar stack model. Two very different models to describe the location of RAF were proposed. In the Heterogeneous Stack Model, HET, RAF is located outside the lamellar stacks. In the Homogeneous Stack Model, HSM, RAF was located inside the lamellar stacks. To determine the lamellar structure of semicrystalline polymers comprising three phase, a general method is given in this thesis by using a combination of the DSC and small angle X-ray scattering, SAXS techniques. It has been applied to Nylon 6, isotactic polystyrene, iPS, and PET. It was found for all of these materials, the HSM model is correct to describe the lamellar structure. In addition to the determination of lamellar structures, this method can also provide the exact fraction of MAF inside and outside lamellar stacks for binary polymer blends. For binary polymer blends, MAF, normally is located partially inside and partially outside the lamellar stacks. However, the quantification of the MAF inside and outside the lamellar stacks has now been provided

  2. Nucleation of the lamellar phase from the disordered phase of the renormalized Landau-Brazovskii model

    Science.gov (United States)

    Carilli, Michael F.; Delaney, Kris T.; Fredrickson, Glenn H.

    2018-02-01

    Using the zero-temperature string method, we investigate nucleation of a stable lamellar phase from a metastable disordered phase of the renormalized Landau-Brazovskii model at parameters explicitly connected to those of an experimentally accessible diblock copolymer melt. We find anisotropic critical nuclei in qualitative agreement with previous experimental and analytic predictions; we also find good quantitative agreement with the predictions of a single-mode analysis. We conduct a thorough search for critical nuclei containing various predicted and experimentally observed defect structures. The predictions of the renormalized model are assessed by simulating the bare Landau-Brazovskii model with fluctuations. We find that the renormalized model makes reasonable predictions for several important quantities, including the order-disorder transition (ODT). However, the critical nucleus size depends sharply on proximity to the ODT, so even small errors in the ODT predicted by the renormalized model lead to large errors in the predicted critical nucleus size. We conclude that the renormalized model is a poor tool to study nucleation in the fluctuating Landau-Brazovskii model, and recommend that future studies work with the fluctuating bare model directly, using well-chosen collective variables to investigate kinetic pathways in the disorder → lamellar transition.

  3. Gels and lyotropic liquid crystals: using an imidazolium-based catanionic surfactant in binary solvents.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cheng, Ni; Hu, Qiongzheng; Bi, Yanhui; Xu, Wenwen; Gong, Yanjun; Yu, Li

    2014-08-05

    The self-assembly behavior of an imidazolium-based catanionic surfactant, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dodecylsulfate ([C4mim][C12H25SO4]), was investigated in water-ethylammonium nitrate (EAN) mixed solvents with different volume ratios. It is particular interesting that this simple surfactant could not only form lyotropic liquid crystals (LLC) with multimesophases, i.e., normal hexagonal (H1), lamellar liquid crystal (Lα), and reverse bicontinuous cubic phase (V2), in the water-rich environment but also act as an efficient low-molecular-weight gelator (LMWG) which gelated EAN-abundant binary media in a broad concentration range. The peculiar nanodisk cluster morphology of gels composed of similar bilayer units was first observed. FT-IR spectra and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that strong H bonding and electrostatic interactions between EAN and the headgroups of [C4mim][C12H25SO4] are primarily responsible for gelation. The self-assembled gels displayed excellent mechanical strength and a thermoreversible sol-gel transition. It is for the first time that a rich variety of controllable ordered aggregates could be observed only by simply modulating the concentration of a single imidazolium-based catanionic surfactant or the ratio of mixed solvents. This environmentally friendly system is expected to have broad applications in various fields, such as materials science, drug delivery systems, and supramolecular chemistry.

  4. Structural perfection of directionally solidified lamellar eutectics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Attallah, T.; Gurzleski, J.E.

    1976-01-01

    The mechanisms for the formation of faults in lamellar eutectics are reviewed, and it is postulated that faults play several roles in eutectic freezing with their exact importance depending on the specific alloy system and the growth conditions. Faults are not the cause of lamellar spiralling although they are necessary for it to occur. Lamellar spiralling is found to occur only when the crystallographic orientations of the two eutectic phases lead to a growth component normal to the lamellar plane, and although some systems such as Pb-Sn normally spiral it is possible for them to achieve orientation relationships where no spiralling occurs

  5. Phase-field-lattice Boltzmann study for lamellar eutectic growth in a natural convection melt

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ang Zhang

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available In the present study, the influence of natural convection on the lamellar eutectic growth is determined by a phase-field-lattice Boltzmann study for Al-Cu eutectic alloy. The mass difference resulting from concentration difference led to the fluid flow, and a robust parallel and adaptive mesh refinement algorithm was employed to improve the computational efficiency without any compromising accuracy. Results show that the existence of natural convection would affect the growth undercooling and thus control the interface shape by adjusting the lamellar width. In particular, by alternating the magnitude of the solute expansion coefficient, the strength of the natural convection is changed. Corresponding microstructure patterns are discussed and compared with those under no-convection conditions.

  6. Depletion interactions in lyotropic nematics

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Schoot, van der P.P.A.M.

    2000-01-01

    A theoretical study of depletion interactions between pairs of small, globular colloids dispersed in a lyotropic nematic of hard, rodlike particles is presented. We find that both the strength and range of the interaction crucially depends on the configuration of the spheres relative to the nematic

  7. Shear-induced morphology transition and microphase separation in a lamellar phase doped with clay particles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nettesheim, Florian; Grillo, Isabelle; Lindner, Peter; Richtering, Walter

    2004-05-11

    We report on the influence of shear on a nonionic lamellar phase of tetraethyleneglycol monododecyl ether (C12E4) in D2O containing clay particles (Laponite RD). The system was studied by means of small-angle light scattering (SALS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) under shear. The SANS experiments were conducted using a H2O/D2O mixture of the respective scattering length density to selectively match the clay scattering. The rheological properties show the familiar shear thickening regime associated with the formation of multilamellar vesicles (MLVs) and a shear thinning regime at higher stresses. The variation of viscosity is less pronounced as commonly observed. In the shear thinning regime, depolarized SALS reveals an unexpectedly strong variation of the MLV size. SANS experiments using the samples with lamellar contrast reveal a change in interlamellar spacing of up to 30% at stresses that lead to MLV formation. This change is much more pronounced than the change observed, when shear suppresses thermal bilayer undulations. Microphase separation occurs, and as a consequence, the lamellar spacing decreases drastically. The coincidence of the change in lamellar spacing and the onset of MLV formation is a strong indication for a morphology-driven microphase separation.

  8. Calculations of and evidence for chain packing stress in inverse lyotropic bicontinuous cubic phases.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shearman, Gemma C; Khoo, Bee J; Motherwell, Mary-Lynn; Brakke, Kenneth A; Ces, Oscar; Conn, Charlotte E; Seddon, John M; Templer, Richard H

    2007-06-19

    Inverse bicontinuous cubic lyotropic phases are a complex solution to the dilemma faced by all self-assembled water-amphiphile systems: how to satisfy the incompatible requirements for uniform interfacial curvature and uniform molecular packing. The solution reached in this case is for the water-amphiphile interfaces to deform hyperbolically onto triply periodic minimal surfaces. We have previously suggested that although the molecular packing in these structures is rather uniform the relative phase behavior of the gyroid, double diamond, and primitive inverse bicontinuous cubic phases can be understood in terms of subtle differences in packing frustration. In this work, we have calculated the packing frustration for these cubics under the constraint that their interfaces have constant mean curvature. We find that the relative packing stress does indeed differ between phases. The gyroid cubic has the least packing stress, and at low water volume fraction, the primitive cubic has the greatest packing stress. However, at very high water volume fraction, the double diamond cubic becomes the structure with the greatest packing stress. We have tested the model in two ways. For a system with a double diamond cubic phase in excess water, the addition of a hydrophobe may release packing frustration and preferentially stabilize the primitive cubic, since this has previously been shown to have lower curvature elastic energy. We have confirmed this prediction by adding the long chain alkane tricosane to 1-monoolein in excess water. The model also predicts that if one were able to hydrate the double diamond cubic to high water volume fractions, one should destabilize the phase with respect to the primitive cubic. We have found that such highly swollen metastable bicontinuous cubic phases can be formed within onion vesicles. Data from monoelaidin in excess water display a well-defined transition, with the primitive cubic appearing above a water volume fraction of 0.75. Both of

  9. Prediction of EPR Spectra of Lyotropic Liquid Crystals using a Combination of Molecular Dynamics Simulations and the Model-Free Approach.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Prior, Christopher; Oganesyan, Vasily S

    2017-09-21

    We report the first application of fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to the prediction of the motional electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of lyotropic liquid crystals in different aggregation states doped with a paramagnetic spin probe. The purpose of this study is twofold. First, given that EPR spectra are highly sensitive to the motions and order of the spin probes doped within lyotropic aggregates, simulation of EPR line shapes from the results of MD modelling provides an ultimate test bed for the force fields currently employed to model such systems. Second, the EPR line shapes are simulated using the motional parameters extracted from MD trajectories using the Model-Free (MF) approach. Thus a combined MD-EPR methodology allowed us to test directly the validity of the application of the MF approach to systems with multi-component molecular motions. All-atom MD simulations using the General AMBER Force Field (GAFF) have been performed on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) liquid crystals. The resulting MD trajectories were used to predict and interpret the EPR spectra of pre-micellar, micellar, rod and lamellar aggregates. The predicted EPR spectra demonstrate good agreement with most of experimental line shapes thus confirming the validity of both the force fields employed and the MF approach for the studied systems. At the same time simulation results confirm that GAFF tends to overestimate the packing and the order of the carbonyl chains of the surfactant molecules. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. First principles calculations of interstitial and lamellar rhenium nitrides

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Soto, G., E-mail: gerardo@cnyn.unam.mx [Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnologia, Km 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Ensenada Baja California (Mexico); Tiznado, H.; Reyes, A.; Cruz, W. de la [Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnologia, Km 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Ensenada Baja California (Mexico)

    2012-02-15

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The possible structures of rhenium nitride as a function of composition are analyzed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The alloying energy is favorable for rhenium nitride in lamellar arrangements. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The structures produced by magnetron sputtering are metastable variations. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The structures produced by high-pressure high-temperature are stable configurations. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The lamellar structures are a new category of interstitial dissolutions. - Abstract: We report here a systematic first principles study of two classes of variable-composition rhenium nitride: i, interstitial rhenium nitride as a solid solution and ii, rhenium nitride in lamellar structures. The compounds in class i are cubic and hexagonal close-packed rhenium phases, with nitrogen in the octahedral and tetrahedral interstices of the metal, and they are formed without changes to the structure, except for slight distortions of the unit cells. In the compounds in class ii, by contrast, the nitrogen inclusion provokes stacking faults in the parent metal structure. These faults create trigonal-prismatic sites where the nitrogen residence is energetically favored. This second class of compounds produces lamellar structures, where the nitrogen lamellas are inserted among multiple rhenium layers. The Re{sub 3}N and Re{sub 2}N phases produced recently by high-temperature and high-pressure synthesis belong to this class. The ratio of the nitrogen layers to the rhenium layers is given by the composition. While the first principle calculations point to higher stability for the lamellar structures as opposed to the interstitial phases, the experimental evidence presented here demonstrates that the interstitial classes are synthesizable by plasma methods. We conclude that rhenium nitrides possess polymorphism and that the two-dimensional lamellar structures might represent an emerging class of materials

  11. First principles calculations of interstitial and lamellar rhenium nitrides

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Soto, G.; Tiznado, H.; Reyes, A.; Cruz, W. de la

    2012-01-01

    Highlights: ► The possible structures of rhenium nitride as a function of composition are analyzed. ► The alloying energy is favorable for rhenium nitride in lamellar arrangements. ► The structures produced by magnetron sputtering are metastable variations. ► The structures produced by high-pressure high-temperature are stable configurations. ► The lamellar structures are a new category of interstitial dissolutions. - Abstract: We report here a systematic first principles study of two classes of variable-composition rhenium nitride: i, interstitial rhenium nitride as a solid solution and ii, rhenium nitride in lamellar structures. The compounds in class i are cubic and hexagonal close-packed rhenium phases, with nitrogen in the octahedral and tetrahedral interstices of the metal, and they are formed without changes to the structure, except for slight distortions of the unit cells. In the compounds in class ii, by contrast, the nitrogen inclusion provokes stacking faults in the parent metal structure. These faults create trigonal-prismatic sites where the nitrogen residence is energetically favored. This second class of compounds produces lamellar structures, where the nitrogen lamellas are inserted among multiple rhenium layers. The Re 3 N and Re 2 N phases produced recently by high-temperature and high-pressure synthesis belong to this class. The ratio of the nitrogen layers to the rhenium layers is given by the composition. While the first principle calculations point to higher stability for the lamellar structures as opposed to the interstitial phases, the experimental evidence presented here demonstrates that the interstitial classes are synthesizable by plasma methods. We conclude that rhenium nitrides possess polymorphism and that the two-dimensional lamellar structures might represent an emerging class of materials within binary nitride chemistry.

  12. Solvation thermodynamics of phenylalcohols in lamellar phase surfactant dispersions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Martyniak, A.; Scheuermann, R.; Dilger, H.; Tucker, I.M.; Burkert, T.; Hashmi, A.S.K.; Vujosevic', D.; Roduner, E.

    2006-01-01

    The distribution and the stability of five phenylalcohols in a lamellar phase composed of simple bilayers separated by water at 298 and 348K is explored using avoided-level-crossing muon-spin resonance (ALC-μSR). The dependence of the alignment of the bilayer chains on temperature appears to be a crucial factor determining the phenylalcohol partitioning: increasing order of the surfactant tails leads to expulsion of the solute. Moreover, we observed a systematic trend, the longer the chain the deeper the phenyl group dips into the lipid bilayer. Recent studies have shown that the hydrophobic effect is adequate to describe membrane partitioning of small amphiphilic molecules. The solvation thermodynamic properties ΔG sol , ΔH sol , and ΔS sol which determine the solute transfer from the double layer into water prove that the distribution also strongly depends on shape, chemical nature and different structure of phenylalcohols

  13. Solvation thermodynamics of phenylalcohols in lamellar phase surfactant dispersions

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Martyniak, A. [Institut fuer Physikalische Chemie, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart (Germany); Scheuermann, R. [Laboratory for muon Spin Spectroscopy, Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232 Villigen (Switzerland); Dilger, H. [Institut fuer Physikalische Chemie, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart (Germany); Tucker, I.M. [Unilever Research and Development, Port Sunlight, Wirral CH63 3JW (United Kingdom); Burkert, T. [Institut fuer Organische Chemie, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart (Germany); Hashmi, A.S.K. [Institut fuer Organische Chemie, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart (Germany); Vujosevic' , D. [Institut fuer Physikalische Chemie, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart (Germany); Roduner, E. [Institut fuer Physikalische Chemie, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart (Germany)]. E-mail: e.roduner@ipc.uni-stuttgart.de

    2006-03-31

    The distribution and the stability of five phenylalcohols in a lamellar phase composed of simple bilayers separated by water at 298 and 348K is explored using avoided-level-crossing muon-spin resonance (ALC-{mu}SR). The dependence of the alignment of the bilayer chains on temperature appears to be a crucial factor determining the phenylalcohol partitioning: increasing order of the surfactant tails leads to expulsion of the solute. Moreover, we observed a systematic trend, the longer the chain the deeper the phenyl group dips into the lipid bilayer. Recent studies have shown that the hydrophobic effect is adequate to describe membrane partitioning of small amphiphilic molecules. The solvation thermodynamic properties {delta}G{sub sol}, {delta}H{sub sol}, and {delta}S{sub sol} which determine the solute transfer from the double layer into water prove that the distribution also strongly depends on shape, chemical nature and different structure of phenylalcohols.

  14. Formation of structural steady states in lamellar/sponge phase-separating fluids under shear flow

    Science.gov (United States)

    Panizza, P.; Courbin, L.; Cristobal, G.; Rouch, J.; Narayanan, T.

    2003-05-01

    We investigate the effect of shear flow on a lamellar-sponge phase-separating fluid when subjected to shear flow. We show the existence of two different steady states (droplets and ribbons structures) whose nature does not depend on the way to reach the two-phase unstable region of the phase diagram (temperature quench or stirring). The transition between ribbons and droplets is shear thickening and its nature strongly depends on what dynamical variable is imposed. If the stress is fixed, flow visualization shows the existence of shear bands at the transition, characteristic of coexistence in the cell between ribbons and droplets. In this shear-banding region, the viscosity oscillates. When the shear rate is fixed, no shear bands are observed. Instead, the transition exhibits a hysteretic behavior leading to a structural bi-stability of the phase-separating fluid under flow.

  15. Mechanisms of lamellar collagen formation in connective tissues.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ghazanfari, Samaneh; Khademhosseini, Ali; Smit, Theodoor H

    2016-08-01

    The objective of tissue engineering is to regenerate functional tissues. Engineering functional tissues requires an understanding of the mechanisms that guide the formation and evolution of structure in the extracellular matrix (ECM). In particular, the three-dimensional (3D) collagen fiber arrangement is important as it is the key structural determinant that provides mechanical integrity and biological function. In this review, we survey the current knowledge on collagen organization mechanisms that can be applied to create well-structured functional lamellar tissues and in particular intervertebral disc and cornea. Thus far, the mechanisms behind the formation of cross-aligned collagen fibers in the lamellar structures is not fully understood. We start with cell-induced collagen alignment and strain-stabilization behavior mechanisms which can explain a single anisotropically aligned collagen fiber layer. These mechanisms may explain why there is anisotropy in a single layer in the first place. However, they cannot explain why a consecutive collagen layer is laid down with an alternating alignment. Therefore, we explored another mechanism, called liquid crystal phasing. While dense concentrations of collagen show such behavior, there is little evidence that the conditions for liquid crystal phasing are actually met in vivo. Instead, lysyl aldehyde-derived collagen cross-links have been found essential for correct lamellar matrix deposition. Furthermore, we suggest that supra-cellular (tissue-level) shear stress may be instrumental in the alignment of collagen fibers. Understanding the potential mechanisms behind the lamellar collagen structure in connective tissues will lead to further improvement of the regeneration strategies of functional complex lamellar tissues. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Mechanical behavior and related microstructural aspects of a nano-lamellar TiAl alloy at elevated temperatures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Klein, T.; Usategui, L.; Rashkova, B.; Nó, M.L.; San Juan, J.; Clemens, H.; Mayer, S.

    2017-01-01

    Advanced intermetallic γ-TiAl based alloys, which solidify via the disordered β phase, such as the TNM"+ alloy, are considered as most promising candidates for structural applications at high temperatures in aero and automotive industries, where they are applied increasingly. Particularly creep resistant microstructures required for high-temperature application, i.e. fine fully lamellar microstructures, can be attained via two-step heat-treatments. Thereby, an increasing creep resistance is observed with decreasing lamellar interface spacing. Once lamellar structures reach nano-scaled dimensions, deformation mechanisms are altered dramatically. Hence, this study deals with a detailed characterization of the elevated temperature deformation phenomena prevailing in nano-lamellar TiAl alloys by the use of tensile creep experiments and mechanical spectroscopy. Upon creep exposure, microstructural changes occur in the lamellar structure, which are analyzed by the comparative utilization of X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as atom probe tomography. Creep activation parameters determined by mechanical characterization suggest the dominance of dislocation climb by a jog-pair formation process. The dislocations involved in deformation are, in nano-lamellar TiAl alloys, situated at the lamellar interfaces. During creep exposure the precipitation of β_o phase and ζ-silicide particles is observed emanating from the α_2 phase, which is due to the accumulation of Mo and Si at lamellar interfaces.

  17. An ALC study of spin exchange of a muoniated cosurfactant in lamellar phase surfactant dispersions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dilger, H.; Martyniak, A.; Scheuermann, R.; Vujosevic', D.; Tucker, I.M.; McKenzie, I.; Roduner, E.

    2006-01-01

    The Avoided Level Crossing muon spin resonance (ALC-μSR) technique has been used to measure the Heisenberg spin exchange rate between the Mu adducts of 2-phenylethanol (PEA) and Ni 2+ in a concentrated lamellar phase dispersion composed of the dichain cationic surfactant 2,3-diheptadecyl ester ethoxypropyl-1,1,1-trimethylammonium chloride (DHTAC) and water. Ni 2+ is only dissolved in the aqueous phase, therefore information about the local environment of the PEA can be extracted from the spin exchange rate. In the high-temperature (L α ) phase the spin exchange is very slow, revealing that PEA preferentially resides in the headgroup regime of the surfactant. In the low-temperature (L β ) phase the spin exchange is diffusion controlled, because the PEA is expelled into the water region between the bilayers

  18. Instability of a Lamellar Phase under Shear Flow: Formation of Multilamellar Vesicles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Courbin, L.; Delville, J. P.; Rouch, J.; Panizza, P.

    2002-09-01

    The formation of closed-compact multilamellar vesicles (referred to in the literature as the ``onion texture'') obtained upon shearing lamellar phases is studied using small-angle light scattering and cross-polarized microscopy. By varying the shear rate γ ˙, the gap cell D, and the smectic distance d, we show that: (i)the formation of this structure occurs homogeneously in the cell at a well-defined wave vector qi, via a strain-controlled process, and (ii)the value of qi varies as (dγ ˙/D)1/3. These results strongly suggest that formation of multilamellar vesicles may be monitored by an undulation (buckling) instability of the membranes, as expected from theory.

  19. An ALC study of spin exchange of a muoniated cosurfactant in lamellar phase surfactant dispersions

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Dilger, H. [Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart (Germany)]. E-mail: h.dilger@ipc.uni-stuttgart.de; Martyniak, A. [Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart (Germany); Scheuermann, R. [Laboratory for Muon Spin Spectroscopy, Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232 Villigen PSI (Switzerland); Vujosevic' , D. [Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart (Germany); Tucker, I.M. [Unilever Research and Development, Port Sunlight, Wirral, CH63 3JW (United Kingdom); McKenzie, I. [Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart (Germany); Roduner, E. [Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart (Germany)

    2006-03-31

    The Avoided Level Crossing muon spin resonance (ALC-{mu}SR) technique has been used to measure the Heisenberg spin exchange rate between the Mu adducts of 2-phenylethanol (PEA) and Ni{sup 2+} in a concentrated lamellar phase dispersion composed of the dichain cationic surfactant 2,3-diheptadecyl ester ethoxypropyl-1,1,1-trimethylammonium chloride (DHTAC) and water. Ni{sup 2+} is only dissolved in the aqueous phase, therefore information about the local environment of the PEA can be extracted from the spin exchange rate. In the high-temperature (L{sub {alpha}}) phase the spin exchange is very slow, revealing that PEA preferentially resides in the headgroup regime of the surfactant. In the low-temperature (L{sub {beta}}) phase the spin exchange is diffusion controlled, because the PEA is expelled into the water region between the bilayers.

  20. Surfactant assisted synthesis of lamellar nanostructured LiFePO4 at 388 K

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu Chao; Ma Dongxia; Ji Xiujie; Zhao Shanshan; Li Song

    2011-01-01

    Lamellar nanostructured lithium iron phosphate (Lα-LFP) was synthesized using anion surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphonate (SDS) as supermolecular template in water-ethanol media at 388 K under self-generated pressure. FeSO 4 , (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 and LiOH were used as Fe, P and Li sources, respectively. The inorganic phase was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology and the lamellar nanostructure were observed by field emitting scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results showed that the synthesized Lα-LFP presents not only the ordered lamellar microstructure accumulated by 20-40-nm thick LFP layers, but also the consequent self-assembled blocky particles of 0.5-1 μm. In contrast, template free LFP (TF-LFP) show a flake-shaped and mess-orientated microstructure. As a soft template, SDS played the roles of inducing the lamellar nanostructure, purifying the inorganic phase and decreasing the synthesis temperature.

  1. How do closed-compact multi-lamellar droplets form under shear flow? A possible mechanism

    Science.gov (United States)

    Courbin, L.; Pons, R.; Rouch, J.; Panizza, P.

    2003-01-01

    The formation of closed-compact multi-lamellar droplets obtained upon shearing both a lamellar phase (Lα) and a two-phase separated lamellar-sponge (Lα-L3) mixture is investigated as a function of the shear rate dot gamma, using small-angle light scattering (SALS) and cross-polarized optical microscopy. In both systems the formation of droplets occurs homogeneously in the cell at a well-defined wave vector qe propto dot gamma1/3 via a strain-controlled process. These results suggest that the formation of droplets may be monitored in both systems by a buckling instability of the lamellae as predicted from a recent theory.

  2. Energetics of a hexagonal-lamellar-hexagonal-phase transition sequence in dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine membranes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gawrisch, K.; Parsegian, V.A.; Hajduk, D.A.; Tate, M.W.; Gruner, S.M.; Fuller, N.L.; Rand, R.P.

    1992-01-01

    The phase diagram of DOPE/water dispersions was investigated by NMR and X-ray diffraction in the water concentration range from 2 to 20 water molecules per lipid and in the temperature range from -5 to +50C. At temperature above 22C, the dispersions form an inverse (H II ) phase at all water concentrations. Below 25C, an H II phase occurs at high water concentrations, an L α phase is formed at intermediate water concentrations, and finally the system switches back to an H II phase at low water concentrations. The enthalpy of the L α -H II -phase transition is +0.3 kcal/mol as measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Using 31 P and 2 H NMR and X-ray diffraction. The authors measured the trapped water volumes in H II and L α phases as a function of osmotic pressure. The change of the H II -phase free energy as a function of hydration was calculated by integrating the osmotic pressure vs trapped water volume curve. The phase diagram calculated on the basis of the known enthalpy of transition and the osmotic pressure vs water volume curves is in good agreement with the measured one. The H II -L α -H II double-phase transition at temperatures below 22C can be shown to be a consequence of (1) the greater degree of hydration of the H II phase in excess water and (2) the relative sensitivities with which the lamellar and hexagonal phases dehydrate with increasing osmotic pressure. These results demonstrate the usefulness of osmotic stress measurements to understand lipid-phase diagrams

  3. New techniques in lamellar keratoplasty.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Alio, Jorge L; Shah, Sunil; Barraquer, Carmen; Bilgihan, Kamil; Anwar, Mohammed; Melles, Gerrit R J

    2002-08-01

    In the past years, several lamellar keratoplasty surgical techniques have been developed, modified or improved in the past years, including microkeratome assisted anterior and posterior lamellar keratoplasty, anterior lamellar keratoplasty using air-dissection or visco-dissection, sutureless posterior lamellar keratoplasty, LASIK for postkeratoplasty astigmatism, and excimer laser assisted keratophakia for keratoconus or to manage complications after LASIK. These procedures may continue to gain interest as alternative procedures for a penetrating keratoplasty in the treatment of various corneal disorders.

  4. The structure of a lipid-water lamellar phase containing two types of lipid monolayers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ranck, J.L.; Luzzati, V.; Zaccai, G.

    1980-01-01

    One lamellar phase, observed in the mitochondrial lipids-water system at low temperature (ca 253 K) and at low water content (ca 15%), contains four lipid monolayers in its unit cell, two of type α and two of type β. Previous X-ray scattering studies of this phase led to an ambiguity: the phase could contain either two homogeneous bilayers, one α and one β, or two mixed bilayers, each formed by an α and a β monolayer. A solution to this problem was sought in a neutron scattering study as a function of the D 2 O/H 2 O ratio. Because of limited resolution, straightforward analysis of the neutron scattering data leads also to ambiguous results. Using a more sophisticated analysis based upon the zeroth- and second-order moments of the Patterson peaks relevant to the exchangeable components, it is shown that the weight of the evidence is in favour of a structure containing mixed bilayers. (Auth.)

  5. HCP to FCT + precipitate transformations in lamellar gamma-titanium aluminide alloys

    Science.gov (United States)

    Karadge, Mallikarjun Baburao

    Fully lamellar gamma-TiAl [alpha2(HCP) + gamma(FCT)] based alloys are potential structural materials for aerospace engine applications. Lamellar structure stabilization and additional strengthening mechanisms are major issues in the ongoing development of titanium aluminides due to the microstructural instability resulting from decomposition of the strengthening alpha 2 phase. This work addresses characterization of multi-component TiAl systems to identify the mechanism of lamellar structure refinement and assess the effects of light element additions (C and Si) on creep deformation behavior. Transmission electron microscopy studies directly confirmed for the first time that, fine lamellar structure is formed by the nucleation and growth of a large number of basal stacking faults on the 1/6 dislocations cross slipping repeatedly into and out of basal planes. This lamellar structure can be tailored by modifying jog heights through chemistry and thermal processing. alpha 2 → gamma transformation during heating (investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction) is a two step process involving the formation of a novel disordered FCC gamma' TiAl [with a(gamma') = c(gamma)] as an intermediate phase followed by ordering. Addition of carbon and silicon induced Ti2AlC H-type carbide precipitation inside the alpha2 lath and Ti 5(Al,Si)3 zeta-type silicide precipitation at the alpha 2/gamma interface. The H-carbides preserve alpha2/gamma type interfaces, while zeta-silicide precipitates restrict ledge growth and interfacial sliding enabling strong resistance to creep deformation.

  6. Ion transport mechanisms in lamellar phases of salt-doped PS–PEO block copolymer electrolytes

    KAUST Repository

    Sethuraman, Vaidyanathan; Mogurampelly, Santosh; Ganesan, Venkat

    2017-01-01

    We use a multiscale simulation strategy to elucidate, at an atomistic level, the mechanisms underlying ion transport in the lamellar phase of polystyrene–polyethylene oxide (PS–PEO) block copolymer (BCP) electrolytes doped with LiPF6 salts. Explicitly, we compare the results obtained for ion transport in the microphase separated block copolymer melts to those for salt-doped PEO homopolymer melts. In addition, we also present results for dynamics of the ions individually in the PEO and PS domains of the BCP melt, and locally as a function of the distance from the lamellar interfaces. When compared to the PEO homopolymer melt, ions were found to exhibit slower dynamics in both the block copolymer (overall) and in the PEO phase of the BCP melt. Such results are shown to arise from the effects of slower polymer segmental dynamics in the BCP melt and the coordination characteristics of the ions. Polymer backbone-ion residence times analyzed as a function of distance from the interface indicate that ions have a larger residence time near the interface compared to that near the bulk of lamella, and demonstrates the influence of the glassy PS blocks and microphase segregation on the ion transport properties. Ion transport mechanisms in BCP melts reveal that there exist five distinct mechanisms for ion transport along the backbone of the chain and exhibit qualitative differences from the behavior in homopolymer melts. We also present results as a function of salt concentration which show that the mean-squared displacements of the ions decrease with increasing salt concentration, and that the ion residence times near the polymer backbone increase with increasing salt concentration.

  7. Ion transport mechanisms in lamellar phases of salt-doped PS–PEO block copolymer electrolytes

    KAUST Repository

    Sethuraman, Vaidyanathan

    2017-10-23

    We use a multiscale simulation strategy to elucidate, at an atomistic level, the mechanisms underlying ion transport in the lamellar phase of polystyrene–polyethylene oxide (PS–PEO) block copolymer (BCP) electrolytes doped with LiPF6 salts. Explicitly, we compare the results obtained for ion transport in the microphase separated block copolymer melts to those for salt-doped PEO homopolymer melts. In addition, we also present results for dynamics of the ions individually in the PEO and PS domains of the BCP melt, and locally as a function of the distance from the lamellar interfaces. When compared to the PEO homopolymer melt, ions were found to exhibit slower dynamics in both the block copolymer (overall) and in the PEO phase of the BCP melt. Such results are shown to arise from the effects of slower polymer segmental dynamics in the BCP melt and the coordination characteristics of the ions. Polymer backbone-ion residence times analyzed as a function of distance from the interface indicate that ions have a larger residence time near the interface compared to that near the bulk of lamella, and demonstrates the influence of the glassy PS blocks and microphase segregation on the ion transport properties. Ion transport mechanisms in BCP melts reveal that there exist five distinct mechanisms for ion transport along the backbone of the chain and exhibit qualitative differences from the behavior in homopolymer melts. We also present results as a function of salt concentration which show that the mean-squared displacements of the ions decrease with increasing salt concentration, and that the ion residence times near the polymer backbone increase with increasing salt concentration.

  8. Lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals as materials for optical and biosensing applications

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tortora, L.; Park, H.-S.; Antion, K.; Finotello, D.; Lavrentovich, O. D.

    2007-02-01

    Lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals (LCLCs) are formed by molecules with rigid polyaromatic cores and ionic groups at the periphery that form aggregates while in water. Most of the LCLCs are not toxic to the biological cells and can be used as an amplifying medium in real-time biosensors. The detector is based on the principle that the immune aggregates growing in the LCLC bulk trigger the director distortions. Self-assembly of LCLC molecules into oriented structures allows one to use them in various structured films. For example, layer-by-layer electrostatic deposition produces monomolecular layers and stacks of layers of LCLC with long-range in-plane orientational order which sets them apart from the standard Langmuir-Blodgett films. We demonstrate that divalent and multivalent salts as well as acidic and basic materials that alter pH of the LCLC water solutions, are drastically modifying the phase diagrams of LCLC, from shifting the phase transition temperatures by tens of degrees, to causing condensation of the LCLC aggregates into more compact structures, such as birefringent bundles or formation of a columnar hexagonal phase from the nematic phase.

  9. Assessment of lamellar tearing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    McEnerney, J.W.

    1978-03-01

    Information on lamellar tearing is summarized and related to proposed ASME Code requirements. Lamellar tearing is characterized as a complex phenomenon related to poor short transverse ductility and through-thickness strain. The material, welding, and design variables that affect lamellar tearing are shown to be complex and interrelated. The commonly reported tests for assessing material susceptibility are described, with the controversy over their validity being carefully detailed. Although the use of a nondestructive test such as ultrasonic examination is most desirable, a widely applicable test method does not appear to be available. Of the destructive tests, the short transverse tensile reduction-of-area currently offers the most applicable means of assessing material susceptibility. However, because of the importance of matrix toughness, the short transverse Charpy V-notch test should be considered for use as an additional test if acceptance limits are developed. The ultrasonic detection of lamellar tears is susceptible to interpretation errors, which can make it overly conservative and lead to unnecessary repairs. The repair of tears is described as costly, difficult, and sometimes ineffective. Current design requirements appear to preclude any failures during static and fatigue service loads. However, without improvement of short transverse ductility, certain dynamic service loads could cause lamellar tearing failures. Two alternate design paths are recommended to prevent tearing during fabrication or service loading. The current and proposed ASME requirements dealing with lamellar tearing are reviewed and recommendations are made

  10. Neutron spin-echo investigation of the microemulsion dynamics. in bicontinuous lamellar and droplet phases

    CERN Document Server

    Mihailescu, M; Endo, H; Allgaier, J; Gompper, G; Stellbrink, J; Richter, D; Jakobs, B; Sottmann, T; Faragó, B

    2002-01-01

    Using neutron spin-echo (NSE) spectroscopy in combination with dynamic light scattering (DLS), we performed an extensive investigation of the bicontinuous phase in ternary water-surfactant-oil microemulsions, with extension to lamellar and droplet phases. The dynamical behavior of surfactant monolayers of decyl-polyglycol-ether (C sub 1 sub 0 E sub 4) molecules, or mixtures of surfactant with long amphiphilic block-copolymers of type poly-ethylene propylene/poly-ethylene oxide (PEP-PEO) was studied, under comparable conditions. The investigation techniques provide access to different length scales relative to the characteristic periodicity length of the microemulsion structure. Information on the elastic bending modulus is obtained from the local scale dynamics in view of existing theoretical descriptions and is found to be in accordance with small angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies. Evidence for the modified elastic properties and additional interaction of the amphiphilic layers due to the polymer is mo...

  11. Effect of microstructure evolution of the lamellar alpha on impact toughness in a two-phase titanium alloy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Xu, Jianwei; Zeng, Weidong; Zhao, Yawei; Jia, Zhiqiang

    2016-01-01

    The effects of the evolution of the lamellar alpha microstructure on the impact toughness of Ti-17 alloy are investigated. For this purpose, the beta-processed material is isothermally forged at 820 °C and subsequently heat treated using the combination of solid solution and aging treatment. Then the impact tests are carried out at room temperature. The corresponding microstructure and fracture surface are examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Microstructural observations reveal that globularization behavior is the main feature of microstructure evolution and the globularization fraction increases with the increasing of prestrain. However, globularization behavior has a negative influence on the impact toughness of Ti-17 alloy. In this work, the impact toughness have been obtained in the range of 29–55 J/cm 2 via varying globularization fraction of alpha phase. A linear relationship between the impact toughness and globularization fraction can be observed though the quantitative analysis. The linear equation is expressed as A=−0.3232f+59.885. The two major reasons can be used to explain the effect of globularization fraction on the impact property of Ti-17 alloy. One explanation is that the lamellar structure can provide excellent interfacial strengthening effect, which can improve the toughness of material, and makes it not easy to fracture. On the other hand, the fracture surface of specimen with the lamellar structure has larger amplitude of ups and downs. A long crack path length will be generated during fracture process. By contrast, the fracture of specimen with the equiaxed structure presents more flat surface and shorter crack path.

  12. Growth crystallography and lamellar to rod transition in directionally solidified Nb--Nb2C eutectic composites

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    David, S.A.; Santhanam, A.T.; Brody, H.D.

    1976-01-01

    The transition in morphology of the carbide phase is discussed in terms of the relative volume fraction of the phases, growth rate, and orientation relationships. The carbide morphology is influenced by the growth rate and carbon content. For constant growth rate increasing the volume fraction of the carbide phase favors the lamellar morphology. At low growth rates the lamellar morphology is favored, and at high growth rates the rod-like morphology is favored. Growth crystallography has no direct influence on the transition in carbide morphology

  13. Simultaneous alignment and dispersion of carbon nanotubes with lyotropic liquid crystals

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Lagerwall, J.P.F.; Scalia, G.; Haluska, M.; Dettlaff-Weglikowska, U.; Giesselmann, F.; Roth, S.

    2006-01-01

    We demonstrate that single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) can be macroscopically aligned by means of templating in a lyotropic nematic liquid crystal (LC), a self-assembling anisotropic fluid with orientational but no translational order. The CNTs spontaneously adopt the alignment of the host, as we

  14. Permanent Electric Dipole-Dipole Interactions in Lyotropic Polypeptide Liquid Crystals

    OpenAIRE

    MORI, Norio; Norio, MORI; Research Associate, Department of Industrial Chemistry

    1981-01-01

    The interaction energy between two adjacent α-helical molecules was calculated taking into account for permanent electric dipoles locating orl the helical core of a polymer mainchain in order to explain the cholesteric structure of lyotropic polypeptide liquid crystals. It was concluded that the dipole-dipole interactions were responsible for the formation of the cholesteric structure.

  15. SALT-INDUCED TRANSITION FROM A MICELLAR TO A LAMELLAR LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE PHASE IN DILUTE MIXTURES OF ANIONIC AND NONIONIC SURFACTANTS IN AQUEOUS-SOLUTION

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    SEIN, A; ENGBERTS, JBFN; VANDERLINDEN, E; VANDEPAS, JC

    In dilute mixtures of anionic surfactant, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (NaDoBS), and nonionic poly(ethylene oxide) alkyl monoether (C13-15E(7)) a transition from a micellar to a lamellar phase is found at high salting-out electrolyte (NaCit) concentrations. With an increase of the salt

  16. Development of lamellar structures in natural waxes - an electron diffraction investigation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dorset, Douglas L.

    1999-06-01

    When they are recrystallized from the melt, natural plant or insect waxes tend to form solid phases with a nematic-like structure (i.e. a parallel array of polymethylene chains with little or no aggregation of the molecules into distinct layers). An electron diffraction study of carnauba wax and two types of beeswax has shown that the degree of molecular organization into lamellar structures can be enhanced by annealing in the presence of benzoic acid, which also acts as an epitaxial substrate. Nevertheless, the resultant layer structure in the annealed solid is not the same as that found for paraffin wax fractions refined from petroleum. Probably because of a small but significant fraction of a very long chain ingredient, the lamellar separation is incomplete, incorporating a number of `bridging molecules' that span the nascent lamellar interface.The same phenomenon has been described recently for a low molecular weight polyethylene.

  17. Development of lamellar structures in natural waxes - an electron diffraction investigation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Dorset, Douglas L. [Electron Diffraction Department, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Inc., Buffalo, NY (United States)

    1999-06-07

    When they are recrystallized from the melt, natural plant or insect waxes tend to form solid phases with a nematic-like structure (i.e. a parallel array of polymethylene chains with little or no aggregation of the molecules into distinct layers). An electron diffraction study of carnauba wax and two types of beeswax has shown that the degree of molecular organization into lamellar structures can be enhanced by annealing in the presence of benzoic acid, which also acts as an epitaxial substrate. Nevertheless, the resultant layer structure in the annealed solid is not the same as that found for paraffin wax fractions refined from petroleum. Probably because of a small but significant fraction of a very long chain ingredient, the lamellar separation is incomplete, incorporating a number of 'bridging molecules' that span the nascent lamellar interface.The same phenomenon has been described recently for a low molecular weight polyethylene. (author)

  18. DNA hosted and aligned in aqueous interstitia of a lamellar liquid crystal – a membrane–biomacromolecule interaction model system

    KAUST Repository

    Carlsson, Nils; Jonsson, Fabian; Wilhelmsson, L. Marcus; Nordé n, Bengt; Å kerman, Bjö rn

    2013-01-01

    We report that DNA molecules can be intercalated and macroscopically oriented in the aqueous interstitia of a lyotropic lamellar liquid crystal. Using UV-vis linear dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy we show that double-stranded oligonucleotides (25 base pairs) in the water-octanoate-decanol system remain base-paired in the B conformation and are confined in two dimensions, with the helix axis preferentially parallel to the lipid bilayer surfaces but free to rotate within this plane. The degree of helix confinement and the corresponding 2-D orientation can be improved by decreasing the thickness of the water interstitia via the fraction of water in the ternary mixture. Not surprisingly, the corresponding single-stranded oligonucleotides are not aligned, with their persistence length being short in comparison to the lamellar interstitium thickness. We propose this as a model system for studying interactions of DNA-ligand complexes near a lipid bilayer membrane which we demonstrate by using dye probes that are either covalently attached to one end of the oligonucleotide or reversibly bound by intercalation between the base pairs. Three cationic dyes, all strongly bound by intercalation to DNA when free in solution, are found to not bind to DNA but to prefer the membrane surface. The covalently attached Cy5 also binds to the bilayer while Cy3 tends to end-stack to the oligonucleotide duplex. The orientation of Cy5 parallel to the membrane indicates that electrostatic surface binding predominates over insertion into the hydrophobic interior of the membrane. Anionic and zwitterionic dyes (FAM and ROX) are found to remain randomly oriented in the water between the lipid bilayer surfaces. © The Royal Society of Chemistry.

  19. Functionalized Nanoporous Polymer Membranes with Well-Defined Pore Architectures via Lyotropic Liquid-Crystalline Monomers

    National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

    Gin, Douglas

    1997-01-01

    .... Two lyotropic liquid-crystalline monomer platforms have been synthesized. The interchannel separations in the polymerizable materials can be varied in the 30-40 A range by the choice of counterion on the ionic headgroup of the monomers...

  20. Control of Partial Coalescence of Self-Assembled Metal Nano-Particles across Lyotropic Liquid Crystals Templates towards Long Range Meso-Porous Metal Frameworks Design

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ludovic F. Dumée

    2015-10-01

    Full Text Available The formation of purely metallic meso-porous metal thin films by partial interface coalescence of self-assembled metal nano-particles across aqueous solutions of Pluronics triblock lyotropic liquid crystals is demonstrated for the first time. Small angle X-ray scattering was used to study the influence of the thin film composition and processing conditions on the ordered structures. The structural characteristics of the meso-structures formed demonstrated to primarily rely on the lyotropic liquid crystal properties while the nature of the metal nano-particles used as well as the their diameters were found to affect the ordered structure formation. The impact of the annealing temperature on the nano-particle coalescence and efficiency at removing the templating lyotropic liquid crystals was also analysed. It is demonstrated that the lyotropic liquid crystal is rendered slightly less thermally stable, upon mixing with metal nano-particles and that low annealing temperatures are sufficient to form purely metallic frameworks with average pore size distributions smaller than 500 nm and porosity around 45% with potential application in sensing, catalysis, nanoscale heat exchange, and molecular separation.

  1. Citrem Modulates Internal Nanostructure of Glyceryl Monooleate Dispersions and Bypasses Complement Activation

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Wibroe, Peter P; Mat Azmi, Intan Diana Binti; Nilsson, Christa

    2015-01-01

    Lyotropic non-lamellar liquid crystalline (LLC) aqueous nanodispersions hold a great promise in drug solubilization and delivery, but these nanosystems often induce severe hemolysis and complement activation, which limit their applications for safe intravenous administration. Here, we engineer an...

  2. Kinetics and mechanism of the pressure-induced lamellar order/disorder transition in phosphatidylethanolamine: a time-resolved X-ray diffraction study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mencke, A P; Caffrey, M

    1991-03-05

    By using synchrotron radiation, a movie was made of the X-ray scattering pattern from a biological liquid crystal undergoing a phase transition induced by a pressure jump. The system studied includes the fully hydrated phospholipid dihexadecylphosphatidylethanolamine in the lamellar gel (L beta') phase at a temperature of 68 degrees C and a pressure of 9.7 MPa (1400 psig). Following the rapid release of pressure to atmospheric the L beta' phase transforms slowly into the lamellar liquid crystal (L alpha) phase. The pressure perturbation is applied with the intention of producing a sudden phase disequilibrium followed by monitoring the system as it relaxes to its new equilibrium condition. Remarkably, the proportion of sample in the L alpha phase grows linearly with time, taking 37 s to totally consume the L beta' phase. The time dependencies of radius, peak intensity, and width of the powder diffraction ring of the low-angle (001) lamellar reflections were obtained from the movie by image processing. The concept of an "effective pressure" is introduced to account for the temperature variations that accompany the phase transition and to establish that the observed large transit time is indeed intrinsic to the sample and not due to heat exchange with the environment. The reverse transformation, L alpha to L beta', induced by a sudden jump from atmospheric pressure to 9.7 MPa, is complete in less than 13 s. These measurements represent a new approach for studying the kinetics of lipid phase transitions and for gaining insights into the mechanism of the lamellar order/disorder transition.

  3. Updating the lamellar hypothesis of hippocampal organization

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Robert S Sloviter

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available In 1971, Andersen and colleagues proposed that excitatory activity in the entorhinal cortex propagates topographically to the dentate gyrus, and on through a trisynaptic circuit lying within transverse hippocampal slices or lamellae [Andersen, Bliss, and Skrede. 1971. Lamellar organization of hippocampal pathways. Exp Brain Res 13, 222-238]. In this way, a relatively simple structure might mediate complex functions in a manner analogous to the way independent piano keys can produce a nearly infinite variety of unique outputs. The lamellar hypothesis derives primary support from the lamellar distribution of dentate granule cell axons (the mossy fibers, which innervate dentate hilar neurons and area CA3 pyramidal cells and interneurons within the confines of a thin transverse hippocampal segment. Following the initial formulation of the lamellar hypothesis, anatomical studies revealed that unlike granule cells, hilar mossy cells, CA3 pyramidal cells, and Layer II entorhinal cells all form axonal projections that are more divergent along the longitudinal axis than the clearly lamellar mossy fiber pathway. The existence of pathways with translamellar distribution patterns has been interpreted, incorrectly in our view, as justifying outright rejection of the lamellar hypothesis [Amaral and Witter. 1989. The three-dimensional organization of the hippocampal formation: a review of anatomical data. Neuroscience 31, 571-591]. We suggest that the functional implications of longitudinally-projecting axons depend not on whether they exist, but on what they do. The observation that focal granule cell layer discharges normally inhibit, rather than excite, distant granule cells suggests that longitudinal axons in the dentate gyrus may mediate "lateral" inhibition and define lamellar function, rather than undermine it. In this review, we attempt a reconsideration of the evidence that most directly impacts the physiological concept of hippocampal lamellar

  4. Outstanding compressive creep strength in Cr/Ir-codoped (Mo0.85Nb0.15)Si2 crystals with the unique cross-lamellar microstructure.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hagihara, Koji; Ikenishi, Takaaki; Araki, Haruka; Nakano, Takayoshi

    2017-06-21

    A (Mo 0.85 Nb 0.15 )Si 2 crystal with an oriented, lamellar, C40/C11 b two-phase microstructure is a promising ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) structural material, but its low room-temperature fracture toughness and low high-temperature strength prevent its practical application. As a possibility to overcome these problems, we first found a development of unique "cross-lamellar microstructure", by the cooping of Cr and Ir. The cross-lamellar microstructure consists of a rod-like C11 b -phase grains that extend along a direction perpendicular to the lamellar interface in addition to the C40/C11 b fine lamellae. In this study, the effectiveness of the cross-lamellar microstructure for improving the high-temperature creep deformation property, being the most essential for UHT materials, was examined by using the oriented crystals. The creep rate significantly reduced along a loading orientation parallel to the lamellar interface. Furthermore, the degradation in creep strength for other loading orientation that is not parallel to the lamellar interface, which has been a serious problem up to now, was also suppressed. The results demonstrated that the simultaneous improvement of high-temperature creep strength and room temperature fracture toughness can be first accomplished by the development of unique cross-lamellar microstructure, which opens a potential avenue for the development of novel UHT materials as alternatives to existing Ni-based superalloys.

  5. Low-pH-Induced Lamellar to Bicontinuous Primitive Cubic Phase Transition in Dioleoylphosphatidylserine/Monoolein Membranes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Oka, Toshihiko; Hasan, Moynul; Islam, Md Zahidul; Moniruzzaman, Md; Yamazaki, Masahito

    2017-10-31

    Electrostatic interactions (EIs) play important roles in the structure and stability of inverse bicontinuous cubic (Q II ) phases of lipid membranes. We examined the effect of pH on the phase of dioleoylphosphatidylserine (DOPS)/monoolein (MO) membranes at low ionic strengths using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We found that the phase transitions from lamellar liquid-crystalline (L α ) to primitive cubic (Q II P ) phases in DOPS/MO (2/8 molar ratio) membranes occurred in buffers containing 50 mM NaCl at and below the final pH of 2.75 as the pH of the membrane suspension was decreased from a neutral value. The kinetic pathway of this transition was revealed using time-resolved SAXS with a stopped-flow apparatus. The first step is a rapid transition from the L α phase to the hexagonal II (H II ) phase, and the second step is a slow transition from the H II phase to the Q II P phase. We determined the rate constants of the first step, k 1 , and of the second step, k 2 , by analyzing the time course of SAXS intensities quantitatively. The k 1 value increased with temperature. The analysis of this result provided the values of its apparent activation energy, which were constant over temperature but increased with pH. This can be explained by an EI effect on the free energy of the transition state. In contrast, the k 2 value decreased with temperature, indicating that the true activation energy increased with temperature. These experimental results were analyzed using the theory of the activation energy of phase transitions of lipid membranes when the free energy of the transition state depends on temperature. On the basis of these results, we discussed the mechanism of this phase transition.

  6. Molecular motion of water molecules in lyotropic mesophases formed from fatty acid soaps

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Olszewski, K.J.; Pislewski, N.

    1980-01-01

    The results of study of self-diffusion coefficients and relaxation times for the mesophases formed from water mixtures of potassium laurate (denoted by C 12 K), myristate (C 14 K), and palmitate (C 16 K), are presented. The samples containing by weight 70% of soaps and 30% of water as well as samples containing 30% of soaps and 70% of water were examined. It allowed to obtain lamellar and middle phase respectively. (author)

  7. Spontaneous subconjunctival abscess in congenital lamellar ichthyosis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Shivanand C Bubanale

    2018-01-01

    Full Text Available Congenital lamellar ichthyosis is an autosomal recessive, heterogeneous disorder presenting at birth with generalized skin involvement. The most common ophthalmic manifestation noted is bilateral ectropion of the lower eyelids. A 1-month-old female neonate, the second born of a nonconsanguineous marriage, presented with 4 days' history of redness, discharge, and swelling in the right eye. There was severe right upper eyelid ectropion, conjunctival injection, chemosis, a subconjunctival mass on the temporal bulbar conjunctiva spontaneously draining pus and corneal haze. The anterior chamber, iris, lens and fundus appeared normal. Congenital lamellar ichthyosis was suspected because of scaling and excessive dryness of the entire body. The occurrence of a spontaneous subconjunctival abscess is not known in lamellar ichthyosis. We thus report the management of a rare case of unilateral upper eyelid ectropion, subconjunctival abscess with orbital cellulitis in congenital lamellar ichthyosis.

  8. Multiscale Simulations of Lamellar PS–PEO Block Copolymers Doped with LiPF6 Ions

    KAUST Repository

    Sethuraman, Vaidyanathan; Mogurampelly, Santosh; Ganesan, Venkat

    2017-01-01

    We report the results of atomistic simulations of the structural equilibrium properties of PS–PEO block copolymer (BCP) melt in the ordered lamellar phase doped with LiPF6 salt. A hybrid simulation strategy, consisting of steps of coarse

  9. Preparation of textural lamellar tin deposits via electrodeposition

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wen, Xiaoyu; Pan, Xiaona; Wu, Libin; Li, Ruinan; Wang, Dan; Zhang, Jinqiu; Yang, Peixia

    2017-06-01

    Lamellar tin deposits were prepared by galvanostatical electroplating from the aqueous acidic-sulfate bath, with gelatin and benzalacetone dissolved in ethanol (ABA+EtOH) as additive, and their morphologies were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Cathodic polarization curves revealed that the absorbability of ABA+EtOH on the cathode surface was higher than that of gelatin. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated preferred orientations of tin growth led to the formation of lamellar structure and distortion of tin lattice. The growth mechanism of lamellar tin was also discussed.

  10. Glass transition behavior of octyl β-D-glucoside and octyl β-D-thioglucoside/water binary mixtures.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ogawa, Shigesaburo; Asakura, Kouichi; Osanai, Shuichi

    2010-11-22

    The lyotropic behavior and glass-forming properties of octyl β-D-glucoside (C8Glu) and octyl β-D-thioglucoside (C8SGlu)/water binary mixtures were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM). The results clearly indicate that the mixture forms a glass in the supercooling state of liquid crystalline phases such as cubic, lamellar, and smectic. The glass transition temperature (T(g)) of the mixture was strongly dependent on solute concentration, with a higher concentration correlating with a higher T(g). The experimental T(g) was consistent with the predicted value calculated using the Couchman-Karasz equation in both the C8Glu and C8SGlu/water mixtures. The change of heat capacity at T(g) showed the two bending points under variation of concentrations. And the highest temperature of phase transition from lamellar to isotropic solution was observed at around 50% molar concentration. It was expected that non-percolated state of water existed in extremely higher concentration ranges. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Congenital lamellar ichthyosis, a case report.

    OpenAIRE

    Joaquín Saavedra D.; María José Sierralta S.; Cristian Saavedra D; Vanesa Rivera C; Francisco Cerda C.

    2014-01-01

    ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Lamellar Ichthyosis is a rare skin diseases belonging to the Group of the so-called genodermatoses. It is a form of congenital ichthyosis evident at birth. CASE REPORT: Male neonate, born at 36 weeks of gestation via cesarian section, appropriate for gestational age and Apgar Score 8. Nonconsanguineous parents. Affected brother with Ichthyosis lamellar. Is hospitalized in the Neonatal Intermediary Care Unit of the Hospital of San Fernando due to ...

  12. Kinetics and mechanism of transitions involving the lamellar, cubic, inverted hexagonal, and fluid isotropic phases of hydrated monoacylglycerides monitored by time-resolved X-ray diffraction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Caffrey, M.

    1987-01-01

    A study of the dynamics and mechanism of the various thermotropic phase transitions undergone by the hydrated monoacylglycerides monoolein and monoelaidin, in the temperature range of 20-120 0 C and from 0 to 5 M NaCl, has been undertaken. Measurements were made by using time-resolved X-ray diffraction at the Cornell High-Energy Synchrotron Source. The lamellar chain order/disorder, lamellar/cubic (body centered, space group No.8), cubic (body centered, No.8)/cubic (primitive No.4), cubic (body centered, No.12)/cubic (primitive, No.4), cubic (primitive, No.4)/fluid isotropic, cubic (body centered, No.12)/inverted hexagonal, cubic (primitive, No.4)/inverted hexagonal, and hexagonal/fluid isotropic transitions were examined under active heating and passive cooling by using a jump in temperature to effect phase transformation. All of the transitions with the exception of the cubic (body centered, No.8)/cubic (primitive, No.4) and the cubic (body centered, No.12)/cubic (primitive, No.4) cooling transitions were found (1) to be repeatable, (2) to be reversible, and (3) to have an upper bound on the transit time (time required to complete the transition) of ≤ 3s. In addition to the time-resolved measurements, data were obtained on the stability of the various phases in the temperature range of 20-120 0 C and from 0 to 5 M NaCl. In the case of fully hydrated monoolein, high salt strongly favors the hexagonal over the cubic (body centered, No.8) phase and slightly elevates the hexagonal/fluid isotropic transition temperature. With fully hydrated monoelaidin, the hexagonal phase which is not observed in the absence of salt becomes the dominant phase at high salt concentration

  13. [Indications and surgical approach for lamellar macular holes and pseudoholes].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Haritoglou, C; Schumann, R G

    2017-12-01

    This article presents a discussion on the indications for surgical interventions of lamellar macular holes and pseudoholes. What are the criteria for deciding on the surgical intervention for lamellar macular holes and pseudoholes? The article is based on a literature search in PubMed RESULTS: Lamellar macular holes and pseudoholes are subdivided into degenerative and tractive alterations. Both entities are associated with relatively specific morphological and functional criteria, which correlate with the expected functional and morphological results of the surgical intervention. Patients with pseudoholes therefore profit more from a surgical intervention because alterations to the outer retina are less pronounced in these cases. The indications for surgery of lamellar macular holes and pseudoholes are established by the type of lamellar defect and the morphological and functional alterations associated with this condition.

  14. Synthesis and characterization of a lamellar hydroxyapatite/DNA nanohybrid

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zuo Guifu; Wan Yizao; Meng Xianguang [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Zhao Qing [School of Agriculture and Bioengineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Ren Kaijing [Department of Joint Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin 300211 (China); Jia Shiru [Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, 29, 13th Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457 (China); Wang Jiehua, E-mail: gfzuo@tju.edu.cn [School of Agriculture and Bioengineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China)

    2011-04-15

    Research highlights: {yields} A lamellar hydroxyapatite (HAp)/DNA nanohybrid was prepared as a novel gene delivering vector. {yields} Gel electrophoresis analysis confirmed that the lamellar HAp could protect DNA from degradation of DNase I. {yields} The protected DNA in the HAp/DNA nanohybrid could be recovered readily under acid conditions. - Abstract: Two-dimensional layered materials exhibit desired functionalities when being used as gene delivery materials. In this study, a novel gene delivering vector, lamellar hydroxyapatite (HAp)/DNA nanohybrid was prepared. The structure of HAp/DNA nanohybrid was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis revealed that ion-exchange occurred during the process. Gel electrophoresis analysis confirmed that the lamellar HAp could protect DNA from degradation of DNase I and the protected DNA could be recovered readily under acid conditions. Furthermore, the integrity of released DNA was confirmed by UV-vis spectra.

  15. Synthesis and characterization of a lamellar hydroxyapatite/DNA nanohybrid

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zuo Guifu; Wan Yizao; Meng Xianguang; Zhao Qing; Ren Kaijing; Jia Shiru; Wang Jiehua

    2011-01-01

    Research highlights: → A lamellar hydroxyapatite (HAp)/DNA nanohybrid was prepared as a novel gene delivering vector. → Gel electrophoresis analysis confirmed that the lamellar HAp could protect DNA from degradation of DNase I. → The protected DNA in the HAp/DNA nanohybrid could be recovered readily under acid conditions. - Abstract: Two-dimensional layered materials exhibit desired functionalities when being used as gene delivery materials. In this study, a novel gene delivering vector, lamellar hydroxyapatite (HAp)/DNA nanohybrid was prepared. The structure of HAp/DNA nanohybrid was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis revealed that ion-exchange occurred during the process. Gel electrophoresis analysis confirmed that the lamellar HAp could protect DNA from degradation of DNase I and the protected DNA could be recovered readily under acid conditions. Furthermore, the integrity of released DNA was confirmed by UV-vis spectra.

  16. MECHANISM OF OPTICAL NONLINEARITY IN “LYOTROPIC LIQUID CRYSTAL — VIOLOGEN” SYSTEM

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hanna Bordyuh

    2014-06-01

    Full Text Available In the present work we analyze the characteristics of holographic grating recording and consider a mechanism of optical nonlinearity in the lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC — viologen samples. Taking into account structural and electrooptical properties of the admixture molecules it is possible to suggest that the recording is realized due to the change of polarizability of π-electron system of coloured viologen derivatives under the action of laser radiation. The main nonlinear optical parameters such as nonlinear refraction coefficient n2, cubic nonlinear susceptibility χ(3, and hyperpolarizability γ were calculated.

  17. Structure-rheology relationship in a sheared lamellar fluid.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jaju, S J; Kumaran, V

    2016-03-01

    The structure-rheology relationship in the shear alignment of a lamellar fluid is studied using a mesoscale model which provides access to the lamellar configurations and the rheology. Based on the equations and free energy functional, the complete set of dimensionless groups that characterize the system are the Reynolds number (ργL(2)/μ), the Schmidt number (μ/ρD), the Ericksen number (μγ/B), the interface sharpness parameter r, the ratio of the viscosities of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts μ(r), and the ratio of the system size and layer spacing (L/λ). Here, ρ and μ are the fluid density and average viscosity, γ is the applied strain rate, D is the coefficient of diffusion, B is the compression modulus, μ(r) is the maximum difference in the viscosity of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts divided by the average viscosity, and L is the system size in the cross-stream direction. The lattice Boltzmann method is used to solve the concentration and momentum equations for a two dimensional system of moderate size (L/λ=32) and for a low Reynolds number, and the other parameters are systematically varied to examine the qualitative features of the structure and viscosity evolution in different regimes. At low Schmidt numbers where mass diffusion is faster than momentum diffusion, there is fast local formation of randomly aligned domains with "grain boundaries," which are rotated by the shear flow to align along the extensional axis as time increases. This configuration offers a high resistance to flow, and the layers do not align in the flow direction even after 1000 strain units, resulting in a viscosity higher than that for an aligned lamellar phase. At high Schmidt numbers where momentum diffusion is fast, the shear flow disrupts layers before they are fully formed by diffusion, and alignment takes place by the breakage and reformation of layers by shear, resulting in defects (edge dislocations) embedded in a background of nearly aligned layers

  18. Anatomical and Functional Results of Lamellar Macular Holes Surgery.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Papadopoulou, D; Donati, G; Mangioris, G; Pournaras, C J

    2016-04-01

    To determine the long-term surgical findings and outcomes after vitrectomy for symptomatic lamellar macular holes. We studied 28 patients with lamellar macular holes and central visual loss or distortion. All interventions were standard 25 G vitrectomy with membranectomy of the internal limiting membrane (ILM), peeling and gas tamponade with SF6 20 %. Operations were performed by a single experienced surgeon within the last 3 years. Best corrected visual acuity and optical coherence tomography appearance were determined preoperatively and postoperatively. Following the surgical procedure, all macular holes were closed; however, in 3 eyes, significant foveal thinning was associated with changes in the retinal pigment epithelium changes. The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved postoperatively in the majority of the patients (n: 21, mean 0.3 logMAR), stabilised in 4 patients and decreased in 3 patients (mean 0.4 logMAR). Spectral Domain-Optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed resolution of the lamellar lesion and improved macular contour in all cases. We demonstrated improvement in postoperative vision and the anatomical reconstruction of the anatomical contour of the fovea in most eyes with symptomatic lamellar holes. These findings indicate that vitrectomy, membranectomy and ILM peeling with gas tamponade is a beneficial treatment of symptomatic lamellar macular holes. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  19. Theory of X-ray scattering by strongly distorted aging alloys with lamellar distribution of inclusions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Barabash, R.I.; Krivoglaz, M.A.; AN Ukrainskoj SSR, Kiev. Inst. Metallofiziki)

    1981-01-01

    The X-ray scattering by strongly distorted heterogeneous alloys containing inclusions of new phase particles is discussed. Two models describing the lamellar structure with various orientation of inclusion axes in different layers are studied. In the first model the dimensions of inclusions are small in comparison with the layer thickness and they are randomly distributed in it, in the second model lamellar inclusions stretch through the whole layer. It is shown that in both models the Debye broadened line intensity distribution consists of overlapping Lorentz curves. A case of inclusions oriented along directions [100] and layers perpendicular to axes [110] is analyzed in detail. The results obtained for this case are compared with experimental results for the Cu-Be alloy

  20. Lamellar-crossing-structured Ni(OH){sub 2}/CNTs/Ni(OH){sub 2} nanocomposite for electrochemical supercapacitor materials

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wu, Qingnan [Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092 (China); Wen, Ming, E-mail: m_wen@tongji.edu.cn [Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092 (China); Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092 (China); Chen, Shipei [Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092 (China); Wu, Qingsheng [Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092 (China); Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092 (China)

    2015-10-15

    Ni(OH){sub 2}/CNTs/Ni(OH){sub 2} lamellar-crossing-nanostructure with a single lamellar spacing of ∼5 nm was effectively constructed through two-phase-interface reaction process followed by the CNTs crossed among the lamellar-nanostructured Ni(OH){sub 2}. The resultant nanocomposite can offer large active surface areas and short diffusion paths for electrons and ions, and is investigated as a potential pseudocapacitor electrode material for electrochemical energy storage applications. Electrochemical data demonstrate that the as-prepared nanocomposite exhibits a high specific capacitance of ∼1600 F g{sup −1} at the scan rate of 1 mV s{sup −1} in 6 M KOH solution at normal pressure and temperature, which is great higher than Ni(OH){sub 2} (∼1200 F g{sup −1}). Furthermore, Ni(OH){sub 2}/CNTs/Ni(OH){sub 2} nanocomposite shows a higher energy density (∼125 Wh kg{sup −1}, 2 A g{sup −1}) and has a slightly decrease of 5% in specific capacitance after 1000 continuous charge/discharge cycles. - Graphical abstract: As-constructed Ni(OH){sub 2}/CNTs/Ni(OH){sub 2} lamellar-crossing-nanostructure exhibits remarkable enhancement in electrochemical stability and high specific capacity of ∼1600 F g{sup −1} at a scan rate of 1 mV s{sup −1}, suggesting promising potential for supercapacitor applications. - Highlights: • New designed lamellar-crossing-structured Ni(OH){sub 2}/CNTs/Ni(OH){sub 2} nanocomposites have been firstly reported in this work. • Ni(OH){sub 2}/CNTs/Ni(OH){sub 2} lamellar-crossing-nanostructures show firm nanostructure and excellent electrochemical stability. • Ni(OH){sub 2}/CNTs/Ni(OH){sub 2} nanocomposites exhibit excellent specific capacitance. • Ni(OH){sub 2}/CNTs/Ni(OH){sub 2} nanocomposites have the potential application in electrochemical energy storage applications.

  1. Evaluation of Microemulsion and Lamellar Liquid Crystalline Systems for Transdermal Zidovudine Delivery.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Carvalho, André Luis Menezes; Silva, José Alexsandro da; Lira, Ana Amélia Moreira; Conceição, Tamara Matos Freire; Nunes, Rogéria de Souza; de Albuquerque Junior, Ricardo Luiz Cavalcanti; Sarmento, Victor Hugo Vitorino; Leal, Leila Bastos; de Santana, Davi Pereira

    2016-07-01

    This study proposed to investigate and to compare colloidal carrier systems containing Zidovudine (3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine) (AZT) for transdermal administration and optimization of antiretroviral therapy. Microemulsion (ME) and lamellar phase (LP) liquid crystal were obtained and selected from pseudoternary diagrams previously developed. Small-angle X-ray scattering and rheology analysis confirmed the presence of typical ME and liquid crystalline structures with lamellar arrangement, respectively. Both colloidal carrier systems, ME, and LP remained stable, homogeneous, and isotropic after AZT addition. In vitro permeation study (using pig ear skin) showed that the amount of permeated drug was higher for ME compared to the control and LP, obtaining a permeation enhancing effect on the order of approximately 2-fold (p drug permeation without causing apparent skin irritation. On the order hand, LP functioned as a drug reservoir reducing AZT partitioning into the skin. Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. HOLOGRAPHIC GRATING RECORDING IN “LYOTROPIC LIQUID CRYSTAL – VIOLOGEN” SYSTEM

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hanna Bordyuh

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available This work presents the results of nonlinear optical experiment run on the samples of lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC with viologen admixtures. During the experiment we obtained dynamic grating recording on bilayered LLC-viologen samples and determined main characteristics of recoded gratings. It was found out that the recording takes place in a thin near-cathode coloured viologen layer. The analysis of kinetics of thermal gratings erasing showed that contribution of a thermal nonlinearity into general diffraction efficiency is negligible small. The last fact is connected with a separation of LLC-viologen samples under the action of an electric field and heat sink into the liquid crystal layer

  3. Endothelial cell density after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (Melles technique)

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Van Dooren, BTH; Mulder, PGH; Nieuwendaal, CP; Beekhuis, WH; Melles, GRJ

    PURPOSE: To measure the recipient endothelial cell loss after the Melles technique for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. METHODS: In 21 eyes of 21 patients, a deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty procedure was performed. Before surgery and at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery, specular microscopy

  4. Does lamellar surgery for keratoconus experience the popularity it deserves?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wisse, Robert P L; van den Hoven, Célinde M L; Van der Lelij, Allegonda

    2014-08-01

    To analyse developments in surgical treatment for keratoconus (KC) by assessing rates and types of corneal surgery from 2005 to 2010. The Dutch Transplantation Foundation supplied data on all keratoplasty procedures for KC performed from 2005 to 2010 in the Netherlands. Registration was carried out by the eyebank at allocation and by the surgeon at the time of surgery. The type of surgery was categorized as either a penetrating or a lamellar procedure. Five hundred and seventy-five anonymized records were received, with excellent data completion (99%). Patients undergoing penetrating surgery had on average a lower visual acuity, higher k-readings and were slightly older compared with the lamellar group. A previous corneal hydrops was recorded for 19.1% of patients. Regular penetrating keratoplasty decreased in popularity from 79.7% in 2005 to 43.7% in 2010, due to the increased rate of lamellar surgery (42.5% in 2010) and 'mushroom' penetrating keratoplasty (13.8% in 2010). When hydrops cases were excluded, popularity became equal (47.6% penetrating versus 52.4% lamellar surgery, in 2010). Lamellar surgery is gaining in popularity, although regular penetrating keratoplasty is still the more commonly performed procedure. Only when hydrops cases are excluded do transplant rates become comparable. © 2013 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  5. Lamellar crystalline self-assembly behaviour and solid lipid nanoparticles of a palmityl prodrug analogue of Capecitabine—A chemotherapy agent

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gong, Xiaojuan; Moghaddam, Minoo J.; Sagnella, Sharon M.; Conn, Charlotte E.; Danon, Stephen J.; Waddington, Lynne J.; Drummond, Calum J. [CSIRO/MSE

    2014-09-24

    An amphiphile prodrug, 5'-deoxy-5-fluoro-N4-(palmityloxycarbonyl) cytidine or 5'-deoxy-5-fluoro-N4-(hexadecanaloxycarbonyl) cytidine (5-FCPal), consisting of the same head group as the commercially available chemotherapeutic agent Capecitabine, linked to a palmityl hydrocarbon chain via a carbamate bond is reported. Thermal analysis of this prodrug indicates that it melts at ~115 °C followed quickly by degradation beginning at ~120 °C. The neat solid 5-FCPal amphiphile acquires a lamellar crystalline arrangement with a d-spacing of 28.6 ± 0.3 Å, indicating interdigitation of the hydrocarbon chains. Under aqueous conditions, solid 5-FCPal is non-swelling and no lyotropic liquid crystalline phase formation is observed. In order to assess the in vitro toxicity and in vivo efficacy in colloidal form, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) with an average size of ~700 nm were produced via high pressure homogenization. The in vitro toxicity of the 5-FCPal SLNs against several different cancer and normal cell types was assessed over a 48 h period, and IC50 values were comparable to those observed for Capecitabine. The in vivo efficacy of the 5-FCPal SLNs was then assessed against the highly aggressive mouse 4T1 breast cancer model. To do so, the prodrug SLNs were administered orally at 3 different dosages (0.1, 0.25, 0.5 mmol/mouse/day) and compared to Capecitabine delivered at the same dosages. After 21 days of receiving the treatments, the 0.5 mmol dose of 5-FCPal exhibited the smallest average tumour volume. Since 5-FCPal is activated in a similar manner to Capecitabine via a 3 step enzymatic pathway with the final step occurring preferentially at the tumour site, formulation of the prodrug into SLNs combines the advantage of selective, localized activation with the sustained release properties of nanostructured amphiphile self-assembly and multiple payload materials thereby potentially creating a more effective anticancer agent.

  6. Hybrid silica luminescent materials based on lanthanide-containing lyotropic liquid crystal with polarized emission

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Selivanova, N.M., E-mail: natsel@mail.ru [Kazan National Research Technological University, 68 Karl Marx Str., Kazan 420015 (Russian Federation); Vandyukov, A.E.; Gubaidullin, A.T. [A.E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry of the Kazan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 8 Acad. Arbuzov Str., Kazan 420088 (Russian Federation); Galyametdinov, Y.G. [Kazan National Research Technological University, 68 Karl Marx Str., Kazan 420015 (Russian Federation)

    2014-11-14

    This paper represents the template method for synthesis of hybrid silica films based on Ln-containing lyotropic liquid crystal and characterized by efficient luminescence. Luminescence films were prepared in situ by the sol–gel processes. Lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) mesophases C{sub 12}H{sub 25}O(CH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}O){sub 10}H/Ln(NO{sub 3}){sub 3}·6H{sub 2}O/H{sub 2}O containing Ln (III) ions (Dy, Tb, Eu) were used as template. Polarized optical microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and FT-IR-spectroscopy were used for characterization of liquid crystal mesophases and hybrid films. The morphology of composite films was studied by the atomic force microscopy method (AFM). The optical properties of the resulting materials were evaluated. It was found that hybrid silica films demonstrate significant increase of their lifetime in comparison with an LLC system. New effects of linearly polarized emission revealed for Ln-containing hybrid silica films. Polarization in lanthanide-containing hybrid composites indicates that silica precursor causes orientation of emitting ions. - Highlights: • We suggest a new simple approach for creating luminescence hybrid silica films. • Ln-containing hybrid silica films demonstrate yellow, green and red emissions. • Tb(III)-containing hybrid film have a high lifetime. • We report effects of linearly polarized emission in hybrid film.

  7. Endothelial cell density after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (Melles technique)

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    van Dooren, Bart T. H.; Mulder, Paul G. H.; Nieuwendaal, Carla P.; Beekhuis, W. Houdijn; Melles, Gerrit R. J.

    2004-01-01

    To measure the recipient endothelial cell loss after the Melles technique for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. In 21 eyes of 21 patients, a deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty procedure was performed. Before surgery and at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery, specular microscopy was performed to

  8. Precipitation kinetics of lamellar (γ) laths in a TiAl-base alloy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, W.J.; Francesconi, L.; Evangelista, E.

    1997-01-01

    Titanium aluminide is a candidate material for high temperature applications. Although different types of microstructure have been produced in TiAl-base alloys, the fully-lamellar structure is currently regarded as the most attractive. This kind of microstructure can be characterized by the factors, namely, colony size, lamellar interspacing, the existence of Widmanstatten (secondary) laths, and the type of grain boundaries (smooth or interlocking). The objective of this paper is to examine the nucleation and growth kinetics of γ lamellar laths during continuous and isothermal cooling. These data are expected to benefit the understanding of the transformation mechanism and the design of lamellar TiAl microstructure for industrial application

  9. Multiscale Simulations of Lamellar PS–PEO Block Copolymers Doped with LiPF6 Ions

    KAUST Repository

    Sethuraman, Vaidyanathan

    2017-06-02

    We report the results of atomistic simulations of the structural equilibrium properties of PS–PEO block copolymer (BCP) melt in the ordered lamellar phase doped with LiPF6 salt. A hybrid simulation strategy, consisting of steps of coarse-graining and inverse coarse-graining, was employed to equilibrate the melt at an atomistic resolution in the ordered phase. We characterize the structural distributions between different atoms/ions and compare the features arising in BCPs against the corresponding behavior in PEO homopolymers for different salt concentrations. In addition, the local structural distributions are characterized in the lamellar phase as a function of distance from the interface. The cation–anion radial distribution functions (RDF) display stronger coordination in the block copolymer melts at high salt concentrations, whereas the trends are reversed for low salt concentrations. Radial distribution functions isolated in the PEO and PS domains demonstrate that the stronger coordination seen in BCPs arises from the influence of both the higher fraction of ions segregated in the PS phase and the influence of interactions in the PS domain. Such a behavior also manifests in the cation–anion clusters, which show a larger fraction of free ions in the BCP. While the average number of free anions (cations) decreases with increasing salt concentration, higher order aggregates of LiPF6 increase with increasing salt concentration. Further, the cation–anion RDFs display spatial heterogeneity, with a stronger cation–anion binding in the interfacial region compared to bulk of the PEO domain.

  10. En face spectral domain optical coherence tomography analysis of lamellar macular holes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Clamp, Michael F; Wilkes, Geoff; Leis, Laura S; McDonald, H Richard; Johnson, Robert N; Jumper, J Michael; Fu, Arthur D; Cunningham, Emmett T; Stewart, Paul J; Haug, Sara J; Lujan, Brandon J

    2014-07-01

    To analyze the anatomical characteristics of lamellar macular holes using cross-sectional and en face spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Forty-two lamellar macular holes were retrospectively identified for analysis. The location, cross-sectional length, and area of lamellar holes were measured using B-scans and en face imaging. The presence of photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment disruption and the presence or absence of epiretinal membrane formation were recorded. Forty-two lamellar macular holes were identified. Intraretinal splitting occurred within the outer plexiform layer in 97.6% of eyes. The area of intraretinal splitting in lamellar holes did not correlate with visual acuity. Eyes with inner segment/outer segment disruption had significantly worse mean logMAR visual acuity (0.363 ± 0.169; Snellen = 20/46) than in eyes without inner segment/outer segment disruption (0.203 ± 0.124; Snellen = 20/32) (analysis of variance, P = 0.004). Epiretinal membrane was present in 34 of 42 eyes (81.0%). En face imaging allowed for consistent detection and quantification of intraretinal splitting within the outer plexiform layer in patients with lamellar macular holes, supporting the notion that an area of anatomical weakness exists within Henle's fiber layer, presumably at the synaptic connection of these fibers within the outer plexiform layer. However, the en face area of intraretinal splitting did not correlate with visual acuity, disruption of the inner segment/outer segment junction was associated with significantly worse visual acuity in patients with lamellar macular holes.

  11. Stability of the lamellar structure in Mo-TiC eutectic composite under a low vacuum at high temperatures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Goto, Shoji; Nishijima, Yuzo; Yoshinaga, Hideo

    1986-01-01

    Thermal stability of the lamellar structure in a Mo-TiC eutectic composite has been investigated through the heat-treatment at 1523 - 2223 K for 5.76 x 10 4 - 3.6 x 10 5 s under a low vacuum pressure of 13 mPa. It was found that the TiC phase in the eutectic lamellar disappeared above the critical temperature of about 1750 K, but below the critical temperature the disappearance of TiC phase was hardly observed and TiO film was formed on the surface. The Mo matrix phase was not oxidized and was stable at all test temperatures, since its affinity for oxygen is lower than that for carbon and titanium. It is presumed that at higer temperatures the disappearance process of TiC phase is controlled by the diffusion of carbon atoms through the matrix to the surface, and carbon and titanium atoms on the surface are removed by CO gas formation and TiO evaporation, respectively, but at lower temperatures the evaporation of TiO is so slow that the TiO film is formed on the surface. (author)

  12. Packing states of multilamellar vesicles in a nonionic surfactant system

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Le, T.D.; Olsson, U.; Mortensen, K.

    2001-01-01

    -alpha(*) phase using the noninvasive small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) technique, one while heating and the other while cooling the sample. Data from the heating and cooling cycles were used to demonstrate reversibility of the system. Three states of packing can be identified from the scattering profiles......Lyotropic lamellar phases under shear flow have been shown to form multilamellar vesicles (MLVs), an onion-like structure. The size of the vesicles is governed by the shear imposed on the sample. Previously, we studied the structural transformation from multilamellar vesicles to lamellae to sponge...... under shear. Here, we focused only in the MLV region, L-alpha(*), of a temperature sensitive surfactant system (C12E4-water) to investigate the packing of multilamellar vesicles as a function of temperature under constant shear. Two sets of temperature scan experiments were performed in the L...

  13. Laser thermokeratoplasty after lamellar corneal cutting.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ismail, M M; Pérez-Santonja, J J; Alió, J L

    1999-02-01

    To evaluate the effect of laser thermokeratoplasty (LTK) in eyes that previously had a lamellar corneal cut. University of Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt, and Instituto Oftalmológico de Alicante, Spain. In 15 eyes (10 patients), noncontact LTK was applied 6 to 8 weeks after a lamellar corneal cut had been made. Central pachymetry, keratometry, and videokeratography were performed and uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and manifest and cycloplegic refractions measured before and 1, 6, 12, and 18 months after LTK. Mean follow-up was 19.13 months. Mean refraction was +5.93 diopters (D) +/- 1.9 (SD) before LTK and -0.43 +/- 1.5 D at 1 month, +1.63 +/- 1.6 D at 6 months, 1.91 +/- 1.41 at 12 months, and +2.01 +/- 1.5 D at the end of the study. Total regression did not occur in any case. Mean BSCVA before LTK was 0.66 +/- 0.2, and spontaneous visual acuity at the end of the study was 0.58 +/- 0.18. No patient lost any lines of preoperative BSCVA. There was no significant difference between the results at 12 months and at the end of the study. Corneal lamellar cutting appeared to improve the magnitude of the refractive effect of noncontact LTK and to decrease the amount of regression.

  14. Polymer confined in membrane phases: influences on stability, structure and dynamics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Javierre, Isabelle

    1999-01-01

    The addition of a hydrosoluble polymer to the different structures obtained with mixtures of water/surfactant/alcohol/oil alters the thermodynamic stability of microemulsion and lamellar phases. The reverse sponge phase disappears while one can observe the occurrence of a new phase, labelled L5, at intermediate polymer concentration. In polymer-'doped' solvent lamellar phase, the polymer induces an attractive contribution to the interaction between bilayers while in polymer-'doped' bilayers lamellar phase, the polymer increases the flexibility. The L5 phase exhibits symmetric sponge properties and furthermore presents very strong symmetry fluctuations. The relaxation of these fluctuations were experimentally evidenced for the first time. This unusual dynamic behaviour was confronted to the one of other sponge phases, in a large range of concentrations. (author) [fr

  15. Non-linear optical measurement of the twist elastic constant in thermotropic and DNA lyotropic chiral nematics.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lucchetti, Liana; Fraccia, Tommaso P; Ciciulla, Fabrizio; Bellini, Tommaso

    2017-07-10

    Throughout the whole history of liquid crystals science, the balancing of intrinsic elasticity with coupling to external forces has been the key strategy for most application and investigation. While the coupling of the optical field to the nematic director is at the base of a wealth of thoroughly described optical effects, a significant variety of geometries and materials have not been considered yet. Here we show that by adopting a simple cell geometry and measuring the optically induced birefringence, we can readily extract the twist elastic coefficient K 22 of thermotropic and lyotropic chiral nematics (N*). The value of K 22 we obtain for chiral doped 5CB thermotropic N* well matches those reported in the literature. With this same strategy, we could determine for the first time K 22 of the N* phase of concentrated aqueous solutions of DNA oligomers, bypassing the limitations that so far prevented measuring the elastic constants of this class of liquid crystalline materials. The present study also enlightens the significant nonlinear optical response of DNA liquid crystals.

  16. Structural characterization of complex systems by applying a combination of scattering and spectroscopic methods

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Klose, G.

    1999-01-01

    Lyotropic mesophases possess lattice dimensions of the order of magnitude of the length of their molecules. Consequently, the first Bragg reflections of such systems appear at small scattering angles (small angle scattering). A combination of scattering and NMR methods was applied to study structural properties of POPC/C 12 E n mixtures. Generally, the ranges of existence of the liquid crystalline lamellar phase, the dimension of the unit-cell of the lamellae and important structural parameters of the lipid and surfactant molecules in the mixed bilayers were determined. With that the POPC/C 12 E 4 bilayer represents one of the best structurally characterized mixed model membranes. It is a good starting system for studying the interrelation with other e.g. dynamic or thermodynamic properties. (K.A.)

  17. Actions of lyotropic anions on the mechanical properties of fast and slow twitch rat muscles at different temperatures

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Wondmikun, Y.; Soukup, Tomáš; Asmussen, G.

    2003-01-01

    Roč. 52, č. 1 (2003), s. 123-129 ISSN 0862-8408 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA304/00/1653 Grant - others:Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DE) -; Schwerpunkt Muskelforschung(DE) As 74/1-2 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z5011922 Keywords : slow and fast muscles * contractile properties * lyotropic anions Subject RIV: FH - Neurology Impact factor: 0.939, year: 2003

  18. Femtosecond laser-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in phototherapeutic keratectomy versus the big-bubble technique in keratoconus

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jarbas Pereira de Macedo

    2018-05-01

    Full Text Available AIM: To compare the functional and anatomic results of femtosecond laser (FSL-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK associated with phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK and FSL-assisted DALK performed using the big-bubble technique in keratoconus. METHODS: During the first phase of the study, an electron microscopy histopathology pilot study was conducted that included four unsuitable donor corneas divided into two groups: in FSL group, FSL lamellar cuts were performed on two corneas and in FSL+PTK group, PTK was performed at the stromal beds of two corneas after FSL lamellar cuts were made. During the second phase of the study, a randomized clinical trial was conducted that included two treatment groups of patients with keratoconus: group 1 (n=14 eyes underwent FSL-assisted DALK associated with PTK and group 2 (n=12 eyes underwent FSL-assisted DALK associated with the big-bubble technique. The main outcome measures were the postoperative visual acuity (VA and optical coherence tomography (OCT measurements, confocal microscopic findings, and contrast sensitivity. RESULTS: In the pilot study, histopathology showed a more regular stromal bed in the FSL+PTK group. In the clinical trial, group 1 had significantly worse best spectacle-corrected VA and contrast sensitivity (P<0.05 for both comparisons. The residual stromal bed measured by OCT was significantly (P<0.05 thicker in group 1. Confocal microscopy detected opacities only at the donor-receptor interface in group 1. CONCLUSION: Patients with keratoconus treated with FSL-assisted DALK performed using the big-bubble technique fare better than treated with FSL-assisted DALK associated with PTK.

  19. Flux flow and proximity effects in aligned Pb--Cd eutectic lamellar structures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Spencer, C.R.

    1977-09-01

    A high speed directional solidification technique was used to fabricate lamellar Pb-Cd and (Pb-Mg)--(Cd-Mg) superconductor-normal metal composites in which all the lamellae are oriented perpendicular to the broad surface of the sample. These lamellar composites are found to behave like a large number (approximately 1000) of superconducting-normal-superconducting junctions. For the Pb-Cd eutectic system, the critical current densities and critical fields have shown no dependence upon the lamellar periods between 1.0 and 3.1 microns. The critical current density of the aligned lamellar Pb-Cd structures was enhanced approximately 50% when compared to quenched eutectic alloy and to pure Pb. The superconducting transition temperature, T/sub c/, varies inversely with the square of the thickness of the superconducting material as expected from Ginzburg-Landau theory. Upon annealing, the Pb lamellae change from type II to type I superconductivity

  20. Flux flow and proximity effects in aligned Pb--Cd eutectic lamellar structures

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Spencer, C. R.

    1977-09-01

    A high speed directional solidification technique was used to fabricate lamellar Pb-Cd and (Pb-Mg)--(Cd-Mg) superconductor-normal metal composites in which all the lamellae are oriented perpendicular to the broad surface of the sample. These lamellar composites are found to behave like a large number (approximately 1000) of superconducting-normal-superconducting junctions. For the Pb-Cd eutectic system, the critical current densities and critical fields have shown no dependence upon the lamellar periods between 1.0 and 3.1 microns. The critical current density of the aligned lamellar Pb-Cd structures was enhanced approximately 50% when compared to quenched eutectic alloy and to pure Pb. The superconducting transition temperature, T/sub c/, varies inversely with the square of the thickness of the superconducting material as expected from Ginzburg-Landau theory. Upon annealing, the Pb lamellae change from type II to type I superconductivity.

  1. Mechanical properties of crossed-lamellar structures in biological shells: A review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, X W; Ji, H M; Yang, W; Zhang, G P; Chen, D L

    2017-10-01

    The self-fabrication of materials in nature offers an alternate and powerful solution towards the grand challenge of designing advanced structural materials, where strength and toughness are always mutually exclusive. Crossed-lamellar structures are the most common microstructures in mollusks that are composed of aragonites and a small amount of organic materials. Such a distinctive composite structure has a fracture toughness being much higher than that of pure carbonate mineral. These structures exhibiting complex hierarchical microarchitectures that span several sub-level lamellae from microscale down to nanoscale, can be grouped into two types, i.e., platelet-like and fiber-like crossed-lamellar structures based on the shapes of basic building blocks. It has been demonstrated that these structures have a great potential to strengthen themselves during deformation. The observed underlying toughening mechanisms include microcracking, channel cracking, interlocking, uncracked-ligament bridging, aragonite fiber bridging, crack deflection and zig-zag, etc., which play vital roles in enhancing the fracture resistance of shells with the crossed-lamellar structures. The exploration and utilization of these important toughening mechanisms have attracted keen interests of materials scientists since they pave the way for the development of bio-inspired advanced composite materials for load-bearing structural applications. This article is aimed to review the characteristics of hierarchical structures and the mechanical properties of two kinds of crossed-lamellar structures, and further summarize the latest advances and biomimetic applications based on the unique crossed-lamellar structures. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Development of lamellar gel phase emulsion containing marigold oil (Calendula officinalis) as a potential modern wound dressing.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Okuma, C H; Andrade, T A M; Caetano, G F; Finci, L I; Maciel, N R; Topan, J F; Cefali, L C; Polizello, A C M; Carlo, T; Rogerio, A P; Spadaro, A C C; Isaac, V L B; Frade, M A C; Rocha-Filho, P A

    2015-04-25

    Appropriate therapeutics for wound treatments can be achieved by studying the pathophysiology of tissue repair. Here we develop formulations of lamellar gel phase (LGP) emulsions containing marigold (Calendula officinalis) oil, evaluating their stability and activity on experimental wound healing in rats. LGP emulsions were developed and evaluated based on a phase ternary diagram to select the best LGP emulsion, having a good amount of anisotropic structure and stability. The selected LGP formulation was analyzed according to the intrinsic and accelerated physical stability at different temperatures. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies were carried out on wound healing rats as a model. The LGP emulsion (15.0% marigold oil; 10.0% of blend surfactants and 75.0% of purified water [w/w/w]) demonstrated good stability and high viscosity, suggesting longer contact of the formulation with the wound. No cytotoxic activity (50-1000 μg/mL) was observed in marigold oil. In the wound healing rat model, the LGP (15 mg/mL) showed an increase in the leukocyte recruitment to the wound at least on days 2 and 7, but reduced leukocyte recruitment after 14 and 21 days, as compared to the control. Additionally, collagen production was reduced in the LGP emulsion on days 2 and 7 and further accelerated the process of re-epithelialization of the wound itself. The methodology utilized in the present study has produced a potentially useful formulation for a stable LGP emulsion-containing marigold, which was able to improve the wound healing process. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals: From viscoelastic properties to living liquid crystals

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhou, Shuang

    Lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal (LCLC) represents a broad range of molecules, from organic dyes and drugs to DNA, that self-assemble into linear aggregates in water through face-to-face stacking. These linear aggregates of high aspect ratio are capable of orientational order, forming, for example nematic phase. Since the microscopic properties (such as length) of the chromonic aggregates are results of subtle balance between energy and entropy, the macroscopic viscoelastic properties of the nematic media are sensitive to change of external factors. In the first part of this thesis, by using dynamic light scattering and magnetic Frederiks transition techniques, we study the Frank elastic moduli and viscosity coefficients of LCLC disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and sunset yellow (SSY) as functions of concentration c , temperature T and ionic contents. The elastic moduli of splay (K1) and bend (K3) are in the order of 10pN, about 10 times larger than the twist modulus (K2). The splay modulus K1 and the ratio K1/K3 both increase substantially as T decreases or c increases, which we attribute to the elongation of linear aggregates at lower T or higher c . The bend viscosity is comparable to that of thermotropic liquid crystals, while the splay and twist viscosities are several orders of magnitude larger, changing exponentially with T . Additional ionic additives into the system influence the viscoelastic properties of these systems in a dramatic and versatile way. For example, monovalent salt NaCl decreases bend modulus K3 and increases twist viscosity, while an elevated pH decreases all the parameters. We attribute these features to the ion-induced changes in length and flexibility of building units of LCLC, the chromonic aggregates, a property not found in conventional thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals form by covalently bound units of fixed length. The second part of the thesis studies a new active bio-mechanical hybrid system called living liquid crystal

  4. Nanostructural studies on monoelaidin-water systems at low temperatures.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kulkarni, Chandrashekhar V

    2011-10-04

    In recent years, lipid based nanostructures have increasingly been used as model membranes to study various complex biological processes. For better understanding of such phenomena, it is essential to gain as much information as possible for model lipid structures under physiological conditions. In this paper, we focus on one of such lipids--monoelaidin (ME)--for its polymorphic nanostructures under varying conditions of temperature and water content. In the recent contribution (Soft Matter, 2010, 6, 3191), we have reported the phase diagram of ME above 30 °C and compared with the phase behavior of other lipids including monoolein (MO), monovaccenin (MV), and monolinolein (ML). Remarkable phase behavior of ME, stabilizing three bicontinuous cubic phases, motivates its study at low temperatures. Current studies concentrate on the low-temperature (ME and subsequent reconstruction of its phase diagram over the entire temperature-water composition space (temperature, 0-76 °C; and water content, 0-70%). The polymorphs found for the monoelaidin-water system include three bicontinuous cubic phases, i.e., Ia3d, Pn3m, and Im3m, and lamellar phases which exhibit two crystalline (L(c1) and L(c0)), two gel (L(β) and L(β*)), and a fluid lamellar (L(α)) states. The fluid isotropic phase (L(2)) was observed only for lower hydrations (<20%), whereas hexagonal phase (H(2)) was not found under studied conditions. Nanostructural parameters of these phases as a function of temperature and water content are presented together with some molecular level calculations. This study might be crucial for perception of the lyotropic phase behavior as well as for designing nanostructural assemblies for potential applications. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  5. Remote manipulation of posterior lamellar corneal grafts using a magnetic field.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nahum, Yoav; Barliya, Tilda; Bahar, Irit; Livnat, Tami; Nisgav, Yael; Weinberger, Dov

    2013-06-01

    In posterior lamellar keratoplasty procedures such as Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty, the lamellar graft is manipulated directly or by injecting an air bubble. This preliminary study sought to evaluate the feasibility of guiding lamellar corneal grafts by generating a magnetic field. Rabbit and porcine Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty grafts were manually produced and immersed in a ferromagnetic solution containing nanomagnetic particles conjugated to streptavidin or in gadoteric acid. For the feasibility study, grafts were transferred to an artificial anterior chamber or plastic test tube and a magnetic field was generated with a handheld NdFeB disc magnet. The presence and the sustainability of graft motion were documented under various conditions. For the semiquantitative study, whole or partial grafts were transferred to a plastic test tube after immersion, and the amount of tissue retraction induced by the remote magnet was graded. The grafts were successfully manipulated in all directions by the magnet, from a distance of up to 7 mm. They remained ferromagnetic more than 24 hours after immersion in the ferromagnetic solutions. The degree of retraction was affected by graft size, immersion time, time from immersion, and immersion solution. Posterior lamellar corneal grafts may be made ferromagnetic and remotely manipulated by creation of a magnetic field. The ferromagnetic properties are adjustable. This technique holds promise in attaching and repositioning grafts during keratoplasty. Further research is needed to assess the possible effects of ferromagnetic solutions on corneal endothelial cells and on lamellar graft clarity.

  6. Age-hardening and related phase transformation in an experimental Ag-Cu-Pd-Au alloy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Seol, Hyo-Joung; Lee, Doung-Hun; Lee, Hee-Kyung; Takada, Yukyo; Okuno, Osamu; Kwon, Yong Hoon; Kim, Hyung-Il

    2006-01-01

    The age-hardening behaviour, phase transformation and related microstructural changes of an experimental Ag-Cu-Pd-Au alloy were examined by means of hardness test, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The specimen alloy showed apparent age-hardenability at the aging temperatures of 350 deg. C and 400 deg. C. By aging the solution-treated specimen at 400 deg. C, two phases of the Ag-rich α 1 phase and the Pd-containing Cu-rich α 2 phase were transformed into four phases of the Ag-rich α 1 ' phase, the Cu-rich α 2 ' phase, the CsCl-type CuPd phase and the AuCu(I) ordered phase. Microstructure of the solution-treated specimen consisted of the Ag-rich α 1 matrix, Cu-rich α 2 particle-like structures of various sizes and the lamellar structure of the α 1 and α 2 phases. When the peak hardness was obtained, the very fine lamellar structure consisting of the Ag-rich α 1 ' and Cu-rich α 2 ' phases was newly formed in the matrix. By further aging, the very fine lamellar structure grew and coarsened apparently, and the matrix was covered with the coarsened lamellar structure. The hardness increase was considered to be caused mainly by the diffusion and precipitation of Cu from the Ag-rich α 1 matrix, and the hardness decrease in the latter stage of age-hardening process was caused by the coarsening of the very fine lamellar structure. The CsCl-type CuPd phase and the AuCu(I) ordered phase did not contribute to the hardness increase

  7. Penetration of RBD palm olein in a lyotropic liquid crystal

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hamdan bin Suhaimi; Anuar bin Kasim

    1993-01-01

    The inner structure of lamellar liquid crystal before and after addition of RDB palm olein was characterised employing small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) technique and optical microscopy. Results show that the addition of RDB palm olein to both layered structure indicate a temporary disturbance resulting in penetration of RDB palm olein into the layered structure

  8. Dependence of partial molecules surface area on the third component in lyotropic liquid crystals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Badalyan, H.G.; Ghazaryan, Kh.M.; Yayloyan, S.M.

    2015-01-01

    Free surface of one amphiphilic molecule head of a lyotropic liquid crystal has been investigated by X-Ray diffraction method, at small and large angles, in the presence of the third component. The pentadecilsulphonat-water system in the presence of cholesterol as well as the lecithin-water system in the presence of decanol were investigated. It is shown that the above mentioned free surface decreases if the cholesterol concentration increases, while this surface increases in the case of water concentration increase. However, it increases slower than in the case of the two-component system. The same is observed for the lecithin-water-decanol system

  9. Thermodynamic and structural study of two-dimensional phase transitions and orientational order in films of linear molecules with a large quadrupole moment, physi-sorbed on lamellar substrates

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Terlain, Anne

    1984-01-01

    The 2D (two-dimensional) phase transitions and orientational order in N 2 O, CO 2 , C 2 N 2 and C 2 D 2 films physi-sorbed on the (0001) face of graphite or lamellar halides, were studied experimentally by adsorption isotherm measurements and neutron diffraction. The thermodynamic functions derived from sets of isotherms suggest that crystal monolayers of N 2 O, CO 2 , and C 2 N 2 adsorbed on graphite are orientationally ordered and that the quadrupolar interaction stabilizes the 2D crystal with respect to the 2D liquid. This stabilization leads to an increase in the 2D triple point temperature, T 2t as compared with the 2D critical temperature T 2c . For C 2 N 2 this stabilization is so pronounced that T 2t becomes virtually higher than T 2c , and the phase diagram qualitatively different, having no gas-liquid coexistence domain. From a neutron diffraction experiment we have determined the crystal structure of the C 2 N 2 monolayer. It supports our interpretation of the monolayer phase diagram. In N 2 O, CO 2 , C 2 N 2 films adsorbed on graphite the molecules lie flat on the surface and their orientational order hence differs from that in the bulk crystals resulting in a loss of adsorbate-adsorbate interaction energy. Beyond a given film thickness this loss will not be compensated by the adsorbate-substrate interaction and the film will stop growing. For most of the films studied a partial wetting transition is observed at which the film thickness increases discontinuously with temperature. Although C 2 N 2 and C 2 D 2 monolayers on graphite have comparable adsorption energies, only C 2 D 2 is adsorbed on lamellar halides. This adsorption is possible only because the monolayer has a large entropy due to orientational disorder. For C 2 N 2 , which has a higher moment of inertia, such an orientational disorder cannot exist. (author) [fr

  10. Stress-induced birefringence in the isotropic phases of lyotropic mixtures

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fernandes, P. R. G.; Maki, J. N.; Gonçalves, L. B.; de Oliveira, B. F.; Mukai, H.

    2018-02-01

    In this work, the frequency dependence of the known mechano-optical effect which occurs in the micellar isotropic phases (I ) of mixtures of potassium laurate (KL), decanol (DeOH), and water is investigated in the range from 200 mHz to 200 Hz . In order to fit the experimental data, a model of superimposed damped harmonic oscillators is proposed. In this phenomenological approach, the micelles (microscopic oscillators) interact very weakly with their neighbors. Due to shape anisotropy of the basic structures, each oscillator i (i =1 ,2 ,3 ,...,N ) remains in its natural oscillatory rotational movement around its axes of symmetry with a frequency ω0 i. The system will be in the resonance state when the frequency of the driving force ω reaches a value near ω0 i. This phenomenological approach shows excellent agreement with the experimental data. One can find f ˜2.5 , 9.0, and 4.0 Hz as fundamental frequencies of the micellar isotropic phases I , I1, and I2, respectively. The different micellar isotropic phases I , I1, and I2 that we find in the phase diagram of the KL-DeOH-water mixture are a consequence of possible differences in the intermicellar correlation lengths. This work reinforces the possibilities of technological applications of these phases in devices such as mechanical vibration sensors.

  11. Analysis of Lamellar Structures with Application of Generalized Functions

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kipiani Gela

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available Theory of differential equations in respect of the functional area is based on the basic concepts on generalized functions and splines. There are some basic concepts related to the theory of generalized functions and their properties are considered in relation to the rod systems and lamellar structures. The application of generalized functions gives the possibility to effectively calculate step-variable stiffness lamellar structures. There are also widely applied structures, in that several in which a number of parallel load bearing layers are interconnected by discrete-elastic links. For analysis of system under study, such as design diagrams, there are applied discrete and discrete-continual models.

  12. Magnetic properties of lamellar tetrataenite in Toluca iron meteorite

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Funaki, Minoru; Nagata, Takesi; Danon, J.

    1985-01-01

    Magnetic studies were conducted using lamellar tetrataenite extracted from the Toluca octahedrite by a diluted HCl etching technique. Natural remanent magnetization (NRM) in the lamellae is very stable against AF demagnetization and is quite intense, ranging from 2.58 to 37.42 x10 -2 emu/g. This NRM is completely demagnetized thermally at about 550 0 C. The most characteristic change in magnetic properties on heating to about 550 C 0 is a significant decrease in magnetic coercivity. This observation is consistent with the results obtained from chondrites. The paramagnetic component in lamellar tetrataenite, which is estimated by Moessbauer spectrum analyses, was not detected by conventional magnetic studies. (Author) [pt

  13. Quantitative analysis of lamellar bodies in amniotic fluid as fetal pulmonary maturity indicator

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ljubić Vesna

    2009-01-01

    Full Text Available Background/Aim. Although lamellar bodies have been the center of interest over the last years, the published results of fetal pulmonary maturity determination according to their concentration in amniotic fluid are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of lamellar bodies, as well as the ratio lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S in amniotic fluid for the assessment of fetal pulmonary maturity. Methods. This prospective 2-year study included 102 female examinees, ranging from 17 to 44 years of age, in whom lamellar bodies concentrations in amniotic fluid were determined to check the efficacy of the applied therapy for obtaining arteficial fetal pulmonary maturity. The shake test was applied as a comparative test for determining a quantitative L/S ratio. To determine a fetus maturity and development stage we followed up biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femure length, ponderal index at birth and body mass. Results. Out of a total of 102 amniocenteses within a period from 26th to 40th gestation week only 70 results were considered due to 32 unknown neonatal outcomes. Biparietal diameter was 224-362 mm, femur length 56 - 78 mm, ponderal index 1.22-2.84, fetus body mass 1300- 4 350 g. There was found a significant relation between gestation age and lamellar bodies concentration (R = 0.396398, p < 0.01, as well as between gestation age and the ratio L/S (R = 0.691297, p < 0.01. Also, there was a significant correlation of lamellar bodies concentration to the ratio L/S determined (R = 0.493609, p < 0.01. Conclusion. Determination of lamellar bodies concentration values is a reliable method to confirm fetal pulmonary maturity.

  14. Age-hardening and related phase transformation in an experimental Ag-Cu-Pd-Au alloy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Seol, Hyo-Joung [Department of Dental Materials, College of Dentistry, Pusan National University, 1-10 Ami-dong, Seo-gu, Pusan 602-739 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Doung-Hun [Department of Dental Materials, College of Dentistry, Pusan National University, 1-10 Ami-dong, Seo-gu, Pusan 602-739 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Hee-Kyung [Department of Dental Technology, Daegu Health College, San 7 Taejeon-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu 702-722 (Korea, Republic of); Takada, Yukyo [Division of Dental Biomaterials, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575 (Japan); Okuno, Osamu [Division of Dental Biomaterials, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575 (Japan); Kwon, Yong Hoon [Department of Dental Materials, College of Dentistry, Pusan National University, 1-10 Ami-dong, Seo-gu, Pusan 602-739 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Hyung-Il [Department of Dental Materials, College of Dentistry, Pusan National University, 1-10 Ami-dong, Seo-gu, Pusan 602-739 (Korea, Republic of)]. E-mail: hilkim@pusan.ac.kr

    2006-01-05

    The age-hardening behaviour, phase transformation and related microstructural changes of an experimental Ag-Cu-Pd-Au alloy were examined by means of hardness test, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The specimen alloy showed apparent age-hardenability at the aging temperatures of 350 deg. C and 400 deg. C. By aging the solution-treated specimen at 400 deg. C, two phases of the Ag-rich {alpha}{sub 1} phase and the Pd-containing Cu-rich {alpha}{sub 2} phase were transformed into four phases of the Ag-rich {alpha}{sub 1}{sup '} phase, the Cu-rich {alpha}{sub 2}{sup '} phase, the CsCl-type CuPd phase and the AuCu(I) ordered phase. Microstructure of the solution-treated specimen consisted of the Ag-rich {alpha}{sub 1} matrix, Cu-rich {alpha}{sub 2} particle-like structures of various sizes and the lamellar structure of the {alpha}{sub 1} and {alpha}{sub 2} phases. When the peak hardness was obtained, the very fine lamellar structure consisting of the Ag-rich {alpha}{sub 1}{sup '} and Cu-rich {alpha}{sub 2}{sup '} phases was newly formed in the matrix. By further aging, the very fine lamellar structure grew and coarsened apparently, and the matrix was covered with the coarsened lamellar structure. The hardness increase was considered to be caused mainly by the diffusion and precipitation of Cu from the Ag-rich {alpha}{sub 1} matrix, and the hardness decrease in the latter stage of age-hardening process was caused by the coarsening of the very fine lamellar structure. The CsCl-type CuPd phase and the AuCu(I) ordered phase did not contribute to the hardness increase.

  15. Chromonic liquid crystalline nematic phase exhibited in binary mixture of two liquid crystals

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Govindaiah, T. N., E-mail: tngovi.phy@gmail.com; Sreepad, H. R. [Post-Graduate Department of Physics, Government College (Autonomous), Mandya-571401 (India); Sridhar, K. N.; Sridhara, G. R.; Nagaraja, N. [Government College for Boys, Kolar-563101 (India)

    2015-06-24

    A binary mixture of abietic acid and orthophosphoric acid (H{sub 3}PO{sub 4}) exhibits co-existence of biphasic region of Nematic+Isotropic (N+I), lyotropic Nematic (ND) and Smectic-G (SmG) phases. The mixture exhibits N+I, N and SmG phases at different concentrations and at different temperatures. Mixtures with all concentrations of abietic acid exhibit I→N+I→N→SmG phases sequentially when the specimen is cooled from its isotropic melt. These phases have been characterized by using differential scanning calorimetric, X-ray diffraction, and optical texture studies.

  16. Lyotropic Liquid Crystal Phases from Anisotropic Nanomaterials

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ingo Dierking

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available Liquid crystals are an integral part of a mature display technology, also establishing themselves in other applications, such as spatial light modulators, telecommunication technology, photonics, or sensors, just to name a few of the non-display applications. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend to add various nanomaterials to liquid crystals, which is motivated by several aspects of materials development. (i addition of nanomaterials can change and thus tune the properties of the liquid crystal; (ii novel functionalities can be added to the liquid crystal; and (iii the self-organization of the liquid crystalline state can be exploited to template ordered structures or to transfer order onto dispersed nanomaterials. Much of the research effort has been concentrated on thermotropic systems, which change order as a function of temperature. Here we review the other side of the medal, the formation and properties of ordered, anisotropic fluid phases, liquid crystals, by addition of shape-anisotropic nanomaterials to isotropic liquids. Several classes of materials will be discussed, inorganic and mineral liquid crystals, viruses, nanotubes and nanorods, as well as graphene oxide.

  17. Cationic Phospholipids Forming Cubic Phases: Lipoplex Structure and Transfection Efficiency

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Koynova, Rumiana; Wang, Li; MacDonald, Robert C. (NWU)

    2008-10-29

    The transfection activity and the phase behavior of two novel cationic O-alkyl-phosphatidylcholines, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-hexylphosphocholine (C6-DOPC) and 1,2-dierucoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (di22:1-EPC), have been examined with the aim of more completely understanding the mechanism of lipid-mediated DNA delivery. Both lipids form cubic phases: C6-DOPC in the entire temperature range from -10 to 90 C, while di22:1-EPC exhibits an irreversible lamellar-cubic transition between 50 and 70 C on heating. The lipoplexes formed by C6-DOPC arrange into hexagonal phase, while the lipoplexes of di22:1-EPC are lamellar. Both lipids exhibit lower transfection activity than the lamellar-forming 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (EDOPC). Thus, for the studied cationic phospholipid-DNA systems, the lipoplex phase state is a factor that does not seem to correlate with transfection activity. The parameter that exhibits better correlation with the transfection activity within the present data set is the phase state of the lipid dispersion prior to the addition of DNA. Thus, the lamellar lipid dispersion (EDOPC) produces more efficient lipoplexes than the dispersion with coexisting lamellar and cubic aggregates (diC22:1-EPC), which is even more efficient than the purely cubic dispersions (C6-DOPC; diC22:1-EPC after heating). It could be inferred from these data and from previous research that cubic phase lipid aggregates are unlikely to be beneficial to transfection. The lack of correlation between the phase state of lipoplexes and their transfection activity observed within the present data set does not mean that lipid phase state is generally unimportant for lipofection: a viewpoint now emerging from our previous studies is that the critical factor in lipid-mediated transfection is the structural evolution of lipoplexes within the cell, upon interacting and mixing with cellular lipids.

  18. Cationic phospholipids forming cubic phases: lipoplex structure and transfection efficiency.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Koynova, Rumiana; Wang, Li; Macdonald, Robert C

    2008-01-01

    The transfection activity and the phase behavior of two novel cationic O-alkyl-phosphatidylcholines, 1,2-dioleoyl- sn-glycero-3-hexylphosphocholine (C6-DOPC) and 1,2-dierucoyl- sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (di22:1-EPC), have been examined with the aim of more completely understanding the mechanism of lipid-mediated DNA delivery. Both lipids form cubic phases: C6-DOPC in the entire temperature range from -10 to 90 degrees C, while di22:1-EPC exhibits an irreversible lamellar-cubic transition between 50 and 70 degrees C on heating. The lipoplexes formed by C6-DOPC arrange into hexagonal phase, while the lipoplexes of di22:1-EPC are lamellar. Both lipids exhibit lower transfection activity than the lamellar-forming 1,2-dioleoyl- sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (EDOPC). Thus, for the studied cationic phospholipid-DNA systems, the lipoplex phase state is a factor that does not seem to correlate with transfection activity. The parameter that exhibits better correlation with the transfection activity within the present data set is the phase state of the lipid dispersion prior to the addition of DNA. Thus, the lamellar lipid dispersion (EDOPC) produces more efficient lipoplexes than the dispersion with coexisting lamellar and cubic aggregates (diC22:1-EPC), which is even more efficient than the purely cubic dispersions (C6-DOPC; diC22:1-EPC after heating). It could be inferred from these data and from previous research that cubic phase lipid aggregates are unlikely to be beneficial to transfection. The lack of correlation between the phase state of lipoplexes and their transfection activity observed within the present data set does not mean that lipid phase state is generally unimportant for lipofection: a viewpoint now emerging from our previous studies is that the critical factor in lipid-mediated transfection is the structural evolution of lipoplexes within the cell, upon interacting and mixing with cellular lipids.

  19. Lamellar ichthyosis (collodian baby with severe bilateral ectropion

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Boparai M

    1988-01-01

    Full Text Available A case of lamellar ichthyosis (collodian baby, is being reported. Skin biopsy has confirmed the diagnosis. Severe bilateral ectropion of thee eyelids was the prominent feature. Management of such cases has been briefly discussed.

  20. Micro alloyed steel weldability and sensibility testing on the lamellar cracks appearance

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    S. Stojadinović

    2011-07-01

    Full Text Available In this work are given the testing results of mechanical properties welded joints and microstructure of micro alloyed steel as well as its sensitivity to lamellar cracks appearance. The obtained results show that steel has good resistance to lamellar cracks appearance and with an appropriate wire choice for welding, a good combination of mechanical properties could be obtained at room (ambience temperatures as well as at low temperatures.

  1. Investigations of the local environment and macroscopic alignment behavior of novel polymerizeable lyotropic liquid crystals using nuclear magnetic resonance

    Science.gov (United States)

    Juang, Elizabeth

    In this dissertation, a variety of NMR techniques were used to explore the local environment of novel polymerizeable lyotropic liquid crystals (LLC). The LLC monomers examined in this study self-assemble in the presence of a small amount of water to form uniform, nanometer-scale tubes with aqueous interiors. The phase architecture is retained upon photopolymerization to yield the resulting nanoporous material. By dissolving reactive precursors into the aqueous phase, well- structured nancomposite materials have also been formed. Proposed uses for these novel polymerizeable LLCs are as porous water filtration membranes, as heterogeneous organic catalysts, and as nanocomposite materials for load bearing and optical applications. In order to better exploit these polymerizeable LLCs for materials development, the local environment must be examined. In addition, the macroscopic orientation of these materials remains an important step in their advancement. Various NMR studies were conducted on these novel LLCs. NMR T1 relaxation measurements were conducted to elucidate the local environment and dynamics of the 23Na counterions located inside the aqueous channels. 2H NMR line shape analyses were used to characterize the local structure and dynamics near the hydrophilic headgroup. 29 Si NMR studies were performed on silica nanocomposites formed with these LLC structures. Finally, the macroscopic alignment behavior of these novel LLCs using shear and magnetic fields was examined.

  2. PH-Induced Nanosegregation of Ritonavir to Lyotropic Liquid Crystal of Higher Solubility Than Crystalline Polymorphs

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rodriguez-Spong, B.; Acciacca, A.; Fleisher, D.; Rodriguez-Hornedo, N.

    2009-01-01

    Birefringent spherical vesicles of ritonavir (RTV) are formed by increasing the pH of aqueous solutions from 1 to 3 or to 7 and by addition of water to ethanol solutions at room temperature. Increasing the pH creates supersaturation levels of 30--400. Upon this change in pH, the solutions become translucent, implying that some kind of RTV assembly was formed. Small spherical vesicles of narrow size distribution are detectable only after a few hours by optical microscopy. The vesicles show similar X-ray diffraction patterns and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) behavior to amorphous RTV prepared by melt-quenching crystalline RTV. Examination by polarized optical microscopy suggests that these are lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) assemblies. Small-angle X-ray scattering and synchrotron X-ray diffraction further support the presence of orientational order that is associated with a nematic structure. RTV self-organizes into various phases as a result of the supersaturation created in aqueous solutions. The LLC vesicles do not fuse but slowly transform to the polymorphs of RTV (in days), Form I and finally Form II. Amorphous RTV in aqueous suspension also undergoes a transformation to a mesophase of similar morphology. Transformation pathways are consistent with measured dissolution rates and solubilities: amorphous > LLC >> Form I > Form II. The dissolution and solubility of LLC is slightly lower than that of the amorphous phase and about 20 times higher than that of Form II. RTV also self-assembles at the air/water interface as indicated by the decrease in surface tension of aqueous solutions. This behavior is similar to that of amphiphilic molecules that induce LLC formation.

  3. In-Situ TEM Study of Interface Sliding and Migration in an Ultrafine Lamellar Structure

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hsiung, L M

    2005-12-06

    The instability of interfaces in an ultrafine TiAl-({gamma})/Ti{sub 3}Al-({alpha}{sub 2}) lamellar structure by straining at room temperature has been investigated using in-situ straining techniques performed in a transmission electron microscope. The purpose of this study is to obtain experimental evidence to support the creep mechanisms based upon the interface sliding in association with a cooperative movement of interfacial dislocations previously proposed to interpret the nearly linear creep behavior observed from ultrafine lamellar TiAl alloys. The results have revealed that both the sliding and migration of lamellar interfaces can take place simultaneously as a result of the cooperative movement of interfacial dislocations.

  4. Association between lamellar body count and respiratory distress in neonates

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bahasadri, Shoreh; Changizi, Nasrin

    2005-01-01

    Assessment of fetal lung maturity by a simple and rapid test has a pivotal role in obstetric managements. Lack of modern laboratory techniques in our country made US investigate whether lamellar body count (Lb) can be applied efficiently in the evaluation of fetal lung maturity. Lamellar body count was assessed in 104 un spun amniotic fluid samples taken from pregnant women admitted at A kbar Aba di Hospital, Tehran, Iran between May 2003 and November 2003 whose fetuses were at risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Cut-off points for LBC were determined to evaluate the risk of RDS. Standard clinical and radiographic criteria were used to diagnose RDS. An LBC of less than 10,000 was 99.1% specific for lung immaturity (positive predictive value = 99.1%, negative predictive value = 83.5%). The LBCs of greater than 45,000 eliminates RDS (negative predictive value = 98.9%). Lamellar body count is an easy, rapid and cost-effective test to assess fetal lung maturity in high-risk fetuses. Using the cut-off points of 10,000 and 45,000, LBC can serve as the first screening test of fetal lung maturity. (author)

  5. Creep characteristics of a hypoeutectic Mg-Ca binary alloy with a near-fully lamellar microstructure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Terada, Yoshihiro; Tsukahara, Masashi; Shibayama, Atsushi; Murata, Yoshinori; Morinaga, Masahiko

    2011-01-01

    Highlights: → We develop a hypoeutectic Mg-Ca cast alloy with a near-fully lamellar microstructure. → Dislocations are introduced within the lamellar microstructure during casting. → The dislocation segments in the α-Mg plates are located on the basal planes. → Creep of the alloy is ascribed to the easy glide of the introduced dislocations. -- The creep behavior of a hypoeutectic Mg-14.8 mass% Ca cast alloy with an α-Mg/C14-Mg 2 Ca near-fully lamellar microstructure was investigated at 473 K. Transmission electron microscopy shows that dislocations are introduced within the lamellar microstructure of the alloy during casting; the dislocation segments in the α-Mg plates are located on basal planes. The stress exponent of the creep rate is unity in the early stage of transient creep. Creep deformation of the alloy is ascribed to the easy glide of the introduced dislocations.

  6. A Case Report of Ichthyosis Lamellar Syndrome

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gh. Eshghi

    2014-04-01

    Full Text Available Introduction: Ichthyosis lamellar syndrome is a rare genodermatosis and in most families is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait because of transglutaminase-1 deficiency. Case Report: Our patient was a 6 year old girl and she was the result of consanguinity. She had large plate-like scales. The scales had mosaic-like pattern and erythroderma was absent. Tautness of her facial skin was associated with ectropion and eclabion and hypoplasia of auricular cartilages. She had scarring alopecia because of taut skin (specially at the periphery of scalp. She also had palmoplantar keratoderma and secondary nail dystrophy and thanked nails. Her parents also gave us the history of heat intolerance and it is because of interaepi-dermal constriction of sweat ducts. Our patient had the history of recurrent ear infections and it is because of accumulation of scales in the external ear. Conclusion: Our patient underwent a biopsy and based on our clinical findings her diagnosis was lamellar ichthyosis. (Sci J Hamadan Univ Med Sci 2014; 21 (1:76-79

  7. Solvation Dynamics in Different Phases of the Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline System.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Roy, Bibhisan; Satpathi, Sagar; Gavvala, Krishna; Koninti, Raj Kumar; Hazra, Partha

    2015-09-03

    Reverse hexagonal (HII) liquid crystalline material based on glycerol monooleate (GMO) is considered as a potential carrier for drugs and other important biomolecules due to its thermotropic phase change and excellent morphology. In this work, the dynamics of encapsulated water, which plays important role in stabilization and formation of reverse hexagonal mesophase, has been investigated by time dependent Stokes shift method using Coumarin-343 as a solvation probe. The formation of the reverse hexagonal mesophase (HII) and transformation to the L2 phase have been monitored using small-angle X-ray scattering and polarized light microscopy experiments. REES studies suggest the existence of different polar regions in both HII and L2 systems. The solvation dynamics study inside the reverse hexagonal (HII) phase reveals the existence of two different types of water molecules exhibiting dynamics on a 120-900 ps time scale. The estimated diffusion coefficients of both types of water molecules obtained from the observed dynamics are in good agreement with the measured diffusion coefficient collected from the NMR study. The calculated activation energy is found to be 2.05 kcal/mol, which is associated with coupled rotational-translational water relaxation dynamics upon the transition from "bound" to "quasi-free" state. The observed ∼2 ns faster dynamics of the L2 phase compared to the HII phase may be associated with both the phase transformation as well as thermotropic effect on the relaxation process. Microviscosities calculated from time-resolved anisotropy studies infer that the interface is almost ∼22 times higher viscous than the central part of the cylinder. Overall, our results reveal the unique dynamical features of water inside the cylinder of reverse hexagonal and inverse micellar phases.

  8. Complications and Management of Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Banu Torun Acar

    2014-10-01

    Full Text Available Objectives: To report the intraoperative and postoperative follow-up complications and management of these in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK surgery. Materials and Methods: Two hundred eighty-four eyes of 252 patients followed up in our cornea clinic who underwent DALK using Anwar’s big-bubble technique with healthy Descemet’s membrane and endothelium were included in this study. Intraoperative and postoperative complications as well as the management and treatment of these complications were evaluated. Results: Big bubble was created in 220 (77.5% eyes of 284 eyes, and lamellar dissection was performed in 64 (22.5% eyes. Perforation occurred during trephination in 4 eyes, and the procedure was accomplished by penetrating keratoplasty (PK. Intraoperative microperforation occurred in 44 eyes. Perforation enlarged in 4 eyes and PK was performed. Operation was continued in 40 eyes with air injection into the anterior chamber. In postopertive follow-up period, double anterior chamber (DAC occurred in 32 of 40 eyes. DAC spontaneously regressed in 8 eyes, and air was given into the anterior chamber with a second surgical intervention in 24 eyes. DAC improved in 20 eyes. Four eyes underwent PK. Fungal keratitis evolved at the interface in one eye, because of no healing during the follow-up period, this eye underwent PK under antifungal therapy. Eyes with interface haze and Descemet’s membrane folds were followed. Conclusion: DALK is a difficult technique with a steep learning curve. In addition to the complications seen in PK, specific complications can occur in lamellar surgery. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2014; 44: 337-40

  9. Radiolytic syntheses of hollow UO2 nanospheres in Triton X-100-based lyotropic liquid crystals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, Yongming; Chen, Qingde; Shen, Xinghai

    2017-01-01

    Hollow nanospheres (φ: 60-80 nm, wall thickness: 10-20 nm), consisted of UO 2 nanoparticles (φ: 3-5 nm), were successfully prepared in a Triton X-100-water (50:50, w/w) hexagonal lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) by γ-irradiation, where water soluble ammonium uranyl tricarbonate was added as precursor. The product was stable at least up to 300 C. Furthermore, whether the nanospheres were hollow or not, and the wall thickness of the hollow nanospheres could be easily controlled via adjusting dose rate. While in the Triton X-100 based micellar systems, only solid nanospheres were obtained. At last, a possible combination mechanism containing adsorption, aggregation and fracturing processes was proposed.

  10. Structural studies of lamellar surfactant systems under shear

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Mortensen, K.

    2001-01-01

    Recent experimental studies on concentrated surfactant systems are reviewed. Particular attention is focused on the transformation from planar lamellar sheets to multilamellar vesicles. It is discussed whether both of these states are thermodynamic stable, or if the MLV is an artifact of shear in...

  11. Incidental Finding of Lamellar Calcification of the Falx Cerebri Leading to the Diagnosis of Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    I. Saulite

    2013-10-01

    Full Text Available Here, we report the case of an incidental finding of lamellar calcification of the falx cerebri in a routine computed tomography scan of the head after an accidental trauma. This lamellar calcification led to the diagnosis of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (GGS in the patient and her daughter. Lamellar calcification of the falx cerebri is a pathognomonic feature of GGS. Our case report highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach to GGS.

  12. Incidental finding of lamellar calcification of the falx cerebri leading to the diagnosis of gorlin-goltz syndrome.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Saulite, I; Voykov, B; Mehra, T; Hoetzenecker, W; Guenova, E

    2013-01-01

    Here, we report the case of an incidental finding of lamellar calcification of the falx cerebri in a routine computed tomography scan of the head after an accidental trauma. This lamellar calcification led to the diagnosis of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (GGS) in the patient and her daughter. Lamellar calcification of the falx cerebri is a pathognomonic feature of GGS. Our case report highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach to GGS.

  13. Finite element analysis for the initiation of lamellar tearing in welded joints

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Krieg, R.D.; Thomas, R.K.

    1980-01-01

    A numerical procedure using the finite element method is presented for predicting the initiation of lamellar tearing in fillet welded T-joints commonly employed in large structures. Starting with a prescribed geometry, the welding process is approximated by a known time-dependent volumetric heat source which simulates the arc heating and deposition of liquid metal. The transient nonlinear thermal and stress problems are then solved using finite element computer codes. Results of the elastic-plastic stress analysis are presented showing a predicted region of incipient lamellar tearing based on a ductile fracture theory which qualitatively agrees with the size and location of tears typically observed in photomicrographs. Additional insight into post failure crack length and stability is presented based on a simplified linear elastic fracture mechanics approach. Although the analysis procedure shows signs of promise, several weak points in the model are pointed out which must be improved before lamellar tearing can be quantified in an approach of this general type

  14. Vacuolar ATPase regulates surfactant secretion in rat alveolar type II cells by modulating lamellar body calcium.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Narendranath Reddy Chintagari

    2010-02-01

    Full Text Available Lung surfactant reduces surface tension and maintains the stability of alveoli. How surfactant is released from alveolar epithelial type II cells is not fully understood. Vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase is the enzyme responsible for pumping H(+ into lamellar bodies and is required for the processing of surfactant proteins and the packaging of surfactant lipids. However, its role in lung surfactant secretion is unknown. Proteomic analysis revealed that vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase dominated the alveolar type II cell lipid raft proteome. Western blotting confirmed the association of V-ATPase a1 and B1/2 subunits with lipid rafts and their enrichment in lamellar bodies. The dissipation of lamellar body pH gradient by Bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1, an inhibitor of V-ATPase, increased surfactant secretion. Baf A1-stimulated secretion was blocked by the intracellular Ca(2+ chelator, BAPTA-AM, the protein kinase C (PKC inhibitor, staurosporine, and the Ca(2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII, KN-62. Baf A1 induced Ca(2+ release from isolated lamellar bodies. Thapsigargin reduced the Baf A1-induced secretion, indicating cross-talk between lamellar body and endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+ pools. Stimulation of type II cells with surfactant secretagogues dissipated the pH gradient across lamellar bodies and disassembled the V-ATPase complex, indicating the physiological relevance of the V-ATPase-mediated surfactant secretion. Finally, silencing of V-ATPase a1 and B2 subunits decreased stimulated surfactant secretion, indicating that these subunits were crucial for surfactant secretion. We conclude that V-ATPase regulates surfactant secretion via an increased Ca(2+ mobilization from lamellar bodies and endoplasmic reticulum, and the activation of PKC and CaMKII. Our finding revealed a previously unrealized role of V-ATPase in surfactant secretion.

  15. Rheological and phase behaviour of amphiphilic lipids

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alfaro, M. C.

    2000-04-01

    Full Text Available This chapter reviews the different association structures which are likely to be formed by amphiphilic lipids in the liquid-crystalline state and their corresponding shear flow properties. The structure and rheological behaviour of thermotropic liquid crystals, emphasizing the properties of smectic mesophases, and those of lyotropic liquid crystals such as: nematic, lamellar, diluted lamellar, lamellar dispersions, hexagonal and cubic mesophases are described. The importance of a comprehensive rheological characterisation, including rheo-optical techniques, is pointed out for their practical applications, development of formulations and as a useful technique to assist in the determination of phase diagrams. A historical approach has been used to discuss the evolving field of the rheology and structure identification of liquid crystals formed by amphiphilic lipids and surfactants. Non-Newtonian viscous shear flow, thixotropic and antithixotropic phenomena, linear viscoelastic properties -described by dynamic and creep compliance experiments- and non-linear viscoelastic properties - described by the difference of normal stresses and stress relaxation tests are interpreted on the basis of a microstructure-rheology relationship. The polycrystalline nature of liquid crystals turns out to be rather sensitive to shear due to the change of both size and orientation of the liquid-crystalline monodomains under flow.En este capítulo se realiza una revisión de las distintas estructuras coloidales de asociación que pueden formar los lípidos anfifílicos en estado líquido-cristalino y de sus correspondientes propiedades de flujo en cizalla. Se describe la estructura y comportamiento reológico de cristales líquidos termotrópicos, con énfasis en los de tipo esméctico, fases gel, y cristales líquidos liotrópicos: nemáticos, laminares, laminares diluidos, dispersiones de laminares, hexagonales y cúbicos. Se hace hincapié en la importancia de una

  16. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of conformations and molecular interactions in lyotropic mesophases - Applications to solubilization problems

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Caniparoli, Jean-Philippe

    1988-01-01

    After having determined the structural properties of smectic liquid crystals made from double chain surfactants/water binary systems, residual anisotropic interactions and relaxation times measurements were used to investigate the molecular ordering. Phosphorus, deuterium and nitrogen NMR of the surfactant molecules evidenced their high degree of order and the strong anisotropy of their motions. Quantitative results depended on the surfactant polar head -phosphate or ammonium-, while they displayed little variations with the hydrocarbon tail size. The marked dependence of the order and dynamics of small solutes in a lamellar phase on their hydrophilic or hydrophobic behaviour was shown using the same methods. By means of para-magnetically induced relaxation, it was proved that the non-polar solute benzene is located in the organic domain of the liquid crystalline matrix. (author) [fr

  17. Lamellar γ-AlOOH architectures: Synthesis and application for the removal of HCN

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hou Hongwei; Zhu You; Tang Gangling; Hu Qingyuan

    2012-01-01

    Using hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as a structure-directing agent and precipitator, the complete synthesis of lamellar γ-AlOOH architectures was successfully accomplished via a hydrothermal route. Different product structures were obtained by varying the molar ratio of aluminum nitrate and CTAB. Several techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry thermal analysis, were used to characterize the products. The effects of CTAB concentration, reaction temperature and time, and the molar ratio of Al 3+ /CTAB on the product morphologies were investigated. The nitrogen adsorption and desorption measurements indicated that the γ-AlOOH architectures possess a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of approximately 75.02 m 2 /g. It was also demonstrated that 10 mg γ-AlOOH architectures can remove 45.3% of the HCN (1.68 μg/mL) from model wastewater. When 0.03 mg/cig γ-AlOOH architectures were combined with cigarette paper, 8.12% of the present HCN was adsorbed. These results indicate that lamellar γ-AlOOH architectures may be a potential adsorbent for removing HCN from highly toxic pollutant solutions and harmful cigarette smoke. Highlights: ► Hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as a structure-directing agent and precipitator. ► Hydrothermal treatment enables growth of lamellar γ-AlOOH architectures. ► Lamellar γ-AlOOH architectures were demonstrated to exhibit high BET surface area and excellent adsorptive capacity. ► HCN in contaminated water and cigarette smoke can be effectively removed by the prepared lamellar γ-AlOOH superstructures.

  18. Study of lamellar structure and crystallization behavior of poly(butylene terephthalate (PBT) in PBT/ABS and PBT/ABS/MMA-GMA blends using DSC, SAXS and DMTA

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mantovani, Gerson L.; Pessan, Luiz A.; Hage, Elias; Torriani, Iris L.

    2001-01-01

    The effects of processing conditions and blend composition in the crystallization behaviour and lamellar structure of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) in blends with acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) were studied. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were used to observe those effects. Addition of reactive acrylic compatibilizer to the PBT/ABS blends has promoted an increase in the heat of crystallization of the related blends. The Long Period (L), obtained from the peak in the Lorentz-corrected SAXS pattern, was used to observe the effect in the lamellar structure of PBT phase in the blends. The results were in good agreement with the calculated values from de correlation function and the values of L do not show a significant dependence with the PBT mass fraction, either in the binary blends (PBT/ABS) or in the compatibilized blends. A slight but clear increase of the long period (from 3 to 5 angstrom) is noted for the systems injection molded at 240 deg C when compared to the ones molded at 260 deg C, although PBT crystallinity in the blends does not change significantly with blend composition or processing conditions. DMTA curves show a slight shift in the temperature of the tan δ main peaks for both PBT and ABS phases in the compatibilized blends, thereby indicating changes in the degree of miscibility or interaction between phases of those blends. Changes in the compatibilized blends miscibility may be responsible by the effects in the crystallization behaviour and lamellar structure of the PBT/ABS blends. (author)

  19. Study of lamellar structure and crystallization behavior of poly(butylene terephthalate (PBT) in PBT/ABS and PBT/ABS/MMA-GMA blends using DSC, SAXS and DMTA

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Mantovani, Gerson L.; Pessan, Luiz A.; Hage, Elias [Sao Carlos Univ., SP (Brazil). Dept. de Engenharia de Materiais]. E-mail: elias@power.ufscar.br; Plivelic, Tomas S. [Laboratorio Nacional de Luz Sincrotron (LNLS), Campinas, SP (Brazil); Torriani, Iris L. [Universidade Estadual de Campinas, SP (Brazil). Inst. de Fisica Gleb Wataghin

    2001-07-01

    The effects of processing conditions and blend composition in the crystallization behaviour and lamellar structure of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) in blends with acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) were studied. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were used to observe those effects. Addition of reactive acrylic compatibilizer to the PBT/ABS blends has promoted an increase in the heat of crystallization of the related blends. The Long Period (L), obtained from the peak in the Lorentz-corrected SAXS pattern, was used to observe the effect in the lamellar structure of PBT phase in the blends. The results were in good agreement with the calculated values from de correlation function and the values of L do not show a significant dependence with the PBT mass fraction, either in the binary blends (PBT/ABS) or in the compatibilized blends. A slight but clear increase of the long period (from 3 to 5 angstrom) is noted for the systems injection molded at 240 deg C when compared to the ones molded at 260 deg C, although PBT crystallinity in the blends does not change significantly with blend composition or processing conditions. DMTA curves show a slight shift in the temperature of the tan {delta} main peaks for both PBT and ABS phases in the compatibilized blends, thereby indicating changes in the degree of miscibility or interaction between phases of those blends. Changes in the compatibilized blends miscibility may be responsible by the effects in the crystallization behaviour and lamellar structure of the PBT/ABS blends. (author)

  20. Effect of size of alpha phases on cyclic deformation and fatigue crack initiation during fatigue of an alpha-beta titanium alloy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sun Qiaoyan

    2018-01-01

    Full Text Available Alpha phase exhibits equiaxed or lamellar morphologies with size from submicron to microns in an alpha-beta titanium alloy. Cyclic deformation, slip characteristics and crack nucleation during fatigue in different microstructures of TC21 alloy (Ti-6Al-2Sn-2Zr-3Mo-1Cr-2Nb-0.1Si were systematically investigated and analyzed. During low-cycle fatigue, equiaxed microstructure (EM in TC21 alloy exhibits higher strength, ductility and longer low-cycle fatigue life than those of the lamellar microstructure (LM. There are more voids in the single lamellar alpha than the equiaxed alpha grains. As a result, voids more easily link up to form crack in the lamellar alpha phase than the equiaxed alpha phase. However, during high-cycle fatigue, the fine lamellar microstructure (FLM shows higher fatigue limit than bimodal microstructure (BM. The localized plastic deformation can be induced during high-cycle fatigue. The slip bands or twins are observed in the equiaxed and lamellar alpha phases(>1micron, which tends to form strain concentration and initiate fatigue crack. The localized slip within nanoscale alpha plates is seldom observed and extrusion/intrusion dispersedly distributed on the sample surface in FLM. This indicates that FLM show super resistance to fatigue crack which bring about higher fatigue limit than BM.

  1. Drug Release and Skin Permeation from Lipid Liquid Crystalline Phases

    Science.gov (United States)

    Costa-Balogh, F. O.; Sparr, E.; Sousa, J. J. S.; Pais, A. A. C. C.

    We have studied drug release and skin permeation from several different liquid crystalline lipid formulations that may be used to control the respective release rates. We have studied the release and permeation through human skin of a water-soluble and amphiphilic drug, propranolol hydrochloride, from several formulations prepared with monoolein and phytantriol as permeation enhancers and controlled release excipients. Diolein and cineol were added to selected formulations. We observed that viscosity decreases with drug load, wich is compatible with the occurrence of phase changes. Diolein stabilizes the bicontinuous cubic phases leading to an increase in viscosity and sustained release of the drug. The slowest release was found for the cubic phases with higher viscosity. Studies on skin permeation showed that these latter formulations also presented lower permeability than the less viscous monoolein lamellar phases. Formulations containing cineol originated higher permeability with higher enhancement ratios. Thus, the various formulations are adapted to different circumstances and delivery routes. While a slow release is usually desired for drug sustained delivery, the transdermal route may require a faster release. Lamellar phases, which are less viscous, are more adapted to transdermal applications. Thus, systems involving lamellar phases of monoolein and cineol are good candidates to be used as skin permeation enhancers for propranolol hydrochloride.

  2. The Electrochemical Assembly of Semiconducting Organic-Inorganic Lamellar Domains for Photovoltaics

    Science.gov (United States)

    Herman, David John

    This dissertation investigates the one-step electrodeposition of alternating nanoscale domains of n-type ZnO and p-type organic molecules for photovoltaics. In such hybrid photovoltaic systems, a nanoscale lamellar periodicity of 5-10 nm between electron donor and electron acceptor materials is ideal for efficient exciton separation. In addition, achieving uniform density and substrate-wide alignment of the hybrid lamellar structures with orientation perpendicular to substrate surfaces is important in providing direct pathways for charge carriers to the electrodes. To this end, it is first reported how to control the assembly of the pyrene-based surfactant 1-pyrenebutyric acid (PyBA) with zinc hydroxide (a precursor to the semiconductor ZnO), resulting in a nanoscale lamellar structure with a periodicity of 3.2 nm. By exploring solution chemistry parameters, the surfactant concentration and solvent composition are shown to have the greatest effect on the morphology of lamellar growth. By studying the early nucleation and growth on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates with 2D grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering, it is revealed that the lamellae preferentially nucleate parallel to the hydrophilic ITO surface. It is hypothesized that the conductive and more hydrophobic poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) surface increases the affinity for the pyrene functions to the surface, and therefore the oriented growth of the lamellae changes from parallel to perpendicular with respect to the substrate surface. The second part of this thesis investigates the effects of conjugated surfactant design in directing the growth of hybrid lamellar structures by incorporating either a pyrene or terthiophene moiety and varying overall molecular design. It is found that high aspect ratio and amphiphilic surfactants possessing a flexible alkyl spacer between the carboxylic acid and conjugated moiety consistently allow for the controlled and directed

  3. In situ ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography characterization of eye bank corneal tissue processed for lamellar keratoplasty.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Brown, Jamin S; Wang, Danling; Li, Xiaoli; Baluyot, Florence; Iliakis, Bernie; Lindquist, Thomas D; Shirakawa, Rika; Shen, Tueng T; Li, Xingde

    2008-08-01

    To use optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a noninvasive tool to perform in situ characterization of eye bank corneal tissue processed for lamellar keratoplasty. A custom-built ultrahigh-resolution OCT (UHR-OCT) was used to characterize donor corneal tissue that had been processed for lamellar keratoplasty. Twenty-seven donor corneas were analyzed. Four donor corneas were used as controls, whereas the rest were processed into donor corneal buttons for lamellar transplantation by using hand dissection, a microkeratome, or a femtosecond laser. UHR-OCT was also used to noninvasively characterize and monitor the viable corneal tissue immersed in storage medium over 3 weeks. The UHR-OCT captured high-resolution images of the donor corneal tissue in situ. This noninvasive technique showed the changes in donor corneal tissue morphology with time while in storage medium. The characteristics of the lamellar corneal tissue with each processing modality were clearly visible by UHR-OCT. The in situ characterization of the femtosecond laser-cut corneal tissue was noted to have more interface debris than shown by routine histology. The effects of the femtosecond laser microcavitation bubbles on the corneal tissue were well visualized at the edges of the lamellar flap while in storage medium. The results of our feasibility study show that UHR-OCT can provide superb, in situ microstructural characterization of eye bank corneal tissue noninvasively. The UHR-OCT interface findings and corneal endothelial disc thickness uniformity analysis are valuable information that may be used to optimize the modalities and parameters for lamellar tissue processing. The UHR-OCT is a powerful approach that will allow us to further evaluate the tissue response to different processing techniques for posterior lamellar keratoplasty. It may also provide information that can be used to correlate with postoperative clinical outcomes. UHR-OCT has the potential to become a routine part of tissue

  4. Small-angle neutron scattering investigation of the chain conformation of lamellar polystyrene/isoprene phase in solid state

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Constantinescu, L.M.

    1994-01-01

    Small-angle neutron scattering has been used in the study of chain conformation of lamellar styrene/isoprene block copolymers oriented in large single crystals. The radius of gyration of deuterated polystyrene chains around the normal to the interface has been measured. By comparing this direct evolution of the lateral dimension of the chains with the average chain separation given by the molecular area (the surface available at the interface for each covalent bond linking the blocks together) we characterized the transverse interpenetration degree of the chains. The polystyrene chains are displayed in simple strata own micro-domains, without an important interpenetration. (Author) 9 Figs., 2 Tabs., 25 Refs

  5. Hydrophobic nanoparticles promote lamellar to inverted hexagonal transition in phospholipid mesophases.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bulpett, Jennifer M; Snow, Tim; Quignon, Benoit; Beddoes, Charlotte M; Tang, T-Y D; Mann, Stephen; Shebanova, Olga; Pizzey, Claire L; Terrill, Nicholas J; Davis, Sean A; Briscoe, Wuge H

    2015-12-07

    This study focuses on how the mesophase transition behaviour of the phospholipid dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) is altered by the presence of 10 nm hydrophobic and 14 nm hydrophilic silica nanoparticles (NPs) at different concentrations. The lamellar to inverted hexagonal phase transition (Lα-HII) of phospholipids is energetically analogous to the membrane fusion process, therefore understanding the Lα-HII transition with nanoparticulate additives is relevant to how membrane fusion may be affected by these additives, in this case the silica NPs. The overriding observation is that the HII/Lα boundaries in the DOPE p-T phase diagram were shifted by the presence of NPs: the hydrophobic NPs enlarged the HII phase region and thus encouraged the inverted hexagonal (HII) phase to occur at lower temperatures, whilst hydrophilic NPs appeared to stabilise the Lα phase region. This effect was also NP-concentration dependent, with a more pronounced effect for higher concentration of the hydrophobic NPs, but the trend was less clear cut for the hydrophilic NPs. There was no evidence that the NPs were intercalated into the mesophases, and as such it was likely that they might have undergone microphase separation and resided at the mesophase domain boundaries. Whilst the loci and exact roles of the NPs invite further investigation, we tentatively discuss these results in terms of both the surface chemistry of the NPs and the effect of their curvature on the elastic bending energy considerations during the mesophase transition.

  6. Radiolytic syntheses of hollow UO{sub 2} nanospheres in Triton X-100-based lyotropic liquid crystals

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wang, Yongming; Chen, Qingde; Shen, Xinghai [Peking Univ., Beijing (China). Fundamental Science on Radiochemistry and Radiation Chemistry Lab.

    2017-08-01

    Hollow nanospheres (φ: 60-80 nm, wall thickness: 10-20 nm), consisted of UO{sub 2} nanoparticles (φ: 3-5 nm), were successfully prepared in a Triton X-100-water (50:50, w/w) hexagonal lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) by γ-irradiation, where water soluble ammonium uranyl tricarbonate was added as precursor. The product was stable at least up to 300 C. Furthermore, whether the nanospheres were hollow or not, and the wall thickness of the hollow nanospheres could be easily controlled via adjusting dose rate. While in the Triton X-100 based micellar systems, only solid nanospheres were obtained. At last, a possible combination mechanism containing adsorption, aggregation and fracturing processes was proposed.

  7. Phase transformations in TiAl based alloys

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zghal, Slim; Thomas, Marc; Naka, Shigehisa; Finel, Alphonse; Couret, Alain

    2005-01-01

    Microstructural characteristics of a fully lamellar Ti 49 Al 47 Cr 2 Nb 2 alloy have been investigated in different annealed conditions by quantitative transmission electron microscopy. Statistical analyses have yielded clear information about the γ-γ interfaces, the respective orientation groups of the γ phase, and the distribution of orientational variants. From the results, three sequences of lamellar transformation have been identified with decreasing temperature: (1) a high-temperature heterogeneous transformation characterized by the nucleation of isolated primary γ lamellae mostly belonging to the same orientation group and having locally the same order; (2) a low-temperature homogeneous transformation in the ordered α 2 phase characterized by the formation of a fine lamellar structure with an even distribution of the orientation groups and a random ordering of γ lamellae; and (3) a coherent interfacial transformation at the α 2 /γ interfaces characterized by the nucleation of ultra-fine twin related lamellae. Finally, the driving forces for these various transformations as well as the nucleation mechanisms of γ lamellae involved in these transformations are discussed

  8. Structural Diversity of Self-Assembled Iridescent Arthropod Biophotonic Nanostructures

    Science.gov (United States)

    Saranathan, Vinod Kumar; Prum, Richard O.

    2015-03-01

    Many organisms, especially arthropods, produce vivid interference colors using diverse mesoscopic (100-350 nm) integumentary biophotonic nanostructures that are increasingly being investigated for technological applications. Despite a century of interest, we lack precise structural knowledge of many biophotonic nanostructures and mechanisms controlling their development, when such knowledge can open novel biomimetic routes to facilely self-assemble tunable, multi-functional materials. Here, we use synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering and electron microscopy to characterize the photonic nanostructure of 140 iridescent integumentary scales and setae from 127 species of terrestrial arthropods in 85 genera from 5 orders. We report a rich nanostructural diversity, including triply-periodic bicontinuous networks, close-packed spheres, inverse columnar, perforated lamellar, and disordered sponge-like morphologies, commonly observed as stable phases of amphiphilic surfactants, block copolymer, and lyotropic lipid-water systems. Diverse arthropod lineages appear to have independently evolved to utilize the self-assembly of infolding bilayer membranes to develop biophotonic nanostructures that span the phase-space of amphiphilic morphologies, but at optical length scales.

  9. Stress relaxation experiments on a lamellar polystyrene-polyisoprene diblock copolymer melt

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Holmqvist, P.; Castelletto, V.; Hamley, I.W.

    2001-01-01

    The non-linear rheology of the lamellar phase of a polystyrene-polyisoprene diblock copolymer is studied by oscillatory shear experiments. The relaxation of the shear modulus, G(t, gamma) is studied as a function of strain amplitude, gamma, up to large amplitude strains, gamma = 100%. The decay...... of G(t, gamma) is analysed using the model-independent CONTIN inverse Laplace transform algorithm to obtain a series of relaxation times, which reveals multiple relaxation processes. The timescale for the fastest relaxation processes is compared to those previously observed for diblock copolymer melts...... via dynamic light scattering experiments. The slowest relaxation process may be related to the shear-induced orientation of the lamellae. It is shown that time-strain separability G(t, gamma)= G(t)h(gamma) can be applied, and the damping function h(gamma) is consistent with a strongly strain...

  10. Lamellar Diblock Copolymer Thin Films during Solvent Vapor Annealing Studied by GISAXS

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Zhang, Jianqi; Posselt, Dorthe; Smilgies, Detlef-M.

    2014-01-01

    The reorientation of lamellae and the dependence of the lamellar spacing, Dlam, on polymer volume fraction, ϕP, Dlam ∝ ϕP–β, in diblock copolymer thin films during solvent vapor annealing (SVA) are examined by combining white light interferometry (WLI) and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scat......The reorientation of lamellae and the dependence of the lamellar spacing, Dlam, on polymer volume fraction, ϕP, Dlam ∝ ϕP–β, in diblock copolymer thin films during solvent vapor annealing (SVA) are examined by combining white light interferometry (WLI) and grazing-incidence small-angle X...

  11. Hybrid Technique of Lamellar Keratoplasty (DMEK-S

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pavel Studeny

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of the hybrid technique of posterior lamellar keratoplasty (DMEK-S. Materials and Methods: 71 eyes of 55 patients enrolled in a single-center study underwent posterior lamellar keratoplasty with a hybrid lamella DMEK-S implanted using a solution implantation technique, owing to endothelial dysfunction. The outcome measures studied were visual acuity and endothelial cell density. Results: The rate of endothelial cell loss caused by surgery was 43.8%. During followups, we observed the stabilization of postoperative findings, or at minimum a very low rate of corneal endothelial cell loss. The UCDVA and BCDVA dramatically improved postoperatively. The rebubbling rate in our group of patients was 61.9%. We replaced the lamella due to its failure or malfunction in 17 patients (23.9%. Conclusion: In summary, DMEK-S combines the advantages of DSEK/DSAEK and DMEK. The central zone of bare Descemet’s membrane and endothelium allows for very good visual outcomes, and the peripheral rim allows for better manipulation of the lamella during implantation. It is an effective method of treating the endothelial dysfunction of various etiologies, but the high complication rate needs to be addressed before widespread implementation of the technique in the future.

  12. On the microstructural evolution and phase transformations in a high niobium containing γ-TiAl alloy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang Dezhi; Dehm, G.; Clemens, H.

    2000-01-01

    This paper summarizes our recent work on microstructure evolution and phase transformations in a high Nb containing γ-TiAl alloy with a low Al content. The microstructures of a Ti-42Al-8.5Nb-0.5(W,Si,B,Y) alloy (composition in at.%) in the as-cast condition and after various heat treatments have been examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Analysis of the alloy in the as-cast condition reveals the existence of a very fine lamellar microstructure (the colony grain size is about 40 μm and the lamellar spacing within the colonies is about 65 nm) with B2(β) phase along colony grain boundaries. Additionally, a B2 (β) → ω phase transformation has been observed. The microstructure of the cast alloy shows evidence of the following solidification and transformation pathway: L → L + α → L + α + β → α + β + γ → lamellar (α + γ) + B2 (β) + γ → lamellar (α 2 + γ) + B2 (β)/ω + γ. After annealing for 2 h from 1250 C to 1450 C, which corresponds to heat treatments within the (β + α) and β phase fields as well as different cooling conditions, the colony size does not increase dramatically, and the lamellar spacing keeps fine upon air cooling or furnace cooling (lamellar spacing ∼ 120 nm). Additionally, the microstructure of the as-cast alloy is stable during long time aging at 900 C, and the colony size does not change remarkably during long time annealing at 1150 C. These results indicate that the material has a small tendency to grain growth, which is attributed to the high Nb content as well as complex alloying effects of W, Y, Si, and B. (orig.)

  13. Electrostatic Effects in Phase Transitions of Biomembranes between Cubic Phases and Lamellar Liquid-Crystalline (Lα) phase

    Science.gov (United States)

    Masum, Shah Md.; Li, Shu Jie; Tamba, Yukihiro; Yamashita, Yuko; Yamazaki, Masahito

    2004-04-01

    Elucidation of the mechanisms of transitions between cubic phase and liquid-crystalline (Lα) phase, and between different IPMS cubic phases, are essential for understanding of dynamics of biomembranes and topological transformation of lipid membranes. Recently, we found that electrostatic interactions due to surface charges of lipid membranes induce transition between cubic phase and Lα phase, and between different IPMS cubic phases. As electrostatic interactions increase, the most stable phase of a monoolein (MO) membrane changes: Q224 ⇒ Q229 ⇒ Lα. We also found that a de novo designed peptide partitioning into electrically neutral lipid membrane changed the phase stability of the MO membranes. As peptide-1 concentration increased, the most stable phase of a MO membrane changes: Q224 ⇒ Q229 ⇒Lα. In both cases, the increase in the electrostatic repulsive interaction greatly reduced the absolute value of spontaneous curvature of the MO monolayer membrane. We also investigated factors such as poly (L-lysine) and osmotic stress to control structure and phase stability of DOPA/MO membranes. Based on these results, we discuss the mechanism of the effect of electrostatic interactions on the stability of cubic phase.

  14. Influence of electropulsing globularization on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V alloy strip with lamellar microstructure

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ye, Xiaoxin, E-mail: xiaoxinye905@gmail.com [Advanced Materials Institute, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055 (China); Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Tse, Zion T.H. [College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 (United States); Tang, Guoyi, E-mail: tanggy@mails.tsinghua.edu.cn [Advanced Materials Institute, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055 (China); Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Geng, Yubo [Advanced Materials Institute, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055 (China); Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Song, Guolin [Advanced Materials Institute, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055 (China)

    2015-01-12

    The effect of high-energy electropulsing treatment (EPT) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V alloy strip with initial lamellar microstructure was investigated. The results indicated that EPT accelerated the phase change process tremendously inducing equiaxed microstructure in titanium alloy. The EPT-induced microstructural change resulted in remarkably increasing elongation-to-failure while the tensile strength remained unchanged. A mechanism for rapid phase change in low temperature during EPT was proposed based on the reduction of nucleation thermodynamic barrier and enhancement of atomic diffusion. A medium migration model was utilized for discussing the globularization process.

  15. Influence of electropulsing globularization on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V alloy strip with lamellar microstructure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ye, Xiaoxin; Tse, Zion T.H.; Tang, Guoyi; Geng, Yubo; Song, Guolin

    2015-01-01

    The effect of high-energy electropulsing treatment (EPT) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V alloy strip with initial lamellar microstructure was investigated. The results indicated that EPT accelerated the phase change process tremendously inducing equiaxed microstructure in titanium alloy. The EPT-induced microstructural change resulted in remarkably increasing elongation-to-failure while the tensile strength remained unchanged. A mechanism for rapid phase change in low temperature during EPT was proposed based on the reduction of nucleation thermodynamic barrier and enhancement of atomic diffusion. A medium migration model was utilized for discussing the globularization process

  16. Merging Bottom-Up with Top-Down: Continuous Lamellar Networks and Block Copolymer Lithography

    Science.gov (United States)

    Campbell, Ian Patrick

    Block copolymer lithography is an emerging nanopatterning technology with capabilities that may complement and eventually replace those provided by existing optical lithography techniques. This bottom-up process relies on the parallel self-assembly of macromolecules composed of covalently linked, chemically distinct blocks to generate periodic nanostructures. Among the myriad potential morphologies, lamellar structures formed by diblock copolymers with symmetric volume fractions have attracted the most interest as a patterning tool. When confined to thin films and directed to assemble with interfaces perpendicular to the substrate, two-dimensional domains are formed between the free surface and the substrate, and selective removal of a single block creates a nanostructured polymeric template. The substrate exposed between the polymeric features can subsequently be modified through standard top-down microfabrication processes to generate novel nanostructured materials. Despite tremendous progress in our understanding of block copolymer self-assembly, continuous two-dimensional materials have not yet been fabricated via this robust technique, which may enable nanostructured material combinations that cannot be fabricated through bottom-up methods. This thesis aims to study the effects of block copolymer composition and processing on the lamellar network morphology of polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) and utilize this knowledge to fabricate continuous two-dimensional materials through top-down methods. First, block copolymer composition was varied through homopolymer blending to explore the physical phenomena surrounding lamellar network continuity. After establishing a framework for tuning the continuity, the effects of various processing parameters were explored to engineer the network connectivity via defect annihilation processes. Precisely controlling the connectivity and continuity of lamellar networks through defect engineering and

  17. Minimal compliance design for metal–ceramic composites with lamellar microstructures

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Piat, R.; Sinchuk, Y.; Vasoya, M.

    2011-01-01

    of lamellar domains. With local ceramic volume fraction and lamella orientation chosen as the design variables, a minimum compliance optimization problem is solved based on topology optimization and finite element methods for metal–ceramic samples with different geometries and boundary conditions...

  18. One-step exfoliation and surface modification of lamellar hydroxyapatite by intercalation of glucosamine

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Luo, Honglin [Research Institute for Biomaterials and Transportation, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang, 330013 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 (China); Li, Wei; Ji, Dehui [Research Institute for Biomaterials and Transportation, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang, 330013 (China); Zuo, Guifu [Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei United University, Tangshan, 063009 (China); Xiong, Guangyao, E-mail: xiongguangyao@163.com [Research Institute for Biomaterials and Transportation, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang, 330013 (China); Zhu, Yong [School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 (China); Li, Lili; Han, Ming [Research Institute for Biomaterials and Transportation, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang, 330013 (China); Wu, Caoqun [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 (China); Wan, Yizao, E-mail: yzwantju@126.com [Research Institute for Biomaterials and Transportation, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang, 330013 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 (China)

    2016-04-15

    Effective exfoliation is crucial to the application of layered materials in many fields. Herein, we report a novel effective, scalable, and ecofriendly method for the exfoliation of lamellar HAp by glucosamine intercalation such that individual HAp nanoplates can be obtained. The as-exfoliated HAp nanoplates were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. It is found that the glucosamine intercalation not only results in complete exfoliation of lamellar HAp but also introduces the glucosamine molecules onto the surface of individual HAp nanoplates, thus obtaining separated glucosamine-grafted HAp nanoplates (Glu-HAps). Results from MTT assay demonstrate that glucosamine grafting on HAp nanoplates greatly improves the cell growth and proliferation as compared to nongrafted HAp counterparts. - Highlights: • Glucosamine was used as intercalation agent to exfoliate lamellar hydroxyapatite. • Glucosamine was grafted onto the as-exfoliated nanoplate-like hydroxyapatite. • Exfoliation and surface grafting were accomplished in one step. • Glucosamine-grafted HAp showed improved biocompatibility over nongrafted one.

  19. Nucleation of the lamellar decomposition in a Ti-44Al-4Nb-4Zr alloy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhang, L.C.; Cheng, T.T.; Aindow, M

    2004-01-05

    The onset of the lamellar decomposition ({alpha}{yields}{alpha}{sub 2}+{gamma}) in a titanium aluminide alloy containing Nb and Zr has been studied by transmission electron microscopy. Samples water-quenched from the solution-treatment temperature of 1350 deg. C show fault-like features resembling those reported previously as the precursors for the formation of the {gamma} lamellae. High-resolution lattice images obtained from such features have revealed that the 'faults' are actually embryonic {gamma} lamellae, just a few atomic layers in thickness, which clearly exhibit the ordered L1{sub 0} structure. This implies that the {gamma} phase is formed directly, rather than via some intermediate disordered face-centred-cubic phase as suggested previously. Moreover, the character and configuration of the interfacial defects is consistent with this occurring in a diffusive-displacive manner with short-range fluxes across the risers of mobile perfect interfacial disconnections.

  20. Nucleation of the lamellar decomposition in a Ti-44Al-4Nb-4Zr alloy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, L.C.; Cheng, T.T.; Aindow, M.

    2004-01-01

    The onset of the lamellar decomposition (α→α 2 +γ) in a titanium aluminide alloy containing Nb and Zr has been studied by transmission electron microscopy. Samples water-quenched from the solution-treatment temperature of 1350 deg. C show fault-like features resembling those reported previously as the precursors for the formation of the γ lamellae. High-resolution lattice images obtained from such features have revealed that the 'faults' are actually embryonic γ lamellae, just a few atomic layers in thickness, which clearly exhibit the ordered L1 0 structure. This implies that the γ phase is formed directly, rather than via some intermediate disordered face-centred-cubic phase as suggested previously. Moreover, the character and configuration of the interfacial defects is consistent with this occurring in a diffusive-displacive manner with short-range fluxes across the risers of mobile perfect interfacial disconnections

  1. Inverse cutting of posterior lamellar corneal grafts by a femtosecond laser.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hjortdal, Jesper; Nielsen, Esben; Vestergaard, Anders; Søndergaard, Anders

    2012-01-01

    Posterior lamellar grafting of the cornea has become the preferred technique for treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction. Posterior lamellar grafts are usually cut by a micro-keratome or a femto-second laser after the epithelial side of the donor cornea has been applanated. This approach often results in variable central graft thickness in different grafts and an increase in graft thickness towards the periphery in every graft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if posterior lamellar grafts can be prepared from the endothelial side by a femto-second laser, resulting in reproducible, thin grafts of even thickness. A CZM 500 kHz Visumax femto-second laser was used. Organ cultured donor grafts were mounted in an artifical anterior chamber with the endothelial side up and out. Posterior grafts of 7.8 mm diameter and 130 micron thickness were prepared by femto-second laser cutting. A standard DSAEK procedure was performed in 10 patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy. Patients were followed-up regularly and evaluated by measurement of complications, visual acuity, corneal thickness (Pentacam HR), and endothelial cell density. Femto-laser cutting of grafts and surgery was uncomplicated. Rebubbling was necessary in 5 of 10 cases (normally only in 1 of 20 cases). All grafts were attached and cleared up during the first few weeks. After six months, the average visual acuity was 0.30 (range: 0.16 to 0.50), corneal thickness was 0.58 mm (range 0.51 to 0.63), and endothelial cell density was 1.570 per sq. mm (range: 1.400 to 2.000 cells per sq. mm). The grafts were of uniform thickness, but substantial interface haze was present in most grafts. Posterior lamellar corneal grafts can be prepared from the endothelial side using a femto-second laser. All grafts were clear after 6 months with satisfying endothelial cell counts. Poor visual acuity caused by interface scatter was observed in most patients. Femto-second laser cutting parameters needs to be optimised to

  2. The ultra-structural organization of the elastic network in the intra- and inter-lamellar matrix of the intervertebral disc.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tavakoli, J; Elliott, D M; Costi, J J

    2017-08-01

    The inter-lamellar matrix (ILM)-located between adjacent lamellae of the annulus fibrosus-consists of a complex structure of elastic fibers, while elastic fibers of the intra-lamellar region are aligned predominantly parallel to the collagen fibers. The organization of elastic fibers under low magnification, in both inter- and intra-lamellar regions, was studied by light microscopic analysis of histologically prepared samples; however, little is known about their ultrastructure. An ultrastructural visualization of elastic fibers in the inter-lamellar matrix is crucial for describing their contribution to structural integrity, as well as mechanical properties of the annulus fibrosus. The aims of this study were twofold: first, to present an ultrastructural analysis of the elastic fiber network in the ILM and intra-lamellar region, including cross section (CS) and in-plane (IP) lamellae, of the AF using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and second, to -compare the elastic fiber orientation between the ILM and intra-lamellar region. Four samples (lumbar sheep discs) from adjacent sections (30μm thickness) of anterior annulus were partially digested by a developed NaOH-sonication method for visualization of elastic fibers by SEM. Elastic fiber orientation and distribution were quantified relative to the tangential to circumferential reference axis. Visualization of the ILM under high magnification revealed a dense network of elastic fibers that has not been previously described. Within the ILM, elastic fibers form a complex network, consisting of different size and shape fibers, which differed to those located in the intra-lamellar region. For both regions, the majority of fibers were oriented near 0° with respect to tangential to circumferential (TCD) direction and two minor symmetrical orientations of approximately±45°. Statistically, the orientation of elastic fibers between the ILM and intra-lamellar region was not different (p=0.171). The present study used

  3. Molecular Dynamics Study on Nucleation Behavior and Lamellar Mergence of Polyethylene Globule Crystallization

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Xiaozhen; Wang, Simiao

    2012-02-01

    The site order parameter (SOP) has been adopted to analyze various order structure formation and distribution during the crystallization of a multi-chain polyethylene globule simulated by molecular dynamics. We found that the nucleation relies on crystallinity fluctuation with increase of amplitude, and the baby nucleus in the fluctuation suddenly appears with different shape and increasing size. In the growth stage, a number of lamellar mergence was observed and their selective behaviors were suggested to be related to the orientation difference between the merging lamellae. We obtained that SOP distribution of all atoms in the system during crystallization appears with two peaks: one for the amorphous phase and the other for the crystalline phase. Mesomorphic structures with medium orders locate between the two peaks as an order promotion pathway. Obtained data show that the medium order structure fluctuates at the growth front and does not always be available; the medium order structure existing at the front is not always good for developing. It is possibly caused by chain entanglement.

  4. Morphological abnormalities and apoptosis in lamellar tissue of equines after intestinal obstruction and treatment with hydrocortisone

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    L.M Laskoski

    2010-12-01

    Full Text Available Four experimental groups of equines were used in order to study morphological abnormalities and apoptosis in lamellar tissue. Group Cg (control was composed of animals without any surgical procedure; group Ig (instrumented, animals that underwent enterotomy; group Tg (treated, animals that were subjected to intestinal obstruction and were treated with hydrocortisone; and group Ug (untreated, animals that were subjected to intestinal obstruction without treatment. The lamellar tissue was analyzed regarding the presence of tissue abnormalities and apoptosis. No morphological abnormalities were observed in animals of surgical groups, and no difference in apoptosis was observed between groups. It was concluded that intestinal obstruction allowed laminitis to develop, probably by systemic activation, and that the maneuvers performed in the enterotomy aggravated the process. Hydrocortisone did not aggravate the lesions of the lamellar tissue

  5. Structure of lamellar lipid domains and corneocyte envelopes of murine stratum corneum. An X-ray diffraction study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    White, S.H.; Mirejovsky, D.; King, G.I.

    1988-01-01

    The lipid of the outermost layer of the skin is confined largely to the extracellular spaces surrounding the corneocytes of the stratum corneum where it forms a multilamellar adhesive matrix to act as the major permeability barrier of the skin. Knowledge of the molecular architecture of these intercellular domains is important for understanding various skin pathologies and their treatment, percutaneous drug delivery, and the cosmetic maintenance of the skin. The authors have surveyed by X-ray diffraction the structure of the intercellular domains and the extracted lipids of murine stratum corneum (SC) at 25, 45, and 70 0 C which are temperatures in the vicinity of known thermal phase transitions. The intercellular domains produce lamellar diffraction patterns with a Bragg spacing of 131 +/- 2 A. Lipid extracted from the SC and dispersed in excess water does not produce a simple lamellar diffraction pattern at any temperature studied, however. This and other facts suggest that another component, probably a protein, must be present to control the architecture of the intercellular lipid domains. They have also obtained diffraction patterns attributable to the protein envelopes of the corneocytes. The patterns suggest a β-pleated sheet organizational scheme. No diffraction patterns were observed that could be attributed to keratin

  6. Reverse osmosis desalination of chitosan cross-linked graphene oxide/titania hybrid lamellar membranes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Deng, Hui; Sun, Penzhan; Zhang, Yingjiu; Zhu, Hongwei

    2016-07-08

    With excellent mass transport properties, graphene oxide (GO)-based lamellar membranes are believed to have great potential in water desalination. In order to quantify whether GO-based membranes are indeed suitable for reverse osmosis (RO) desalination, three sub-micrometer thick GO-based lamellar membranes: GO-only, reduced GO (RGO)/titania (TO) nanosheets and RGO/TO/chitosan (CTS) are prepared, and their RO desalination performances are evaluated in a home-made RO test apparatus. The photoreduction of GO by TO improves the salt rejection, which increases slowly with the membrane thickness. The RGO/TO/CTS hybrid membranes exhibit higher rejection rates of only about 30% (greater than threefold improvement compared with a GO-only membrane) which is still inferior compared to other commercial RO membranes. The low rejection rates mainly arise from the pressure-induced weakening of the ion-GO interlayer interactions. Despite the advantages of simple, low-cost preparation, high permeability and selectivity of GO-based lamellar membranes, as the current desalination performances are not high enough to afford practical application, there still remains a great challenge to realize high performance separation membranes for water desalination applications.

  7. Microstructure evaluation of dermally applicable liquid crystals as a function of water content and temperature: Can electron paramagnetic resonance provide complementary data?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Matjaž, Mirjam Gosenca; Mravljak, Janez; Rogač, Marija Bešter; Šentjurc, Marjeta; Gašperlin, Mirjana; Pobirk, Alenka Zvonar

    2017-11-30

    Insight into the microstructure of lyotropic liquid crystals (LCs) is of crucial importance for development of novel dermal delivery systems. Our aim was to evaluate the phase behaviour of dermally applicable LCs composed of isopropyl myristate/Tween 80/lecithin/water, along the dilution line, where phase transitions are predominantly driven by increased water content. Additionally, identification of LC temperature dependence is of great importance for skin application. Selected LCs were evaluated using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) plus conventionally used methods of polarization microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, and rheological measurements. Depending on water content, LCs formed diverse microstructures, from (pseudo)hexagonal (LC1) and lamellar (LC2-LC7) liquid crystalline phases that possibly co-exist with rod-like micelles (LC4-LC7), to a transitional micellar phase (LC8). Furthermore, the LCs microstructure remained unaltered within the tested temperature range. EPR was shown to detect microstructural transitions of LCs and to provide complementary data to other techniques. These data thus confirm the applicability of EPR as a complementary technique for better understanding of LC microstructural transitions that are expected to contribute greatly to studies oriented towards the drug release characteristics from such systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Morphology and hot deformation of lamellar microstructures in zirconium and titanium alloys

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vanderesse, N.

    2008-06-01

    This study aims at providing a precise description of the lamellar microstructures of two alloys, Zircaloy-4 and TA6V, and at characterizing their deformation at high temperature. New experimental techniques have been developed for these materials: instrumented Jominy end quench test, channel-die with mobile walls, X-ray microtomography. The main results underline the role of the alpha-GB phase formed at the prior beta grain boundaries on the variant selection in Zircaloy-4 and TA6-V. The three dimensional organization of the colonies in TA6V is also revealed for the first time and discussed in relationship with the formation of the microstructure. In hot compressed Zircaloy-4 several mechanisms of strain localization are observed. Twinning activity at 750 C, in particular, is clearly put into evidence. A classification of these heterogeneities is proposed and their influence on the recrystallization is discussed. (author)

  9. Adsorption of dimeric surfactants in lamellar silicates

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Balcerzak, Mateusz; Pietralik, Zuzanna [Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, A. Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614 Poznań (Poland); Domka, Ludwik [Department of Metalorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, A. Mickiewicz University, Grunwaldzka 6, 60-780 Poznań (Poland); Skrzypczak, Andrzej [Institute of Chemical Technology, Poznań University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań (Poland); Kozak, Maciej, E-mail: mkozak@amu.edu.pl [Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, A. Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614 Poznań (Poland)

    2015-12-01

    Highlights: • The intercalation of dimeric surfactants changed the morphology of MMT samples. • XRD indicated structures formed by surfactant molecules in interlayer space. • The four-step thermal decomposition of dimeric surfactant, confirms intercalation. - Abstract: The adsorption of different types of cationic surfactants in lamellar silicates changes their surface character from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. This study was undertaken to obtain lamellar silicates modified by a series of novel dimeric (gemini) surfactants of different length alkyl chains and to characterise these organophilised materials. Synthetic sodium montmorillonite SOMASIF® ME 100 (M) and enriched bentonite of natural origin (Nanoclay – hydrophilic bentonite®) were organophilised with dimeric (gemini) surfactants (1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(alkoxymethyl)imidazolium dichlorides). As a result of surfactant molecule adsorption in interlamellar space, the d-spacing (d{sub 001}) increased from 0.97 nm (for the anhydrous structure) to 2.04 nm. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the modified systems reveals bands assigned to the stretching vibrations of the CH{sub 2} and CH{sub 3} groups and the scissoring vibrations of the NH group from the structure of the dimeric surfactants. Thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) studies imply a four-stage process of surfactant decomposition. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images provide information on the influence of dimeric surfactant intercalation into the silicate structures. Particles of the modified systems show a tendency toward the formation of irregularly shaped agglomerates.

  10. How ionic species structure influences phase structure and transitions from protic ionic liquids to liquid crystals to crystals.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Greaves, Tamar L; Broomhall, Hayden; Weerawardena, Asoka; Osborne, Dale A; Canonge, Bastien A; Drummond, Calum J

    2017-12-14

    The phase behaviour of n-alkylammonium (C6 to C16) nitrates and formates has been characterised using synchrotron small angle and wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), cross polarised optical microscopy (CPOM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The protic salts may exist as crystalline, liquid crystalline or ionic liquid materials depending on the alkyl chain length and temperature. n-Alkylammonium nitrates with n ≥ 6 form thermotropic liquid crystalline (LC) lamellar phases, whereas n ≥ 8 was required for the formate series to form this LC phase. The protic ionic liquid phase showed an intermediate length scale nanostructure resulting from the segregation of the polar and nonpolar components of the ionic liquid. This segregation was enhanced for longer n-alkyl chains, with a corresponding increase in the correlation length scale. The crystalline and liquid crystalline phases were both lamellar. Phase transition temperatures, lamellar d-spacings, and liquid correlation lengths for the n-alkylammonium nitrates and formates were compared with those for n-alkylammonium chlorides and n-alkylamines. Plateau regions in the liquid crystalline to liquid phase transition temperatures as a function of n for the n-alkylammonium nitrates and formates are consistent with hydrogen-bonding and cation-anion interactions between the ionic species dominating alkyl chain-chain van der Waals interactions, with the exception of the mid chained hexyl- and heptylammonium formates. The d-spacings of the lamellar phases for both the n-alkylammonium nitrates and formates were consistent with an increase in chain-chain layer interdigitation within the bilayer-based lamellae with increasing alkyl chain length, and they were comparable to the n-alkylammonium chlorides.

  11. Fragmentation of α2 plates in a fully lamellar TiAl during creep

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, J.G.; Hsiung, L.M.; Nieh, T.G.

    1999-01-01

    The fragmentation and spheroidization of α 2 laths in a fully-lamellar TiAl alloy during creep were examined. Three possible mechanisms, Rayleigh's perturbation model, subgrain boundary groove mechanism and intersection of deformation twins with α 2 lamellae were presented and discussed. During creep deformation, the pile-up of interfacial dislocations leads to a change of planar interface, which, in turn, causes a difference in local chemical potential, and further results in the spheroidization of α 2 lamellae. On the other hand, the deformation of the α 2 phase is expected to be induced by the high local stress concentration introduced by the pile up of interfacial dislocations. The dynamic recovery process may lead to the formation of subgrain boundaries in the α 2 lamellae, which results in the spheroidization and termination of α 2 lamellae with the aid of diffusion during creep

  12. Creep mechanisms of fully-lamellar TiAl based upon interface sliding

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hsiung, L.M.; Nieh, T.G.

    1999-01-01

    Deformation mechanisms of fully lamellar TiAl with a refined microstructure (γ lamellae: 100 approximately 300 nm thick, α 2 lamellae: 10 approximately 50 nm thick) crept at 760 C have been investigated. As a result of a fine structure, the motion and multiplication of lattice dislocations within both γ and α 2 lamellae are limited at low creep stresses ( 2 and γ/γ interfaces (i.e., interface sliding) is proposed to be the dominant deformation mechanism at low stresses. Lattice dislocations impinged on lamellar interfaces are found to be the major obstacles impeding the motion of interfacial dislocations. The number of impinged lattice dislocations increases as the applied stress increases and, subsequently, causes the pileup of interfacial dislocations along the interfaces. Accordingly, deformation twinning activated by the pileup of interfacial dislocations is proposed to be the dominant deformation mechanism at high stresses (>400 MPa)

  13. Evaluation of Biaxial Mechanical Properties of Aortic Media Based on the Lamellar Microstructure

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hadi Taghizadeh

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Evaluation of the mechanical properties of arterial wall components is necessary for establishing a precise mechanical model applicable in various physiological and pathological conditions, such as remodeling. In this contribution, a new approach for the evaluation of the mechanical properties of aortic media accounting for the lamellar structure is proposed. We assumed aortic media to be composed of two sets of concentric layers, namely sheets of elastin (Layer I and interstitial layers composed of mostly collagen bundles, fine elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells (Layer II. Biaxial mechanical tests were carried out on human thoracic aortic samples, and histological staining was performed to distinguish wall lamellae for determining the dimensions of the layers. A neo-Hookean strain energy function (SEF for Layer I and a four-parameter exponential SEF for Layer II were allocated. Nonlinear regression was used to find the material parameters of the proposed microstructural model based on experimental data. The non-linear behavior of media layers confirmed the higher contribution of elastic tissue in lower strains and the gradual engagement of collagen fibers. The resulting model determines the nonlinear anisotropic behavior of aortic media through the lamellar microstructure and can be assistive in the study of wall remodeling due to alterations in lamellar structure during pathological conditions and aging.

  14. On the mechanism of crack propagation resistance of fully lamellar TiAl alloy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cao, R.; Yao, H.J.; Chen, J.H.; Zhang, J.

    2006-01-01

    The study was done using notched two-colony thick tensile specimens of a directionally solidified cast fully lamellar TiAl alloy. In-situ observations of fracture processes in scanning electron microscope (SEM) were combined with section-to-section related observations of fracture surfaces to investigate the crack growth process. Finite element method (FEM) calculations are carried out to evaluate the stresses for propagating cracks. The results reveal that: (1) the reason why enhancement of applied load is required to propagate the main crack, was attributed to that the main crack observed at the surface did not extend all the way through the specimen's thickness thus the stress field was still controlled by the notch, in which a definite stress required for extending a crack tip should be kept by increasing the applied load. (2) Crack propagation resistance is enhanced at colony boundaries, only when a change occurs from an inter-lamellar propagation to a trans-lamellar propagation (3) Ligament bridging toughening phenomena can be integrated into aforementioned mechanism. As a whole the processes of new crack nucleation with bridging ligament formation decreases the crack propagation resistance rather than increasing it. (4) In case the majority of microcracks are surface cracks, the effect of microcrack shielding is not obvious

  15. Mechanical contribution of lamellar and interlamellar elastin along the mouse aorta.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Clark, T E; Lillie, M A; Vogl, A W; Gosline, J M; Shadwick, R E

    2015-10-15

    The mechanical properties of aortic elastin vary regionally, but the microstructural basis for this variation is unknown. This study was designed to identify the relative contributions of lamellar and interlamellar elastin to circumferential load bearing in the mouse thoracic and abdominal aortas. Forces developed in uniaxial tests of samples of fresh and autoclaved aorta were correlated with elastin content and morphology obtained from histology and multiphoton laser scanning microscopy. Autoclaving should render much of the interlamellar elastin mechanically incompetent. In autoclaved tissue force per unit sample width correlated with lamellar elastin content (P≪0.001) but not total elastin content. In fresh tissue at low strain where elastin dominates the mechanical response, forces were higher than in the autoclaved tissue, but force did not correlate with total elastin content. Therefore although interlamellar elastin likely contributed to the stiffness in the fresh aorta, its contribution appeared not in proportion to its quantity. In both fresh and autoclaved tissue, elastin stiffness consistently decreased along the abdominal aorta, a key area for aneurysm development, and this difference could not be fully accounted for on the basis of either lamellar or total elastin content. These findings are relevant to the development of mathematical models of arterial mechanics, particularly for mouse models of arterial diseases involving elastic tissue. In microstructural based models the quantity of each mural constituent determines its contribution to the total response. This study shows elastin's mechanical response cannot necessarily be accounted for on the basis of fibre quantity, orientation, and modulus. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Surfactant Membrane Phases Containing Mixtures of Hydrocarbon and Fluorocarbon Surfactants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    de Campo, Liliana; Warr, G.G.

    2005-01-01

    Full text: We describe the structure and stability of sponge and lamellar phases comprising mixtures of hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon surfactants. Such mixtures can show limited miscibility with each other, forming for example coexisting populations of hydrocarbon rich and fluorocarbon rich micelles under some circumstances. Our system is based on the well-characterised lamellar and sponge phases of cetylpyridinium chloride, hexanol and 0.2M brine, into which the partially fluorinated surfactant N-1H,1H,2H,2H-tridecafluorooctylpyridinium chloride is incorporated. By probing the structures with SAXS (small angle x-ray scattering) and SANS (small angle neutron scattering) using contrast variation, and by characterizing the dynamic properties with dynamic light scattering, we will describe the effect of incorporating the fluorinated surfactant on the phase equilibria and properties of the surfactant membrane structures. (authors)

  17. Fabrication and characterization of large size 6LiF/CaF2:Eu eutectic composites with the ordered lamellar structure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kawaguchi, Noriaki; Fukuda, Kentaro; Yanagida, Takayuki; Fujimoto, Yutaka; Yokota, Yuui; Suyama, Toshihisa; Watanabe, Kenichi; Yamazaki, Atsushi; Yoshikawa, Akira

    2011-01-01

    As alternative candidates for the 3 He neutron detectors, 6 LiF/CaF 2 :Eu eutectic composites were fabricated and their scintillation properties were evaluated. Large size LiF/CaF 2 :Eu eutectic composites of 58 mm diameter and 50 mm thickness were produced by Bridgman method. The composites had a finely ordered lamellar structure along the solidification direction. The lamellar structure was controlled by the direction and the rate of solidification, and it was optimized to improve the scintillation properties. Better results were achieved when thinner lamellar layers were aligned along the scintillation light path.

  18. Analytic theory of soft x-ray diffraction by lamellar multilayer gratings

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Kozhevnikov, I.V.; van der Meer, R.; Bastiaens, Hubertus M.J.; Boller, Klaus J.; Bijkerk, Frederik

    2011-01-01

    An analytic theory describing soft x-ray diffraction by Lamellar Multilayer Gratings (LMG) has been developed. The theory is derived from a coupled waves approach for LMGs operating in the single-order regime, where an incident plane wave can only excite a single diffraction order. The results from

  19. Inverse cutting of posterior lamellar corneal grafts by a femtosecond laser

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hjortdal, Jesper; Nielsen, Esben; Vestergaard, Anders Højslet

    2012-01-01

    (range: 1.400 to 2.000 cells per sq. mm). The grafts were of uniform thickness, but substantial interface haze was present in most grafts. Conclusions: Posterior lamellar corneal grafts can be prepared from the endothelial side using a femto-second laser. All grafts were clear after 6 months...

  20. Chain elongation suppression of cyclic block copolymers in lamellar microphase-separated bulk

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Matsushita, Y; Iwata, H; Asari, T; Uchida, T; ten Brinke, G; Takano, A

    2004-01-01

    Chain elongation suppression of cyclic block copolymers in microphase-separated bulk was determined quantitatively. Solvent-cast and annealed films are confirmed to show alternating lamellar structure and their microdomain spacing D increases with increasing total molecular weight M according to the

  1. Polynomial modal analysis of lamellar diffraction gratings in conical mounting.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Randriamihaja, Manjakavola Honore; Granet, Gérard; Edee, Kofi; Raniriharinosy, Karyl

    2016-09-01

    An efficient numerical modal method for modeling a lamellar grating in conical mounting is presented. Within each region of the grating, the electromagnetic field is expanded onto Legendre polynomials, which allows us to enforce in an exact manner the boundary conditions that determine the eigensolutions. Our code is successfully validated by comparison with results obtained with the analytical modal method.

  2. Lamellar Micelles - Mediated Synthesis of Nanoscale Thick Sheets of Titania

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Klusoň, P.; Lusková, H.; Šolcová, Olga; Matějová, Lenka; Cajthaml, Tomáš

    2007-01-01

    Roč. 61, 14-15 (2007), s. 2931-2934 ISSN 0167-577X R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA104/04/0963; GA ČR(CZ) GD203/03/H140 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z40720504; CEZ:AV0Z50200510 Keywords : nanostructures * lamellar titania * templating Subject RIV: CA - Inorganic Chemistry Impact factor: 1.625, year: 2007

  3. LAMELLAR ICHTHYOSIS (COLLODION BABY

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Paramarta IGE

    2012-11-01

    Full Text Available The ichthyosis are a heterogeneous group of hereditary and acquired disorder of keratinization which affected the epidermis characterized by presence of visible scales on the skin surface in the absence of inflammation. It can occur as a disease limited to the skin or in association with abnormalities of other organ systems. Lamelar ihthyosis (LI is one of two mayor autosomal recessive ichthyosis with an incidence of approximately one in 300,000. The diagnosis is based on clinical and pathologic finding. Infection is the most common complication, while prognosis of LI is depends on severity and complication of the disease. A case of lamellar ichthyosis in 0 day Balinese female baby was reported. The skin of the body was thick, plate-like appearance, scaling on the entire body, some of the thick skin was ruptured on chest and extremities. There were eclabium on the mouth and ectropion on the eyes. Histopathology examination showed hyperkeratosis without perivascular infiltration lymphocyte. The baby was given breast feeding, antibiotic, hydrocortisone cream and olium olivarum. The prognosis of the baby is good.

  4. Fourier method for modeling slanted lamellar gratings of arbitrary end-surface shapes in conical mounting.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Lifeng

    2015-10-01

    An efficient modal method for numerically modeling slanted lamellar gratings of isotropic dielectric or metallic media in conical mounting is presented. No restrictions are imposed on the slant angle and the length of the lamellae. The end surface of the lamellae can be arbitrary, subject to certain restrictions. An oblique coordinate system that is adapted to the slanted lamella sidewalls allows the most efficient way of representing and manipulating the electromagnetic fields. A translational coordinate system that is based on the oblique Cartesian coordinate system adapts to the end-surface profile of the lamellae, so that the latter can be handled simply and easily. Moreover, two matrix eigenvalue problems of size 2N × 2N, one for each fundamental polarization of the electromagnetic fields in the periodic lamellar structure, where N is the matrix truncation number, are derived to replace the 4N × 4N eigenvalue problem that has been used in the literature. The core idea leading to this success is the polarization decomposition of the electromagnetic fields inside the periodic lamellar region when the fields are expressed in the oblique translational coordinate system.

  5. Precipitation of lamellar gold nanocrystals in molten polymers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Palomba, M.; Carotenuto, G.

    2016-01-01

    Non-aggregated lamellar gold crystals with regular shape (triangles, squares, pentagons, etc.) have been produced by thermal decomposition of gold chloride (AuCl) molecules in molten amorphous polymers (polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate)). Such covalent inorganic gold salt is high soluble into non-polar polymers and it thermally decomposes at temperatures compatible with the polymer thermal stability, producing gold atoms and chlorine radicals. At the end of the gold precipitation process, the polymer matrix resulted chemically modified because of the partial cross-linking process due to the gold atom formation reaction.

  6. Excimer laser-assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus, corneal problems after laser in situ keratomileusis, and corneal stromal opacities.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bilgihan, Kamil; Ozdek, Sengül C; Sari, Ayça; Hasanreisoğlu, Berati

    2006-08-01

    To evaluate excimer laser-assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty to augment thin corneas as in keratoconus ( .05). This technique presents a different modality for the treatment of keratoconus, post-LASIK corneal problems, and other corneal stromal opacities with anterior lamellar keratoplasty. Additional studies with more patients and longer follow-up will help determine the role of this technique as a substitute for penetrating keratoplasty in these patients.

  7. Three-dimensional structure of human lamellar bone: the presence of two different materials and new insights into the hierarchical organization.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Reznikov, Natalie; Shahar, Ron; Weiner, Steve

    2014-02-01

    Lamellar bone is the most common bone type in humans. The predominant components of individual lamellae are plywood-like arrays of mineralized collagen fibrils aligned in different directions. Using a dual-beam electron microscope and the Serial Surface View (SSV) method we previously identified a small, but significantly different layer in rat lamellar bone, namely a disordered layer with collagen fibrils showing little or no preferred orientation. Here we present a 3D structural analysis of 12 SSV volumes (25 complete lamellae) from femora of 3 differently aged human individuals. We identify the ordered and disordered motifs in human bone as in the rat, with several significant differences. The ordered motif shows two major preferred orientations, perpendicular to the long axis of the bone, and aligned within 10-20° of the long axis, as well as fanning arrays. At a higher organizational level, arrays of ordered collagen fibrils are organized into 'rods' around 2 to 3μm in diameter, and the long axes of these 'rods' are parallel to the lamellar boundaries. Human bone also contains a disordered component that envelopes the rods and fills in the spaces between them. The disordered motif is especially well-defined between adjacent layers of rods. The disordered motif and its interfibrillar substance stain heavily with osmium tetroxide and Alcian blue indicating the presence of another organic component in addition to collagen. The canalicular network is confined to the disordered material, along with voids and individual collagen fibrils, some of which are also aligned more or less perpendicular to the lamellar boundaries. The organization of the ordered fibril arrays into rods enveloped in the continuous disordered structure was not observed in rat lamellar bone. We thus conclude that human lamellar bone is comprised of two distinct materials, an ordered material and a disordered material, and contains an additional hierarchical level of organization composed of

  8. Oral manifestations of lamellar ichthyosis: A rare case report

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Keerthi K Nair

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available The ichthyoses are a heterogeneous group of disorders with both inherited and acquired forms. Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI is a heterogeneous group of disorders that present at birth with the generalized involvement of skin without other systemic manifestations. Lamellar itchthyosis (LI is a nonsyndromic itchthyosis, which comes under the umbrella of ARCI. Little is only known about the oral manifestations of this disorder. We report a case of LI with oral manifestations.

  9. A novel ethanol templating synthesis of ordered lamellar superstructured crystalline zirconia

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu Chao; Wang Bin; Ji Xiujie; Zhao Shanshan; Wu Jie; Jia Jianlong; Ma Dongxia

    2012-01-01

    Soft template technique has attracted great interest, because it is a facile, inexpensive and efficient synthesis strategy for ordered superstructural systems. Here, a novel ethanol template was used to synthesize the ordered lamellar superstructured crystalline zirconia (Lα-ZrO 2 ) without post-treatments and surfactants. ZrOCl 2 and NaOH were served as Zr source and precipitant, respectively. XRD analysis showed that Lα-ZrO 2 is crystalline. XPS spectra indicated the physical adsorption of ethanol molecules in Lα-ZrO 2 . TEM further observed and proved the 1.36-nm period of superstructure detected and calculated by SAXRD (1.35 nm), which is composed of 0.68-nm thick ZrO 2 and pore alternatively. In contrast, the template-free ZrO 2 (TF-ZrO 2 ) presents no superstructure and is poorly crystallized. As a soft template, ethanol presents the roles of (i) inducing the growth of zirconia layers, (ii) directing the self-assembly of ordered lamellar superstructure, and (iii) decreasing the crystallization temperature. The possible mechanism of ethanol serving as a soft template was proposed and discussed in thermodynamics.

  10. Shear-induced formation of vesicles in membrane phases: Kinetics and size selection mechanisms, elasticity versus surface tension

    Science.gov (United States)

    Courbin, L.; Panizza, P.

    2004-02-01

    Multilamellar vesicles can be formed upon shearing lamellar phases (Lα) and phase-separated lamellar-sponge (Lα/L3) mixtures. In the first case, the vesicle volume fraction is always 100% and the vesicle size is monitored by elasticity (“onion textures”). In the second system the vesicle volume fraction can be tuned from 0 to 100% and the mean size results from a balance between capillary and viscous forces (“Taylor droplets”). However, despite these differences, in both systems we show that the formation of vesicles is a strain-controlled process monitored by a universal primary buckling instability of the lamellae.

  11. Intradomain phase transitions in flexible block copolymers with self-aligning segments

    Science.gov (United States)

    Burke, Christopher J.; Grason, Gregory M.

    2018-05-01

    We study a model of flexible block copolymers (BCPs) in which there is an enlthalpic preference for orientational order, or local alignment, among like-block segments. We describe a generalization of the self-consistent field theory of flexible BCPs to include inter-segment orientational interactions via a Landau-de Gennes free energy associated with a polar or nematic order parameter for segments of one component of a diblock copolymer. We study the equilibrium states of this model numerically, using a pseudo-spectral approach to solve for chain conformation statistics in the presence of a self-consistent torque generated by inter-segment alignment forces. Applying this theory to the structure of lamellar domains composed of symmetric diblocks possessing a single block of "self-aligning" polar segments, we show the emergence of spatially complex segment order parameters (segment director fields) within a given lamellar domain. Because BCP phase separation gives rise to spatially inhomogeneous orientation order of segments even in the absence of explicit intra-segment aligning forces, the director fields of BCPs, as well as thermodynamics of lamellar domain formation, exhibit a highly non-linear dependence on both the inter-block segregation (χN) and the enthalpy of alignment (ɛ). Specifically, we predict the stability of new phases of lamellar order in which distinct regions of alignment coexist within the single mesodomain and spontaneously break the symmetries of the lamella (or smectic) pattern of composition in the melt via in-plane tilt of the director in the centers of the like-composition domains. We further show that, in analogy to Freedericksz transition confined nematics, the elastic costs to reorient segments within the domain, as described by the Frank elasticity of the director, increase the threshold value ɛ needed to induce this intra-domain phase transition.

  12. Self-consistent theory of steady-state lamellar solidification in binary eutectic systems

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Nash, G.E.; Glicksman, M.E.

    1976-01-01

    The potential theoretic methods developed recently at NRL for solving the diffusion equation are applied to the free-boundary problem describing lamellar eutectic solidification. Using these techniques, the original boundary value problem is reduced to a set of coupled integro-differential equations for the shape of the solid/liquid interface and various quantities defined on the interface. The behavior of the solutions is discussed in a qualitative fashion, leading to some interesting inferences regarding the nature of the eutectic solidification process. Using the information obtained from the analysis referred to above, an approximate theory of the lamellar-rod transition is formulated. The predictions of the theory are shown to be in qualitative agreement with experimental observations of this transition. In addition, a simplified version of the general integro-differential equations is developed and is used to assess the effect of interface curvature on the interfacial solute concentrations, and to check the new theory for consistency with experiment

  13. Fabrication and characterization of large size {sup 6}LiF/CaF{sub 2}:Eu eutectic composites with the ordered lamellar structure

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kawaguchi, Noriaki [Tokuyama Corporation, 3-3-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8383 (Japan); Fukuda, Kentaro, E-mail: ken-fukuda@tokuyama.co.jp [Tokuyama Corporation, 3-3-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8383 (Japan); Yanagida, Takayuki; Fujimoto, Yutaka; Yokota, Yuui [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577 (Japan); Suyama, Toshihisa [Tokuyama Corporation, 3-3-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8383 (Japan); Watanabe, Kenichi; Yamazaki, Atsushi [Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603 (Japan); Yoshikawa, Akira [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577 (Japan); New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, 6-6-10 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan)

    2011-10-01

    As alternative candidates for the {sup 3}He neutron detectors, {sup 6}LiF/CaF{sub 2}:Eu eutectic composites were fabricated and their scintillation properties were evaluated. Large size LiF/CaF{sub 2}:Eu eutectic composites of 58 mm diameter and 50 mm thickness were produced by Bridgman method. The composites had a finely ordered lamellar structure along the solidification direction. The lamellar structure was controlled by the direction and the rate of solidification, and it was optimized to improve the scintillation properties. Better results were achieved when thinner lamellar layers were aligned along the scintillation light path.

  14. Nanostructured Double Hydrophobic Poly(Styrene-b-Methyl Methacrylate) Block Copolymer Membrane Manufactured Via Phase Inversion Technique

    KAUST Repository

    Karunakaran, Madhavan; Shevate, Rahul; Peinemann, Klaus-Viktor

    2016-01-01

    In this paper, we demonstrate the formation of nanostructured double hydrophobic poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) block copolymer membranes via state-of-the-art phase inversion technique. The nanostructured membrane morphologies are tuned by different solvent and block copolymer compositions. The membrane morphology has been investigated using FESEM, AFM and TEM. Morphological investigation shows the formation of both cylindrical and lamellar structures on the top surface of the block copolymer membranes. The PS-b-PMMA having an equal block length (PS160K-b-PMMA160K) exhibits both cylindrical and lamellar structures on the top layer of the asymmetric membrane. All membranes fabricated from PS160K-b-PMMA160K shows an incomplete pore formation in both cylindrical and lamellar morphologies during the phase inversion process. However, PS-b-PMMA (PS135K-b-PMMA19.5K) block copolymer having a short PMMA block allowed us to produce open pore structures with ordered hexagonal cylindrical pores during the phase inversion process. The resulting PS-b-PMMA nanostructured block copolymer membranes have pure water flux from 105-820 l/m2.h.bar and 95% retention of PEG50K

  15. Nanostructured Double Hydrophobic Poly(Styrene-b-Methyl Methacrylate) Block Copolymer Membrane Manufactured Via Phase Inversion Technique

    KAUST Repository

    Karunakaran, Madhavan

    2016-03-11

    In this paper, we demonstrate the formation of nanostructured double hydrophobic poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) block copolymer membranes via state-of-the-art phase inversion technique. The nanostructured membrane morphologies are tuned by different solvent and block copolymer compositions. The membrane morphology has been investigated using FESEM, AFM and TEM. Morphological investigation shows the formation of both cylindrical and lamellar structures on the top surface of the block copolymer membranes. The PS-b-PMMA having an equal block length (PS160K-b-PMMA160K) exhibits both cylindrical and lamellar structures on the top layer of the asymmetric membrane. All membranes fabricated from PS160K-b-PMMA160K shows an incomplete pore formation in both cylindrical and lamellar morphologies during the phase inversion process. However, PS-b-PMMA (PS135K-b-PMMA19.5K) block copolymer having a short PMMA block allowed us to produce open pore structures with ordered hexagonal cylindrical pores during the phase inversion process. The resulting PS-b-PMMA nanostructured block copolymer membranes have pure water flux from 105-820 l/m2.h.bar and 95% retention of PEG50K

  16. Comparison of synthetic glues and 10-0 nylon in rabbit lamellar keratoplasty.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cho, Soon Young; Kim, Man Soo; Oh, Su Ja; Chung, Sung Kun

    2013-09-01

    To evaluate changes in mean keratometry and to compare wound repair with corneal lamellar grafts in rabbit eyes using human synthetic tissue adhesives and 10-0 nylon. Corneal grafts were made using a 6.0-mm-diameter trephine and blades in the eyes of 15 New Zealand white rabbits. Human fibrin tissue adhesive (Tisseel) was used in group 1, human fibrin tissue adhesive (Beriplast P) was used in group 2, polyethylene glycol adhesive (Coseal) was used in group 3, and 8 bite sutures with 10-0 nylon were used in group 4 (control) for lamellar keratoplasty. Four bite sutures were made with 10-0 nylon in groups 1, 2, and 3. Slit-lamp microscopy and keratometry were performed at 3 days and 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the surgery. Histopathologic and electromicroscopic examinations were performed 4 weeks after the surgery. No inflammation or corneal toxicity was seen in groups 1 and 2. Histologically, a few inflammatory cells were seen in groups 3 and 4. Groups 1, 2, and 3 showed no statistically significant changes in mean keratometry at 4 weeks postoperatively compared with preoperative mean keratometry (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P = 0.178, 0.208, and 0.889, respectively). The control group showed significant changes in mean keratometry at 4 weeks postoperatively (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P = 0.018). Human fibrin tissue adhesives were well tolerated in rabbit eyes, with no apparent corneal toxicity. Polyethylene glycol adhesive showed more inflammation and insufficient wound repair compared with human fibrin tissue adhesives. Therefore, human fibrin tissue adhesives can be used as an alternative to sutures in lamellar keratoplasty.

  17. The color tuning of PS-b-P2VP lamellar films with changing the alkyl chain length of 1-iodoalkanes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shin, Sung-Eui; Kim, Su-Young; Shin, Dong-Myung

    2011-05-01

    Photonic crystals with tunability in the visible or near-infrared region have drawn increasing attention for controlling and processing light for the active components of future display. We prepared polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) lamellar films which is hydrophobic block-hydrophilic polyelectrolyte block polymer of 57 kg/mol-b-57 kg/mol. The lamellar stacks, which is alternating layer of hydrophilic and hydrophobic moiety of PS-b-P2VP, are obtained by exposing the spin coated film under chloroform vapor. The band gaps of the lamellar films interestingly varied after immersion into the quaternizing solvents containing 5 wt% of iodomethane, iodoethane, 1-iodobutane, 1-iodopentane, 1-iodohexane and 1-iodooctane solubilized in n-hexane. The iodoalkanes reacted with pyridine groups in PS-b-P2VP and generated the alkyl pyridinium salts readily. The degree of quaternization, alkyl chain length of iodoalkane and the salt water concentration affects the spacing of layer structure of PS-b-P2VP. The iodomethane and iodohexane produced similar band gaps and salt concentration dependence. These results are very much dependent on the hydrophobic-hydrophilic characters of PS-b-P2VP lamellar surface.

  18. Fusion-activated Ca(2+ entry: an "active zone" of elevated Ca(2+ during the postfusion stage of lamellar body exocytosis in rat type II pneumocytes.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pika Miklavc

    2010-06-01

    Full Text Available Ca(2+ is essential for vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane in virtually all types of regulated exocytoses. However, in contrast to the well-known effects of a high cytoplasmic Ca(2+ concentration ([Ca(2+](c in the prefusion phase, the occurrence and significance of Ca(2+ signals in the postfusion phase have not been described before.We studied isolated rat alveolar type II cells using previously developed imaging techniques. These cells release pulmonary surfactant, a complex of lipids and proteins, from secretory vesicles (lamellar bodies in an exceptionally slow, Ca(2+- and actin-dependent process. Measurements of fusion pore formation by darkfield scattered light intensity decrease or FM 1-43 fluorescence intensity increase were combined with analysis of [Ca(2+](c by ratiometric Fura-2 or Fluo-4 fluorescence measurements. We found that the majority of single lamellar body fusion events were followed by a transient (t(1/2 of decay = 3.2 s rise of localized [Ca(2+](c originating at the site of lamellar body fusion. [Ca(2+](c increase followed with a delay of approximately 0.2-0.5 s (method-dependent and in the majority of cases this signal propagated throughout the cell (at approximately 10 microm/s. Removal of Ca(2+ from, or addition of Ni(2+ to the extracellular solution, strongly inhibited these [Ca(2+](c transients, whereas Ca(2+ store depletion with thapsigargin had no effect. Actin-GFP fluorescence around fused LBs increased several seconds after the rise of [Ca(2+](c. Both effects were reduced by the non-specific Ca(2+ channel blocker SKF96365.Fusion-activated Ca(2+entry (FACE is a new mechanism that leads to [Ca(2+](c transients at the site of vesicle fusion. Substantial evidence from this and previous studies indicates that fusion-activated Ca(2+ entry enhances localized surfactant release from type II cells, but it may also play a role for compensatory endocytosis and other cellular functions.

  19. Boron Behavior Induced Lamellar Structure and Anisotropic Magnetic Properties of Nd{sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B during HDDR process

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Choi, Moonhee; Song, Yeonghwan [Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Suwon (Korea, Republic of); Cho, Seungchan; Jo, Ilguk; Yu, Jihun [Korea Institute of Materials Science, Changwon (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Chiho; Kim, Yangdo [Pusan National University, Busan (Korea, Republic of)

    2017-08-15

    The anisotropy of the Nd{sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B powder is originated during the creation of a fine Fe2B lamellar structure in the disproportionation step. The aspect ratio (A/R) of Fe2B structure increased from 3.37 ± 1.5 to 6.69 ± 3.2 during phase decomposition for 0 ∼ 60 min at 820 ℃ (P{sub H2} = 10 kPa). The Fe{sub 2}B having high A/R ratio recombined Nd{sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B, which is close to the single domain, and the magnetic properties are also improved with increasing A/R ratio.

  20. Lamellar Microdomains of Block-Copolymer-Based Ionic Supramolecules Exhibiting a Hierarchical Self-Assembly

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Ayoubi, Mehran Asad; Almdal, Kristoffer; Zhu, Kaizheng

    2014-01-01

    (Cn; n = 8, 12, and 16) trimethylammonium counterions (i.e., side chains) at various ion (pair) fractions X [i.e., counterion/side-chain grafting density; X = number of alkyl counterions (i.e., side chains) per acidic group of the parent PMAA block] these L-b-AC ionic supramolecules exhibit...... a spherical-in-lamellar hierarchical self-assembly. For these systems, (1) the effective Flory-Huggins interaction parameter between L- and AC-blocks chi'(Cn/x) was extracted, and (2) analysis of the lamellar microdomains showed that when there is an increase in X, alkyl counterion (i.e., side chain) length l......Based on a parent diblock copolymer of poly(styrene)-b-poly(methacrylic acid), PS-b-PMAA, linear-b-amphiphilic comb (L-b-AC) ionic supramolecules [Soft Matter 2013, 9, 1540-1555] are synthesized in which the poly(methacrylate) backbone of the ionic supramolecular AC-block is neutralized by alkyl...

  1. Silicon supported lipid-DNA thin film structures at varying temperature studied by energy dispersive X-ray diffraction and neutron reflectivity.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Domenici, F; Castellano, C; Dell'Unto, F; Albinati, A; Congiu, A

    2011-11-01

    Non-viral gene transfection by means of lipid-based nanosystems, such as solid supported lipid assemblies, is often limited due to their lack of stability and the consequent loss of efficiency. Therefore not only a detailed thermo-lyotropic study of these DNA-lipid complexes is necessary to understand their interaction mechanisms, but it can also be considered as a first step in conceiving and developing new transfection biosystems. The aim of our study is a structural characterization of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC)-dimethyl-dioctadecyl-ammonium bromide (DDAB)-DNA complex at varying temperature using the energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXD) and neutron reflectivity (NR) techniques. We have shown the formation of a novel thermo-lyotropic structure of DOPC/DDAB thin film self-organized in multi-lamellar planes on (100)-oriented silicon support by spin coating, thus enlightening its ability to include DNA strands. Our NR measurements indicate that the DOPC/DDAB/DNA complex forms temperature-dependent structures. At 65°C and relative humidity of 100% DNA fragments are buried between single lamellar leaflets constituting the hydrocarbon core of the lipid bilayers. This finding supports the consistency of the hydrophobic interaction model, which implies that the coupling between lipid tails and hypo-hydrated DNA single strands could be the driving force of DNA-lipid complexation. Upon cooling to 25°C, EDXD analysis points out that full-hydrated DOPC-DDAB-DNA can switch in a different metastable complex supposed to be driven by lipid heads-DNA electrostatic interaction. Thermotropic response analysis also clarifies that DOPC has a pivotal role in promoting the formation of our observed thermophylic silicon supported lipids-DNA assembly. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. A novel ethanol templating synthesis of ordered lamellar superstructured crystalline zirconia

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Liu Chao, E-mail: liuchao_tj@yahoo.com; Wang Bin [Key Laboratory for New Type of Functional Materials in Hebei Province, Hebei University of Technology (China); Ji Xiujie, E-mail: jxjchem@yahoo.com [State Key Laboratory of Hollow Fiber Membrane Materials and Processes, Tianjin Polytechnic University (China); Zhao Shanshan; Wu Jie; Jia Jianlong; Ma Dongxia [Key Laboratory for New Type of Functional Materials in Hebei Province, Hebei University of Technology (China)

    2012-03-15

    Soft template technique has attracted great interest, because it is a facile, inexpensive and efficient synthesis strategy for ordered superstructural systems. Here, a novel ethanol template was used to synthesize the ordered lamellar superstructured crystalline zirconia (L{alpha}-ZrO{sub 2}) without post-treatments and surfactants. ZrOCl{sub 2} and NaOH were served as Zr source and precipitant, respectively. XRD analysis showed that L{alpha}-ZrO{sub 2} is crystalline. XPS spectra indicated the physical adsorption of ethanol molecules in L{alpha}-ZrO{sub 2}. TEM further observed and proved the 1.36-nm period of superstructure detected and calculated by SAXRD (1.35 nm), which is composed of 0.68-nm thick ZrO{sub 2} and pore alternatively. In contrast, the template-free ZrO{sub 2} (TF-ZrO{sub 2}) presents no superstructure and is poorly crystallized. As a soft template, ethanol presents the roles of (i) inducing the growth of zirconia layers, (ii) directing the self-assembly of ordered lamellar superstructure, and (iii) decreasing the crystallization temperature. The possible mechanism of ethanol serving as a soft template was proposed and discussed in thermodynamics.

  3. Construction of highly ordered lamellar nanostructures through Langmuir-Blodgett deposition of molecularly thin titania nanosheets tens of micrometers wide and their excellent dielectric properties.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Akatsuka, Kosho; Haga, Masa-aki; Ebina, Yasuo; Osada, Minoru; Fukuda, Katsutoshi; Sasaki, Takayoshi

    2009-05-26

    Exfoliated unilamellar titania nanosheets of Ti(0.87)O(2) with a lateral size of 10-30 microm were deposited layer-by-layer onto various substrates by Langmuir-Blodgett procedure to produce a highly ordered lamellar nanofilms. The nanosheets dispersed in an aqueous suspension containing quaternary ammonium ions as a supporting electrolyte floated spontaneously at the air/liquid interface, and they were successfully transferred onto the substrate after surface compression. Neat tiling of the nanosheets could be realized at an optimized surface pressure. The film thus obtained was exposed to UV light to turn the substrate surface hydrophilic, which was helpful for stable repetition of monolayer deposition. Layer-by-layer growth was confirmed by UV-visible absorption spectra, which showed progressive enhancement of an absorption band due to the nanosheet. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy images visualized the ultrathin film homogeneously deposited on the substrate surface and a lamellar fringe of the layer-by-layer assembled nanosheets was clearly resolved at a higher magnification. X-ray diffraction data on the films showed sharp basal reflections up to the seventh order, and Williamson-Hall analysis of the pattern indicated that the film was coherent across the total thickness with respect to X-ray and that the lattice strain was extremely small. In addition, the first basal reflection was accompanied by small satellite peaks, which are accounted for by the Laue interference function. All these features clearly indicate the formation of a highly ordered lamellar nanostructure of the titania nanosheets comparable to artificial lattice films produced via modern vapor-phase deposition processes. The obtained films showed superior dielectric and insulating properties as a reflection of the highly organized film nanoarchitecture.

  4. Intense luminescence emission from rare-earth-doped MoO3 nanoplates and lamellar crystals for optoelectronic applications

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vila, M; Díaz-Guerra, C; Jerez, D; Piqueras, J; Lorenz, K; Alves, E

    2014-01-01

    Strong and stable room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) emission is achieved in MoO 3 nanoplates and lamellar crystals doped with Er and Eu by ion implantation and subsequent annealing. Micro-Raman and PL spectroscopy reveal that optical activation of the rare earth ions and recovery of the original MoO 3 structure are achieved for shorter annealing treatments and for lower temperatures in nanoplates, as compared with lamellar crystals. Er seems to be more readily incorporated into optically active sites in the oxide lattice than Eu. The influence of the dimensionality of the host sample on the characteristics of the PL emission of both rare earth dopants is addressed. (paper)

  5. Solid solutions of hydrogen uranyl phosphate and hydrogen uranyl arsenate. A family of luminescent, lamellar hosts

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dorhout, P.K.; Rosenthal, G.L.; Ellis, A.B.

    1988-01-01

    Hydrogen uranyl phosphate, HUO 2 PO 4 x 4H 2 O (HUP), and hydrogen uranyl arsenate, HUO 2 AsO 4 x 4H 2 O (HUAs), form solid solutions of composition HUO 2 (PO 4 ) 1-x (AsO 4 )x (HUPAs), representing a family of lamellar, luminescent solids that can serve as hosts for intercalation chemistry. The solids are prepared by aqueous precipitation reactions from uranyl nitrate and mixtures of phosphoric and arsenic acids; thermogravimetric analysis indicates that the phases are tetrahydrates, like HUP and HUAs. Powder x-ray diffraction data reveal the HUPAs solids to be single phases whose lattice constants increase with X, in rough accord with Vegard's law Spectral shifts observed for the HUPAs samples. Emission from the solids is efficient (quantum yields of ∼ 0.2) and long-lived (lifetimes of ∼ 150 μs), although the measured values are uniformly smaller than those of HUP and HUAs; unimolecular radiative and nonradiative rate constants for excited-state decay of ∼ 1500 and 5000 s -1 , respectively, have been calculated for the compounds. 18 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs

  6. Sutureless intrascleral intraocular lens fixation with lamellar dissection of scleral tunnel

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kawaji T

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Takahiro Kawaji,1,2 Tomoki Sato,2 Hidenobu Tanihara11Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Chuo-ku, 2Sato Eye & Internal Medicine Clinic, Kumamoto, JapanPurpose: To report the results of sutureless scleral fixation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL by using our developed simple technique.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 48 eyes of 47 patients who underwent sutureless intrascleral IOL fixation by using our modified technique. A 25-gauge microvitreoretinal knife was used to perform sclerotomies and create limbus-parallel scleral tunnels with lamellar dissection in which the haptics were fixed.Results: The IOLs were fixed and centered well. The mean follow-up period was 26.7 months. Postoperative complications included smooth vitreous hemorrhage in four eyes (8.3%, cystoid macular edema in two eyes (4.2%, and iris capture of the IOL in two eyes (4.2%. No other complications, such as breakage of the IOL, spontaneous IOL dislocation, or retinal detachment, were detected during the follow-up period.Conclusion: The lamellar dissection of the limbus-parallel scleral tunnel can simplify the forceps-assisted introduction of the haptics into the scleral tunnel, and this technique seemed to be safe.Keywords: intraocular lenses, ophthalmologic surgical procedures, intrascleral fixation, sutureless fixation

  7. Scaling of Structural and Rheological Responde of L3 Sponge Phases in the 'Sweetened' Cetylpyridinium/Hexanol/Dextrose/Brine System

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Porcar, L.; Hamilton, William A.; Butler, Paul D.; Warr, G.G.

    2003-01-01

    We report a study of the shear response of sponge phases in cetylpyridinium chloride (CPCl)/hexanol/brine/dextrose systems by parallel measurements of rheology and structure by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). Our measurements show that this dextrose added to the extensively studied CPCl/hexanol/brine system is taken up exclusively by the brine solvent, resulting in an equivalent CPCl/hexanol membrane structure and phase behavior for this modified system. Adding dextrose to the brine in these systems to volume fractions up to 0.4 allows us to increase the solvent viscosity by more than an order of magnitude. This lowers the cooperative membrane diffusion coefficient in this system as measured by dynamic light scattering by the same factor, resulting in a corresponding slowing of the Helfrich fluctuation dominated membrane dynamics. Our results show clear and consistent evidence of shear-induced sponge to lamellar phase transformations in these systems. Further, both the rheological and microstructural responses of these systems follow universal master curves when plotted against a rescaled applied shear γ η s /φ 3 , where φ is the membrane volume fraction and η s is the viscosity of the brine/dextrose solvent. This well-defined shear response is characterized by three distinct regimes. At low shear rates the sponge phases exhibit Newtonian flow behavior and no structural change is observed. For intermediate shear rates, the systems shear thin and SANS measurements show that the sponge phases are progressively transformed into lamellar phases with the CPCl/hexanol membrane normals aligned parallel to the velocity gradient. This continuous process and the absence of a stress plateau in the rheological measurements both rule out the existence of a biphasic state in this region and thus of a first-order transition between sponge and lamellar phases as is observed in equilibrium phase diagrams. At higher shear rates, the systems are apparently again Newtonian

  8. Ru complexes of Hoveyda–Grubbs type immobilized on lamellar zeolites: activity in olefin metathesis reactions

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Balcar, Hynek; Žilková, Naděžda; Kubů, Martin; Mazur, Michal; Bastl, Zdeněk; Čejka, Jiří

    2015-01-01

    Roč. 11, NOV 2015 (2015), s. 2087-2096 ISSN 1860-5397 Institutional support: RVO:61388955 Keywords : Hoveyda-Grubbs type catalyst * hybrid catalysts * lamellar zeolites Subject RIV: CF - Physical ; Theoretical Chemistry Impact factor: 2.697, year: 2015

  9. Investigation on the Effect of Sulfur and Titanium on the Microstructure of Lamellar Graphite Iron

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Moumeni, Elham; Stefanescu, Doru Michael; Tiedje, Niels Skat

    2013-01-01

    The goal of this work was to identify the inclusions in lamellar graphite cast iron in an effort to explain the nucleation of the phases of interest. Four samples of approximately the same carbon equivalent but different levels of sulfur and titanium were studied. The Ti/S ratios were from 0...... of complex Al, Ca, Mg oxide. An increased titanium level of 0.35 pct produced superfine interdendritic graphite (~10 μm) at low (0.012 wt pct) as well as at high-S contents. Ti also caused increased segregation in the microstructure of the analyzed irons and larger eutectic grains (cells). TiC did not appear...... to be a nucleation site for the primary austenite as it was found mostly at the periphery of the secondary arms of the austenite, in the last region to solidify. The effect of titanium in refining the graphite and increasing the austenite fraction can be explained through the widening of the liquidus...

  10. Phase Diagrams of Electrostatically Self-Assembled Amphiplexes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    V Stanic; M Mancuso; W Wong; E DiMasi; H Strey

    2011-12-31

    We present the phase diagrams of electrostatically self-assembled amphiplexes (ESA) comprised of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTACl), dodecane, pentanol, and water at three different NaCl salt concentrations: 100, 300, and 500 mM. This is the first report of phase diagrams for these quinary complexes. Adding a cosurfactant, we were able to swell the unit cell size of all long-range ordered phases (lamellar, hexagonal, Pm3n, Ia3d) by almost a factor of 2. The added advantage of tuning the unit cell size makes such complexes (especially the bicontinuous phases) attractive for applications in bioseparation, drug delivery, and possibly in oil recovery.

  11. The Evolution of Splint Armour in Georgia and Byzantium: Lamellar and Scale Armour in the 10th-12th Centuries

    OpenAIRE

    TSURTSUMIA, Mamuka

    2011-01-01

    Byzantine technology was part of the military technology that existed in vast areas of Eurasia; hence study of the armament of its neighbours is important.The purpose of the present paper is to add new data about Byzantium’s Caucasian neighbour (namely, Georgia). Besides that, it also includes certain views about the stages of the evolution and provenance of splint (scale and lamellar) armour. This paper also attempts to clarify the difference between banded and linear suits of lamellar armou...

  12. Preparation and electrochemical properties of lamellar MnO{sub 2} for supercapacitors

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yan, Jun; Wei, Tong [Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China); Cheng, Jie [Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Beijing 100083 (China); Fan, Zhuangjun, E-mail: fanzhj666@163.com [Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China); Zhang, Milin [Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China)

    2010-02-15

    Lamellar birnessite-type MnO{sub 2} materials were prepared by changing the pH of the initial reaction system via hydrothermal synthesis. The interlayer spacing of MnO{sub 2} with a layered structure increased gradually when the initial pH value varied from 12.43 to 2.81, while the MnO{sub 2}, composed of {alpha}-MnO{sub 2} and {gamma}-MnO{sub 2}, had a rod-like structure at pH 0.63. Electrochemical studies indicated that the specific capacitance of birnessite-type MnO{sub 2} was much higher than that of rod-like MnO{sub 2} at high discharge current densities due to the lamellar structure with fast intercalation/deintercalation of protons and high utilization of MnO{sub 2}. The initial specific capacitance of MnO{sub 2} prepared at pH 2.81 was 242.1 F g{sup -1} at 2 mA cm{sup -2} in 2 mol L{sup -1} (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}SO{sub 4} aqueous electrolyte. The capacitance increased by about 8.1% of initial capacitance after 200 cycles at a current density of 100 mA cm{sup -2}.

  13. Early surfactant guided by lamellar body counts on gastric aspirate in very preterm infants

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Verder, Henrik Axel; Ebbesen, Finn Oluf; Fenger-Grøn, Jesper

    2013-01-01

    We have developed a rapid method, based on lamellar body counts (LBC) on gastric aspirate, for identifying newborns who will develop respiratory distress syndrome with a need for surfactant supplementation. Objective: We set out to test whether it was possible to improve the outcome when used in ...

  14. Microstructural aspects of fatigue failure of two-phase titanium alloys

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Filip, R.; Sieniawski, J.

    1995-01-01

    Investigations conducted in this work were aimed at obtaining information on the influence of the microstructure of the two-phase titanium alloys on fatigue strength. A course of fatigue failure depends on both dispersion and a number of secondary α-phase particles. The lamellar structure is formed during controlled cooling from the temperature range of β-phase stability. The cooling rate influences the geometrical parameters of the microstructure and finally the fatigue strength of the alloy. (author). 20 refs, 12 figs, 2 tabs

  15. Cr6+-containing phases in the system CaO-Al2O3-CrO42--H2O at 23 °C

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pöllmann, Herbert; Auer, Stephan

    2012-01-01

    Synthesis and investigation of lamellar calcium aluminium hydroxy salts was performed to study the incorporation of chromate ions in the interlayer of lamellar calcium aluminium hydroxy salts. Different AFm-phases (calcium aluminate hydrate with alumina, ferric oxide, mono-anion phase) containing chromate were synthesized. These AFm-phases belong to the group of layered double hydroxides (LDHs). 3CaO·Al2O3·CaCrO4·nH2O and C3A·1/2Ca(OH)2·1/2CaCrO4·12H2O were obtained as pure phases and their different distinct interlayer water contents and properties determined. Solid solution of chromate-containing phases and tetracalcium-aluminate-hydrate (TCAH) were studied. The uptake of chromate into TCAH from solutions was proven. Chromate contents in solution decrease to <0.2 mg/l.

  16. The microscopic twins and their crystal phase in the high Tc Y-Ba-Cu-O and Dy-Ba-Cu-O superconductive ceramics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zu, Z.J.; Chen, Y.L.

    1988-01-01

    Most consider that the structure of Y-Ba- Cu-O and Dy-Ba-Cu-O stable superconductive crystals with high Tc is associated with the right-angled phase. The superconductivity is closely connected with the right-angled character of the crystalline texture; the better the right- angled character, the better the superconductivity. From statistical investigations of examples the authors have discovered that most of the Y-Ba-Cu-O and Dy-Ba-Cu-O superconductivity with high Tc ceramic crystals is in the monoclinic phase, which, consists of microscopic, lamellar, single twins. The long-columnar grains consisting of lamellar twin slabs show the optical characteristics of right-angled phase. The microscopic twinning and grain morphologies are summarized in this paper

  17. Synthesis and characterization of lamellar aragonite with hydrophobic property

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang Chengyu; Xu Yang; Liu Yalan; Li Jian

    2009-01-01

    A novel and simple synthetic method for the preparation of hydrophobic lamellar aragonite has been developed. The crystallization of aragonite was conducted by the reaction of sodium carbonate with calcium chloride in the presence of sodium stearate. The resulting products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the contact angle. The results revealed that sodium stearate plays an important role in determining the structure and morphology of the sample. Besides, we have succeeded in surface modification of particles in situ at the same time. The contact angle of the modified aragonite reached 108.59 deg.

  18. Lamellar zirconium phosphates to host metals for catalytic purposes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ballesteros-Plata, Daniel; Infantes-Molina, Antonia; Rodríguez-Aguado, Elena; Braos-García, Pilar; Rodríguez-Castellón, Enrique

    2018-02-27

    In the present study a porous lamellar zirconium phosphate heterostructure (PPH) formed from zirconium(iv) phosphate expanded with silica galleries (P/Zr molar ratio equal to 2 and (Si + Zr)/P equal to 3) was prepared to host noble metals. Textural and structural characterization of PPH-noble metal materials was carried out in order to elucidate the location and dispersion of the metallic particles and the properties of the resulting material to be used in catalytic processes. In the present paper, their activity in the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reaction of dibenzofuran (DBF) was evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) evidenced that the structure of the pillared zirconium phosphate material was not modified by the incorporation of Pt and Pd. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed a different dispersion of the noble metal. The acidity of the resulting PPH-noble metal materials also changed, although in all cases the acidity was of weak nature, and the incorporation of noble metals affected Brønsted acid sites as observed from 31 P NMR spectra. In general, the textural, structural and acidic properties of the resulting materials suggest that PPH can be considered a good candidate to be used as a catalytic support. Thus, the catalytic results of the PPH-noble metal samples indicated that the Pd sample showed a stable behavior probably ascribed to a high dispersion of the active phase. However, the Pt sample suffered from fast deactivation. The selectivity to the reaction products was strongly dependent on the noble metal employed.

  19. Novel spatula and dissector for safer deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gustavo ,2,3 Bonfadini

    2014-10-01

    Full Text Available Objective: We describe a novel spatula and dissector to facilitate the big-bubble technique in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK. Methods: A 29-year-old man who was diagnosed with bilateral keratoconus underwent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK. After 350μm partial thickness incision of the recipient cornea, the Bonfadini dissector was inserted at the deepest point in the peripheral incision and could be advanced to the center of the cornea safely because of its "semi-sharp" tip. After achieving the big-bubble (BB separation of Descemet membrane (DM from the overlying stroma, the anterior stromal disc was removed. Viscoelastic material was placed on the stromal bed to prevent uncontrolled collapse and perforation of DM during the paracentesis blade incision into the BB. We could detect the safe opening of the BB using the Bonfadini dissector by the leakage of air bubbles into the viscoelastic material. After injecting viscoelastic material into the BB space, we inserted the Bonfadini spatula into the bigbubble safely because of its curved profile and blunt edges. The groove along the length of the Bonfadini spatula enables safe and efficient incision or the residual stromal tissue using the pointed end of a sharp blade while protecting the underlying DM. After removal of posterior stroma, the donor button was sutured with 16 interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures. Results: This technique and the use of the Bonfadini spatula and dissector facilitate exposure of Descemet membrane. Conclusion: The smooth Bonfadini DALK spatula and dissector facilitate safe and efficient completion of DALK surgery.

  20. Repair of articular osteochondral defects of the knee joint using a composite lamellar scaffold.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lv, Y M; Yu, Q S

    2015-04-01

    The major problem with repair of an articular cartilage injury is the extensive difference in the structure and function of regenerated, compared with normal cartilage. Our work investigates the feasibility of repairing articular osteochondral defects in the canine knee joint using a composite lamellar scaffold of nano-ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP)/collagen (col) I and II with bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) and assesses its biological compatibility. The bone-cartilage scaffold was prepared as a laminated composite, using hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nano-HAP)/collagen I/copolymer of polylactic acid-hydroxyacetic acid as the bony scaffold, and sodium hyaluronate/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) as the cartilaginous scaffold. Ten-to 12-month-old hybrid canines were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. BMSCs were obtained from the iliac crest of each animal, and only those of the third generation were used in experiments. An articular osteochondral defect was created in the right knee of dogs in both groups. Those in the experimental group were treated by implanting the composites consisting of the lamellar scaffold of ß-TCP/col I/col II/BMSCs. Those in the control group were left untreated. After 12 weeks of implantation, defects in the experimental group were filled with white semi-translucent tissue, protruding slightly over the peripheral cartilage surface. After 24 weeks, the defect space in the experimental group was filled with new cartilage tissues, finely integrated into surrounding normal cartilage. The lamellar scaffold of ß-TCP/col I/col II was gradually degraded and absorbed, while new cartilage tissue formed. In the control group, the defects were not repaired. This method can be used as a suitable scaffold material for the tissue-engineered repair of articular cartilage defects. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:56-64. ©2015 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

  1. Hierarchical Formation of Fibrillar and Lamellar Self-Assemblies from Guanosine-Based Motifs

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Paolo Neviani

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available Here we investigate the supramolecular polymerizations of two lipophilic guanosine derivatives in chloroform by light scattering technique and TEM experiments. The obtained data reveal the presence of several levels of organization due to the hierarchical self-assembly of the guanosine units in ribbons that in turn aggregate in fibrillar or lamellar soft structures. The elucidation of these structures furnishes an explanation to the physical behaviour of guanosine units which display organogelator properties.

  2. Resolução lamelar num novo microscópio eletrônico de varredura Lamellar resolution in a new scanning electron microscope

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hans-Jürgen Kestenbach

    1997-03-01

    Full Text Available RESUMO: Trabalhando com elétrons de baixa energia (na faixa de 1keV, o novo microscópio eletrônico de varredura dispensa a etapa de metalização e permite a observação direta da estrutura lamelar de polímeros semicristalinos, sem a necessidade de preparação de amostras. São apresentados exemplos da morfologia lamelar do PVDF em função das condições de processamento e da temperatura de cristalização, em filmes contendo as fases a, b e g. Um outro exemplo revela o crescimento inicial da camada transcristalina que se formou ao longo de uma fibra de polietileno de ultra-alto peso molecular embutida em matriz de polietileno de alta densidade.ABSTRACT: Working with low energy electrons (in the range of 1keV, the new scanning electron microscope permits the lamellar (supermolecular structure of semicrystalline polymers to be observed directly without the need of specimen coating or of any other sample preparation technique. Microscope performance is demonstrated by several examples of high resolution micrographs which show spherulitic, lamellar and fibrilar morphologies developed by the a, b and g phases of PVDF as a function of processing conditions and crystallization temperature. Another example reveals the early stages of transcrystalline layer formation in HDPE reinforced by UHMWPE fibers.

  3. Toward the Fabrication of Advanced Nanofiltration Membranes by Controlling Morphologies and Mesochannel Orientations of Hexagonal Lyotropic Liquid Crystals

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Guang Wang

    2017-07-01

    Full Text Available Water scarcity has been recognized as one of the major threats to human activity, and, therefore, water purification technologies are increasingly drawing attention worldwide. Nanofiltration (NF membrane technology has been proven to be an efficient and cost-effective way in terms of the size and continuity of the nanostructure. Using a template based on hexagonal lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs and partitioning monomer units within this structure for subsequent photo-polymerisation presents a unique path for the fabrication of NF membranes, potentially producing pores of uniform size, ranging from 1 to 5 nm, and large surface areas. The subsequent orientation of this pore network in a direction normal to a flat polymer film that provides ideal transport properties associated with continuous pores running through the membrane has been achieved by the orientation of hexagonal LLCs through various strategies. This review presents the current progresses on the strategies for structure retention from a hexagonal LLCs template and the up-to-date techniques used for the reorientation of mesochanels for continuity through the whole membrane.

  4. Functionalization of lamellar molybdenum disulphide nanocomposite with gold nanoparticles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lavayen, V.; O'Dwyer, C.; Ana, M.A. Santa; Mirabal, N.; Benavente, E.; Cardenas, G.; Gonzalez, G.; Torres, C.M. Sotomayor

    2007-01-01

    This work explores the functionalization of an organic-inorganic MoS 2 lamellar compound, prepared by a chemical liquid deposition method (CLD), that has an interlamellar distance of ∼5.2 nm, using clusters of gold nanoparticles. The gold nanoparticles have a mean diameter of 1.2 nm, a stability of ∼85 days, and a zeta potential measured to be ζ -6.8 mV (solid). The nanoparticles are localized in the hydrophilic zones, defined by the presence of amine groups of the surfactant between the lamella of MoS 2 . SEM, TEM, EDAX and electron diffraction provide conclusive evidence of the interlamellar insertion of the gold nanoparticles in the MoS 2

  5. Functionalization of lamellar molybdenum disulphide nanocomposite with gold nanoparticles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Lavayen, V. [Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork (Ireland) and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, P.O. Box 653, Santiago (Chile)]. E-mail: vlavayen@tyndall.ie; O' Dwyer, C. [Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork (Ireland); Ana, M.A. Santa [Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, P.O. Box 653, Santiago (Chile); Mirabal, N. [Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, P.O. Box 653, Santiago (Chile); Benavente, E. [Department of Chemistry, Universidad Tecnologica Metropolitana, P.O. Box 9845, Santiago (Chile); Cardenas, G. [Department of Polymers, Faculty of Chemistry Science, Universidad de Concepcion, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepcion (Chile); Gonzalez, G. [Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, P.O. Box 653, Santiago (Chile); Torres, C.M. Sotomayor [Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork (Ireland)

    2007-01-30

    This work explores the functionalization of an organic-inorganic MoS{sub 2} lamellar compound, prepared by a chemical liquid deposition method (CLD), that has an interlamellar distance of {approx}5.2 nm, using clusters of gold nanoparticles. The gold nanoparticles have a mean diameter of 1.2 nm, a stability of {approx}85 days, and a zeta potential measured to be {zeta} -6.8 mV (solid). The nanoparticles are localized in the hydrophilic zones, defined by the presence of amine groups of the surfactant between the lamella of MoS{sub 2}. SEM, TEM, EDAX and electron diffraction provide conclusive evidence of the interlamellar insertion of the gold nanoparticles in the MoS{sub 2}.

  6. Effect of the concentration of magnetic grains on the linear-optical-absorption coefficient of ferrofluid-doped lyotropic mesophases: deviation from the Beer-Lambert law.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cuppo, F L S; Gómez, S L; Figueiredo Neto, A M

    2004-04-01

    In this paper is reported a systematic experimental study of the linear-optical-absorption coefficient of ferrofluid-doped isotropic lyotropic mixtures as a function of the magnetic-grains concentration. The linear optical absorption of ferrolyomesophases increases in a nonlinear manner with the concentration of magnetic grains, deviating from the usual Beer-Lambert law. This behavior is associated to the presence of correlated micelles in the mixture which favors the formation of small-scale aggregates of magnetic grains (dimers), which have a higher absorption coefficient with respect to that of isolated grains. We propose that the indirect heating of the micelles via the ferrofluid grains (hyperthermia) could account for this nonlinear increase of the linear-optical-absorption coefficient as a function of the grains concentration.

  7. Pressure-temperature phase behavior of mixtures of natural sphingomyelin and ceramide extracts.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Barriga, Hanna M G; Parsons, Edward S; McCarthy, Nicola L C; Ces, Oscar; Seddon, John M; Law, Robert V; Brooks, Nicholas J

    2015-03-31

    Ceramides are a group of sphingolipids that act as highly important signaling molecules in a variety of cellular processes including differentiation and apoptosis. The predominant in vivo synthetic pathway for ceramide formation is via sphingomyelinase catalyzed hydrolysis of sphingomyelin. The biochemistry of this essential pathway has been studied in detail; however, there is currently a lack of information on the structural behavior of sphingomyelin- and ceramide-rich model membrane systems, which is essential for developing a bottom-up understanding of ceramide signaling and platform formation. We have studied the lyotropic phase behavior of sphingomyelin-ceramide mixtures in excess water as a function of temperature (30-70 °C) and pressure (1-200 MPa) by small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering. At low ceramide concentrations the mixtures form the ripple gel phase (P(β)') below the gel transition temperature for sphingomyelin, and this observation has been confirmed by atomic force microscopy. Formation of the ripple gel phase can also be induced at higher temperatures via the application of hydrostatic pressure. At high ceramide concentration an inverse hexagonal phase (HII) is formed coexisting with a cubic phase.

  8. Effect of the Molecular Weight of AB Diblock Copolymers on the Lamellar Orientation in Thin Films

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Potemkin, Igor I.; Busch, Peter; Smilgies, Detlef-M

    2007-01-01

    We propose a theoretical explanation of the parallel and perpendicular lamellar orientations in free surface films of symmetric polystyrene-block-polybutadiene diblock copolymers on silicon substrates (with a native SiOx layer). Two approaches are developed: A correction to the strong segregation...

  9. In situ growth of lamellar ZnTiO3 nanosheets on TiO2 tubular array with enhanced photocatalytic activity.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cai, Yunyu; Ye, Yixing; Tian, Zhenfei; Liu, Jun; Liu, Yishu; Liang, Changhao

    2013-12-14

    We report a self-sacrificed in situ growth design toward preparation of ZnTiO3-TiO2 heterojunction structure. Highly reactive zinc oxide colloidal particles derived by laser ablation in liquids can react with TiO2 nanotubes to form a lamellar ZnTiO3 nanosheet structure in a hydrothermal-treatment process. Such hybrid structural product was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the hybrid structure toward degradation of methyl orange (MO) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) molecules was demonstrated and compared with single phase TiO2, as a result of the efficient separation of light excited electrons and holes at the hetero-interfaces in the two semiconductors.

  10. Three-dimensional phase-field simulations of directional solidification

    Science.gov (United States)

    Plapp, Mathis

    2007-05-01

    The phase-field method has become the method of choice for simulating microstructural pattern formation during solidification. One of its main advantages is that time-dependent three-dimensional simulations become feasible, which makes it possible to address long-standing questions of pattern stability and pattern selection. Here, a brief introduction to the phase-field model and its implementation is given, and its capabilities are illustrated by examples taken from the directional solidification of binary alloys. In particular, the morphological stability of hexagonal cellular arrays and of eutectic lamellar patterns is investigated.

  11. Phase Behavior of Diblock Copolymer–Homopolymer Ternary Blends: Congruent First-Order Lamellar–Disorder Transition

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hickey, Robert J.; Gillard, Timothy M.; Irwin, Matthew T.; Morse, David C.; Lodge, Timothy P.; Bates, Frank S. (UMM)

    2016-10-13

    We have established the existence of a line of congruent first-order lamellar-to-disorder (LAM–DIS) transitions when appropriate amounts of poly(cyclohexylethylene) (C) and poly(ethylene) (E) homopolymers are mixed with a corresponding compositionally symmetric CE diblock copolymer. The line of congruent transitions, or the congruent isopleth, terminates at the bicontinuous microemulsion (BμE) channel, and its trajectory appears to be influenced by the critical composition of the C/E binary homopolymer blend. Blends satisfying congruency undergo a direct LAM–DIS transition without passing through a two-phase region. We present complementary optical transmission, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic mechanical spectroscopy (DMS) results that establish the phase behavior at constant copolymer volume fraction and varying C/E homopolymer volume ratios. Adjacent to the congruent composition at constant copolymer volume fraction, the lamellar and disordered phases are separated by two-phase coexistence windows, which converge, along with the line of congruent transitions, at an overall composition in the phase prism coincident with the BμE channel. Hexagonal and cubic (double gyroid) phases occur at higher diblock copolymer concentrations for asymmetric amounts of C and E homopolymers. These results establish a quantitative method for identifying the detailed phase behavior of ternary diblock copolymer–homopolymer blends, especially in the vicinity of the BμE.

  12. Clinical observation of corneal lamellar debridement combined with sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation for the treatment of superficial fungal keratitis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Huang Zhang

    2014-09-01

    Full Text Available AIM:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of corneal lamellar debridement combined with sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation for the treatment of superficial fungal keratitis.METHODS:Totally 22 cases(22 eyeswith superficial fungal keratitis were referred to our hospital from April 2012 to October 2013. The patients with persistent cornea ulcer after treatment of local and systemic antifungal drugs underwent corneal lamellar debridement combined with sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation, and the recipient bed was covered with an amniotic membrane using fibrin sealant during the operation. All patients were still given topical antifungal therapy for 1-2mo after operation. The followed-up time was 3mo or above. We observed the corneal healing and amniotic membrane adhesion by split lamp microscope, and investigated the transformation of amniotic membrane and fungal infection recurrence with confocal microscope. RESULTS: Corneal edema and anterior chamber reaction of 21 patients disappeared gradually, and no amniotic membrane graft dissolved and shed off within 1-2wk postoperatively. Two weeks after operation, the graft integrated into the corneal and the corneal wounds' thickness increased gradually, the corneal epithelium reconstructed and corneas became clear. Four weeks after operation, the corneal scarring developed gradually and fluorescence staining was negative. Nineteen cases' amniotic membranes that adhered with the cornea dissolved 4wk after operation. There were different degrees of corneal nebula or macula remained 3mo postoperatively. All patients' vision improved in varying degrees, except in 1 case with fungal keratitis who had been cured by lamellar keratoplasty.CONCLUSION:Corneal lamellar debridement combined with sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation can effectively remove the foci of inflammation, improve the local efficacy, shorten the operation time, relieve the postoperative reaction, and promote cornea

  13. Analysis of Lipoplex Structure and Lipid Phase Changes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Koynova, Rumiana

    2012-07-18

    Efficient delivery of genetic material to cells is needed for tasks of utmost importance in the laboratory and clinic, such as gene transfection and gene silencing. Synthetic cationic lipids can be used as delivery vehicles for nucleic acids and are now considered the most promising nonviral gene carriers. They form complexes (lipoplexes) with the polyanionic nucleic acids. A critical obstacle for clinical application of the lipid-mediated DNA delivery (lipofection) is its unsatisfactory efficiency for many cell types. Understanding the mechanism of lipid-mediated DNA delivery is essential for their successful application, as well as for a rational design and synthesis of novel cationic lipoid compounds for enhanced gene delivery. A viewpoint now emerging is that the critical factor in lipid-mediated transfection is the structural evolution of lipoplexes within the cell, upon interacting and mixing with cellular lipids. In particular, recent studies showed that the phase evolution of lipoplex lipids upon interaction and mixing with membrane lipids appears to be decisive for transfection success: specifically, lamellar lipoplex formulations, which were readily susceptible to undergoing lamellar-nonlamellar phase transition upon mixing with cellular lipids and were found rather consistently associated with superior transfection potency, presumably as a result of facilitated DNA release. Thus, understanding the lipoplex structure and the phase changes upon interacting with membrane lipids is important for the successful application of the cationic lipids as gene carriers.

  14. Enzymatic biofuel cell based on electrodes modified with lipid liquid-crystalline cubic phases

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nazaruk, Ewa; Smoliński, Sławomir; Swatko-Ossor, Marta; Ginalska, Grażyna; Fiedurek, Jan; Rogalski, Jerzy; Bilewicz, Renata

    Two glassy carbon electrodes modified with enzymes embedded in lyotropic liquid-crystalline cubic phase were used for the biofuel cell construction. The monoolein liquid-crystalline film allowed to avoid separators in the biofuel cell. Glucose and oxygen as fuels, and glucose oxidase and laccase as anode and cathode biocatalysts, respectively were used. The biofuel cell parameters were examined in McIlvaine buffer, pH 7 solution containing 15 mM of glucose and saturated with dioxygen. A series of mediators were tested taking into account their formal potentials, stability in the cubic phase and efficiency of mediation. Most stable was the biofuel cell based on tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and 2,2‧-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) as anode and cathode mediators, respectively. The open-circuit voltage was equal to 450 ± 40 mV. The power densities and current densities were measured for all the systems studied.

  15. The lamellar period in symmetric diblock copolymer thin films studied by neutron reflectivity and AFM

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Gadegaard, N.; Almdal, K.; Larsen, N.B.

    1999-01-01

    The lamellar structure of a symmetric diblock copolymer was studied as a function of temperature. We used dPEP-PDMS with a molecular weight of 8.3 kg/mol as model system. The polymer was dissolved in chloroform and spin-casted on silicon wafers into thin uniform films. The degree and direction...

  16. Spectral phasor analysis of LAURDAN fluorescence in live A549 lung cells to study the hydration and time evolution of intracellular lamellar body-like structures

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Malacrida, Leonel; Astrada, Soledad; Briva, Arturo

    2016-01-01

    Using LAURDAN spectral imaging and spectral phasor analysis we concurrently studied the growth and hydration state of subcellular organelles (lamellar body-like, LB-like) from live A549 lung cancer cells at different post-confluence days. Our results reveal a time dependent two-step process...... governing the size and hydration of these intracellular LB-like structures. Specifically, a first step (days 1 to 7) is characterized by an increase in their size, followed by a second one (days 7 to 14) where the organelles display a decrease in their global hydration properties. Interestingly, our results...... also show that their hydration properties significantly differ from those observed in well-characterized artificial lamellar model membranes, challenging the notion that a pure lamellar membrane organization is present in these organelles at intracellular conditions. Finally, these LB-like structures...

  17. Soft solution synthesis and intense visible photoluminescence of lamellar zinc oxide hybrids

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sağlam, Özge

    2013-01-01

    Graphical abstract: -- In this study, we demonstrate the synthesis of layered zinc oxide films intercalated with dodecyl sulphate ions by a simple soft solution process. The presence of potassium (K + ) and lithium (Li + ) ions in the precursor solution of layered zinc hydroxide resulted in lamellar hybrid zinc oxide films instead of layered zinc hydroxides. On the other hand, the addition of nickel phthalocyanine induces zinc hydroxide host layers which exhibit an intense blue emission. This is also promoted by K + and Li + ions

  18. Retraction Note to: Ultra-High Strength and Ductile Lamellar-Structured Powder Metallurgy Binary Ti-Ta Alloys

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Yong; Xu, Shenghang; Wang, Xin; Li, Kaiyang; Liu, Bin; Wu, Hong; Tang, Huiping

    2018-05-01

    The editors and authors have retracted the article, "Ultra-High Strength and Ductile Lamellar-Structured Powder Metallurgy Binary Ti-Ta Alloys" by Yong Liu, Shenghang Xu, Xin Wang, Kaiyang Li, Bin Liu, Hong Wu, and Huiping Tang (https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-015-1801-1).

  19. Perylene bisimide hydrogels and lyotropic liquid crystals with temperature-responsive color change† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed procedures and results for all reported experiments, along with synthetic details for PBI 1. See DOI: 10.1039/c6sc02249a Click here for additional data file.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Görl, Daniel; Soberats, Bartolome; Herbst, Stefanie; Stepanenko, Vladimir

    2016-01-01

    The self-assembly of perylene bisimide (PBI) dyes bearing oligo ethylene glycol (OEG) units in water affords responsive functional nanostructures characterized by their lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Tuning of the LCST is realized by a supramolecular approach that relies on two structurally closely related PBI–OEG molecules. The two PBIs socially co-assemble in water and the resulting nanostructures exhibit a single LCST in between the transition temperatures of the aggregates formed by single components. This permits to precisely tune the transition from a hydrogel to a lyotropic liquid crystal state at temperatures between 26 and 51 °C by adjusting the molar fraction of the two PBIs. Owing to concomitant changes in PBI–PBI interactions this phase transition affords a pronounced color change with “fluorescence-on” response that can be utilized as a smart temperature sensory system. PMID:28451124

  20. Simultaneous topography-guided PRK followed by corneal collagen cross-linking after lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Spadea L

    2012-11-01

    Full Text Available Leopoldo Spadea,1 Marino Paroli21University of L’Aquila, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Eye Clinic, L’Aquila, 2La Sapienza University, Department of Biotechnology and Medical-Surgical Sciences, Latina, ItalyBackground: The purpose of this paper is to report the results of using combined treatment of customized excimer laser-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (PRK and prophylactic corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL for residual refractive error in a group of patients who had previously undergone lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus.Methods: The study included 14 eyes from 14 patients who had originally been treated for keratoconus in one eye by excimer laser-assisted lamellar keratoplasty (ELLK, and subsequently presented with residual ametropia (-6.11 D ± 2.48, range -2.50 to -9.50. After a mean 40.1 ± 12.4 months since ELLK they underwent combined simultaneous corneal regularization treatment with topographically guided transepithelial excimer laser PRK (central corneal regularization and corneal CXL induced by riboflavin-ultraviolet A.Results: After a mean 15 ± 6.5 (range 6–24 months, all eyes gained at least one Snellen line of uncorrected distance visual acuity (range 1–10. No patient lost lines of corrected distance visual acuity, and four patients gained three lines of corrected distance visual acuity. Mean manifest refractive spherical equivalent was -0.79 ± 2.09 (range +1 to -3.0 D, and topographic keratometric astigmatism was 5.02 ± 2.93 (range 0.8–8.9 D. All the corneas remained clear (haze < 1.Conclusion: The combination of customized PRK and corneal CXL provided safe and effective results in the management of corneal regularization for refractive purposes after ELLK for keratoconus.Keywords: corneal collagen crosslinking, excimer laser-assisted lamellar keratoplasty, photorefractive keratectomy

  1. Nanostructured self-assembly materials from neat and aqueous solutions of C18 lipid pro-drug analogues of Capecitabine—a chemotherapy agent. Focus on nanoparticulate cubosomes™ of the oleyl analogue

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gong, Xiaojuan; Moghaddam, Minoo J.; Sagnella, Sharon M.; Conn, Charlotte E.; Mulet, Xavier; Danon, Stephen J.; Waddington, Lynne J.; Drummond, Calum J.

    2014-09-24

    A series of prodrug analogues based on the established chemotherapy agent, 5-fluorouracil, have been prepared and characterized. C18 alkyl and alkenyl chains with increasing degree of unsaturation were attached to the N4 position of the 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) base via a carbamate bond. Physicochemical characterization of the prodrug analogues was carried out using a combination of differential scanning calorimetry, cross-polarized optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and small-angle X-ray scattering. The presence of a monounsaturated oleyl chain was found to promote lyotropic liquid crystalline phase formation in excess water with a fluid lamellar phase observed at room temperature and one or more bicontinuous cubic phases at 37 °C. The bulk phase was successfully dispersed into liposomes or cubosomes at room and physiological temperature respectively. In vitro toxicity of the nanoparticulate 5-FCOle dispersions was evaluated against several normal and cancer cell types over a 48 h period and exhibited an IC50 of -100 μM against all cell types. The in vivo efficacy of 5-FCOle cubosomes was assessed against the highly aggressive mouse 4T1 breast cancer model and compared to Capecitabine (a water-soluble commercially available 5-FU prodrug) delivered at the same dosages. After 21 days of treatment, the 0.5 mmol 5-FCOle treatment group exhibited a significantly smaller average tumour volume than all other treatment groups including Capecitabine at similar dosage. These results exemplify the potential of self-assembled amphiphile prodrugs for delivery of bioactives in vivo.

  2. Thermotropic Phase Transition of Benzodithiophene Copolymer Thin Films and Its Impact on Electrical and Photovoltaic Characteristics

    KAUST Repository

    Ko, Sangwon

    2015-02-24

    © 2015 American Chemical Society. We observed a thermotropic phase transition in poly[3,4-dihexyl thiophene-2,2′:5,6′-benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene] (PDHBDT) thin films accompanied by a transition from a random orientation to an ordered lamellar phase via a nearly hexagonal lattice upon annealing. We demonstrate the effect of temperature-dependent molecular packing on charge carrier mobility (μ) in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and photovoltaic characteristics, such as exciton diffusion length (LD) and power conversion efficiency (PCE), in organic solar cells (OSCs) using PDHBDT. The μ was continuously improved with increasing annealing temperature and PDHBDT films annealed at 270 °C resulted in a maximum μ up to 0.46 cm2/(V s) (μavg = 0.22 cm2/(V s)), which is attributed to the well-ordered lamellar structure with a closer - stacking distance of 3.5 Å as shown by grazing incidence-angle X-ray diffraction (GIXD). On the other hand, PDHBDT films with a random molecular orientation are more effective in photovoltaic devices than films with an ordered hexagonal or lamellar phase based on current-voltage characteristics of PDHBDT/C60 bilayer solar cells. This observation corresponds to an enhanced dark current density (JD) and a decreased LD upon annealing. This study provides insight into the dependence of charge transport and photovoltaic characteristics on molecular packing in polymer semiconductors, which is crucial for the management of charge and energy transport in a range of organic optoelectronic devices.

  3. Conformational dynamics of dry lamellar crystals of sugar based lipids: an atomistic simulation study.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vijayan ManickamAchari

    Full Text Available The rational design of a glycolipid application (e.g. drug delivery with a tailored property depends on the detailed understanding of its structure and dynamics. Because of the complexity of sugar stereochemistry, we have undertaken a simulation study on the conformational dynamics of a set of synthetic glycosides with different sugar groups and chain design, namely dodecyl β-maltoside, dodecyl β-cellobioside, dodecyl β-isomaltoside and a C12C10 branched β-maltoside under anhydrous conditions. We examined the chain structure in detail, including the chain packing, gauche/trans conformations and chain tilting. In addition, we also investigated the rotational dynamics of the headgroup and alkyl chains. Monoalkylated glycosides possess a small amount of gauche conformers (∼20% in the hydrophobic region of the lamellar crystal (LC phase. In contrast, the branched chain glycolipid in the fluid Lα phase has a high gauche population of up to ∼40%. Rotational diffusion analysis reveals that the carbons closest to the headgroup have the highest correlation times. Furthermore, its value depends on sugar type, where the rotational dynamics of an isomaltose was found to be 11-15% and more restrained near the sugar, possibly due to the chain disorder and partial inter-digitation compared to the other monoalkylated lipids. Intriguingly, the present simulation demonstrates the chain from the branched glycolipid bilayer has the ability to enter into the hydrophilic region. This interesting feature of the anhydrous glycolipid bilayer simulation appears to arise from a combination of lipid crowding and the amphoteric nature of the sugar headgroups.

  4. On the effect of incremental forming on alpha phase precipitation and mechanical behavior of beta-Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al

    Science.gov (United States)

    Winter, S.; F-X Wagner, M.

    2016-03-01

    A combination of good ductility and fatigue resistance makes β-titanium alloys interesting for many current and potential future applications. The mechanical behavior is primarily determined by microstructural parameters like (beta phase) grain size, morphology and volume fraction of primary / secondary α-phase precipitates, and this allows changing and optimizing their mechanical properties across a wide range. In this study, we investigate the possibility to modify the microstructure of the high-strength beta titanium alloy Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al, with a special focus on shape and volume fraction of primary α-phase. In addition to the conventional strategy for precipitation of primary α, a special thermo-mechanical processing is performed; this processing route combines the conventional heat treatment with incremental forming during the primary α-phase annealing. After incremental forming, considerable variations in terms of microstructure and mechanical properties can be obtained for different thermo-mechanical processing routes. The microstructures of the deformed samples are characterized by globular as well as lamellar (bimodal) α precipitates, whereas conventional annealing only results in the formation of lamellar precipitates. Because of the smaller size, and the lower amount, of α-phase after incremental forming, tensile strength is not as high as after the conventional strategy. However, high amounts of grain boundary α and lamellar αp-phase in the undeformed samples lead to a significantly lower ductility in comparison to the matrix with bimodal structures obtained by thermo-mechanical processing. These results illustrate the potential of incremental forming during the annealing to modify the microstructure of the beta titanium Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al in a wide range of volume fractions and morphologies of the primary α phase, which in turn leads to considerably changes, and improved, mechanical properties.

  5. Electron backscatter diffraction study of deformation and recrystallization textures of individual phases in a cross-rolled duplex steel

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zaid, Md; Bhattacharjee, P.P., E-mail: pinakib@iith.ac.in

    2014-10-15

    The evolution of microstructure and texture during cross-rolling and annealing was investigated by electron backscatter diffraction in a ferritic–austenitic duplex stainless steel. For this purpose an alloy with nearly equal volume fraction of the two phases was deformed by multi-pass cross-rolling process up to 90% reduction in thickness. The rolling and transverse directions were mutually interchanged in each pass by rotating the sample by 90° around the normal direction. In order to avoid deformation induced phase transformation and dynamic strain aging, the rolling was carried out at an optimized temperature of 898 K (625 °C) at the warm-deformation range. The microstructure after cross warm-rolling revealed a lamellar structure with alternate arrangement of the bands of two phases. Strong brass and rotated brass components were observed in austenite in the steel after processing by cross warm-rolling. The ferrite in the cross warm-rolling processed steel showed remarkably strong RD-fiber (RD//< 011 >) component (001)< 011 >. The development of texture in the two phases after processing by cross warm-rolling could be explained by the stability of the texture components. During isothermal annealing of the 90% cross warm-rolling processed material the lamellar morphology was retained before collapse of the lamellar structure to the mutual interpenetration of the phase bands. Ferrite showed recovery resulting in annealing texture similar to the deformation texture. In contrast, the austenite showed primary recrystallization without preferential orientation selection leading to the retention of deformation texture. The evolution of deformation and annealing texture in the two phases of the steel was independent of one another. - Highlights: • Effect of cross warm-rolling on texture formation is studied in duplex steel. • Brass texture in austenite and (001)<110 > in ferrite are developed. • Ferrite shows recovery during annealing retaining the (001

  6. Microstructures and mechanical properties of directionally solidified Ni-25%Si full lamellar in situ composites

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, Binggang; Li, Xiaopeng; Wang, Ting; Liu, Zheng

    2016-01-01

    Directional solidification experiments have been performed on Ni-25 at% Si alloy using electron beam floating zone method. A fully regular eutectic microstructures consisting of Ni, γ-Ni 31 Si 12 and β 1 -Ni 3 Si have been obtained. The influences of the directional solidification rate on the microstructures and properties of the full lamellar structures have been studied. The results show that the relationship between the mean interphase spacing (λ) and withdrawal rate (v) meets λ=29.9v −0.65 . The hardness increases with the increasing of growth rate (v) and decreasing of the interlamellar spacing (λ) which meets the relationship of H V =445.2v 0.14 and H V =910λ −0.21 . The maximum compressive strength, 2576 MPa, for DS samples is obtained by 10 mm/h. The average fracture toughness value found for 5 mm/h, 7 mm/h, 10 mm/h is 28.3 MPa m 1/2 , 29.1 MPa m 1/2 and 35.9 MPa m 1/2 , respectively. The crack bridging and crack deflection/interface debonding are the main toughening mechanism of Ni-25 at% Si with full lamellar structures.

  7. A Two-Dimensional Lamellar Membrane: MXene Nanosheet Stacks.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ding, Li; Wei, Yanying; Wang, Yanjie; Chen, Hongbin; Caro, Jürgen; Wang, Haihui

    2017-02-06

    Two-dimensional (2D) materials are promising candidates for advanced water purification membranes. A new kind of lamellar membrane is based on a stack of 2D MXene nanosheets. Starting from compact Ti 3 AlC 2 , delaminated nanosheets of the composition Ti 3 C 2 T x with the functional groups T (O, OH, and/or F) can be produced by etching and ultrasonication and stapled on a porous support by vacuum filtration. The MXene membrane supported on anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate shows excellent water permeance (more than 1000 L m -2  h -1  bar -1 ) and favorable rejection rate (over 90 %) for molecules with sizes larger than 2.5 nm. The water permeance through the MXene membrane is much higher than that of the most membranes with similar rejections. Long-time operation also reveals the outstanding stability of the MXene membrane for water purification. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  8. Phase Behavior and Rheology of Fatty Alcohol Sulphate, Fatty Alcohol Ether Sulphate from Palm based and Mixtures with other Surfactants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hong, L.K.; Nur Syazani Harun; Mohd Suzeren Mohd Jamil; Rahimi Mohd Yusop

    2013-01-01

    The phase diagrams of fatty alcohol sulphate (FAS)/ fatty alcohol ether sulphate (FAES)/ soap (4.5:4.5:1.0)/ propylene glycol/ water mixtures were established at 60 degree Celsius. The birefringence was observed under cross polarizers and their phases changes examined under a polarized microscope. The results showed that the liquid crystalline region for FAS and FAES occurred only in a small region. The optical patterns of lamellar liquid crystal were identified as oily streaks structure. The rheological tests of lamellar liquid crystal were carried out in the region of 4.5/ 4.5/ 1 FAES/ FAS/ soap with 0 % PG and 10 % of water. The rheological tests used were flow curve, 3 interval thixotropy test (3ITT), oscillation (dynamic test) stress sweep test and frequency sweep test measurement done using a cone-plate sensor (25 mm, 1 degree). The flow curve was fitted to a Casson model to obtain values for the consistency coefficient and the flow behavior index. The lamellar liquid crystal show typical flow behavior and stress influenced the recovery of the structure. Linear visco-elastic (LVE) range analysis show the critical stress value at 0.475%, and elastic modulus was dominant over an angular frequency range studied. (author)

  9. Phase transitions and steady-state microstructures in a two-temperature lattice-gas model with mobile active impurities

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Henriksen, Jonas Rosager; Sabra, Mads Christian; Mouritsen, Ole G.

    2000-01-01

    The nonequilibrium, steady-state phase transitions and the structure of the different phases of a two-dimensional system with two thermodynamic temperatures are studied via a simple lattice-gas model with mobile active impurities ("hot/cold spots'') whose activity is controlled by an external drive...... on the temperatures, microstructured phases of both lamellar and droplet symmetry arise, described by a length scale that is determined by the characteristic temperature controlling the diffusive motion of the active impurities....

  10. Co-crystallization phase transformations in all π-conjugated block copolymers with different main-chain moieties.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lee, Yi-Huan; Chen, Wei-Chih; Yang, Yi-Lung; Chiang, Chi-Ju; Yokozawa, Tsutomu; Dai, Chi-An

    2014-05-21

    Driven by molecular affinity and balance in the crystallization kinetics, the ability to co-crystallize dissimilar yet self-crystallizable blocks of a block copolymer (BCP) into a uniform domain may strongly affect its phase diagram. In this study, we synthesize a new series of crystalline and monodisperse all-π-conjugated poly(2,5-dihexyloxy-p-phenylene)-b-poly(3-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophene) (PPP-P3EHT) BCPs and investigate this multi-crystallization effect. Despite vastly different side-chain and main-chain structures, PPP and P3EHT blocks are able to co-crystallize into a single uniform domain comprising PPP and P3EHT main-chains with mutually interdigitated side-chains spaced in-between. With increasing P3EHT fraction, PPP-P3EHTs undergo sequential phase transitions and form hierarchical superstructures including predominately PPP nanofibrils, co-crystalline nanofibrils, a bilayer co-crystalline/pure P3EHT lamellar structure, a microphase-separated bilayer PPP-P3EHT lamellar structure, and finally P3EHT nanofibrils. In particular, the presence of the new co-crystalline lamellar structure is the manifestation of the interaction balance between self-crystallization and co-crystallization of the dissimilar polymers on the resulting nanostructure of the BCP. The current study demonstrates the co-crystallization nature of all-conjugated BCPs with different main-chain moieties and may provide new guidelines for the organization of π-conjugated BCPs for future optoelectronic applications.

  11. Queratitis lamelar difusa después de un corte incompleto Diffuse lamellar keratitis after incomplete corneal flap cut

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yanaisa Riverón Ruiz

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available La queratitis lamelar difusa es una inflamación estéril de la interfase lamelar que suele presentarse 24 horas después de la realización de la queratomileusis in situ asistida con láser y potencialmente puede comprometer la agudeza visual final. Se presenta un paciente de 25 años de edad con antecedentes de cirugía refractiva corneal mediante queratomileusis in situ con láser en el ojo derecho, que tuvo como complicación durante el acto quirúrgico un corte incompleto. En el posoperatorio inmediato se le diagnosticó una queratitis lamelar difusa. Se aplicó tratamiento local y se obtuvo la recuperación visual total del paciente con estabilidad del defecto refractivo. Esto permite posteriormente realizarle la corrección mediante cirugía refractiva de superficie.The diffuse lamellar keratitis is a sterile swelling of the lamellar interface which arises generally 24 hours after laser in situ keratomileusis and might affect the final visual acuity. A 25 years- old patient with history of corneal refractive surgery by laser in situ keratomileusis on his right eye was reported. He suffered from an incomplete corneal flap cut as complication during the surgical procedure, and a diffuse lamellar keratitis was detected at the immediate postsurgical visit. Total visual recovery and the refractive defect stability were attained through local treatment. This allows further correcting the defect by means of a surface refractive surgery in the future.

  12. Phases of a stack of membranes in a large number of dimensions of configuration space

    Science.gov (United States)

    Borelli, M. E.; Kleinert, H.

    2001-05-01

    The phase diagram of a stack of tensionless membranes with nonlinear curvature energy and vertical harmonic interaction is calculated exactly in a large number of dimensions of configuration space. At low temperatures, the system forms a lamellar phase with spontaneously broken translational symmetry in the vertical direction. At a critical temperature, the stack disorders vertically in a meltinglike transition. The critical temperature is determined as a function of the interlayer separation l.

  13. Deviations from cooperative growth mode during eutectoid transformation: Insights from a phase-field approach

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ankit, Kumar; Mukherjee, Rajdip; Mittnacht, Tobias; Nestler, Britta

    2014-01-01

    The non-cooperative eutectoid transformation relies on the presence of pre-existing cementite particles in the parent austenitic phase and yields a product, popularly known as the divorced eutectoid. Under isothermal conditions, two of the important parameters that influence the transformation mechanism and determine the final morphology are undercooling (below the A 1 temperature) and interparticle spacing. Although the criteria that govern the morphological transition from lamellar to divorced is experimentally well established, numerical studies giving a detailed exposition of the non-cooperative transformation mechanism have not been reported extensively. In the present work, we employ a multiphase-field model that uses thermodynamic information from the CALPHAD database to numerically simulate the pulling-away of the advancing ferrite–austenite interface from cementite, which results in a transition from lamellar to divorced eutectoid morphology in Fe–C alloy. We also identify the onset of a concurrent growth and coarsening regime at small interparticle spacing and low undercooling. We analyze the simulation results to unravel the essential physics behind this complex spatial and temporal evolution pathway and amend the existing criteria by constructing a Lamellar-Divorced-Coarsening (LDC) map

  14. Observation of Droplet Size Oscillations in a Two-Phase Fluid under Shear Flow

    Science.gov (United States)

    Courbin, Laurent; Panizza, Pascal; Salmon, Jean-Baptiste

    2004-01-01

    Experimental observations of droplet size sustained oscillations are reported in a two-phase flow between a lamellar and a sponge phase. Under shear flow, this system presents two different steady states made of monodisperse multilamellar droplets, separated by a shear-thinning transition. At low and high shear rates, the droplet size results from a balance between surface tension and viscous stress, whereas for intermediate shear rates it becomes a periodic function of time. A possible mechanism for such kinds of oscillations is discussed.

  15. Queratitis lamelar difusa después del Lasik Diffuse lamellar keratitis after LASIK

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lorelei Ortega Díaz

    2010-12-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: Describir el comportamiento de la queratitis lamelar difusa como complicación después de emplear la técnica quirúrgica queratomileusis in situ con láser. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal en el Servicio de Cirugía Refractiva Corneal del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer" en el último trimestre del año 2008. La muestra quedó conformada por 16 ojos a los que se les realizó la queratomileusis in situ con láser como técnica quirúrgica para corregir ametropía y que presentaron complicaciones con esta cirugía. Se analizaron variables como la agudeza visual sin corrección; los ojos con esta complicación fueron analizados según la clasificación de Linebarger. RESULTADOS: La frecuencia de queratitis lamelar difusa fue de 3,0 por cada 100. La agudeza visual no corregida se comportó entre 0,8 y 1,0 en 12 ojos de 16 afectados, el estadio 1 se presentó en 12 ojos. CONCLUSIONES: La queratitis lamelar difusa es una complicación poco frecuente, los casos que la padecieron alcanzaron una buena agudeza visual final sin corrección. Predominó la forma leve de este cuadro.OBJECTIVE: To describe the situation of Diffuse lamellar keratitis as a complication after in situ keratomileusis with laser. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Refractive Corneal Service of "Ramón Pando Ferrer" Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology during the last quarter of 2008. The sample embraced 16 eyes that underwent in situ keratomileusis plus laser as the refractive procedure to correct ametropy and presented with some complications. Visual acuity without correction was one the analyzed variables and the eyes with this type of complication were classified according to Linebarger´s classification. RESULTS: The diffuse lamellar keratitis frequency was 3.0 per one hundred cases, the visual acuity without correction was 0.8 to 1.0 in 12 out of 16 eyes whereas stage 1 was

  16. Structure-property relationships for n-alkyl-isocyanate-containing polymers

    Science.gov (United States)

    Aronson, Carl Lawrence

    Poly(n-hexyl isocyanate) (PHIC), poly(n-butyl-isocyanate) (PBIC), poly(n-butyl-co-cyclohexyl isocyanate) (PBCHIC), poly(n-hexyl isocyanate-b-isoprene) (HI), poly(n-butyl isocyanate-b-isoprene) (BI) and poly(n-hexyl isocyanate-b-isoprene- b-styrene) (MS) were synthesized and characterized with respect to composition, molecular Weight and polydispersity. PHIC, HI and HIS were found to be lyotropic liquid crystalline whereas PBIC, PBCHIC and BI were found to be non-lyotropic. A lyotropic-nematic liquid crystalline phase diagram was determined for the PHIC/xylene system. A novel and reversible electric-field-induced biphasic-paranematic phase transition was found for the PHIC/xylene system from the dynamics of topological defects. The electric-field-induced phase diagram for PHIC/xylene agreed with the theoretically predicted field-induced phase diagram of Khokhlov and Semenov for semiflexible-persistent polymers. The dielectric characteristics, steady-state electrically induced birefringence and steady-state electroheological (ER) activity of PHIC, PBIC and PBCHIC solutions were compared as a function of polymer concentration. The role of lyotropic liquid crystalline ordering in the functional ER mechanism of poly( n-hexyl isocyanate) solutions is presented. PBCHIC was found to thermally decompose by a first-order rate process which became slower with increasing cyclohexyl isocyanate content from thermal gravimetric analysis. Competition between monomer dissociation and degradative trimerization as well as a non-alternating sequence distribution were determined for PBCHIC from direct pyrolysis/mass spectrometry. The Arrhenius activation energy, pre-exponential factor and entropy for diffusion and evaporation of xylene from PHIC, were found to be functions of initial polymer concentration whereas the intrinsic diffusion coefficient of the solvent was found to be independent of initial polymer concentration. The cross polarized/magic angle spinning solid state 13C

  17. Targeted inactivation of the murine Abca3 gene leads to respiratory failure in newborns with defective lamellar bodies

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hammel, Markus; Michel, Geert; Hoefer, Christina; Klaften, Matthias; Mueller-Hoecker, Josef; Angelis, Martin Hrabe de; Holzinger, Andreas

    2007-01-01

    Mutations in the human ABCA3 gene, encoding an ABC-transporter, are associated with respiratory failure in newborns and pediatric interstitial lung disease. In order to study disease mechanisms, a transgenic mouse model with a disrupted Abca3 gene was generated by targeting embryonic stem cells. While heterozygous animals developed normally and were fertile, individuals homozygous for the altered allele (Abca3-/-) died within one hour after birth from respiratory failure, ABCA3 protein being undetectable. Abca3-/- newborns showed atelectasis of the lung in comparison to a normal gas content in unaffected or heterozygous littermates. Electron microscopy demonstrated the absence of normal lamellar bodies in type II pneumocytes. Instead, condensed structures with apparent absence of lipid content were found. We conclude that ABCA3 is required for the formation of lamellar bodies and lung surfactant function. The phenotype of respiratory failure immediately after birth corresponds to the clinical course of severe ABCA3 mutations in human newborns

  18. Determination of the influence of C24 D/(2R)- and L/(2S)-isomers of the CER[AP] on the lamellar structure of stratum corneum model systems using neutron diffraction.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schmitt, Thomas; Lange, Stefan; Sonnenberger, Stefan; Dobner, Bodo; Demé, Bruno; Neubert, Reinhard H H; Gooris, Gert; Bouwstra, Joke A

    2017-12-01

    This study was able to investigate the different influence of the d- and l-ceramide [AP] on the lamellar as well as molecular nanostructure of stratum corneum simulating lipid model mixtures. In this case, neutron diffraction together with specifically deuterated ceramide was used as an effective tool to investigate the lamellar and the molecular nanostructure of the mixtures. It could clearly be demonstrated, that both isomers show distinctly different characteristics, even though the variation between both is only a single differently arranged OH-group. The l-ceramide [AP] promotes a crystalline like phase behaviour even if mixed with ceramide [NP], cholesterol and free fatty acids. The d-ceramide [AP] only shows crystalline-like features if mixed only with cholesterol and free fatty acids but adopts a native-like behaviour if additionally mixed with ceramide [NP]. It furthermore demonstrates that the l-ceramide [AP] should not be used for any applications concerning ceramide substitution. It could however possibly serve its own purpose, if this crystalline like behaviour has some kind of positive influence on the SC or can be utilized for any practical applications. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that the diastereomers of ceramide [AP] are an attractive target for further research because their influence on the lamellar as well as the nanostructure is exceptionally strong. Additionally, the results furthermore show a very strong influence on hydration of the model membrane. With these properties, the d-ceramide [AP] could be effectively used to simulate native like behaviour even in very simple mixtures and could also have a strong impact on the native stratum corneum as well as high relevance for dermal ceramide substitution. The unnatural l-ceramide [AP] on the other hand should be investigated further, to assess its applicability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Fabry-Perot magnonic ballistic coherent transport across ultrathin ferromagnetic lamellar bcc Ni nanostructures between Fe leads

    Science.gov (United States)

    Khater, A.; Saim, L.; Tigrine, R.; Ghader, D.

    2018-06-01

    We propose thermodynamically stable systems of ultrathin lamellar bcc Ni nanostructures between bcc Fe leads, sbnd Fe[Ni(n)]Fesbnd , based on the available literature for bcc Ni overlayers on Fe(001) surfaces, and establish the necessary criteria for their structural and ferromagnetic order, for thicknesses n ≤ 6 bcc Ni monatomic layers. The system is globally ferromagnetic. A theoretical model is presented to investigate and understand the ballistic coherent scattering of Fe spin-waves, incident from the leads, at the ferromagnetic bcc Ni nanostructure. The Nisbnd Ni and Nisbnd Fe exchange are computed using the Ising effective field theory (EFT), and the magnetic ground state of the system is constructed in the Heisenberg representation. We compute the spin-wave eigenmodes localized on the bcc Ni nanostructure, using the phase field matching theory (PFMT), illustrating the effects of symmetry breaking on the confinement of localized spin excitations. The reflection and transmission scattering properties of spin-waves incident from the Fe leads, across the embedded Ni nanostructures are investigated within the framework of the same PFMT methodology. A highly refined Fabry-Perot magnonic ballistic coherent transmission spectra is observed for these sbnd Fe[Ni(n)]Fesbnd systems.

  20. The deformation twin in lamellar Ti 3Al/TiAl structure

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, J. X.; Ye, H. Q.

    2003-04-01

    A Ti-48Al-2Cr (at.%) alloy consisting of γ+α 2 lamellar structure was deformed in compression at room temperature. Study by high resolution electron microscopy was carried out on the characteristic of induced γ T/α 2 interface. During deformation the γ T/α 2 interface presents a stepped structure and the γ/α 2 interface remains straight. The formation mechanism of γ T associated with misfit dislocations is proposed. 1/2[01 1¯] γ interfacial dislocation in the γ/α 2 interface can dissociate into a 1/6[ 1¯1 2¯] γ partial dislocation which glides on the ( 1¯11) γ plane and causes γ T to form.

  1. Multipulse NMR study of the lamellar mesophase of some liquid crystals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jasinski, A.; Morris, P.G.; Mansfield, P.

    1977-01-01

    Multipulse NMR techniques have been used to investigate the dynamic jproperties of cesium perfluoro-octanoate (CsPFO) and ammonium perfluoro-octanoate (APFO) + water systems, which are liquid crystals, over a wide range of temperautre and concentration. Axially symmetric fluorine chemical shift tensors have been measured for the CF 2 and CF 3 groups by performing a rotation study of an aligned sample (50% CsPFO : 50% D 2 O) at room temperature. The order parameter S in the lamellar mesophase of 72,2% CsPFO : 27,8% D 2 O and 70% APFO : 30% D 2 O has been obtained over as temperature range 20 0 C - 85 0 C by fitting the multipulse spectra. (author)

  2. Forging property, processing map, and mesoscale microstructural evolution modeling of a Ti-17 alloy with a lamellar (α+β) starting microstructure

    Science.gov (United States)

    Matsumoto, Hiroaki; Naito, Daiki; Miyoshi, Kento; Yamanaka, Kenta; Chiba, Akihiko; Yamabe-Mitarai, Yoko

    2017-12-01

    This work identifies microstructural conversion mechanisms during hot deformation (at temperatures ranging from 750 °C to 1050 °C and strain rates ranging from 10-3 s-1 to 1 s-1) of a Ti-5Al-2Sn-2Zr-4Mo-4Cr (Ti-17) alloy with a lamellar starting microstructure and establishes constitutive formulae for predicting the microstructural evolution using finite-element analysis. In the α phase, lamellae kinking is the dominant mode in the higher strain rate region and dynamic globularization frequently occurs at higher temperatures. In the β phase, continuous dynamic recrystallization is the dominant mode below the transition temperature, Tβ (880 890 °C). Dynamic recovery tends to be more active at conditions of lower strain rates and higher temperatures. At temperatures above Tβ, continuous dynamic recrystallization of the β phase frequently occurs, especially in the lower strain rate region. A set of constitutive equations modeling the microstructural evolution and processing map characteristic are established by optimizing the experimental data and were later implemented in the DEFORM-3D software package. There is a satisfactory agreement between the experimental and simulated results, indicating that the established series of constitutive models can be used to reliably predict the properties of a Ti-17 alloy after forging in the (α+β) region.

  3. Solvothermal Vapor Annealing of Lamellar Poly(styrene)-block-poly(d,l-lactide) Block Copolymer Thin Films for Directed Self-Assembly Application.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cummins, Cian; Mokarian-Tabari, Parvaneh; Andreazza, Pascal; Sinturel, Christophe; Morris, Michael A

    2016-03-01

    Solvothermal vapor annealing (STVA) was employed to induce microphase separation in a lamellar forming block copolymer (BCP) thin film containing a readily degradable block. Directed self-assembly of poly(styrene)-block-poly(d,l-lactide) (PS-b-PLA) BCP films using topographically patterned silicon nitride was demonstrated with alignment over macroscopic areas. Interestingly, we observed lamellar patterns aligned parallel as well as perpendicular (perpendicular microdomains to substrate in both cases) to the topography of the graphoepitaxial guiding patterns. PS-b-PLA BCP microphase separated with a high degree of order in an atmosphere of tetrahydrofuran (THF) at an elevated vapor pressure (at approximately 40-60 °C). Grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) measurements of PS-b-PLA films reveal the through-film uniformity of perpendicular microdomains after STVA. Perpendicular lamellar orientation was observed on both hydrophilic and relatively hydrophobic surfaces with a domain spacing (L0) of ∼32.5 nm. The rapid removal of the PLA microdomains is demonstrated using a mild basic solution for the development of a well-defined PS mask template. GISAXS data reveal the through-film uniformity is retained following wet etching. The experimental results in this article demonstrate highly oriented PS-b-PLA microdomains after a short annealing period and facile PLA removal to form porous on-chip etch masks for nanolithography application.

  4. Biaxial mechanics and inter-lamellar shearing of stem-cell seeded electrospun angle-ply laminates for annulus fibrosus tissue engineering.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Driscoll, Tristan P; Nakasone, Ryan H; Szczesny, Spencer E; Elliott, Dawn M; Mauck, Robert L

    2013-06-01

    The annulus fibrosus (AF) of the intervertebral disk plays a critical role in vertebral load transmission that is heavily dependent on the microscale structure and composition of the tissue. With degeneration, both structure and composition are compromised, resulting in a loss of AF mechanical function. Numerous tissue engineering strategies have addressed the issue of AF degeneration, but few have focused on recapitulation of AF microstructure and function. One approach that allows for generation of engineered AF with appropriate (+/-)30° lamellar microstructure is the use of aligned electrospun scaffolds seeded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and assembled into angle-ply laminates (APL). Previous work indicates that opposing lamellar orientation is necessary for development of near native uniaxial tensile properties. However, most native AF tensile loads are applied biaxially, as the disk is subjected to multi-axial loads and is constrained by its attachments to the vertebral bodies. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the biaxial mechanical response of engineered AF bilayers, and to determine the importance of opposing lamellar structure under this loading regime. Opposing bilayers, which replicate native AF structure, showed a significantly higher modulus in both testing directions compared to parallel bilayers, and reached ∼60% of native AF biaxial properties. Associated with this increase in biaxial properties, significantly less shear, and significantly higher stretch in the fiber direction, was observed. These results provide additional insight into native tissue structure-function relationships, as well as new benchmarks for engineering functional AF tissue constructs. Copyright © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society.

  5. New Development in Selective Laser Melting of Ti-6Al-4V: A Wider Processing Window for the Achievement of Fully Lamellar α + β Microstructures

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lui, E. W.; Xu, W.; Pateras, A.; Qian, M.; Brandt, M.

    2017-12-01

    Recent progress has shown that Ti-6Al-4V fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) can achieve a fully lamellar α + β microstructure using 60 µm layer thickness in the as-built state via in situ martensite decomposition by manipulating the processing parameters. The potential to broaden the processing window was explored in this study by increasing the layer thickness to the less commonly used 90 µm. Fully lamellar α + β microstructures were produced in the as-built state using inter-layer times in the range of 1-12 s. Microstructural features such as the α-lath thickness and morphology were sensitive to both build height and inter-layer time. The α-laths produced using the inter-layer time of 1 s were much coarser than those produced with the inter-layer time of 12 s. The fine fully lamellar α + β structure resulted in tensile ductility of 11% and yield strength of 980 MPa. The tensile properties can be further improved by minimizing the presence of process-induced defects.

  6. Importance of the hexagonal lipid phase in biological membrane organization

    OpenAIRE

    Jouhet, Juliette

    2013-01-01

    Domains are present in every natural membrane. They are characterized by a distinctive protein and/or lipid composition. Their size is highly variable from the nano- to the micrometer scale. The domains confer specific properties to the membrane leading to original structure and function. The determinants leading to domain organization are therefore important but remain obscure. This review presents how the ability of lipids to organize into hexagonal II or lamellar phases can promote particu...

  7. Phase transformation cycle β→ α′ + α + α"→ β in Ti6Al4V alloy

    CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

    Mutombo, K

    2015-07-01

    Full Text Available The ß-phase transforms to a', a and a" within a range of temperature from the ß-transus (Tß) to about 600oC, considering no external stress is applied. Two types of microstructure were obtained: acicular martensite when rapidly cooled and lamellar a/ß...

  8. Phase behavior of model ABC triblock copolymers

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chatterjee, Joon

    The phase behavior of poly(isoprene-b-styrene- b-ethylene oxide) (ISO), a model ABC triblock copolymer has been studied. This class of materials exhibit self-assembly, forming a large array of ordered morphologies at length scales of 5-100 nm. The formation of stable three-dimensionally continuous network morphologies is of special interest in this study. Since these nanostructures considerably impact the material properties, fundamental knowledge for designing ABC systems have high technological importance for realizing applications in the areas of nanofabrication, nanoporous media, separation membranes, drug delivery and high surface area catalysts. A comprehensive framework was developed to describe the phase behavior of the ISO triblock copolymers at weak to intermediate segregation strengths spanning a wide range of composition. Phases were characterized through a combination of characterization techniques, including small angle x-ray scattering, dynamic mechanical spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and birefringence measurements. Combined with previous investigations on ISO, six different stable ordered state symmetries have been identified: lamellae (LAM), Fddd orthorhombic network (O70), double gyroid (Q230), alternating gyroid (Q214), hexagonal (HEX), and body-centered cubic (BCC). The phase map was found to be somewhat asymmetric around the fI = fO isopleth. This work provides a guide for theoretical studies and gives insight into the intricate effects of various parameters on the self-assembly of ABC triblock copolymers. Experimental SAXS data evaluated with a simple scattering intensity model show that local mixing varies continuously across the phase map between states of two- and three-domain segregation. Strategies of blending homopolymers with ISO triblock copolymer were employed for studying the swelling properties of a lamellar state. Results demonstrate that lamellar domains swell or shrink depending upon the type of homopolymer that

  9. Study of crack propagation mechanisms during Charpy impact toughness tests on both equiaxed and lamellar microstructures of Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Buirette, Christophe, E-mail: christophe.buirette@ensiacet.fr [Institut Carnot CIRIMAT, ENSIACET, 4 allée Emile Monso, 31030 Toulouse (France); Huez, Julitte, E-mail: julitte.huez@ensiacet.fr [Institut Carnot CIRIMAT, ENSIACET, 4 allée Emile Monso, 31030 Toulouse (France); Gey, Nathalie, E-mail: Nathalie.gey@univ-lorraine.fr [Laboratoire d’Etude des Microstructures et de Mécanique des Matériaux (LEM3), UMR CNRS 7239, Université de Lorraine, Île du Saulcy, 57045 METZ Cedex 1 (France); DAMAS, Laboratory of Excellence on Design of Alloy Metals for Low-Mass Structures, Université de Lorraine (France); Vassel, Alain, E-mail: alain.vassel@titane.asso.fr [Association Française du Titane, 16 quai Ernest Renaud, BP 70515, 44105 Nantes Cedex 4 (France); Andrieu, Eric, E-mail: eric.andrieu@ensiacet.fr [Institut Carnot CIRIMAT, ENSIACET, 4 allée Emile Monso, 31030 Toulouse (France)

    2014-11-17

    The impact toughness of two highly textured rolled plates of Ti–6Al–4V alloy with an α equiaxed and an α lamellar microstructures has been investigated. The results show a strong anisotropy of the fracture energy for both materials and underline that a coincidence of the prismatic planes with the shear bands at the notch tip is favorable for higher fracture energies. Moreover, it is pointed out, as it was already done by previous studies, that the α lamellar microstructure presents higher fracture energy than the α equiaxed one. Thanks to electron back scattering diffraction, and tensile tests, local microstructure heterogeneities, called macrozones, have been observed and characterized. Their size depends on microstructure element and is larger for α lamellar microstructure than for the α equiaxed. High strain is localized on the macrozones favorably oriented for prismatic slip with respect to the direction of impact and leads to a particular dimple free zone on the fracture surface. The contribution of these macrozones in the fracture behavior, and more precisely on the crack propagation rate was evaluated; thus the effects of the macroscopic texture and of the microstructure element on the impact toughness are discussed separately.

  10. Zero-charged catanionic lamellar liquid crystals doped with fullerene C60 for potential applications in tribology.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Mengjun; Liu, Baoyong; Wang, Xiaolin; Fu, Yanxu; Hao, Jingcheng; Li, Hongguang

    2017-09-20

    The formation of lamellar liquid crystals (LLCs) has been demonstrated in a few salt-free catanionic surfactant systems and their properties have been well documented. However, examples of their combination with other materials are relatively rare. Herein, a salt-free zero-charged catanionic surfactant with low chain melting temperature was prepared by mixing equimolar tetradecyltrimethylammonium oxide (TTAOH) and oleic acid (OA) in water, and its concentration-dependent aggregate transition was investigated. In the dilute region (c TTAO ≤ 5 wt%), fluorescence microscopy observations revealed the formation of vesicles (the L αv phase). Further increasing c TTAO induced a transition from the L αv phase to LLCs via a region where vesicles and lamellae coexist. With ordered hydrophobic domains, the LLCs can be used as hosts for the doping of fullerene C 60 (refers to C 60 hereafter) with the highest C 60 /TTAO weight ratio of 0.04. The doping of C 60 effectively improves the viscoelasticity of the LLCs confirmed by rheological characterization while only slight modifications on their matrixes have been detected using small angle X-ray scattering measurements. The LLC/C 60 hybrids with c TTAO = 80 wt% were then subjected to tribological measurements, and an obvious reduction in their friction coefficients and wear volumes was observed. The C 60 /TTAO weight ratio at which the best tribological performance appears was determined to be 0.01. Our results indicate that the combination of C 60 and catanionic LLCs could lead to the appearance of a new generation of environmentally-benign lubricants.

  11. Theory of melt polyelectrolyte blends and block copolymers: Phase behavior, surface tension, and microphase periodicity

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sing, Charles E. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208 (United States); Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801 (United States); Zwanikken, Jos W.; Olvera de la Cruz, Monica [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208 (United States)

    2015-01-21

    Polymer mixtures such as blends or block copolymers are of great interest in energy applications and functional materials, and often, one or more of these species contain charges. The traditional fashion in which such materials are studied uses Self-Consistent Field Theory (SCFT) methods that incorporate electrostatics using Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) theory. We adapt a new and rigorous approach that does not rely on the mean-field assumptions inherent in the PB theory and instead uses Liquid State (LS) integral equation theory to articulate charge correlations that are completely neglected in PB. We use this theory to calculate phase diagrams for both blends and block copolyelectrolytes using SCFT-LS and demonstrate how their phase behavior is highly dependent on chain length, charge fraction, charge size, and the strength of Coulombic interactions. Beyond providing phase behavior of blends and block copolyelectrolytes, we can use this theory to investigate the interfacial properties such as surface tension and block copolyelectrolyte lamellar spacing. Lamellar spacing provides a way to directly compare the SCFT-LS theory to the results of experiments. SCFT-LS will provide conceptual and mathematical clarification of the role of charge correlations in these systems and aid in the design of materials based on charge polymers.

  12. Theory of melt polyelectrolyte blends and block copolymers: Phase behavior, surface tension, and microphase periodicity

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sing, Charles E.; Zwanikken, Jos W.; Olvera de la Cruz, Monica

    2015-01-01

    Polymer mixtures such as blends or block copolymers are of great interest in energy applications and functional materials, and often, one or more of these species contain charges. The traditional fashion in which such materials are studied uses Self-Consistent Field Theory (SCFT) methods that incorporate electrostatics using Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) theory. We adapt a new and rigorous approach that does not rely on the mean-field assumptions inherent in the PB theory and instead uses Liquid State (LS) integral equation theory to articulate charge correlations that are completely neglected in PB. We use this theory to calculate phase diagrams for both blends and block copolyelectrolytes using SCFT-LS and demonstrate how their phase behavior is highly dependent on chain length, charge fraction, charge size, and the strength of Coulombic interactions. Beyond providing phase behavior of blends and block copolyelectrolytes, we can use this theory to investigate the interfacial properties such as surface tension and block copolyelectrolyte lamellar spacing. Lamellar spacing provides a way to directly compare the SCFT-LS theory to the results of experiments. SCFT-LS will provide conceptual and mathematical clarification of the role of charge correlations in these systems and aid in the design of materials based on charge polymers

  13. CST simulations of THz Smith–Purcell radiation from a lamellar grating with vacuum gaps

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lekomtsev, K.; Karataev, P.; Tishchenko, A.A.; Urakawa, J.

    2015-01-01

    Smith–Purcell radiation (SPR) from a lamellar grating with vacuum gaps was calculated using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Particle In Cell (PIC) solver. The shapes of the radiation distributions were compared with those of Resonant Diffraction Radiation theory. Study of calculation domain meshing was performed. Influence of a transverse bunch size on the calculation accuracy and an SPR intensity distribution was investigated. Dependencies of the SPR yield on Lorentz factor and grating strip depth were calculated and compared with previously reported theoretical and experimental studies

  14. The Evolution of Splint Armour in Georgia and Byzantium: Lamellar and Scale Armour in the 10th-12th Centuries

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mamuka TSURTSUMIA

    2011-10-01

    Full Text Available Byzantine technology was part of the military technology that existed in vast areas of Eurasia; hence study of the armament of its neighbours is important.The purpose of the present paper is to add new data about Byzantium’s Caucasian neighbour (namely, Georgia. Besides that, it also includes certain views about the stages of the evolution and provenance of splint (scale and lamellar armour. This paper also attempts to clarify the difference between banded and linear suits of lamellar armour.There is no doubt that the Byzantine military machine exercised considerable influence on its neighbours, though an opposite phenomenon can also be noticed. The article shows that changes in armour were taking place almost simultaneously in the Byzantine Empire and the Georgian kingdoms and that some of the types of armour that were widespread in Byzantium may have originated in Georgia.

  15. A comparison study of rhodamine B photodegradation over nitrogen-doped lamellar niobic acid and titanic acid under visible-light irradiation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Xiukai; Kikugawa, Naoki; Ye, Jinhua

    2009-01-01

    A solid-state reaction method with urea as a nitrogen precursor was used to prepare nitrogen-doped lamellar niobic and titanic solid acids (i.e., HNb(3)O(8) and H(2)Ti(4)O(9)) with different acidities for visible-light photocatalysis. The photocatalytic activities of the nitrogen-doped solid acids were evaluated for rhodamine B (RhB) degradation and the results were compared with those obtained over the corresponding nitrogen-doped potassium salts. Techniques such as XRD, BET, SEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were adopted to explore the nature of the materials as well as the characteristics of the doped nitrogen species. It was found that the intercalation of the urea precursor helped to stabilize the layered structures of both lamellar solid acids and enabled easier nitrogen doping. The effects of urea intercalation were more significant for the more acidic HNb(3)O(8) sample than for the less acidic H(2)Ti(4)O(9). Compared with the nitrogen-doped KNb(3)O(8) and K(2)Ti(4)O(9) samples, the nitrogen-doped HNb(3)O(8) and H(2)Ti(4)O(9) solid acids absorb more visible light and exhibit a superior activity for RhB photodegradation under visible-light irradiation. The nitrogen-doped HNb(3)O(8) sample performed the best among all the samples. The results of the current study suggest that the protonic acidity of the lamellar solid-acid sample is a key factor that influences nitrogen doping and the resultant visible-light photocatalysis.

  16. Epiretinal proliferation in lamellar macular holes and full-thickness macular holes: clinical and surgical findings.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lai, Tso-Ting; Chen, San-Ni; Yang, Chung-May

    2016-04-01

    To report the clinical findings and surgical outcomes of lamellar macular holes (LMH) with or without lamellar hole-associated epiretinal proliferation (LHEP), and those of full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) presenting with LHEP. From 2009 to 2013, consecutive cases of surgically treated LMH, and all FTMH cases with LHEP were reviewed, given a follow-up time over 1 year. In the LMH group (43 cases), those with LHEP (19 cases) had significantly thinner bases and larger openings than those without (24 cases). The rate of disrupted IS/OS line was higher in the LHEP subgroup preoperatively (68.4 % vs 37.5 %), but similar between subgroups postoperatively (36.8 % and 33.3 %). The preoperative and postoperative visual acuity showed no significant difference between two subgroups. In the FTMH group (13 cases), the average hole size was 219.2 ± 92.1 μm. Permanent or transient spontaneous hole closure was noted in 69.2 % of cases. An intact IS-OS line was found in only 23 % of cases at the final follow-up. In the LMH group, LHEP was associated with a more severe defect but didn't affect surgical outcomes. In the FTMH group, spontaneous hole closure was frequently noted. Despite small holes, disruption of IS-OS line was common after hole closure.

  17. Influence of Proton and Salt Concentration on the Chromonic Liquid Crystal Phase Diagram of Disodium Cromoglycate Solutions: Prospects and Limitations of a Host for DNA Nanostructures.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Bingru; Kitzerow, Heinz-S

    2016-03-31

    Lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals have recently been suggested for use as a self-organized host for dispersing and aligning self-organized DNA origami nanostructures. However, an appropriate pH value and a suitable cation concentration are necessary to stabilize such nanostructures and to avoid unfolding of the DNA. The present study shows that the nematic and columnar liquid crystal phases appearing in aqueous solutions of disodium cromoglycate are robust against the replacement of deionized water by a neutral or alkaline buffer solution. However, disodium cromoglycate precipitates when an acidic buffer is used or when the concentration of magnesium cations exceeds a critical concentration of about 0.6-0.7 mmol/L.

  18. A case of acute postoperative keratitis after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty by multidrug resistant Klebsiella

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Leena Bajracharya

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available A healthy lady of 42 years underwent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for granular dystrophy. The very next day, it was complicated by development of infectious keratitis. The organism was identified as multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Donor corneal button may be implicated in the transmission of infection in an otherwise uneventful surgery and follow-up. Nosocomial infections are usually severe, rapidly progressive and difficult to treat. Finally, the lady had to undergo therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty for complete resolution of infection.

  19. Neutron diffraction on polymorphic phases of phospholipids

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Adachi, Tomohiro; Furusaka, Michihiro; Otomo, Toshiya; Hatta, Ichiro

    2001-01-01

    Small angle neutron diffraction experiments were performed in DPPC and DPPC/cholesterol systems. We investigated the DPPC-d62 bilayers without cholesterol and the DPPC-d75 bilayers with 5 and 15 mol% cholesterol. For DPPC-d62 systems, in the gel and fluid phase, the reflections up to third order from lamellar structure were observed. Scattering length density profiles of these systems were generated. They show that the packing density of hydrocarbon chain in gel phase is higher than in fluid phase. We show that the neutron diffraction experiment is effective on observing the packing and the scattering length density of the hydrocarbon chain. On the other hand, for DPPC-d75/cholesterol systems, only the reflection from the ripple structure was observed. It shows that cholesterol is periodically localized in accordance with ripple structure forming a periodic bandlike structure parallel to a ridge of the ripple structure. (author)

  20. Microkeratome-assisted lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus: stromal sandwich.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bilgihan, Kamil; Ozdek, Sengül C; Sari, Ayça; Hasanreisoglu, Berati

    2003-07-01

    To evaluate microkeratome-assisted lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of keratoconus when it is not possible to correct the astigmatic ametropia with contact lenses. Ophthalmology Department, School of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. This prospective study comprised 9 eyes of 7 keratoconus patients with contact lens intolerance. The donor cornea was prepared with a microkeratome and punched with a 7.25 mm or 7.50 mm trephine. Following the creation of a standard 9.0 mm corneal flap in the host cornea, the donor stromal button was implanted under this corneal flap like a sandwich. Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy or laser in situ keratomileusis was performed when the corneal topography and refraction stabilized by the end of the sixth postoperative month. Follow-up ranged from 7 to 22 months. All patients gained 5 or more lines (mean 7.2 lines +/- 1.6 [SD]), and no patient lost a line of vision. The mean corneal thickness was 432.7 +/- 36.1 micrometers preoperatively and 578.1 +/- 45.1 micrometers after refractive surgery. The early visual results of this surgical technique are promising and seem to be comparable to those with penetrating keratoplasty.

  1. Lamellar ichthyosis maps to chromosome 14q11

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Russell, L.J.; Compton, J.G.; Bale, S.J. [and others

    1994-09-01

    Lamellar ichthyosis (LI) is a serious skin disorder inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and characterized by large, brown plate-like scales covering the body. Skin involvement is apparent at birth, often as a collodion membrane. Scarring alopecia, ectropion, and secondary hypohidrosis are frequent. We used a panel of candidates genes that are expressed in the epidermis to study seven multiplex Caucasian families in the U.S. and six inbred (multiplex and simplex) families in Egypt. We find no recombination (Z=9.11 at {theta}=0) in either set of families with transglutaminse 1 (TGM1), the gene encoding the enzyme responsible for cross-linking proteins to the cell envelope in the upper-most layer of the epidermis. In addition, striking homozygosity is observed in the inbred families for markers neighboring TGM1, defining a 9.3 cM candidate region which is bounded by MYH7 and D14S275. This is the first report of linkage in LI and suggests that further study of the TGM1 gene may identify the underlying pathogenesis of this severe, disfiguring disorder. Linkage-based genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis is now available for informative at-risk families.

  2. Early byzantine lamellar armour from Carthago Spartaria (Cartagena, Spain

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vizcaíno Sánchez, Jaime

    2008-12-01

    Full Text Available This article presents an Early Byzantine lamellar armour, retrieved in the excavations at the quarter built over the Roman Theatre of Cartagena. The armour has close parallels with contemporary known material from the central and eastern Mediterranean or other sites, and it is an important find which increases the body of archeological evidence about Byzantine presence in Spania.

    Este artículo presenta una coraza laminar protobizantina hallada en las excavaciones del barrio construido sobre el teatro romano de Cartagena. La coraza tiene estrechos paralelos con materiales contemporáneos del Mediterráneo Central y Oriental u otros lugares, y es un importante hallazgo que incrementa la nómina de evidencias arqueológicas acerca de la presencia bizantina en Spania.

  3. Laser-induced microstructural development and phase evolution in magnesium alloy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Guan, Y.C.; Zhou, W.; Li, Z.L.; Zheng, H.Y.

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • Secondary phase evolution caused by laser processing was firstly reported. • Microstructure development was controlled by heat flow thermodynamics and kinetics. • Solid-state transformation resulted in submicron and nano-scale precipitates. • Cluster-shaped particles in overlapped region were due to precipitation coarsening. • Properties of materials can be tailored selectively by laser processing. -- Abstract: Secondary phase plays an important role in determining microstructures and properties of magnesium alloys. This paper focuses on laser-induced microstructure development and secondary phase evolution in AZ91D Mg alloy studied by SEM, TEM and EDS analyses. Compared to bulk shape and lamellar structure of the secondary phase in as-received cast material, rapid-solidified microstructures with various morphologies including nano-precipitates were observed in laser melt zone. Formation mechanisms of microstructural evolution and effect of phase development on surface properties were further discussed

  4. Tunable Photonic Band Gap of PS-b-P2VP Lamellar Film Using Metal Ions and pH Gradation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Baek, Young-Bin; Choi, Soo-Hyung; Shin, Dong-Myung

    2015-02-01

    Optical properties of photonic crystal film were investigated by tuning photonic band gap (PBG). The lamellar-forming photonic films were prepared by nearly symmetric poly(styrene-b-2-vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) block copolymers. Molecular weight of PS block and P2VP block is 52 kg/mol, and 57 kg/mol, respectively. When submerged in water, the lamellar films were swollen and show Bragg reflection in visible light region. We observed that the reflection color can be tuned by ion concentration (e.g., hydrogen or metal ion) in water. The higher concentration of hydrogen ion in solution, the longer reflectance wavelength shifted (from 537 nm to 743 nm). In addition, max-reflectance wavelength is dependent on both metal ion and the concentration. The max-reflectance wavelength is shifted from 653 nm (i.e., in water without ion) to 430 nm, 465 nm, and 505 nm for 120 mM of Ca2+, Fe2+, and Cu2+, respectively. Therefore, we can control the photonic band gap of photonic devices by changing the condition of swelling solution.

  5. Quantitative Comparison of Ternary Eutectic Phase-Field Simulations with Analytical 3D Jackson-Hunt Approaches

    Science.gov (United States)

    Steinmetz, Philipp; Kellner, Michael; Hötzer, Johannes; Nestler, Britta

    2018-02-01

    For the analytical description of the relationship between undercoolings, lamellar spacings and growth velocities during the directional solidification of ternary eutectics in 2D and 3D, different extensions based on the theory of Jackson and Hunt are reported in the literature. Besides analytical approaches, the phase-field method has been established to study the spatially complex microstructure evolution during the solidification of eutectic alloys. The understanding of the fundamental mechanisms controlling the morphology development in multiphase, multicomponent systems is of high interest. For this purpose, a comparison is made between the analytical extensions and three-dimensional phase-field simulations of directional solidification in an ideal ternary eutectic system. Based on the observed accordance in two-dimensional validation cases, the experimentally reported, inherently three-dimensional chain-like pattern is investigated in extensive simulation studies. The results are quantitatively compared with the analytical results reported in the literature, and with a newly derived approach which uses equal undercoolings. A good accordance of the undercooling-spacing characteristics between simulations and the analytical Jackson-Hunt apporaches are found. The results show that the applied phase-field model, which is based on the Grand potential approach, is able to describe the analytically predicted relationship between the undercooling and the lamellar arrangements during the directional solidification of a ternary eutectic system in 3D.

  6. CuInS[sub 2] with lamellar morphology; 2: Photoelectrochemical behavior of heterogeneous material

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Cattarin, S. (Inst. di Polarografia ed Elettrochimica Preparativa del C.N.R., Padova (Italy)); Guerriero, P. (Inst. di Chimica e Tecnologie Inorganiche e dei Materiali Avanzati del C.N.R., Padova (Italy)); Razzini, G. (Applicata del Politecnico di Milano (Italy). Dipt. di Chimica Fisica); Lewerenz, H.J. (Hahn-Meitner-Inst., Berlin (Germany))

    1994-05-01

    Lamellar CuInS[sub 2] material grown in a steep temperature gradient shows heterogeneous composition and complex photoeffects. Besides predominant n-type behavior, the electrode surface has areas with intrinsic or p-type conductivity, the latter usually corresponding to indium-rich regions. An inverted (cathodic) photocurrent is observed at n-type electrodes polarized under accumulation conditions. Both spectral dependence, with a pronounced peak for energies around the bandgap, and quantum yields > 1 suggest that these photoeffects originate from photoconductivity phenomena in the crystal bulk. Variability in electronic properties limits the average performance of the material in solar cells.

  7. Simultaneous topography-guided PRK followed by corneal collagen cross-linking after lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Spadea, Leopoldo; Paroli, Marino

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to report the results of using combined treatment of customized excimer laser-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and prophylactic corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for residual refractive error in a group of patients who had previously undergone lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus. The study included 14 eyes from 14 patients who had originally been treated for keratoconus in one eye by excimer laser-assisted lamellar keratoplasty (ELLK), and subsequently presented with residual ametropia (-6.11 D ± 2.48, range -2.50 to -9.50). After a mean 40.1 ± 12.4 months since ELLK they underwent combined simultaneous corneal regularization treatment with topographically guided transepithelial excimer laser PRK (central corneal regularization) and corneal CXL induced by riboflavin-ultraviolet A. After a mean 15 ± 6.5 (range 6-24) months, all eyes gained at least one Snellen line of uncorrected distance visual acuity (range 1-10). No patient lost lines of corrected distance visual acuity, and four patients gained three lines of corrected distance visual acuity. Mean manifest refractive spherical equivalent was -0.79 ± 2.09 (range +1 to -3.0) D, and topographic keratometric astigmatism was 5.02 ± 2.93 (range 0.8-8.9) D. All the corneas remained clear (haze PRK and corneal CXL provided safe and effective results in the management of corneal regularization for refractive purposes after ELLK for keratoconus.

  8. Fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) Induces Lamellar Separation and Alters Sphingolipid Metabolism of In Vitro Cultured Hoof Explants.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Reisinger, Nicole; Dohnal, Ilse; Nagl, Veronika; Schaumberger, Simone; Schatzmayr, Gerd; Mayer, Elisabeth

    2016-03-24

    One of the most important hoof diseases is laminitis. Yet, the pathology of laminitis is not fully understood. Different bacterial toxins, e.g. endotoxins or exotoxins, seem to play an important role. Additionally, ingestion of mycotoxins, toxic secondary metabolites of fungi, might contribute to the onset of laminitis. In this respect, fumonsins are of special interest since horses are regarded as species most susceptible to this group of mycotoxins. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) on primary isolated epidermal and dermal hoof cells, as well as on the lamellar tissue integrity and sphingolipid metabolism of hoof explants in vitro. There was no effect of FB₁ at any concentration on dermal or epidermal cells. However, FB₁ significantly reduced the separation force of explants after 24 h of incubation. The Sa/So ratio was significantly increased in supernatants of explants incubated with FB₁ (2.5-10 µg/mL) after 24 h. Observed effects on Sa/So ratio were linked to significantly increased sphinganine concentrations. Our study showed that FB₁ impairs the sphingolipid metabolism of explants and reduces lamellar integrity at non-cytotoxic concentrations. FB₁ might, therefore, affect hoof health. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to elucidate the effects of FB₁ on the equine hoof in more detail.

  9. Nonequilibrium phase transitions, fluctuations and correlations in an active contractile polar fluid.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gowrishankar, Kripa; Rao, Madan

    2016-02-21

    We study the patterning, fluctuations and correlations of an active polar fluid consisting of contractile polar filaments on a two-dimensional substrate, using a hydrodynamic description. The steady states generically consist of arrays of inward pointing asters and show a continuous transition from a moving lamellar phase, a moving aster street, to a stationary aster lattice with no net polar order. We next study the effect of spatio-temporal athermal noise, parametrized by an active temperature TA, on the stability of the ordered phases. In contrast to its equilibrium counterpart, we find that the active crystal shows true long range order at low TA. On increasing TA, the asters dynamically remodel, concomitantly we find novel phase transitions characterized by bond-orientational and polar order upon "heating".

  10. Phase diagram of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) + water + octanol system with application of mechanical deformation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yavuz, Aykut Evren; Masalci, Özgür; Kazanci, Nadide

    2014-11-01

    Morphological properties of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) + water + octanol system in different concentrations have been studied. In the process, isotropic phase (L1) and nematic calamitic (NC), nematic discotic (ND), hexagonal E and lamellar D anizotropic mesophases have been determined by polarizing microscopy method and partial ternary phase diagram of the system set up. Textural properties of the anisotropic mesophases of the system have been discussed and their birefringence values measured. Mechanical deformation has been applied to the mesophases. The textural properties and the birefringence values have been observed to be changed by the deformation, after and before which changes have been compared.

  11. The effect of heat treatment variables on the phase transformations at 1,420 C in Ti-48Al and Ti-48Al-2Mn-2Nb alloys

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ramanujan, R.V.

    1995-01-01

    The effect of heat treatment variables such as initial microstructure, isothermal reaction time and cooling rate on the phase transformations occurring at 1,420 C in Ti-48Al and Ti-48Al-2Mn-2Nb alloys was studied. The main effect of the initial microstructure, which comprised either lamellae of α 2 and γ or equiaxed γ grains, was to alter the kinetics, through a change in the chemical driving force of the phase transformations. Therefore, the equiaxed γ grains transformed to α much faster than the lamellar structure and in the initially lamellar structure, growth of α resulted in the delineation of the initial dendritic structure formed during solidification. The effect of the rate of cooling from the heat treatment temperature on the final morphology of these alloys was drastic and resulted in a change in morphology from lamellar grains obtained on furnace cooling to a feathery and mottled morphology obtained on water quenching. TEM analysis of water quenched Ti-48Al-2Mn-2Nb revealed complex morphologies including a structure which consisted of equiaxed γ grains and residual α 2 and abutting colonies of γ and α 2 . Based on the TEM results, the early stages of formation of γ from α were studied and mechanisms of nucleation and growth discussed. The relative importance and the coexistence of massive and martensitic transformation products is also discussed

  12. The Effect of Electroporation of a Lyotroic Liquid Crystal Genistein-Based Formulation in the Recovery of Murine Melanoma Lesions.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Danciu, Corina; Berkó, Szilvia; Varju, Gábor; Balázs, Boglárka; Kemény, Lajos; Németh, István Balázs; Cioca, Andreea; Petruș, Alexandra; Dehelean, Cristina; Cosmin, Citu Ioan; Amaricai, Elena; Toma, Claudia Crina

    2015-07-08

    A lamellar lyotropic liquid crystal genistein-based formulation (LLC-Gen) was prepared in order to increase the aqueous solubility of the lipophilic phytocompound genistein. The formulation was applied locally, in a murine model of melanoma, with or without electroporation. The results demonstrated that, when the formulation was applied by electroporation, the tumors appeared later. During the 21 days of the experiment, the LLC-Gen formulation decreased the tumor volume, the amount of melanin and the degree of erythema, but when electroporation was applied, all these parameters indicated a better prognosis even (lower tumor volume, amount of melanin and degree of erythema). Although hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining confirmed the above events, application of the LLC-Gen formulation by electroporation did not lead to a significant effect in terms of the serum concentrations of the protein S100B and serum neuron specific enolase (NSE), or the tissue expression of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) antibody.

  13. The Effect of Electroporation of a Lyotroic Liquid Crystal Genistein-Based Formulation in the Recovery of Murine Melanoma Lesions

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Corina Danciu

    2015-07-01

    Full Text Available A lamellar lyotropic liquid crystal genistein-based formulation (LLC-Gen was prepared in order to increase the aqueous solubility of the lipophilic phytocompound genistein. The formulation was applied locally, in a murine model of melanoma, with or without electroporation. The results demonstrated that, when the formulation was applied by electroporation, the tumors appeared later. During the 21 days of the experiment, the LLC-Gen formulation decreased the tumor volume, the amount of melanin and the degree of erythema, but when electroporation was applied, all these parameters indicated a better prognosis even (lower tumor volume, amount of melanin and degree of erythema. Although hematoxylin–eosin (HE staining confirmed the above events, application of the LLC-Gen formulation by electroporation did not lead to a significant effect in terms of the serum concentrations of the protein S100B and serum neuron specific enolase (NSE, or the tissue expression of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ antibody.

  14. Nematic phase formation in suspensions of graphene oxide

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fresneau, Nathalie; Campidelli, Stéphane

    The last decade has seen the rise of graphene. Graphene is a single layer of graphite; it can be obtained by direct liquid phase exfoliation of the latter through harsh sonication. This technique presents the disadvantage to produce small graphene flakes (typically in the 0.05 to 0.4 μm2 range for the monolayers) and multilayer graphene with uncontrolled thickness distributions. In order to improve the exfoliation process, one has to counter the strong van der Waals interactions between the carbon planes of graphite. This implies to increase the distance between two planes and it can be done, for example, by oxidizing graphite to introduce oxygen species in the graphenic planes. The fabrication of graphite oxide is known for almost 150 years, and it became popular again these last ten years. Generally, the oxidation of graphite is performed following a method described by Hummers in the 1950's and the material produced by this technique exfoliates quasi-spontaneously into monolayer species called graphene oxide (GO). The highly anisotropic shape of GO (several μm in length and width for a thickness of ca. 1 nm) combined with the presence of oxygenated functions on the sp2 carbon structure of graphene lead to the formation of a lyotropic liquid crystalline phase in water. Above a certain concentration of graphene flakes the gain in translational entropy for a long-range ordered phase outweighs the loss in rotational entropy, and the liquid crystal phase then forms. The value of the threshold is affected by the aspect ratio of the graphene flakes but other factors such as the interactions also play a strong role.

  15. Investigation of phase transformations of U2.5Zr7.5Nb and U3Zr9Nb alloys aging at 600 deg C

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cantagalli, Natalia Mattar; Tanure, Leandro Paulo de Almeida Reis; Braga, Daniel Martins; Santos, Ana Maria Matildes dos; Ferraz, Wilmar Barbosa

    2009-01-01

    Investigation has been made of the effects of high-temperature aging (600 deg C) on the phase transformations in the U2.5Zr7.5Nb and U3Zr9Nb alloys. These alloys have been produced with vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnace in cast ingots. The ingots were homogenized at 1000 deg C for 24 hours in vacuum of -4 torr, and cooled to room temperature at a rate of 3 deg C/min. Specimens from these homogeneous materials, cut in 3 mm high and 10 mm diameter, were reheated to γ phase at 850 deg C, for 1 hour, and aging at 600 deg C at different times from 0.5 to 24 hours. The phases decomposition were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), metallographic, micro-probe analyze by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and microhardness methods. It was verified that the decomposition of the δ phase proceeds in two steps. The first is a discontinuous precipitation of a lamellar two-phase aggregate composed of alpha solid solution and a metastable gamma phase. The metastable gamma phase has a constant composition at given temperature. After longer annealing, it decomposes eutectoidally into the equilibrium (α + δ 2 ) phases mixture. During this process a modification of the original lamellar microstructure takes place. The obtained metastable phases of these alloys of different compositions were analyzed in relation to their constitution, heat treatability and micrographic features and the results confronted with available distinct uranium alloys data from literature. (author)

  16. Diffuse lamellar keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis with the Moria LSK-One and Carriazo-Barraquer microkeratomes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Thammano, Pavika; Rana, Azhar N; Talamo, Jonathan H

    2003-10-01

    To assess risk factors for and incidence of diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) and to investigate whether microkeratome design is associated with the incidence of DLK. The Laser Eye Consultants of Boston, Boston and Waltham, Massachusetts, USA. In a retrospective nonrandomized comparative study, 1122 consecutive primary laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) treatments (584 patients) were analyzed to determine the incidence of DLK using 2 different microkeratome designs (Moria LSK-One [LSK] and Moria Carriazo-Barraquer [C-B]). The incidence of DLK was as determined by clinical signs. The overall incidence of DLK was 2.23%. The incidence in the LSK and C-B groups was 1.09% and 4.38%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference in incidence between the 2 groups (P<.01). Epithelial irregularities increased the risk for DLK. There was no significant statistical difference in sex, age, operating room location, type of laser, or time of day the surgery was performed between the 2 groups or between eyes that had DLK and eyes without DLK. The incidence of DLK using the C-B microkeratome fell significantly after May 2000, when new cleaning methods for this device were introduced. Different microkeratomes and how they are maintained may influence the incidence of DLK. Diffuse lamellar keratitis is more common after LASIK in a setting of epithelial irregularities, whether or not an actual epithelial defect is created.

  17. The long periodicity phase (LPP) controversy part I: The influence of a natural-like ratio of the CER[EOS] analogue [EOS]-br in a CER[NP]/[AP] based stratum corneum modelling system: A neutron diffraction study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schmitt, Thomas; Lange, Stefan; Sonnenberger, Stefan; Dobner, Bodo; Demé, Bruno; Langner, Andreas; Neubert, Reinhard H H

    2018-06-18

    This study used neutron diffraction to investigate a ceramide-[NP] C24/[AP] C24 /[EOS]-br C30/cholesterol/lignoceric acid (0.6: 0.3: 0.1: 0.7: 1) based stratum corneum modelling system. By adding specifically deuterated ceramides-[NP]-D 3 , [AP]-D 3 , and [EOS]-br-D 3 , detailed information on the lamellar and the nanostructure of the system was obtained. For the short periodicity phase a natural-like lamellar repeat distance of 5.47 ± 0.02 nm was observed, similar to the [NP]/[AP] base system without the [EOS]-br. Unlike in this system the ceramides here were slightly tilted, hinting towards a slightly less natural arrangement. Due to the deuteration it was possible to observe that the long ceramide chains were overlapping in the lamellar mid-plane. This is considered to be an important feature for the natural stratum corneum. Despite the presence of a ceramide [EOS] analogue - able to form a long phase arrangement - no distinct long periodicity phase was formed, despite a slightly higher than natural ω-acyl ceramide ratio of 10 mol%. The deuterated variant of this ceramide determined that the very long ceramide was integrated into the short periodicity phase, spanning multiple layers instead. The - compared to the base system - unchanged repeat distance highlights the stability of this structure. Furthermore, the localisation of the very long ceramide in the short periodicity phase indicates the possibility of a crosslinking effect and thus a multilayer stabilizing role for the ceramide [EOS]. It can be concluded, that additionally to the mere presence of ceramide-[EOS] more complex conditions have to be met in order to form this long phase. This has to be further investigated in the future. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Formation of lamellar cross bridges in the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc is a consequence of vascular regression.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Smith, Lachlan J; Elliott, Dawn M

    2011-05-01

    Cross bridges are radial structures within the highly organized lamellar structure of the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc that connect two or more non-consecutive lamellae. Their origin and function are unknown. During fetal development, blood vessels penetrate deep within the AF and recede during postnatal growth. We hypothesized that cross bridges are the pathways left by these receding blood vessels. Initially, the presence of cross bridges was confirmed in cadaveric human discs aged 25 and 53 years. Next, L1-L2 intervertebral discs (n=4) from sheep ranging in age from 75 days fetal gestation to adult were processed for paraffin histology. Mid-sagittal sections were immunostained for endothelial cell marker PECAM-1. The anterior and posterior AF were imaged using differential interference contrast microscopy, and the following parameters were quantified: total number of distinct lamellae, total number of cross bridges, percentage of cross bridges staining positive for PECAM-1, cross bridge penetration depth (% total lamellae), and PECAM-1 positive cross bridge penetration depth. Cross bridges were first observed at 100 days fetal gestation. The overall number peaked in neonates then remained relatively unchanged. The percentage of PECAM-1 positive cross bridges declined progressively from almost 100% at 100 days gestation to less than 10% in adults. Cross bridge penetration depth peaked in neonates then remained unchanged at subsequent ages. Depth of PECAM-1 positive cross bridges decreased progressively after birth. Findings were similar for both the anterior and posterior. The AF lamellar architecture is established early in development. It later becomes disrupted as a consequence of vascularization. Blood vessels then recede, perhaps due to increasing mechanical stresses in the surrounding matrix. In this study we present evidence that the pathways left by receding blood vessels remain as lamellar cross bridges. It is unclear whether the presence

  19. The application of Lorentz transmission electron microscopy to the study of lamellar magnetism in hematite-ilmenite

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Kasama, Takeshi; Dunin-Borkowski, Rafal E.; Asaka, T

    2009-01-01

    . However, the magnitude of the experimental contrast is higher than that in the simulations, suggesting that an alternative origin for the observed asymmetry cannot be ruled out. Electron tomography was used to show that the lamellae have lens-like shapes and that (001) planes make up a significant...... in hematite. The likelihood that lamellar magnetism may be responsible for this contrast is assessed using simulations that incorporate interfacial magnetic moments on the (001) basal planes of hematite and ilmenite. The simulations suggest qualitatively that the asymmetric contrast is magnetic in origin...

  20. Bulletin of Materials Science | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    The electrode parameters of Co(II) ion in hexagonal meso phase of the lyotropic liquid crystal ternary system (pluronic P84/cobalt/-xylene) is determined using cyclic voltammetry, deduced convolutive voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques. The morphology of nanostructured deposited films of Co2+ ion in ...

  1. A new class of amphiphiles: annelids; Une nouvelle classe d'amphiphiles: les annelides

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Markovitsi, Dimitra

    1983-12-14

    This research thesis presents annelids, organometallic compounds which may form into organised phases. The author describes the synthesis of an amphipathic ligand of its cobaltic and cupric complexes. The formation of micelles and of thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals is highlighted. The copper (II) annelid environment is studied by electronic paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The author demonstrates, in micellar phase, the effect of molecular cooperativity on acid-base balance, on metallic ion complexation, on the photo-sensitized electronic transfer, and on the formation of poly-nuclear complexes [French] Les annelides, composes organometalliques susceptibles de former des phases organisees, sont presentes. La synthese d'un ligand amphipathique et de ses complexes cobaltique et cuivrique est decrite. La formation de micelles et de cristaux liquides, thermotropes et lyotropes, a l'aide de ces amphiphiles, est mise en evidence. L'environnement de l'annelide de cuivre (II) est etudie par spectroscopie de resonance paramagnetique electronique. L'effet de la cooperativite moleculaire sur l'equilibre acidobasique, sur la complexation des ions metalliques, sur le transfert electronique photosensibilise et sur la formation des complexes polynucleaires est demontre en phase micellaire. (auteur)

  2. Pattern interpolation in thin films of lamellar, symmetric copolymers on nano-patterned substrates

    Science.gov (United States)

    Detcheverry, Francois; Nagpal, Umang; Liu, Guoliang; Nealey, Paul; de Pablo, Juan

    2009-03-01

    A molecular model of block copolymer systems is used to conduct a systematic study of the morphologies that arise when thin films of symmetric, lamellar forming block copolymer materials are deposited on nanopatterned surfaces. Over 500 distinct cases are considered. It is found that, in general, three distinct morphologies can arise depending on the strength of the substrate-polymer interactions, the film thickness, and the period of the substrate pattern. The relative stability of those morphologies is determined by direct calculation of the free energy differences. The dynamic propensity of those morphologies to emerge is examined by careful analysis of simulated trajectories. The results of this systematic study are used to interpret recent experimental data for films of polystyrene-PMMA copolymers on chemically nanopatterned surfaces.

  3. Hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of TA15 titanium alloy with nonuniform microstructure

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gao, Pengfei; Zhan, Mei, E-mail: zhanmei@nwpu.edu.cn; Fan, Xiaoguang; Lei, Zhenni; Cai, Yang

    2017-03-24

    The flow behavior and microstructure evolution of a near α titanium alloy with nonuniform microstructure during hot deformation were studied by isothermal compression test and electron backscatter diffraction technique. It is found that the nonuniform microstructure prior to deformation consists of equiaxed α, lamellar α in the colony form and β phase, and the α colony keeps the Burgers orientation relationship with β phase. The flow stress of nonuniform microstructure exhibits significant flow softening after reaching the peak stress at a low strain, which is similar to the lamellar microstructure. Nevertheless, the existence of equiaxed α in nonuniform microstructure makes its flow stress and softening rate be lower than the lamellar microstructure. During deformation, the lamellar α undertakes most of the deformation and turns to be rotated, bended and globularized. Moreover, these phenomena exhibit significant heterogeneity due to the orientation dependence of the deformation of lamellar α. The continuous dynamic recrystallization and bending of lamellar α lead to the “fragmentation” during globularization of lamellar α. The bending of lamellar α is speculated as a form of plastic buckling, because the bending of lamellar α almost proceed in the manner of “rigid rotation” and presents opposite bending directions for the adjacent colonies.

  4. Transformation from Al3BC phase to doped TiB2 or TiC particles in Al–Ti melts

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tian, Wenjie; Li, Pengting; Gao, Tong; Nie, Jinfeng; Liu, Xiangfa

    2013-01-01

    Highlights: ► The reaction of phase Al 3 BC with Ti was investigated. ► The transformation leads to the formation of C-doped TiB 2 and B-doped TiC. ► The doped particles show macroporous and lamellar morphologies. ► A model was proposed to illustrate the transformation mechanism. ► Grain refinement performance of the Al–5Ti–0.8B–0.2C on A356 alloy is excellent. -- Abstract: An Al–8B–2C master alloy was added into Al–Ti melts to study the reaction of Al 3 BC phase with Ti. As a result, a new Al–5Ti–0.8B–0.2C master alloy was fabricated. The microstructures were studied by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The analysis indicates that C-doped TiB 2 and B-doped TiC which show macroporous and lamellar morphologies are transformed from Al 3 BC. The transformation mechanism is also discussed in this work. Furthermore, the grain refinement performance of the Al–5Ti–0.8B–0.2C on A356 alloy was investigated

  5. In situ X-ray polymerization: from swollen lamellae to polymer-surfactant complexes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Agzenai, Yahya; Lindman, Björn; Alfredsson, Viveka; Topgaard, Daniel; Renamayor, Carmen S; Pacios, Isabel E

    2014-01-30

    The influence of the monomer diallyldimethylammonium chloride (D) on the lamellar liquid crystal formed by the anionic surfactant aerosol OT (AOT) and water is investigated, determining the lamellar spacings by SAXS and the quadrupolar splittings by deuterium NMR, as a function of the D or AOT concentrations. The cationic monomer D induces a destabilization of the AOT lamellar structure such that, at a critical concentration higher than 5 wt %, macroscopic phase separation takes place. When the monomer, which is dissolved in the AOT lamellae, is polymerized in situ by X-ray initiation, a new collapsed lamellar phase appears, corresponding to the complexation of the surfactant with the resulting polymer. A theoretical model is employed to analyze the variation of the interactions between the AOT bilayers and the stability of the lamellar structure.

  6. Analysis and prediction of stacking sequences in intercalated lamellar vanadium phosphates

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gautier, Romain [Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, UMR 6226 CNRS - Ecole Nationale Superieure de Chimie de Rennes (France); Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut des Materiaux Jean Rouxel (IMN), Universite de Nantes (France); Fourre, Yoann; Furet, Eric; Gautier, Regis; Le Fur, Eric [Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, UMR 6226 CNRS - Ecole Nationale Superieure de Chimie de Rennes (France)

    2015-04-15

    An approach is presented that enables the analysis and prediction of stacking sequences in intercalated lamellar vanadium phosphates. A comparison of previously reported vanadium phosphates reveals two modes of intercalation: (i) 3d transition metal ions intercalated between VOPO{sub 4} layers and (ii) alkali/alkaline earth metal ions between VOPO{sub 4}.H{sub 2}O layers. Both intercalations were investigated using DFT calculations in order to understand the relative shifts of the vanadium phosphate layers. These calculations in addition to an analysis of the stacking sequences in previously reported materials enable the prediction of the crystal structures of M{sub x}(VOPO{sub 4}).yH{sub 2}O (M = Cs{sup +}, Cd{sup 2+} and Sn{sup 2+}). Experimental realization and structural determination of Cd(VOPO{sub 4}){sub 2}.4H{sub 2}O by single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirmed the predicted stacking sequences. (Copyright copyright 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

  7. Membrane fusion and inverted phases

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ellens, H.; Siegel, D.P.; Alford, D.; Yeagle, P.L.; Boni, L.; Lis, L.J.; Quinn, P.J.; Bentz, J.

    1989-01-01

    We have found a correlation between liposome fusion kinetics and lipid phase behavior for several inverted phase forming lipids. N-Methylated dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE-Me), or mixtures of dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) and dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), will form an inverted hexagonal phase (HII) at high temperatures (above TH), a lamellar phase (L alpha) at low temperatures, and an isotropic/inverted cubic phase at intermediate temperatures, which is defined by the appearance of narrow isotropic 31 P NMR resonances. The phase behavior has been verified by using high-sensitivity DSC, 31 P NMR, freeze-fracture electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The temperature range over which the narrow isotropic resonances occur is defined as delta TI, and the range ends at TH. Extruded liposomes (approximately 0.2 microns in diameter) composed of these lipids show fusion and leakage kinetics which are strongly correlated with the temperatures of these phase transitions. At temperatures below delta TI, where the lipid phase is L alpha, there is little or no fusion, i.e., mixing of aqueous contents, or leakage. However, as the temperature reaches delta TI, there is a rapid increase in both fusion and leakage rates. At temperatures above TH, the liposomes show aggregation-dependent lysis, as the rapid formation of HII phase precursors disrupts the membranes. We show that the correspondence between the fusion and leakage kinetics and the observed phase behavior is easily rationalized in terms of a recent kinetic theory of L alpha/inverted phase transitions. In particular, it is likely that membrane fusion and the L alpha/inverted cubic phase transition proceed via a common set of intermembrane intermediates

  8. Interaction of antimicrobial peptides with lipid membranes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hanulova, Maria

    2008-12-15

    This study aims to investigate the difference in the interaction of antimicrobial peptides with two classes of zwitterionic peptides, phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) and phosphatidylcholines (PC). Further experiments were performed on model membranes prepared from specific bacterial lipids, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) isolated from Salmonella minnesota. The structure of the lipid-peptide aqueous dispersions was studied by small-and wide-angle X-ray diffraction during heating and cooling from 5 to 85 C. The lipids and peptides were mixed at lipid-to-peptide ratios 10-10000 (POPE and POPC) or 2-50 (LPS). All experiments were performed at synchrotron soft condensed matter beamline A2 in Hasylab at Desy in Hamburg, Germany. The phases were identified and the lattice parameters were calculated. Alamethicin and melittin interact in similar ways with the lipids. Pure POPC forms only lamellar phases. POPE forms lamellar phases at low temperatures that upon heating transform into a highly curved inverse hexagonal phase. Insertion of the peptide induced inverse bicontinuous cubic phases which are an ideal compromise between the curvature stress and the packing frustration. Melittin usually induced a mixture of two cubic phases, Im3m and Pn3m, with a ratio of lattice parameters close to 1.279, related to the underlying minimal surfaces. They formed during the lamellar to hexagonal phase transition and persisted during cooling till the onset of the gel phase. The phases formed at different lipid-to-peptide ratios had very similar lattice parameters. Epitaxial relationships existed between coexisting cubic phases and hexagonal or lamellar phases due to confinement of all phases to an onion vesicle, a vesicle with several layers consisting of different lipid phases. Alamethicin induced the same cubic phases, although their formation and lattice parameters were dependent on the peptide concentration. The cubic phases formed during heating from the lamellar phase and their onset

  9. Interaction of antimicrobial peptides with lipid membranes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hanulova, Maria

    2008-12-01

    This study aims to investigate the difference in the interaction of antimicrobial peptides with two classes of zwitterionic peptides, phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) and phosphatidylcholines (PC). Further experiments were performed on model membranes prepared from specific bacterial lipids, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) isolated from Salmonella minnesota. The structure of the lipid-peptide aqueous dispersions was studied by small-and wide-angle X-ray diffraction during heating and cooling from 5 to 85 C. The lipids and peptides were mixed at lipid-to-peptide ratios 10-10000 (POPE and POPC) or 2-50 (LPS). All experiments were performed at synchrotron soft condensed matter beamline A2 in Hasylab at Desy in Hamburg, Germany. The phases were identified and the lattice parameters were calculated. Alamethicin and melittin interact in similar ways with the lipids. Pure POPC forms only lamellar phases. POPE forms lamellar phases at low temperatures that upon heating transform into a highly curved inverse hexagonal phase. Insertion of the peptide induced inverse bicontinuous cubic phases which are an ideal compromise between the curvature stress and the packing frustration. Melittin usually induced a mixture of two cubic phases, Im3m and Pn3m, with a ratio of lattice parameters close to 1.279, related to the underlying minimal surfaces. They formed during the lamellar to hexagonal phase transition and persisted during cooling till the onset of the gel phase. The phases formed at different lipid-to-peptide ratios had very similar lattice parameters. Epitaxial relationships existed between coexisting cubic phases and hexagonal or lamellar phases due to confinement of all phases to an onion vesicle, a vesicle with several layers consisting of different lipid phases. Alamethicin induced the same cubic phases, although their formation and lattice parameters were dependent on the peptide concentration. The cubic phases formed during heating from the lamellar phase and their onset

  10. Structural and phase transition changes of sodium dodecyl sulfate micellar solution in alcohols probed by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS)

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Putra, Edy Giri Rachman [Neutron Scattering Laboratory, National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (BATAN), Gedung 40 BATAN, Kawasan Puspiptek Serpong, Tangerang 15314 (Indonesia); Patriati, Arum [Neutron Scattering Laboratory, National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (BATAN), Gedung 40 BATAN, Kawasan Puspiptek Serpong, Tangerang 15314 (Indonesia); Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Gadjah Mada, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia giri@batan.go.id (Indonesia)

    2015-04-16

    Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements on 0.3M sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar solutions have been performed in the presence of n-alcohols, from ethanol to decanol at different alcohol concentrations, 2–10 wt%. The ellipsoid micellar structure which occurred in the 0.3M SDS in aqueous solution with the size range of 30–50 Å has different behavior at various hydrocarbon chain length and concentration of alcohols. At low concentration and short chain-length of alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol, the size of micelles reduced and had a spherical-like structure. The opposite effect occurred as medium to long chain alcohols, such as hexanol, octanol and decanol was added into the 0.3M SDS micellar solutions. The micelles structure changed to be more elongated in major axis and then crossed the critical phase transition from micellar solution into liquid crystal phase as lamellar structure emerged by further addition of alcohols. The inter-lamellar distances were also depending on the hydrocarbon chain length and concentration of alcohols. In the meantime, the persistent micellar structures occurred in addition of medium chain of n-alcohol, pentanol at all concentrations.

  11. Structural and phase transition changes of sodium dodecyl sulfate micellar solution in alcohols probed by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Putra, Edy Giri Rachman; Patriati, Arum

    2015-01-01

    Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements on 0.3M sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar solutions have been performed in the presence of n-alcohols, from ethanol to decanol at different alcohol concentrations, 2–10 wt%. The ellipsoid micellar structure which occurred in the 0.3M SDS in aqueous solution with the size range of 30–50 Å has different behavior at various hydrocarbon chain length and concentration of alcohols. At low concentration and short chain-length of alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol, the size of micelles reduced and had a spherical-like structure. The opposite effect occurred as medium to long chain alcohols, such as hexanol, octanol and decanol was added into the 0.3M SDS micellar solutions. The micelles structure changed to be more elongated in major axis and then crossed the critical phase transition from micellar solution into liquid crystal phase as lamellar structure emerged by further addition of alcohols. The inter-lamellar distances were also depending on the hydrocarbon chain length and concentration of alcohols. In the meantime, the persistent micellar structures occurred in addition of medium chain of n-alcohol, pentanol at all concentrations

  12. Improved osteoblasts growth on osteomimetic hydroxyapatite/BaTiO_3 composites with aligned lamellar porous structure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu, Beilei; Chen, Liangjian; Shao, Chunsheng; Zhang, Fuqiang; Zhou, Kechao; Cao, Jun; Zhang, Dou

    2016-01-01

    Osteoblasts growing into bone substitute is an important step of bone regeneration. This study prepared porous hydroxyapatite (HA)/BaTiO_3 piezoelectric composites with porosity of 40%, 50% and 60% by ice-templating method. Effects of HA/BaTiO_3 composites with different porosities, with and without polarizing treatment on adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts were investigated in vitro. Results revealed that cell densities of the porous groups were significantly higher than those of the dense group (p 0.05). The absence of mechanical loading on the polarized samples may account for this. The results indicated that hierarchically porous HA/BaTiO_3 played a favorable part in osteoblasts proliferation, differentiation and adhesion process and is a promising bone substitute material. - Graphical abstract: Aligned porous structure of HA/BaTiO_3 piezoelectric composites prepared by ice-templating method was similar to the lamellar Haversian system in bone tissue. When co-cultured with human osteosarcoma cells (MG63), porous HA/BaTiO_3 composites exhibited remarkable biological activity in promoting proliferation, differentiation and adhesion of MG63 cells. - Highlights: • The aligned porous structure of HA/BaTiO_3 composite was similar to the lamellar Haversian system in bone tissue. • The piezoelectric d_3_3 coefficient of HA/BaTiO_3 with porosity of 50% was 5.0 pC/N, much higher than that of natural bone. • HA/BaTiO_3 with porosity of 50% promoted proliferation, differentiation and adhesion of MG63 cells remarkably.

  13. Numerical simulation of transformation-induced microscopic residual stress in ferrite-martensite lamellar steel

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mikami, Y; Inao, A; Mochizuki, M; Toyoda, M

    2009-01-01

    The effect of transformation-induced microscopic residual stress on fatigue crack propagation behavior of ferrite-martensite lamellar steel was discussed. Fatigue tests of prestrained and non-prestrained specimens were performed. Inflections and branches at ferrite-martensite boundaries were observed in the non-prestrained specimens. On the other hand, less inflections and branches were found in the prestrained specimens. The experimental results showed that the transformation induced microscopic residual stress has influence on the fatigue crack propagation behavior. To estimate the microscopic residual, a numerical simulation method for the calculation of microscopic residual stress stress induced by martensitic transformation was performed. The simulation showed that compressive residual stress was generated in martensite layer, and the result agree with the experimental result that inflections and branches were observed at ferrite-martensite boundaries.

  14. Effects of freezing and cold acclimation on the plasma membrane of isolated protoplasts. [Annual report], May 16, 1993--January 29, 1994

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Steponkus, P.L.

    1994-06-01

    Our aim is to provide a mechanistic understanding of the cellular and molecular aspects of freezing injury and cold acclimation from a perspective of the structural and functional integrity of the plasma membrane-the primary site of freezing injury in winter cereals. We established that destabilization of the plasma membrane of winter rye, the most freezing-tolerant winter cereal, can result from several different lesions: expansion induced lysis, lamellar-to-hexagonal II phase transitions, and the fracture-jump lesion. The occurrence and incidence of these various lesions, depends on the freeze/thaw protocol and the stage of cold acclimation. In non-acclimated leaves and protoplasts, expansion-induced lysis is the predominant lesion at temperatures between {minus}2 and {minus}5{degree}C, whereas freeze-induced formation of the H{sub II} phase is the predominant lesion at temperatures below {minus}10{degree}C. We investigated whether the difference in freezing tolerance and the threshold temperatures at which the lesions occur in rye and oat are a consequence of differences in the lipid composition of the plasma membrane. There are substantial differences between rye and oat cell membranes both before and after cold acclimation. The plasma membrane of oat contains greater proportions of acylated sterylglucosides and cerebrosides than that of rye, and there is little change in these two lipid classes during cold acclimation. The lyotropic phase behavior of lipid mixtures that resemble the plasma membrane of rye and oat was studied. The differences in lipid composition of rye and oat are of mechanistic significance because of their influence on the hydration characteristics of the plasma membrane, the propensity for dehydration-induced lipid-lipid demixing, and the intrinsic curvature of the lipid monolayers. These studies suggest that strategies for improving the freezing tolerance of winter cereals should include approaches to modify membrane lipid composition.

  15. Fatigue life analysis of unexpected failure in a lamellar TiAl alloy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Chan, K.S.

    1999-07-01

    Unexpected catastrophic failure occurred in specimens of a lamellar TiAl alloy tested by axial fatigue. The failure initiated at locations away from artificial defects introduced to the specimens as crack starters. Fractographic examination of the fracture surface revealed the presence of featureless, low-energy facets that suggested the catastrophic crack may have initiated in one or more large grains that cleaved on a cleavage plane or an interface. A crack growth analysis of fatigue life of the test specimens suggested that the catastrophic crack propagated at stress intensity levels below the large crack threshold. Furthermore, the catastrophic crack propagated at rates that were higher than the average rates exhibited by small cracks, as well as by the large crack under equivalent stress intensity ranges. Because of this, the conventional life prediction approach based on the large crack growth data grossly overpredicted the fatigue life.

  16. Effects of pressure and temperature on the self-assembled fully hydrated nanostructures of monoolein-oil systems

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Yaghmur, A.; Kriechbaum, M.; Amenitsch, H.; Steinhart, Miloš; Laggner, P.; Rappolt, M.

    2010-01-01

    Roč. 26, č. 2 (2010), s. 1177-1185 ISSN 0743-7463 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA202/09/2078 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z40500505 Keywords : lyotropic lipid mesophases * X-ray-diffraction * bicontinuous cubic phases Subject RIV: CD - Macromolecular Chemistry Impact factor: 4.269, year: 2010

  17. Two phase titanium aluminide alloy

    Science.gov (United States)

    Deevi, Seetharama C.; Liu, C. T.

    2001-01-01

    A two-phase titanic aluminide alloy having a lamellar microstructure with little intercolony structures. The alloy can include fine particles such as boride particles at colony boundaries and/or grain boundary equiaxed structures. The alloy can include alloying additions such as .ltoreq.10 at % W, Nb and/or Mo. The alloy can be free of Cr, V, Mn, Cu and/or Ni and can include, in atomic %, 45 to 55% Ti, 40 to 50% Al, 1 to 5% Nb, 0.3 to 2% W, up to 1% Mo and 0.1 to 0.3% B. In weight %, the alloy can include 57 to 60% Ti, 30 to 32% Al, 4 to 9% Nb, up to 2% Mo, 2 to 8% W and 0.02 to 0.08% B.

  18. Ferrofluids in liquid crystalline systems

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Figueiredo Neto, A.M.; Liebert, L.

    1989-08-01

    It is a well-known fact that intermediate or mesomorphic phase may exist between the crystalline and the isotropic liquid phases. The symmetry properties of these mesophases are intermediate between those of a crystal and a liquid. In this paper, some aspects of the use of ferrofluids in thermotropic and lyotropic systems are studied both the experimental difficulties as well as the fundamental phypical phenomena involved. (A.C.A.S.) [pt

  19. Phase behavior of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon double-chain hydroxylated and galactosylated amphiphiles and bolaamphiphiles. Long-term shelf-stability of their liposomes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Clary, L; Gadras, C; Greiner, J; Rolland, J P; Santaella, C; Vierling, P; Gulik, A

    1999-06-01

    This paper describes the morphological characterization, by freeze-fracture electron microscopy, and the thermotropic phase behavior, by differential scanning calorimetry and/or X-ray scattering, of aqueous dispersions of various hydroxylated and galactosylated double-chain amphiphiles and bolaamphiphiles, several of them containing one or two hydrophobic fluorocarbon chains. Colloidal systems are observed in water with the hydroxylated hydrocarbon or fluorocarbon bolaamphiphiles only when they are dispersed with a co-amphiphile such as rac-1,2-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) or rac-1,2-distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC). Liposomes are formed providing the relative content of bolaamphiphiles does not exceed 20% mol. Most of these liposomes can be thermally sterilized and stored at room temperature for several months without any significant modification of their size and size distribution. The hydrocarbon galactosylated bolaamphiphile HO[C24][C12]Gal forms in water a lamellar phase (the gel to liquid-crystal phase transition is complete at 45 degrees C) and a Im3m cubic phase above 47 degrees C. The fluorocarbon HO[C24][F6C5]Gal analog displays a more complex and metastable phase behavior. The fluorinated non-bolaform galactosylated [F8C7][C16]AEGal and SerGal amphiphiles form lamellar phases in water. Low amounts (10% molar ratio) of the HO[C24][F6C5]Gal or HO[C24][C12]Gal bolaamphiphiles or of the single-headed [F8C7][C16]AEGal improve substantially the shelf-stability of reference phospholipon/cholesterol 2/1 liposomes. These liposomes when co-formulated with a single-headed amphiphile from the SerGal series are by far less stable.

  20. Investigation of Dendrite Coarsening in Complex Shaped Lamellar Graphite Iron Castings

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Péter Svidró

    2017-07-01

    Full Text Available Shrinkage porosity and metal expansion penetration are two casting defects that appear frequently during the production of complex-shaped lamellar graphite iron components. These casting defects are formed during the solidification and usually form in the part of the casting which solidifies last. The position of the area that solidifies last is dependent on the thermal conditions. Test castings with thermal conditions like those existing in a complex-shaped casting were successfully applied to provoke a shrinkage porosity defect and a metal expansion penetration defect. The investigation of the primary dendrite morphology in the defected positions indicates a maximum intradendritic space, where the shrinkage porosity and metal expansion penetration defects appear. Moving away from the defect formation area, the intradendritic space decreases. A comparison of the intradendritic space with the simulated local solidification times indicates a strong relationship, which can be explained by the dynamic coarsening process. More specifically, long local solidification times facilitates the formation of a locally coarsened austenite morphology. This, in turn, enables the formation of a shrinkage porosity or a metal expansion penetration.

  1. Topotactic dehydration of the lamellar oxide HK2Ti5NbO14 x H2O: the oxide K4Ti10Nb2O27

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Grandin, A.; Borel, M.M.; Hervieu, M.; Raveau, B.

    1987-01-01

    The lamellar oxide HK 2 Ti 5 NbO 14 x H 2 O can be topotactically dehydrated to K 4 Ti 10 Nb 2 O 27 . Electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction studies of this phase lead to a monoclinic cell with the parameters a = 17.005, b = 3.78, c = 9.01 A and β 92.14 0 . Diffusion streaks on the electron diffraction patterns indicate disorder whereas the existence of two sets of lattices on the same crystal give evidence of the topotactic character of the reaction. A structural model is proposed for K 4 Ti 10 Nb 2 O 27 , which corresponds to the intergrowth of K 3 TiNbO 14 layers with the K 2 Ti 6 O 13 tunnel structure. The possibility of formation of various intergrowths such as (KTi 5 NbO 13 )/sub n/ (HK 2 Ti 5 NbO 14 )/sub n/' is suggested

  2. Distinction of tris(diimine)ruthenium(II) enantiomers chiral by virtue of helical chirality: temperature-dependent deuterium NMR spectroscopy in partially oriented phases.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Szalontai, Gábor; Kovács, Margit

    2006-11-01

    2H NMR spectra of perdeuterated tris(diimine)ruthenium(II) complexes have been recorded in lyotropic liquid crystalline phase formed by the chiral polypeptide, poly-gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate (PBLG) and co-solvents. It is demonstrated that the left- and right-rotation isomers of these octahedral metal complexes with D3 symmetry can be distinguished. The effects of temperature and ligand size on spectral resolution were also studied. Although in the case of free bipyridine ligands excellent optical resolution could be obtained at room temperature in the complexes studied, the increase in ligand size has a detrimental effect on the resolution. This can be compensated to some extent by elevating the sample temperature and decreasing the deuterium relaxation rates, but the available temperature range and therefore the applicability of the technique are limited. Copyright 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  3. New mesoscopic constitutive model for deformation of pearlitic steels up to moderate strains

    Science.gov (United States)

    Alkorta, J.; Martínez-Esnaola, J. M.; de Jaeger, P.; Gil Sevillano, J.

    2017-07-01

    A new constitutive model for deformation of pearlitic steels has been developed that describes the mechanical behaviour and microstructural evolution of lamellar multi-colony pearlite. The model, a two-phase continuum model, considers the plastic anisotropy of ferrite derived from its lamellar structure but ignores any anisotropy associated with cementite and does not consider the crystal structure of either constituent. The resulting plastic constitutive equation takes into account a dependence on both the pearlitic spacing (arising from the confined slip of dislocations in the lamellae) and on strengthening from the evolving intra-lamellar dislocation density. A Kocks-Mecking strain hardening/recovery model is used for the lamellar ferrite, whereas perfect-plastic behaviour is assumed for cementite. The model naturally captures the microstructural evolution and the internal micro-stresses developed due to the different mechanical behaviour of both phases. The model is also able to describe the lamellar evolution (orientation and interlamellar spacing) with good accuracy. The role of plastic anisotropy in the ferritic phase has also been studied, and the results show that anisotropy has an important impact on both microstructural evolution and strengthening of heavily drawn wires.

  4. Effects of freezing and cold acclimation on the plasma membrane of isolated protoplasts

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Steponkus, P.L.

    1991-01-01

    This project focuses on lesions in the plasma membrane of protoplasts that occur during freezing to temperatures below {minus}5{degrees} which result in changes in the semipermeablity of the plasma membrane. This injury, referred to as loss of osmotic responsiveness, is associated with the formation of large, aparticulate domains in the plasma membrane, aparticulate lamellae subtending the plasma membrane, and lamellar-to-hexagonal{sub II} phase transitions in the plasma membrane and subtending lamellar. The goals of this project are to provide a mechanistic understanding of the mechanism by which freeze-induced dehydration effects the formation of aparticulate domains and lamellar-to-hexagonal{sub II} phase transitions and to determine the mechanisms by which cold acclimation and cryoprotectants preclude or diminish these ultrastructural changes. Our working hypothesis is the formation of aparticulate domains and lamellar-to-hexagon{sub II} phase transitions in the plasma membrane and subtending lamellae are manifestations of hydration-dependent bilayer-bilayer interactions.

  5. Effects of freezing and cold acclimation on the plasma membrane of isolated protoplasts. Summary progress report, May 16, 1987--June 1, 1991

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Steponkus, P.L.

    1991-12-31

    This project focuses on lesions in the plasma membrane of protoplasts that occur during freezing to temperatures below {minus}5{degrees} which result in changes in the semipermeablity of the plasma membrane. This injury, referred to as loss of osmotic responsiveness, is associated with the formation of large, aparticulate domains in the plasma membrane, aparticulate lamellae subtending the plasma membrane, and lamellar-to-hexagonal{sub II} phase transitions in the plasma membrane and subtending lamellar. The goals of this project are to provide a mechanistic understanding of the mechanism by which freeze-induced dehydration effects the formation of aparticulate domains and lamellar-to-hexagonal{sub II} phase transitions and to determine the mechanisms by which cold acclimation and cryoprotectants preclude or diminish these ultrastructural changes. Our working hypothesis is the formation of aparticulate domains and lamellar-to-hexagon{sub II} phase transitions in the plasma membrane and subtending lamellae are manifestations of hydration-dependent bilayer-bilayer interactions.

  6. Advanced Thermoset Nanocomposites, Phase I

    Data.gov (United States)

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration — Low-cost, environmentally compatible synthesis methods are used to prepare silicate nanoparticles with surface areas, surface polarity and hierarchical lamellar and...

  7. Influence of vitamin E acetate and other lipids on the phase behavior of mesophases based on unsaturated monoglycerides.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sagalowicz, L; Guillot, S; Acquistapace, S; Schmitt, B; Maurer, M; Yaghmur, A; de Campo, L; Rouvet, M; Leser, M; Glatter, O

    2013-07-02

    The phase behavior of the ternary unsaturated monoglycerides (UMG)-DL-α-tocopheryl acetate-water system has been studied. The effects of lipid composition in both bulk and dispersed lyotropic liquid crystalline phases and microemulsions were investigated. In excess water, progressive addition of DL-α-tocopheryl acetate to a binary UMG mixture results in the following phase sequence: reversed bicontinuous cubic phase, reversed hexagonal (H(II)) phase, and a reversed microemulsion. The action of DL-α-tocopheryl acetate is then compared to that of other lipids such as triolein, limonene, tetradecane, and DL-α-tocopherol. The impact of solubilizing these hydrophobic molecules on the UMG-water phase behavior shows some common features. However, the solubilization of certain molecules, like DL-α-tocopherol, leads to the presence of the reversed micellar cubic phase (space group number 227 and symmetry Fd3m) while the solubilization of others does not. These differences in phase behavior are discussed in terms of physical-chemical characteristics of the added lipid molecule and its interaction with UMG and water. From an applications point of view, phase behavior as a function of the solubilized content of guest molecules (lipid additive in our case) is crucial since macroscopic properties such as molecular release depend strongly on the phase present. The effect of two hydrophilic emulsifiers, used to stabilize the aqueous dispersions of UMG, was studied and compared. Those were Pluronic F127, which is the most commonly used stabilizer for these kinds of inverted type structures, and the partially hydrolyzed emulsifier lecithin (Emultop EP), which is a well accepted food-grade emulsifier. The phase behavior of particles stabilized by the partially hydrolyzed lecithin is similar to that of bulk sample at full hydration, but this emulsifier interacts significantly with the internal structure and affects it much more than F127.

  8. Formation of Lamellar Structured Oxide Dispersion Strengthening Layers in Zircaloy-4

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Jung, Yang-Il; Park, Jung-Hwan; Park, Dong-Jun; Kim, Hyun-Gil; Yang, Jae-Ho; Koo, Yang-Hyun [Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Lim, Yoon-Soo [Hanbat National University, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

    2016-10-15

    Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) is one of the leading organizations for developing ATF claddings. One concept is to form an oxidation-resistant layer on Zr cladding surface. The other is to increase high-temperature mechanical strength of Zr tube. The oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) zirconium was proposed to increase the strength of the Zr-based alloy up to high temperatures. According to our previous investigations, the tensile strength of Zircaloy-4 was increased by up to 20% with the formation of a thin dispersed oxide layer with a thickness less than 10% of that of the Zircaloy-4 substrate. However, the tensile elongation of the samples decreased drastically. The brittle fracture was a major concern in development of the ODS Zircaloy-4. In this study, a lamellar structure of ODS layer was formed to increase ductility of the ODS Zircaloy-4. The mechanical properties were varied depending on the structure of ODS layer. For example, the partial formation of ODS layer with the thickness of 10% to the substrate thickness induced the increase in tensile strength up to about 20% than fresh Zircaloy-4.

  9. Structural steady states and relaxation oscillations in a two-phase fluid under shear flow: Experiments and phenomenological model

    Science.gov (United States)

    Courbin, L.; Benayad, A.; Panizza, P.

    2006-01-01

    By means of several rheophysics techniques, we report on an extensive study of the couplings between flow and microstructures in a two-phase fluid made of lamellar (Lα) and sponge (L3) phases. Depending on the nature of the imposed dynamical parameter (stress or shear rate) and on the experimental conditions (brine salinity or temperature), we observe several different structural steady states consisting of either multilamellar droplets (with or without a long range order) or elongated (L3) phase domains. Two different astonishing phenomena, shear-induced phase inversion and relaxation oscillations, are observed. We show that (i) phase inversion is related to a shear-induced topological change between monodisperse multilamellar droplets and elongated structures and (ii) droplet size relaxation oscillations result from a shear-induced change of the surface tension between both coexisting (Lα) and (L3) phases. To explain these relaxation oscillations, we present a phenomenological model and compare its numerical predictions to our experimental results.

  10. Effect of Alcohols on the Phase Behavior and Emulsification of a Sucrose Fatty Acid Ester/Water/Edible Oil System.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Matsuura, Tsutashi; Ogawa, Akihiro; Ohara, Yukari; Nishina, Shogo; Nakanishi, Maho; Gohtani, Shoichi

    2018-02-01

    The effect of alcohols (ethanol, 1-propanol, propylene glycol, glycerin, sucrose) on the phase behavior and emulsification of sucrose stearic acid ester (SSE)/water/edible vegetable oil (EVO) systems was investigated. Adding sucrose, propylene glycol, and glycerin narrowed the oil-separated two-phase region in the phase diagram of the SSE/water/EVO systems, whereas adding ethanol and 1-propanol expanded the oil-separated two-phase region. Changing the course of emulsification in the phase diagram showed that the size of the oil-droplet particle typically decreased in a system with a narrowed oil-separated region. The emulsification properties of the systems varied with respect to changes in the phase diagram. The microstructure of the systems was examined using small-angle X-ray scattering, and the ability to retain the oil in the lamellar structure of the SSEs was suggested as an important role in emulsification, because the mechanism of the systems was the same as that for the liquid crystal emulsification method.

  11. Microstructure investigation of NiAl-Cr(Mo) interface in a directionally solidified NiAl-Cr(Mo) eutectic alloyed with refractory metal

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chen, Y.X.; Cui, C.Y.; Guo, J.T.; Li, D.X.

    2004-01-01

    The microstructure of a directionally solidified NiAl-Cr(Mo) eutectic alloyed with refractory metal in as-processed and heat-treated states has been studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and high resolution electron microscopy (HREM). The microstructure of the NiAl-Cr(Mo) eutectic was characterized by lamellar Cr(Mo) phases embedded within NiAl matrix with common growth direction of . The interface between NiAl and lamellar Cr(Mo) did not have any transition layers. Misfit dislocations were observed at the NiAl-Cr(Mo) interface. In addition to lamellar Cr(Mo) phases, coherent Cr(Mo, Ni, Al) precipitates and NiAl precipitates were also observed in the NiAl matrix and lamellar Cr(Mo) phases, respectively. After hot isostatic pressing and heat treatment, the NiAl-Cr(Mo) interfaces became smooth and straight. Square array of misfit dislocations was directly observed at the (0 0 1) interface between NiAl and Cr(Mo, Ni, Al) precipitate. The configuration of misfit dislocation network showed a generally good agreement with prediction based on the geometric O-lattice model

  12. Study of catanionic systems by X-rays and neutron scattering; Etude de melanges de catanioniques par diffusion de rayonnement

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Vaudrin, C; Dubois, M; Zemb, T

    2001-07-01

    The catanionic ternary phase diagram, myristic acid, cetyl-trimethyl-ammonium hydroxide, water is known since 1998. Many specific structures, as discs, icosahedral or extremely swollen lamellar phases, have been characterised. The work presented here is looking particularly toward lamellar domains, and its aim is to understand on one hand the organisation of each surfactant in the lamellar plane, and on the other hand to understand the influence of the excess of surfactant, i.e. the surface charge of the aggregates. DSC analyses and X-rays scattering confirmed the very importance of the head-group interactions. Indeed, the polar heads of opposite sign are closed together and induced a crystallisation of the alkyl chains. But, by the fact that the chains are physically and not chemically linked, the structure keeps a huge thermal expansion coefficient. Some kinetic experiments are also summed up in this report. The gel or fluid state of the chains appears to be an important parameter in the kinetic of formation and of destruction of the lamellar phases. (authors)

  13. Effect of thermomechanical treatments on phase distribution and microstructure evolution of a Ti-48Al-2Mn-2Nb alloy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Morris, M.A.; Leboeuf, M.

    1995-01-01

    Titanium aluminide alloys based on TiAl offer potential benefits as intermetallics for structural applications due to their low density and attractive properties at high temperature. However, their strength and ductility are very dependent on microstructural morphologies and much research is being devoted to obtaining optimal properties. The large grain sizes and solute segregations associated with conventional castings have forced much of the work to be focused on obtaining finer microstructures, both in terms of grain sizes as well as lamellar spacings. Thermomechanical treatments have been used to produce a large variety of structural morphologies ranging from fully lamellar to duplex and equiaxed and in which the proportion of each phase is also variable. By choosing the correct temperature and strain rate parameters, it may be possible to modify the microstructure by dynamic recrystallization, if during the mechanical process the lamellae of the α 2 phase can be broken down and be used to accelerate the kinetics of nucleation of the new γ grains. The present study has been carried out in order to examine this process and the authors have compared the different refined microstructures that can be obtained by a new thermomechanical process (ELIT pack-rolling) of a Ti-48Al-2Mn-2Nb alloy with respect to those obtained by heat treatments only

  14. 3-D observations of short fatigue crack interaction with la2mellar and duplex microstructures in a two-phase titanium alloy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Birosca, S.; Buffiere, J.Y.; Karadge, M.; Preuss, M.

    2011-01-01

    In situ observations of short crack growth in powder-processed Ti-6246 have been undertaken using synchrotron X-ray microtomography to investigate crack tip interaction with microstructure. Together with post-mortem analysis using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), it was possible to identify a number of microstructural features that affect crack propagation rates by causing crack bifurcation, crack bridging and crack deflection. Three samples with different microstructures were tested in this way: lamellar, duplex and a heterogeneous microstructure that showed regions of lamellar and duplex microstructure. The in situ fatigue experiments were carried out with a maximum stress of 410 MPa and R = 0.1. The three microstructures showed significantly different short crack propagation rates, with the lamellar microstructure displaying the fastest and the duplex microstructure the slowest rate. It was found that the lamellar microstructure develops a deeper crack than the duplex microstructure that is related to significant crack bifurcation taking place near the surface region in the lamellar but not duplex microstructure. It was also found that a columnar lamellar microstructure creates a relatively smooth crack front while a basket-weave-type microstructure forces the crack tip to undulate on the lath width scale. Crack bridging of the fine lamellar region of the duplex microstructure was observed, which seems to hinder significant crack bifurcation to occur, but still provides improved crack growth resistance that explains the low crack propagation rate. In the third microstructure the crack tended to grow slightly asymmetrically due to the heterogeneous nature of the microstructure, resulting in the intermediate growth rate. EBSD grain orientation and Schmid factor analysis of regions including the crack revealed that the crack path is strongly influenced by the crystallographic orientation of the α lamellae and grains. While in the lamellar microstructure

  15. Importance of the hexagonal lipid phase in biological membrane organisation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Juliette eJouhet

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available Abstract:Domains are present in every natural membrane. They are characterised by a distinctive protein and/or lipid composition. Their size is highly variable from the nano- to the micrometer scale. The domains confer specific properties to the membrane leading to original structure and function. The determinants leading to domain organisation are therefore important but remain obscure. This review presents how the ability of lipids to organize into hexagonal II or lamellar phases can promote particular local structures within membranes. Since biological membranes are composed of a mixture of lipids, each with distinctive biophysical properties, lateral and transversal sorting of lipids can promote creation of domains inside the membrane through local modulation of the lipid phase. Lipid biophysical properties have been characterized for long based on in vitro analyses using non-natural lipid molecules; their re-examinations using natural lipids might open interesting perspectives on membrane architecture occurring in vivo in various cellular and physiological contexts.

  16. Importance of the hexagonal lipid phase in biological membrane organization.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jouhet, Juliette

    2013-01-01

    Domains are present in every natural membrane. They are characterized by a distinctive protein and/or lipid composition. Their size is highly variable from the nano- to the micrometer scale. The domains confer specific properties to the membrane leading to original structure and function. The determinants leading to domain organization are therefore important but remain obscure. This review presents how the ability of lipids to organize into hexagonal II or lamellar phases can promote particular local structures within membranes. Since biological membranes are composed of a mixture of lipids, each with distinctive biophysical properties, lateral and transversal sorting of lipids can promote creation of domains inside the membrane through local modulation of the lipid phase. Lipid biophysical properties have been characterized for long based on in vitro analyses using non-natural lipid molecules; their re-examinations using natural lipids might open interesting perspectives on membrane architecture occurring in vivo in various cellular and physiological contexts.

  17. Some problems of the statistical theory of polymeric lyotropic liquid crystals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Grosberg, A.Yu.; Khokhlov, A.R.

    1980-06-01

    In this article we consider some topics of the statistical physics of liquid-crystalline phase in the solutions of stiff chain macromolecules. Among these topics are: the problem of the phase diagram for the liquid-crystalline transition in the solutions of completely stiff macromolecules (rigid rods); conditions of formation of the liquid-crystalline phase in the solutions of semiflexible macromolecules; possibility of the intramolecular liquid-crystalline ordering in semiflexible macromolecules; structure of intramolecular liquid crystals and dependence of the properties of the liquid-crystalline phase on the microstructure of the polymer chain. (author)

  18. Toward an equilibrium structure in lamellar diblock copolymer thin films using solvent vapor annealing

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Sepe, Alessandro; Zhang, Jianqi; Perlich, Jan

    2016-01-01

    Solvent vapor annealing (SVA) is frequently used to improve the ordering in diblock copolymer thin films. An important question is which SVA protocol should be chosen to ensure thermodynamic equilibrium. Here, we investigate two thin films from a low molar-mass, lamellae-forming polystyrene....... SVA cycles were carried out with cyclohexane, and the structural changes were followed in-situ using time-resolved grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). Before and after SVA, Dlam,par is significantly lower than in the bulk, i.e. the equi-librium value of Dlam,par in thin film...... glassy again, affinely. During the second SVA cycle on the thin film, the scaling behavior of the lamellar thickness is identical to the one during the first drying and to the drying behavior of the thicker film. We conclude that one cycle of solvent vapor treatment with a degree of swelling of ca. 1...

  19. Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and lamellar zirconium phosphate (Zr P) composites: morphology and mechanical properties

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Silva, Daniela F.; Mandes, Luis C.; Lino, Adan S.

    2011-01-01

    Composites of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and zirconium phosphate (ZrP) were prepared by extrusion in the molten state, containing 2 (w%) of the lamellar filler. The filler was previously synthesized by direct precipitation method and characterized. After processing, the composite and the pure virgin polymer were molded by compression in order to obtain films of 1 mm thick which were characterized by X-ray diffraction at high angle (WAXD), stress-strain mechanical analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The WAXD and SEM analysis showed that there was no intercalation of LLDPE in zirconium phosphate, possibly due to the fact that the layers do not have spacing enough to allow the intercalation of polymer chains in the galleries of the filler and thus allow the exfoliation. (author)

  20. Bilateral diffuse lamellar keratitis triggered by permanent eyeliner tattoo treatment: A case report.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lu, Cheng-Wei; Liu, Xiu-Fen; Zhou, Dan-Dan; Kong, Yu-Jiao; Qi, Xiao-Feng; Liu, Tao-Tao; Qu, Ting; Pan, Xiao-Tao; Liu, Cong; Hao, Ji-Long

    2017-07-01

    Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) is a sterile inflammation of the cornea, which may occur after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. Little is known about the association of DLK with permanent eyeliner tattoo. The present case report describes the case of a 37-year-old Chinese woman who developed severe foreign body sensation in both eyes 1 week after receiving bilateral permanent eyeliner tattoo treatment. The patient had received bilateral LASIK surgery 10 years previously. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed diffused granular infiltrates precipitated around the edge of the corneal flaps in both eyes. After topical treatment, DLK persisted. Therefore, the patient underwent surgery to remove the corneal epithelium around the DLK lesion. There was no recurrence of the disease during the 3-month observation period. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing a case of late-onset of DLK that was triggered by permanent eyeliner tattoo. Doctors should be aware of the diagnosis and treatment of this complication associated with the application of permanent eyeliner tattoo as the popularity of this cosmetic procedure increases.

  1. Study of structural model of biological membranes by synchrotron radiation; Estudo estrutural de membranas modelo utilizando radiacao sincrotron

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Cavalcanti, Leide Passos

    2001-07-01

    The objective of this work has been to study, from the structural point of view, the process of incorporation of various types of hydrophobic compounds into the lamellar phase of liposomes and multilayers of the zwitterionic phospholipid DPPC. X-ray diffraction and scattering techniques using synchrotron radiation, have been used to monitor changes of several bilayer systems. Thermotropic phase transitions as well as the order of the lamellar packing were studied in situ experiments. The behavior of the L{beta}' and L{alpha} phases was followed as a function of the water content in dispersions of DPPC multi lamellar vesicles with the addition of the alkaloid Ellipticine in several concentrations. The results showed a decrease in the temperature of the pre-transition as well as that of the main transition (P{beta}' ->L{alpha}). The decrease of the lamellar spacing as a function of temperature in the liquid crystalline phase leads to the description of the thermal compression coefficient in the L{alpha} phase. It was also proved that addition of the anionic lipid Cardiolipin to the DPPC/water system it is possible to promote the incorporation of Ellipticine. The aforementioned methods were used in another set of experiments to study the lamellar phases of DPPC with the addition of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons known to have various degrees of carcinogenic activity. It was verified that the main transition temperature as well as the spacing of the multilammelar vesicles in the L{alpha} phase have a change with the incorporation of these compounds. It was possible to show that the hydrophobic PAHs favor the formation of the liquid crystalline phase, causing a broadening of the P{beta}' -> L {alpha} phase transition.The results obtained in this work are basically important in the development of thermo sensitive liposomes, which can act as drug carriers. They also contribute to the understanding of the perturbations caused by the interaction of highly

  2. An ingenious design of lamellar Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 hollow nanosphere cathode for advanced lithium-ion batteries

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, Yao; Zhang, Wansen; Shen, Shuiyun; Yan, Xiaohui; Wu, Aiming; Wu, Ruofei; Zhang, Junliang

    2017-01-01

    Highlights: •Lamellar Li 1.2 Mn 0.54 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 O 2 hollow nanospheres serve as a cathode for LIBs. •Unique lamella and hollow structures benefit the enhanced electrochemical performance. •Lamellar shells can provide a short lithium-ion diffusion pathway. •The sufficient void space can accommodate volumetric expansion and contraction. -- Abstract: Although very appealing in developing hollow structured lithium-rich layered transition-metal oxides as cathodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), a great challenge lies in controlling the growth of transition metal elements with desired molar ratios while maintaining intact hollow structures during synthesis. Herein, we propose a scalable strategy to successfully synthesize novel lamellar Li 1.2 Mn 0.54 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 O 2 hollow (L-LMOH) nanosphere cathode for advanced lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It is proved that the employment of sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) gel nanospheres as the template plays a key role in the formation of flower-like SPS@ Ni-Co-Mn-precursor nanospheres with desired molar ratios, and a subsequently delicate control in the heating rate leads to the intact L-LMOH nanospheres. It is demonstrated that the use of L-LMOH nanosphere cathode not only delivers outstanding reversible discharge capacities of 281.7 mAh g −1 at a current density of 20 mA g −1 and 136.6 mAh g −1 at 2000 mA g −1 , but also possess superior cycling stability with a capacity reservation of 80% at 2000 mA g −1 after 200 continuous cycles. It is well analyzed that the ingenious design of both unique lamella and hollow architectures synergistically benefits the significantly enhanced rate capability and cycling stability.

  3. Modeling and simulation of deformation and fracture behavior of components made of fully lamellar {gamma}TiAl alloy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kabir, Mohammad Rizviul [GKSS-Forschungszentrum Geesthacht GmbH (Germany). Inst. fuer Materialforschung

    2008-07-01

    The present work deals with the modeling and simulation of deformation and fracture behavior of fully lamellar {gamma}TiAl alloy; focusing on understanding the variability of local material properties and their influences on translamellar fracture. Afracture model has been presented that takes the inhomogeneity of the local deformation behavior of the lamellar colonies as well as the variability in fracture strength and toughness into consideration. To obtain the necessary model parameters, a hybrid methodology of experiments and simulations has been adopted. The experiments were performed at room temperature that demonstrates quasi-brittle response of the TiAl polycrystal. Aremarkable variation in stress-strain curves has been found in the tensile tests. Additional fracture tests showed significant variations in crack initiation and propagation during translamellar fracture. Analyzing the fracture surfaces, the micromechanical causes of these macroscopic scatter have been explained. The investigation shows that the global scatter in deformation and fracture response is highly influenced by the colony orientation and tilting angle with respect to the loading axis. The deformation and fracture behavior have been simulated by a finite element model including the material decohesion process described by a cohesive model. In order to capture the scatter of the macroscopic behavior, a stochastic approach is chosen. The local variability of stressstrain in the polycrystal and the variability of fracture parameters of the colonies are implemented in the stochastic approach of the cohesive model. It has been shown that the proposed approach is able to predict the stochastic nature of crack initiation and propagation as observed from the experiments. The global specimen failure with stable or unstable crack propagation can be explained in terms of the local variation of material properties. (orig.)

  4. The estimate of permittivity of anisotropic composites with lamellar inclusions by the self-assessment method

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    V. S. Zarubin

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Composites are widely used as structural or thermal protection materials; they are used as well as functional materials in a large number of different electrical devices and as dielectrics. This composite has one of the most important characteristics the relative permittivity. It depends primarily on the dielectric properties of the inclusions and the matrix as well as the shape and volume content of the inclusions.In this paper, a mathematical model of the interaction of the electrostatic fields in an isotropic plate and in the surrounding homogeneous anisotropic medium is constructed. This model describes the dielectric properties of the composite with such inclusions. A variant of the same orientation of lamellar inclusions is considered, which leads to the special case of anisotropy of the dielectric properties of the composite that has transverse isotropy towards the direction perpendicular to the inclusions. The shape of inclusions is represented as an oblate ellipsoid of revolution (spheroid. Transformation of the differential equation describing the distribution of the electric potential transversely to isotropic medium surrounding the spheroidal inclusion, to the Laplace equation with the subsequent transition from the initial spheroid to the given ellipsoid of rotation allows us to apply the self-assessment method for the determination of the dielectric properties of the composite. This method equates the result of averaging the perturbation of the electrostatic field in the inclusions and the matrix particles towards the unperturbed fields in the environment to zero.The constructed mathematical model allows us to determine the electrostatic field disturbance in the inclusions and the matrix particles towards the unperturbed field given in the environment at a distance from the inclusions and the matrix particles, much larger than their characteristic dimensions. By averaging the perturbation of the electrostatic field in all the

  5. Phase transformations and resulting microstructures in Ti - 47 Al -2 Cr alloy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ghasemi-Armaki, H.; Heshmati-Manesh, S.; Jafarian, H. R.; Nili-Ahmadabadi, M.

    2008-01-01

    formation of Widmanstaetten structure has been analyzed considering the crystallographic characteristics of the parent phase. The results show that homogenizing treatment at 1100 d eg C may bring about a microstructure containing γ, α 2 single phase grains and initial and secondary lamellar grains. Also the various cooling rate from phase region may result in formation variety microstructure, as at low cooling rate may cause formation lamellar coarse grains microstructure and by increasing the cooling rate will result in feathery, massive and fully α2 microstructures

  6. Biaxial nematic liquid crystals theory, simulation and experiment

    CERN Document Server

    Luckhurst, Geoffrey R

    2015-01-01

    Liquid Crystals are a state of matter that have properties between those of conventional liquid and those of a solid crystal. Thermotropic liquid crystals react to changes in temperature or, in some cases, pressure. The reaction of lyotropic liquid crystals, which are used in the manufacture of soaps and detergents, depends on the type of solvent they are mixed with. Since the accidental discovery of the chiral nematic (ordered) phase in 1888 many liquid crystal phases have been found, sometimes by chance and sometimes by design. The existence of one such phase was predicted by Freiser in 197

  7. STRUCTURAL PHASE TRANSITION OF ALIPHATIC NYLONS VIEWED FROM THE WAXD/SAXS AND VIBRATIONAL SPECTRAL MEASUREMENTS AND MOLECULAR DYNAMICS CALCULATION

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    Kohji Tashiro

    2007-01-01

    The crystalline phase transition of aliphatic nylon 10/10 has been investigated on the basis of the simultaneous measurement of wide-angle and small-angle X-ray scatterings, the infrared spectral measurement and the molecular dynamics calculation. An interpretation of infrared spectra taken for a series of nylon samples and the corresponding model compounds was successfully made, allowing us to assign the infrared bands of the planar-zigzag methylene segments reasonably. As a result the methylene segmental parts of molecular chains were found to experience an order-to-disorder transition in the Brill transition region, where the intermolecular hydrogen bonds are kept alive although the bond strength becomes weaker at higher temperature. The small-angle X-ray scattering data revealed a slight change in lamellar stacking mode in the transition region. The crystal structure has been found to change more remarkably in the temperature region immediately below the melting point, where the conformationally disordered chains experienced drastic rotational and translational motions without any constraints by hydrogen bonds, and the lamellar thickness increased largely along the chain axis. These experimental results were reasonably reproduced by the molecular dynamics calculation performed at the various temperatures.

  8. Creep deformation in near-γ TiAl. Part 1: The influence of microstructure on creep deformation in Ti-49Al-1V

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Worth, B.D.; Jones, J.W.; Allison, J.E.

    1995-01-01

    The influence of microstructure on creep deformation was examine in the e near-γ TiAl alloy Ti-49Al-1V. Specifically, microstructures with varying volume fractions of lamellar constituent were produced through thermomechanical processing. Creep studies were conducted on these various microstructures under constant load in air at temperatures between 760 C and 870 C and at stresses ranging from 50 to 200 MPa. Microstructure significantly influences the creep behavior of this alloy, with a fully lamellar microstructure yielding the highest creep resistance of the microstructures examined. Creep resistance is dependent on the volume fraction of lamellar constituent, with the lowest creep resistance observed at intermediate lamellar volume fractions. Examination of the creep deformation structure revealed planar slip of dislocations in the equiaxed γ microstructure, while sub-boundary formation was observed in the duplex microstructure. The decrease in creep resistance of the duplex microstructure, compared with the equiaxed γ microstructure, is attributed to an increase in dislocation mobility within the equiaxed γ constituent, that results from partitioning of oxygen from the γ phase to the α 2 phase. Dislocation motion in the fully lamellar microstructure was confined to the individual lamellae, with no evidence of shearing of γ/γ or γ/α 2 interfaces. This suggests that the high creep resistance of the fully lamellar microstructure is a result of the fine spacing of the lamellar structure, which results in a decreased effective slip length for dislocation motion over that found in duplex and equiaxed γ microstructures

  9. CuInS[sub 2] with lamellar morphology; 1: Efficient photoanodes in acidic polyiodide medium

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Cattarin, S. (Inst. di Polarografia ed Elettrochimica Preparativa del C.N.R., Padova (Italy)); Dietz, N.; Lewerenz, H.J. (Hahn-Meitner-Inst., Berlin (Germany))

    1994-05-01

    CuInS[sub 2] grown in a steep temperature gradient acquires a peculiar lamellar morphology, similar to that of layered compound semiconductors. Thin electrodes (of thickness down to 30 to 40 [mu]m) can be prepared by cleavage, reducing series resistance in the bulk of the semiconductor. The liquid junction of n-CuInS[sub 2] with acidic polyiodide medium 2M HI, 2.5 M CaI[sub 2], 40 mM I[sub 2] was investigated. The best photoanodes attained quantum yields of monochromatic light of about 0.7 and conversion efficiencies above 7% under simulated AM1 sunlight. Their performance does not decrease substantially under moderately concentrated sunlight (300 to 400 mW cm[sup [minus]2]), due to small ohmic losses. Cell output appears quite stable during the first week of operation, but irregular electrode corrosion is observed, which may be detrimental to long term operation.

  10. Inner Stucture of Thin Films of Lamellar Poly(styrene-em>b>-butadiene) Diblock Copolymers as revealed by Grazing-Incidence Small-Angle Scattering

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Busch, Peter; Posselt, Dorthe; Smilgies, Detlef-Matthias

    2007-01-01

    The lamellar orientation in supported, thin films of poly(styrene-b-butadiene) (P(S-b-B)) depends on block copolymer molar mass. We have studied films from nine block copolymer samples with molar masses between 13.9 and 183 kg/mol using grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) and ...... quantitatively in the framework of our recently developed distorted-wave Born approximation model (Busch, P.; et al. J. Appl. Crystallogr. 2006, 39, 433). The results cannot be explained from enthalpic considerations alone but point to the importance of entropic factors....

  11. Structure evolution of the LiMnO{sub 2} lamellar oxide during electrochemical cycling; Evolution structurale de l`oxyde lamellaire LiMnO{sub 2} lors du cyclage electrochimique

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Delmas, C. [Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 33 - Pessac (France). Institut de Chimie de la Matiere Condensee de Bordeaux; Capitaine, F.; Majastre [Bollore Technologies, 29 - Quimper (France); Baudry, P. [Electricite de France, 77 - Moret sur Loing (France). Direction des Etudes et Recherches

    1996-12-31

    The LiMnO{sub 2} lamellar oxide, obtained by exchange reaction from its sodium homologue {alpha}-NaMnO{sub 2}, has been used as a positive electrode for lithium batteries. After the first electrochemical cycle, the shape of the potential-composition curve changes and indicates a change in the structure. This modification changes imperceptibly at each cycle and after about 40 cycles, a stationary state is reached. Powder spectra refinement using the Rietvelt method shows a migration of manganese ions from the thin sheets towards the inter-sheet space. After a single cycle, 8% of the manganese ions are already present in the lithium site and this rate reaches 13% after 3 cycles. During long cycling, a redistribution of ions and vacancies inside the cfc oxygenated pile leads to a structure very similar to the LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} spinel. This structure evolution is to be compared with the one obtained from the orthorhombic variety of LiMnO{sub 2} but the modification is more progressive with lamellar LiMnO{sub 2}. Abstract only. (J.S.)

  12. Structure evolution of the LiMnO{sub 2} lamellar oxide during electrochemical cycling; Evolution structurale de l`oxyde lamellaire LiMnO{sub 2} lors du cyclage electrochimique

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Delmas, C [Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 33 - Pessac (France). Institut de Chimie de la Matiere Condensee de Bordeaux; Capitaine, F; Majastre, [Bollore Technologies, 29 - Quimper (France); Baudry, P [Electricite de France, 77 - Moret sur Loing (France). Direction des Etudes et Recherches

    1997-12-31

    The LiMnO{sub 2} lamellar oxide, obtained by exchange reaction from its sodium homologue {alpha}-NaMnO{sub 2}, has been used as a positive electrode for lithium batteries. After the first electrochemical cycle, the shape of the potential-composition curve changes and indicates a change in the structure. This modification changes imperceptibly at each cycle and after about 40 cycles, a stationary state is reached. Powder spectra refinement using the Rietvelt method shows a migration of manganese ions from the thin sheets towards the inter-sheet space. After a single cycle, 8% of the manganese ions are already present in the lithium site and this rate reaches 13% after 3 cycles. During long cycling, a redistribution of ions and vacancies inside the cfc oxygenated pile leads to a structure very similar to the LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} spinel. This structure evolution is to be compared with the one obtained from the orthorhombic variety of LiMnO{sub 2} but the modification is more progressive with lamellar LiMnO{sub 2}. Abstract only. (J.S.)

  13. New Lamellar Grating Interferometer for Spectroscopy, Phase I

    Data.gov (United States)

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration — NASA is interested characterizing the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases critical to global warming phenomena, and their fluxes over time. For this...

  14. Precipitation hardening of a Cu-free Au-Ag-Pd-In dental alloy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Seol, Hyo-Joung [Department of Dental Materials, College of Dentistry and Research Institute for Oral Biotechnology, Pusan National University, 1-10 Ami-dong, Seo-gu, Pusan 602-739 (Korea, Republic of); Son, Kuk-Hyeon [Department of Dental Materials, College of Dentistry and Research Institute for Oral Biotechnology, Pusan National University, 1-10 Ami-dong, Seo-gu, Pusan 602-739 (Korea, Republic of); Yu, Chin-Ho [Department of Dental Materials, College of Dentistry and Research Institute for Oral Biotechnology, Pusan National University, 1-10 Ami-dong, Seo-gu, Pusan 602-739 (Korea, Republic of); Kwon, Yong Hoon [Department of Dental Materials, College of Dentistry and Research Institute for Oral Biotechnology, Pusan National University, 1-10 Ami-dong, Seo-gu, Pusan 602-739 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Hyung-Il [Department of Dental Materials, College of Dentistry and Research Institute for Oral Biotechnology, Pusan National University, 1-10 Ami-dong, Seo-gu, Pusan 602-739 (Korea, Republic of)]. E-mail: hilkim@pusan.ac.kr

    2005-10-27

    The hardening mechanism and related microstructural changes of the Cu-free dental casting alloy composed of Au-Ag-Pd-In was examined by means of hardness test, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The Au-Ag-Pd-In alloy showed apparent age-hardenability. In the SEM photograph, three phases were observed in the solution-treated specimen, that is, the Au-Ag based phase with small amounts of In and Pd as matrix, the InPd phase as particle-like structures, and the Pd-rich phase as lamellar precipitates. By aging the specimen, the very fine Pd-rich inter-granular precipitates grew toward the grain interior as lamellar structure, and finally the coarsened Pd-rich precipitates covered a large part of the Au-Ag based matrix. The hardness increase in the early stage of the age-hardening process was assumed to be caused by the diffusion and aggregation of Pd atoms from the Au-Ag based matrix. The hardness decrease in the later stage of age-hardening process was caused by coarsening of the lamellar precipitates composed of the Pd-rich phase.

  15. Precipitation hardening of a Cu-free Au-Ag-Pd-In dental alloy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Seol, Hyo-Joung; Son, Kuk-Hyeon; Yu, Chin-Ho; Kwon, Yong Hoon; Kim, Hyung-Il

    2005-01-01

    The hardening mechanism and related microstructural changes of the Cu-free dental casting alloy composed of Au-Ag-Pd-In was examined by means of hardness test, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The Au-Ag-Pd-In alloy showed apparent age-hardenability. In the SEM photograph, three phases were observed in the solution-treated specimen, that is, the Au-Ag based phase with small amounts of In and Pd as matrix, the InPd phase as particle-like structures, and the Pd-rich phase as lamellar precipitates. By aging the specimen, the very fine Pd-rich inter-granular precipitates grew toward the grain interior as lamellar structure, and finally the coarsened Pd-rich precipitates covered a large part of the Au-Ag based matrix. The hardness increase in the early stage of the age-hardening process was assumed to be caused by the diffusion and aggregation of Pd atoms from the Au-Ag based matrix. The hardness decrease in the later stage of age-hardening process was caused by coarsening of the lamellar precipitates composed of the Pd-rich phase

  16. 'Blue bubble' technique: an ab interno approach for Descemet separation in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using trypan blue stained viscoelastic device.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Livny, Eitan; Bahar, Irit; Hammel, Naama; Nahum, Yoav

    2018-04-01

    In this study, we examined a novel variant of 'big-bubble' deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using trypan-blue-stained viscoelastic device for the creation of a pre-descemetic bubble. Ten corneoscleral rims were mounted on an artificial anterior chamber (AC). The AC was filled with air through a limbal paracentesis. A Melles' triangulated spatula was inserted through the paracentesis, with its tip penetrating the AC, was then slightly retracted and pushed into the deep stroma above the roof of the paracentesis. A mixture of trypan blue and viscoelastic device (Healon, Abbott Medical Optics, Abbott Park, Illinois) was injected into this intra-stromal pocket using a 27-G cannula to create a pre-descemetic separation bubble. Bubble type and visualization of dyed viscoelastic device were noted. The method was later employed in three cases. In all 10 corneoscleral rims, the technique successfully created a visible pre-descemetic (type 1) bubble that could be expanded up to the predicted diameter of trephination. Subsequent trephination and the removal of corneal stroma were uneventful. In two out of four clinical cases, a type 1 bubble was created, while in two others, visco-dissection failed and dyed viscoelastic was seen in the AC. The presented technique holds promise of being a relatively easy to perform, predictable and well-controlled alternative for achieving a type 1 bubble during deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty surgery. The trypan-blue-stained viscoelastic device facilitates proper visualization and control of the separation bubble and assists in identifying the penetrance to the separation bubble prior to removal of the stromal cap. © 2017 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

  17. Mesomorphic phase behaviour of low molar mass PEP-PDMS diblock copolymers synthesized by anionic polymerization

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vigild, M.E.

    1997-10-01

    The phase behaviour of low molar mass poly(ethylene-alt-propylene) -poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PEP-PDMS) is investigated in this thesis by the combination of dynamical mechanical spectroscopy (rheology) to measure phase transition temperatures, and small-angle x-ray scattering to identify the morphology of encountered phases. Samples of PEP-PDMS in the range of 0.2-0.7 in volume fraction of PEP are studied. This diblock copolymer system exhibits the three classical phases of lamellar sandwich structure (LAM), hexagonally packed cylinders (HEX), and spheres arranged on a body centered cubic lattice (BCC). Furthermore the gyroid phase (Ia3d symmetry) of two interpenetrating networks was also identified as a stable phase of the PEP-PDMS system. Time resolved measurements of small-angle neutron scattering in tandem with simultaneous in-situ rheological measurements are performed on samples showing transitions between different ordered phases. The identification of especially the BCC and gyroid phases from scattering experiments is treated. By performing mesoscopic crystallographic measurements using a custom built goniometer it was unambiguously shown that the application of shear to an unoriented powder-like sample introduces uniaxial orientation of the gyroid phase. The orientation of the ordered phase is otherwise random, causing a two-dimensional powder. Finally this dissertation presents a discussion of relevant parameters for the description of diblock copolymer phase behaviour together with descriptions of anionic polymerization for the synthesis of copolymers, and various experimental techniques for the characterization of diblocks. (au)

  18. Mesomorphic phase behaviour of low molar mass PEP-PDMS diblock copolymers synthesized by anionic polymerization

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Vigild, M.E.

    1997-10-01

    The phase behaviour of low molar mass poly(ethylene-alt-propylene) -poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PEP-PDMS) is investigated in this thesis by the combination of dynamical mechanical spectroscopy (rheology) to measure phase transition temperatures, and small-angle x-ray scattering to identify the morphology of encountered phases. Samples of PEP-PDMS in the range of 0.2-0.7 in volume fraction of PEP are studied. This diblock copolymer system exhibits the three classical phases of lamellar sandwich structure (LAM), hexagonally packed cylinders (HEX), and spheres arranged on a body centered cubic lattice (BCC). Furthermore the gyroid phase (Ia3d symmetry) of two interpenetrating networks was also identified as a stable phase of the PEP-PDMS system. Time resolved measurements of small-angle neutron scattering in tandem with simultaneous in-situ rheological measurements are performed on samples showing transitions between different ordered phases. The identification of especially the BCC and gyroid phases from scattering experiments is treated. By performing mesoscopic crystallographic measurements using a custom built goniometer it was unambiguously shown that the application of shear to an unoriented powder-like sample introduces uniaxial orientation of the gyroid phase. The orientation of the ordered phase is otherwise random, causing a two-dimensional powder. Finally this dissertation presents a discussion of relevant parameters for the description of diblock copolymer phase behaviour together with descriptions of anionic polymerization for the synthesis of copolymers, and various experimental techniques for the characterization of diblocks. (au). 9 tabs., 40 ills., 81 refs.

  19. Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments for Astigmatism Correction after Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Júlio C. D. Arantes

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available Background. To evaluate the change in corneal astigmatism after intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS implantation in keratoconus patients with previous deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK. Design was a longitudinal, retrospective, interventional study. The study included 25 eyes of 24 patients with keratoconus who had DALK performed at least two years prior to ICRS implantation. All patients had a clear corneal graft with up to 8.00 D of corneal astigmatism and intolerance to contact lenses. The studied parameters were age, sex, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA, maximum keratometry (K1, minimum keratometry (K2, spherical equivalent, and astigmatism. There was a statistically significant decrease in the postintervention analysis as follows: 3.5 D reduction in K1 (p<0.001; 1.53 D in K2 (p=0.005; and 2.52 D (p<0.001 in the average K. The spherical equivalent reduced from −3.67 D (±2.74 to −0.71 D (±2.35 (p<0.001. The topographic astigmatism reduced from 3.87 D preoperatively to 1.90 D postoperatively (p<0.001. The CDVA improved from 0.33 (±0.10 to 0.20 (±0.09, p<0.001. ICRS implantation is a useful option for the correction of astigmatism after DALK as it yields significant visual, topographic, and refractive results.

  20. Improved osteoblasts growth on osteomimetic hydroxyapatite/BaTiO{sub 3} composites with aligned lamellar porous structure

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Liu, Beilei [Department of Stomatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 (China); Chen, Liangjian, E-mail: jian007040@sina.com [Department of Stomatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 (China); State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083 (China); Shao, Chunsheng [Department of Stomatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 (China); Zhang, Fuqiang; Zhou, Kechao [State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083 (China); Cao, Jun [Department of Stomatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 (China); Zhang, Dou, E-mail: dzhang@csu.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083 (China)

    2016-04-01

    Osteoblasts growing into bone substitute is an important step of bone regeneration. This study prepared porous hydroxyapatite (HA)/BaTiO{sub 3} piezoelectric composites with porosity of 40%, 50% and 60% by ice-templating method. Effects of HA/BaTiO{sub 3} composites with different porosities, with and without polarizing treatment on adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts were investigated in vitro. Results revealed that cell densities of the porous groups were significantly higher than those of the dense group (p < 0.05), so did the alkaline phosphate (ALP) and bone gla protein (BGP) activities. Porosity of 50% group exhibited higher ALP activity and BGP activity than those of the 40% and 60% groups. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations revealed that osteoblasts adhered and stretched better on porous HA/BaTiO{sub 3} than on the dense one, especially HA/BaTiO{sub 3} with porosity of 50% and 60%. However, there was no significant difference in the cell morphology, cell densities, ALP and BGP activities between the polarized group and the non-polarized group (p > 0.05). The absence of mechanical loading on the polarized samples may account for this. The results indicated that hierarchically porous HA/BaTiO{sub 3} played a favorable part in osteoblasts proliferation, differentiation and adhesion process and is a promising bone substitute material. - Graphical abstract: Aligned porous structure of HA/BaTiO{sub 3} piezoelectric composites prepared by ice-templating method was similar to the lamellar Haversian system in bone tissue. When co-cultured with human osteosarcoma cells (MG63), porous HA/BaTiO{sub 3} composites exhibited remarkable biological activity in promoting proliferation, differentiation and adhesion of MG63 cells. - Highlights: • The aligned porous structure of HA/BaTiO{sub 3} composite was similar to the lamellar Haversian system in bone tissue. • The piezoelectric d{sub 33} coefficient of HA/BaTiO{sub 3} with porosity

  1. Virus-sized self-assembling lamellar complexes between plasmid DNA and cationic micelles promote gene transfer

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pitard, Bruno; Aguerre, Olivier; Airiau, Marc; Lachagès, Anne-Marie; Boukhnikachvili, Tsiala; Byk, Gérardo; Dubertret, Catherine; Herviou, Christian; Scherman, Daniel; Mayaux, Jean-François; Crouzet, Joël

    1997-01-01

    Gene therapy is based on the vectorization of genes to target cells and their subsequent expression. Cationic amphiphile-mediated delivery of plasmid DNA is the nonviral gene transfer method most often used. We examined the supramolecular structure of lipopolyamine/plasmid DNA complexes under various condensing conditions. Plasmid DNA complexation with lipopolyamine micelles whose mean diameter was 5 nm revealed three domains, depending on the lipopolyamine/plasmid DNA ratio. These domains respectively corresponded to negatively, neutrally, and positively charged complexes. Transmission electron microscopy and x-ray scattering experiments on complexes originating from these three domains showed that although their morphology depends on the lipopolyamine/plasmid DNA ratio, their particle structure consists of ordered domains characterized by even spacing of 80 Å, irrespective of the lipid/DNA ratio. The most active lipopolyamine/DNA complexes for gene transfer were positively charged. They were characterized by fully condensed DNA inside spherical particles (diameter: 50 nm) sandwiched between lipid bilayers. These results show that supercoiled plasmid DNA is able to transform lipopolyamine micelles into a supramolecular organization characterized by ordered lamellar domains. PMID:9405626

  2. Lamellar boundary alignment of DS-processed TiAl-W alloys by a solidification procedure

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jung, In-Soo; Oh, Myung-Hoon; Park, No-Jin; Kumar, K. Sharvan; Wee, Dang-Moon

    2007-12-01

    In this study, a β solidification procedure was used to align the lamellae in a Ti-47Al-2W (at.%) alloy parallel to the growth direction. The Bridgman technique and the floating zone process were used for directional solidification. The mechanical properties of the directionally solidified alloy were evaluated in tension at room temperature and at 800°C. At a growth rate of 30 mm/h (with the floating zone approach), the lamellae were well aligned parallel to the growth direction. The aligned lamellae yielded excellent room temperature tensile ductility. The tensile yield strength at 800°C was similar to that at room temperature. The orientation of the γ lamellar laths in the directionally solidified ingots, which were manufactured by means of a floating zone process, was identified with the aid of electron backscattered diffraction analysis. On the basis of this analysis, the preferred growth direction of the bcc-β dendrites that formed at high temperatures close to the melting point was inferred to be [001]β at a growth rate of 30 mm/h and [111]β at a growth rate of 90 mm/h.

  3. Microstructure, magnetic properties and magnetic hardening in 2:17 Sm-Co magnets

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tang, W.; Zhang, Y.; Hadjipanayis, G.C.

    2002-01-01

    A comprehensive and systematic study has been made on Sm(Co,Fe,M,L) z magnets (M=Cu or Ni, and L=Zr or Ti) to completely understand the effects of composition and processing on the microstructure and magnetic properties of magnets. Ti-containing magnets do not have a lamellar phase but exhibit only a cellular microstructure, resulting in a much lower coercivity (below 10 kOe). Ni-containing magnets exhibit a perfect cellular/lamellar microstructure, but without a large domain wall energy gradient at the interface of the 2:17 and 1:5 phases, leading to a low coercivity. Only in the magnets containing both Cu and Zr, a uniform and stable cellular/lamellar microstructure with a high domain wall energy gradient across the 1:5 phase is formed, resulting in high coercivity. These results indicate that the conditions for effective magnetic hardening are: (1) Formation of a cellular/lamellar microstructure, and (2) establishment of a domain wall energy gradient at the cell boundaries. Based on all of these experimental results, the magnetization reversal mechanism of 2:17 Sm-Co magnets can be explained by both the domain wall pinning and nucleation models. The nucleation mechanism holds at any temperature in the Cu-rich magnets, and only above the Curie temperature of the 1:5 phase in the alloys with the lower Cu content. In these cases, the 2:17 cells become magnetically decoupled. (orig.)

  4. Evolution of the microstructure and nanohardness of Ti-48 at.%Al alloy solidified under high pressure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, Hongwei; Zhu, Dongdong; Zou, Chunming; Wei, Zunjie

    2012-01-01

    Highlights: → The microstructure of Ti-48Al alloy changes under high pressure. → With increasing pressure, the amount of γ s phase decreases. → High pressure leads to the decreasing of lamellar spacing. → The nanohardness of lamellar structure increases with pressure. -- Abstract: In this work the microstructure and nanohardness of Ti-48 at.%Al alloy solidified under different pressures (normal pressure, 2 GPa, 4 GPa) were experimental investigated by using a tungsten-carbide six-anvil apparatus. The results indicate that high pressure does not change the phase constitution of Ti-48 at.%Al alloy. However, the microstructure changes under high pressure. With increasing pressure, the volume fraction of interdendritic γ (γ s ) phase decreases and Al concentration in lamellae increases. When the pressure is 4 GPa, there is only a little γ s embedded in lamellar structure. The volume fraction of γ s phase is approximately 17.0% for normal pressure, 8.73% for 2 GPa, 0.69% for 4 GPa. The lamellar spacings also decrease with pressure, which are 495 nm, 345 nm, 227 nm under normal pressure, 2 GPa, 4 GPa, respectively. The change in nanohardness was discussed based on the microstructural observations. It shows a certain increase of the nanohardness as the pressure increases from normal pressure to 4 GPa. When the pressure is 4 GPa, the nanohardness increases by 50.2% compared with that of normal pressure.

  5. High-temperature phase transformation in Cr added TiAl base alloy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Abe, E.; Niinobe, K.; Nobuki, M.; Nakamura, M.; Tsujimoto, T.

    1999-07-01

    The authors have investigated a microstructure evolution of a Ti-48Al-3.5Cr (in at.%) alloy at high-temperatures ({gt} 1,473K). In the alloy annealed at 1673K for 1.8ks, followed by air-cooling, a characteristic microstructure with a feathery fashion was uniformly formed. From a cooling-rate-controlling study, it was found that formation of the feathery structure is accomplished during continuous cooling from 1673K to 1573K, within the {alpha} + {gamma} two-phase region. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the feathery structure is composed of lamellar colonies (5--10{micro}m) which are crystallographically tilted slightly (a few degree) with their neighbors. A surprising fact is that lamellae in each colony are mostly the {gamma} phase with few {alpha}{sub 2} phase less than 5% in volume. This suggests that the feathery structure is a metastable product and has not resulted from the {alpha} {r{underscore}arrow} {alpha} + {gamma} transformation above 1,573 K. Instead, the feathery structure formation should be attributed to the non-equilibrium {alpha} {r{underscore}arrow} {gamma} transformation which occurs at high-temperatures with a small degree of supercooling. The authors discuss this interesting phase transformation in terms of the {alpha} {r{underscore}arrow} {gamma} massive transformation, based on the continuous-cooling-transformation (CCT) diagram constructed for the present alloy.

  6. Onsager’s missing steps retraced

    Science.gov (United States)

    Palffy-Muhoray, Peter; Virga, Epifanio G.; Zheng, Xiaoyu

    2017-11-01

    Onsager’s paper on phase transition and phase coexistence in anisotropic colloidal systems is a landmark in the theory of lyotropic liquid crystals. However, an uncompromising scrutiny of Onsager’s original derivation reveals that it would be rigorously valid only for ludicrous values of the system’s number density (of the order of the reciprocal of the number of particles). Based on Penrose’s tree identity and an appropriate variant of the mean-field approach for purely repulsive, hard-core interactions, our theory shows that Onsager’s theory is indeed valid for a reasonable range of densities.

  7. A comparative review between the updated models of Brazilian, United Kingdom and American eye banks and lamellar transplants

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gustavo Victor

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available The corneal transplantation (CT is the most commonly performed type of transplant in the world and the Eye Banks are organizations whose capture, evaluate, preserve, store and distribute ocular tissues. With the evolution of surgical techniques and equipment for CT, the BOs had to evolve to keep up with these requirements. This evolution goes from tissues capture techniques, donating money and clarification to the patient (e.g. internet-based, use of current equipment for more adequate tissues supply for the most current surgical techniques, integration of BOs of certain country and real-time management of stocks of ocular tissues, and adequacy of laws that manage the entire process. This review aims to make a comparative review between the updated models of Brazilian, United Kingdon and American Eye Banks. Like, check what the trend towards lamellar transplants in these three countries.

  8. Diamond knife-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty to manage keratoconus.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Vajpayee, Rasik B; Maharana, Prafulla K; Sharma, Namrata; Agarwal, Tushar; Jhanji, Vishal

    2014-02-01

    To evaluate the outcomes of a new surgical technique, diamond knife-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), and compare its visual and refractive results with big-bubble DALK in cases of keratoconus. Tertiary eyecare hospital. Comparative case series. The visual and surgical outcomes of diamond knife-assisted DALK were compared with those of successful big-bubble DALK. Diamond knife-assisted DALK was performed in 19 eyes and big-bubble DALK, in 11 eyes. All surgeries were completed successfully. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred with diamond knife-assisted DALK. Six months after diamond knife-assisted DALK, the mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) improved significantly from 1.87 logMAR ± 0.22 (SD) to 0.23 ± 0.06 logMAR, the mean keratometry improved from 65.99 ± 8.86 diopters (D) to 45.13 ± 1.16 D, and the mean keratometric cylinder improved from 7.99 ± 3.81 D to 2.87 ± 0.59 D (all P=.005). Postoperatively, the mean refractive astigmatism was 2.55 ± 0.49 D and the mean spherical equivalent was -1.97 ± 0.56 D. The mean logMAR CDVA (P = .06), postoperative keratometry (P=.64), refractive cylinder (P=.63), and endothelial cell loss (P=.11) were comparable between diamond knife-assisted DALK and big-bubble DALK. Diamond knife-assisted DALK was effective and predictable as a surgical technique for management of keratoconus cases. This technique has the potential to offer visual and refractive outcomes comparable to those of big-bubble DALK. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Copyright © 2013 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Creep of Two-Phase Microstructures for Microelectronic Applications

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Reynolds, Heidi Linch [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States)

    1998-12-01

    The mechanical properties of low-melting temperature alloys are highly influenced by their creep behavior. This study investigates the dominant mechanisms that control creep behavior of two-phase, low-melting temperature alloys as a function of microstructure. The alloy systems selected for study were In-Ag and Sn-Bi because their eutectic compositions represent distinctly different microstructure.” The In-Ag eutectic contains a discontinuous phase while the Sn-Bi eutectic consists of two continuous phases. In addition, this work generates useful engineering data on Pb-free alloys with a joint specimen geometry that simulates microstructure found in microelectronic applications. The use of joint test specimens allows for observations regarding the practical attainability of superplastic microstructure in real solder joints by varying the cooling rate. Steady-state creep properties of In-Ag eutectic, Sn-Bi eutectic, Sn-xBi solid-solution and pure Bi joints have been measured using constant load tests at temperatures ranging from O°C to 90°C. Constitutive equations are derived to describe the steady-state creep behavior for In-Ageutectic solder joints and Sn-xBi solid-solution joints. The data are well represented by an equation of the form proposed by Dom: a power-law equation applies to each independent creep mechanism. Rate-controlling creep mechanisms, as a function of applied shear stress, test temperature, and joint microstructure, are discussed. Literature data on the steady-state creep properties of Sn-Bi eutectic are reviewed and compared with the Sn-xBi solid-solution and pure Bi joint data measured in the current study. The role of constituent phases in controlling eutectic creep behavior is discussed for both alloy systems. In general, for continuous, two-phase microstructure, where each phase exhibits significantly different creep behavior, the harder or more creep resistant phase will dominate the creep behavior in a lamellar microstructure. If a

  10. Wear Evaluation of AISI 4140 Alloy Steel with WC/C Lamellar Coatings Sliding Against EN 8 Using Taguchi Method

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kadam, Nikhil Rajendra; Karthikeyan, Ganesarethinam

    2016-10-01

    The purpose of the experiments in this paper is to use the Taguchi methods to investigate the wear of WC/C coated nitrided AISI 4140 alloy steel. A study of lamellar WC/C coating which were deposited by a physical vapor deposition on nitrided AISI 4140 alloy steel. The investigation includes wear evaluation using Pin-on-disk configuration. When WC/C coated AISI 4140 alloy steel slides against EN 8 steel, it was found that carbon-rich coatings show much lower wear of the countersurface than nitrogen-rich coatings. The results were correlated with the properties determined from tribological and mechanical characterization, therefore by probably selecting the proper processing parameters the deposition of WC/C coating results in decreasing the wear rate of the substrate which shows a potential for tribological application.

  11. Decomposition of the beta phase in a near-eutectoid zicronium-copper alloy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mukhopadhyay, P.; Banerjee, S.; Krishnan, R.

    1977-01-01

    Some TEM observations made on the decomposition of the beta phase in a Zr-1.6 w/o Cu alloy, induced by beta quenching as well as by isothermal holding below the eutectoid temperature are presented. It would normally be expected that the first treatment would produce either a martensitic or a retained beta structure whereas the isothermal treatments would yield the eutectoid decomposition products. However, in the present study it has been found that even on beta quenching, finely distributed lameller constituents are obtained, the volume fraction of the second phase far exceeding that expected from the phase diagram. The crystal structure, the orientation and that habit plane of the second phase lamellae have been investigated. Isothermal holding below the eutectoid temperature has been found to produce a much smaller volume fraction of the second phase plates, with a large inter-plate spacing. On tempering the beta quenched structure at 750 0 C, the lamellar distribution has been observed to be replaced by large plates of the second phase, similar to those observed in the isothermally treated specimens. However, tempering at temperatures upto 500 0 C has shown no noticeable modification of the quenched structure. The observations are suggestive of the fact that during quenching, the beta phase decomposes into two metastable constituents, structurally similar to the eutectoid decomposition products but different from these in composition, owing to an incomplete chemical segregation during the fast cooling process. During subsequent tempering, this metastable structure approaches the equilibrium structure. (author)

  12. Synthesis and properties of lyotropic poly(amide-block-aramid) copolymers

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    De Ruijter, C.

    2006-01-01

    This thesis describes the synthesis and properties of liquid crystalline block copolymers comprised of alternating rigid and flexible blocks for the preparation of self-reinforcing materials. The incentive for this work was the expectation that the rigid segments would phase separate on a

  13. A novel lyotropic liquid crystal formed by triphilic star-polyphiles

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Campo, Liliana de; Varslot, Trond; Moghaddam, Minoo J.

    2011-01-01

    /oleophilic/fluorophilic 3-phase systems. Quantitative comparison with scattering simulations shows that the experimental data are in very good agreement with an underlying 2D columnar (12.6.4) tiling. As in a conventional amphiphilic hexagonal mesophase, the hexagonally packed water channels (dodecagonal prismatic domains...

  14. A Conceptual Model for Shear-Induced Phase Behavior in Crystallizing Cocoa Butter

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mazzanti, G.; Guthrie, S.; Marangoni, A.; Idziak, S.

    2007-01-01

    We propose a conceptual model to explain the quantitative data from synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments on the shear-induced phase behavior of cocoa butter, the main structural component of chocolate. We captured two-dimensional diffraction patterns from cocoa butter at crystallization temperatures of 17.5, 20.0, and 22.5 o C under shear rates from 45 to 1440 s -1 and under static conditions. From the simultaneous analysis of the integrated intensity, correlation length, lamellar thickness, and crystalline orientation, we postulate a conceptual model to provide an explanation for the distribution of phases II, IV, V, and X and the kinetics of the process. As previously proposed in the literature, we assume that the crystallites grow layer upon layer of slightly different composition. The shear rate and temperature applied define these compositions. Simultaneously, the shear and temperature define the crystalline interface area available for secondary nucleation by promoting segregation and affecting the size distribution of the crystallites. The combination of these factors (composition, area, and size distribution) favors dramatically the early onset of phase V under shear and determines the proportions of phases II, IV, V, and X after the transition. The experimental observations, the methodology used, and the proposed explanation are of fundamental and industrial interest, since the structural properties of crystalline networks are determined by their microstructure and polymorphic crystalline state. Different proportions of the phases will thus result in different characteristics of the final material

  15. Potential for low fracture toughness and lamellar tearing on PWR steam generator and reactor coolant pump supports. Resolution of generic technical activity A-12

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Snaider, R.P.; Hodge, J.M.; Levin, H.A.; Zudans, J.J.

    1979-10-01

    This report summarizes work performed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff and its contractor, Sandia Laboratories, in the resolution of Generic Technical Activity A-12, ''Potential for Low Fracture Toughness and Lamellar Tearing in PWR Steam Generator and Reactor Coolant Pump Supports.'' The report describes the technical issues, the technical studies performed by Sandia describes the technical issues, the technical studies performed by Sandia Laboratories, the NRC staff's technical positions based on these studies, and the staff's plan for implementing its technical positions. It also provides recommendations for further work. The complete technical input from Sandia Laboratories is appended to the report

  16. Near-net-shape 95W-3.5Ni-1.5Fe thin-walled products produced by plasma spray forming

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, Y.M.; Xiong, X.; Min, X.B.; Xie, L.; Zheng, F.

    2010-01-01

    Tungsten heavy alloy 95W-3.5Ni-1.5Fe (in wt.%) refractory metallic thin-walled products (diameter ≤100 mm, length ≤150 mm and wall thickness ≤5 mm) were produced using plasma spray forming (PSF) covered in argon atmosphere at a pressure of 1.01 x 10 5 Pa followed by vacuum liquid phase sintering at 1465, 1485 and 1500 deg. C for 90 min, respectively. A lamellar structure consisting of vertical columnar grains and some fine particles was found in PSF deposits. Relative density of the deposits was about 87.70% with poor mechanical property. Upon vacuum liquid phase sintering, their density and property have been improved significantly. The microstructures of PSF deposits before and after vacuum sintering were found to consist with tungsten and (Ni, Fe)-rich phase. Volume fraction of (Ni, Fe)-rich phase was decreased due to vaporization that occurred in plasma spraying and vacuum liquid phase sintering. Their fracture surfaces were dominated by intergranular rupture. The lamellar structure remained in the deposits during early stages of sintering (solid state sintering and initial of liquid phase sintering). Particle rearrangement and rapid densification of the deposits did not occur until the surface of tungsten particles being modified and changed into spheroids by solution and precipitation. In the end, the PSF deposits have been transformed from lamellar structure into two phase composites with dispersed spheroidal tungsten grains embedded in a continuous network of (Ni, Fe)-rich phase.

  17. Effects of heat treatment on the morphology of long-period stacking ordered phase and the corresponding mechanical properties of Mg–9Gd–xEr–1.6Zn–0.6Zr magnesium alloys

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, Jingfeng; Song, Pengfei; Huang, Song; Pan, Fusheng

    2013-01-01

    This study investigates the effects of heat treatment on the morphology of long-period stacking ordered phase (LPSO) and the corresponding mechanical properties of Mg–9Gd–xEr–1.6Zn–0.6Zr (1–4 wt%) using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and tensile tests. The microstructure analysis of the as cast alloys showed that the volume fraction of the (Mg, Zn) 3 (Gd, Er) phase increased with increasing Er content. The (Mg, Zn) 3 (Gd, Er) phase in grain boundaries transformed into the 14H-LPSO phase Mg 12 Zn(Gd, Er) after heat treatment between 400 °C and 515 °C. The bulk shaped LPSO phases distributed along the grain boundaries produced isometric crystal grains in and enhanced the ductility of the as-extruded alloys. However, the lamellar LPSO phases precipitating in the grain interior induced strip-shaped grains in and improved the strength of the as-extruded alloys

  18. Rational design of mesoporous metals and related nanomaterials by a soft-template approach.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yamauchi, Yusuke; Kuroda, Kazuyuki

    2008-04-07

    We review recent developments in the preparation of mesoporous metals and related metal-based nanomaterials. Among the many types of mesoporous materials, mesoporous metals hold promise for a wide range of potential applications, such as in electronic devices, magnetic recording media, and metal catalysts, owing to their metallic frameworks. Mesoporous metals with highly ordered networks and narrow pore-size distributions have traditionally been produced by using mesoporous silica as a hard template. This method involves the formation of an original template followed by deposition of metals within the mesopores and subsequent removal of the template. Another synthetic method is the direct-template approach from lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) made of nonionic surfactants at high concentrations. Direct-template synthesis creates a novel avenue for the production of mesoporous metals as well as related metal-based nanomaterials. Many mesoporous metals have been prepared by the chemical or electrochemical reduction of metal salts dissolved in aqueous LLC domains. As a soft template, LLCs are more versatile and therefore more advantageous than hard templates. It is possible to produce various nanostructures (e.g., lamellar, 2D hexagonal (p6mm), and 3D cubic (Ia\\3d)), nanoparticles, and nanotubes simply by controlling the composition of the reaction bath.

  19. Mechanical strength parameters of cast iron with lamellar graphite and their significance for the design of pressure-carrying reactor components

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Janakiev, N.

    1977-01-01

    The tensile strength of thick-walled components in cast iron with lamellar graphite is lower by about 50 to 65% than that stated in DIN 1691. The usable compressive strength of this material under uni-axial load is about twice as high as its tensile strength. The graphite lamellae are not bonded into the metallic matrix. The width of the gaps between the graphite lamellae and the matrix increases with increasing wall thickness of the casting. In stress calculations for design purposes it is advisable to rely only on the permissible tensile stresses. It is shown that cast iron can be used as structural material for shieldings but is unsuitable for thick-walled reactor components carrying compressive and tensile stresses because its mechanical strength parameters decrease rapidly with increasing wall thickness. (orig.) [de

  20. Shear-induced transitions in a ternary polymeric system

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Zvelindovsky, AV; Sevink, GJA; Fraaije, JGEM

    The first three-dimensional simulation of shear-induced phase transitions in a polymeric system has been performed. The method is based on dynamic density-functional theory. The pathways between a bicontinuous phase with developing gyroid mesostructure and a lamellar/cylinder phase coexistence are

  1. Fishnet model for failure probability tail of nacre-like imbricated lamellar materials

    Science.gov (United States)

    Luo, Wen; Bažant, Zdeněk P.

    2017-12-01

    Nacre, the iridescent material of the shells of pearl oysters and abalone, consists mostly of aragonite (a form of CaCO3), a brittle constituent of relatively low strength (≈10 MPa). Yet it has astonishing mean tensile strength (≈150 MPa) and fracture energy (≈350 to 1,240 J/m2). The reasons have recently become well understood: (i) the nanoscale thickness (≈300 nm) of nacre's building blocks, the aragonite lamellae (or platelets), and (ii) the imbricated, or staggered, arrangement of these lamellea, bound by biopolymer layers only ≈25 nm thick, occupying engineering applications, however, the failure probability of ≤10-6 is generally required. To guarantee it, the type of probability density function (pdf) of strength, including its tail, must be determined. This objective, not pursued previously, is hardly achievable by experiments alone, since >10^8 tests of specimens would be needed. Here we outline a statistical model of strength that resembles a fishnet pulled diagonally, captures the tail of pdf of strength and, importantly, allows analytical safety assessments of nacreous materials. The analysis shows that, in terms of safety, the imbricated lamellar structure provides a major additional advantage—˜10% strength increase at tail failure probability 10^-6 and a 1 to 2 orders of magnitude tail probability decrease at fixed stress. Another advantage is that a high scatter of microstructure properties diminishes the strength difference between the mean and the probability tail, compared with the weakest link model. These advantages of nacre-like materials are here justified analytically and supported by millions of Monte Carlo simulations.

  2. Mechanisms of membrane protein insertion into liposomes during reconstitution procedures involving the use of detergents. 1. Solubilization of large unilamellar liposomes (Prepared by reverse-phase evaporation) by Triton X-100 octyl glucoside, and sodium cholate

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Paternostre, M.T.; Roux, M.; Rigaud, J.L.

    1988-01-01

    The mechanisms governing the solubilization by Triton X-100, octyl glucoside, and sodium cholate of large unilamellar liposomes prepared by reverse-phase evaporation were investigated. The solubilization process is described by the three-stage model previously proposed for the detergents. In stage I, detergent monomers are incorporated into the phospholipid bilayers until they saturate the liposomes. At this point, i.e., stage II, mixed phospholipid-detergent micelles begin to form. By stage III, the lamellar to micellar transition is complete and all the phospholipids are present as mixed micelles. The turbidity of liposome preparations was systematically measured as a function of the amount of detergent added for a wide range of phospholipid concentrations. The results allowed a quantitative determination of the effective detergent to lipid molar ratios in the saturated liposomes. The monomer concentrations of the three detergents in the aqueous phase were also determined at the lamellar to micellar transitions. These transitions were also investigated by 31 P NMR spectroscopy, and complete agreement was found with turbidity measurements. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy and permeability studies in the sublytic range of detergent concentrations indicated that during stage I of solubilization detergent partitioning between the aqueous phase and the lipid bilayer greatly affects the basic permeability of the liposomes without significantly changing the morphology of the preparations. A rough approximation of the partition coefficients was derived from the turbidity and permeability data. It is concluded that when performed systematically, turbidity measurements constitute a very convenient and powerful technique for the quantitative study of the liposome solubilization process by detergents

  3. Abca12-mediated lipid transport and Snap29-dependent trafficking of lamellar granules are crucial for epidermal morphogenesis in a zebrafish model of ichthyosis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Qiaoli Li

    2011-11-01

    Zebrafish (Danio rerio can serve as a model system to study heritable skin diseases. The skin is rapidly developed during the first 5–6 days of embryonic growth, accompanied by expression of skin-specific genes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM of wild-type zebrafish at day 5 reveals a two-cell-layer epidermis separated from the underlying collagenous stroma by a basement membrane with fully developed hemidesmosomes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM reveals an ordered surface contour of keratinocytes with discrete microridges. To gain insight into epidermal morphogenesis, we have employed morpholino-mediated knockdown of the abca12 and snap29 genes, which are crucial for secretion of lipids and intracellular trafficking of lamellar granules, respectively. Morpholinos, when placed on exon-intron junctions, were >90% effective in preventing the corresponding gene expression when injected into one- to four-cell-stage embryos. By day 3, TEM of abca12 morphants showed accumulation of lipid-containing electron-dense lamellar granules, whereas snap29 morphants showed the presence of apparently empty vesicles in the epidermis. Evaluation of epidermal morphogenesis by SEM revealed similar perturbations in both cases in the microridge architecture and the development of spicule-like protrusions on the surface of keratinocytes. These morphological findings are akin to epidermal changes in harlequin ichthyosis and CEDNIK syndrome, autosomal recessive keratinization disorders due to mutations in the ABCA12 and SNAP29 genes, respectively. The results indicate that interference of independent pathways involving lipid transport in the epidermis can result in phenotypically similar perturbations in epidermal morphogenesis, and that these fish mutants can serve as a model to study the pathomechanisms of these keratinization disorders.

  4. Concentration of organic compounds in natural waters with solid-phase dispersion based on advesicle modified silica prior to liquid chromatography.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Parisis, Nikolaos A; Giokas, Dimosthenis L; Vlessidis, Athanasios G; Evmiridis, Nicholaos P

    2005-12-02

    The ability of vesicle-coated silica to aid the extraction of organic compounds from water prior to liquid chromatographic analysis is presented for the first time. The method is based on the formation of silica supported cationic multi-lamellar vesicles of gemini surfactants inherently ensuring the presence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic sites for the partitioning of analytes bearing different properties. Method development is illustrated by studying the adsolubilization of UV absorbing chemicals from swimming pool water. Due to the requirement for external energy input (intense shearing) a method based on solid-phase dispersion (SPD) was applied producing better results than off-line solid-phase extraction (SPE). Meticulous investigation of the experimental parameters was conducted in order to elucidate the mechanisms behind the proposed extraction pattern. Analyte recoveries were quantitative under the optimum experimental conditions offering recoveries higher than 96% with RSD values below 5%.

  5. The solidification and structure of Al-17wt.%Si alloy modified with intermetallic phases containing Ti and Fe

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    J. Piątkowski

    2011-10-01

    Full Text Available The article describes the process of casting and solidification of Al-17wt.%Si alloy that have been modified with composite powdercontaining the intermetallic phases of Ti and Fe. The chemical and phase composition of the applied modifier was described with thefollowingformula:FeAlx–TiAlx–Al2O3. Applying the method of thermal analysis ATD, the characteristic parameters of the solidificationprocess were determined, and exo-and endothermic effects of the modifying powder on the run of the silumin solidification curves wereobserved. By the methods of light, scanning, and X-ray microscopy, the structure of alloy and the chemical composition of the dispersionhardening precipitates were examined. A change in the morphology of Al-Si eutectic from the lamellar to fibrous type was reportedtogether with changes in the form of complex eutectics of an Al-Si-Ti and Al-Si-Fe type and size reduction of primary silicon crystals.

  6. Lamellar granule secretion starts before the establishment of tight junction barrier for paracellular tracers in mammalian epidermis.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Akemi Ishida-Yamamoto

    Full Text Available Defects in epidermal barrier function and/or vesicular transport underlie severe skin diseases including ichthyosis and atopic dermatitis. Tight junctions (TJs form a single layered network in simple epithelia. TJs are important for both barrier functions and vesicular transport. Epidermis is stratified epithelia and lamellar granules (LGs are secreted from the stratum granulosum (SG in a sequential manner. Previously, continuous TJs and paracellular permeability barriers were found in the second layer (SG2 of SG in mice, but their fate and correlation with LG secretion have been poorly understood. We studied epidermal TJ-related structures in humans and in mice and found occludin/ZO-1 immunoreactive multilayered networks spanning the first layer of SG (SG1 and SG2. Paracellular penetration tracer passed through some TJs in SG2, but not in SG1. LG secretion into the paracellular tracer positive spaces started below the level of TJs of SG1. Our study suggests that LG-secretion starts before the establishment of TJ barrier in the mammalian epidermis.

  7. Barriers to defect melting in chemo-epitaxial directed self-assembly of lamellar-forming diblock copolymer/homopolymer blends

    Science.gov (United States)

    Izumi, Kenichi; Kim, Bongkeun; Laachi, Nabil; Delaney, Kris T.; Carilli, Michael; Fredrickson, Glenn H.

    2015-03-01

    We investigate energy barriers and minimum energy paths (MEPs) for transitions from dislocation-pair defects to perfect lamellae in self-assembly of AB-diblock copolymer plus A- or B-homopolymer blends using self-consistent field theory (SCFT) and the numerical string method. For neutral substrates, all minimum energy paths discovered by the string method show two successive energy barriers. The two-barrier qualitative nature of the MEPs appears not to depend on the presence or absence of small amounts of homopolymer. For the first energy barrier, the barrier height shows pronounced increase with addition of A-homopolymer due to localization of A-homopolymer on the T-junction core of the dislocation. For chemo-epitaxially patterned substrates (stripes of A-attractive substrate alternating with neutral substrate), the presence of A-attractive stripes helps draw the system towards a perfect lamellar configuration, and energy barriers along the MEP are reduced, in some cases disappearing entirely. Our findings provide guidance on how the presence of homopolymer and chemo-epitaxial prepatterns affect the stability of defective morphologies.

  8. Supramolecular organization of organic phases for DIAMEX solvent extraction process; Organisation supramoleculaire des phases organiques de malonamides du procede d'extraction DIAMEX

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Martinet, L

    2005-04-15

    In the frame of nuclear waste cycle, supramolecular organization of organic phases has been studied for DIAMEX solvent extraction process. A general methodology has been developed in order to determine surfactant properties of an extractant at high concentration. An illustration is given by a malonamide (DMDBTDMA) at 0.7 mol/L, in dodecane and contacted with water, at 23 deg C. The concentrations of monomers (0.3 mol/L) and aggregates (0.4 mol/L), c.m.c. (0.25 mol/L), aggregation number (4,4), aggregation constant (7.7) and finally aggregates interactions (U/kT = -1.6) are quantified. The method is based on simultaneous utilization of four experimental techniques (small X-ray and neutron scattering, vapour pressure osmometry and tensiometry) added to the model of Baxter. The structure of malonamide organic phase is depending on extractant concentration. (i) Below 0.2 mol/L, it is a quasi-molecular liquid fluid, extracting few amount of solutes. (ii) From 0.2 to 1 mol/L, it is a complex liquid fluid, containing small spherical aggregates of 5 extractant molecules in coexistence with monomers. This phase behaves like typical microemulsions with reverse micelles, through its stabilizing effect of penetrating oil and steric repulsion between extractants. (iii) Above 1 mol/L, the organic phase is able to extract huge amount of solutes. When HNO{sub 3} or Nd(NO{sub 3} ){sub 3} are extracted, a gel with a pseudo-lamellar structure is observed. With UO{sub 2} (NO{sub 3} ){sub 2} a solid crystal with a ratio DMDBTDMA/UO{sub 2} (NO{sub 3} ){sub 2} equal to 1/1 is characteristic of the organic phase. The 'third phase' due to attractive interactions between aggregates has exactly the same supramolecular structure than an 'unsplitted organic phase' of the same composition. Aggregates interactions are independent on the chemical affinity of the extractant for solutes. (author)

  9. Comparison of the orientational order of lipid chains in the Lα and HII phases

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lafleur, M.; Cullis, P.R.; Fine, B.; Bloom, M.

    1990-01-01

    The orientational order profile has been determined by using deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance ( 2 H NMR) for POPE in the lamellar liquid-crystalline (L α ) and the hexagonal (H II ) phases and is shown to be sensitive to the symmetry of the lipid phase. In the H II phase, as compared to the L α phase, the acyl chains are characterized by a greater motional freedom, and the orientational order is distributed more uniformly along the lipid acyl chain. This is consistent with a change from a cylindrical to a wedge-shaped space available for the lipid chain. 2 H NMR studies of POPE dispersions containing tetradecanol or decane, both of which can induce H II phase structure, show very different behavior. Tetradecanol appears to align with the phospholipid chains and experience the L α to H II phase transition with a similar change in motional averaging as observed for the phospholipid chains themselves. In contrast, decane is apparently deeply embedded in the lipid structure and exhibits only a small degree of orientation. The L α to H II phase transition for systems containing decane leads to a dramatic increase of the motional freedom of decane which is more pronounced than that observed for the lipid chains. The presence of decane in the H II phase structure does not modify the order of the lipid chains. However, the L α phase of POPE is slightly disordered by the addition of 9 mol% decane whereas it can accommodate as much as 20 mol% tetradecanol without a significant change of order. Finally, the concept of a stretching vector associated with the lipid acyl chain has been introduced to analyze the orientational order profile obtained in the H II phase. With this model, the average order parameter of the H II phase has been calculated and found to be in good agreement with experiment

  10. Microstructural characteristics and effects of TC4 titanium alloy processed by using friction stir welding

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bo LI

    2016-02-01

    Full Text Available Friction stir welding technique is used for the processing of TC4 titanium alloy under protective atmosphere, and it results with good formability. The research focues on the evolution mechanisms of α+β dual phase microstructure in stirred zone and the effects of processing parameters on structures hardness. The results show that with optimized technological parameters, stir zone structure experiences the α/β transformation, and finally changes to the α+β duplex structure which is based on the β phase. After mixing head leaves and the structure cools, the precipitated lamellar α phase is among and/or within-regions. Grain refining of α+β dual phase is obvious. The shortened α/β lamellar spacing distance may improve the strengthening effect of the α+β duplex phase and enhance the hardness of the stir zone. The increasing of the tool rotation speed could coarsen β-regions, while the increasing of the travel speed could help reduce the α phase ratio and generate needle-type Martensites.

  11. Characterization of the Solutol® HS15/water phase diagram and the impact of the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol solubilization.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Murgia, Sergio; Fadda, Paolo; Colafemmina, Giuseppe; Angelico, Ruggero; Corrado, Luigi; Lazzari, Paolo; Monduzzi, Maura; Palazzo, Gerardo

    2013-01-15

    Here, the phase behavior of the commercial non-ionic surfactant Solutol® HS15 in water was investigated. The focus was on the evolution of the system nanostructure at low water content. Particularly, it was demonstrated that spherical micelles found in dilute surfactant solutions coalesce at a surfactant volume fraction close to 0.5. As consequence, a heterogeneous pseudo-binary mixture occurs. No liquid crystalline phases were detected even at the highest HS15 concentrations in water. Alteration of the micellar morphology induced by the addition of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol to the surfactant/water binary system was also investigated. It was found that the cannabinoid molecules become entrapped within the surfactant hydrophobic tails, thus increasing the surfactant effective packing parameter and inducing a radical change of the micelle shape. At sufficiently low water content (18-35 wt.%), such alteration of the interfacial packing results in a lamellar organization of the surfactant molecules. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Ceratoplastia endotelial lamelar profunda em distrofia de Fuchs: relato de caso Deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty in Fuchs' dystrophy: case report

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fernando Trench de Oliveira Komatsu

    2004-08-01

    Full Text Available Descrever o caso de paciente portador de distrofia de Fuchs submetido a ceratoplastia endotelial lamelar profunda. O procedimento cirúrgico foi realizado no olho direito em um caso de distrofia de Fuchs com falência endotelial. Realizou-se incisão límbica superior, o estroma corneano foi delaminado e um disco lamelar de 8,5 mm com 0,150 mm de espessura, contendo estroma, membrana de Descemet e endotélio, foi transplantado sem sutura corneana. Foram avaliados: acuidade visual sem e com correção, biomicroscopia, topografia, paquimetria ultra-sônica e densidade endotelial. A paciente apresentava na avaliação pré-operatória acuidade visual com correção de 20/100 (+4,00 DE -3,25 DC x 60º, astigmatismo de 6,6 dioptrias (37,5 a 12º x 44,1 a 102º, espessura paquimétrica de 0,625 mm e contagem endotelial de 720 cel/mm². Após três meses da cirurgia, apresentava-se com acuidade visual com correção de 20/30 (-1,25 DE -0,50 DC x 45º, astigmatismo regular de 1,0 dioptria (37,2 a 75º x 38,2 a 165º, espessura paquimétrica de 0,503 mm e contagem endotelial de 2447 cel/mm². Observaram-se como complicações: corte inadvertido da íris, má coaptação de bordas, dobras do disco doador e nébula na interface. Os resultados preliminares sugerem que a ceratoplastia endotelial lamelar posterior é uma alternativa para o tratamento cirúrgico da distrofia de Fuchs com falência endotelial. Seguimento mais prolongado e maior número de casos são necessários para melhor entendimento e caracterização desta técnica e de suas repercussões.To report a case of deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK technique applied to a patient with Fuchs' dystrophy. The surgical procedure was performed on the right eye for a case of Fuchs' dystrophy with endothelial failure. Through a 9 mm self-sealing scleral tunnel incision, a stromal pocket was dissected at 0.35 mm depth. A 8.5 mm lamellar donor disc with 0.150 mm thickness, containing posterior

  13. Supramolecular organization of organic phases for DIAMEX solvent extraction process; Organisation supramoleculaire des phases organiques de malonamides du procede d'extraction DIAMEX

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Martinet, L

    2005-04-15

    In the frame of nuclear waste cycle, supramolecular organization of organic phases has been studied for DIAMEX solvent extraction process. A general methodology has been developed in order to determine surfactant properties of an extractant at high concentration. An illustration is given by a malonamide (DMDBTDMA) at 0.7 mol/L, in dodecane and contacted with water, at 23 deg C. The concentrations of monomers (0.3 mol/L) and aggregates (0.4 mol/L), c.m.c. (0.25 mol/L), aggregation number (4,4), aggregation constant (7.7) and finally aggregates interactions (U/kT = -1.6) are quantified. The method is based on simultaneous utilization of four experimental techniques (small X-ray and neutron scattering, vapour pressure osmometry and tensiometry) added to the model of Baxter. The structure of malonamide organic phase is depending on extractant concentration. (i) Below 0.2 mol/L, it is a quasi-molecular liquid fluid, extracting few amount of solutes. (ii) From 0.2 to 1 mol/L, it is a complex liquid fluid, containing small spherical aggregates of 5 extractant molecules in coexistence with monomers. This phase behaves like typical microemulsions with reverse micelles, through its stabilizing effect of penetrating oil and steric repulsion between extractants. (iii) Above 1 mol/L, the organic phase is able to extract huge amount of solutes. When HNO{sub 3} or Nd(NO{sub 3} ){sub 3} are extracted, a gel with a pseudo-lamellar structure is observed. With UO{sub 2} (NO{sub 3} ){sub 2} a solid crystal with a ratio DMDBTDMA/UO{sub 2} (NO{sub 3} ){sub 2} equal to 1/1 is characteristic of the organic phase. The 'third phase' due to attractive interactions between aggregates has exactly the same supramolecular structure than an 'unsplitted organic phase' of the same composition. Aggregates interactions are independent on the chemical affinity of the extractant for solutes. (author)

  14. Monoolein lipid phases as incorporation and enrichment materials for membrane protein crystallization.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ellen Wallace

    crystallization parameters. Finally, we provide a model that explains the incorporation of the membrane protein from solution into the lipid phase via a portal lamellar phase.

  15. Predictive modeling of interfacial damage in substructured steels: application to martensitic microstructures

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Maresca, F.; Kouznetsova, V.; Geers, M.G.D.

    2016-01-01

    Metallic composite phases, like martensite present in conventional steels and new generation high strength steels exhibit microscale, locally lamellar microstructures characterized by alternating layers of phases or crystallographic variants. The layers can be sub-micron down to a few nanometers

  16. Powder XRD studies on n-C28H58

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Unknown

    d-values of C28 alkane in βm and βo phases were computer generated through an ... identification of phase, to which a given peak belonged. The areas enveloped ... ced orientational preferences, thus promoting (i) lamellar formations and (ii) ...

  17. Liquid Crystals of Lithium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate for Electric Double Layer Capacitors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kuzmin, Andrey Vasil’evich; Yurtov, Evgeny V.

    2016-01-01

    Ionic lyotropic liquid crystals based on lithium dodecylbenzenesulfonate were used as electrolytes for electric double layer capacitors with carbon fibrous electrodes. The capacitors were tasted by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge and discharge, and impedance spectroscopy. The highest specific capacitance was achieved for electrical double layer capacitor equipped with ionic lyotropic liquid crystal of lithium dodecylbenzenesulfonate 35 wt% in water. The specific capacitance of capacitor was calculated from galvanostatic discharge curves – 15 F/g of carbon fibrous material

  18. Capillary condensation and gelling of microemulsions with clay additives.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gvaramia, Manuchar; Mangiapia, Gaetano; Falus, Peter; Ohl, Michael; Holderer, Olaf; Frielinghaus, Henrich

    2018-04-22

    The capillary condensation in bicontinuous microemulsions takes place when two parallel surfaces are narrowed that result in a completely lamellar microemulsion. We expected that this phase transition is also observable when the amount of hydrophilic surfaces from clay particles is raised, because hydrophilic surfaces induce lamellar ordering locally. Using small angle neutron scattering, the structure of microemulsions was observed as a function of clay content. The critical concentration is indicated by discontinuous structural changes and depends on the platelet diameter and is explained by the free energy of the platelets competing with the fluctuating medium. The gel phase transition is observed in the spectroscopic measurements where the diffusion motion is widely suppressed in the gel phase, but otherwise superimposes with the membrane undulations. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  19. New lipid family that forms inverted cubic phases in equilibrium with excess water: molecular structure-aqueous phase structure relationship for lipids with 5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecyl and 5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecanoyl chains.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yamashita, Jun; Shiono, Manzo; Hato, Masakatsu

    2008-10-02

    With a view to discovering a new family of lipids that form inverted cubic phases, the aqueous phase behavior of a series of lipids with isoprenoid-type hydrophobic chains has been examined over a temperature range from -40 to 65 degrees C by using optical microscopy, DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), and SAXS (small-angle X-ray scattering) techniques. The lipids examined are those with 5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecyl and 5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecanoyl chains linked to a series of headgroups, that is, erythritol, pentaerythritol, xylose, and glucose. All of the lipid/water systems displayed a "water + liquid crystalline phase" two-phase coexistence state when sufficiently diluted. The aqueous phase structures of the most diluted liquid crystalline phases in equilibrium with excess water depend both on the lipid molecular structure and on the temperature. Given an isoprenoid chain, the preferred phase consistently follows a phase sequence of an H II (an inverted hexagonal phase) to a Q II (an inverted bicontinuous cubic phase) to an L alpha (a lamellar phase) as A* (cross-section area of the headgroup) increases. For a given lipid/water system, the phase sequence observed as the temperature increases is L alpha to Q II to H II. The present study allowed us to find four cubic phase-forming lipid species, PEOC 18+4 [mono- O-(5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecyl)pentaerythritol], beta-XylOC 18+4 [1- O-(5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecyl)-beta- d-xylopyranoside], EROCOC 17+4 [1- O-(5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecanoyl)erythritol], and PEOCOC 17+4 [mono- O-(5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecanoyl)pentaerythritol]. The values of T K (hydrated solid-liquid crystalline phase transition temperature) of the cubic phase-forming lipids are all below 0 degrees C. Quantitative analyses of the lipid molecular structure-aqueous phase structure relationship in terms of the experimentally evaluated "surfactant parameter" allow us to rationally select an optimum combination of hydrophilic

  20. Diffusion and phase transformation behavior in poly-synthetically-twinned (PST) titanium-aluminum/titanium diffusion couple

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pan, Ling

    Motivated by the great potential applications of gamma titanium aluminide based alloys and the important effect of diffusion on the properties of gamma-TiAl/alpha2-Ti3Al two-phase lamellar structure, we conduct this thesis research to explore the microstructural evolution and interdiffusion behavior, and their correlations in multi-phase solid state diffusion couples made up of pure titanium and polysynthetically-twinned (PST) Ti-49.3 at.% Al "single" crystal, in the temperature range of 973--1173 K. The diffusion couples are prepared by high vacuum hot-pressing, with the diffusion direction parallel to the lamellar planes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) are employed to observe the microstructure at various interfaces/interphases. A reaction zone (RZ) of polycrystalline alpha 2-Ti3Al phase forms along the PST Ti-Al/Ti bonding interface having a wavy interface with the PST crystal and exhibits deeper penetration in alpha2 lamellae, consisting of many fine alpha2 and secondary gamma laths, than in primary gamma lamellae. Direct measurement of the RZ thickness on SEM back-scattered electron images reveals a parabolic growth of the RZ, indicating a macroscopically diffusion-controlled growth. Concentration profiles from Ti, through the RZ, into the alpha2 lamellae of the PST crystal are measured by quantitative energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). A plateau of composition adjacent to the RZ/(mixed alpha2 lath in PST) interface forms in the deeply penetrated RZ grains, implying a diffusion barrier crossing the interface and some extent of interface control in the RZ grain growth. The interdiffusion coefficient is evaluated both independent of composition and as a function of composition. No significant concentration dependence of the interdiffusion coefficients is observed using Boltzmann-Matano analysis

  1. Self-assembly behavior of discotic liquid crystals studied by neutron and X-ray scattering

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Hyo Sik

    2011-02-01

    We investigate both thermotropic and lyotropic phase behaviors in DLC molecules with detailed structural analysis which was performed by scattering methods such as small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and grazing incidence x-ray scattering (GIXS) techniques. First, for the study of thermotropic phase behavior in DLC, uniaxially oriented and well-ordered cobalt octa(n-decylthio)porphyrazine (CoS10) molecules in thin-film was used as a model molecule. Second, the lyotropic phase behavior in DLC was studied using model system, hexa-n-dodecyl-hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC-C12) in organic solvent (p-xylene). The method for uniaxially oriented and highly ordered columnar superstructure of CoS10 on a large area of substrate (3 cm x 3 cm) has been developed by using applied magnetic field (ca. 1.0 T) and surface interaction simultaneously. When spin-coated CoS10 thin film on an OTS-functionalized silicon substrate was cooled from its isotropic phase to liquid crystalline phase in the presence of an applied magnetic field, the CoS10 formed uniaxially oriented and 'edge-on' arrangement of columnar superstructures with their columnar directors perpendicular to the applied magnetic field. Grazing incidence x-ray scattering (GIXS) measurements showed that CoS10 columns form rectangular columnar packing with a tilted arrangement against the columnar axis (ca. 40 .deg.) in columns. The effects of film thickness on the columnar packing structure in supported thin-films of CoS10 have been investigated by the GISAXS technique, with magnetically aligned CoS10 films on OTS-functionalized substrates used as model systems. CoS10 columnar superstructures in thin-films with thicknesses ranging from 49 nm to 845 nm were uniaxially oriented with 'edge-on' arrangement using magnetic field and surface interaction. The orientational ordering of the columnar packing in the plane perpendicular to the applied magnetic field is strongly dependent on the film thickness. While it is damped by

  2. Clinical study of the clusters of diffuse lamellar keratitis after laser corneal refractive surgery

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Qing-Hong Lin

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available AIM: To investigate the potential causes and management of the clusters of diffuse lamellar keratitis(DLKafter laser corneal refractive surgery. METHODS: The study enrolled 98 eyes(53 patientscomplicated with DLK after receiving laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK, FS-LASIK or small-incision lenticule extraction(SMILEin our center from February 10th,2016 to February 22th,2016. They were given clinical classification treatments according to corneal layer inflammatory extent and then followed up after 1, 3, 5, 7, 10d and 1mo. RESULTS: The clusters of DLK occurred 5 times in the study period. The incidence and degree of DLK significantly decreased after changed the sterilization, surgical equipments, temperature and humidity of the operating room. There were 80 eyes(82%had stage 1 DLK, 11 eyes(11%had stage 2, 4 eyes(4%had stage 3 and 3 eyes(3%had stage 4. The incidence of DLK after FS-LASIK was 40%(79 eyes in 42 patients, that after LASIK assistant by Hastome keratome was 45%(10 eyes in 5 patients, that after SMILE was 20%(9 eyes in 6 patients. After intensive treatment, as glucocorticoid treatment and flap lifting flushing, all cases recovered within 1mo. CONCLUSION: The outbreak of DLK may be associated with the disposable item, flushing liquor, temperature and humidity of the operating room. Early diagnosis, prevention and treatment are the key of decreasing the incidence of DLK.

  3. The Kinetics of Phase Transformations During Tempering in Laser Melted High Chromium Cast Steel

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, M. Y.; Wang, Y.; Han, B.

    2012-06-01

    The precipitation of secondary carbides in the laser melted high chromium cast steels during tempering at 300-650 °C for 2 h in air furnace was characterized and the present phases was identified, by using transmission electron microscopy. Laser melted high chromium cast steel consists of austenitic dendrites and interdendritic M23C6 carbides. The austenite has such a strong tempering stability that it remains unchanged at temperature below 400 °C and the secondary hardening phenomenon starts from 450 °C to the maximum value of 672 HV at 560 °C. After tempering at 450 °C fine M23C6 carbides precipitate from the supersaturated austenite preferentially. In addition, the dislocation lines and slip bands still exist inside the austenite. While tempering at temperature below 560 °C, the secondary hardening simultaneously results from the martensite phase transformation and the precipitation of carbides as well as dislocation strengthening within a refined microstructure. Moreover, the formation of the ferrite matrix and large quality of coarse lamellar M3C carbides when the samples were tempered at 650 °C contributes to the decrease of hardness.

  4. Image-guided modified deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) corneal transplant using intraoperative optical coherence tomography

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tao, Yuankai K.; LaBarbera, Michael; Ehlers, Justis P.; Srivastava, Sunil K.; Dupps, William J.

    2015-03-01

    Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) is an alternative to full-thickness corneal transplant and has advantages including the absence of allograft rejection; shortened duration of topical corticosteroid treatment and reduced associated risk of glaucoma, cataract, or infection; and enables use of grafts with poor endothelial quality. DALK begins by performing a trephination of approximately 80% stromal thickness, as measured by pachymetry. After removal of the anterior stoma, a needle is inserted into the residual stroma to inject air or viscoelastic to dissect Descemet's membrane. These procedures are inherently difficult and intraoperative rates of Descemet's membrane perforation between 4-39% have been reported. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high-resolution images of tissue microstructures in the cornea, including Descemet's membrane, and allows quantitation of corneal layer thicknesses. Here, we use crosssectional intraoperative OCT (iOCT) measurements of corneal thickness during surgery and a novel micrometeradjustable biopsy punch to precision-cut the stroma down to Descemet's membrane. Our prototype cutting tool allows us to establish a dissection plane at the corneal endothelium interface, mitigates variability in cut-depths as a result of tremor, reduces procedure complexity, and reduces complication rates. iOCT-guided modified DALK procedures were performed on 47 cadaveric porcine eyes by non-experts and achieved a perforation rate of ~5% with a mean corneal dissection time care.

  5. Simulation of Intergranular Ductile Cracking in β Titanium Alloys Based on a Micro-Mechanical Damage Model.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Huan; Li, Jinshan; Tang, Bin; Fan, Jiangkun; Yuan, Huang

    2017-10-30

    The intergranular crack propagation of the lamellar structure β titanium alloys is investigated by using a modified Gurson-type damage model. The representative microstructure of the lamellar alloy, which consists of the soft α phase layer surrounding the hard grain interiors, is generated based on an advanced Voronoi algorithm. Both the normal fracture due to void growth and the shear fracture associated with void shearing are considered for the grain boundary α layer. The individual phase properties are determined according to the experimental nanoindentation result and the macroscopic stress-strain curve from a uni-axial tensile test. The effects of the strain hardening exponent of the grain interiors and the void shearing mechanism of the grain boundary α layer on fracture toughness and the intergranular crack growth behavior are emphatically studied. The computational predictions indicate that fracture toughness can be increased with increasing the strain hardening ability of the grain interiors and void shearing can be deleterious to fracture toughness. Based on the current simulation technique, qualitative understanding of relationships between the individual phase features and the fracture toughness of the lamellar alloys can be obtained, which provides useful suggestions to the heat treatment process of the β titanium alloys.

  6. Multi-Stacked Supported Lipid Bilayer Micropatterning through Polymer Stencil Lift-Off

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yujie Zhu

    2015-08-01

    Full Text Available Complex multi-lamellar structures play a critical role in biological systems, where they are present as lamellar bodies, and as part of biological assemblies that control energy transduction processes. Multi-lamellar lipid layers not only provide interesting systems for fundamental research on membrane structure and bilayer-associated polypeptides, but can also serve as components in bioinspired materials or devices. Although the ability to pattern stacked lipid bilayers at the micron scale is of importance for these purposes, limited work has been done in developing such patterning techniques. Here, we present a simple and direct approach to pattern stacked supported lipid bilayers (SLBs using polymer stencil lift-off and the electrostatic interactions between cationic and anionic lipids. Both homogeneous and phase-segregated stacked SLB patterns were produced, demonstrating that the stacked lipid bilayers retain lateral diffusivity. We demonstrate patterned SLB stacks of up to four bilayers, where fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET and quenching was used to probe the interactions between lipid bilayers. Furthermore, the study of lipid phase behaviour showed that gel phase domains align between adjacent layers. The proposed stacked SLB pattern platform provides a robust model for studying lipid behaviour with a controlled number of bilayers, and an attractive means towards building functional bioinspired materials or devices.

  7. Alterações morfológicas de tecido laminar do casco e parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais de equinos com síndrome cólica letal Morphologic alterations of the hoof lamellar tissue, and clinic and laboratorial analyses of horses with lethal colic syndrome

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Luciane M. Laskoski

    2009-09-01

    Full Text Available As afecções gastrintestinais dos cavalos são agravadas por complicações como a laminite, cuja etiopatogenia está relacionada à degradação da membrana basal do tecido laminar por metaloproteinases (MMPs. A ativação das MMPs pode ocorrer devido à liberação local de citocinas inflamatórias ou enzimas provenientes de leucócitos infiltrados no tecido laminar. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as alterações morfológicas do tecido laminar de equinos com síndrome cólica letal e sua provável associação com parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais. Observou-se intensa destruição da arquitetura laminar, principalmente nos animais com alterações físicas e laboratoriais mais acentuadas, como tempo de preenchimento capilar prolongado (TPC, membranas mucosas congestas, taquicardia, hemoconcentração e redução nas contagens de plaquetas e leucócitos. Os resultados sinalizam o provável momento do desenvolvimento de lesões do tecido laminar em equinos com síndrome cólica, no qual é possível adotar medidas preventivas contra a laminite.The gastrointestinal diseases of horses are aggravated by complications such as laminitis. The laminitis etiopathogeny are connected with lamellar basement membrane degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs. Inflammatory cytokines and leukocytes enzymes can active MMPs. The object of this study was to evaluate morphological changes on lamellar tissue of horses with colic syndrome and its association with clinical and laboratorial parameters. It was observed intensive destruction of lamellar architecture, mainly on animals with severe physical and laboratorial alterations, such as delayed capillary refill time, congested mucous membrane, tachycardia, hemoconcentration and low count of platelet and leukocytes. The results sign to the most likely moment of development of lamellar tissue injuries in horses with colic syndrome, which can be adopted preventive measures against laminitis.

  8. Time-Resolved Soft X-ray Diffraction Reveals Transient Structural Distortions of Ternary Liquid Crystals

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Klaus Mann

    2009-11-01

    Full Text Available Home-based soft X-ray time-resolved scattering experiments with nanosecond time resolution (10 ns and nanometer spatial resolution were carried out at a table top soft X-ray plasma source (2.2–5.2 nm. The investigated system was the lyotropic liquid crystal C16E7/paraffin/glycerol/formamide/IR 5. Usually, major changes in physical, chemical, and/or optical properties of the sample occur as a result of structural changes and shrinking morphology. Here, these effects occur as a consequence of the energy absorption in the sample upon optical laser excitation in the IR regime. The liquid crystal shows changes in the structural response within few hundred nanoseconds showing a time decay of 182 ns. A decrease of the Bragg peak diffracted intensity of 30% and a coherent macroscopic movement of the Bragg reflection are found as a response to the optical pump. The Bragg reflection movement is established to be isotropic and diffusion controlled (1 μs. Structural processes are analyzed in the Patterson analysis framework of the time-varying diffraction peaks revealing that the inter-lamellar distance increases by 2.7 Å resulting in an elongation of the coherently expanding lamella crystallite. The present studies emphasize the possibility of applying TR-SXRD techniques for studying the mechanical dynamics of nanosystems.

  9. Conductivity and phase morphology of carbon black-filled immiscible polymer blends under creep: an experimental and theoretical study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pan, Yamin; Liu, Xianhu; Hao, Xiaoqiong; Schubert, Dirk W

    2016-11-30

    Blends of carbon black (CB)-filled co-continuous immiscible polystyrene/poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PS/PMMA) with a PS/PMMA ratio of 50/50 and CB selectively located in the PS phase have been prepared by melt blending. The simultaneous evolution of conductivity and phase morphology of blend composites was investigated under shear and in the quiescent state at 200 °C. It was found that shear deformation had a significant influence on the conductivity of the unfilled PS/PMMA blend and its composites, which was attributed to the change of phase morphology during shear. After the shear stress of 10 kPa, the conductivity of PS/PMMA blends filled with 2 vol% of CB decreased by about two orders of magnitude and the phase morphology transformed from a fine co-continuous structure into a highly elongated lamellar structure. The deformation of phase morphology and the decrease of conductivity were weakened upon decreasing the shear stress or increasing the CB concentration. During subsequent recovery, pronounced phase structure coarsening was observed in the mixture and the conductivity increased as well. A simple model describing the behavior of conductivity under shear deformation was derived and utilized for the description of the experimental data. For the first time, the Burgers model was used to describe the conductivity, and the viscoelastic and viscoplastic parameters were deduced by fitting the conductivity under shear. The results obtained in this study provide a deeper insight into the evolution of phase structure in the conductive polymer blend composite induced by shear deformation.

  10. Predictive modeling of interfacial damage in substructured steels: application to martensitic microstructures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Maresca, F; Kouznetsova, V G; Geers, M G D

    2016-01-01

    Metallic composite phases, like martensite present in conventional steels and new generation high strength steels exhibit microscale, locally lamellar microstructures characterized by alternating layers of phases or crystallographic variants. The layers can be sub-micron down to a few nanometers thick, and they are often characterized by high contrasts in plastic properties. As a consequence, fracture in these lamellar microstructures generally occurs along the layer interfaces or within one of the layers, typically parallel to the interface. This paper presents a computational framework that addresses the lamellar nature of these microstructures, by homogenizing the plastic deformation at the mesoscale by using the microscale response of the laminates. Failure is accounted for by introducing a family of damaging planes that are parallel to the layer interface. Mode I, mode II and mixed-mode opening are incorporated. The planes along which failure occurs are captured using a smeared damage approach. Coupling of damage with isotropic or anisotropic plasticity models, like crystal plasticity, is straightforward. The damaging planes and directions do not need to correspond to crystalline slip planes, and normal opening is also included. Focus is given on rate-dependent formulations of plasticity and damage, i.e. converged results can be obtained without further regularization techniques. The validation of the model using experimental observations in martensite-austenite lamellar microstructures in steels reveals that the model correctly predicts the main features of the onset of failure, e.g. the necking point, the failure initiation region and the failure mode. Finally, based on the qualitative results obtained, some material design guidelines are provided for martensitic and multi-phase steels. (paper)

  11. Understanding the role of carbon atoms on microstructure and phase transformation of high Nb containing TiAl alloys

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wu, Zeen; Hu, Rui; Zhang, Tiebang, E-mail: tiebangzhang@nwpu.edu.cn; Zhang, Fan; Kou, Hongchao; Li, Jinshan

    2017-02-15

    The microstructure and solidification behavior of high Nb containing TiAl alloys with the composition of Ti-46Al-8Nb-xC (x = 0.1, 0.7, 1.4, 2.5 at.%) prepared by arc-melting method have been investigated in this work. The results give evidence that the addition of carbon changes the solidification behavior from solidification via the β phase to the peritectic solidification. And carbon in solid solution enriches in the α{sub 2} phase and increases the microhardness. As the carbon content increases to 1.4 at.%, plate-shape morphology carbides Ti{sub 2}AlC (H phase) precipitate from the TiAl matrix which leads to the refinement microstructure. By aging at 1173 K for 24 h after quenching treatment, fine needle-like and granular shape Ti{sub 3}AlC (P phase) carbides are observed in the matrix of Ti-46Al-8Nb-2.5C alloy, which distribute along the lamellar structure or around the plate-shape Ti{sub 2}AlC. Transmission electron microscope observation shows that the Ti{sub 3}AlC carbides precipitate at dislocations. The phase transformation in-situ observations indicate that the Ti{sub 2}AlC carbides partly precipitate during the solid state phase transformation process. - Highlights: •Carbon changes the solidification behavior from β phase to peritectic solidification. •Dislocations in solution treated γ phase act as nucleation sites of Ti{sub 3}AlC precipitations. •Ti{sub 3}AlC precipitates as fine needle-like or granular shape in the solution treated matrix. •Ti{sub 2}AlC carbides precipitate during the solid state phase transformation process.

  12. Collodion Baby - a Case Report

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Stojanović Vesna

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available Colloidon baby describes a highly characteristic clinical entity in newborns encased in a yellowish translucent membrane resembling collodion. In most cases the condition either precedes the development of one of a variety of ichthyoses, the commonest of which are lamellar ichthyosis and non-bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma, or occasionally represents an initial phase of other ichthyoses such as ichthyosis vulgaris. In at least 10% of all cases of collodion baby, the condition is followed by a mild ichthyosis of lamellar type, so mild as to be considered more or less normal, so-called self-healing collodion baby or ‘lamellar ichthyosis of the newborn’. In this report we present a rare case of collodion baby in whom, after collodion membrane peeled-off, the skin retained normal appearance.

  13. Development and evaluation of exemestane-loaded lyotropic liquid crystalline gel formulations

    OpenAIRE

    Musa, Muhammad Nuh; David, Sheba Rani; Zulkipli, Ihsan Nazurah; Mahadi, Abdul Hanif; Chakravarthi, Srikumar; Rajabalaya, Rajan

    2017-01-01

    Introduction: The use of liquid crystalline (LC) gel formulations for drug delivery has considerably improved the current delivery methods in terms of bioavailability and efficacy. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate LC gel formulations to deliver the anti-cancer drug exemestane through transdermal route. Methods: Two LC gel formulations were prepared by phase separation coacervation method using glyceryl monooleate (GMO), Tween 80 and Pluronic® F127 (F127). The formulations...

  14. Viscoelasticidad lineal de la fase líquido-cristalina laminar de un sistema tensioactivo no iónico/hidrocarburo/agua

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gallegos, C.

    2000-08-01

    Full Text Available A linear viscoelastic characterization by small amplitude oscillatory shear tests was carried out for heptane/polyoxyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether (EOa=10/water system exhibiting a lamellar liquid crystalline structure. The influence of composition on the dynamic functions was considered. The lamellar liquid crystalline phase shows a small linear viscoelastic range. The relaxation spectrum of the lamellar liquid crystalline phase presents two regions: the transition region and the plateau region, characteristic of highly structured systems. The maximum values of the plateau modulus correspond to the systems of intermediate compositions within the realm of existence of the lamellar mesophase.En este estudio se ha caracterizado la respuesta viscoelástica lineal, en cizalla oscilatoria, de la fase líquido-cristalina laminar de sistemas alcohol polietoxilado/heptano/agua, estableciendo las influencias de los distintos componentes en la evolución de las funciones viscoelásticas dinámicas. De los resultados obtenidos puede concluirse que la fase líquido-cristalina laminar se caracteriza por presentar un pequeño intervalo viscoelástico lineal; su espectro de relajación muestra, fundamentalmente, dos regiones, la región de transición y la región plateau, siendo esta última característica de sistemas altamente estructurados; el módulo plateau presenta valores máximos para sistemas con concentraciones intermedias de tensioactivo y heptano dentro del intervalo de existencia de la fase laminar.

  15. Visual outcomes after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using donor corneas without removal of Descemet membrane and endothelium

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tatiana Moura Bastos Prazeres

    Full Text Available ABSTRACT Purpose: The optical quality of the interface after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK using the big-bubble technique has been shown to be excellent, leading to results comparable to penetrating keratoplasty. However, there is little in the literature with respect to the controversy surrounding the preparation of the donor cornea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate visual acuity (VA in patients with keratoconus who underwent DALK without removal of the donor graft endothelium. Methods: The records of 90 patients who underwent DALK without the removal of the Descemet membrane (DM and endothelium were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included uncorrected VA (UCVA and spectacle-corrected VA (SCVA at 7, 30, 180 days, and 1 year postoperatively. Contact lens-corrected visual acuity (CLVA was evaluated after 1 year of the procedure. Results: UCVA was significantly better than preoperative values at 7 days (p<0.001, 30 days (p<0.001, 180 days (p<0.001, and 1 year (p<0.001 after surgery. The 1-year postoperative mean SCVA and CLVA also improved when compared with preoperative SCVA (p<0.001 for both. Conclusions: DALK utilizing donor corneas with attached Descemet membrane and endothelium results in satisfactory VA in patients with keratoconus.

  16. [Posterior lamellar keratoplasty with DSEK technique and use of the Tan EndoGlide - short-term results].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kałuiny, Bartłomiej J; Piotrowiak, Ilona; Sołdańska, Beata; Grzybek, Katarzyna; Czajkowska, Monika; Galas, Małgorzata; Malukiewicz, Grazyna

    2013-01-01

    To present the differences in surgical technique of DSEK (Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) with the use of Tan EndoGlide (Coronet, UK) and Busin Glide (Moria, FR). Short-term results will also be presented, DSEK was performed in 24 eyes, in 8 cases the surgery was combined with cataract phacoemulsification and lOL implantation. Surgery course and 6 months postoperative results of first 12 eyes performed with the use of Tan EndoGlide were compared with 12 consecutive eyes preformed with Busin Glide. Tan EndoGlide provided much more stable anterior chamber, donor tissue unfolding process was better controlled but the incision was wider incision. Surgically induced mean refractory cylinder 6. months after the surgery was 1.56 - 1.15 Dsph in Tan EndoGlide group and 1.18 +/- 1.10 Dsph in Busin Glide group (P 0.05). Mean CDVA was 0.65+/- 0.27 and 0.63 +/- 0.25, respectively (P>0,05). Statistically significant differences in intra- and post-operative complications between both groups were not found. The Tan EndoGlide used during posterior lamellar keratoplasty with DSEK technique is a good alternative to currently used methods. It provides better stabilization of the anterior chamber, however its use is linked with higher postoperative astigmatism in comparison with Busin Glide. The visual outcomes and endothelial cell loss 6 months after the surgery were similar in both groups.

  17. Trillions of quantum dots, fingerprints, nanolithography with diblock copolymers and annealing of striped phases

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chaikin, Paul

    2003-01-01

    Full text: We have been using diblock copolymers as a new way to make ultradense patterns which cover wide areas on a variety of inorganic substrates. The feature sizes are determined by the length of the polymers and can range from ∼ 5 to 50 nm. The diblock copolymers form lamellar, cylindrical (hexagonal cross-section), and spherical (BCC) phases in bulk. We use monolayer films to make templates to transfer these patterns to metals, semiconductors etc. For example we cover a three inch wafer with ∼ 3 trillion posts, holes, etc. spaced by ∼ 25nm, to make quantum dots (for semiconductor lasers), metal particles and other structures. In trying to understand how the polymer patterns order we have used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to image the cylindrical phase which lies flat on a substrate. The patterns look like fingerprints and Benard rolls and the coarsening (annealing) law we observe is t (1/4) as in previous studies of these striped phases. This law remained unexplained for decades. However, we made time lapse AFM movies which show that the annealing dynamics is governed by the attraction of disclination PAIRS, quadrupoles, rather than simple +/- annihilation. This directly provides an explanation for the alignment of the striped patterns as a function of time. Thus these systems, while aimed at technological and fundamental electronic applications are also ideal materials for studying the dynamics of ordering. Recently we have also studied the thermodynamics and kinetics of the monolayer hexatic phase and used shear strain to macroscopically align the cylindrical and hexagonal patterns. (author)

  18. Phase Transformations of an Fe-0.85 C-17.9 Mn-7.1 Al Austenitic Steel After Quenching and Annealing

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cheng, Wei-Chun

    2014-09-01

    Low-density Mn-Al steels could potentially be substitutes for commercial Ni-Cr stainless steels. However, the development of the Mn-Al stainless steels requires knowledge of the phase transformations that occur during the steel making processes. Phase transformations of an Fe-0.85 C-17.9 Mn-7.1 Al (wt.%) austenitic steel, which include spinodal decomposition, precipitation transformations, and cellular transformations, have been studied after quenching and annealing. The results show that spinodal decomposition occurs prior to the precipitation transformation in the steel after quenching and annealing at temperatures below 1023 K and that coherent fine particles of L12-type carbide precipitate homogeneously in the austenite. The cellular transformation occurs during the transformation of high-temperature austenite into lamellae of austenite, ferrite, and kappa carbide at temperatures below 1048 K. During annealing at temperatures below 923 K, the austenite decomposes into lamellar austenite, ferrite, κ-carbide, and M23C6 carbide grains for another cellular transformation. Last, when annealing at temperatures below 873 K, lamellae of ferrite and κ-carbide appear in the austenite.

  19. The influence of chain extender on properties of polyurethane-based phase change materials modified with graphene

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pielichowska, Kinga; Nowak, Michał; Szatkowski, Piotr; Macherzyńska, Beata

    2016-01-01

    Highlights: • Polyurethane/graphene composites with solid–solid phase transition were obtained. • PEG incorporated as a soft segment acts as PCM with high heat of phase transition. • The influence of chain extender on PU PCMs properties was investigated. • Graphene introduction caused an increase in thermal stability and conductivity. - Abstract: In this paper polyurethane-based phase change materials (PCMs) modified with graphene for thermal energy storage were obtained in situ using a one-step bulk polymerization method. Polyurethanes (PUs) have been synthesized with 1,4-butanediol as a chain extender or without a chain extender. FTIR-ATR, DSC, TGA, SEM, OM and ultrasonic techniques were used for characterization of the obtained composites containing up to 4 wt.% of graphene. FTIR-ATR analysis confirmed PU structure and proved that there was no chemical reaction between polyurethane and graphene. The highest heat of phase transition and crystallinity were found for PU system synthesized without the chain extender and modified with 1.0 wt.% of graphene. Microscopic observation results indicated spherulite structures typical for poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) which was used to form soft segments, with regions of lamellar crystal bundles radiating from the center of a spherulite. Thermal cycling tests were done by 50 and 100 heating/cooling cyclings in air and nitrogen atmosphere for verification of the thermal reliability and chemical stability – it has been found the heat of phase transition was generally not diminished. Importantly, the thermal conductivity of the PCMs was improved after modification with graphene. Generally, PUPEG without chain extender exhibited higher heat of phase transition, higher thermal stability and better thermal reliability.

  20. Can Pearlite form Outside of the Hultgren Extrapolation of the Ae3 and Acm Phase Boundaries?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Aranda, M. M.; Rementeria, R.; Capdevila, C.; Hackenberg, R. E.

    2016-02-01

    It is usually assumed that ferrous pearlite can form only when the average austenite carbon concentration C 0 lies between the extrapolated Ae3 ( γ/ α) and Acm ( γ/ θ) phase boundaries (the "Hultgren extrapolation"). This "mutual supersaturation" criterion for cooperative lamellar nucleation and growth is critically examined from a historical perspective and in light of recent experiments on coarse-grained hypoeutectoid steels which show pearlite formation outside the Hultgren extrapolation. This criterion, at least as interpreted in terms of the average austenite composition, is shown to be unnecessarily restrictive. The carbon fluxes evaluated from Brandt's solution are sufficient to allow pearlite growth both inside and outside the Hultgren Extrapolation. As for the feasibility of the nucleation events leading to pearlite, the only criterion is that there are some local regions of austenite inside the Hultgren Extrapolation, even if the average austenite composition is outside.

  1. Titanium carbide nanocube core induced interfacial growth of crystalline polypyrrole/polyvinyl alcohol lamellar shell for wide-temperature range supercapacitors

    Science.gov (United States)

    Weng, Yu-Ting; Pan, Hsiao-An; Wu, Nae-Lih; Chen, Geroge Zheng

    2015-01-01

    This is the first investigation on electrically conducting polymers-based supercapacitor electrodes over a wide temperature range, from -18 °C to 60 °C. A high-performance supercapacitor electrode material consisting of TiC nanocube core and conformal crystalline polypyrrole (PPy)/poly-vinyl-alcohol (PVA) lamellar shell has been synthesized by heterogeneous nucleation-induced interfacial crystallization. PPy is induced to crystallize on the negatively charged TiC nanocube surfaces via strong interfacial interactions. In this organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposite, the long chain PVA enables enhanced cycle life due to improved mechanical properties, and the TiC nanocube not only contributes to electron conduction, but also dictates the PPy morphology/crystallinity for maximizing the charging-discharging performance. The crystalline PPy/PAV layer on the TiC nanocube offers unprecedented high capacity (>350 F g-1-PPy at 300 mV s-1 with ΔV = 1.6 V) and cycling stability in a temperature range from -18 °C to 60 °C. The presented hybrid-filler and interfacial crystallization strategies can be applied to the exploration of new-generation high-power conducting polymer-based supercapacitor materials.

  2. In vitro and in vivo performance of monoacyl phospholipid-based self-emulsifying drug delivery systems

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Tran, Thuy; Siqueira, Scheyla D V S; Amenitsch, Heinz

    2017-01-01

    to investigate the impact of LPC on the emulsion droplet size, extent of digestion, colloidal structure evolution and drug precipitation during in vitro lipolysis simulating human conditions and drug bioavailability in a rat model. The four investigated SEDDS containing long-chain glycerides, polyoxyl 35 castor...... and polydispersity of the dispersed SEDDS. The two LPC-free SEDDS generated lamellar phase structures (Lα) with d-spacing=4.76nm during digestion. Incorporating LPC into these systems inhibited the formation of lamellar phase structures. The amount of precipitated crystalline FF from the four SEDDS was similar......This study investigates the effect of monoacyl phospholipid incorporation on the in vitro and in vivo performance of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS). Monoacyl phosphatidylcholine (Lipoid S LPC 80 (LPC)) was incorporated into four different fenofibrate (FF)-loaded long-chain SEDDS...

  3. Revisiting the relevance of using a constant voltage step to improve electrochemical performances of Li-rich lamellar oxides

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pradon, A.; Caldes, M. T.; Petit, P.-E.; La Fontaine, C.; Elkaim, E.; Tessier, C.; Ouvrard, G.; Dumont, E.

    2018-03-01

    A Li-rich lamellar oxide was cycled at high potential and the relevance of using a constant voltage step (CVS) at the end of the charge, needed for industrial application, was investigated by electrochemical performance, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Electrochemical studies at 4.7 and 4.5 V with and without CVS showed that capacity and voltage fading occurred mostly when cells operated at high potential. After cycling, 3D-type defects involving transition metals trapped in lithium layer were observed by HRTEM into the electrode bulk. These defects are responsible for the voltage fading. XRD microstrain parameter was used to evaluate defects rate in aged materials subjected to a CVS, showing more 3D-type defects when cycled at 4.7 V than at 4.5 V. The time spent at high potential at the end of the charge as well as the value of the upper potential limit, are both relevant parameters to voltage decay. The use of a CVS at the end of the charge needs at the same time, a reduced upper potential window in order to minimize 3D-type defects occurrence. Unfortunately, this approach is still not sufficient to prevent voltage fading.

  4. Two-dimensional phase separated structures of block copolymers on solids

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sen, Mani; Jiang, Naisheng; Endoh, Maya; Koga, Tadanori; Ribbe, Alexander

    The fundamental, yet unsolved question in block copolymer (BCP) thin films is the self-organization process of BCPs at the solid-polymer melt interface. We here focus on the self-organization processes of cylinder-forming polystyrene-block-poly (4-vinylpyridine) diblock copolymer and lamellar-forming poly (styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene) triblock copolymer on Si substrates as model systems. In order to reveal the buried interfacial structures, the following experimental protocols were utilized: the BCP monolayer films were annealed under vacuum at T>Tg of the blocks (to equilibrate the melts); vitrification of the annealed BCP films via rapid quench to room temperature; subsequent intensive solvent leaching (to remove unadsorbed chains) with chloroform, a non-selective good solvent for the blocks. The strongly bound BCP layers were then characterized by using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering, and X-ray reflectivity. The results showed that both blocks lie flat on the substrate, forming the two-dimensional, randomly phase-separated structure irrespective of their microdomain structures and interfacial energetics. Acknowledgement of financial support from NSF Grant (CMMI -1332499).

  5. Gel-like properties of MCM-41 material and its transformation to MCM-50 in a caustic alkaline surround

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Saputra, Hens; Othman, Raihan; Sutjipto, A.G.E.; Muhida, R.; Ani, M.H.

    2012-01-01

    Highlights: ► MCM-41 material transforms gradually into MCM-50 lamellar gel upon controlled exposure to 6 M KOH. ► The formation of MCM-50 ordered gel structure occurs at KOH weight content of 40–70 wt. %. ► MCM gel phase shows pseudoplastic behavior and possesses homogeneous matrix texture. -- Abstract: MCM-41 material, prepared by sol–gel method, reveals gel-like properties in a caustic alkaline environment, i.e., 6 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte. The gellation of MCM-41 starts at a KOH weight ratio of 40 wt.%. The structural change of the material is verified with X-Ray diffractograms and supported by observation using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). As the KOH weight ratio increases, the MCM-41 hexagonal arrays structure gradually transforms into MCM-50 lamellar structure before disappearing completely at 80 wt.% KOH. The MCM gel phase is further characterized by rotational viscometry and texture analysis. The gel phase shows shear thinning or pseudoplastic behavior and possesses homogeneous matrix structure.

  6. Nanopatterning via Self-Assembly of a Lamellar-Forming Polystyrene-block-Poly(dimethylsiloxane Diblock Copolymer on Topographical Substrates Fabricated by Nanoimprint Lithography

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dipu Borah

    2018-01-01

    Full Text Available The self-assembly of a lamellar-forming polystyrene-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS diblock copolymer (DBCP was studied herein for surface nanopatterning. The DBCP was synthesized by sequential living anionic polymerization of styrene and hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3. The number average molecular weight (Mn, polydispersity index (Mw/Mn and PS volume fraction (φps of the DBCP were MnPS = 23.0 kg mol−1, MnPDMS = 15.0 kg mol−1, Mw/Mn = 1.06 and φps = 0.6. Thin films of the DBCP were cast and solvent annealed on topographically patterned polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS substrates. The lamellae repeat distance or pitch (λL and the width of the PDMS features (dL are ~35 nm and ~17 nm, respectively, as determined by SEM. The chemistry of the POSS substrates was tuned, and the effects on the self-assembly of the DBCP noted. The PDMS nanopatterns were used as etching mask in order to transfer the DBCP pattern to underlying silicon substrate by a complex plasma etch process yielding sub-15 nm silicon features.

  7. Raman mapping in the elucidation of solid salt eutectic and near eutectic structures

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Berg, Rolf W.; Kerridge, D. H.

    2002-01-01

    The distribution of the different components of solidified eutectic or near-eutectic salt mixtures (eutectics) was examined by use of Raman microscope mapping of the structures formed when these melts were slowly cooled. Seven binary and one ternary system were investigated. In most cases...... and the composition. When unidirectional cooling was applied it was possible for the system (KCl-Na2SO4, 60:40 mol/mol) to observe lamellar arrangements of the component phases, in an arrangement closely similar to what is frequently found among metallic or ceramic eutectics. Each area, conglomerate or lamellar, did...

  8. Preparation and characterisation of polymeric lamellar substrate particles (PLSP)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Khairullah, Noor Hasnah Mohamed

    2002-01-01

    Polymer microparticles have tremendous potential as the next generation of adjuvant systems to replace the only adjuvant currently widely registered for human use, alum. Based on aluminium salts, alum adjuvants work as short-term depots of adsorbed protein/antigens that slowly 'leak' into the body's immune system, inducing immunity by invoking a humoral response. The main disadvantage of alum adjuvants is that they do not raise sufficient antibody levels to induce long-term immunity. Hence, booster administrations are required. This drawback presents the biggest factor in the failure of many vaccination programmes. Polymer microparticulate systems can be fashioned to deliver sub-unit and peptide antigens in a continuous or controlled rate over a desired period of time, avoiding the need for booster doses. The design of mucosal vaccines is now centred upon the use of these polymeric carriers. The mucosal route for immunisation has many advantages over the more conventional systemic route, the most important of which, is the induction of both humoral and cellular immunity. Polymer microspheres of sizes <10μm are especially good candidates as oral vaccine adjuvants as they are taken up by the M cells of the Peyer's patches in the intestine. Numerous studies have been carried out on microspheres into which antigens have been encapsulated or entrapped. There are, however, problems associated with loss of antigenicity since formulation procedures involve the use of organic solvents and harsh shearing methods. Additionally, these antigens may be further degraded when the polymer material itself degrades in vivo and produces acidic species. A novel adjuvant system that avoids the above problems is currently being evaluated. Poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) polymeric lamellar substrate particles (PLSP) are promising as novel adjuvants for the controlled release of antigens. Reports have shown that the adsorption of antigens onto the surface of these particles can induce cellular

  9. Vertical melting of a stack of membranes

    Science.gov (United States)

    Borelli, M. E. S.; Kleinert, H.; Schakel, A. M. J.

    2001-02-01

    A stack of tensionless membranes with nonlinear curvature energy and vertical harmonic interaction is studied. At low temperatures, the system forms a lamellar phase. At a critical temperature, the stack disorders vertically in a melting-like transition.

  10. Characteristics of laser In-situ alloyed titanium aluminides coatings

    CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

    Tlotleng, Monnamme

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available indicated that lamellar microstructures formed at 1.0, 1.3 and 1.5 kW laser powers while at 2.0 kW a refined dendritic structure was observed. The phase composition by XRD concluded the presence of TiAl(sub3), TiAl, Ti(sub3)Al(sub5), and the oxide phases...

  11. Surface hardness behaviour of Ti–Al–Mo alloys

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Wintec

    Such a report is lacking in literature in this class of alloys. Keywords. Ti–Al–Mo alloys; microhardness; slip steps. 1. Introduction. Ti-aluminides containing α2 and γ phases with lamellar morphology are expected to possess hardness that is higher than the β and γ phases (Li and Loretto 1994). Room temperature ductility is ...

  12. Hierarchical domain structure of lead-free piezoelectric (Na{sub 1/2} Bi{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3}-(K{sub 1/2} Bi{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3} single crystals

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Luo, Chengtao, E-mail: lchentao@vt.edu; Wang, Yaojin; Ge, Wenwei; Li, Jiefang; Viehland, Dwight [Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 (United States); Delaire, Olivier [Materials Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831 (United States); Li, Xiaobin; Luo, Haosu [Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 215 Chengbei Road, Jiading, Shanghai 201800 (China)

    2016-05-07

    We report a unique hierarchical domain structure in single crystals of (Na{sub 1/2}Bi{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3}-xat. %(K{sub 1/2}Bi{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3} for x = 5 and 8 by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A high density of polar nano-domains with a lamellar morphology was found, which were self-assembled into a quadrant-like configuration, which then assembled into conventional ferroelectric macro-domains. Studies by high resolution TEM revealed that the polar lamellar regions contained a coexistence of in-phase and anti-phase oxygen octahedral tilt regions of a few nanometers in size. Domain frustration over multiple length scales may play an important role in the stabilization of the hierarchy, and in reducing the piezoelectric response of this Pb-free piezoelectric solid solution.

  13. Analysis of the learning curve for pre-cut corneal specimens in preparation for lamellar transplantation: a prospective, single-centre, consecutive case series prepared at the Lions New South Wales Eye Bank.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Martin, Aifric Isabel; Devasahayam, Rajnesh; Hodge, Christopher; Cooper, Simon; Sutton, Gerard L

    2017-09-01

    This study is the first paper to establish a learning curve by a single technician. Preparation of pre-cut corneal endothelial grafts commenced at Lions New South Wales Eye Bank in December 2014. The primary objective of this study was to review the safety and reliability of the preparation method during the first year of production. This is a hospital-based, prospective case series. There were 234 consecutive donor corneal lenticules. Donor lenticules were prepared by a single operator using a linear cutting microkeratome. Immediately prior to cutting, central corneal thickness values were recorded. Measurements of the corneal bed were taken immediately following lenticule preparation. Outcomes were separated by blade sizes, and intended thickness was compared to actual thickness for each setting. Early specimens were compared to later ones to assess for a learning curve within the technique. The main parameter measured is the mean difference from intended lamellar cut thickness. The mean final cut thickness was 122.36 ± 20.35 μm, and the mean difference from intended cut was 30.17 ± 37.45 μm. No significant difference was found between results achieved with early specimens versus those achieved with later specimens (P = 0.425). Thin, reproducible endothelial grafts can routinely be produced by trained technicians at their respective eye banks without significant concerns for an extended learning curve. This service can reduce perioperative surgical complexity, required surgical paraphernalia and theatre times. The consistent preparation of single-pass, ultrathin pre-cut corneas may have additional advantages for surgeons seeking to introduce lamellar techniques. © 2017 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

  14. Nonideal mixing of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine in the fluid lamellar phase.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Huang, J; Swanson, J E; Dibble, A R; Hinderliter, A K; Feigenson, G W

    1993-02-01

    The mixing of phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) in fluid bilayer model membranes was studied by measuring binding of aqueous Ca2+ ions. The measured [Ca2+]aq was used to derive the activity coefficient for PS, gamma PS, in the lipid mixture. For (16:0, 18:1) PS in binary mixtures with either (16:0, 18:1)PC, (14:1, 14:1)PC, or (18:1, 18:1)PC, gamma PS > 1; i.e., mixing is nonideal, with PS and PC clustered rather than randomly distributed, despite the electrostatic repulsion between PS headgroups. To understand better this mixing behavior, Monte Carlo simulations of the PS/PC distributions were performed, using Kawasaki relaxation. The excess energy was divided into an electrostatic term Uel and one adjustable term including all other nonideal energy contributions, delta Em. Uel was calculated using a discrete charge theory. Kirkwood's coupling parameter method was used to calculate the excess free energy of mixing, delta GEmix, hence In gamma PS,calc. The values of In gamma PS,calc were equalized by adjusting delta Em in order to find the simulated PS/PC distribution that corresponded to the experimental results. We were thus able to compare the smeared charge calculation of [Ca2+]surf with a calculation ("masked evaluation method") that recognized clustering of the negatively charged PS: clustering was found to have a modest effect on [Ca2+]surf, relative to the smeared charge model. Even though both PS and PC tend to cluster, the long-range nature of the electrostatic repulsion reduces the extent of PS clustering at low PS mole fraction compared to PC clustering at an equivalent low PC mole fraction.

  15. Two-Dimensional Raman Correlation Spectroscopy Study of Poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate- co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate] Copolymers.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Noda, Isao; Roy, Anjan; Carriere, James; Sobieski, Brian J; Chase, D Bruce; Rabolt, John F

    2017-07-01

    Two-dimensional correlation analysis was applied to the time-dependent evolution of Raman spectra during the isothermal crystallization of bioplastic, poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate- co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate] or PHBHx copolymer. Simultaneous Raman measurement of both carbonyl stretching and low-frequency crystalline lattice mode regions made it possible to carry out the highly informative hetero-mode correlation analysis. The crystallization process of PHBHx involves: (1) the early nucleation stage; (2) the primary growth of well-ordered crystals of PHBHx; and (3) the secondary crystal growth phase. The latter stage probably occurs in the inter-lamellar region, with an accompanying reduction of the amorphous component, which occurs most dominantly during the primary crystal growth. The development of a fully formed lamellar structure comprising the 2 1 helices occurs after the primary growth of crystals. In the later stage, secondary inter lamellar space crystallization occurs after the full formation of packed helices comprising the lamellae.

  16. Development of synchrotron DSC/WAXD/SAXS simultaneous measurement system for polymeric materials at the BL40B2 in SPring-8 and its application to the study of crystal phase transitions of fluorine polymers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Masunaga, Hiroyasu; Sasaki, Sono; Takata, Masaki; Inoue, Katsuaki; Ohta, Noboru; Yagi, Naoto; Tashiro, Kohji; Hanesaka, Makoto

    2007-01-01

    A new system of rapidly-scanning DSC/WAXD/SAXS simultaneous measurements has been successfully developed at the BL40B2 in SPring-8, Japan. The combination of the ultra-bright and highly-directional X-ray beams with the highly-sensitive two-dimensional (2D) detectors such as an imaging plate (IP), a CCD detector and a flat panel (FP) detector has made it possible to perform the rapidly-scanning time-resolved measurements of WAXD and SAXS for the polymeric materials subjected to the various kinds of external field like temperature, tensile force, magnetic field, hydrostatic pressure, and so on. The experimental data about the phase transitions of vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene copolymer with VDF 82 mol% content and poly(vinylidene fluoride) form I have been presented as actual examples, where the phase transitions of the polar crystal consisting of planar-zigzag chains to the gauche-type high-temperature phase have been confirmed definitely and the remarkable change in lamellar stacking structure could be detected in the temperature region immediately below the melting point. (author)

  17. Large area, soft crystalline thin films of N,N' ,N'' -trialkyltriazatriangulenium salts with homeotropic alignment of the discotic cores in a lamellar lattice

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Just Sørensen, Thomas; Hildebrandt, Christoffer B.; Elm, Jonas

    2012-01-01

    techniques confirm that the 15–30 nm thick films maintain the lamellar structure of the bulk crystals, are flat on macroscopic length scales, and are completely ordered relative to the substrate. The triazatriangulenium molecules are electroactive dyes, and in the highly anisotropic polycrystalline thin film......N,N' ,N'' -Trialkyltriazatriangulenium (R-TATA+) tetrafluoroborate (BF4) salts form highly ordered thin films directly when spin-cast onto rotating substrates. The homogeneous and crystalline thin films show macroscopic order over centimetres. The crystal structures of the R-TATA$BF4 salts...... are investigated and compared for the propyl, 3-methylpentyl and octyl derivatives. In all cases the molecules pack in hexagonally ordered bilayers, with segregation of the ionic groups and the alkyl chains. This is a rare packing motif with the rigid discotic TATA+ cores organized co-planarly in sheets separated...

  18. Effect of heat treatment on the microstructure of Co-Cr-W alloy fabricated by laser additive manufacturing

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ren, Bo; Chen, Changjun; Zhang, Min

    2018-04-01

    Stellite 6 cobalt-based alloy powder was used to produce Co-Cr-W alloy using laser additive manufacturing technology, and then different heat treatment strategies were carried out on the deposited sample. The characteristics of microstructure under different heat treatment conditions were investigated using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, and x-ray diffraction. The results show that the as-deposited sample has few cracks or pores, and the microstructure is typical dendritic structure, and lamellar eutectic carbides are rich in Cr in interdendritic. The matrix mainly consists of γ phases and a few ɛ phases. Some γ phases transform into ɛ phases after 900°C/6 h aging treatment and lamellar eutectic carbides transform into blocky carbides presenting as a network, most of the carbides are rich in Cr and a few are rich in W. When heat treated at 1200°C/1 h followed by water cooling and then treated at 900°C/6 h followed by furnace cooling, it can be found that some γ phases transform into ɛ phases. The carbides transform into elliptical M23C6 carbides that are rich in Cr with the size of 1 to 3 μm and a part of W-rich carbides.

  19. General Mechanism of Morphology Transition and Spreading Area-dependent Phase Diagram of Block Copolymer Self-assembly at the Air/Water Interface

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kim, Dong Hyup; Kim, So Youn

    Block copolymers (BCPs) can be self-assembled forming periodic nanostructures, which have been employed in many applications. While general agreements exist for the phase diagrams of BCP self-assembly in bulk or thin films, a fundamental understanding of BCP structures at the air/water interface still remain elusive. The current study explains morphology transition of BCPs with relative fraction of each block at the air/water interface: block fraction is the only parameter to control the morphology. In this study, we show morphology transitions from spherical to cylindrical and planar structures with neat polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) via reducing the spreading area of BCP solution at the air/water interface. For example, PS-b-P2VP in a fixed block fraction known to form only spheres can experience sphere to cylinder or lamellar transitions depending on the spreading area at the air/water interface. Suggesting a new parameter to control the interfacial assembly of BCPs, a complete phase diagram is drawn with two paramters: relative block fraction and spreading area. We also explain the morphology transition with the combinational description of dewetting mechanism and spring effect of hydrophilic block.

  20. Effect of substrates on microstructure and mechanical properties of nano-eutectic 1080 steel produced by aluminothermic reaction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    La, Peiqing; Li, Zhengning; Li, Cuiling; Hu, Sulei; Lu, Xuefeng; Wei, Yupeng; Wei, Fuan

    2014-01-01

    Nano-eutectic bulk 1080 carbon steel was prepared on glass and copper substrates by an aluminothermic reaction casting. The microstructure of the steel was analyzed by an optical microscope, transmission electron microscopy, an electron probe micro-analyzer, a scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. Results show that the microstructure of the steel consisted of a little cementite and lamellar eutectic pearlite. Average lamellar spacing of the pearlite prepared on copper and glass substrates was about 230 nm and 219 nm, respectively. Volume fraction of the pearlite of the two steels was about 95%. Hardness of the steel was about 229 and 270 HV. Tensile strength was about 610 and 641 MPa and tensile elongation was about 15% and 8%. Compressive strength was about 1043 and 1144 MPa. Compared with the steel prepared on copper substrate, the steel prepared on glass substrate had smaller lamellar spacing of the pearlite phase and higher strength, and low ductility due to the smaller spacing. - Highlights: • 1080-carbon steels were successfully prepared by an aluminothermic reaction casting. • Lamellar spacing of the nanoeutetic pearlite is less than 250 nm. • The compressive strength of the steel is about 1144 MPa. • The tensile ductility of the steel is about 15%

  1. Load transfer in bovine plexiform bone determined by synchrotron x-ray diffraction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Akhtar, R.; Daymond, M.; Almer, J.; Mummery, P.; The Univ. of Manchester; Queen's Univ.

    2008-01-01

    High-energy synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD) has been used to quantify load transfer in bovine plexiform bone. By using both wide-angle and small-angle XRD, strains in the mineral as well as the collagen phase of bone were measured as a function of applied compressive stress. We suggest that a greater proportion of the load is borne by the more mineralized woven bone than the lamellar bone as the applied stress increases. With a further increase in stress, load is shed back to the lamellar regions until macroscopic failure occurs. The reported data fit well with reported mechanisms of microdamage accumulation in bovine plexiform bone

  2. Thermal Conductivity of Superconductors in the Intermediate State: Size Effect in a Longitudinal Lamellar Structure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Suter, J.M.; Rinderer, L.

    1978-01-01

    The thermal conductivity of type I superconductors has been measured in a well-defined, optically controlled intermediate-state configuration the so-called longitudinal lamellar structure (LLS). A regular arrangement of alternating normal and superconducting lamellas is obtained in an elongated plate by applying the magnetic field obliquely (following Sharvin) and decreasing it from the critical values. The heat current is set parallel to the lamellas. Due to the peculiar reflection law governing the quasiparticle reflections at a normal-superconductor interphase boundary, the thermal conductivity of the LLS is reduced when the electronic mean free path is larger than or comparable to the width of the lamellas. As first pointed out by Andreev, the reflection occurs with vecotr-momentum conservation, and only the quasiparticles moving nearly parallel to the lamellas can transport heat efficiently. The corresponding reduction of the thermal conductivity is a size effect.Systematic measurements of the thermal conductivity of the LLS in high-purity lead and tin are interpreted in terms of the size-effect model. The parameters of the model were experimentally determined in a preliminary study, to enable an unambiguous comparison with the theory. In particular, the geometrical aspects of the structures were studied using a magnetooptical technique. Interesting results on the characteristics of the LLS were obtained. The thermal conductivity data on lead essentially confirm the size-effect description. In tin heat transport by the lamellas of both types takes place, the heat carriers being the electrons (T > or approx. = 1.6 K). The discrepancy between the predictions of the size-effect model and the observed values in tin are attributed to an oversimplified calculation of the contribution of the superconducting lamellas to the conductivity

  3. Characterization of the Lλ phase in trehalose-stabilized dry membranes by solid-state NMR and X-ray diffraction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, C.W.B.; Das Gupta, S.K.; Mattai, J.; Shipley, G.G.; Abdel-Mageed, O.H.; Makriyannis, A.; Griffin, R.G.

    1989-01-01

    Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction were used to investigate the mechanism of trehalose (TRE) stabilization of lipid bilayers. Calorimetric investigation of dry TRE-stabilized bilayers reveals a first-order phase transition at temperatures similar to the transition of hydrated lipid bilayers. X-ray diffraction studies show that dry mixtures of TRE and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) have a lamellar structure with excess crystalline TRE being present. 2 H spectra of the choline headgroup show hindered molecular motions as compared to dry DPPC alone, and 13 C spectra of the sn-2-carbonyl show rigid lattice powder patterns indicting very little motion at the headgroup and interfacial regions. Thus, the sugar interacts extensively with the hydrophilic regions of the lipid, from the choline and the phosphate moieties in the headgroup to the glycerol and carbonyls in the interfacial region. The authors postulate that the sugar and the lipid form an extensive hydrogen-bonded network with the sugar acting as a spacer to expand the distance between lipids in the bilayer. The fluididty of the hydrophobic region in the L λ phase together with the bilayer stabilization at the headgroup contributes to membrane viability in anhydrobiotic organisms

  4. Tensile ductility of an AlCoCrFeNi multi-phase high-entropy alloy through hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and homogenization

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Tang, Zhi, E-mail: Zhi.Tang@alcoa.com [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 (United States); Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 (United States); Senkov, Oleg N. [Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433 (United States); Parish, Chad M. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 (United States); Zhang, Chuan; Zhang, Fan [CompuTherm LLC, 437 S. Yellowstone Dr., Suite 217, Madison, WI 53719 (United States); Santodonato, Louis J. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 (United States); Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 (United States); Wang, Gongyao [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 (United States); Zhao, Guangfeng; Yang, Fuqian [Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506 (United States); Liaw, Peter K., E-mail: pliaw@utk.edu [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 (United States)

    2015-10-28

    The microstructure and phase composition of an AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) were studied in as-cast (AlCoCrFeNi-AC, AC represents as-cast) and homogenized (AlCoCrFeNi-HP, HP signifies hot isostatic pressed and homogenized) conditions. The AlCoCrFeNi-AC ally has a dendritric structure in the consisting primarily of a nano-lamellar mixture of A2 (disordered body-centered-cubic (BCC)) and B2 (ordered BCC) phases, formed by an eutectic reaction. The homogenization heat treatment, consisting of hot isostatic pressed for 1 h at 1100 °C, 207 MPa and annealing at 1150 °C for 50 h, resulted in an increase in the volume fraction of the A1 phase and formation of a Sigma (σ) phase. Tensile properties in as-cast and homogenized conditions are reported at 700 °C. The ultimate tensile strength was virtually unaffected by heat treatment, and was 396±4 MPa at 700 °C. However, homogenization produced a noticeable increase in ductility. The AlCoCrFeNi-AC alloy showed a tensile elongation of only 1.0%, while after the heat-treatment, the elongation of AlCoCrFeNi-HP was 11.7%. Thermodynamic modeling of non-equilibrium and equilibrium phase diagrams for the AlCoCrFeNi HEA gave good agreement with the experimental observations of the phase contents in the AlCoCrFeNi-AC and AlCoCrFeNi-HP. The reasons for the improvement of ductility after the heat treatment and the crack initiation subjected to tensile loading were discussed.

  5. Delivery of siRNA Complexed with Palmitoylated α-Peptide/β-Peptoid Cell-Penetrating Peptidomimetics: Membrane Interaction and Structural Characterization of a Lipid-Based Nanocarrier System

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Jing, Xiaona; Foged, Camilla; Martin-Bertelsen, Birte

    2016-01-01

    . Cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) revealed multilamellar, onion-like spherical vesicles, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis confirmed that the majority of the lipids in the nanocarriers were organized in lamellar structures, yet coexisted with a hexagonal phase, which...

  6. Digestion of phospholipids after secretion of bile into the duodenum changes the phase behavior of bile components.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Birru, Woldeamanuel A; Warren, Dallas B; Ibrahim, Ahmed; Williams, Hywel D; Benameur, Hassan; Porter, Christopher J H; Chalmers, David K; Pouton, Colin W

    2014-08-04

    Bile components play a significant role in the absorption of dietary fat, by solubilizing the products of fat digestion. The absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs from the gastrointestinal tract is often enhanced by interaction with the pathways of fat digestion and absorption. These processes can enhance drug absorption. Thus, the phase behavior of bile components and digested lipids is of great interest to pharmaceutical scientists who seek to optimize drug solubilization in the gut lumen. This can be achieved by dosing drugs after food or preferably by formulating the drug in a lipid-based delivery system. Phase diagrams of bile salts, lecithin, and water have been available for many years, but here we investigate the association structures that occur in dilute aqueous solution, in concentrations that are present in the gut lumen. More importantly, we have compared these structures with those that would be expected to be present in the intestine soon after secretion of bile. Phosphatidylcholines are rapidly hydrolyzed by pancreatic enzymes to yield equimolar mixtures of their monoacyl equivalents and fatty acids. We constructed phase diagrams that model the association structures formed by the products of digestion of biliary phospholipids. The micelle-vesicle phase boundary was clearly identifiable by dynamic light scattering and nephelometry. These data indicate that a significantly higher molar ratio of lipid to bile salt is required to cause a transition to lamellar phase (i.e., liposomes in dilute solution). Mixed micelles of digested bile have a higher capacity for solubilization of lipids and fat digestion products and can be expected to have a different capacity to solubilize lipophilic drugs. We suggest that mixtures of lysolecithin, fatty acid, and bile salts are a better model of molecular associations in the gut lumen, and such mixtures could be used to better understand the interaction of drugs with the fat digestion and absorption pathway.

  7. Nitrogen-doped hierarchical lamellar porous carbon synthesized from the fish scale as support material for platinum nanoparticle electrocatalyst toward the oxygen reduction reaction.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Haijing; Cao, Yinliang; Wang, Feng; Huang, Yaqin

    2014-01-22

    Novel hierarchical lamellar porous carbon (HLPC) with high BET specific surface area of 2730 m(2) g(-1) and doped by nitrogen atoms has been synthesized from the fish scale without any post-synthesis treatment, and applied to support the platinum (Pt) nanoparticle (NP) catalysts (Pt/HLPC). The Pt NPs could be highly dispersed on the porous surface of HLPC with a narrow size distribution centered at ca. 2.0 nm. The results of the electrochemical analysis reveal that the electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of Pt/HLPC is larger than the Pt NP electrocatalyst supported on the carbon black (Pt/Vulcan XC-72). Compared with the Pt/Vulcan XC-72, the Pt/HLPC exhibits larger current density, lower overpotential, and enhanced catalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) through the direct four-electron pathway. The improved catalytic activity is mainly attributed to the high BET specific surface area, hierarchical porous structures and the nitrogen-doped surface property of HLPC, indicating the superiority of HLPC as a promising support material for the ORR electrocatalysts.

  8. Fishnet statistics for probabilistic strength and scaling of nacreous imbricated lamellar materials

    Science.gov (United States)

    Luo, Wen; Bažant, Zdeněk P.

    2017-12-01

    Similar to nacre (or brick masonry), imbricated (or staggered) lamellar structures are widely found in nature and man-made materials, and are of interest for biomimetics. They can achieve high defect insensitivity and fracture toughness, as demonstrated in previous studies. But the probability distribution with a realistic far-left tail is apparently unknown. Here, strictly for statistical purposes, the microstructure of nacre is approximated by a diagonally pulled fishnet with quasibrittle links representing the shear bonds between parallel lamellae (or platelets). The probability distribution of fishnet strength is calculated as a sum of a rapidly convergent series of the failure probabilities after the rupture of one, two, three, etc., links. Each of them represents a combination of joint probabilities and of additive probabilities of disjoint events, modified near the zone of failed links by the stress redistributions caused by previously failed links. Based on previous nano- and multi-scale studies at Northwestern, the strength distribution of each link, characterizing the interlamellar shear bond, is assumed to be a Gauss-Weibull graft, but with a deeper Weibull tail than in Type 1 failure of non-imbricated quasibrittle materials. The autocorrelation length is considered equal to the link length. The size of the zone of failed links at maximum load increases with the coefficient of variation (CoV) of link strength, and also with fishnet size. With an increasing width-to-length aspect ratio, a rectangular fishnet gradually transits from the weakest-link chain to the fiber bundle, as the limit cases. The fishnet strength at failure probability 10-6 grows with the width-to-length ratio. For a square fishnet boundary, the strength at 10-6 failure probability is about 11% higher, while at fixed load the failure probability is about 25-times higher than it is for the non-imbricated case. This is a major safety advantage of the fishnet architecture over particulate

  9. The Influence of Lamellar Orientation on Corneal Material Behavior: Biomechanical and Structural Changes in an Avian Corneal Disorder

    Science.gov (United States)

    Elsheikh, Ahmed; Kassem, Wael; Kamma-Lorger, Christina S.; Hocking, Paul M.; White, Nick; Inglehearn, Chris F.; Ali, Manir; Meek, Keith M.

    2011-01-01

    Purpose. Retinopathy, globe enlarged (RGE) is an inherited genetic disease of chickens with a corneal phenotype characterized by loss of tissue curvature and changes in peripheral collagen fibril alignment. This study aimed to characterize the material behavior of normal and RGE chicken corneas under inflation and compare this with new spatial- and depth-resolved microstructural information to investigate how stromal fibril architecture determines corneal behavior under intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods. Six RGE chicken corneas and six age-matched normal controls were tested using trephinate inflation and their stress-strain behavior determined as a function of posterior pressure. Second harmonic generation mulitphoton microscopy was used to compare the in-plane appearance and degree of through-plane interlacing of collagen lamellae between normal and mutant corneas. Results. RGE corneas displayed a 30–130% increase in material stiffness [Etangent(RGE) = 0.94 ± 0.18 MPa to 3.09 ± 0.66 MPa; Etangent(normals) = 0.72 ± 0.13 MPa to 1.34 ± 0.35 MPa] (P ≤ 0.05). The normal in-plane disposition of anterior collagen in the peripheral cornea was altered in RGE but through-plane lamellar interlacing was unaffected. Conclusions. This article demonstrates changes in corneal material behavior in RGE that are qualitatively consistent with microstructural collagen alterations identified both herein and previously. This study indicates that, in general, changes in stromal fibril orientation may significantly affect corneal material behavior and thereby its response to IOP. PMID:21051696

  10. Experimental lamellar keratoplasty in rabbits using microfibrilar cellulose membrane: clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical findings Ceratoplastia lamelar experimental em coelhos usando membrana microfibrilar de celulose: achados clínicos, morfológicos e imunoistoquímicos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Luciana Riacciardi Macedo

    2010-02-01

    Full Text Available The clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features of the cornea were investigated in adult male New Zealand rabbits submitted to lamellar keratoplasty with microfibrillar cellulose membrane. Thirty animals were divided into five groups (n=6 and evaluated up to 60 days after surgery. Clinical examination revealed moderate manifestations of edema, blepharospasm and photophobia on the second day, which became mild or disappeared after the seventh day. This period was characterized clinically by repair of the corneal defect. Histopathological analysis showed the presence of a thin layer of squamous cells covering the damaged area as early as 7th day, accompanied by a mild infiltrate of polymorphonuclear cells. Blood vessels were observed in the epithelium after the 15th day, which had regressed by day 48. Ki67 antibody labeling showed an increase of proliferating cells in the epithelium by the 15th day and in the stroma by day 30. Remodeling and epithelial adhesion were observed during this period. Microfibrillar cellulose membrane (Bionext® used for lamellar keratoplasty was found to yield good results considering the good integration of the implant.Avaliaram-se aspectos clínicos, histopatógicos e imunoistoquímicos da córnes de coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia adultos e machos em ceratoplastias lamelares com membrana de celulose microfibrilar. Trinta animais distribuídos em cinco grupos (n=6 foram estudados por até 60 dias de pós-operatório. A avaliação clínica revelou manifestações moderadas de edema, blefaroespasmo e fotofobia ao segundo dia, evoluindo para formas discretas ou ausentes a partir do sétimo dia, período em que se observou, clinicamente, reparo do defeito corneal. A histopatologia revelou uma fina camada de células escamosas, recobrindo a área lesada já aos sete dias, com discreto infiltrado de células polimorfonucleares. Observaram-se vasos no epitélio a partir do 15o dia, com regressão ao 48o dia

  11. Comparison of W–TiC composite coatings fabricated by atmospheric plasma spraying and supersonic atmospheric plasma spraying

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hou, Qing Yu; Luo, Lai Ma; Huang, Zhen Yi; Wang, Ping; Ding, Ting Ting; Wu, Yu Cheng

    2016-01-01

    Highlights: • W–TiC composite coatings were fabricated by APS and SAPS technologies. • TiC had filling effect on pores and coating/fixing effect on un-melted particles. • Porosity and oxygen content in SAPS coating were lower than that in APS coating. • Thermal conductivity of SAPS coating was higher than that of APS coating. • SAPS coating has better ability to resist to elastic fracture than APS coating does. - Abstract: Tungsten coatings with 1.5 wt.% TiC (W/TiC) were fabricated by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) and supersonic atmospheric plasma spraying (SAPS) techniques, respectively. The results showed that the typical lamellar structure of plasma spraying and columnar crystalline grains formed in the coatings. Pores located mainly at lamellar gaps in association with oxidation were also observed. TiC phase, distributed at lamellar gaps filled the gaps; and that distributed around un-melted tungsten particles and splashed debris coated the particles or debris that were linked with the TiC at lamellar gaps. The coating and linking of the retained TiC phase prevented the tungsten particles to come off from the coatings. The porosity and the oxygen content of the SAPS-W/TiC were lower than those of the APS-W/TiC coating. The mechanical response of the coatings was strongly dependent on the H/E* ratio (H and E* are the hardness and effective Young’s modulus, respectively). The SAPS-W/TiC coating with a higher H/E* ratio had a better ability to resist to elastic fracture and better fracture toughness as compared with the APS-W/TiC coating with a smaller H/E* ratio. The thermal conductivity of the SAPS-W/TiC coating was greater than that of the APS-W/TiC coating.

  12. Gel-like TPGS-Based Microemulsions for Imiquimod Dermal Delivery: Role of Mesostructure on the Uptake and Distribution into the Skin.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Telò, Isabella; Favero, Elena Del; Cantù, Laura; Frattini, Noemi; Pescina, Silvia; Padula, Cristina; Santi, Patrizia; Sonvico, Fabio; Nicoli, Sara

    2017-10-02

    The aim of this work was to develop an innovative microemulsion with gel-like properties for the cutaneous delivery of imiquimod, an immunostimulant drug employed for the treatment of cutaneous infections and neoplastic conditions. A pseudoternary phase diagram was built using a 1/1 TPGS (d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate)/Transcutol mixture as surfactant system, and oleic acid as oil phase. Eight microemulsions-selected from the 1.25/8.75 oil/surfactants ratio, along the water dilution line (from 20 to 56% w/w)-were characterized in terms of rheological behavior, optical properties via polarized microscopy, and supramolecular structure using X-ray scattering. Then, these formulations were loaded with imiquimod and the uptake and distribution into the skin was evaluated on full-thickness porcine skin. X-ray scattering experiments revealed the presence of disconnected drops in the case of microemulsion with 20% water content. Diluting the system up to 48% water content, the structure turned into an interconnected lamellar microemulsion, reaching a proper disconnected lamellar structure for the highest water percentages (52-56%). Upon water addition, also the rheological properties changed from nearly Newtonian fluids to gel-like structures, displaying the maximum of viscosity for the 48% water content. Skin uptake experiments demonstrated that formulation viscosity, drug loading, and surfactant concentration did not play an important role on imiquimod uptake into the skin, while the skin penetration was related instead to the microemulsion mesostructure. In fact, drug uptake became enhanced by locally lamellar interconnected structures, while it was reduced in the presence of disconnected structures, either drops or proper lamellae. Finally, the data demonstrated that mesostructure also affects the drug distribution between the epidermis and dermis. In particular, a significantly higher dermal accumulation was found when disconnected lamellar

  13. Diagenetic Microcrystalline Opal Varieties from the Monterey Formation, CA: HRTEM Study of Structures and Phase Transformation Mechanisms

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cady, Sherry L.; Wenk, H.-R.; DeVincenzi, Don (Technical Monitor)

    1994-01-01

    Microcrystalline opal varieties form as intermediary precipitates during the diagenetic transformation of biogenically precipitated non-crystalline opal (opal-A) to microquartz. With regard to the Monterey Formation of California, X-ray powder diffraction studies have shown that a decrease in the primary d-spacing of opal-CT toward that of cristobalite occurs with increasing diagenesis. The initial timing of opal-CT/quartz formation and the value of the primary opal-CT d-spacing, are influenced by the sediment. lithology. Transmission electron microscopy methods (CTEM/HRTEM) were used to investigate the structure of the diagenetic phases and establish transformation mechanisms between the varieties of microcrystalline opals in charts and porcelanites from the Monterey Formation. HRTEM images revealed that the most common fibrous varieties of microcrystalline opals contain varying amounts of structural disorder. Finite lamellar units of cristobalite-and tridymite-type. layer sequences were found to be randomly stacked in a direction perpendicular to the fiber axis. Disordered and ordered fibers were found to have coprecipitated within the same radial fiber bundles that formed within the matrix of the Most siliceous samples. HRTEM images, which reveal that the fibers within radial and lepispheric fiber bundles branch non-crystallographically, support an earlier proposal that microspheres in chert grow via a spherulitic growth mechanism. A less common variety of opal-CT was found to be characterized by non-parallel (low-angle) stacking sequences that often contain twinned lamellae. Tabular-shaped crystals of orthorhombic tridymite (PO-2) were also identified in the porcelanite samples. A shift in the primary d-spacing of opal-CT has been interpreted as an indication of solid-state ordering g toward a predominantly cristobalite structure, (opal-C). Domains of opal-C were identified as topotactically-oriented overgrowths on discrete Sections of opal-CT fibers and as

  14. Phase transformation kinetics in rolled U-10 wt. % Mo foil: Effect of post-rolling heat treatment and prior γ-UMo grain size

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Jana, Saumyadeep; Overman, Nicole; Varga, Tamas; Lavender, Curt; Joshi, Vineet V.

    2017-12-01

    The effect of sub-eutectoid heat treatment on the phase transformation behavior in rolled U-10 wt.percent Mo (U10Mo) foils was systematically investigated. The as-cast 5 mm thick foils were initially homogenized at 900 degrees C for 48 hours and were hot rolled to 2 mm and later cold rolled down to 0.2 mm. Three starting microstructures were evaluated: (i) hot- + cold-rolled to 0.2 mm (as-rolled condition), (ii) hot- + cold-rolled to 0.2 mm + annealed at 700 deg. C for 1 hour, and (iii) hot- + cold-rolled to 0.2 mm + annealed at 1000 deg. C for 60 hours. U10Mo rolled foils went through various degrees of decomposition when subjected to the sub-eutectoid heat-treatment step and formed a lamellar microstructure through a cellular reaction mostly along the previous γ-UMo grain boundaries.

  15. General characteristics of eutectic alloy solidification mechanisms

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lemaignan, Clement.

    1977-01-01

    The eutectic alloy sodification was studied in binary systems: solidification of non facetted - non facetted eutectic alloy (theoretical aspects, variation of the lamellar spacing, crystallographic relation between the various phases); solidification of facetted - non facetted eutectic alloy; coupled growth out of eutectic alloy; eutectic nucleation [fr

  16. Effects of Be additions on microstructures of TiAl intermetallic compounds

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Nonaka, Katsuhiko; Tanosaki, Kazuo; Kawabata, Takeshi; Nakajima, Hideo

    1997-01-01

    TiAl-0.1-3.0 mol%Be alloys made by the argon arc melting method were investigated to characterize microstructures in cast and annealed conditions using optical microscopy, SEM, EPMA and X-ray diffractometer. The addition of Be to TiAl resulted in a decrease of α 2 phase, thereby coarsening grains and a shift of γ/(γ+α 2 ) phase boundary to Ti-rich side. Two types of Be compound were observed: one was a few micron size of particles which contain a large amount of oxygen and the other was a coarse and eutectic-like phase (θ) which has an atomic ratio of Ti:Al:Be=41:30:29. The solubility limit of Be in TiAl was less than 0.1 mol%. In the (γ+θ) two phase and (γ+α 2 +θ) three phase regions, an increase of Be addition beyond the solubility limit resulted in a small increase of Ti/Al compositional ratio in γ phase. A volume fraction of lamellar structure in TiAl-Be ternary alloys was smaller in the cast structure but was larger in the annealed structure than that in TiAl binary alloys which have nearly the same Ti/Al ratio as that in the ternary alloys, because the Be addition may increase the stacking fault energy and will stabilize the lamellar twin boundaries, respectively. (author)

  17. Structure and mechanical properties of TiZr binary alloy after Al addition

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jiang, X.J.; Jing, R.; Liu, C.Y.; Ma, M.Z.; Liu, R.P.

    2013-01-01

    Microstructure and mechanical properties of hot-rolled TiZrAl alloys were studied. The results showed that the microstructure of all alloys mainly consisted of lamellar α phase. The thickness of the lamellar α phase gradually increased with increasing aluminum content. Moreover, large numbers of stacking faults was observed in Ti–25Zr–15Al (at%) alloy. The aluminum addition strongly affected the mechanical properties of the TiZrAl alloys. With increased aluminum contents, the strength increased evidently, whereas, the elongation decreased. Ti–25Zr–15Al (at%) with the highest aluminum contents in all alloys, possessed the highest tensile strength (σ b =1319 MPa), i.e. strengthened by 41% compared with Ti–25Zr (at%) alloy, and still retained the elongation of 5.5%. According to the classical size and/or modulus misfits model, the effect of aluminum addition was significant in TiZr alloys because of the considerable misfits between aluminum and zirconium

  18. Length-scale dependent mechanical properties of Al-Cu eutectic alloy: Molecular dynamics based model and its experimental verification

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tiwary, C. S.; Chakraborty, S.; Mahapatra, D. R.; Chattopadhyay, K.

    2014-05-01

    This paper attempts to gain an understanding of the effect of lamellar length scale on the mechanical properties of two-phase metal-intermetallic eutectic structure. We first develop a molecular dynamics model for the in-situ grown eutectic interface followed by a model of deformation of Al-Al2Cu lamellar eutectic. Leveraging the insights obtained from the simulation on the behaviour of dislocations at different length scales of the eutectic, we present and explain the experimental results on Al-Al2Cu eutectic with various different lamellar spacing. The physics behind the mechanism is further quantified with help of atomic level energy model for different length scale as well as different strain. An atomic level energy partitioning of the lamellae and the interface regions reveals that the energy of the lamellae core are accumulated more due to dislocations irrespective of the length-scale. Whereas the energy of the interface is accumulated more due to dislocations when the length-scale is smaller, but the trend is reversed when the length-scale is large beyond a critical size of about 80 nm.

  19. Confined crystallization, crystalline phase deformation and their effects on the properties of crystalline polymers

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Haopeng

    With the recent advances in processing and catalyst technology, novel morphologies have been created in crystalline polymers and they are expected to substantially impact the properties. To reveal the structure-property relationships of some of these novel polymeric systems becomes the primary focus of this work. In the first part, using an innovative layer-multiplying coextrusion process to obtain assemblies with thousands of polymer nanolayers, dominating "in-plane" lamellar crystals were created when the confined poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) layers were made progressively thinner. When the thickness was confined to 25 nanometers, the PEO crystallized as single, high-aspect-ratio lamellae that resembled single crystals. This crystallization habit imparted more than two orders of magnitude reduction in the gas permeability. The dramatic decrease in gas permeability was attributed to the reduced diffusion coefficient, because of the increase in gas diffusion path length through the in-plane lamellae. The temperature dependence of lamellar orientation and the crystallization kinetics in the confined nanolayers were also investigated. The novel olefinic block copolymer (OBC) studied in the second part consisted of long crystallizable sequences with low comonomer content alternating with rubbery amorphous blocks with high comonomer content. The crystallizable blocks formed lamellae that organized into space-filling spherulites even when the fraction of crystallizable block was so low that the crystallinity was only 7%. These unusual spherulites were highly elastic and recovered from strains as high as 300%. These "elastic spherulites" imparted higher strain recovery and temperature resistance than the conventional random copolymers that depend on isolated, fringed micellar-like crystals to provide the junctions for the elastomeric network. In the third part, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) was used to obtain the temperature dependence of the free

  20. Safety and efficacy of nano lamellar TiN coatings on nitinol atrial septal defect occluders in vivo

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, Zhi xiong; Fu, Bu fang; Zhang, De yuan; Zhang, Zhi wei; Cheng, Yan; Sheng, Li yuan; Lai, Chen; Xi, Ting fei

    2013-01-01

    Atrial septal defect (ASD) occlusion devices made of nickel–titanium (NiTi) have a major shortcoming in that they release nickel into the body. We modified NiTi occluders using Arc Ion Plating technology. Nano lamellar titanium–nitrogen (TiN) coatings were formed on the surfaces of the occluders. The safety and efficacy of the modified NiTi occluders were evaluated in animal model. The results showed that 38 out of 39 rams (97%) survived at the end of the experiment. Fibrous capsules formed on the surfaces of the devices. Gradual endothelialization took place through the attachment of endothelial progenitor cells from the blood and the migration of endothelial cells from adjacent endocardium. The neo-endocardium formed more quickly in the coated group than in the uncoated group, as indicated by the evaluation of the six month study group. After TiN coating, there was no significant difference in endothelial cell cycle. TiN coating significantly reduced the release of nickel in both in vivo and in vitro indicating an improved biocompatibility of the nitinol ASD occluders. Superior and modified ASD occluders may provide a good choice for people with nickel allergies after sFDA registration, which is expected in one to two years. - Highlights: ► The nano lamella TiN coating did not change the shape-memory behavior and flexibility of the nitinol occluder. ► Nano lamella TiN coating modifications significantly reduced nickel release from nitinol ASD occluder. ► The new ASD occluder was found to be superior to nitinol ASD occluder with respect to both safety and efficacy

  1. Safety and efficacy of nano lamellar TiN coatings on nitinol atrial septal defect occluders in vivo

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhang, Zhi xiong, E-mail: Top5460@163.com [Research Institute of Peking University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057 (China); Fu, Bu fang, E-mail: fubnicpbp@163.com [National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing (China); Zhang, De yuan, E-mail: Deyuanzhangcn@yahoo.com.cn [Lifetech Scientific (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen (China); Zhang, Zhi wei, E-mail: Zhzhx65@163.com [Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou (China); Cheng, Yan, E-mail: chengyan@pku.edu.cn [Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing (China); Sheng, Li yuan, E-mail: lysheng@yeah.net [Research Institute of Peking University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057 (China); Lai, Chen, E-mail: laichen1110@163.com [Research Institute of Peking University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057 (China); Xi, Ting fei, E-mail: Xitingfie@pku.edu.cn [Research Institute of Peking University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057 (China); Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing (China)

    2013-04-01

    Atrial septal defect (ASD) occlusion devices made of nickel–titanium (NiTi) have a major shortcoming in that they release nickel into the body. We modified NiTi occluders using Arc Ion Plating technology. Nano lamellar titanium–nitrogen (TiN) coatings were formed on the surfaces of the occluders. The safety and efficacy of the modified NiTi occluders were evaluated in animal model. The results showed that 38 out of 39 rams (97%) survived at the end of the experiment. Fibrous capsules formed on the surfaces of the devices. Gradual endothelialization took place through the attachment of endothelial progenitor cells from the blood and the migration of endothelial cells from adjacent endocardium. The neo-endocardium formed more quickly in the coated group than in the uncoated group, as indicated by the evaluation of the six month study group. After TiN coating, there was no significant difference in endothelial cell cycle. TiN coating significantly reduced the release of nickel in both in vivo and in vitro indicating an improved biocompatibility of the nitinol ASD occluders. Superior and modified ASD occluders may provide a good choice for people with nickel allergies after sFDA registration, which is expected in one to two years. - Highlights: ► The nano lamella TiN coating did not change the shape-memory behavior and flexibility of the nitinol occluder. ► Nano lamella TiN coating modifications significantly reduced nickel release from nitinol ASD occluder. ► The new ASD occluder was found to be superior to nitinol ASD occluder with respect to both safety and efficacy.

  2. Development and pharmacological evaluation of in vitro nanocarriers composed of lamellar silicates containing copaiba oil-resin for treatment of endometriosis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Almeida Borges, Vinícius Raphael de; Henriques da Silva, Julianna; Soares Barbosa, Samantha; Nasciutti, Luiz Eurico; Cabral, Lúcio Mendes; Pereira de Sousa, Valeria

    2016-01-01

    In this work, newly developed nanocomposites based upon lamellar silicates are evaluated to determine their potential in controlling endometriosis. The preparation of the new nanocarriers is detailed, properties characterized and in vitro pharmacological evaluation performed. The nanocomposites in this study were obtained from the reaction of copaiba oil-resin (COPA) with the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30). COPA was selected due to its antiinflammatory and anticancer activities along with the organophilic derivatives of sodium montmorillonite, Viscogel B8, S7 and S4. The results indicated that it was feasible to obtain a good yield of a COPA nanocomposite using a simple process. Intercalation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In vitro release experiments demonstrated that COPA was released from the nanocomposite in a delayed fashion. Whereas, in vitro pharmacological studies showed a reduction in viability and proliferation of endometriotic cell cultures upon COPA nanocomposite treatment, suggesting that the system developed here can be a promising alternative therapy for the oral treatment of endometriosis. - Highlights: • Nanocomposite containing copaiba oil-resin can be obtained with good yield by intercalation in solution method. • The copaiba oil-resin is released from the nanocomposite following Higuchi's model in a delayed release. • The nanocomposites containing copaiba reduced the viability and proliferative capacity of the endometriotic cell cultures.

  3. Development and pharmacological evaluation of in vitro nanocarriers composed of lamellar silicates containing copaiba oil-resin for treatment of endometriosis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Almeida Borges, Vinícius Raphael de [Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil); Henriques da Silva, Julianna [Programa de Pesquisa em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil); Soares Barbosa, Samantha [Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil); Nasciutti, Luiz Eurico [Programa de Pesquisa em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil); Cabral, Lúcio Mendes [Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil); Pereira de Sousa, Valeria, E-mail: valeria@pharma.ufrj.br [Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

    2016-07-01

    In this work, newly developed nanocomposites based upon lamellar silicates are evaluated to determine their potential in controlling endometriosis. The preparation of the new nanocarriers is detailed, properties characterized and in vitro pharmacological evaluation performed. The nanocomposites in this study were obtained from the reaction of copaiba oil-resin (COPA) with the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30). COPA was selected due to its antiinflammatory and anticancer activities along with the organophilic derivatives of sodium montmorillonite, Viscogel B8, S7 and S4. The results indicated that it was feasible to obtain a good yield of a COPA nanocomposite using a simple process. Intercalation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In vitro release experiments demonstrated that COPA was released from the nanocomposite in a delayed fashion. Whereas, in vitro pharmacological studies showed a reduction in viability and proliferation of endometriotic cell cultures upon COPA nanocomposite treatment, suggesting that the system developed here can be a promising alternative therapy for the oral treatment of endometriosis. - Highlights: • Nanocomposite containing copaiba oil-resin can be obtained with good yield by intercalation in solution method. • The copaiba oil-resin is released from the nanocomposite following Higuchi's model in a delayed release. • The nanocomposites containing copaiba reduced the viability and proliferative capacity of the endometriotic cell cultures.

  4. Transfection mediated by pH-sensitive sugar-based gemini surfactants; potential for in vivo gene therapy applications

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Wasungu, Luc; Scarzello, Marco; van Dam, Gooitzen; Molema, Grietje; Wagenaar, Anno; Engberts, Jan B. F. N.; Hoekstra, Dick

    In this study, the in vitro and in vivo transfection capacity of novel pH-sensitive sugar-based gemini surfactants was investigated. In an aqueous environment at physiological pH, these compounds form bilayer vesicles, but they undergo a lamellar-to-micellar phase transition in the endosomal pH

  5. Self-assembling bilayers of palladiumthiolates in organic media

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Unknown

    applications in catalytic systems, solubalizing agents and drug delivery matrices. Following the pioneering efforts of ... In this context, self-assembly of amphipiles in nonpolar organic media assumes significance 8 since .... structures in clear contrast to lamellar phases formed by the higher members. We sought to image the ...

  6. Molecularly Imprinted Microrods via Mesophase Polymerization.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Parisi, Ortensia Ilaria; Scrivano, Luca; Candamano, Sebastiano; Ruffo, Mariarosa; Vattimo, Anna Francesca; Spanedda, Maria Vittoria; Puoci, Francesco

    2017-12-28

    The aim of the present research work was the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with a rod-like geometry via "mesophase polymerization". The ternary lyotropic system consisting of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), water, and decanol was chosen to prepare a hexagonal mesophase to direct the morphology of the synthesized imprinted polymers using theophylline, methacrylic acid, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a drug model template, a functional monomer, and a crosslinker, respectively. The obtained molecularly imprinted microrods (MIMs) were assessed by performing binding experiments and in vitro release studies, and the obtained results highlighted good selective recognition abilities and sustained release properties. In conclusion, the adopted synthetic strategy involving a lyotropic mesophase system allows for the preparation of effective MIPs characterized by a rod-like morphology.

  7. Deuterium NMR, induced and intrinsic cholesteric lyomesophases

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Alcantara, M.R.

    1982-01-01

    Induced and intrinsic cholesteric lyotropic mesophases were studied. Induced cholesteric lyomesophases based on potassium laurate (KL) system, with small amounts of cholesterol added, were studied by deuterium NMR and by polarizing microscopy. Order profiles obtained from deuterium NMR of KL perdenderated chains in both induced cholesteric and normal mesophases were compared. The intrinsic cholesteric lyotropic mesophases were based on the amphiphile potassium N-lauroyl serinate (KLNS) in the resolved levo form. The study of the type I intrinsic cholesteric mesophase was made by optical microscopy under polarized light and the type II intrinsic cholesteric lyomesophase was characterized by deuterium NMR. The new texture was explained by the use of the theory of disclinations developed for thermotropic liquid crystals, specially for cholesteric type. (M.J.C.) [pt

  8. A Structural Finite Element Model for Lamellar Unit of Aortic Media Indicates Heterogeneous Stress Field After Collagen Recruitment

    Science.gov (United States)

    Thunes, James R.; Pal, Siladitya; Fortunato, Ronald N.; Phillippi, Julie A.; Gleason, Thomas G.; Vorp, David A.; Maiti, Spandan

    2016-01-01

    Incorporation of collagen structural information into the study of biomechanical behavior of ascending thoracic aortic (ATA) wall tissue should provide better insight into the pathophysiology of ATA. Structurally motivated constitutive models that include fiber dispersion and recruitment can successfully capture overall mechanical response of the arterial wall tissue. However, these models cannot examine local microarchitectural features of the collagen network, such as the effect of fiber disruptions and interaction between fibrous and non-fibrous components, which may influence emergent biomechanical properties of the tissue. Motivated by this need, we developed a finite element based three-dimensional structural model of the lamellar units of the ATA media that directly incorporates the collagen fiber microarchitecture. The fiber architecture was computer generated utilizing network features, namely fiber orientation distribution, intersection density and areal concentration, obtained from image analysis of multiphoton microscopy images taken from human aneurysmal ascending thoracic aortic media specimens with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) phenotype. Our model reproduces the typical J-shaped constitutive response of the aortic wall tissue. We found that the stress state in the non-fibrous matrix was homogeneous until the collagen fibers were recruited, but became highly heterogeneous after that event. The degree of heterogeneity was dependent upon local network architecture with high stresses observed near disrupted fibers. The magnitude of non-fibrous matrix stress at higher stretch levels was negatively correlated with local fiber density. The localized stress concentrations, elucidated by this model, may be a factor in the degenerative changes in aneurysmal ATA tissue. PMID:27113538

  9. ATP is stored in lamellar bodies to activate vesicular P2X4 in an autocrine fashion upon exocytosis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fois, Giorgio; Winkelmann, Veronika Eva; Bareis, Lara; Staudenmaier, Laura; Hecht, Elena; Ziller, Charlotte; Ehinger, Konstantin; Schymeinsky, Jürgen; Kranz, Christine; Frick, Manfred

    2018-02-05

    Vesicular P2X 4 receptors are known to facilitate secretion and activation of pulmonary surfactant in the alveoli of the lungs. P2X 4 receptors are expressed in the membrane of lamellar bodies (LBs), large secretory lysosomes that store lung surfactant in alveolar type II epithelial cells, and become inserted into the plasma membrane after exocytosis. Subsequent activation of P2X 4 receptors by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) results in local fusion-activated cation entry (FACE), facilitating fusion pore dilation, surfactant secretion, and surfactant activation. Despite the importance of ATP in the alveoli, and hence lung function, the origin of ATP in the alveoli is still elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that ATP is stored within LBs themselves at a concentration of ∼1.9 mM. ATP is loaded into LBs by the vesicular nucleotide transporter but does not activate P2X 4 receptors because of the low intraluminal pH (5.5). However, the rise in intravesicular pH after opening of the exocytic fusion pore results in immediate activation of vesicular P2X 4 by vesicular ATP. Our data suggest a new model in which agonist (ATP) and receptor (P2X 4 ) are located in the same intracellular compartment (LB), protected from premature degradation (ATP) and activation (P2X 4 ), and ideally placed to ensure coordinated and timely receptor activation as soon as fusion occurs to facilitate surfactant secretion. © 2018 Fois et al.

  10. Three-dimensional nanometer scale analyses of precipitate structures and local compositions in titanium aluminide engineering alloys

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gerstl, Stephan S. A.

    Titanium aluminide (TiAl) alloys are among the fastest developing class of materials for use in high temperature structural applications. Their low density and high strength make them excellent candidates for both engine and airframe applications. Creep properties of TiAl alloys, however, have been a limiting factor in applying the material to a larger commercial market. In this research, nanometer scale compositional and structural analyses of several TiAl alloys, ranging from model Ti-Al-C ternary alloys to putative commercial alloys with 10 components are investigated utilizing three dimensional atom probe (3DAP) and transmission electron microscopies. Nanometer sized borides, silicides, and carbide precipitates are involved in strengthening TiAl alloys, however, chemical partitioning measurements reveal oxygen concentrations up to 14 at. % within the precipitate phases, resulting in the realization of oxycarbide formation contributing to the precipitation strengthening of TiAl alloys. The local compositions of lamellar microstructures and a variety of precipitates in the TiAl system, including boride, silicide, binary carbides, and intermetallic carbides are investigated. Chemical partitioning of the microalloying elements between the alpha2/gamma lamellar phases, and the precipitate/gamma-matrix phases are determined. Both W and Hf have been shown to exhibit a near interfacial excess of 0.26 and 0.35 atoms nm-2 respectively within ca. 7 nm of lamellar interfaces in a complex TiAl alloy. In the case of needle-shaped perovskite Ti3AlC carbide precipitates, periodic domain boundaries are observed 5.3+/-0.8 nm apart along their growth axis parallel to the TiAl[001] crystallographic direction with concomitant composition variations after 24 hrs. at 800°C.

  11. Confocal microscopy findings in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty performed after Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pang A

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Audrey Pang,1,2 Karim Mohamed-Noriega,1 Anita S Chan,1,3–5 Jodbhir S Mehta1,3 1Singapore National Eye Centre, 2Department of Ophthalmology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 3Singapore Eye Research Institute, 4Department of Histopathology, Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, 5Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore Background: This study describes the in vivo confocal microscopy findings in two patients who had deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK following Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK. Methods: The study reviewed the cases of two patients who first underwent DSAEK followed by DALK when their vision failed to improve due to residual stromal scarring. In the first case, a DSAEK was performed for a patient with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. After surgery, the patient's vision failed to improve satisfactorily due to residual anterior stromal opacity and irregularity. Subsequently, the patient underwent a DALK. The same two consecutive operations were performed for a second patient with keratoconus whose previous penetrating keratoplasty had failed and had secondary graft ectasia. In vivo confocal microscopy was performed 2 months after the DALK surgery in both cases. Results: At 3 months after DALK, the best-corrected visual acuity was 6/30 in case 1 and 6/24 in case 2. In vivo confocal microscopy in both cases revealed the presence of quiescent keratocytes in the stroma layers of the DSAEK and DALK grafts, which was similar in the central and peripheral cornea. There was no activated keratocytes or haze noted in the interface between the grafts. Conclusion: Our short-term results show that performing a DALK after a DSAEK is an effective way of restoring cornea clarity in patients with residual anterior stromal opacity. In vivo confocal microscopy showed that there were no activated keratocytes seen in the interface of the grafts, which suggests

  12. Deformation behaviour of {gamma}+{alpha}{sub 2} Ti aluminide processed through reaction synthesis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gupta, R.K., E-mail: rohitkumar_gupta@vssc.gov.in [Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO, Trivandrum, Kerala 695 022 (India); Pant, Bhanu [Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO, Trivandrum, Kerala 695 022 (India); Kumar, Vinod [SAIL-RDCIS, Ranchi (India); Agarwala, Vijaya [Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247 667 (India); Sinha, P.P. [Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO, Trivandrum, Kerala 695 022 (India)

    2013-01-01

    {gamma}+{alpha}{sub 2} titanium aluminide alloys made through reaction synthesis have been used for deformation study. Hot isothermal compression test is carried out to study the deformation characteristics of the alloys using Gleeble thermomechanical simulator. Three alloys based on Ti48Al2Cr2Nb0.1B (at%) are tested at different temperatures and at different strain rates. True stress-true strain plots are analyzed along with analysis of tested specimens. Tested specimens are observed under optical and electron microscopes. Presence of various deformation morphologies and phases were confirmed. Microhardness evaluation and transmission electron microscopic examination are used to confirm the presence of different phases. It is found that dynamic recrystallization is mainly playing role in deformation of these alloys. Presence of dynamically recrystallized (DRX) grains and lamellar microstructures is confirmed at the intergranular area and inside the grains, respectively. A nucleation model is suggested for DRX and lamellar grain nucleation during deformation. Attempt has been made to quantify the presence of various phases through optical microscopy. Hot workability map is also suggested on the basis of microstructural and visual observation of compression tested specimens.

  13. Microscopic mechanism on the evolution of plasticity in nanolamellar γ-Ni/Ni_5Zr eutectic composites

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Maity, T.; Singh, A.; Dutta, A.; Das, J.

    2016-01-01

    The evolution of microstructure and the mechanical properties of a series of (Ni_0_._9_1_2Zr_0_._0_8_8)_1_0_0_-_xAl_x (0≤x≤4) eutectic composites, constitute of γ-Ni and Ni_5Zr nanolamellar phases, have been presented. Al dissolves in γ-Ni phase preferentially, decreases its hardness and refines the microstructure. Strain rate jump test was performed in order to investigate the rate sensitivity. It has been found that activation volume increases from 39b"3 to 46b"3 upon Al addition. The strain rate sensitivity of the composites has been estimated to be ~0.008. The scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies have confirmed that dislocation meditated flow in nano-lamellar phases dominates the plastic deformation mechanism. Analysis based on Stroh's pile-up model suggests that the required shear stress for slip decreases and that for cleavage crack nucleation increases around a dislocation pile-up at the lamellae interface, upon Al addition. The nano-lamellar Ni_5Zr strengthen the composite, whereas, dislocation slip endorses the global plasticity of high strength Ni-Zr-(Al) nanoeutectic composites.

  14. Microstructure of Haynes® 282® Superalloy after Vacuum Induction Melting and Investment Casting of Thin-Walled Components

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Krzysztof J. Kurzydlowski

    2013-11-01

    Full Text Available The aim of this work was to characterize the microstructure of the as-cast Haynes® 282® alloy. Observations and analyses were carried out using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD, light microscopy (LM, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM, X-ray spectroscopy (EDS, wave length dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS, auger electron spectroscopy (AES and electron energy-loss spectrometry (EELS. The phases identified in the as-cast alloy include: γ (gamma matrix, γʹ (matrix strengthening phase, (TiMoCrC (primary carbide, TiN (primary nitride, σ (sigma-TCP phase, (TiMo2SC (carbosulphide and a lamellar constituent consisting of molybdenum and chromium rich secondary carbide phase together with γ phase. Within the dendrites the γʹ appears mostly in the form of spherical, nanometric precipitates (74 nm, while coarser (113 nm cubic γʹ precipitates are present in the interdendritic areas. Volume fraction content of the γʹ precipitates in the dendrites and interdendritic areas are 9.6% and 8.5%, respectively. Primary nitrides metallic nitrides (MN, are homogeneously dispersed in the as-cast microstructure, while primary carbides metallic carbides (MC, preferentially precipitate in interdendritic areas. Such preference is also observed in the case of globular σ phase. Lamellar constituents characterized as secondary carbides/γ phases were together with (TiMo2SC phase always observed adjacent to σ phase precipitates. Crystallographic relations were established in-between the MC, σ, secondary carbides and γ/γʹ matrix.

  15. Topological transformation of a surfactant bilayer

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Le, T.D.; Olsson, U.; Mortensen, K.

    2000-01-01

    Surfactant lamellar phases are often complicated by the formation of multilamellar (onions) under shear, which can originate simply by shaking the sample. A systematic study has been performed on the C10E3-D2O system in which different bilayer structures under a steady shear flow were investigated...

  16. Thermo-mechanical processing of a Ti 49.5Al 1.25Ag alloy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Duarte, A.; Viana, F.; Vieira, M.F.; Santos, H.M.C. [GMM/IMAT, Dept. de Engenharia Metalurgica e de Materiais, FEUP, Porto (Portugal)

    2002-07-01

    Gamma titanium aluminide is an important candidate to several applications in the aerospace and automotive industries. The great drawback of these alloys is its low ductility at room temperature. This work is part of a study that intends to increase the ductility of gamma titanium aluminide through the addition of alloying elements. In this paper the effects of the heat treatment and the deformation processing on the microstructure of a Ti 49.5Al 1.25Ag are described. The alloy was produced by arc melting, under an argon atmosphere, using a water-cooled copper crucible. The as-cast samples were heat treated at 1300 and 1400 C. Encapsulated samples were deformed by double forging and multiple step rolling. The as-cast {gamma}-TiAl alloy presented an extended degree of segregation, have been detected three microconstituents: lamellar dendrites, interdendritic Al enriched {gamma}-phase and a number of Ag rich particles located at the dendritic/interdendritic interface. The heat treatment at 1400 C for 6 hours allowed the elimination of the as-cast microstructure and its replacement by a fully lamellar one. The thermomechanical processing produced non-homogenous microstructures of deformed lamellar grains and recrystallized gamma grains. The microstructure changes occurring during the several stages of the processing were characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The modification of the chemical composition of the phases was determined using SEM-EDS facilities. (orig.)

  17. Study of deformation and fracture micro mechanisms of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V using electron microscopy and and X-ray diffraction techniques

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Morcelli, Aparecido Edilson

    2009-01-01

    This present work allowed the study of deformation and fracture micro mechanisms of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V, used commercially for the manufacture of metallic biomaterials. The techniques employed for the analysis of the material under study were: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The study of the influence and behavior of the phases present in titanium alloys is important to evaluate the behavior of cracks in titanium alloys with high mechanical strength, which have fine alpha (α), beta (β) and (α±β) microstructure, linking the presence of the phases with the strength of the material. The evaluation in situ of deformation and fracture micro mechanisms were performed by TEM and was also a study of phase transformations during cooling in titanium alloys, using the techniques of bright field, dark field and diffraction of electrons in the selected area. After heat treatment differences were observed between the amount of in relation to the original microstructure of the β and α phases material for different conditions used in heat treatment applied to the alloy. The presence of lamellar microstructure formed during cooling in the β field was observed, promoting the conversion of part of the secondary alpha structure in β phase, which was trapped between the lamellar of alpha. (author)

  18. Study of deformation and fracture micro mechanisms of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V using electron microscopy and and X-ray diffraction techniques; Estudo dos micromecanismo de deformacao e fratura da liga de titanio Ti-6Al-4V utizando-se tecnicas de microscopia eletronica e difracao de raios X

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Morcelli, Aparecido Edilson

    2009-07-01

    This present work allowed the study of deformation and fracture micro mechanisms of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V, used commercially for the manufacture of metallic biomaterials. The techniques employed for the analysis of the material under study were: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The study of the influence and behavior of the phases present in titanium alloys is important to evaluate the behavior of cracks in titanium alloys with high mechanical strength, which have fine alpha ({alpha}), beta ({beta}) and ({alpha}{+-}{beta}) microstructure, linking the presence of the phases with the strength of the material. The evaluation in situ of deformation and fracture micro mechanisms were performed by TEM and was also a study of phase transformations during cooling in titanium alloys, using the techniques of bright field, dark field and diffraction of electrons in the selected area. After heat treatment differences were observed between the amount of in relation to the original microstructure of the {beta} and {alpha} phases material for different conditions used in heat treatment applied to the alloy. The presence of lamellar microstructure formed during cooling in the {beta} field was observed, promoting the conversion of part of the secondary alpha structure in {beta} phase, which was trapped between the lamellar of alpha. (author)

  19. Antimicrobial Peptide-Driven Colloidal Transformations in Liquid-Crystalline Nanocarriers

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Gontsarik, Mark; Buhmann, Matthias T; Yaghmur, Anan

    2016-01-01

    Designing efficient colloidal systems for the delivery of membrane active antimicrobial peptides requires in-depth understanding of their structural and morphological characteristics. Using dispersions of inverted type bicontinuous cubic phase (cubosomes), we examine the effect of integrating...... structure, inducing colloidal transformations to sponge and lamellar phases and micelles in a concentration-dependent manner. These investigations, together with in vitro evaluation studies using a clinically relevant bacterial strain, established the composition-nanostructure-activity relationship that can...

  20. Properties of n-eicosane-filled microcapsules with different morphology. Phase Change Materials studied by positron spectroscopy and complementary methods

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zgardzińska, B., E-mail: bozena.zgardzinska@poczta.umcs.lublin.pl [Department of Nuclear Methods, Institute of Physics, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Pl. M. Curie-Sklodowskiej 1, 20-031 Lublin (Poland); Filipek, M. [Department of Nuclear Methods, Institute of Physics, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Pl. M. Curie-Sklodowskiej 1, 20-031 Lublin (Poland); Fortuniak, W. [Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Łódź (Poland); Mroczek, P. [Department of Geoecology and Palaeogeography, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Al. Kraśnicka 2cd, 20-718 Lublin (Poland)

    2016-07-01

    The Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS) was used to investigate properties of selected Phase Change Materials (PCMs) as a function of temperature from 123 K to 333 K. Three different PCM microcapsules investigated in this work were built of n-eicosane filling and a siloxane polymer as a shell material. It has been found that the properties of ortho-positronium (o-Ps) annihilating in n-eicosane filler depend on the microcapsule morphology. In the samples where the whole interior is composed of n-eicosane and the polymer forms the outer shell only, the n-eicosane behaves like a neat macroscopic sample. In the microcapsules containing the network of polymer threads inside the globule, n-eicosane shows no rise of o-Ps intensity with time which is typical for all pure alkanes. For this morphology, the melting point of n-eicosane is preceded by the 4 K wide temperature range, where the structure resembling the rotator phase is observed (rotator phase appears in neat even-numbered alkanes with carbon chain over 20 atoms). Supplementary data were obtained by the DSC method. SEM images confirmed the morphological differentiation of microcapsules. Low temperature (close to liquid nitrogen) destroys the structure of microcapsules, particularly their outer shell. - Highlights: • Polymer-alkane microcapsules were synthesized with different morphology. • Morphological diversity of microcapsules is reflected in the parameters of the PALS. • PALS show the effect of spatial limitations on the formation of lamellar structure. • PALS is a new way to determine the percentage of microcapsules components.