Online Recorded Data-Based Composite Neural Control of Strict-Feedback Systems With Application to Hypersonic Flight Dynamics.

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Bin; Yang, Daipeng; Shi, Zhongke; Pan, Yongping; Chen, Badong; Sun, Fuchun

2017-09-25

This paper investigates the online recorded data-based composite neural control of uncertain strict-feedback systems using the backstepping framework. In each step of the virtual control design, neural network (NN) is employed for uncertainty approximation. In previous works, most designs are directly toward system stability ignoring the fact how the NN is working as an approximator. In this paper, to enhance the learning ability, a novel prediction error signal is constructed to provide additional correction information for NN weight update using online recorded data. In this way, the neural approximation precision is highly improved, and the convergence speed can be faster. Furthermore, the sliding mode differentiator is employed to approximate the derivative of the virtual control signal, and thus, the complex analysis of the backstepping design can be avoided. The closed-loop stability is rigorously established, and the boundedness of the tracking error can be guaranteed. Through simulation of hypersonic flight dynamics, the proposed approach exhibits better tracking performance.

Synthesis and Evaluation of ABO3 Perovskites (A=La and B=Mn, Co with Stoichiometric and Over-stoichiometric Ratios of B/A for Catalytic Oxidation of Trichloroethylene

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Razieh Alagheband

2018-01-01

Full Text Available In this contribution, perovskite catalysts (ABO3 were probed that site A and site B were occupied by lanthanum and transition metals of manganese or cobalt, respectively, with stoichiometric ratios as well as 20 % over-stoichiometric ratios of B/A. The perovskite samples were synthesized using a gel-combustion method and characterized by BET, XRD, SEM and O2-TPD analyses. After mounting in a fixed bed reactor, the catalysts were examined in atmospheric pressure conditions at different temperatures for oxidation of 1000 ppm trichloroethylene in the air. Evaluation of over-stoichiometric catalysts activity showed that the increased ratio of B/A in the catalysts compared to the stoichiometric one led to BET surface area, oxygen mobility, and consequently catalytic performance improvement. The lanthanum manganite perovskite with 20 % excess manganese yielded the best catalytic performance among the probed perovskites. Copyright © 2018 BCREC Group. All rights reserved Received: 28th April 2017; Revised: 31st July 2017; Accepted: 4th August 2017; Available online: 22nd January 2018; Published regularly: 2nd April 2018 How to Cite: Alagheband, R., Maghsoodi, S., Kootenaei, A.S., Kianmanesh, H. (2018. Synthesis and Evaluation of ABO3 Perovskites (A=La and B=Mn, Co with Stoichiometric and Over-stoichiometric Ratios of B/A for Catalytic Oxidation of Trichloroethylene. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis, 13 (1: 47-56 (doi:10.9767/bcrec.13.1.1188.47-56

Study of non-stoichiometric BaSrTiFeO3 oxide dedicated to semiconductor gas sensors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fasquelle, D.; Verbrugghe, N.; Deputier, S.

2016-01-01

Developing instrumentation systems compatible with the European RoHS directive (restriction of hazardous substances) to monitor our environment is of great interest for our society. Our research therefore aims at developing innovating integrated systems of detection dedicated to the characterization of various environmental exposures. These systems, which integrate new gas sensors containing lead-free oxides, are dedicated to the detection of flammable and toxic gases. We have firstly chosen to study semiconductor gas sensors implemented with lead-free oxides in view to develop RoHS devices. Therefore thick films deposited by spin-coating and screen-printing have been chosen for their robustness, ease to realize and ease to finally obtain cost-effective sensors. As crystalline defects and ionic vacancies are of great interest for gas detection, we have decided to study a non-stoichiometric composition of the BaSrTiFeO 3 sensible oxide. Nonstoichiometric BaSrTiFeO 3 lead-free oxide thick films were deposited by screen-printing on polycrystalline AFO 3 substrates covered by a layer of Ag-Pd acting as bottom electrode. The physical characterizations have revealed a crystalline structure mainly composed of BaTiO 3 pseudo-cubic phase and Ba 4 Ti 12 O 27 monoclinic phase for the powder, and a porous microstructure for the thick films. When compared to a BSTF thick film with a stoichiometric composition, a notable increase in the BSTF dielectric constant value was observed when taking into account of a similar microstructure and grain size. The loss tangent mean value varies more softly for the non-stoichiometric BaSrTiFeO 3 films than for the perovskite BSTF film as tanδ decreases from 0.45 to 0.04 when the frequency increases from 100 Hz to 1 MHz. (paper)

High efficiency stoichiometric internal combustion engine system

Science.gov (United States)

Winsor, Richard Edward; Chase, Scott Allen

2009-06-02

A power system including a stoichiometric compression ignition engine in which a roots blower is positioned in the air intake for the engine to control air flow. Air flow is decreased during part power conditions to maintain the air-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber of the engine at stoichiometric, thus enabling the use of inexpensive three-way catalyst to reduce oxides of nitrogen. The roots blower is connected to a motor generator so that when air flow is reduced, electrical energy is stored which is made available either to the roots blower to temporarily increase air flow or to the system electrical load and thus recapture energy that would otherwise be lost in reducing air flow.

7 CFR 28.402 - Strict Middling Color.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strict Middling Color. 28.402 Section 28.402... for the Color Grade of American Upland Cotton § 28.402 Strict Middling Color. Strict Middling Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States...

Species Protection in the European Union : How Strict is Strict?

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Schoukens, Hendrik; Bastmeijer, Kees; Born et al., Charles-Hubert

2015-01-01

European Union law to protect wild species of plants and animals is generally considered as ‘strict’. Opponents of nature conservation law often pick the species protection components of the EU Bird Directive and Habitat Directive as a prime example of an unnecessary strict regulatory scheme that

Precipitation of stoichiometric hydroxyapatite by a continuous method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gomez-Morales, J.; Boix, T.; Fraile, J.; Rodriguez-Clemente, R. [Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Barcelona (Spain). Inst. de Ciencia de Materiales; Torrent-Burgues, J. [UPC, Barcelona (Spain). Dept. d' Enginyeria Quimica

2001-07-01

In this paper we present the precipitation of hydroxyapatite (HA), Ca{sub 5}(OH)(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}, from highly concentrated CaCl{sub 2} and K{sub 2}HPO{sub 4} solutions, carried out by a continuous method in a MSMPR reactor. The procedure consists of adding the reagents in a ratio Ca to P equal to 1.67, maintaining a temperature of 85 C, inert N{sub 2} atmosphere inside the reactor, and monitoring and adjusting automatically the pH by means of a pH-stat system (pH = 9.0 {+-} 0.1). Under these conditions HA with a Ca to P ratio equal or close to the stoichiometric composition (Ca/P=1.667), with a high yield (up to 99%) and a high production rate (up to 1.17 g/l.min) is obtained at steady state. The CSD, morphology, crystallinity of the precipitates and impurities present fit the requirement for its biomedical applications. (orig.)

First-principles study of hydrogen storage in non-stoichiometric TiCx

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ding, Haimin; Fan, Xiaoliang; Li, Chunyan; Liu, Xiangfa; Jiang, Dong; Wang, Chunyang

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► The absorption of hydrogen in non-stoichiometric TiC x is thermally favorable. ► As many as four hydrogen atoms can be trapped by a carbon vacancy. ► The diffusion of hydrogen in TiC x is difficult, especially in TiC x with high x. - Abstract: In this work, the first principles calculation has been performed to study the hydrogen storage in non-stoichiometric TiC x . It is found that hydrogen absorption in stoichiometric TiC is energetically unfavorable, while it is favorable in non-stoichiometric TiC x . This indicates that the existence of carbon vacancies is essential for hydrogenation storage in TiC x . At the same time, multiple hydrogen occupancy of the vacancy has been confirmed and it is calculated that as many as four hydrogen atoms can be trapped by a carbon vacancy. These absorbed hydrogen atoms tend to uniformly distribute around the vacancy. However, it is also found that the diffusion of hydrogen atoms in TiC x is difficult, especially in TiC x with high x.

7 CFR 28.441 - Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color. 28.441 Section... Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color. Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color is color which is deeper than that of Strict Middling Tinged Color. [57 FR 34498, Aug. 5, 1992] ...

7 CFR 28.412 - Strict Middling Light Spotted Color.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strict Middling Light Spotted Color. 28.412 Section 28... Light Spotted Color. Strict Middling Light Spotted Color is color which in spot or color, or both, is between Strict Middling Color and Strict Middling Spotted Color. ...

Growth, defect structure, and THz application of stoichiometric lithium niobate

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lengyel, K.; Péter, Á.; Kovács, L.; Corradi, G.; Dravecz, G.; Hajdara, I.; Szaller, Zs.; Polgár, K. [Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1121 Budapest, Konkoly-Thege M. út 29-33 (Hungary); Pálfalvi, L.; Unferdorben, M. [Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6 (Hungary); Hebling, J. [Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6 (Hungary); MTA-PTE High Field Terahertz Research Group, 7624 Pécs (Hungary)

2015-12-15

Owing to the extraordinary richness of its physical properties, congruent lithium niobate has attracted multidecade-long interest both for fundamental science and applications. The combination of ferro-, pyro-, and piezoelectric properties with large electro-optic, acousto-optic, and photoelastic coefficients as well as the strong photorefractive and photovoltaic effects offers a great potential for applications in modern optics. To provide powerful optical components in high energy laser applications, tailoring of key material parameters, especially stoichiometry, is required. This paper reviews the state of the art of growing large stoichiometric LiNbO{sub 3} (sLN) crystals, in particular, the defect engineering of pure and doped sLN with emphasis on optical damage resistant (ODR) dopants (e.g., Mg, Zn, In, Sc, Hf, Zr, Sn). The discussion is focused on crystals grown by the high temperature top seeded solution growth (HTTSSG) technique using alkali oxide fluxing agents. Based on high-temperature phase equilibria studies of the Li{sub 2}O–Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}–X{sub 2}O ternary systems (X = Na, K, Rb, Cs), the impact of alkali homologue additives on the stoichiometry of the lithium niobate phase will be analyzed, together with a summary of the ultraviolet, infrared, and far-infrared absorption spectroscopic methods developed to characterize the composition of the crystals. It will be shown that using HTTSSG from K{sub 2}O containing flux, crystals closest to the stoichiometric composition can be grown characterized by a UV-edge position of at about 302 nm and a single narrow hydroxyl band in the IR with a linewidth of less than 3 cm{sup −1} at 300 K. The threshold concentrations for ODR dopants depend on crystal stoichiometry and the valence of the dopants; Raman spectra, hydroxyl vibration spectra, and Z-scan measurements prove to be useful to distinguish crystals below and above the photorefractive threshold. Crystals just above the threshold are

Composition and properties tailoring in Mg.sup.2+./sup. codoped non-stoichiometric LuAG:Ce,Mg scintillation ceramics

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Liu, S.; Mareš, Jiří A.; Babin, Vladimir; Hu, C.; Kou, H.; D'Ambrosio, C.; Li, J.; Pan, Y.; Nikl, Martin

2017-01-01

Roč. 37, č. 4 (2017), s. 1689-1694 ISSN 0955-2219 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA16-15569S Institutional support: RVO:68378271 Keywords : non-stoichiometric ceramic s * LuAG:Ce * Mg scintillator * Mg 2+ codopant * antisite defects * afterglow Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism OBOR OECD: Condensed matter physics (including formerly solid state physics, supercond.) Impact factor: 3.411, year: 2016

A formulation of tissue- and water-equivalent materials using the stoichiometric analysis method for CT-number calibration in radiotherapy treatment planning

Science.gov (United States)

Yohannes, Indra; Kolditz, Daniel; Langner, Oliver; Kalender, Willi A.

2012-03-01

Tissue- and water-equivalent materials (TEMs) are widely used in quality assurance and calibration procedures, both in radiodiagnostics and radiotherapy. In radiotherapy, particularly, the TEMs are often used for computed tomography (CT) number calibration in treatment planning systems. However, currently available TEMs may not be very accurate in the determination of the calibration curves due to their limitation in mimicking radiation characteristics of the corresponding real tissues in both low- and high-energy ranges. Therefore, we are proposing a new formulation of TEMs using a stoichiometric analysis method to obtain TEMs for the calibration purposes. We combined the stoichiometric calibration and the basic data method to compose base materials to develop TEMs matching standard real tissues from ICRU Report 44 and 46. First, the CT numbers of six materials with known elemental compositions were measured to get constants for the stoichiometric calibration. The results of the stoichiometric calibration were used together with the basic data method to formulate new TEMs. These new TEMs were scanned to validate their CT numbers. The electron density and the stopping power calibration curves were also generated. The absolute differences of the measured CT numbers of the new TEMs were less than 4 HU for the soft tissues and less than 22 HU for the bone compared to the ICRU real tissues. Furthermore, the calculated relative electron density and electron and proton stopping powers of the new TEMs differed by less than 2% from the corresponding ICRU real tissues. The new TEMs which were formulated using the proposed technique increase the simplicity of the calibration process and preserve the accuracy of the stoichiometric calibration simultaneously.

Extremely strict ideals in Banach spaces

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Abstract. Motivated by the notion of an ideal introduced by Godefroy et al. (Stu- dia Math. 104 (1993) 13–59), in this article, we introduce and study the notion of an extremely strict ideal. For a Poulsen simplex K, we show that the space of affine contin- uous functions on K is an extremely strict ideal in the space of continuous ...

Efficient Strictness Analysis of Haskell

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jensen, Kristian Damm; Hjæresen, Peter; Rosendahl, Mads

1994-01-01

Strictness analysis has been a living field of investigation since Mycroft's original work in 1980, and is getting increasingly significant with the still wider use of lazy functional programming languages. This paper focuses on an actual implementation of a strictness analyser for Haskell....... The analyser uses abstract interpretation with chaotic fixpoint iteration. The demand-driven nature of this iteration technique allows us to use large domains including function domains in the style of Burn et al. 1986 and Wadler 87 and retain reasonable efficiency. The implementation, furthermore, allows us...

Raman analysis of non stoichiometric Ni1-δO

Science.gov (United States)

Dubey, Paras; Choudhary, K. K.; Kaurav, Netram

2018-04-01

Thermal decomposition method was used to synthesize non-stoichiometric nickel oxide at different sintering temperatures upto 1100 °C. The structure of synthesized compounds were analyzed by X ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and magnetic ordering was studied with the help of Raman scattering spectroscopy for the samples sintered at different temperature. It was found that due to change in sintering temperature the stoichiometry of the sample changes and hence intensity of two magnon band changes. These results were interpreted as the decomposition temperature increases, which heals the defects present in the non-stoichiometric nickel oxide and antiferromagnetic spin correlation changes accordingly.

7 CFR 28.406 - Strict Good Ordinary Color.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strict Good Ordinary Color. 28.406 Section 28.406... for the Color Grade of American Upland Cotton § 28.406 Strict Good Ordinary Color. Strict Good Ordinary Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the...

7 CFR 28.404 - Strict Low Middling Color.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strict Low Middling Color. 28.404 Section 28.404... for the Color Grade of American Upland Cotton § 28.404 Strict Low Middling Color. Strict Low Middling Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United...

Effect of Non-Stoichiometric Solution Chemistry on Improving the Performance of Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu, Kai [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Yang, Mengjin [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Kim, Donghoe [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Li, Zhen [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Reid, Obadiah G [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Yu, Yue [University of Toledo; Song, Zhaoning [University of Toledo; Zhao, Dewei [University of Toledo; Wang, Changlei [University of Toledo; Li, Liwei [ENN Energy Research Institute; ENN Solar Energy Co., Ltd.; Meng, Yuan [ENN Energy Research Institute; ENN Solar Energy Co., Ltd.; Guo, Ted [ENN Energy Research Institute; ENN Solar Energy Co., Ltd.; Yan, Yanfa [University of Toledo

2017-10-18

A high-efficiency wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cell is critical for developing perovskite-related (e.g., all-perovskite, perovskite/Si, or perovskite/Cu(In,Ga)Se2) tandem devices. Here, we demonstrate the use of non-stoichiometric precursor chemistry with excess methylammonium halides (MAX; X = I, Br, or Cl) for preparing high-quality ~1.75-eV FA0.83Cs0.17Pb(I0.6Br0.4)3 perovskite solar cells. Among various methylammonium halides, using excess MABr in the non-stoichiometric precursor exhibits the strongest effect on improving perovskite crystallographic properties and device characteristics without affecting the perovskite composition. In contrast, using excess MAI significantly reduces the bandgap of perovskite due to the replacement of Br with I. Using 40% excess MABr, we demonstrate a single-junction WBG perovskite solar cell with stabilized efficiency of 16.4%. We further demonstrate a 20.3%-efficient 4-terminal tandem device by using a 14.7%-efficient semi-transparent WBG perovskite top cell and an 18.6%-efficient unfiltered (5.6%-efficient filtered) Si bottom cell.

Strict confluent drawing

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Eppstein, D.; Holten, D.H.R.; Löffler, M.; Nöllenburg, M.; Speckmann, B.; Verbeek, K.A.B.

2013-01-01

We define strict confluent drawing, a form of confluent drawing in which the existence of an edge is indicated by the presence of a smooth path through a system of arcs and junctions (without crossings), and in which such a path, if it exists, must be unique. We prove that it is NP-complete to

Strict confluent drawing

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Eppstein, D.; Holten, D.; Löffler, M.; Nöllenburg, M.; Speckmann, B.; Verbeek, K.A.B.

2016-01-01

We define strict confluent drawing, a form of confluent drawing in which the existence of an edge is indicated by the presence of a smooth path through a system of arcs and junctions (without crossings), and in which such a path, if it exists, must be unique. We prove that it is NP-complete to

Stoichiometric and X-ray diffraction analysis on the γ2→eta' transformation in a dispersant phase silver amalgam

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jensen, S.J.; Joergensen, K.D.

1981-01-01

Phase composition of an amalgam prepared from a two-particle alloy was determined over a 2-year period by X-ray diffraction. The γ 2 -content decreased from 3.6% to 0.3%, and eta' increased from 3.9% to 10.0%. These alterations in phase content agreed with stoichiometric calculations performed on the basis of the solid state reaction: γ 2 +Ag/Cu→eta'+γ 1 . (author)

Strictly-regular number system and data structures

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Elmasry, Amr Ahmed Abd Elmoneim; Jensen, Claus; Katajainen, Jyrki

2010-01-01

We introduce a new number system that we call the strictly-regular system, which efficiently supports the operations: digit-increment, digit-decrement, cut, concatenate, and add. Compared to other number systems, the strictly-regular system has distinguishable properties. It is superior to the re...

Community Characteristics and Leaf Stoichiometric Traits of Desert Ecosystems Regulated by Precipitation and Soil in an Arid Area of China

Science.gov (United States)

Guan, Tianyu; Zhou, Jihua; Cai, Wentao; Gao, Nannan; Du, Hui; Jiang, Lianhe; Lai, Liming; Zheng, Yuanrun

2018-01-01

Precipitation is a key environmental factor determining plant community structure and function. Knowledge of how community characteristics and leaf stoichiometric traits respond to variation in precipitation is crucial for assessing the effects of global changes on terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we measured community characteristics, leaf stoichiometric traits, and soil properties along a precipitation gradient (35–209 mm) in a desert ecosystem of Northwest China to explore the drivers of these factors. With increasing precipitation, species richness, aboveground biomass, community coverage, foliage projective cover (FPC), and leaf area index (LAI) all significantly increased, while community height decreased. The hyperarid desert plants were characterized by lower leaf carbon (C) and nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) levels, and stable N and P, and these parameters did not change significantly with precipitation. The growth of desert plants was limited more by N than P. Soil properties, rather than precipitation, were the main drivers of desert plant leaf stoichiometric traits, whereas precipitation made the biggest contribution to vegetation structure and function. These results test the importance of precipitation in regulating plant community structure and composition together with soil properties, and provide further insights into the adaptive strategy of communities at regional scale in response to global climate change. PMID:29320458

Community Characteristics and Leaf Stoichiometric Traits of Desert Ecosystems Regulated by Precipitation and Soil in an Arid Area of China.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xiaolong; Guan, Tianyu; Zhou, Jihua; Cai, Wentao; Gao, Nannan; Du, Hui; Jiang, Lianhe; Lai, Liming; Zheng, Yuanrun

2018-01-10

Precipitation is a key environmental factor determining plant community structure and function. Knowledge of how community characteristics and leaf stoichiometric traits respond to variation in precipitation is crucial for assessing the effects of global changes on terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we measured community characteristics, leaf stoichiometric traits, and soil properties along a precipitation gradient (35-209 mm) in a desert ecosystem of Northwest China to explore the drivers of these factors. With increasing precipitation, species richness, aboveground biomass, community coverage, foliage projective cover (FPC), and leaf area index (LAI) all significantly increased, while community height decreased. The hyperarid desert plants were characterized by lower leaf carbon (C) and nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) levels, and stable N and P, and these parameters did not change significantly with precipitation. The growth of desert plants was limited more by N than P. Soil properties, rather than precipitation, were the main drivers of desert plant leaf stoichiometric traits, whereas precipitation made the biggest contribution to vegetation structure and function. These results test the importance of precipitation in regulating plant community structure and composition together with soil properties, and provide further insights into the adaptive strategy of communities at regional scale in response to global climate change.

Synchronizing strict-feedback and general strict-feedback chaotic systems via a single controller

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen Shihua; Wang Feng; Wang Changping

2004-01-01

We present a systematic design procedure to synchronize a class of chaotic systems in a so-called strict-feedback form based on back-stepping procedure. This approach needs only a single controller to realize synchronization no matter how many dimensions the chaotic system contains. Furthermore, we point out that the method does not work for general strict-feedback chaotic systems, for instance, Lorenz system. Therefore, we propose three kinds of synchronization schemes for Lorenz system using the Lyapunov function method. All the three schemes avoid including divergence factor as in Ref. [Chaos, Solitons and Fractals 16 (2003) 37]. Especially in the last two schemes, we need only one state variable in controller, which has important significance in chaos synchronization used for communication purposes. Finally numerical simulations are provided to show the effectiveness and feasibility of the developed methods

Finite Metric Spaces of Strictly Negative Type

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hjorth, Poul; Lisonek, P.; Markvorsen, Steen

1998-01-01

of Euclidean spaces. We prove that, if the distance matrix is both hypermetric and regular, then it is of strictly negative type. We show that the strictly negative type finite subspaces of spheres are precisely those which do not contain two pairs of antipodal points. In connection with an open problem raised...

Convergence theorems for strictly hemi-contractive maps

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chidume, C.E.; Osilike, M.O.

1992-04-01

It is proved that each of two well-known fixed point iteration methods (the Mann and the Ishikawa iteration methods) converges strongly to the fixed point of strictly hemi-contractive map in real Banach spaces with property (U, λ, m+1,m), λ is an element of R, m is an element of IN. The class of strictly hemi-contractive maps includes all strictly pseudo-contractive maps with nonempty fixed point sets; and Banach spaces with property (U, λ, m+1, m), λ is an element of R, m is an element of IN include the L p (or l p ) spaces, p≥2. Our theorems generalize important known results. (author). 22 refs

STRICT STABILITY OF IMPULSIVE SET VALUED DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

无

2011-01-01

In this paper, we develop strict stability concepts of ODE to impulsive hybrid set valued differential equations. By Lyapunov’s original method, we get some basic strict stability criteria of impulsive hybrid set valued equations.

Synthesis of highly non-stoichiometric Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} nanoparticles with tunable bandgaps

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hamanaka, Yasushi, E-mail: hamanaka@nitech.ac.jp; Oyaizu, Wataru; Kawase, Masanari [Nagoya Institute of Technology, Department of Materials Science and Engineering (Japan); Kuzuya, Toshihiro [Muroran Institute of Technology, College of Design and Manufacturing Technology (Japan)

2017-01-15

Non-stoichiometric Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} nanoparticles with average diameters of 4–15 nm and quasi-polyhedral shape were successfully synthesized by a colloidal method. We found that a non-stoichiometric composition of Zn to Cu in Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} nanoparticles yielded a correlation where Zn content increased with a decrease in Cu content, suggesting formation of lattice defects relating to Cu and Zn, such as a Cu vacancy (V{sub Cu}), antisite with Zn replacing Cu (Zn{sub Cu}), and/or defect cluster of V{sub Cu} and Zn{sub Cu}. The bandgap energy of Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} nanoparticles systematically varies between 1.56 and 1.83 eV depending on the composition ratios of Cu and Zn, resulting in a wider bandgap for Cu-deficient Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} nanoparticles. These characteristics can be ascribed to the modification in electronic band structures due to formation of V{sub Cu} and Zn{sub Cu} on the analogy of ternary copper chalcogenide, chalcopyrite CuInSe{sub 2}, in which the top of the valence band shifts downward with decreasing Cu contents, because much like the structure of CuInSe{sub 2}, the top of the valence band is composed of a Cu 3d orbital in Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4}.

The trend to get strict

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Clarke, Chris.

1997-01-01

Most policy makers in the USA and Europe are committed to strict environmental liability. The polluter pays principle is seen as popular with voters and easy to defend. For the energy sector, encompassing everything from disused gas works and coal mines to refineries, tank farms and filling stations, the cost of cleaning up old sites can be huge. Within the policy commitment to strict liability there are some issues up for negotiation, however. These include such things as: available defences; the burden of proof; mechanisms for sharing liability at multi-party sites; funding of orphan shares; the protection afforded to lenders. Most governments have shown some flexibility on these issues and some examples from the USA are given. Nevertheless, in Europe the momentum towards comprehensive strict liability regimes seems unrelenting. In the Member states of the European Union, liability laws are either already in place or new laws are in preparation. The European Commission is working on proposals for an EU-wide environmental liability regime but there are formidable obstacles to overcome if it is to become EU law. In the meanwhile, the process of trying to reach agreement at an EU level is likely to strengthen the legislative drive at national level. (UK)

c-axis compression twinning in an off-stoichiometric compound Ti3Al with the D019 structure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kishida, K.; Takahama, Y.; Inui, H.

2005-01-01

The characteristics of the c-axis compression twin in single crystals of a D0 19 compound Ti 3 Al with off-stoichiometric composition (Ti-36.5at.%Al) have been studied by trace analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Deformation twinning is operative only at high temperatures above 1000deg. C. All observed deformation twins are assigned to be of the type II and the twinning elements are determined as: K 1 :'{2-bar 121-bar 0-bar 3}', K 2 :{202-bar 1-bar }, η 1 : , η 2 :' ', s=0.346

Strictly contractive quantum channels and physically realizable quantum computers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Raginsky, Maxim

2002-01-01

We study the robustness of quantum computers under the influence of errors modeled by strictly contractive channels. A channel T is defined to be strictly contractive if, for any pair of density operators ρ, σ in its domain, parallel Tρ-Tσ parallel 1 ≤k parallel ρ-σ parallel 1 for some 0≤k 1 denotes the trace norm). In other words, strictly contractive channels render the states of the computer less distinguishable in the sense of quantum detection theory. Starting from the premise that all experimental procedures can be carried out with finite precision, we argue that there exists a physically meaningful connection between strictly contractive channels and errors in physically realizable quantum computers. We show that, in the absence of error correction, sensitivity of quantum memories and computers to strictly contractive errors grows exponentially with storage time and computation time, respectively, and depends only on the constant k and the measurement precision. We prove that strict contractivity rules out the possibility of perfect error correction, and give an argument that approximate error correction, which covers previous work on fault-tolerant quantum computation as a special case, is possible

Composite Intelligent Learning Control of Strict-Feedback Systems With Disturbance.

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Bin; Sun, Fuchun

2018-02-01

This paper addresses the dynamic surface control of uncertain nonlinear systems on the basis of composite intelligent learning and disturbance observer in presence of unknown system nonlinearity and time-varying disturbance. The serial-parallel estimation model with intelligent approximation and disturbance estimation is built to obtain the prediction error and in this way the composite law for weights updating is constructed. The nonlinear disturbance observer is developed using intelligent approximation information while the disturbance estimation is guaranteed to converge to a bounded compact set. The highlight is that different from previous work directly toward asymptotic stability, the transparency of the intelligent approximation and disturbance estimation is included in the control scheme. The uniformly ultimate boundedness stability is analyzed via Lyapunov method. Through simulation verification, the composite intelligent learning with disturbance observer can efficiently estimate the effect caused by system nonlinearity and disturbance while the proposed approach obtains better performance with higher accuracy.

Strictly diagonal holomorphic functions on Banach spaces

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

O. I. Fedak

2016-01-01

Full Text Available In this paper we investigate the boundedness of holomorphic functionals on a Banach space with a normalized basis $\\{e_n\\}$ which have a very special form $f(x=f(0+\\sum_{n=1}^\\infty c_nx_n^n$ and which we call strictly diagonal. We consider under which conditions strictly diagonal functions are entire and uniformly continuous on every ball of a fixed radius.

Quine's "Strictly Vegetarian" Analyticity

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Decock, L.B.

2017-01-01

I analyze Quine’s later writings on analyticity from a linguistic point of view. In Word and Object Quine made room for a “strictly vegetarian” notion of analyticity. In later years, he developed this notion into two more precise notions, which I have coined “stimulus analyticity” and “behaviorist

7 CFR 28.431 - Strict Middling Tinged Color.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strict Middling Tinged Color. 28.431 Section 28.431 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards... Color. Strict Middling Tinged Color is color which is better than Middling Tinged Color. ...

Normal form and synchronization of strict-feedback chaotic systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Feng; Chen, Shihua; Yu Minghai; Wang Changping

2004-01-01

This study concerns the normal form and synchronization of strict-feedback chaotic systems. We prove that, any strict-feedback chaotic system can be rendered into a normal form with a invertible transform and then a design procedure to synchronize the normal form of a non-autonomous strict-feedback chaotic system is presented. This approach needs only a scalar driving signal to realize synchronization no matter how many dimensions the chaotic system contains. Furthermore, the Roessler chaotic system is taken as a concrete example to illustrate the procedure of designing without transforming a strict-feedback chaotic system into its normal form. Numerical simulations are also provided to show the effectiveness and feasibility of the developed methods

7 CFR 28.422 - Strict Middling Spotted Color.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strict Middling Spotted Color. 28.422 Section 28.422 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards... Color. Strict Middling Spotted Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples...

Studies on the O-polysaccharide of Escherichia albertii O2 characterized by non-stoichiometric O-acetylation and non-stoichiometric side-chain l-fucosylation.

Science.gov (United States)

Naumenko, Olesya I; Zheng, Han; Xiong, Yanwen; Senchenkova, Sof'ya N; Wang, Hong; Shashkov, Alexander S; Li, Qun; Wang, Jianping; Knirel, Yuriy A

2018-05-22

An O-polysaccharide was isolated from the lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia albertii O2 and studied by chemical methods and 1D and 2D 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy. The following structure of the O-polysaccharide was established: . The O-polysaccharide is characterized by masked regularity owing to a non-stoichiometric O-acetylation of an l-fucose residue in the main chain and a non-stoichiometric side-chain l-fucosylation of a β-GlcNAc residue. A regular linear polysaccharide was obtained by sequential Smith degradation and alkaline O-deacetylation of the O-polysaccharide. The content of the O-antigen gene cluster of E. albertii O2 was found to be essentially consistent with the O-polysaccharide structure established. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Success Rate of Initial {sup 131I} Ablation in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Comparison Between Less strict and Very Strict Low Iodine Diets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yoo, Ik Dong; Kim, Sung Hoon; Seo, Ye Young; Oh, Jin Kyoung; O, Joo Hyun; Chung, Soo Kyo [The Catholic Univ. of Korea, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2012-03-15

To decrease the risk of recurrence or metastasis in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), selected patients receive radioactive iodine ablation of remnant thyroid tissue or tumor. A low iodine diet can enhance uptake of radioactive iodine. We compared the success rates of radioactive iodine ablation therapy in patients who followed two different low iodine diets (LIDs). The success rates of postsurgical radioactive iodine ablation in DTC patients receiving empiric doses of 150 mCi were retrospectively reviewed. First-time radioactive iodine ablation therapy was done in 71 patients following less strict LID. Less strict LID restricted seafood, iodized salt, egg yolk, dairy products, processed meat, instant prepared meals, and multivitamins. Very strict LID additionally restricted rice, freshwater fish, spinach, and soybean products. Radioactive iodine ablation therapy was considered successful when follow up {sup 123I} whole body scan was negative and stimulated serum thyroglobulin level was less than 2.0 ng/mL. The success rate of patients following less strict LID was 80.3% and for very strict LID 75.6%. There was no statistically significant difference in the success rates between the two LID groups (P=0.48). Very strict LID may not contribute to improving the success rate of initial radioactive iodine ablation therapy at the cost of great inconvenience to the patient.

Modeling of composite synthesis in conditions of controlled thermal explosion

Science.gov (United States)

Kukta, Yaroslav; Knyazeva, Anna

2017-12-01

The paper proposes the model for the titanium-based composite synthesis from powders of titanium and carbon of non-stoichiometric composition. The model takes into account the mixture heating from chamber walls, the dependence of liquidus and solidus temperatures on the composition of reacting mixture and the formation of possible irreversible phases. The reaction retardation by the reaction product is taken into consideration in kinetic laws. As an example, the results of temperature and conversion level calculation are presented for the system Ti-C with the summary reaction for different temperatures of chamber walls heating. It was revealed that the reaction retardation being the reaction product can be the cause of incomplete conversion in the thermal explosion conditions. Non-stoichiometric composition leads to the conditions of degenerated mode when some additional heating is necessary to complete the reaction.

Hyperbolic spaces are of strictly negative type

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hjorth, Poul G.; Kokkendorff, Simon L.; Markvorsen, Steen

2002-01-01

We study finite metric spaces with elements picked from, and distances consistent with, ambient Riemannian manifolds. The concepts of negative type and strictly negative type are reviewed, and the conjecture that hyperbolic spaces are of strictly negative type is settled, in the affirmative....... The technique of the proof is subsequently applied to show that every compact manifold of negative type must have trivial fundamental group, and to obtain a necessary criterion for product manifolds to be of negative type....

Stability and activity of lysozyme in stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric protic ionic liquid (PIL)-water systems

Science.gov (United States)

Wijaya, Emmy C.; Separovic, Frances; Drummond, Calum J.; Greaves, Tamar L.

2018-05-01

There has been a substantial increase in enzyme applications within the biochemical and pharmaceutical industries, for example, as industrial biocatalysts. However, enzymes have narrow marginal stability which makes them prone to become inactive and/or denature with a slight change in the solvent environment. Typically industrial applications require harsher solvent environments than enzyme native environments, and hence there is a need to understand solvent-protein interactions in order to develop strategies to maintain, or enhance, the enzymatic activity under industrially relevant solvent conditions. Previously we have shown that protic ionic liquids (PILs) with water can have a stabilising effect on lysozyme, with a large variation dependent on which PIL ions are present, and the water concentration [E. C. Wijaya et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 18(37), 25926-25936 (2016)]. Here we extend on this work using non-stoichiometric aqueous PIL solvents to investigate, and isolate, the role of pH and ionicity on enzymes. We have used the PILs ethylammonium nitrate (EAN) and ethanolammonium formate (EOAF) since our previous work has identified these as good solvents for lysozyme. Solvent libraries were made from these two PILs with an additional precursor acid or base to modify the acidity/basicity of the neutral stoichiometric PIL, and with water added, to have solutions with 4-17 mol. % of the PIL ions in water. Molar ratios of base:acid were varied between 1:1.05 and 2:1 for EAN and 1:1.25 and 2:1 for EOAF, which enabled from highly basic to highly acidic solutions to be obtained. This was to modify the acidity/basicity of the neutral stoichiometric PILs, without the addition of buffers. The structure and stability of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) were explored under these solvent conditions using synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and activity assays. The radius of gyration and Kratky plots obtained from the SAXS data

The fingerprint of Te-rich and stoichiometric Bi2Te3 nanowires by Raman spectroscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Rodríguez-Fernández, Carlos; Manzano, Cristina V.; Romero, Aldo H.; Martín, Jaime; Martín-González, Marisol; Morais de Lima, Mauricio, Jr.; Cantarero, Andrés

2016-02-01

We unambiguously show that the signature of Te-rich bismuth telluride is the appearance of three new peaks in the Raman spectra of Bi2Te3, located at 88, 117 and 137 cm-1. For this purpose, we have grown stoichiometric Bi2Te3 nanowires as well as Te-rich nanowires. The absence of these peaks in stoichiometric nanowires, even in those with the smallest diameter, shows that they are not related to confinement effects or the lack of inversion symmetry, as stated in the literature, but to the existence of Te clusters. These Te clusters have been found in non-stoichiometric samples by high resolution electron microscopy, while they are absent in stoichiometric samples. The Raman spectra of the latter corresponds to the one for bulk Bi2Te3. The intensity of these Raman peaks are clearly correlated to the Te content. In order to ensure statistically meaningful results, we have investigated several regions from every sample.

43 CFR 29.7 - Imposition of strict liability.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-10-01

... LIABILITY FUND § 29.7 Imposition of strict liability. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law... prove that the damages were caused by an act of war or by the negligence of the United States or other... negligence of such damaged party. (c)(1) Strict liability for all claims arising out of any one incident...

Study of structural differences between stoichiometric and congruent lithium niobate

CERN Document Server

Kling, A; Correia, J G; Da Silva, M F A; Diéguez, E; Agulló-López, F; Soares, J C

1996-01-01

The structural differences between stoichiometric and congruent (lithium deficient) lithium niobate single crystals were studied by RBS- and NRA-channeling as well as perturbed angular correlation (PAC) measurements. The d-PAC111Cd-PAC investigations point out that a second Li site can be detected in congruent material, while only one is present in stoichiometric. Channeling studies of different axes and the comparison of the results with computer simulations corroborated former indications that this additional lattice site can be attributed to the formation of ilmenite type stacking faults. A comparative study of the energy dependence of the dechanneling showed that a remarkable disorder is also present in the Nb sublattice of the congruent crystals and that these defects have a point-like character.

Conductive ceramic composition and method of preparation

Science.gov (United States)

Smith, J.L.; Kucera, E.H.

1991-04-16

A ceramic anode composition is formed of a multivalent metal oxide or oxygenate such as an alkali metal, transition metal oxygenate. The anode is prepared as a non-stoichiometric crystalline structure by reaction and conditioning in a hydrogen gas cover containing minor proportions of carbon dioxide and water vapor. The structure exhibits a single phase and substantially enhanced electrical conductivity over that of the corresponding stoichiometric structure. Unexpectedly, such oxides and oxygenates are found to be stable in the reducing anode fuel gas of a molten carbonate fuel cell. 4 figures.

Enzymatic production of 'monoclonal stoichiometric' single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides.

Science.gov (United States)

Ducani, Cosimo; Kaul, Corinna; Moche, Martin; Shih, William M; Högberg, Björn

2013-07-01

Single-stranded oligonucleotides are important as research tools, as diagnostic probes, in gene therapy and in DNA nanotechnology. Oligonucleotides are typically produced via solid-phase synthesis, using polymer chemistries that are limited relative to what biological systems produce. The number of errors in synthetic DNA increases with oligonucleotide length, and the resulting diversity of sequences can be a problem. Here we present the 'monoclonal stoichiometric' (MOSIC) method for enzyme-mediated production of DNA oligonucleotides. We amplified oligonucleotides from clonal templates derived from single bacterial colonies and then digested cutter hairpins in the products, which released pools of oligonucleotides with precisely controlled relative stoichiometric ratios. We prepared 14-378-nucleotide MOSIC oligonucleotides either by in vitro rolling-circle amplification or by amplification of phagemid DNA in Escherichia coli. Analyses of the formation of a DNA crystal and folding of DNA nanostructures confirmed the scalability, purity and stoichiometry of the produced oligonucleotides.

Flexible or Strict Taxonomic Organization?

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Glückstad, Fumiko Kano; Mørup, Morten

2012-01-01

This work compares methods for constructing feature-based ontologies that are supposed to be used for culturally-specific knowledge transfer. The methods to be compared are the Terminological Ontology (TO) [1], a method of constructing ontology based on strict principles and rules, and the Infinite...

Optical excitation of carbon nanotubes drives stoichiometric reaction with diazonium salts

Science.gov (United States)

Powell, Lyndsey; Piao, Yanmei; Wang, Yuhuang; YuHuang Wang Research Group Team

Covalent chemistry is known to lack the precision required to tailor the physical properties of carbon nanostructures. Here we show that, for the first time, light can be used to drive a typically inefficient reaction with single-walled carbon nanotubes in a more stoichiometric fashion. Specifically, our experimental results suggest that light can enhance the reaction rate of diazonium salt with carbon nanotubes by as much as 35-fold, making possible stoichiometric control of the covalent bonding of a functional group to the sp2 carbon lattice. This light-controlled reaction paves the way for the possibility of highly selective and precise chemistry on single-walled carbon nanotubes and other graphitic nanostructures.

Enzymatic Production of Monoclonal Stoichiometric Single-Stranded DNA Oligonucleotides

Science.gov (United States)

Ducani, Cosimo; Kaul, Corinna; Moche, Martin; Shih, William M.; Högberg, Björn

2013-01-01

Single-stranded oligonucleotides are important as research tools as probes for diagnostics and gene therapy. Today, production of oligonucleotides is done via solid-phase synthesis. However, the capabilities of current polymer chemistry are limited in comparison to what can be produced in biological systems. The errors in synthetic DNA increases with oligonucleotide length, and sequence diversity can often be a problem. Here, we present the Monoclonal Stoichiometric (MOSIC) method for enzymatic DNA oligonucleotide production. Using this method, we amplify oligonucleotides from clonal templates followed by digestion of a cutter-hairpin, resulting in pools of monoclonal oligonucleotides with precisely controlled relative stoichiometric ratios. We present data where MOSIC oligonucleotides, 14–378 nt long, were prepared either by in vitro rolling-circle amplification, or by amplification in Escherichia coli in the form of phagemid DNA. The formation of a DNA crystal and folding of DNA nanostructures confirmed the scalability, purity and stoichiometry of the produced oligonucleotides. PMID:23727986

7 CFR 28.426 - Strict Good Ordinary Spotted Color.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strict Good Ordinary Spotted Color. 28.426 Section 28.426 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards... Spotted Color. Strict Good Ordinary Spotted Color is color which is within the range represented by a set...

7 CFR 28.424 - Strict Low Middling Spotted Color.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strict Low Middling Spotted Color. 28.424 Section 28.424 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards... Spotted Color. Strict Low Middling Spotted Color is color which is within the range represented by a set...

Tuning the properties of visible-light-responsive tantalum (oxy)nitride photocatalysts by non-stoichiometric compositions: A first-principles viewpoint

KAUST Repository

Harb, Moussab

2014-01-01

Finding an ideal photocatalyst for achieving efficient overall water splitting still remains a great challenge. By applying accurate first-principles quantum calculations based on DFT with the screened non-local hybrid HSE06 functional, we bring rational insights at the atomic level into the influence of non-stoichiometric compositions on essential properties of tantalum (oxy)nitride compounds as visible-light-responsive photocatalysts for water splitting. Indeed, recent experiments show that such non-stoichiometry is inherent to the nitridation methods of tantalum oxide with unavoidable oxygen impurities. We considered here O-enriched Ta3N5 and N-enriched TaON materials. Although their structural parameters are found to be very similar to those of pure compounds and in good agreement with available experimental studies, their photocatalytic features for visible-light-driven overall water splitting reactions show different behaviors. Further partial nitration of TaON leads to a narrowed band gap, but partially oxidizing Ta3N5 causes only subtle changes in the gap. The main influence, however, is on the band edge positions relative to water redox potentials. The pure Ta3N5 is predicted to be a good candidate only for H+ reduction and H2 evolution, while the pure TaON is predicted to be a good candidate for water oxidation and O2 evolution. Non-stoichiometry has here a positive influence, since partially oxidized tantalum nitride, Ta(3-x)N(5-5x)O5x (for x ≥ 0.16) i.e. with a composition in between TaON and Ta3N5, reveals suitable band edge positions that correctly bracket the water redox potentials for visible-light-driven overall water splitting reactions. Among the various explored Ta(3-x)N(5-5x)O5x structures, a strong stabilization is obtained for the configuration displaying a strong interaction between the O-impurities and the created Ta-vacancies. In the lowest-energy structure, each created Ta-vacancy is surrounded by five O-impurity species substituting

Physiological tolerance and stoichiometric potential of cyanobacteria for hydrocarbon fuel production.

Science.gov (United States)

Kämäräinen, Jari; Knoop, Henning; Stanford, Natalie J; Guerrero, Fernando; Akhtar, M Kalim; Aro, Eva-Mari; Steuer, Ralf; Jones, Patrik R

2012-11-30

Cyanobacteria are capable of directly converting sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into hydrocarbon fuel or precursors thereof. Many biological and non-biological factors will influence the ability of such a production system to become economically sustainable. We evaluated two factors in engineerable cyanobacteria which could potentially limit economic sustainability: (i) tolerance of the host to the intended end-product, and (ii) stoichiometric potential for production. Alcohols, when externally added, inhibited growth the most, followed by aldehydes and acids, whilst alkanes were the least inhibitory. The growth inhibition became progressively greater with increasing chain-length for alcohols, whilst the intermediate C6 alkane caused more inhibition than both C3 and C11 alkane. Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was more tolerant to some of the tested chemicals than Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, particularly ethanol and undecane. Stoichiometric evaluation of the potential yields suggested that there is no difference in the potential productivity of harvestable energy between any of the studied fuels, with the exception of ethylene, for which maximal stoichiometric yield is considerably lower. In summary, it was concluded that alkanes would constitute the best choice metabolic end-product for fuel production using cyanobacteria if high-yielding strains can be developed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

7 CFR 28.433 - Strict Low Middling Tinged Color.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strict Low Middling Tinged Color. 28.433 Section 28.433 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards... Tinged Color. Strict Low Middling Tinged Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of...

STRICT CONVEXITY THROUGH EQUIVALENT NORMS IN SEPARABLES BANACH SPACES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Willy Zubiaga Vera

2016-12-01

Full Text Available Let E be a separable Banach space with norm || . ||. In the present work, the objective is to construct a norm || . ||1 that is equivalent to || . || in E, such that || . ||1 is strictly convex. In addition it is shown that its dual conjugate norm is also strictly convex.

Electronuclear Park, Privatization and Civil Strict Liability

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mondello, Gerard Camille

2008-01-01

The civil strict liability regime of the electronuclear industry is a fundamental variable for preventing risk. Because prices of other energies as oil or gas are becoming higher and unpredictable, nuclear power becomes cost-effective and may favour the partial privatization of nuclear parks. By considering theoretical traditional liability models, we study the conditions that ensure the most efficient safety level when comparing natural monopoly situation and Bertrand duopoly. Our results are that natural monopoly is safer than duopoly only when strict liability is fully applied. We define conditions that neutralize risk for applying some privatization plan to nuclear park

Two examples of non strictly convex large deviations

OpenAIRE

De Marco, Stefano; Jacquier, Antoine; Roome, Patrick

2016-01-01

We present two examples of a large deviations principle where the rate function is not strictly convex. This is motivated by a model used in mathematical finance (the Heston model), and adds a new item to the zoology of non strictly convex large deviations. For one of these examples, we show that the rate function of the Cramer-type of large deviations coincides with that of the Freidlin-Wentzell when contraction principles are applied.

Evaluation of neutron irradiated near-stoichiometric silicon carbide fiber composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Snead, L.L.; Katoh, Y.; Kohyama, A.; Bailey, J.L.; Vaughn, N.L.; Lowden, R.A.

2000-01-01

Composites have been fabricated by chemical vapor infiltration of silicon carbide (SiC) into SiC-based fiber preforms. Fibers were Ceramic Grade Nicalon TM , Hi-Nicalon TM and Hi-Nicalon TM Type-S. Results are presented for two parallel studies on the effects of neutron irradiation on these materials. In the first study, neutron irradiation induced changes in mechanical properties, as measured by bend testing, for Hi-Nicalon TM fiber materials of varied interphase structures is measured. Results indicate that both the Ceramic Grade Nicalon TM and Hi-Nicalon TM materials degrade substantially under irradiation, though the higher oxygen content Ceramic Grade fiber degrades more rapidly and more substantially. Of the three interfaces studied in the Hi-Nicalon TM system, the multilayer SiC is the most radiation resistant. At a dose of ∼1 dpa the mechanical property degradation of the Hi-Nicalon TM composite is consistent with a fiber densification-induced debonding. At a dose of 10 dpa the properties continue to degrade raising the question of degradation in the CVD SiC matrix as well. Low-dose results on the Hi-Nicalon TM Type-S fabricated material are encouraging, as they appear to not lose, and perhaps slightly increase, in ultimate bend strength. This result is consistent with the supposition that as the oxygen content in SiC-based fibers is reduced, the irradiation stability and hence composite performance under irradiation will improve

On the stability of sub-stoichiometric uranium oxides

Science.gov (United States)

Winer, K.; Colmenares, C. A.; Smith, R. L.; Wooten, F.

1986-12-01

The oxidation of clean, high-purity polycrystalline uranium metal surfaces for low exposures to dry oxygen was studied with AES and XPS in an attempt to substantiate claims for the formation of a stable UO surface phase at ambient temperatures. We found no evidence for such a surface phase and found instead that grossly sub-stoichiometric surface oxides were formed after sequential oxygen saturation and heating.

Thermoelectric properties of non-stoichiometric lanthanum sulfides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shapiro, E.; Danielson, L.R.

1983-01-01

The lanthanum sulfides are promising candidate materials for high-efficiency thermoelectric applications at temperatures up to 1300 0 C. The nonstoichiometric lanthanum sulfides (LaS /SUB x/ , where 1.33 2 //rho/ can be chosen. The thermal conductivity remains approximately constant with stoichiometry, so a material with an optimum value of α 2 //rho/ should possess the optimum figure-of-merit. Data for the Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity of non-stoichiometric lanthanum sulfides is presented, together with structural properties of these materials

Understanding Stoichiometric Controls in Nutrient Processing Along the River Continuum

Science.gov (United States)

Garayburu-Caruso, V. A.; Gonzalez-Pinzon, R.; Van Horn, D. J.; Covino, T. P.

2016-12-01

Eutrophication is the second most common cause of water impairment across the U.S. Nutrient retention in streams is controlled by physical and biochemical processes, including biomass availability and stoichiometric limitations. Decoupling the interactions between hydrology, nutrient supply and biogeochemical processes remains challenging for the scientific community due to lack of mechanistic understanding. Consequently, more knowledge regarding optimal controls for nutrient retention is needed to implement better management and restoration practices. We conducted column experiments to investigate how stoichiometric limitations influence nutrient spiraling in shallow sediment-water interactions along representative sites of the Jemez River-Rio Grande continuum (which spans eight stream orders), in New Mexico, USA. In each stream order we incubated six columns packed with different sediments (i.e., Silica Cone Density Sand ASTM D 1556 (0.075-2.00 mm), gravel (>2mm) and native sediments) from each site for three months. We performed two laboratory tracer experiments using columns of each substrate under identical flow conditions. In the first experiment we added a short-term pulse of reactive and conservative tracers (i.e. NaNO3 and NaBr). In the second experiment we added a short-term pulse of NaBr and nutrients following Redfield's ratio (106C:16N:1P). We estimated uptake kinetics using the Tracer Additions for Spiraling Curve Characterization (TASCC) method and evaluated how ideal stoichiometric conditions controlled efficient nutrient retention along fluvial networks. Our results suggest that biological uptake of nitrate is limited by nitrogen in headwater streams and by phosphorus and carbon in larger stream orders.

Physiological tolerance and stoichiometric potential of cyanobacteria for hydrocarbon fuel production

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Kamarainen, J.; Knoop, H.; Stanford, N.; Guerrero, F.; Akhtar, M. K.; Aro, E. M.; Steuer, Ralf; Jones, P. R.

2012-01-01

Roč. 162, č. 1 (2012), s. 67-74 ISSN 0168-1656 Institutional support: RVO:67179843 Keywords : Cyanobacteria * Hydrocarbon * Fuel * Toxicity * Stoichiometric potential Subject RIV: EH - Ecology, Behaviour Impact factor: 3.183, year: 2012

Hard magnetic off-stoichiometric (Fe,Sb){sub 2+x}Hf{sub 1-x} intermetallic phase

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Goll, D.; Gross, T.; Loeffler, R.; Pflanz, U.; Vogel, T.; Kopp, A.; Grubesa, T.; Schneider, G. [Aalen University, Materials Research Institute (Germany)

2017-09-15

By high-throughput screening the ternary Fe-Hf-Sb system, off-stoichiometric (Fe,Sb){sub 2+x}Hf{sub 1-x} with a composition of Fe60.0-Hf26.5-Sb13.5 with high potential as hard magnetic phase is discovered. By quantitative domain structure analysis, promising intrinsic properties of J{sub s} ∝ 1 T, K{sub 1} ∝ 1.5 MJ m{sup -3} are found at room temperature. By magnetometry, bulk intrinsic properties of J{sub s} ∝ 0.7 T, K{sub 1} ∝ 1.4 MJ m{sup -3} are found. Alloying elements like Co or Mn turns out to be an effective adjusting screw on the crystal structure and ferromagnetic behavior. (copyright 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Modal Inclusion Logic: Being Lax is Simpler than Being Strict

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hella, Lauri; Kuusisto, Antti Johannes; Meier, Arne

2015-01-01

We investigate the computational complexity of the satisfiability problem of modal inclusion logic. We distinguish two variants of the problem: one for strict and another one for lax semantics. The complexity of the lax version turns out to be complete for EXPTIME, whereas with strict semantics...

Random laser action in stoichiometric Nd3Ga5O12 garnet crystal powder

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iparraguirre, I; Azkargorta, J; Barredo-Zuriarrain, M; Balda, R; Fernández, J; Kamada, K; Yoshikawa, A; Rodríguez-Mendoza, U R; Lavín, V

2016-01-01

This work explores the room temperature infrared random laser (RL) performance of Nd 3+ ions in a new stoichiometric Nd 3 Ga 5 O 12 crystal powder. The time-resolved measurements show that the RL pulse is able to follow the subnanosecond oscillations of the pump pulse profile. The pump threshold energy and the absolute stimulated emission energy have been measured using a method developed by the authors. The laser slope efficiency is the highest compared to other Nd 3+ stoichiometric RL crystals. (letter)

Strictness Analysis for Attribute Grammars

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Rosendahl, Mads

1992-01-01

interpretation of attribute grammars. The framework is used to construct a strictness analysis for attribute grammars. Results of the analysis enable us to transform an attribute grammar such that attributes are evaluated during parsing, if possible. The analysis is proved correct by relating it to a fixpoint...... semantics for attribute grammars. An implementation of the analysis is discussed and some extensions to the analysis are mentioned....

Stoichiometric estimates of the biochemical conversion efficiencies in tsetse metabolism

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Custer Adrian V

2005-08-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The time varying flows of biomass and energy in tsetse (Glossina can be examined through the construction of a dynamic mass-energy budget specific to these flies but such a budget depends on efficiencies of metabolic conversion which are unknown. These efficiencies of conversion determine the overall yields when food or storage tissue is converted into body tissue or into metabolic energy. A biochemical approach to the estimation of these efficiencies uses stoichiometry and a simplified description of tsetse metabolism to derive estimates of the yields, for a given amount of each substrate, of conversion product, by-products, and exchanged gases. This biochemical approach improves on estimates obtained through calorimetry because the stoichiometric calculations explicitly include the inefficiencies and costs of the reactions of conversion. However, the biochemical approach still overestimates the actual conversion efficiency because the approach ignores all the biological inefficiencies and costs such as the inefficiencies of leaky membranes and the costs of molecular transport, enzyme production, and cell growth. Results This paper presents estimates of the net amounts of ATP, fat, or protein obtained by tsetse from a starting milligram of blood, and provides estimates of the net amounts of ATP formed from the catabolism of a milligram of fat along two separate pathways, one used for resting metabolism and one for flight. These estimates are derived from stoichiometric calculations constructed based on a detailed quantification of the composition of food and body tissue and on a description of the major metabolic pathways in tsetse simplified to single reaction sequences between substrates and products. The estimates include the expected amounts of uric acid formed, oxygen required, and carbon dioxide released during each conversion. The calculated estimates of uric acid egestion and of oxygen use compare favorably to

Stoichiometric network constraints on xylose metabolism by recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Science.gov (United States)

Yong-Su Jin; Thomas W. Jeffries

2004-01-01

Metabolic pathway engineering is constrained by the thermodynamic and stoichiometric feasibility of enzymatic activities of introduced genes. Engineering of xylose metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has focused on introducing genes for the initial xylose assimilation steps from Pichia stipitis, a xylose-fermenting yeast, into S. cerevisiae, a yeast raditionally...

Magnetism and transport studies in off-stoichiometric metallic perovskite compounds GdPd{sub 3}B{sub x} (x=0.25, 0.50 and 0.75)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pandey, Abhishek, E-mail: abhishek.phy@gmail.co [S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Block-JD, Sector-III, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700098 (India); Experimental Condensed Matter Physics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064 (India); Mazumdar, Chandan, E-mail: chandan.mazumdar@saha.ac.i [Experimental Condensed Matter Physics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064 (India); Ranganathan, R. [Experimental Condensed Matter Physics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064 (India)

2010-12-15

We report the magnetic and transport properties of the off-stoichiometric metallic perovskite like compounds GdPd{sub 3}B{sub x} (x=0.25, 0.50 and 0.75). Our results show that doping with boron in the lattice of parent binary-compound GdPd{sub 3} leads to lattice expansion. Which in turn manifests in contrasting magnetic and transport behaviors of the doped compounds in comparison with the undoped GdPd{sub 3}. An attempt has been made to compare and correlate the results of magnetic and transport measurements of GdPd{sub 3}B{sub x} with that of stoichiometric compositions GdPd{sub 3}B{sub x}C{sub 1-x}. The comparative study of GdPd{sub 3}B{sub x} and GdPd{sub 3}B{sub x}C{sub 1-x} confirms that there is a strong correlations between the structural, magnetic and transport properties of these compounds.

Fixed point iterations for strictly hemi-contractive maps in uniformly smooth Banach spaces

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chidume, C.E.; Osilike, M.O.

1993-05-01

It is proved that the Mann iteration process converges strongly to the fixed point of a strictly hemi-contractive map in real uniformly smooth Banach spaces. The class of strictly hemi-contractive maps includes all strictly pseudo-contractive maps with nonempty fixed point sets. A related result deals with the Ishikawa iteration scheme when the mapping is Lipschitzian and strictly hemi-contractive. Our theorems generalize important known results. (author). 29 refs

Cobinding of bilirubin and laurate to human serum albumin: spectroscopic characterization of stoichiometric complexes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Honoré, B; Sato, H; Brodersen, R

1988-01-01

Light absorption and CD spectra of bound bilirubin and albumin fluorescence spectra have been recorded from mixtures containing albumin, A, bilirubin, B, and laurate, L, in Tris-NaCl buffer at pH 8.2, 25 degrees C. Concentrations of the corresponding stoichiometric complexes, ABiLj, for i = 0....../3 and j = 0/3, have been calculated from previously determined stoichiometric cobinding constants (H. Sato et al. (1988) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 260, 811-821). Spectral data of the complexes have finally been found by iterative computer fitting using the principle of several acceptable solutions (R...

Strategy and Aspects of Monitoring / Control Strictly in Coordinated Subsystems

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

William José Borges

2012-06-01

Full Text Available This paper aims to discuss the approach structures of the strictly coordinated theoretical framework developed by Zylbersztajn and Farina (1999 as an expanded perspective of the firm, taking into account the food supply chains as an extension of the nexus of contracts proposed by Coase (1937 and taken up by Williamson (1985. The structures stand out as strictly coordinated. Zylbersztajn and Farina (1999 turn to identifying points of common interests that encourage firms to promote contracts between themselves in a strictly coordinated way, considering the degree of asset specificity involved in the transaction and the competitive forces that determine the search for strategic positioning organizations to achieve sustainable superior results.

Tailoring phase change materials: Stoichiometrical trends in the Ge-Sb-Te system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Klein, Michael; Wamwangi, Daniel; Wuttig, Matthias [I. Physikalisches Institut 1A, RWTH Aachen, 52056 Aachen (Germany)

2007-07-01

Phase change materials are widely used as the active layer in rewritable optical media. This layer can be reversibly switched with a laser beam between an amorphous and crystalline state. As there is a pronounced optical contrast between these two phases, this provides the possibility to write, read and erase data. The speed of this method is limited by the speed of crystallization, as crystallization is the slower process. One possibility to make this process faster is to change the composition of this active layer. Thus it is very interesting to investigate how the process of crystallization is affected by a variation of stoichiometry. Although phase change materials technology is already used, there is little knowledge of the phase change process itself. Today the usability of phase change materials is still identified by try and error methods. We will show stoichiometrical trends of different properties relevant for data storage, e.g. the crystallisation temperature, which governs the room temperature stability of the amorphous phase and thus is a measure for the data retention time.

Different cellular responses evoked by natural and stoichiometric synthetic chrysotile asbestos

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gazzano, Elena; Foresti, Elisabetta; Lesci, Isidoro Giorgio; Tomatis, Maura; Riganti, Chiara; Fubini, Bice; Roveri, Norberto; Ghigo, Dario

2005-01-01

The carcinogenic potency of asbestos, including chrysotile, is well established. Several physico-chemical features of the fibers appear implied, such as fibrous habit, size, crystallinity, morphology, and surface active metal ions, where free radical generation may take place. In contrast to other asbestos forms, iron is not a stoichiometric component of chrysotile, but is only present together with other extraneous ions as a magnesium- and silicon-replacing contaminant. To determine the role played by contaminating ions and morphological features of the fibers, a stoichiometric chrysotile with constant structure and morphology was synthesized in hydrothermal conditions. Free radical generation and the effects of these fibers on human lung epithelial A549 cells have been compared to that elicited by a well known toxic natural chrysotile (UICC A, from Rhodesia). After a 24-h incubation, the natural, but not the synthetic, form exerted a cytotoxic effect, detected as leakage of lactate dehydrogenase. Homolytic rupture of a C-H bond and lipoperoxidation in A549 cells took place in the presence of the natural, but not of the synthetic, chrysotile. Antioxidant systems were also affected differently. The pentose phosphate pathway and its regulatory enzyme glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase were markedly inhibited only by the natural specimen, which also caused a depletion of intracellular reduced glutathione in A549 cells. These results suggest that metal ions, fiber size and state of the surface play a crucial role in the oxidative stress caused by chrysotile asbestos. Stoichiometric synthetic fibers may thus be proposed as a reference standard (negative control) for toxicological studies

Reducing the stoichiometric excess of HF in the hydrofluorination of UO2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhao Jun; Qiu Lufu; Zhong Xing; Xu Heqing

1989-11-01

In a fluidized bed, UO 2 obtained from the decomposition-reduction of AUC (Ammonium Uranyl Carbonate) was fed to absorb HF remaining in the exhaust gas of UF 4 production process. In the case of 60% conversion of UO 2 and the reaction temperature in the region of 300 deg C, HF remaining in the exhaust gas in absorbing fluidized bed was less than 7 ∼ 8% (w/w), i.e. apparent stoichiometric excess of HF had reduced to 0% more or less. Hence, with the high hydrofluorination reactivity of UO 2 obtained from the decomposition-reduction of AUC, it is possible to reduce evidently the stoichiometric excess of HF in the hydrofluorination process by two fluidized beds in series in which solids move against the gas flow

The Role of Hydrogen Bonds Of The Azeotropic Hydrous Ethanol Fuel Composition To The Exhaust Emissions

Science.gov (United States)

Made Suarta, I.; Nyoman Gede Baliarta, I.; Sopan Rahtika, I. P. G.; Wijaya Sunu, Putu

2018-01-01

In this study observed the role of hydrogen bonding to the composition of exhaust emissions which is produced hydrous ethanol fuel (95.5% v). Testing is done by using single cylinder four stroke motor engine. The composition of exhaust gas emissions is tested using exhaust gas analyzer on lean and stoichiometry mixer. The exhaust emissions produced by anhydrous ethanol were also tested. The composition of emissions produced by that two fuels is compared. The results showed CO emissions levels produced by hydrous ethanol are slightly higher than anhydrous ethanol in stoichiometric mixtures. But the composition of CO hydrous ethanol emissions is lower in the lean mix. If lean the mixer the different in the composition of emissions is increasing. On hydrous ethanol emission CO2 content little bit lower on the stoichiometric mixer and higher on the lean mixture. Exhaust emissions of ethanol fuel also produce O2. O2 hydrous ethanol emissions is higher than anhydrous ethanol fuel.

Elastic properties of sub-stoichiometric nitrogen ion implanted silicon

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sarmanova, M.F., E-mail: marina.sarmanova@iom-leipzig.de [Leibniz Institute of Surface Modification, D-04318 Leipzig (Germany); Karl, H. [University Augsburg, Institute of Physics, D-86135 Augsburg (Germany); Mändl, S.; Hirsch, D. [Leibniz Institute of Surface Modification, D-04318 Leipzig (Germany); Mayr, S.G.; Rauschenbach, B. [Leibniz Institute of Surface Modification, D-04318 Leipzig (Germany); University Leipzig, Institute for Experimental Physics II, D-04103 Leipzig (Germany)

2015-04-15

Elastic properties of sub-stoichiometric nitrogen implanted silicon were measured with nanometer-resolution using contact resonance atomic force microscopy (CR-AFM) as function of ion fluence and post-annealing conditions. The determined range of indentation moduli was between 100 and 180 GPa depending on the annealing duration and nitrogen content. The high indentation moduli can be explained by formation of Si–N bonds, as verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

The Effect of the Strictness of Consultation Requirements on Fraud Consultation

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Gold, A.H.; Knechel, W.R.; Wallage, P.

2012-01-01

We investigate how the strictness of a requirement to consult on potential client fraud affects auditors' propensity to consult with firm experts. We consider two specific forms of guidance about fraud consultations: (1) strict, i.e., mandatory and binding; and (2) lenient, i.e., advisory and

Low leakage stoichiometric SrTiO{sub 3} dielectric for advanced metal-insulator-metal capacitors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Popovici, Mihaela; Kaczer, Ben; Redolfi, Augusto; Elshocht, Sven van; Jurczak, Malgorzata [imec Belgium, Leuven (Belgium); Afanas' ev, Valeri V. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven (Belgium); Sereni, Gabriele [DISMI, Universita degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, (Italy); Larcher, Luca [DISMI, Universita degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, (Italy); MDLab, Saint Christophe (Italy)

2016-05-15

Metal-insulator-metal capacitors (MIMCAP) with stoichiometric SrTiO{sub 3} dielectric were deposited stacking two strontium titanate (STO) layers, followed by intermixing the grain determining Sr-rich STO seed layer, with the Ti-rich STO top layer. The resulted stoichiometric SrTiO{sub 3} would have a structure with less defects as demonstrated by internal photoemission experiments. Consequently, the leakage current density is lower compared to Sr-rich STO which allow further equivalent oxide thickness downscaling. (copyright 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Compositions of melts for growth of functional single crystals of complex oxides and other compounds

Science.gov (United States)

Soboleva, L. V.

2008-12-01

The melt compositions ( M c) are calculated for growing crystals with valuable physical properties. The calculation is based on the compositions of the invariant points of the liquidus curves for 33 congruently and 12 incongruently melting solid phases of 42 fusibility diagrams of binary systems. These systems include Na, Ca, Ba, Mg, and Y aluminates; Bi and Pb germanates; Li, K, Ba, and Bi borates; Ba, Fe, Sr, and Bi titanates; Li, K, Cs, Ba, Zn, Ca niobates; Li, Pb, and Gd molibdates; Pb and Nd tungstates; etc. More than 60 studies with data on the experimentally found melt compositions ( M e) for growing the noted crystals are analyzed. It is shown that the melt compositions M c and M e for growth of congruently and incongruently melting crystals are similar. Large-size stoichiometric crystals of high optical quality are grown using these melt compositions. Nonstoichiometric crystals of low structural quality are grown from melt compositions either corresponding to the stoichiometric ratio of the components ( M s) or similar to the compositions at invariant points ( M i). In these cases, a large difference is observed between the melt compositions M c, M s, and M e.

Linking stoichiometric homeostasis of microorganisms with soil phosphorus dynamics in wetlands subjected to microcosm warming.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hang Wang

Full Text Available Soil biogeochemical processes and the ecological stability of wetland ecosystems under global warming scenarios have gained increasing attention worldwide. Changes in the capacity of microorganisms to maintain stoichiometric homeostasis, or relatively stable internal concentrations of elements, may serve as an indicator of alterations to soil biogeochemical processes and their associated ecological feedbacks. In this study, an outdoor computerized microcosm was set up to simulate a warmed (+5°C climate scenario, using novel, minute-scale temperature manipulation technology. The principle of stoichiometric homeostasis was adopted to illustrate phosphorus (P biogeochemical cycling coupled with carbon (C dynamics within the soil-microorganism complex. We hypothesized that enhancing the flux of P from soil to water under warming scenarios is tightly coupled with a decrease in homeostatic regulation ability in wetland ecosystems. Results indicate that experimental warming impaired the ability of stoichiometric homeostasis (H to regulate biogeochemical processes, enhancing the ecological role of wetland soil as an ecological source for both P and C. The potential P flux from soil to water ranged from 0.11 to 34.51 mg m(-2 d(-1 in the control and 0.07 to 61.26 mg m(-2 d(-1 in the warmed treatment. The synergistic function of C-P acquisition is an important mechanism underlying C∶P stoichiometric balance for soil microorganisms under warming. For both treatment groups, strongly significant (p<0.001 relationships fitting a negative allometric power model with a fractional exponent were found between n-HC∶P (the specialized homeostatic regulation ability as a ratio of soil highly labile organic carbon to dissolved reactive phosphorus in porewater and potential P flux. Although many factors may affect soil P dynamics, the n-HC∶P term fundamentally reflects the stoichiometric balance or interactions between the energy landscape (i.e., C and flow of

The mystery of missing species in atom probe tomography of composite materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Karahka, M.; Xia, Y.; Kreuzer, H. J. [Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3J5 (Canada)

2015-08-10

There is a serious problem in atom probe tomography of composite materials such as oxides that even from stoichiometric samples one observes non-stoichiometric ion yields. We present a quantitative model that explains the non-stoichiometry allowing a fit to experimental data of ion yields as a function of applied field to extract activation barriers and prefactors. The numbers are confirmed by density functional theory. We also show that for oxides the missing oxygen is thermally desorbed as neutral O{sub 2}, either directly or associatively. Finally, we suggest methods to improve the experimental setup.

Global dynamics in a stoichiometric food chain model with two limiting nutrients.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Ming; Fan, Meng; Kuang, Yang

2017-07-01

Ecological stoichiometry studies the balance of energy and multiple chemical elements in ecological interactions to establish how the nutrient content affect food-web dynamics and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. In this study, we formulate a food chain with two limiting nutrients in the form of a stoichiometric population model. A comprehensive global analysis of the rich dynamics of the targeted model is explored both analytically and numerically. Chaotic dynamic is observed in this simple stoichiometric food chain model and is compared with traditional model without stoichiometry. The detailed comparison reveals that stoichiometry can reduce the parameter space for chaotic dynamics. Our findings also show that decreasing producer production efficiency may have only a small effect on the consumer growth but a more profound impact on the top predator growth. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reactivity of non-stoichiometric black alumina; Reactivite des alumines noires non stoechiometriques

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Arghiropoulos, B; Elston, J; Hilaire, P; Juillet, F; Teichner, S J [Commissariat a l' Energie Atomique, Saclay (France). Centre d' Etudes Nucleaires; [Lyon-1 Univ., 69 (France)

1960-07-01

Oxides such as alumina, when divided or poorly crystallized, show enhanced physico-chemical properties with respect to those of non-divided crystals of the same solids. A stoichiometric difference may even be produced in the alumina, which brings about a new modification of its properties. However its characteristics of hydrogen chemisorption or of catalytic activity in ethylene hydrogenation do not appear to depend on the stoichiometric difference. (author) [French] Les oxydes, comme l'alumine, divises ou mal cristallises, presentent des proprietes physico-chimiques exaltees par rapport a celles des memes solides en cristaux non divises. Un ecart a la stoechiometrie peut meme etre produit dans l'alumine, ce qui entraine une nouvelle modification de ses proprietes. Toutefois ses caracteristiques de chimisorption d'hydrogene ou d'activite catalytique d'hydrogenation d'ethylene ne semblent pas dependre de l'ecart a la stoechiometrie. (auteur)

Isolated abnormal strict morphology is not a contraindication for intrauterine insemination.

Science.gov (United States)

Lockwood, G M; Deveneau, N E; Shridharani, A N; Strawn, E Y; Sandlow, J I

2015-11-01

This study sought to investigate whether isolated abnormal strict morphology (<5% normal forms) and very low strict morphology (0-1% normal forms) affects pregnancy rates in intrauterine insemination (IUI). This was a retrospective study performed at an Academic Medical Center/Reproductive Medicine Center. Four hundred and eight couples were included for 856 IUI cycles. 70 IUI cycles were performed in couples with abnormal strict morphology and otherwise normal semen parameters. Outcomes were measured as clinical pregnancy rate per IUI cycle as documented by fetal heart activity on maternal ultrasound. Clinical pregnancy rate did not significantly differ between the group with abnormal strict morphology [11/70 (15.7%)] and the normal morphology group [39/281 (13.9%)]. Additionally, there was no significant difference between the pregnancy rate in the abnormal morphology group compared to that of our overall institutional IUI pregnancy rate [145/856 (16.9%)]. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between pregnancy rate in the very low morphology group [3/14 (21.4%)] compared to those with normal morphology or the overall IUI pregnancy rate. Patients with isolated abnormal strict morphology have clinical pregnancy rates similar to those with normal morphology for IUI. Even in those with very low normal forms, consideration of IUI for assisted reproduction should not be excluded. © 2015 American Society of Andrology and European Academy of Andrology.

A European map regarding the strictness of the transfer pricing regulations

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ioana Ignat

2017-12-01

Full Text Available In the context in which transfer pricing may represent a mechanism through which multinationals have the possibility to move funds internationally, in order to prevent the base erosion and profit shifting between multinationals, countries over the world have adopted various transfer pricing regulations. Furthermore, some of the countries adopted stricter regulations than others. The objective of our research was to identify the level of strictness for the transfer pricing regulations from the European countries. To achieve this objective, we analyzed the transfer pricing regulations of all European countries and we built a transfer pricing strictness index, based on which we defined 4 categories of countries (where category 1 includes the countries with the least strict transfer pricing regulations and category 4 countries with the strictest regulations. After that, we illustrated how these categories are distributed on the European map. In order to collect the information, we used the transfer pricing guides issued by the Big Four companies for the year 2015. The study`s results show that the strictness of the transfer pricing regulations decreases from the west of Europe to east. Moreover, most of the countries were included in category 2, respectively category 3, meaning that the transfer pricing regulations from the European continent are not so flexible, but in the same time are not so strict.

Temperature and composition dependence of birefringence of lithium-tantalate crystals determined by holographic scattering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bastwoeste, K.; Schwalenberg, S.; Baeumer, Ch.; Kraetzig, E.

2003-01-01

Iron-doped lithium-tantalate samples with different compositions ranging from the congruently melting to the stoichiometric one are analyzed by anisotropic holographic scattering. The temperature dependence of the birefringence yields information on the composition of the crystals. (copyright 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

Temperature and composition dependence of birefringence of lithium-tantalate crystals determined by holographic scattering

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bastwoeste, K.; Schwalenberg, S.; Baeumer, Ch.; Kraetzig, E. [Fachbereich Physik, Universitaet Osnabrueck, D-49069 Osnabrueck (Germany)

2003-09-01

Iron-doped lithium-tantalate samples with different compositions ranging from the congruently melting to the stoichiometric one are analyzed by anisotropic holographic scattering. The temperature dependence of the birefringence yields information on the composition of the crystals. (copyright 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

A thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method developed for estimating the stoichiometric ratio of solid-state {alpha}-cyclodextrin-based inclusion complexes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bai, Yuxiang; Wang, Jinpeng; Bashari, Mohanad; Hu, Xiuting [The State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122 (China); Feng, Tao [School of Perfume and Aroma Technology, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418 (China); Xu, Xueming [The State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122 (China); Jin, Zhengyu, E-mail: jinlab2008@yahoo.com [The State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122 (China); Tian, Yaoqi, E-mail: yqtian@jiangnan.edu.cn [The State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122 (China)

2012-08-10

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We develop a TGA method for the measurement of the stoichiometric ratio. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A series of formulas are deduced to calculate the stoichiometric ratio. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Four {alpha}-CD-based inclusion complexes were successfully prepared. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The developed method is applicable. - Abstract: An approach mainly based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was developed to evaluate the stoichiometric ratio (SR, guest to host) of the guest-{alpha}-cyclodextrin (Guest-{alpha}-CD) inclusion complexes (4-cresol-{alpha}-CD, benzyl alcohol-{alpha}-CD, ferrocene-{alpha}-CD and decanoic acid-{alpha}-CD). The present data obtained from Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy showed that all the {alpha}-CD-based inclusion complexes were successfully prepared in a solid-state form. The stoichiometric ratios of {alpha}-CD to the relative guests (4-cresol, benzyl alcohol, ferrocene and decanoic acid) determined by the developed method were 1:1, 1:2, 2:1 and 1:2, respectively. These SR data were well demonstrated by the previously reported X-ray diffraction (XRD) method and the NMR confirmatory experiments, except the SR of decanoic acid with a larger size and longer chain was not consistent. It is, therefore, suggested that the TGA-based method is applicable to follow the stoichiometric ratio of the polycrystalline {alpha}-CD-based inclusion complexes with smaller and shorter chain guests.

A thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method developed for estimating the stoichiometric ratio of solid-state α-cyclodextrin-based inclusion complexes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bai, Yuxiang; Wang, Jinpeng; Bashari, Mohanad; Hu, Xiuting; Feng, Tao; Xu, Xueming; Jin, Zhengyu; Tian, Yaoqi

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► We develop a TGA method for the measurement of the stoichiometric ratio. ► A series of formulas are deduced to calculate the stoichiometric ratio. ► Four α-CD-based inclusion complexes were successfully prepared. ► The developed method is applicable. - Abstract: An approach mainly based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was developed to evaluate the stoichiometric ratio (SR, guest to host) of the guest–α-cyclodextrin (Guest-α-CD) inclusion complexes (4-cresol-α-CD, benzyl alcohol-α-CD, ferrocene-α-CD and decanoic acid-α-CD). The present data obtained from Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy showed that all the α-CD-based inclusion complexes were successfully prepared in a solid-state form. The stoichiometric ratios of α-CD to the relative guests (4-cresol, benzyl alcohol, ferrocene and decanoic acid) determined by the developed method were 1:1, 1:2, 2:1 and 1:2, respectively. These SR data were well demonstrated by the previously reported X-ray diffraction (XRD) method and the NMR confirmatory experiments, except the SR of decanoic acid with a larger size and longer chain was not consistent. It is, therefore, suggested that the TGA-based method is applicable to follow the stoichiometric ratio of the polycrystalline α-CD-based inclusion complexes with smaller and shorter chain guests.

Solid state synthesis of stoichiometric LiCoO2 from mechanically activated Co-Li2CO3 mixtures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Berbenni, Vittorio; Milanese, Chiara; Bruni, Giovanna; Marini, Amedeo

2006-01-01

Stoichiometric lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2 ) has been synthesized by solid state reaction of mixtures of the system Co-0.5Li 2 CO 3 after mechanical activation by high energy milling. The differences in the reaction mechanism and in product stoichiometry with respect to what happens when starting from the non activated (physical) system have been brought into evidence by TG analysis. Furthermore it has been shown that stoichiometric LiCoO 2 is obtained by a 200 h annealing of the activated mixture at temperatures as low as 400 deg. C. Finally, it has been revealed that longer activation times (150 h) result in Co oxidation to Co 3 O 4 that, in turn, hampers the formation of stoichiometric LiCoO 2

40 CFR 1065.362 - Non-stoichiometric raw exhaust FID O2 interference verification.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-07-01

...-stoichiometric mode of combustion (e.g., compression-ignition, lean-burn), verify the amount of FID O2 interference upon initial installation and after major maintenance. (b) Measurement principles. Changes in O2...

Composition and microstructure of zirconium and hafnium germanates obtained by different chemical routes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Utkin, A.V.; Prokip, V.E.; Baklanova, N.I.

2014-01-01

The phase composition and morphology of zirconium and hafnium germanates synthesized by ceramic and co-precipitation routes were studied. The products were characterized using high-temperature X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal (TG/DTA) analysis. To investigate the phase composition and stoichiometry of compounds the unit cell parameters were refined by full-profile Rietveld XRD analysis. The morphology of products and its evolution during high-temperature treatment was examined by SEM analysis. It was stated that there is the strong dependence of the phase composition and morphology of products on the preparation route. The ceramic route requires a multi-stage high-temperature treatment to obtain zirconium and hafnium germanates of 95% purity or more. Also, there are strong diffusion limitations to obtain hafnium germanate Hf 3 GeO 8 by ceramic route. On the contrary, the co-precipitation route leads to the formation of nanocrystalline single phase germanates of stoichiometric composition at a relatively low temperatures (less than 1000 °C). The results of quantitative XRD analysis showed the hafnium germanates are stoichiometric compounds in contrast to zirconium germanates that form a set of solid solutions. This distinction may be related to the difference in the ion radii of Zr and Hf. - Graphical abstract: The phase composition and morphology of zirconium and hafnium germanates synthesized by ceramic and co-precipitation routes were studied. It was stated that there is the strong dependence of the phase composition and morphology of products on the preparation route. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Zr and Hf germanates were synthesized by ceramic and co-precipitation routes. • The morphology of products depends on the synthesis parameters. • Zirconium germanates forms a set of solid solutions. • Hafnium germanates are stoichiometric compounds

Galvanic corrosion of structural non-stoichiometric silicon nitride thin films and its implications on reliability of microelectromechanical devices

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Broas, M., E-mail: mikael.broas@aalto.fi; Mattila, T. T.; Paulasto-Kröckel, M. [Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, Espoo, P.O. Box 13500, FIN-00076 Aalto (Finland); Liu, X.; Ge, Y. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, P.O. Box 16200, FIN-00076 Aalto (Finland)

2015-06-28

This paper describes a reliability assessment and failure analysis of a poly-Si/non-stoichiometric silicon nitride thin film composite structure. A set of poly-Si/SiN{sub x} thin film structures were exposed to a mixed flowing gas (MFG) environment, which simulates outdoor environments, for 90 days, and an elevated temperature and humidity (85 °C/95% R.H.) test for 140 days. The mechanical integrity of the thin films was observed to degrade during exposure to the chemically reactive atmospheres. The degree of degradation was analyzed with nanoindentation tests. Statistical analysis of the forces required to initiate a fracture in the thin films indicated degradation due to the exposure to the MFG environment in the SiN{sub x} part of the films. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a porous-like reaction layer on top of SiN{sub x}. The morphology of the reaction layer resembled that of galvanically corroded poly-Si. Transmission electron microscopy further clarified the microstructure of the reaction layer which had a complex multi-phase structure extending to depths of ∼100 nm. Furthermore, the layer was oxidized two times deeper in a 90 days MFG-tested sample compared to an untested reference. The formation of the layer is proposed to be caused by galvanic corrosion of elemental silicon in non-stoichiometric silicon nitride during hydrofluoric acid etching. The degradation is proposed to be due uncontrolled oxidation of the films during the stress tests.

Composition of MBE-grown iron oxide films

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Voogt, F.C; Hibma, T; Smulders, P.J M; Niesen, L

A wide range of iron oxides have been grown epitaxially on MgO(100) substrates using a dual beam technique in which the deposited iron is oxidised by a beam of NO2 particles. At high fluxes magnetite (Fe3-deltaO4) phases with compositions between near-stoichiometric magnetite (Fe3O4, delta = 0) and

Dynamic Enforcement of the Strict Integrity Policy

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

ZHANGXiangfeng; LIANGHongliang; SUNYufang

2005-01-01

The Strict integrity policy (SIP) in Biba's integrity model is widely used in protecting information integrity, but the static integrity labels of both subjects and objects increase compatibility cost of applications and might prevent some operations that are indeed harmless.In order to improve compatibility, Dynamic enforcement of the Strict integrity policy (DESIP) is put forward. The current integrity label attribute of a subject in SIP is replaced with two attributes in DESIP, which are used to confine dynamically the range of objects a subject could be allowed to access. The new rules of access control in DESIP are given for each kind of access mode (observe,modify and invoke) together with the proofs of their valid-ity. Comparison between SIP and DESIP shows that after a sequence of operations, a subject controlled by DESIP tends to behave in a similar way as it is controlled by SIP and DESIP is more compatible than SIP.

Problem Solving Instruction for Overcoming Students' Difficulties in Stoichiometric Problems

Science.gov (United States)

Shadreck, Mandina; Enunuwe, Ochonogor Chukunoye

2017-01-01

The study sought to find out difficulties encountered by high school chemistry students when solving stoichiometric problems and how these could be overcome by using a problem-solving approach. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design. 485 participants drawn from 8 highs schools in a local education district in Zimbabwe participated in the…

Determination of the stoichiometric rate in UO2 samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moura, Sergio C.; Lima, Nelson B. de; Sassine, Andre; Bustillos, Jose Oscar Vega

2000-01-01

The gravimetric and voltammetric methods for determination of non-stoichiometric O/U ratio in uranium dioxide used as nuclear fuel are discussed in this work. The oxidation of uranium oxide is very complex due to many phase changes. Gravimetric and voltammetric methods do not detect phase changes. The results of this work shown that, to evaluate both methods is requiring to be done Rietveld methods by X-ray diffraction data to identify the uranium oxide phase changes. (author)

Study of non stoichiometric uranium dioxide samples (UO2)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moura, Sergio C.; Lima, Nelson B. de; Bustillos, Jose O.V.

1999-01-01

The gravimetric and voltammetric methods for determination of non-stoichiometric O/U ratio in uranium dioxide used as nuclear fuel are discussed in this work. The oxidation of uranium oxide is very complex due to many phase changes. gravimetric and voltammetric methods do not detect phase changes. The results of this work shown that, to evaluate both methods is requiring to be done Rietveld methods by x-ray diffraction data to identify the uranium oxide phase changes. (author)

Freshwater bacteria are stoichiometrically flexible with a nutrient composition similar to seston

Science.gov (United States)

Cotner, James B.; Hall, Edward K.; Scott, J. Thad; Heldal, Mikal

2010-01-01

Although aquatic bacteria are assumed to be nutrient-rich, they out-compete other foodweb osmotrophs for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) an apparent contradiction to resource ratio theory. This paradox could be resolved if aquatic bacteria were demonstrated to be nutrient-poor relative other portions of the planktonic food web. In a survey of >120 lakes in the upper Midwest of the USA, the nutrient content of bacteria was lower than previously reported and very similar to the Redfield ratio, with a mean biomass composition of 102:12:1 (C:N:P). Individual freshwater bacterial isolates grown under P-limiting and P-replete conditions had even higher C:P and N:P ratios with a mean community biomass composition ratio of 875C:179N:1P suggesting that individual strains can be extremely nutrient-poor, especially with respect to P. Cell-specific measurements of individual cells from one lake confirmed that low P content could be observed at the community level in natural systems with a mean biomass composition of 259C:69N:1P. Variability in bacterial stoichiometry is typically not recognized in the literature as most studies assume constant and nutrient-rich bacterial biomass composition. We present evidence that bacteria can be extremely P-poor in individual systems and in culture, suggesting that bacteria in freshwater ecosystems can either play a role as regenerators or consumers of inorganic nutrients and that this role could switch depending on the relationship between bacterial biomass stoichiometry and resource stoichiometry. This ability to switch roles between nutrient retention and regeneration likely facilitates processing of terrestrial organic matter in lakes and rivers and has important implications for a wide range of bacterially mediated biogeochemical processes.

A powder neutron diffraction study of stoichiometric silver beta alumina at 4.2 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Newsam, J.M.; Tofield, B.C.

1980-10-01

The low-temperature structure of stoichiometric silver beta alumina, AgAl 11 O 17 , is described for the first time. A powder neutron diffraction study at 4.2 K reveals that there is a single three-fold silver location of unit occupancy in each mirror plane. The silver site lies between the mid-oxygen and Beevers-Ross positions where the Ag-O contact distances can be minimised. The Ag-O interactions, in particular the cooperative movement of the spacer oxygens, are responsible for the superlattice which has been described previously. The Beevers-Ross, anti-Beevers-Ross and interstitial aluminium sites are vacant and the c-axis constant is expanded relative to the non-stoichiometric parent. (author)

Finite Metric Spaces of Strictly negative Type

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hjorth, Poul G.

If a finite metric space is of strictly negative type then its transfinite diameter is uniquely realized by an infinite extent (“load vector''). Finite metric spaces that have this property include all trees, and all finite subspaces of Euclidean and Hyperbolic spaces. We prove that if the distance...

Detonation mode and frequency analysis under high loss conditions for stoichiometric propane-oxygen

KAUST Repository

Jackson, Scott; Lee, Bok Jik; Shepherd, Joseph E.

2016-01-01

The propagation characteristics of galloping detonations were quantified with a high-time-resolution velocity diagnostic. Combustion waves were initiated in 30-m lengths of 4.1-mm inner diameter transparent tubing filled with stoichiometric propane

Strict finitism and the logic of mathematical applications

CERN Document Server

Ye, Feng

2011-01-01

Exploring the logic behind applied mathematics to the physical world, this volume illustrates how radical naturalism, nominalism and strict finitism can account for the applications of classical mathematics in current theories about natural phenomena.

Stoichiometric determination of nitrate fate in agricultural ecosystems during rainfall events.

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Zuxin; Wang, Yiyao; Li, Huaizheng

2015-01-01

Ecologists have found a close relationship between the concentrations of nitrate (NO3-) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in ecosystems. However, it is difficult to determine the NO3- fate exactly because of the low coefficient in the constructed relationship. In the present paper, a negative power-function equation (r(2) = 0.87) was developed by using 411 NO3- data points and DOC:NO3- ratios from several agricultural ecosystems during different rainfall events. Our analysis of the stoichiometric method reveals several observations. First, the NO3- concentration demonstrated the largest changes when the DOC:NO3- ratio increased from 1 to 10. Second, the biodegradability of DOC was an important factor in controlling the NO3- concentration of agricultural ecosystems. Third, sediment was important not only as a denitrification site, but also as a major source of DOC for the overlying water. Fourth, a high DOC concentration was able to maintain a low NO3- concentration in the groundwater. In conclusion, this new stoichiometric method can be used for the accurate estimation and analysis of NO3- concentrations in ecosystems.

Efficiency of two-step solar thermochemical non-stoichiometric redox cycles with heat recovery

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lapp, J.; Davidson, J.H.; Lipiński, W.

2012-01-01

Improvements in the effectiveness of solid phase heat recovery and in the thermodynamic properties of metal oxides are the most important paths to achieving unprecedented thermal efficiencies of 10% and higher in non-stoichiometric solar redox reactors. In this paper, the impact of solid and gas phase heat recovery on the efficiency of a non-stoichiometric cerium dioxide-based H 2 O/CO 2 splitting cycle realized in a solar-driven reactor are evaluated in a parametric thermodynamic analysis. Application of solid phase heat recovery to the cycling metal oxide allows for lower reduction zone operating temperatures, simplifying reactor design. An optimum temperature for metal oxide reduction results from two competing phenomena as the reduction temperature is increased: increasing re-radiation losses from the reactor aperture and decreasing heat loss due to imperfect solid phase heat recovery. Additionally, solid phase heat recovery increases the efficiency gains made possible by gas phase heat recovery. -- Highlights: ► Both solid and gas phase heat recovery are essential to achieve high thermal efficiency in non-stoichiometric ceria-based solar redox reactors. ► Solid phase heat recovery allows for lower reduction temperatures and increases the gains made possible by gas phase heat recovery. ► The optimum reduction temperature increases with increasing concentration ratio and decreasing solid phase heat recovery effectiveness. ► Even moderate levels of heat recovery dramatically improve reactor efficiency from 3.5% to 16%.

More strictly protected areas are not necessarily more protective: evidence from Bolivia, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Thailand

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ferraro, Paul J; Hanauer, Merlin M; Miteva, Daniela A; Pattanayak, Subhrendu K; Canavire-Bacarreza, Gustavo Javier; Sims, Katharine R E

2013-01-01

National parks and other protected areas are at the forefront of global efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, not all protection is equal. Some areas are assigned strict legal protection that permits few extractive human uses. Other protected area designations permit a wider range of uses. Whether strictly protected areas are more effective in achieving environmental objectives is an empirical question: although strictly protected areas legally permit less anthropogenic disturbance, the social conflicts associated with assigning strict protection may lead politicians to assign strict protection to less-threatened areas and may lead citizens or enforcement agents to ignore the strict legal restrictions. We contrast the impacts of strictly and less strictly protected areas in four countries using IUCN designations to measure de jure strictness, data on deforestation to measure outcomes, and a quasi-experimental design to estimate impacts. On average, stricter protection reduced deforestation rates more than less strict protection, but the additional impact was not always large and sometimes arose because of where stricter protection was assigned rather than regulatory strictness per se. We also show that, in protected area studies contrasting y management regimes, there are y 2 policy-relevant impacts, rather than only y, as earlier studies have implied. (letter)

Actions of a separately strict cpo-monoid on pointed directed complete posets

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Halimeh Moghbeli Damaneh

2015-07-01

Full Text Available ‎ In the present article‎, ‎we study some categorical properties of the category {$bf‎ Cpo_{Sep}$-$S$} of all {separately strict $S$-cpo's}; cpo's equipped with‎ a compatible right action of a separately strict cpo-monoid $S$ which is‎ strict continuous in each component‎. ‎In particular‎, we show that this category is reflective and coreflective in the‎ category of $S$-cpo's‎, ‎find the free and cofree functors‎, characterize products and coproducts‎. ‎Furthermore‎, ‎epimorphisms and‎  monomorphisms in {$bf Cpo_{Sep}$-$S$} are studied‎, ‎and show that‎ {$bf Cpo_{Sep}$-$S$} is not cartesian closed‎.

Structural and optical properties of silicon rich oxide films in graded-stoichiometric multilayers for optoelectronic devices

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Palacios-Huerta, L.; Aceves-Mijares, M. [Electronics Department, INAOE, Apdo. 51, Puebla, Pue. 72000, México (Mexico); Cabañas-Tay, S. A.; Cardona-Castro, M. A.; Morales-Sánchez, A., E-mail: alfredo.morales@cimav.edu.mx [Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados S.C., Unidad Monterrey-PIIT, Apodaca, NL 66628, México (Mexico); Domínguez-Horna, C. [Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona, IMB-CNM (CSIC), Bellaterra 08193, Barcelona (Spain)

2016-07-18

Silicon nanocrystals (Si-ncs) are excellent candidates for the development of optoelectronic devices. Nevertheless, different strategies are still necessary to enhance their photo and electroluminescent properties by controlling their structural and compositional properties. In this work, the effect of the stoichiometry and structure on the optical properties of silicon rich oxide (SRO) films in a multilayered (ML) structure is studied. SRO MLs with silicon excess gradually increased towards the top and bottom and towards the center of the ML produced through the variation of the stoichiometry in each SRO layer were fabricated and confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Si-ncs with three main sizes were observed by a transmission electron microscope, in agreement with the stoichiometric profile of each SRO layer. The presence of the three sized Si-ncs and some oxygen related defects enhances intense violet/blue and red photoluminescence (PL) bands. The SRO MLs were super-enriched with additional excess silicon by Si{sup +} implantation, which enhanced the PL intensity. Oxygen-related defects and small Si-ncs (<2 nm) are mostly generated during ion implantation enhancing the violet/blue band to become comparable to the red band. The structural, compositional, and luminescent characteristics of the multilayers are the result of the contribution of the individual characteristics of each layer.

Morfofunctional indices of peripheric blood for persons working within the strict radiation control area

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nyagu, A.I.; Yukhimuk, L.N.; Egorova, D.M.; Pogontseva, I.M.

1992-01-01

The blood of 118 people permanently working within the area of strict radiation control has been investigated. Erythrocyte morphofunctional value has been estimated taking into consideration the erythrocyte morphological index as well as mechanical and osmotic resistivity of erythrocytes. For people permanently working within the area of strict radiation control intensity of signals of EPR for blood paramagnetic centres essentially changes. It proves profound changes in functioning of blood plasma antioxidant system for people working in the area of strict radiation control. For the people permanently working within the area of strict radiation control in peripheric blood growth of echynocytes and spherocytes as well as lowering of mechanical resistivity of erythrocytes is observed. 4 refs.; 1 fig.; 1 tab

Functionalization of epoxy esters with alcohols as stoichiometric reagents.

Science.gov (United States)

Pavlović, Dona; Modec, Barbara; Dolenc, Darko

2015-01-01

Glycidyl esters, frequently employed as reactive groups on polymeric supports, were functionalized with alcohols as stoichiometric reagents, yielding β-alkoxyalcohols. Among the solvents studied, best results were obtained in ethers in the presence of a strong proton acid as a catalyst. Alcohols include simple alkanols, diols, protected polyols, 3-butyn-1-ol 3-hydroxypropanenitrile and cholesterol. This protocol represents a convenient way for introduction of various functionalities onto epoxy-functionalized polymers. Under the reaction conditions, some side reactions take place, mostly due to the reactive ester group and water present in the reaction mixture.

Spectral, stoichiometric ratio, physicochemical, polarity and photostability studies of newly synthesized chalcone dye in organized media

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marwani, Hadi M.; Asiri, Abdullah M.; Khan, Salman A.

2013-01-01

The main focus of this study was to investigate spectroscopic properties, stoichiometric ratios, physicochemical parameters, polarity and photostability behaviors of newly synthesized chalcone dye in organized media. The chalcone dye, 1-(2,5-Dimethyl-thiophen-3-yl)-3-(9-etnyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-propenone (DTEP), was prepared by the reaction of carbazole aldehyde with 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethythiophene. Data obtained from FT-IR, 1 H-–NMR, 13 C-NMR and elemental analysis were consistent with chemical structure of newly prepared DTEP. Increases in fluorescence intensities of DTEP with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) were observed. In comparison of fluorescence intensities for DTEP with CTAB, reductions in fluorescence intensities for DTEP with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were noticed under the same experimental and instrumental conditions. Additionally, Benesi–Hildebrand method was applied to determine stoichiometric ratios and association constants of DTEP with CTAB and SDS. Stern–Volmer plot was used in order to further confirm the stoichiometric ratio and association constant of DTEP with SDS. Physicochemical parameters such as singlet absorption, molar absorptivity, oscillator strength, dipole moment and fluorescence quantum yield of DTEP were also determined. Fluorescence polarity study displayed that DTEP was sensitive to the polarity of the microenvironment provided by different solvents. Finally, fluorescence steady-state measurements revealed that DTEP has high photostability against photobleaching. -- Highlights: ► Mechanistic understanding of molecular structure of newly synthesized chalcone dye. ► Exploring spectral behaviors and physicochemical parameters of chalcone dye. ► Determination of stoichiometric ratios and association constants of chalcone dye. ► Determination of fluorescence quantum yield in different solvents. ► High photostability against photobleaching of chalcone dye was observed

The stability of the extended model of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis examined by stoichiometric network analysis

Science.gov (United States)

Marković, V. M.; Čupić, Ž.; Ivanović, A.; Kolar-Anić, Lj.

2011-12-01

Stoichiometric network analysis (SNA) represents a powerful mathematical tool for stability analysis of complex stoichiometric networks. Recently, the important improvement of the method has been made, according to which instability relations can be entirely expressed via reaction rates, instead of thus far used, in general case undefined, current rates. Such an improved SNA methodology was applied to the determination of exact instability conditions of the extended model of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a neuroendocrinological system, whose hormone concentrations exert complex oscillatory evolution. For emergence of oscillations, the Hopf bifurcation condition was utilized. Instability relations predicted by SNA showed good correlation with numerical simulation data of the HPA axis model.

Dominance on Strict Triangular Norms and Mulholland Inequality

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Petrík, Milan

2018-01-01

Roč. 335, 15 March (2018), s. 3-17 ISSN 0165-0114 R&D Projects: GA ČR GJ15-07724Y Institutional support: RVO:67985807 Keywords : dominance relation * Mulholland inequality * strict triangular norm * transitivity Subject RIV: BA - General Mathematics Impact factor: 2.718, year: 2016

A novel strategy for pharmaceutical cocrystal generation without knowledge of stoichiometric ratio: myricetin cocrystals and a ternary phase diagram.

Science.gov (United States)

Hong, Chao; Xie, Yan; Yao, Yashu; Li, Guowen; Yuan, Xiurong; Shen, Hongyi

2015-01-01

To develop a streamlined strategy for pharmaceutical cocrystal preparation without knowledge of the stoichiometric ratio by preparing and characterizing the cocrystals of myricetin (MYR) with four cocrystal coformers (CCF). An approach based on the phase solubility diagram (PSD) was used for MYR cocrystals preparation and the solid-state properties were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ternary phase diagram (TPD) was constructed by combining the PSD and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. After that, the TPD was verified by traditional methods. The dissolution of MYR in the four cocrystals and pure MYR within three different media were also evaluated. A simple research method for MYR cocrystal preparation was obtained as follows: first, the PSD of MYR and CCF was constructed and analyzed; second, by transforming the curve in the PSD to a TPD, a region of pure cocrystals formation was exhibited, and then MYR cocrystals were prepared and identified by DSC, FT-IR, PXRD, and SEM; third, with the composition of the prepared cocrystal from NMR, the TPD of the MYR-CCF-Solvent system was constructed. The powder dissolution data showed that the solubility and dissolution rate of MYR was significantly enhanced by the cocrystals. A novel strategy for pharmaceutical cocrystals preparation without knowledge of the stoichiometric ratio based on the TPD was established and MYR cocrystals were successfully prepared. The present study provides a systematic approach for pharmaceutical cocrystal generation, which benefits the development and application of cocrystal technology in drug delivery.

Assessment of environmentally friendly fuel emissions from in-use vehicle exhaust: low-blend iso-stoichiometric GEM mixture as example.

Science.gov (United States)

Schifter, Isaac; Díaz-Gutiérrez, Luis; Rodríguez-Lara, René; González-Macías, Carmen; González-Macías, Uriel

2017-05-01

Gasoline-ethanol-methanol fuel blends were formulated with the same stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio and volumetric energy concentration as any binary ethanol-gasoline blend. When the stoichiometric blends operated in a vehicle, the time period, injector voltage, and pressure for each fuel injection event in the engine corresponded to a given stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio, and the load was essentially constant. Three low oxygen content iso-stoichiometric ternary gasoline-ethanol-methanol fuel blends were prepared, and the properties were compared with regular-type fuel without added oxygen. One of the ternary fuels was tested using a fleet of in-use vehicles for15 weeks and compared to neat gasoline without oxygenated compounds as a reference. Only a small number of publications have compared these ternary fuels in the same engine, and little data exist on the performance and emissions of in-use spark-ignition engines. The total hydrocarbon emissions observed was similar in both fuels, in addition to the calculated ozone forming potential of the tailpipe and evaporative emissions. In ozone non-attainment areas, the original purpose for oxygenate gasolines was to decrease carbon monoxide emissions. The results suggest that the strategy is less effective than expected because there still exist a great number of vehicles that have suffered the progressive deterioration of emissions and do not react to oxygenation, while new vehicles are equipped with sophisticated air/fuel control systems, and oxygenation does not improve combustion because the systems adjust the stoichiometric point, making it insensitive to the origin of the added excess oxygen (fuel or excess air). Graphical abstract Low level ternary blend of gasoline-ethanol-methanol were prepared with the same stoichiometric air-fuel ratio and volumetric energy concentration, based on the volumetric energy density of the pre-blended components. Exhaust and evaporative emissions was compared with a blend

Disordered strictly jammed binary sphere packings attain an anomalously large range of densities

Science.gov (United States)

Hopkins, Adam B.; Stillinger, Frank H.; Torquato, Salvatore

2013-08-01

Previous attempts to simulate disordered binary sphere packings have been limited in producing mechanically stable, isostatic packings across a broad spectrum of packing fractions. Here we report that disordered strictly jammed binary packings (packings that remain mechanically stable under general shear deformations and compressions) can be produced with an anomalously large range of average packing fractions 0.634≤ϕ≤0.829 for small to large sphere radius ratios α restricted to α≥0.100. Surprisingly, this range of average packing fractions is obtained for packings containing a subset of spheres (called the backbone) that are exactly strictly jammed, exactly isostatic, and also generated from random initial conditions. Additionally, the average packing fractions of these packings at certain α and small sphere relative number concentrations x approach those of the corresponding densest known ordered packings. These findings suggest for entropic reasons that these high-density disordered packings should be good glass formers and that they may be easy to prepare experimentally. We also identify an unusual feature of the packing fraction of jammed backbones (packings with rattlers excluded). The backbone packing fraction is about 0.624 over the majority of the α-x plane, even when large numbers of small spheres are present in the backbone. Over the (relatively small) area of the α-x plane where the backbone is not roughly constant, we find that backbone packing fractions range from about 0.606 to 0.829, with the volume of rattler spheres comprising between 1.6% and 26.9% of total sphere volume. To generate isostatic strictly jammed packings, we use an implementation of the Torquato-Jiao sequential linear programming algorithm [Phys. Rev. EPLEEE81539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.82.061302 82, 061302 (2010)], which is an efficient producer of inherent structures (mechanically stable configurations at the local maxima in the density landscape). The identification and

Correlates of elemental-isotopic composition of stream fishes: the importance of land-use, species identity and body size.

Science.gov (United States)

Montaña, C G; Schalk, C M

2018-04-01

The isotopic (δ 13 C and δ 15 N) and stoichiometric (C:N:P) compositions of four fish species (Family Centrarchidae: Lepomis auritus, Lepomis cyanellus; Family Cyprinidae: Nocomis leptocephalus, Semotilus atromaculatus) were examined across four North Carolina Piedmont streams arrayed along an urbanization gradient. Both isotopic and stoichiometric composition of fishes appeared to track changes occurring in basal resource availability. Values of δ 13 C of basal resources and consumers were more enriched at the most urbanized streams. Similarly, basal resources and consumers were δ 15 N-enriched at more urbanized streams. Basal resource stoichiometry varied across streams, with periphyton being the most variable. Primary consumers stoichiometry also differed across streams. Intraspecific variation in fish stoichiometry correlated with the degree of urbanization, as the two cyprinids had higher N content and L. cyanellus had higher P content in more urbanized streams, probably due to enrichment of basal resources. Intrinsic factors, specifically species identity and body size also affected stoichiometric variation. Phosphorus (P) content increased significantly with body size in centrarchids, but not in cyprinids. These results suggest that although species identity and body size are important predictors of elemental stoichiometry, the complex nature of altered urban streams may yield imbalances in the elemental composition of consumers via their food resources. © 2018 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Combined experimental–theoretical study of the optoelectronic properties of non-stoichiometric pyrochlore bismuth titanate

KAUST Repository

Noureldine, Dalal; Lardhi, Sheikha F.; Ziani, Ahmed; Harb, Moussab; Cavallo, Luigi; Takanabe, Kazuhiro

2015-01-01

A combination of experimental and computational methods was applied to investigate the crystal structure and optoelectronic properties of the non-stoichiometric pyrochlore Bi2−xTi2O7−1.5x. The detailed experimental protocol for both powder and thin

Preparation and characterization of a novel bone graft composite ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

MS received 28 July 2009; revised 14 September 2009 ... The mechanical studies indicate that the composite having a stoichiometric ratio of BA (3 g) ... also synthesized by several authors using egg shell as the ... 2.1d Preparation of ESP with G (ESP–G): To 6 ml of ... 2.2c Infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR): The IR spectra of the.

Realizing near stoichiometric and highly transparent CdS:Mo thin films by a low-cost improved SILAR technique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ravichandran, K. [P.G. and Research Department of Physics, AVVM Sri Pushpam College (Autonomous), Poondi, Thanjavur 613503, Tamil Nadu (India); Nisha Banu, N. [P.G. and Research Department of Physics, AVVM Sri Pushpam College (Autonomous), Poondi, Thanjavur 613503, Tamil Nadu (India); Research Department of Physics, Kunthavai Naachiyaar Government Arts College for Women (Autonomous), Thanjavur 613007, Tamil Nadu (India); Baneto, M. [CUER-UL, Universite de Lome, BP 1515, Lome (Togo); Senthamil Selvi, V. [Research Department of Physics, Kunthavai Naachiyaar Government Arts College for Women (Autonomous), Thanjavur 613007, Tamil Nadu (India)

2016-02-15

Undoped and molybdenum doped CdS thin films were deposited on glass substrates using Improved Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (ISILAR) technique. The Mo doping level was varied from 0 to 15 at.% in steps of 5 at.%. The XRD analysis shows that all the films are polycrystalline with cubic structure and grow preferentially along the (111) plane. The crystallite size increases gradually with the increase in Mo doping level up to 10 at.% and decreases with further doping. The morphological studies reveal that Mo doping significantly affects the grains size. Qualitative and quantitative compositional analysis show that near stoichiometric undoped and Mo doped CdS thin films can be achieved using this ISILAR technique. All the films exhibit high transparency in the visible region with an average transmittance in the range of 85-95%. (copyright 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Stability and cellular responses to fluorapatite-collagen composites.

Science.gov (United States)

Yoon, Byung-Ho; Kim, Hae-Won; Lee, Su-Hee; Bae, Chang-Jun; Koh, Young-Hag; Kong, Young-Min; Kim, Hyoun-Ee

2005-06-01

Fluorapatite (FA)-collagen composites were synthesized via a biomimetic coprecipitation method in order to improve the structural stability and cellular responses. Different amounts of ammonium fluoride (NH4F), acting as a fluorine source for FA, were added to the precipitation of the composites. The precipitated composites were freeze-dried and isostatically pressed in a dense body. The added fluorine was incorporated nearly fully into the apatite structure (fluoridation), and a near stoichiometric FA-collagen composite was obtained with complete fluoridation. The freeze-dried composites had a typical biomimetic network, consisting of collagen fibers and precipitates of nano-sized apatite crystals. The human osteoblast-like cells on the FA-collagen composites exhibited significantly higher proliferation and differentiation (according to alkaline phosphatase activity) than those on the hydroxyapatite-collagen composite. These enhanced osteoblastic cell responses were attributed to the fluorine release and the reduced dissolution rate.

Hybrid molecular beam epitaxy for the growth of stoichiometric BaSnO{sub 3}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Prakash, Abhinav, E-mail: praka019@umn.edu; Dewey, John; Yun, Hwanhui; Jeong, Jong Seok; Mkhoyan, K. Andre; Jalan, Bharat, E-mail: bjalan@umn.edu [Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 (United States)

2015-11-15

Owing to its high room-temperature electron mobility and wide bandgap, BaSnO{sub 3} has recently become of significant interest for potential room-temperature oxide electronics. A hybrid molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) approach for the growth of high-quality BaSnO{sub 3} films is developed in this work. This approach employs hexamethylditin as a chemical precursor for tin, an effusion cell for barium, and a radio frequency plasma source for oxygen. BaSnO{sub 3} films were thus grown on SrTiO{sub 3} (001) and LaAlO{sub 3} (001) substrates. Growth conditions for stoichiometric BaSnO{sub 3} were identified. Reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) intensity oscillations, characteristic of a layer-by-layer growth mode were observed. A critical thickness of ∼1 nm for strain relaxation was determined for films grown on SrTiO{sub 3} using in situ RHEED. Scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirmed the cube-on-cube epitaxy and composition. The importance of precursor chemistry is discussed in the context of the MBE growth of BaSnO{sub 3}.

The role of the Mg2+ ions in Cr3+ spectroscopy for near-stoichiometric LiNbO3 crystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Han, T P J; Jaque, F; Bermudez, V; Dieguez, E

2003-01-01

The optical spectroscopy of Cr 3+ ions doped into near-stoichiometric LiNbO 3 crystals, pure and co-doped with MgO, has been investigated. In the near-stoichiometric LiNbO 3 :Cr(0.2 mol%):Mg(2 mol%) crystal, the optical spectra resemble those previously observed for congruent LiNbO 3 :Cr:MgO samples when the total MgO content exceeds the 4.6 mol% threshold. The coexistence of two types of Cr 3+ centre ([Cr] Li and [Cr] Nb ) characterized the optical and luminescence spectra of this sample. The concentration equilibrium between the two types of centre is strongly displaced towards the [Cr 3+ ] Nb centre, permitting us to obtain with accuracy the parameters of the broad bands. The R-line associated with the [Cr] Nb centre is only observable in the low-temperature emission spectrum. The Fano anti-resonance lines present have been observed to be more pronounced for the near-stoichiometric samples than for congruent ones

Strict optical orthogonal codes for purely asynchronous code-division multiple-access applications

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Jian-Guo

1996-12-01

Strict optical orthogonal codes are presented for purely asynchronous optical code-division multiple-access (CDMA) applications. The proposed code can strictly guarantee the peaks of its cross-correlation functions and the sidelobes of any of its autocorrelation functions to have a value of 1 in purely asynchronous data communications. The basic theory of the proposed codes is given. An experiment on optical CDMA systems is also demonstrated to verify the characteristics of the proposed code.

On Fixed Points of Strictly Causal Functions

Science.gov (United States)

2013-04-08

were defined to be the functions that are strictly contracting with respect to the Cantor metric (also called the Baire distance) on signals over non...in Computer Science, pages 447–484. Springer Berlin / Heidelberg, 1992. [36] George Markowsky. Chain-complete posets and directed sets with...Journal of Logic Programming, 42(2):59–70, 2000. [53] George M. Reed and A. William Roscoe. A timed model for communicating sequential processes. In

Grasshoppers regulate N:p stoichiometric homeostasis by changing phosphorus contents in their frass.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Zijia; Elser, James J; Cease, Arianne J; Zhang, Ximei; Yu, Qiang; Han, Xingguo; Zhang, Guangming

2014-01-01

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are important limiting nutrients for plant production and consumer performance in a variety of ecosystems. As a result, the N:P stoichiometry of herbivores has received increased attention in ecology. However, the mechanisms by which herbivores maintain N:P stoichiometric homeostasis are poorly understood. Here, using a field manipulation experiment we show that the grasshopper Oedaleus asiaticus maintains strong N:P stoichiometric homeostasis regardless of whether grasshoppers were reared at low or high density. Grasshoppers maintained homeostasis by increasing P excretion when eating plants with higher P contents. However, while grasshoppers also maintained constant body N contents, we found no changes in N excretion in response to changing plant N content over the range measured. These results suggest that O. asiaticus maintains P homeostasis primarily by changing P absorption and excretion rates, but that other mechanisms may be more important for regulating N homeostasis. Our findings improve our understanding of consumer-driven P recycling and may help in understanding the factors affecting plant-herbivore interactions and ecosystem processes in grasslands.

Optimization of combustion chamber geometry for stoichiometric diesel combustion using a micro genetic algorithm

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Park, Sung Wook

2010-11-15

This paper describes the optimization of combustion chamber geometry and engine operating conditions for stoichiometric diesel combustion, targeting lower gross indicated specific fuel consumption. The KIVA code, coupled with a micro genetic algorithm population of nine for each generation was used. The optimization variables were composed of ten variables related to the combustion chamber geometry and engine operating conditions. In addition, an auto mesh generator was developed for generating various kinds of combustion chambers, such as open-crater, re-entrant, deep, and shallow types. In addition, the computational models were validated against the experimental results for a stoichiometric process in terms of the combustion pressure history and emissions. Through the preset optimization, a 35% improvement in the gross indicated that specific fuel consumption was achieved. In addition, the optimization results showed that the optimum engine operating conditions employed a premixed charge compression ignition combustion regime with early injection and a narrow spray included angle. Furthermore, a higher boost pressure was used to prevent fuel film formation. (author)

Effects of strict prolonged bed rest on cardiorespiratory fitness

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ried-Larsen, Mathias; Aarts, Hugo M; Joyner, Michael J

2017-01-01

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis [International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42017055619] was to assess the effects of strict prolonged bed rest (without countermeasures) on maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) and to explore sources of variation therein....

Coercivity enhancement in HDDR near-stoichiometric ternary Nd–Fe–B powders

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wan, Fangming; Han, Jingzhi; Zhang, Yinfeng; Wang, Changsheng; Liu, Shunquan; Yang, Jinbo; Yang, Yingchang; Sun, Aizhi; Yang, Fuqiang; Song, Renbo

2014-01-01

Anisotropic HDDR near-stoichiometric ternary Nd–Fe–B powders have been prepared. The coercivity of the powders was improved from 208.6 to 980.1 kA/m by the subsequent diffusion treatment using the Pr–Cu alloy. For comparison, Nd 11.5 Fe 80.7 B 6.1 Pr 1.2 Cu 0.5 alloy, in which Pr and Cu elements were directly added into the original Nd–Fe–B alloy, was also treated by the same HDDR process and the coercivity was only 557.3 kA/m. Microstructural investigations showed that a large area of (Nd, Pr)-rich phases concentrated at triangle regions in the HDDR Nd 11.5 Fe 80.7 B 6.1 Pr 1.2 Cu 0.5 powders, while the (Nd, Pr)-rich phases distributed uniformly in the diffusion treated powders. The uniform grain boundary layer can pin the motion of domain wall more effectively, resulting in a higher coercivity in diffusion treated HDDR Nd–Fe–B powders. - Highlights: • Anisotropic HDDR near-stoichiometric ternary Nd–Fe–B powders have been prepared. • The coercivity of the powders was improved from 2.62 to 12.31 kOe by the diffusion of Pr–Cu alloy. • The uniform grain boundary layer leads to a higher coercivity in diffusion treated powders

Do strict rules and moving images increase the reliability of sequential identification procedures?.

OpenAIRE

Valentine, Tim; Darling, Stephen; Memon, Amina

2007-01-01

Live identification procedures in England and Wales have been replaced by use of video, which provides a sequential presentation of facial images. Sequential presentation of photographs provides some protection to innocent suspects from mistaken identification when used with strict instructions designed to prevent relative judgements (Lindsay, Lea & Fulford, 1991). However, the current procedure in England and Wales is incompatible with these strict instructions. The reported research investi...

New strict left bundle branch block criteria reflect left ventricular activation differences

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Emerek, Kasper Janus Grønn; Risum, Niels; Hjortshøj, Søren Pihlkjær

2015-01-01

AIMS: Pacing lead electrical delays and strict left bundle branch block (LBBB) criteria were assessed against cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) outcome. METHODS: Forty-nine patients with LBBB and QRS duration >130 milliseconds underwent CRT-implantation. Sensed right ventricular to left ven....... CONCLUSION: Interventricular electrical delay predicts left ventricular remodeling after CRT and new, strict ECG criteria of LBBB are superior in predicting remodeling.......AIMS: Pacing lead electrical delays and strict left bundle branch block (LBBB) criteria were assessed against cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) outcome. METHODS: Forty-nine patients with LBBB and QRS duration >130 milliseconds underwent CRT-implantation. Sensed right ventricular to left...... ventricular electrical delay (RV-LV-IED) was measured. Response to CRT was defined as ≥15% decrease in left ventricular end-systolic volume. RESULTS: Eighteen of 20 (90%) patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and 18 of 29 (62%) with ischemic heart disease (IHD) responded to CRT, p

Synchronization control of cross-strict feedback hyperchaotic system based on cross active backstepping design

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Jing; Gao Jinfeng; Ma Xikui

2007-01-01

This Letter presents a novel cross active backstepping design method for synchronization control of cross-strict feedback hyperchaotic system, in which the ordinary backstepping design is unavailable. The proposed control method, combining backstepping design and active control approach, extends the application of backstepping technique in chaos control. Based on this method, different combinations of controllers can be designed to meet the needs of different applications. The proposed method is applied to achieve chaos synchronization of two identical cross-strict feedback hyperchaotic systems. Also it is used to implement synchronization between cross-strict feedback hyperchaotic system and Roessler hyperchaotic system. Numerical examples illustrate the validity of the control method

Stoichiometric iodination and purification of porcine insulin with chloramine T for radioimmunoassay

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Toledo e Souza, I.T. de; Giannella Neto, D.; Wajchenberg, B.L.

1986-01-01

Stoichiometric iodination and purification of porcine insulin was performed to the general method of Hunter and Greenwood (classical chloramine T) with modifications recommended by Roth (chloramine T is added in limiting amounts in multiple small additions). Satisfactory specific activity of the labeled hormone was obtained and the characteristics of the radioimmunoassay, based on the competition of the 125-I labeled porcine and cold insulin for specific antibody were studied. (Author) [pt

A strictly hyperbolic equilibrium phase transition model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Allaire, G; Faccanoni, G; Kokh, S.

2007-01-01

This Note is concerned with the strict hyperbolicity of the compressible Euler equations equipped with an equation of state that describes the thermodynamical equilibrium between the liquid phase and the vapor phase of a fluid. The proof is valid for a very wide class of fluids. The argument only relies on smoothness assumptions and on the classical thermodynamical stability assumptions, that requires a definite negative Hessian matrix for each phase entropy as a function of the specific volume and internal energy. (authors)

On the composition of nonstoichiometric europium monoxide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ignat'eva, N.I.

1990-01-01

Consideration is given to results of of investigation into chemical composition, homogeneity region, type of disordering of nonstoichiometric europium monoxide. Precision methods of X-ray diffraction, electron-microscopic, atomic-absorption chemical analysis were used. It is shown that lattice volume reduces with increase of oxygen content in the oxide. For monocrystal of EuO 1.01 composition a=5.146 A. All samples of europium monoxide are characterized by low conductivity. Conductivity value changes by two orders (from 10 -8 to 10 -6 Θ -1 ·cm -1 ) when passing from the sample of stoichiometric composition to maximally disordered one. The disordering is considered according to the type of charged cation vacancies, leading to occurrence of equivalent number of electron defects of positive holes. 4 refs.; 1 tab

Stoichiometric analysis of Y-Ba-Cu-O superconductors using deuterons

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tang, S.M.; Ong, T.H.; Tan, M.G.; Loh, K.K.; Sow, C.H.; Yuan, B.; Orlic, I.

1993-01-01

In principle, deuteron irradiation can be used for a complete stoichiometric analysis of Y-Ba-Cu-O superconductors. The contents of all the four chemical constituents can be determined by simultaneous detection of the 0.871 MeV prompt gamma rays from the 16 O(d, pγ) 17 O * reaction and of the characteristic X-rays produced by DIXE (deuteron induced X-ray emission). In this paper we present the approach taken and the results obtained in exploring the applicability of this technique for accurate quantitative determinations of the chemical constituents of bulk Y-Ba-Cu-O superconductors. (orig.)

The impact of Sleep Time-Related Information and Communication Technology (STRICT) on sleep patterns and daytime functioning in American adolescents.

Science.gov (United States)

Polos, Peter G; Bhat, Sushanth; Gupta, Divya; O'Malley, Richard J; DeBari, Vincent A; Upadhyay, Hinesh; Chaudhry, Saqib; Nimma, Anitha; Pinto-Zipp, Genevieve; Chokroverty, Sudhansu

2015-10-01

This cross-sectional study explored the extent and impact of mobile device-based Sleep Time-Related Information and Communication Technology (STRICT) use among American adolescents (N = 3139, 49.3% female, mean age = 13.3 years). Nearly 62% used STRICT after bedtime, 56.7% texted/tweeted/messaged in bed, and 20.8% awoke to texts. STRICT use was associated with insomnia, daytime sleepiness, eveningness, academic underperformance, later bedtimes and shorter sleep duration. Moderation analysis demonstrated that the association between STRICT use and insomnia increased with age, the association between STRICT use and daytime sleepiness decreased with age, and the association between STRICT use and shorter sleep duration decreased with age and was stronger in girls. Insomnia and daytime sleepiness partially mediated the relationship between STRICT use and academic underperformance. Our results illustrate the adverse interactions between adolescent STRICT use and sleep, with deleterious effects on daytime functioning. These worrisome findings suggest that placing reasonable limitations on adolescent STRICT use may be appropriate. Copyright © 2015 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reference of Temperature and Time during tempering process for non-stoichiometric FTO films

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, J. K.; Liang, B.; Zhao, M. J.; Gao, Y.; Zhang, F. C.; Zhao, H. L.

2015-10-01

In order to enhance the mechanical strength of Low-E glass, Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) films have to be tempered at high temperatures together with glass substrates. The effects of tempering temperature (600 °C ~ 720 °C) and time (150 s ~ 300 s) on the structural and electrical properties of FTO films were investigated. The results show all the films consist of non-stoichiometric, polycrystalline SnO2 without detectable amounts of fluoride. 700 °C and 260 s may be the critical tempering temperature and time, respectively. FTO films tempered at 700 °C for 260 s possesses the resistivity of 7.54 × 10-4 Ω•cm, the average transmittance in 400 ~ 800 nm of ~80%, and the calculated emissivity of 0.38. Hall mobility of FTO films tempered in this proper condition is mainly limited by the ionized impurity scattering. The value of [O]/[Sn] at the film surface is much higher than the stoichiometric value of 2.0 of pure crystalline SnO2.

Strong Convergence Theorems for a Pair of Strictly Pseudononspreading Mappings

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bin-Chao Deng

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Let H be a real Hilbert space. Let T1,T2:H→H be k1-, k2-strictly pseudononspreading mappings; let αn and βn be two real sequences in (0,1. For given x0∈H, the sequence xn is generated iteratively by xn+1=βnxn+1-βnTw1αnγfxn+I-μαnBTw2xn, ∀n∈N, where Twi=1−wiI+wiTi with i=1,2 and B:H→H is strongly monotone and Lipschitzian. Under some mild conditions on parameters αn and βn, we prove that the sequence xn converges strongly to the set FixT1∩FixT2 of fixed points of a pair of strictly pseudononspreading mappings T1 and T2.

Ex vivo validation of a stoichiometric dual energy CT proton stopping power ratio calibration

Science.gov (United States)

Xie, Yunhe; Ainsley, Christopher; Yin, Lingshu; Zou, Wei; McDonough, James; Solberg, Timothy D.; Lin, Alexander; Teo, Boon-Keng Kevin

2018-03-01

A major source of uncertainty in proton therapy is the conversion of Hounsfield unit (HU) to proton stopping power ratio relative to water (SPR). In this study, we measured and quantified the accuracy of a stoichiometric dual energy CT (DECT) SPR calibration. We applied a stoichiometric DECT calibration method to derive the SPR using CT images acquired sequentially at 80 kVp and 140 kVp . The dual energy index was derived based on the HUs of the paired spectral images and used to calculate the effective atomic number (Z eff), relative electron density ({{ρ }e} ), and SPRs of phantom and biological materials. Two methods were used to verify the derived SPRs. The first method measured the sample’s water equivalent thicknesses to deduce the SPRs using a multi-layer ion chamber (MLIC) device. The second method utilized Gafchromic EBT3 film to directly compare relative ranges between sample and water after proton pencil beam irradiation. Ex vivo validation was performed using five different types of frozen animal tissues with the MLIC and three types of fresh animal tissues using film. In addition, the residual ranges recorded on the film were used to compare with those from the treatment planning system using both DECT and SECT derived SPRs. Bland-Altman analysis indicates that the differences between DECT and SPR measurement of tissue surrogates, frozen and fresh animal tissues has a mean of 0.07% and standard deviation of 0.58% compared to 0.55% and 1.94% respectively for single energy CT (SECT) and SPR measurement. Our ex vivo study indicates that the stoichiometric DECT SPR calibration method has the potential to be more accurate than SECT calibration under ideal conditions although beam hardening effects and other image artifacts may increase this uncertainty.

Stoichiometric and lean burn heavy-duty gas engines: a dilemma between emissions and fuel consumption?

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Steen, M. van der; Rijke, J. de; Seppen, J.J.

1996-01-01

This paper compares stoichiometric with lean burn technology for heavy-duty gas engines (natural gas and LPG) and demonstrates that there is a future for both engine concepts on the multilateral global market. Emission limits in Europe as expected in the near future will facilitate both engine

Equation of state for sub-stoichiometric urania using significant structures theory

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fischer, E.A.

1979-01-01

The Significant Structures Theory (SST) by Eyring was successfully used to predict the equation of state in the liquid range for a variety of materials, including UO 2 . However, all these applications assumed that the liquid evaporates congruently i.e. the composition of the vapor phase is identical to that of the condensed phase. In this paper, an attempt is made to apply SST to non-congruently evaporating materials, using hypo-stoichiometric urania as an example. To this end, additional hypotheses to those of the original SST must be made. In the SST, it is assumed that the partition function of the liquid can be expressed by suitably combining that of 'solidlike molecules', and of 'gaslike molecules'. In the present work, starting from the fact that non-stoichiometry of solid urania is connected with lattice defects (e.g. oxygen interstitials or oxygen vacancies), it is assumed that a simple oxygen defect model can be extrapolated into the liquid state. Thus, the solidlike partition function includes a defect term, which determines the O/U; the defect concentration depends on the absolute activity of oxygen. The gaslike partition function allows for UO(g) and UO 2 (g), the ratio depending also on the oxygen activity. The parameters of the theory are selected such as to obtain agreement with experimental data at the melting point. The physical requirement that the difference between liquid and gas disappears at the critical temperature necessitates an adjustment of the solidlike partition function at high temperatures. (orig.) [de

Comprehensive analysis of proton range uncertainties related to patient stopping-power-ratio estimation using the stoichiometric calibration

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Ming; Zhu, X. Ronald; Park, Peter C.; Titt, Uwe; Mohan, Radhe; Virshup, Gary; Clayton, James E.; Dong, Lei

2012-07-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze factors affecting proton stopping-power-ratio (SPR) estimations and range uncertainties in proton therapy planning using the standard stoichiometric calibration. The SPR uncertainties were grouped into five categories according to their origins and then estimated based on previously published reports or measurements. For the first time, the impact of tissue composition variations on SPR estimation was assessed and the uncertainty estimates of each category were determined for low-density (lung), soft, and high-density (bone) tissues. A composite, 95th percentile water-equivalent-thickness uncertainty was calculated from multiple beam directions in 15 patients with various types of cancer undergoing proton therapy. The SPR uncertainties (1σ) were quite different (ranging from 1.6% to 5.0%) in different tissue groups, although the final combined uncertainty (95th percentile) for different treatment sites was fairly consistent at 3.0-3.4%, primarily because soft tissue is the dominant tissue type in the human body. The dominant contributing factor for uncertainties in soft tissues was the degeneracy of Hounsfield numbers in the presence of tissue composition variations. To reduce the overall uncertainties in SPR estimation, the use of dual-energy computed tomography is suggested. The values recommended in this study based on typical treatment sites and a small group of patients roughly agree with the commonly referenced value (3.5%) used for margin design. By using tissue-specific range uncertainties, one could estimate the beam-specific range margin by accounting for different types and amounts of tissues along a beam, which may allow for customization of range uncertainty for each beam direction.

Comparing a Dynamic Fed-Batch and a Continuous Steady-State Simulation of Ethanol Fermentation in a Distillery to a Stoichiometric Conversion Simulation

OpenAIRE

Fonseca, G.C.; Costa, C.B.B.; Cruz, A.J.G.

2017-01-01

Abstract An autonomous sugarcane bioethanol plant was simulated in EMSO software, an equation oriented process simulator. Three types of fermentation units were simulated: a six parallel fed-batch reactor system, a set of four CSTR in steady state and one consisting of a single stoichiometric reactor. Stoichiometric models are less accurate than kinetic-based fermentation models used for fed-batch and continuous fermenter simulations, since they do not account for inhibition effects and depen...

A new multidimensional stoichiometric classification of compounds: moving beyond the van Krevelen diagram.

Science.gov (United States)

Rivas-Ubach, A.; Liu, Y.; Bianchi, T. S.; Tolic, N.; Jansson, C.; Paša-Tolić, L.

2017-12-01

The role of nutrients in organisms, especially primary producers, has been a topic of special interest in ecosystem research for understanding the ecosystem structure and function. The majority of macro-elements in organisms, such as C, H, O, N and P, do not act as single elements but are components of organic compounds (lipids, peptides, carbohydrates, etc), which are more directly related to the physiology of organisms and thus to the ecosystem function. However, accurately deciphering the overall content of the main compound classes (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates,…) in organisms is still a major challenge. van Krevelen (vK) diagrams have been widely used as an estimation of the main compound categories present in environmental samples based on O:C vs H:C molecular ratios, but a stoichiometric classification based exclusively on O:C and H:C ratios is feeble. Different compound classes show large O:C and H:C ratio overlapping and other heteroatoms, such as N and P, should be considered to robustly distinguish the different classes. We propose a new compound classification for biological/environmental samples based on the C:H:O:N:P stoichiometric ratios of thousands of molecular formulas of characterized compounds from 6 different main categories: lipids, peptides, amino-sugars, carbohydrates, nucleotides and phytochemical compounds (oxy-aromatic compounds). This new multidimensional stoichiometric compound constraints classification (MSCC) can be applied to data obtained with high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), allowing an accurate overview of the relative abundances of the main compound categories present in organismal samples. The MSCC has been optimized for plants, but it could be also applied to different organisms and serve as a strong starting point to further investigate other environmental complex matrices (soils, aerosols, etc). The proposed MSCC advances environmental research, especially eco-metabolomics, ecophysiology and ecological

Alkaliphilus crotonatoxidans sp. nov., a strictly anaerobic, crotonate-dismutating bacterium isolated from a methanogenic environment.

Science.gov (United States)

Cao, Xianhua; Liu, Xiaoli; Dong, Xiuzhu

2003-07-01

Two bacterial strains were isolated from methanogenic butyrate-oxidizing mixed cultures. The cells were straight to slightly curved, gram-positive rods that were motile by means of multiple flagella and formed endospores. Growth was observed in the temperature range 15-45 degrees C (optimum 37 degrees C) and pH range 5.5-9.0 (optimum pH 7.5). The novel isolates were strictly anaerobic chemo-organotrophs capable of utilizing yeast extract, peptone, tryptone and a variety of sugars and organic acids, but not glucose. None of the accessory electron acceptors tested (elemental sulfur, thiosulfate or fumarate) improved growth, except crotonate, which was dismutated to butyrate and acetate. The G + C content of the DNA of one of the isolates, strain B11-2T, was 30.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequence similarity between strain B11-2T and some other strictly anaerobic, spore-forming bacteria indicated that the novel isolates represented a species in cluster XI within the low-GC gram-positive bacteria, being most closely related to Alkaliphilus transvaalensis JCM 10712T. DNA-DNA relatedness between strain B11-2T and A. transvaalensis JCM 10712T was 21%. On the basis of physiological and molecular properties, and cellular fatty acid and cell wall compositions, the novel isolates are proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Alkaliphilus, for which the name Alkaliphilus crotonatoxidans is proposed (type strain B11-2T=AS 1.2897T=JCM 11672T).

Stoichiometric Constraints Do Not Limit Successful Invaders: Zebra Mussels in Swedish Lakes

OpenAIRE

Naddafi, Rahmat; Ekl?v, Peter; Pettersson, Kurt

2009-01-01

Background Elemental imbalances of carbon (C): nitrogen (N): phosphorus (P) ratios in food resources can constrain the growth of grazers owning to tight coupling between growth rate, RNA allocation and biomass P content in animals. Testing for stoichiometric constraints among invasive species is a novel challenge in invasion ecology to unravel how a successful invader tackles ecological barriers in novel ecosystems. Methodology/Principal Findings We examined the C?P and N?P ratios and the con...

The Fixed-Point Theory of Strictly Causal Functions

Science.gov (United States)

2013-06-09

functions were defined to be the functions that are strictly contracting with respect to the Cantor metric (also called the Baire distance) on signals...of Lecture Notes in Computer Science, pages 447–484. Springer Berlin / Heidelberg, 1992. [36] George Markowsky. Chain-complete posets and directed...Journal of Logic Programming, 42(2):59–70, 2000. [52] George M. Reed and A. William Roscoe. A timed model for communicating sequential processes. In Laurent

Analytic properties of form factors in strictly confining models

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Csikor, F.

1979-12-01

An argument is presented showing that strict confinement implies the possible existence of an (unwanted) branch point at q 2 =0 in the form factors. In case of a bag extended to infinity in the relative time, the branch point is certainly there (provided that the form factor is non zero at q 2 =0). (author)

Fabrication of Multi-Layerd SiC Composite Tube for LWR Applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Daejong; Jung, Choonghwan; Kim, Weonju; Park, Jiyeon [Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Jongmin [Chungnam National Univ., Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2013-05-15

In this study, the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) methods were employed for the fabrication of the composite tubes. SiC ceramics and SiC-based composites have recently been studied for LWR fuel cladding applications because of good mechanical/physical properties, neutron irradiation resistance and excellent compatibility with coolant under severe accident. A multi-layered SiC composite tube as the nuclear fuel cladding is composed of the monolith SiC inner layer, SiC/SiC composite intermediate layer, and monolith SiC outer layer. Since all constituents should be highly pure, stoichiometric to achieve the good properties, it has been considered that the chemical process is a well-suited technique for the fabrication of the SiC phases.

Order parameters and magnetocrystalline anisotropy of off-stoichiometric D0{sub 22} Mn{sub 2.36}Ga epitaxial films grown on MgO (001) and SrTiO{sub 3} (001)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Hwachol; Sukegawa, Hiroaki, E-mail: sukegawa.hiroaki@nims.go.jp; Mitani, Seiji; Hono, Kazuhiro [National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Sengen 1-2-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047 (Japan)

2015-07-21

We study the relationship between long range order parameters and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of off-stoichiometric D0{sub 22} Mn{sub 2.36}Ga (MnGa) epitaxial films grown on MgO (001) and SrTiO{sub 3} (STO) (001) single crystalline substrates. MnGa films deposited on MgO (001) show rather large irregular variation in magnetization with increasing substrate temperature in spite of the improved long range order of total atomic sites. The specific site long range order of Mn-I site characterized in the [101] orientation revealed the fluctuation of the occupation fraction of two Mn atomic sites with elevated substrate temperature, which appears more relevant to the observed magnetization change than the long range order of the total atomic sites. In case of MnGa films grown on the lattice-matched STO (001), high long range order of the total atomic sites in spite of the existence of secondary phase represents that the lattice mismatch plays a crucial role in determining the atomic arrangement of Mn and Ga atoms in the off-stoichiometric compositional case of MnGa.

The Fixed-Point Theory of Strictly Contracting Functions on Generalized Ultrametric Semilattices

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Eleftherios Matsikoudis

2013-08-01

Full Text Available We introduce a new class of abstract structures, which we call generalized ultrametric semilattices, and in which the meet operation of the semilattice coexists with a generalized distance function in a tightly coordinated way. We prove a constructive fixed-point theorem for strictly contracting functions on directed-complete generalized ultrametric semilattices, and introduce a corresponding induction principle. We cite examples of application in the semantics of logic programming and timed computation, where, until now, the only tool available has been the non-constructive fixed-point theorem of Priess-Crampe and Ribenboim for strictly contracting functions on spherically complete generalized ultrametric semilattices.

Steps Towards Industrialization of Cu–III–VI2Thin‐Film Solar Cells:Linking Materials/Device Designs to Process Design For Non‐stoichiometric Photovoltaic Materials

Science.gov (United States)

Chang, Hsueh‐Hsin; Sharma, Poonam; Letha, Arya Jagadhamma; Shao, Lexi; Zhang, Yafei; Tseng, Bae‐Heng

2016-01-01

The concept of in‐line sputtering and selenization become industrial standard for Cu–III–VI2 solar cell fabrication, but still it's very difficult to control and predict the optical and electrical parameters, which are closely related to the chemical composition distribution of the thin film. The present review article addresses onto the material design, device design and process design using parameters closely related to the chemical compositions. Its variation leads to change in the Poisson equation, current equation, and continuity equation governing the device design. To make the device design much realistic and meaningful, we need to build a model that relates the opto‐electrical properties to the chemical composition. The material parameters as well as device structural parameters are loaded into the process simulation to give a complete set of process control parameters. The neutral defect concentrations of non‐stoichiometric CuMSe2 (M = In and Ga) have been calculated under the specific atomic chemical potential conditions using this methodology. The optical and electrical properties have also been investigated for the development of a full‐function analytical solar cell simulator. The future prospects regarding the development of copper–indium–gallium–selenide thin film solar cells have also been discussed. PMID:27840790

Steps Towards Industrialization of Cu-III-VI2Thin-Film Solar Cells:Linking Materials/Device Designs to Process Design For Non-stoichiometric Photovoltaic Materials.

Science.gov (United States)

Hwang, Huey-Liang; Chang, Hsueh-Hsin; Sharma, Poonam; Letha, Arya Jagadhamma; Shao, Lexi; Zhang, Yafei; Tseng, Bae-Heng

2016-10-01

The concept of in-line sputtering and selenization become industrial standard for Cu-III-VI 2 solar cell fabrication, but still it's very difficult to control and predict the optical and electrical parameters, which are closely related to the chemical composition distribution of the thin film. The present review article addresses onto the material design, device design and process design using parameters closely related to the chemical compositions. Its variation leads to change in the Poisson equation, current equation, and continuity equation governing the device design. To make the device design much realistic and meaningful, we need to build a model that relates the opto-electrical properties to the chemical composition. The material parameters as well as device structural parameters are loaded into the process simulation to give a complete set of process control parameters. The neutral defect concentrations of non-stoichiometric CuMSe 2 (M = In and Ga) have been calculated under the specific atomic chemical potential conditions using this methodology. The optical and electrical properties have also been investigated for the development of a full-function analytical solar cell simulator. The future prospects regarding the development of copper-indium-gallium-selenide thin film solar cells have also been discussed.

Validation of an automatic diagnosis of strict left bundle branch block criteria using 12-lead electrocardiograms

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Xia, Xiaojuan; Ruwald, Anne-Christine; Ruwald, Martin H

2017-01-01

AIMS: Strict left bundle branch block (LBBB) criteria were recently proposed to identify LBBB patients to benefit most from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The aim of our study was to automate identification of strict LBBB in order to facilitate its broader application. METHODS: We devel...

Combined experimental–theoretical study of the optoelectronic properties of non-stoichiometric pyrochlore bismuth titanate

KAUST Repository

Noureldine, Dalal

2015-10-27

A combination of experimental and computational methods was applied to investigate the crystal structure and optoelectronic properties of the non-stoichiometric pyrochlore Bi2−xTi2O7−1.5x. The detailed experimental protocol for both powder and thin-film material synthesis revealed that a non-stoichiometric Bi2−xTi2O7−1.5x structure with an x value of ∼0.25 is the primary product, consistent with the thermodynamic stability of the defect-containing structure computed using density functional theory (DFT). The approach of density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) was used along with the standard GGA PBE functional and the screened Coulomb hybrid HSE06 functional, including spin–orbit coupling, to investigate the electronic structure, the effective electron and hole masses, the dielectric constant, and the absorption coefficient. The calculated values for these properties are in excellent agreement with the measured values, corroborating the overall analysis. This study indicates potential applications of bismuth titanate as a wide-bandgap material, e.g., as a substitute for TiO2 in dye-sensitized solar cells and UV-light-driven photocatalysis.

A study of tumour growth based on stoichiometric principles: a continuous model and its discrete analogue.

Science.gov (United States)

Saleem, M; Agrawal, Tanuja; Anees, Afzal

2014-01-01

In this paper, we consider a continuous mathematically tractable model and its discrete analogue for the tumour growth. The model formulation is based on stoichiometric principles considering tumour-immune cell interactions in potassium (K (+))-limited environment. Our both continuous and discrete models illustrate 'cancer immunoediting' as a dynamic process having all three phases namely elimination, equilibrium and escape. The stoichiometric principles introduced into the model allow us to study its dynamics with the variation in the total potassium in the surrounding of the tumour region. It is found that an increase in the total potassium may help the patient fight the disease for a longer period of time. This result seems to be in line with the protective role of the potassium against the risk of pancreatic cancer as has been reported by Bravi et al. [Dietary intake of selected micronutrients and risk of pancreatic cancer: An Italian case-control study, Ann. Oncol. 22 (2011), pp. 202-206].

Effect of Native Defects on Transport Properties in Non-Stoichiometric CoSb3

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paula R. Realyvázquez-Guevara

2017-03-01

Full Text Available The effect of native defects originated by a non-stoichiometric variation of composition in CoSb3 on I-V curves and Hall effect was investigated. Hysteretic and a non-linear behavior of the  I-V curves at cryogenic temperatures were observed; the non-linear behavior originated from the Poole-Frenkel effect, a field-dependent ionization mechanism that lowers Coulomb barriers and increases emission of charge carriers, and the hysteresis was attributed to the drastic decrease of specific heat which produces Joule heating at cryogenic temperatures. CoSb3 is a narrow gap semiconductor and slight variation in the synthesis process can lead to either n- or p-type conduction. The Sb-deficient CoSb3 presented an n-type conduction. Using a single parabolic model and assuming only acoustic-phonon scattering the charge transport properties were calculated at 300 K. From this model, a carrier concentration of 1.18 × 1018 cm−3 and a Hall factor of 1.18 were calculated. The low mobility of charge carriers, 19.11 cm2/V·s, and the high effective mass of the electrons, 0.66 m0, caused a high resistivity value of 2.75 × 10−3 Ω·m. The calculated Lorenz factor was 1.50 × 10−8 V2/K2, which represents a decrease of 38% over the degenerate limit value (2.44 × 10−8 V2/K2.

Neutron tolerance of advanced SiC-fiber/CVI-SiC composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Katoh, Y.; Kohyama, A.; Snead, L.L.; Hinoki, T.; Hasegawa, A.

2003-01-01

Fusion blankets employing a silicon carbide (SiC) fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composite (SiC/SiC composite) as the structural material provide attractive features represented by high cycle efficiency and extremely low induced radioactivity. Recent advancement in processing and utilization techniques and application studies in ceramic gas turbine and advanced transportation systems, SiC/SiC composites are steadily getting matured as industrial materials. Reference SiC/SiC composites for fusion structural applications have been produced by a forced-flow chemical vapor infiltration (FCVI) method using conventional and advanced near-stoichiometric SiC fibers and extensively evaluated primarily in Japan-US collaborative JUPITER program. In this work, effect of neutron irradiation at elevated temperatures on mechanical property of these composites is characterized. Unlike in conventional SiC/SiC composites, practically no property degradation was identified in advanced composites with a thin carbon interphase by a neutron fluence level of approximately 8dpa at 800C. (author)

Photo-initiated polymerisation of 1,8-octanedithiol and styrene

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ang, J.B.; Hill, D.J.T.; Pomery, P.J.; Whittaker, A.K.

1998-01-01

Full text: Photo-initiated polymerisation of the thiol-ene system has been well investigated. Its applications include adhesives, coatings and opthalmic lenses. It is unlike the usual UV curable polymeric systems which are predominantly based on acrylates. Typically, acrylate systems are not strictly stoichiometric reactions. The thiol-ene process is a reactive composition based on the stoichiometric reaction of olefins (enes, acrylates) and thiols (mercaptans), which polymerise on exposure to UV light. A unique feature of the thiol-ene system is that the reaction is not inhibited by dissolved or ambient oxygen within the system, thereby eliminating the termination reaction which occurs in acrylate systems. The mechanism of the thiol-ene reaction is a step growth addition process which propagates by a free radical chain mechanism to yield the anti-Markovnikov product scheme. The majority of thiol-ene systems investigated focus on multifunctional moieties of thiol and olefin to produce highly cross-linked networks. This discussion will focus on kinetic information obtained from a linear system comprised of a disfunctional thiol (1,8-octanedithiol) and styrene initiated by a UV light source

The photon is no strict particle and nonlocality is far from being proven

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Greulich, Karl Otto [Fritz Lipmann Institut, Jena (Germany)

2010-07-01

Two aspects of philosophical discussions on physics are the wave particle dualism and non locality including entanglement. However the strict particle aspect of the photon, in the common sense view, has never been proven. The accumulation time argument, the only experimental verification of a strictly particle like photon, has so far not yet been satisfied. Also, experiments thought to prove nonlocality have loophole which have so far not yet been safely closed, and now an even more serious loophole emerges. Thus, also nonlocality cannot be seen as proven. This demands some fine tuning of philosophical discussions on critical experiments in physics.

The role of the epoxy resin: Curing agent ratio in composite interfacial strength by single fibre microbond test

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Minty, Ross; Thomason, James L.; Petersen, Helga Nørgaard

2015-01-01

This paper focuses on an investigation into the role of the epoxy resin: curing agent ratio in composite interfacial shear strength of glass fibre composites. The procedure involved changing the percentage of curing agent (Triethylenetetramine [TETA]) used in the mixture with several different...... percentages used, ranging from 4% up to 30%, including the stoichiometric ratio. It was found by using the microbond test, that there may exist a relationship between the epoxy resin to curing agent ratio and the level of adhesion between the reinforcing fibre and the polymer matrix of the composite....

Compositionally graded Fe{sub (1−x)}-Pt{sub (x)} nanowires produced by alternating current electrodeposition into alumina templates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fardi-Ilkhchy, Ali [Faculty of Materials Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz 51335-1996 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Nasirpouri, Farzad, E-mail: Nasirpouri@sut.ac.ir [Faculty of Materials Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz 51335-1996 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Bran, Cristina; Vázquez, Manuel [Institute of Materials Science of Madrid, CSIC, 28049 Madrid (Spain)

2016-12-15

Fe{sub (1−x)}-Pt{sub (x)} (0compositionally graded nanowires (50 nm in diameter and 1 µm in length) were fabricated by alternating current (AC) electrodeposition into nanoporous aluminum oxide templates through a systematic approach. The effect of AC electrodeposition parameters such as frequency, voltage and electrolyte concentration on morphology and chemical composition of Fe-Pt alloy nanowires was studied. Based on experimental data, AC sine wave deposition at an intermediate voltage of 12 V{sub rms} and a frequency of 50 Hz, produces nanowires with nearly stoichiometric composition (Fe{sub 42}Pt{sub 58}) and a reasonably good uniformity of pore filling. However, there is a gradual change of composition in Fe-Pt alloy nanowires along the length under certain AC parameters. The observed dependency of alloy composition on the deposition voltage and frequency of AC electrodeposition is explained by an interplay between reduction potentials and diffusion coefficients of Fe and Pt ions which makes FePt system able to access compositionally graded nanowires. Magnetic measurements of nanowires of as-deposited nanowires confirm that maximum coercivity of 1.55 kOe is observed for nearly stoichiometric composition which increases up to 1.81 kOe after thermal annealing at 550 °C. - Graphical abstract: Evaluation of synthesizing extrinsic parameters (such as deposition voltages and frequency) and intrinsic parameters (diffusion coefficient and reduction potential of ion species) in compositionally graded Fe{sub (1−x)}-Pt{sub (x)} nanowires prepared by alternating current electrodeposition into alumina templates.

Calculation of electron spectra of stoichiometric and nitrogen-deficient zirconium nitrides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ivashchenko, V.I.; Lisenko, A.A.; Zhurakovskij, E.A.; Bekenev, V.L.

1984-01-01

English structure using the method of associated plane waves - linear combinations of atom orbitals - coherent potential (APW-LCAO-CP) are given. The calculation results for ZrN electron spectrum indicate availability of a Zr-N binding and a Zr-N antibonding bands. The Fermi level lies in the antibonding metal band. While deffecting from the stoichiometric content the Fermi level simultaneously with filling the metal band shifts towards the Variation of the main kinetic parameters with increasing defectiveness in nitrogen is explained by increasing the number of antibonding collectivized electrons. Application of the combined method of APW-LCAO-CP gives a rather realistic picture of interatomic interaction in ZrNsub(x)

Ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of non-stoichiometric Sr1-xBi2+2x/3Ta2O9 ceramics prepared from sol-gel derived powders

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jain, Rajni; Gupta, Vinay; Mansingh, Abhai; Sreenivas, K.

2004-01-01

Ceramic compositions of strontium bismuth tantalate (SBT) [Sr 1-x Bi 2+2x/3 Ta 2 O 9 ] with x = 0.0, 0.15, 0.30, 0.45 prepared from a sol-gel process have been studied. Stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric phases stable within the series have been investigated for their structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties. Sintering at 1000 deg. C produces a single homogeneous phase up to x = 0.15. With x > 0.15 an undesirable BiTaO 4 phase is detected and a higher sintering temperature (1100 deg. C) prevents the formation of this phase. The ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition temperature (T c ) increases linearly from 325 to 455 deg. C up to x = 0.30, and with x > 0.30, it tends to deviate from the linear behavior. At x = 0.45 a broad and a weak transition is observed and the peak value of dielectric constant (ε' max ) is significantly reduced. The piezoelectric coefficient (d 33 ), remnant polarization (2P r ), and coercive field (2E c ) values increase linearly up to x = 0.30. The degradation in the electrical properties for x > 0.30 are attributed to the presence of undesirable BiTaO 4 phase, which is difficult to identify by X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD) due to the close proximity of the peaks positions of BiTaO 4 and the SBT phase

Nanostructured Metal Oxides for Stoichiometric Degradation of Chemical Warfare Agents.

Science.gov (United States)

Štengl, Václav; Henych, Jiří; Janoš, Pavel; Skoumal, Miroslav

2016-01-01

Metal oxides have very important applications in many areas of chemistry, physics and materials science; their properties are dependent on the method of preparation, the morphology and texture. Nanostructured metal oxides can exhibit unique characteristics unlike those of the bulk form depending on their morphology, with a high density of edges, corners and defect surfaces. In recent years, methods have been developed for the preparation of metal oxide powders with tunable control of the primary particle size as well as of a secondary particle size: the size of agglomerates of crystallites. One of the many ways to take advantage of unique properties of nanostructured oxide materials is stoichiometric degradation of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) pollutants on their surfaces.

Strict deformation quantization for actions of a class of symplectic lie groups

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bieliavsky, Pierre; Massar, Marc

2002-01-01

We present explicit universal strict deformation quantization formulae for actions of Iwasawa subgroups AN of SN(1, n). This answers a question raised by Rieffel in [Contemp. Math. 228 (1998), 315]. (author)

Conformational Effects in Non-Stoichiometric Complexes of Two Hyperbranched Molecules with a Linear Polyelectrolyte

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alexey Lyulin

2012-01-01

Full Text Available We report results from Brownian dynamics computer simulations of systems comprised by two terminally charged hyperbranched molecules preferentially branched in the periphery, with an oppositely charged linear chain of varying length. Comparison of the findings from the present study to stoichiometric counterparts and to analogous dendrimer-based complexes, reveal that the presence of the second hyperbranched molecule incurs significant changes in the conformational characteristics of both components of the complex. Instead of step-like changes in the average size and shape of the hyperbranched component that were noted in the previously studied stoichiometric systems, a rather smooth change is observed upon increase of the length of the linear component. In addition, a markedly different behavior is also noticed in the conformational characteristics of the linear chain when compared to that in similar dendrimer-based systems. The above findings are consistent with the higher degree of deformability of the peripherally branched molecules which allow appropriate rearrangements in shape in order to accommodate the favorable Coulombic interactions between the two components of the complex. This behavior offers new insight towards the design of more efficient hyperbranched-based systems which can take advantage of the multifunctionality and the structural properties of the highly branched polymer components.

Ecological stoichiometry of the honeybee: Pollen diversity and adequate species composition are needed to mitigate limitations imposed on the growth and development of bees by pollen quality.

Science.gov (United States)

Filipiak, Michał; Kuszewska, Karolina; Asselman, Michel; Denisow, Bożena; Stawiarz, Ernest; Woyciechowski, Michał; Weiner, January

2017-01-01

The least understood aspects of the nutritional needs of bees are the elemental composition of pollen and the bees' need for a stoichiometrically balanced diet containing the required proportions of nutrients. Reduced plant diversity has been proposed as an indirect factor responsible for the pollinator crisis. We suggest stoichiometric mismatch resulting from a nutritionally unbalanced diet as a potential direct factor. The concentrations and stoichiometric ratios of C, N, S, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu were studied in the bodies of honeybees of various castes and sexes and in the nectar and pollen of various plant species. A literature review of the elemental composition of pollen was performed. We identified possible co-limitations of bee growth and development resulting mainly from the scarcity of Na, S, Cu, P and K, and possibly Zn and N, in pollen. Particular castes and sexes face specific limitations. Concentrations of potentially limiting elements in pollen revealed high taxonomic diversity. High floral diversity may be necessary to maintain populations of pollen eaters. Single-species crop plantations, even if these species are rich in nectar and pollen, might limit bee growth and development, not allowing for gathering nutrients in adequate proportions. However, particular plant species may play greater roles than others in balancing honeybee diets. Therefore, we suggest specific plant species that may (1) ensure optimal growth and production of individuals by producing pollen that is exceptionally well balanced stoichiometrically (e.g., clover) or (2) prevent growth and development of honeybees by producing pollen that is extremely unbalanced for bees (e.g., sunflower). Since pollen is generally poor in Na, this element must be supplemented using "dirty water". Nectar cannot supplement the diet with limiting elements. Stoichiometric mismatch should be considered in intervention strategies aimed at improving the nutritional base for bees.

Ecological stoichiometry of the honeybee: Pollen diversity and adequate species composition are needed to mitigate limitations imposed on the growth and development of bees by pollen quality.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Michał Filipiak

Full Text Available The least understood aspects of the nutritional needs of bees are the elemental composition of pollen and the bees' need for a stoichiometrically balanced diet containing the required proportions of nutrients. Reduced plant diversity has been proposed as an indirect factor responsible for the pollinator crisis. We suggest stoichiometric mismatch resulting from a nutritionally unbalanced diet as a potential direct factor. The concentrations and stoichiometric ratios of C, N, S, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu were studied in the bodies of honeybees of various castes and sexes and in the nectar and pollen of various plant species. A literature review of the elemental composition of pollen was performed. We identified possible co-limitations of bee growth and development resulting mainly from the scarcity of Na, S, Cu, P and K, and possibly Zn and N, in pollen. Particular castes and sexes face specific limitations. Concentrations of potentially limiting elements in pollen revealed high taxonomic diversity. High floral diversity may be necessary to maintain populations of pollen eaters. Single-species crop plantations, even if these species are rich in nectar and pollen, might limit bee growth and development, not allowing for gathering nutrients in adequate proportions. However, particular plant species may play greater roles than others in balancing honeybee diets. Therefore, we suggest specific plant species that may (1 ensure optimal growth and production of individuals by producing pollen that is exceptionally well balanced stoichiometrically (e.g., clover or (2 prevent growth and development of honeybees by producing pollen that is extremely unbalanced for bees (e.g., sunflower. Since pollen is generally poor in Na, this element must be supplemented using "dirty water". Nectar cannot supplement the diet with limiting elements. Stoichiometric mismatch should be considered in intervention strategies aimed at improving the nutritional base

Curie temperature, exchange integrals, and magneto-optical properties in off-stoichiometric bismuth iron garnet epitaxial films

Science.gov (United States)

Vertruyen, B.; Cloots, R.; Abell, J. S.; Jackson, T. J.; da Silva, R. C.; Popova, E.; Keller, N.

2008-09-01

We have studied the influence of the stoichiometry on the structural, magnetic, and magneto-optical properties of bismuth iron garnet (Bi3Fe5O12) thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition. Films with different stoichiometries have been obtained by varying the Bi/Fe ratio of the target and the oxygen pressure during deposition. Stoichiometry variations influence the Curie temperature TC by tuning the (Fe)-O-[Fe] geometry: TC increases when the lattice parameter decreases, contrary to what happens in the case of stoichiometric rare-earth iron garnets. The thermal variation of the magnetization, the Faraday rotation, and the Faraday ellipticity have been analyzed in the frame of the Néel two-sublattice magnetization model giving energies of -48K (4.1 meV), -29K (2.5 meV), and 84 K (7.3 meV) for the three magnetic exchange integrals jaa , jdd , and jad , respectively. Magneto-optical spectroscopy linked to compositional analysis by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy shows that Bi and/or Fe deficiencies also affect the spectral variation (between 1.77 and 3.1 eV). Our results suggest that bismuth deficiency has an effect on the magneto-optical response of the tetrahedral Fe sublattice, whereas small iron deficiencies affect predominantly the magneto-optical response of the octahedral sublattice.

Optimizing Thermoelectric Properties of In Situ Plasma-Spray-Synthesized Sub-stoichiometric TiO2-x Deposits

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Hwasoo; Seshadri, Ramachandran Chidambaram; Pala, Zdenek; Sampath, Sanjay

2018-06-01

In this article, an attempt has been made to relate the thermoelectric properties of thermal spray deposits of sub-stoichiometric titania to process-induced phase and microstructural variances. The TiO2-x deposits were formed through the in situ reaction of the TiO1.9 or TiO1.7 feedstock within the high-temperature plasma flame and manipulated via varying the amounts of hydrogen fed into in the thermal plasma. Changes in the flow rates of H2 in the plasma plume greatly affected the in-flight particle behavior and composition of the deposits. For reference, a high-velocity oxy-fuel spray torch was also used to deposit the two varieties of feedstocks. Refinements to the representation of the in-flight particle characteristics derived via single particle and ensemble diagnostic methods are proposed using the group parameters (melting index and kinetic energy). The results show that depending on the value of the melting index, there is an inverse proportional relationship between electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, whereas thermal conductivity has a directly proportional relationship with the electrical conductivity. Retention of the original phase and reduced decomposition is beneficial to retain the high Seebeck coefficient or the high electrical conductivity in the TiO2 system.

Pulsed laser deposition of chalcogenide sulfides from multi- and single-component targets: the non-stoichiometric material transfer

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Schou, Jørgen; Ganskukh, Mungunshagai; Ettlinger, Rebecca Bolt

2018-01-01

The mass transfer from target to films is incongruent for chalcogenide sulfides in contrast to the expectations of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) as a stoichiometric film growth process. Films produced from a CZTS (Cu2ZnSnS4) multi-component target have no Cu below a fluence threshold of 0.2 J/cm2......, and the Cu content is also very low at low fluence from a single-component target. Above this threshold, the Cu content in the films increases almost linearly up to a value above the stoichiometric value, while the ratio of the concentration of the other metals Zn to Sn (Zn/Sn) remains constant. Films...... of a similar material CTS (Cu2SnS3) have been produced by PLD from a CTS target and exhibits a similar trend in the same fluence region. The results are discussed on the basis of solid-state data and the existing data from the literature....

Soil C and N availability determine the priming effect: microbial N mining and stoichiometric decomposition theories

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Ruirui; Senbayram, Mehmet; Blagodatsky, Sergey; Dittert, Klaus; Lin, Xiangui; Blagodatskaya, Evgenia; Kuzyakov, Yakov

2014-05-01

The increasing input of anthropogenically derived nitrogen (N) to ecosystems raises a crucial question: how does available N modify the decomposer community and thus affects the mineralization of soil organic matter (SOM). Moreover, N input modifies the priming effect (PE), that is, the effect of fresh organics on the microbial decomposition of SOM. We studied the interactive effects of C and N on SOM mineralization (by natural 13C labelling adding C4-sucrose or C4-maize straw to C3-soil) in relation to microbial growth kinetics and to the activities of five hydrolytic enzymes. This encompasses the groups of parameters governing two mechanisms of priming effects - microbial N mining and stoichiometric decomposition theories. In sole C treatments, positive PE was accompanied by a decrease in specific microbial growth rates, confirming a greater contribution of K-strategists to the decomposition of native SOM. Sucrose addition with N significantly accelerated mineralization of native SOM, whereas mineral N added with plant residues accelerated decomposition of plant residues. This supports the microbial mining theory in terms of N limitation. Sucrose addition with N was accompanied by accelerated microbial growth, increased activities of β-glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase, and decreased activities of xylanase and leucine amino peptidase. This indicated an increased contribution of r-strategists to the PE and to decomposition of cellulose but the decreased hemicellulolytic and proteolytic activities. Thus, the acceleration of the C cycle was primed by exogenous organic C and was controlled by N. This confirms the stoichiometric decomposition theory. Both K- and r-strategists were beneficial for priming effects, with an increasing contribution of K-selected species under N limitation. Thus, the priming phenomenon described in 'microbial N mining' theory can be ascribed to K-strategists. In contrast, 'stoichiometric decomposition' theory, that is, accelerated OM

Nafion/ZrSPP composite membrane for high temperature operation of PEMFCs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Young-Taek; Song, Min-Kyu; Kim, Ki-Hyun; Park, Seung-Bae; Min, Sung-Kyu; Rhee, Hee-Woo

2004-01-01

Nafion/zirconium sulphophenyl phosphate (ZrSPP) composite membranes were prepared to maintain proton conductivity at elevated temperatures. ZrSPP was precipitated by the reaction of Zr 4+ ion and m-sulphophenyl phosphonic (SPP) acid with a stoichiometric ratio P/Zr = 2. The synthesis of ZrSPP was confirmed by phosphonate (P-O) stretching band, assigned at 900-1300 cm -1 in FTIR spectra. The sharp diffraction pattern at 2θ = 5 deg. indicated crystalline α-layered structure of ZrSPP. The proton conductivity of Nafion/ZrSPP (12.5 wt.%) composite membrane reached ca. 0.07 S/cm at 140 deg. C without extra humidification

A Hybrid P2P Overlay Network for Non-strictly Hierarchically Categorized Content

Science.gov (United States)

Wan, Yi; Asaka, Takuya; Takahashi, Tatsuro

In P2P content distribution systems, there are many cases in which the content can be classified into hierarchically organized categories. In this paper, we propose a hybrid overlay network design suitable for such content called Pastry/NSHCC (Pastry for Non-Strictly Hierarchically Categorized Content). The semantic information of classification hierarchies of the content can be utilized regardless of whether they are in a strict tree structure or not. By doing so, the search scope can be restrained to any granularity, and the number of query messages also decreases while maintaining keyword searching availability. Through simulation, we showed that the proposed method provides better performance and lower overhead than unstructured overlays exploiting the same semantic information.

Non-strictly black body spectrum from the tunnelling mechanism

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Corda, Christian

2013-01-01

The tunnelling mechanism is widely used to explain Hawking radiation. However, in many cases the analysis used to obtain the Hawking temperature only involves comparing the emission probability for an outgoing particle with the Boltzmann factor. Banerjee and Majhi improved this approach by explicitly finding a black body spectrum associated with black holes. Their result, obtained using a reformulation of the tunnelling mechanism, is in contrast to that of Parikh and Wilczek, who found an emission probability that is compatible with a non-strictly thermal spectrum. Using the recently identified effective state for a black hole, we solve this contradiction via a slight modification of the analysis by Banerjee and Majhi. The final result is a non-strictly black body spectrum from the tunnelling mechanism. We also show that for an effective temperature, we can express the corresponding effective metric using Hawking’s periodicity arguments. Potential important implications for the black hole information puzzle are discussed. -- Highlights: •We review an important result by Banerjee and Majhi on the tunnelling mechanism in the framework of Hawking radiation. •This result is in contrast to another result reported by Parikh and Wilczek. •We introduce the effective state of a black hole. •We explain the contrast via a slight modification of the analysis by Banerjee and Majhi. •We discuss potential important implications for the black hole information puzzle

Influence of the reaction stoichiometry on the mechanical and thermal properties of SWCNT-modified epoxy composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ashrafi, Behnam; Johnston, Andrew; Martinez-Rubi, Yadienka; Kingston, Christopher T; Simard, Benoit; Khoun, Lolei; Yourdkhani, Mostafa; Hubert, Pascal

2013-01-01

Previous studies suggest that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a considerable influence on the curing behavior and crosslink density of epoxy resins. This invariably has an important effect on different thermal and mechanical properties of the epoxy network. This work focuses on the important role of the epoxy/hardener mixing ratio on the mechanical and thermal properties of a high temperature aerospace-grade epoxy (MY0510 Araldite as an epoxy and 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone as an aromatic hardener) modified with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The effects of three different stoichiometries (stoichiometric and off-stoichiometric) on various mechanical and thermal properties (fracture toughness, tensile properties, glass transition temperature) of the epoxy resin and its SWCNT-modified composites were obtained. The results were also supported by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For the neat resin, it was found that an epoxy/hardener molar ratio of 1:0.8 provides the best overall properties. In contrast, the pattern in property changes with the reaction stoichiometry was considerably different for composites reinforced with unfunctionalized SWCNTs and reduced SWCNTs. A comparison among composites suggests that a 1:1 molar ratio considerably outperforms the other two ratios examined in this work (1:0.8 and 1:1.1). This composition at 0.2 wt% SWCNT loading provides the highest overall mechanical properties by improving fracture toughness, ultimate tensile strength and ultimate tensile strain of the epoxy resin by 40%, 34%, 54%, respectively. (paper)

Correlated photon-pair generation in a periodically poled MgO doped stoichiometric lithium tantalate reverse proton exchanged waveguide

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Lobino, M.; Marshall, G.D.; Xiong, C.; Clark, A.S.; Bonneau, D.; Natarajan, C.M.; Tanner, M.G.; Hadfield, R.H.; Dorenbos, S.N.; Zijlstra, T.; Zwiller, V.; Marangoni, M.; Ramponi, R.; Thompson, M.G.; Eggleton, B.J.; O'Brien, J.L.

2011-01-01

We demonstrate photon-pair generation in a reverse proton exchanged waveguide fabricated on a periodically poled magnesium doped stoichiometric lithium tantalate substrate. Detected pairs are generated via a cascaded second order nonlinear process where a pump laser at wavelength of 1.55 ?m is first

Modular PNML revisited: Some ideas for strict typing

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kindler, Ekkart

2007-01-01

The Petri Net Markup Language (PNML) is currently standardised by ISO/IEC JTC1/SC7 WG 19 as Part 2 of ISO/IEC 15909. But, there is not yet a mechanism for structuring large Petri nets and for constructing Petri nets from modules. To this end, modular PNML has been proposed some time ago. But, mod...... of Petri net, but still has a strict type system. This paper focuses on the ideas and concepts; the technical details still need to be worked out. To this end, this paper also raises some issues and questions that need to be discussed before standardising modular PNML....

TESTING STRICT HYDROSTATIC EQUILIBRIUM IN SIMULATED CLUSTERS OF GALAXIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR A1689

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Molnar, S. M.; Umetsu, K.; Chiu, I.-N.; Chen, P.; Hearn, N.; Broadhurst, T.; Bryan, G.; Shang, C.

2010-01-01

Accurate mass determination of clusters of galaxies is crucial if they are to be used as cosmological probes. However, there are some discrepancies between cluster masses determined based on gravitational lensing and X-ray observations assuming strict hydrostatic equilibrium (i.e., the equilibrium gas pressure is provided entirely by thermal pressure). Cosmological simulations suggest that turbulent gas motions remaining from hierarchical structure formation may provide a significant contribution to the equilibrium pressure in clusters. We analyze a sample of massive clusters of galaxies drawn from high-resolution cosmological simulations and find a significant contribution (20%-45%) from non-thermal pressure near the center of relaxed clusters, and, in accord with previous studies, a minimum contribution at about 0.1 R vir , growing to about 30%-45% at the virial radius, R vir . Our results strongly suggest that relaxed clusters should have significant non-thermal support in their core region. As an example, we test the validity of strict hydrostatic equilibrium in the well-studied massive galaxy cluster A1689 using the latest high-resolution gravitational lensing and X-ray observations. We find a contribution of about 40% from non-thermal pressure within the core region of A1689, suggesting an alternate explanation for the mass discrepancy: the strict hydrostatic equilibrium is not valid in this region.

Vesicular delivery of crystalline calcium minerals to ECM in biomineralized nanoclay composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Katti, Kalpana S; Ambre, Avinash H; Payne, Scott; Katti, Dinesh R

2015-01-01

The mechanisms of mineralization and new bone formation were explored in newly formed extracellular matrix in a nanoclay based composite. Nanoclay films were prepared by intercalating the clays with amino acids and using the amino acids for mineralization of hydroxyapatite. The biomineralized hydroxyapatite (HAP) inside nanoclay galleries or in situ HAP/clay was further used to make films (substrates) using polycaprolactone (PCL) that were seeded with mesenchymal stem cells in a two-stage seeding process. SEM imaging experiments performed on PCL/in situ HAPclay composite films seeded with human MSCs indicated formation of matrix vesicles. The vesicles appear to emerge from the cells that are adhered to the nanoclay HAP films and also deposited in the extracellular space. Vesicles are also observed to be embedded in the cells or under the surface of cells. Crystalline structures with Ca and P were found inside vesicles. The Ca/P ratios obtained using energy dispersive spectroscopy indicate values ranging from below 0.7 to the stoichiometric HAP value of 1.67. The Ca/P ratios were obtained to be closer to the stoichiometric value for single seeding experiments as compared to the double seeding experiments indicating more new bone formation in double seeding experiments. New bone formation with bone mimetic mineralization is thus observed on the in situ HAP nanoclay PCL samples. Hence the PCL/in situ HAPclay composites besides being osteoinductive are also capable of providing a favorable micro-environment for cell dependent processes involved in bone mineral formation. (paper)

The Preventive Effect of Strict Gun Control Laws on Suicide and Homicide.

Science.gov (United States)

Lester, David; Murrell, Mary E.

1982-01-01

Examined state gun control laws and used a multidimensional scaling technique to study the relationship of strictness and death rates. Results showed states with stricter laws had lower suicide rates by firearms but higher rates by other means. No effect on homicide was found. (JAC)

Sensitivity analysis in oxidation ditch modelling: the effect of variations in stoichiometric, kinetic and operating parameters on the performance indices

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Abusam, A.A.A.; Keesman, K.J.; Straten, van G.; Spanjers, H.; Meinema, K.

2001-01-01

This paper demonstrates the application of the factorial sensitivity analysis methodology in studying the influence of variations in stoichiometric, kinetic and operating parameters on the performance indices of an oxidation ditch simulation model (benchmark). Factorial sensitivity analysis

Growth of a Strictly Anaerobic Bacterium on Furfural (2-Furaldehyde)

OpenAIRE

Brune, Gerhard; Schoberth, Siegfried M.; Sahm, Hermann

1983-01-01

A strictly anaerobic bacterium was isolated from a continuous fermentor culture which converted the organic constituents of sulfite evaporator condensate to methane and carbon dioxide. Furfural is one of the major components of this condensate. This furfural isolate could degrade furfural as the sole source of carbon and energy in a defined mineral-vitamin-sulfate medium. Acetic acid was the major fermentation product. This organism could also use ethanol, lactate, pyruvate, or fumarate and c...

Flexible Carbon-Use Efficiency across Litter Types and during Decomposition Partly Compensates Nutrient Imbalances-Results from Analytical Stoichiometric Models.

Science.gov (United States)

Manzoni, Stefano

2017-01-01

Mathematical models involving explicit representations of microbial processes have been developed to infer microbial community properties from laboratory and field measurements. While this approach has been used to estimate the kinetic constants related to microbial activity, it has not been fully exploited for inference of stoichiometric traits, such as carbon-use efficiency (CUE). Here, a hierarchy of analytically-solvable mass-balance models of litter carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics is developed, to infer decomposer CUE from measured C and N contents during litter decomposition. The models are solved in the phase space-expressing litter remaining N as a function of remaining C-rather than in time, thus focusing on the stoichiometric relations during decomposition rather than the kinetics of degradation. This approach leads to explicit formulas that depend on CUE and other microbial properties, which can then be treated as model parameters and retrieved via nonlinear regression. CUE is either assumed time-invariant or as a function of the fraction of remaining litter C as a substitute for time. In all models, CUE tends to increase with increasing litter N availability across a range of litter types. When temporal trends in CUE are considered, CUE increases during decomposition of N-poor litter cohorts, in which decomposers are initially N-limited, but decreases in N-rich litter possibly due to C-limitation. These patterns of flexible CUE that partly compensate stoichiometric imbalances are robust to moderate shifts in decomposer C:N ratio and hold across wide climatic gradients.

Flexible Carbon-Use Efficiency across Litter Types and during Decomposition Partly Compensates Nutrient Imbalances—Results from Analytical Stoichiometric Models

Science.gov (United States)

Manzoni, Stefano

2017-01-01

Mathematical models involving explicit representations of microbial processes have been developed to infer microbial community properties from laboratory and field measurements. While this approach has been used to estimate the kinetic constants related to microbial activity, it has not been fully exploited for inference of stoichiometric traits, such as carbon-use efficiency (CUE). Here, a hierarchy of analytically-solvable mass-balance models of litter carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics is developed, to infer decomposer CUE from measured C and N contents during litter decomposition. The models are solved in the phase space—expressing litter remaining N as a function of remaining C—rather than in time, thus focusing on the stoichiometric relations during decomposition rather than the kinetics of degradation. This approach leads to explicit formulas that depend on CUE and other microbial properties, which can then be treated as model parameters and retrieved via nonlinear regression. CUE is either assumed time-invariant or as a function of the fraction of remaining litter C as a substitute for time. In all models, CUE tends to increase with increasing litter N availability across a range of litter types. When temporal trends in CUE are considered, CUE increases during decomposition of N-poor litter cohorts, in which decomposers are initially N-limited, but decreases in N-rich litter possibly due to C-limitation. These patterns of flexible CUE that partly compensate stoichiometric imbalances are robust to moderate shifts in decomposer C:N ratio and hold across wide climatic gradients. PMID:28491054

Flexible Carbon-Use Efficiency across Litter Types and during Decomposition Partly Compensates Nutrient Imbalances—Results from Analytical Stoichiometric Models

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Stefano Manzoni

2017-04-01

Full Text Available Mathematical models involving explicit representations of microbial processes have been developed to infer microbial community properties from laboratory and field measurements. While this approach has been used to estimate the kinetic constants related to microbial activity, it has not been fully exploited for inference of stoichiometric traits, such as carbon-use efficiency (CUE. Here, a hierarchy of analytically-solvable mass-balance models of litter carbon (C and nitrogen (N dynamics is developed, to infer decomposer CUE from measured C and N contents during litter decomposition. The models are solved in the phase space—expressing litter remaining N as a function of remaining C—rather than in time, thus focusing on the stoichiometric relations during decomposition rather than the kinetics of degradation. This approach leads to explicit formulas that depend on CUE and other microbial properties, which can then be treated as model parameters and retrieved via nonlinear regression. CUE is either assumed time-invariant or as a function of the fraction of remaining litter C as a substitute for time. In all models, CUE tends to increase with increasing litter N availability across a range of litter types. When temporal trends in CUE are considered, CUE increases during decomposition of N-poor litter cohorts, in which decomposers are initially N-limited, but decreases in N-rich litter possibly due to C-limitation. These patterns of flexible CUE that partly compensate stoichiometric imbalances are robust to moderate shifts in decomposer C:N ratio and hold across wide climatic gradients.

Atomic structure of non-stoichiometric transition metal carbides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moisy-Maurice, Virginie.

1981-10-01

Different kinds of experimental studies of the atomic arrangement in non-stoichiometric transition metal carbides are proposed: the ordering of carbon vacancies and the atomic static displacements are the main subjects studied. Powder neutron diffraction on TiCsub(1-x) allowed us to determine the order-disorder transition critical temperature -Tsub(c) approximately 770 0 C- in the TiCsub(0.52-0.67) range, and to analyze at 300 K the crystal structure of long-range ordered samples. A neutron diffuse scattering quantitative study at 300 K of short-range order in TiCsub(0.76), TiCsub(0.79) and NbCsub(0.73) single crystals is presented: as in Ti 2 Csub(1+x) and Nb 6 C 5 superstructures, vacancies avoid to be on each side of a metal atom. Besides, the mean-square carbon atom displacements from their sites are small, whereas metal atoms move radially about 0.03 A away from vacancies. These results are in qualitative agreement with EXAFS measurements at titanium-K edge of TiCsub(1-x). An interpretation of ordering in term of short-range interaction pair potentials between vacancies is proposed [fr

First Measurements of Time-Dependent Nucleation as a Function of Composition in Na2O.2CaO.3SiO2 Glasses

Science.gov (United States)

Kelton, K. F.; Narayan, K. Lakshmi

1996-01-01

The first measurements in any system of the composition dependence of the time-dependent nucleation rate are presented Nucleation rates of the stoichiometric crystalline phase, Na2O.2CaO.3SiO2, from quenched glasses made with different SiO2 concentrations were determined as a function of temperature and glass composition. A strong compositional dependence of the nucleation rates and a weak dependence for the induction times are observed. Using measured values of the liquidus temperatures and growth velocities as a function of glass composition, these data are shown to be consistent with predictions from the classical theory of nucleation, assuming a composition-dependent interfacial energy.

Frequency effect on p-nitrophenol degradation under conditions of strict acoustic and electric control

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chang-ping Zhu

2011-03-01

Full Text Available The process of decomposing p-nitrophenol (PNP with power ultrasound requires strict control of acoustic and electric conditions. In this study, the conditions, including acoustic power and acoustic intensity, but not ultrasonic frequency, were controlled strictly at constant levels. The absorbency and the COD concentrations of the samples were measured in order to show the variation of the sample concentration. The results show significant differences in the trend of the solution degradation rate as acoustic power increases after the PNP solution (with a concentration of 114 mg/L and a pH value of 5.4 is irradiated for 60 min with ultrasonic frequencies of 530.8 kHz, 610.6 kHz, 855.0 kHz, and 1 130.0 kHz. The degradation rate of the solution increases with time and acoustic power (acoustic intensity. On the other hand, the degradation rate of the solution is distinctly dependent on frequency when the acoustic power and intensity are strictly controlled and maintained at constant levels. The degradation rate of the PNP solution declines with ultrasonic frequencies of 530.8 kHz, 610.6 kHz, 855.0 kHz, and 1 130.0 kHz; the COD concentration, on the contrary, increase.

Strict follow-up programme including CT and (18) F-FDG-PET after curative surgery for colorectal cancer

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sørensen, N F; Jensen, A B; Wille-Jørgensen, P

2010-01-01

Aim The risk of local recurrence following curative surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) is up to 50%. A rigorous follow-up program may increase survival. Guidelines on suitable methods for scheduled follow up examinations are needed. This study evaluates a strict follow-up program including...... supported a strict follow-up program following curative surgery for colorectal cancer. FDG-PET combined with CT should be included in control programs....

Optimal control of nonlinear continuous-time systems in strict-feedback form.

Science.gov (United States)

Zargarzadeh, Hassan; Dierks, Travis; Jagannathan, Sarangapani

2015-10-01

This paper proposes a novel optimal tracking control scheme for nonlinear continuous-time systems in strict-feedback form with uncertain dynamics. The optimal tracking problem is transformed into an equivalent optimal regulation problem through a feedforward adaptive control input that is generated by modifying the standard backstepping technique. Subsequently, a neural network-based optimal control scheme is introduced to estimate the cost, or value function, over an infinite horizon for the resulting nonlinear continuous-time systems in affine form when the internal dynamics are unknown. The estimated cost function is then used to obtain the optimal feedback control input; therefore, the overall optimal control input for the nonlinear continuous-time system in strict-feedback form includes the feedforward plus the optimal feedback terms. It is shown that the estimated cost function minimizes the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman estimation error in a forward-in-time manner without using any value or policy iterations. Finally, optimal output feedback control is introduced through the design of a suitable observer. Lyapunov theory is utilized to show the overall stability of the proposed schemes without requiring an initial admissible controller. Simulation examples are provided to validate the theoretical results.

Ordering and structural vacancies in non-stoichiometric Cu-Al γ brasses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kisi, E.H.; Browne, J.D.

1991-01-01

γ-Brass structures are based on the cubic packing of 26-atom clusters which have, as concentric subunits, an inner and an outer tetrahedron (IT, OT), an octahedron (OH) and a cuboctahedron (CO). Cu 9 Al 4 [M r = 679.37, P43m, a = 8.7046(1) A, V = 659.5 A 3 , Z = 4, D x = 6.846 Mg m -3 , R wp = 0.051, R B = 0sun017 for 238 powder reflections] is the stoichiometric γ brass of the Cu-Al system and contains two clusters (A, B) per unit cell. Al atoms occupy a 4(e) (IT) site in cluster A and a 12(i) (CO) site in cluster B. Cu atoms occupy the remaining 4(e) (OT), 6(f) (OH) and 12(i) (CO) sites of cluster A and the two 4(e) (IT, OT) and a 6(g) (OH) site of cluster B. The structure has considerable solubility for Al and this paper contains a systematic neutron powder diffraction study of the changes in the Cu 9 Al 4 structure at 295 K (λ = 1.376 A) and 77 K(λ = 1.500 A) as Al is added. The structure was found to remain cubic for compositions Cu 8.93 Al 4.08 , Cu 8.83 , Al 4.17 , Cu 8.75 Al 4.25 and Cu 8.58 Al 4.42 . At Cu 8.30 Al 4.58 the structure was slightly distorted to an undetermined symmetry. For Cu 8.03 Al 4.68 and Cu 7.55 Al 4.80 the structure was found to be rhombohedral [M r = 636.57, R3m, a = 8.7066(1) A, α = 89.74(1) deg, V = 660.0(1) A 3 , Z = , D x = 6.406, D m = 6.41 Mg m -3 , R wp = 0.064, R B = 0.025 for 702 reflections; and M r = 609.31, R3m, a = 8.6884(1) A, α = 89.78(1) deg, V = 655.9(1) A 3 , Z = 4, D x = 6.170, D m = 6.18 Mg m -3 , R wp = 0.064, R B = 0.027 for 789 reflections, respectively]. The non-cubic structures contain sufficient structural vacancies to maintain a classical valence content of 88 electrons per unit cell. Refined structures are presented for all of the above compositions, except Cu 8.30 Al 4.58 , and the results discussed in terms of current γ-brass stability theories. (orig.)

ASHP therapeutic position statement on strict glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

Science.gov (United States)

2003-11-15

The deleterious effects of hyperglycemia have been documented from the biochemical to the pathophysiologic level. Given the research findings and the guidelines for glycemic control established by ADA and ACE, ASHP supports and encourages strict glycemic control in all appropriate patients with diabetes mellitus to reduce the progression of chronic complications.

The role of the Mg sup 2 sup + ions in Cr sup 3 sup + spectroscopy for near-stoichiometric LiNbO sub 3 crystals

CERN Document Server

Han, T P J; Bermudez, V; Diéguez, E

2003-01-01

The optical spectroscopy of Cr sup 3 sup + ions doped into near-stoichiometric LiNbO sub 3 crystals, pure and co-doped with MgO, has been investigated. In the near-stoichiometric LiNbO sub 3 :Cr(0.2 mol%):Mg(2 mol%) crystal, the optical spectra resemble those previously observed for congruent LiNbO sub 3 :Cr:MgO samples when the total MgO content exceeds the 4.6 mol% threshold. The coexistence of two types of Cr sup 3 sup + centre ([Cr] sub L sub i and [Cr] sub N sub b) characterized the optical and luminescence spectra of this sample. The concentration equilibrium between the two types of centre is strongly displaced towards the [Cr sup 3 sup + ] sub N sub b centre, permitting us to obtain with accuracy the parameters of the broad bands. The R-line associated with the [Cr] sub N sub b centre is only observable in the low-temperature emission spectrum. The Fano anti-resonance lines present have been observed to be more pronounced for the near-stoichiometric samples than for congruent ones.

Short-Acting Gas Tamponade with Strict Face-Down Posturing for the Treatment of Idiopathic Macular Hole.

Science.gov (United States)

Gotzaridis, Stratos; Liazos, Efstathios; Petrou, Petros; Georgalas, Ilias

2017-01-01

A retrospective consecutive case series to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 25 gauge pars plana vitrectomy, ILM peeling, 20% SF 6 gas tamponade and strict posturing for the treatment of idiopathic full-thickness macular holes. We report the results of 106 consecutive eyes that underwent standard 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, brilliant peel-assisted internal limiting membrane peel, fluid:gas exchange with 20% SF 6 and strict posturing for one week. All patients were followed up at one week, one month, three months, and nine months postoperatively. Biomicroscopy at day 1 and biomicroscopy and OCT at week 1, months 1, 3, and 9 were used to assess macular hole status postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative logMAR visual acuity was compared. The macular hole was closed in 102/106 eyes postoperatively (96.2%). Four eyes showed unclosed macular holes and underwent additional SF 6 intravitreal injection and strict posturing for 10 days. All macular holes were eventually closed without the need of a second surgical procedure. Mean visual acuity improved from 0.63 logMAR preoperatively to 0.39 logMAR postoperatively. One case of retinal toxicity was reported due to accidental intravitreal injection of antibiotic. 25-gauge vitrectomy, ILM peel, and short-acting gas tamponade are highly effective for the treatment of macular holes. Additional intravitreal gas injection followed by strict posturing seems to be a simple and effective treatment for unclosed holes.

S2SA preconditioning for the Sn equations with strictly non negative spatial discretization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bruss, D. E.; Morel, J. E.; Ragusa, J. C.

2013-01-01

Preconditioners based upon sweeps and diffusion-synthetic acceleration have been constructed and applied to the zeroth and first spatial moments of the 1-D S n transport equation using a strictly non negative nonlinear spatial closure. Linear and nonlinear preconditioners have been analyzed. The effectiveness of various combinations of these preconditioners are compared. In one dimension, nonlinear sweep preconditioning is shown to be superior to linear sweep preconditioning, and DSA preconditioning using nonlinear sweeps in conjunction with a linear diffusion equation is found to be essentially equivalent to nonlinear sweeps in conjunction with a nonlinear diffusion equation. The ability to use a linear diffusion equation has important implications for preconditioning the S n equations with a strictly non negative spatial discretization in multiple dimensions. (authors)

Rate Control Efficacy in Permanent Atrial Fibrillation : Successful and Failed Strict Rate Control Against a Background of Lenient Rate Control

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Groenveld, Hessel F.; Tijssen, Jan G. P.; Crijns, Harry J. G. M.; Van den Berg, Maarten P.; Hillege, Hans L.; Alings, Marco; Van Veldhuisen, Dirk J.; Van Gelder, Isabelle C.

2013-01-01

Objectives This study sought to investigate differences in outcome between patients treated with successful strict, failed strict, and lenient rate control. Background The RACE II (Rate Control Efficacy in Permanent Atrial Fibrillation) study showed no difference in outcome between lenient and

Numerical study of the effect of relative humidity and stoichiometric flow ratio on PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell performance with various channel lengths: An anode partial flooding modelling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xing, Lei; Cai, Qiong; Xu, Chenxi; Liu, Chunbo; Scott, Keith; Yan, Yongsheng

2016-01-01

A two dimensional, along the channel, non-isothermal, two-phase flow, anode partial flooding model was developed to investigate the effects of relative humidity, stoichiometric flow ratio and channel length, as well as their interactive influence, on the performance of a PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell. Liquid water formation and transport at the anode due to the condensation of supersaturated anode gas initiated by hydrogen consumption was considered. The model considered the heat source/sink in terms of electrochemical reaction, Joule heating and latent heat due to water phase-transfer. The non-uniform temperature distributions inside the MEA (membrane electrode assembly) and channels at various stoichiometric flow ratios were demonstrated. The Peclet number was used to evaluate the contributions of advection and diffusion on liquid water and heat transport. Results indicated that higher anode relative humidity is required to the improved cell performance. As the decrease in the anode relative humidity and increase in channel length, the optimal cathode relative humidity was increased. The initial increase in stoichiometric flow ratio improved the limiting current densities. However, the further increases led to limited contributions. The Peclet number indicated that the liquid water transport through the electrode was mainly determined by the capillary diffusion mechanism. - Highlights: • Interactive effects of RH, stoichiometric flow ratio, channel length are studied. • Fully humidified anode is required to maintain the good cell performance. • Optimal RH_c is 30–40% for channel length of 1–10 cm at high current density. • Effect of stoichiometric flow ratio is more significant for longer channels. • Both liquid water and heat transport are diffusion dominated rather than advection.

A strict anaerobic extreme thermophilic hydrogen-producing culture enriched from digested household waste

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Karakashev, Dimitar Borisov; Kotay, Shireen Meher; Trably, Eric

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to enrich, characterize and identify strict anaerobic extreme thermophilic hydrogen (H-2) producers from digested household solid wastes. A strict anaerobic extreme thermophilic H-2 producing bacterial culture was enriched from a lab-scale digester treating household...... wastes at 70 degrees C. The enriched mixed culture consisted of two rod-shaped bacterial members growing at an optimal temperature of 80 degrees C and an optimal pH 8.1. The culture was able to utilize glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, arabinose, maltose, sucrose, pyruvate and glycerol as carbon...... sources. Growth on glucose produced acetate, H-2 and carbon dioxide. Maximal H-2 production rate on glucose was 1.1 mmol l(-1) h(-1) with a maximum H-2 yield of 1.9 mole H-2 per mole glucose. 16S ribosomal DNA clone library analyses showed that the culture members were phylogenetically affiliated...

Fluorescent tagged episomals for stoichiometric induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming.

Science.gov (United States)

Schmitt, Christopher E; Morales, Blanca M; Schmitz, Ellen M H; Hawkins, John S; Lizama, Carlos O; Zape, Joan P; Hsiao, Edward C; Zovein, Ann C

2017-06-05

Non-integrating episomal vectors have become an important tool for induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming. The episomal vectors carrying the "Yamanaka reprogramming factors" (Oct4, Klf, Sox2, and L-Myc + Lin28) are critical tools for non-integrating reprogramming of cells to a pluripotent state. However, the reprogramming process remains highly stochastic, and is hampered by an inability to easily identify clones that carry the episomal vectors. We modified the original set of vectors to express spectrally separable fluorescent proteins to allow for enrichment of transfected cells. The vectors were then tested against the standard original vectors for reprogramming efficiency and for the ability to enrich for stoichiometric ratios of factors. The reengineered vectors allow for cell sorting based on reprogramming factor expression. We show that these vectors can assist in tracking episomal expression in individual cells and can select the reprogramming factor dosage. Together, these modified vectors are a useful tool for understanding the reprogramming process and improving induced pluripotent stem cell isolation efficiency.

CSNAP Is a Stoichiometric Subunit of the COP9 Signalosome

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shelly Rozen

2015-10-01

Full Text Available The highly conserved COP9 signalosome (CSN complex is a key regulator of all cullin-RING-ubiquitin ligases (CRLs, the largest family of E3 ubiquitin ligases. Until now, it was accepted that the CSN is composed of eight canonical components. Here, we report the discovery of an additional integral and stoichiometric subunit that had thus far evaded detection, and we named it CSNAP (CSN acidic protein. We show that CSNAP binds CSN3, CSN5, and CSN6, and its incorporation into the CSN complex is mediated through the C-terminal region involving conserved aromatic residues. Moreover, depletion of this small protein leads to reduced proliferation and a flattened and enlarged morphology. Finally, on the basis of sequence and structural properties shared by both CSNAP and DSS1, a component of the related 19S lid proteasome complex, we propose that CSNAP, the ninth CSN subunit, is the missing paralogous subunit of DSS1.

Effects of a strict cutoff on Quantum Field Theory

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sturnfield, J.F.

1987-01-01

Standard Quantum Field Theory has a number of integrals which are infinite. Although these are eliminated for some cases by renormalization, this aspect of the theory is not fully satisfactory. A number of theories with fundamental lengths have been introduced as alternatives and it would be useful to be able to distinguish between them. In particular, the effects that a strict cutoff would have on Quantum Field Theory is studied. It is noted that care must be taken in the method used to apply a strict cutoff. This lead to considering a theory where the cutoffs are defined by restricting each internal line. This theory is only piece-wise analytic. The resulting scattering matrix is frame dependent, yet the theory still satisfies the special relativity view that all frames are subjectively identical. The renormalization of this theory is finite. The change in mass from the electron self-energy will be a spinor operator. The main distinctions of this theory from standard theory will occur at super high energies. New poles and resonances which arise from new endpoint singularities will be found. The locations of these singularities will be frame dependent. Some of these singularities will correspond to creations or interactions of the normal particles with tachyons. It will be shown that for the one loop diagram, the form of the cutoff singularities are closely related to the standard singularities. When there is more than one loop, there can appear some new type of behavior. In particular, a cube root type of behavior in the two loop self-energy diagram will be found. Also the asymptotic behavior of the ladder diagram is studied

Development of Radiation-Hardening Ceramic Composites for Fusion Applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Don Steiner

2004-01-01

This Progress Report describes work performed as a collaborative effort between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This research is focused in four areas considered to be critical issues for using SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composites (SiC/SiC) as structural materials in a fusion environment: (1) Calculation of the critical dose and temperature for amorphization of SiC by using the TRIM computer code to analyze ORNL and literature data; (2) Measurement of irradiation-induced creep in monolithic SiC or stoichiometric SiC fibers; (3) Determining the effects of high-temperature irradiation on monolithic SiC as part of ORNL's METS experiment; and (4) Gauging the effectiveness of polymer impregnation pyrolysis in improving SiC/SiC composite hermicity. Progress in each area is described, as well as plans for next year

Effects of composition on the order-disorder transformation in Ni-Cr based alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marucco, A.

1991-01-01

The Ni-Cr based alloys undergo an ordering transformation, due to the formation of an ordered Ni 2 Cr phase, which causes a lattice contraction and it is responsisble for ''negative creep'' or excessive stresses in constrained components. A short-range ordered (SRO) structure develops in the matrix phase after solution treatment and at early stages of ageing, which can transform to a long-range ordered (LRO) structure, depending on the alloy composition and on time and temperature of ageing, upon prolonged annealing below the critical temperature. In stoichiometric Ni 2 Cr alloy LRO forms in a few hours, but in off-stoichiometric alloys the transformation kinetics are very sluggish and LRO takes several tens of thousands of hours to form, when it forms. The ordering behaviours of stoichiometric Ni 2 Cr and Ni 3 Cr were studied by means of isothermal treatments in the temperature range 450-600degC for different ageing times up to 30 000 h, followed by lattice parameter measurements by X-ray diffraction and electrical resistivity measurements. Similar studies performed on a series of ternary Ni-Cr-Fe alloys revealed the dependence of the degree of order on Cr concentration and a markedly delaying influence of Fe on the ordering kinetics. Finally, long-term microstructural stability of some commercial Ni-Cr based alloys, widely used for high temperature applications, have been studied: the ordering behaviour and associated microstructural changes are discussed in this paper

Strict or Graduated Punishment? Effect of Punishment Strictness on the Evolution of Cooperation in Continuous Public Goods Games

Science.gov (United States)

Shimao, Hajime; Nakamaru, Mayuko

2013-01-01

Whether costly punishment encourages cooperation is one of the principal questions in studies on the evolution of cooperation and social sciences. In society, punishment helps deter people from flouting rules in institutions. Specifically, graduated punishment is a design principle for long-enduring common-pool resource institutions. In this study, we investigate whether graduated punishment can promote a higher cooperation level when each individual plays the public goods game and has the opportunity to punish others whose cooperation levels fall below the punisher’s threshold. We then examine how spatial structure affects evolutionary dynamics when each individual dies inversely proportional to the game score resulting from the social interaction and another player is randomly chosen from the population to produce offspring to fill the empty site created after a player’s death. Our evolutionary simulation outcomes demonstrate that stricter punishment promotes increased cooperation more than graduated punishment in a spatially structured population, whereas graduated punishment increases cooperation more than strict punishment when players interact with randomly chosen opponents from the population. The mathematical analysis also supports the results. PMID:23555826

Strict or graduated punishment? Effect of punishment strictness on the evolution of cooperation in continuous public goods games.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hajime Shimao

Full Text Available Whether costly punishment encourages cooperation is one of the principal questions in studies on the evolution of cooperation and social sciences. In society, punishment helps deter people from flouting rules in institutions. Specifically, graduated punishment is a design principle for long-enduring common-pool resource institutions. In this study, we investigate whether graduated punishment can promote a higher cooperation level when each individual plays the public goods game and has the opportunity to punish others whose cooperation levels fall below the punisher's threshold. We then examine how spatial structure affects evolutionary dynamics when each individual dies inversely proportional to the game score resulting from the social interaction and another player is randomly chosen from the population to produce offspring to fill the empty site created after a player's death. Our evolutionary simulation outcomes demonstrate that stricter punishment promotes increased cooperation more than graduated punishment in a spatially structured population, whereas graduated punishment increases cooperation more than strict punishment when players interact with randomly chosen opponents from the population. The mathematical analysis also supports the results.

Relaxation Methods for Strictly Convex Regularizations of Piecewise Linear Programs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kiwiel, K. C.

1998-01-01

We give an algorithm for minimizing the sum of a strictly convex function and a convex piecewise linear function. It extends several dual coordinate ascent methods for large-scale linearly constrained problems that occur in entropy maximization, quadratic programming, and network flows. In particular, it may solve exact penalty versions of such (possibly inconsistent) problems, and subproblems of bundle methods for nondifferentiable optimization. It is simple, can exploit sparsity, and in certain cases is highly parallelizable. Its global convergence is established in the recent framework of B -functions (generalized Bregman functions)

Stoichiometric carbon nitride synthesized by ion beam sputtering and post nitrogen ion implantation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Valizadeh, R.; Colligon, J.S.; Katardiev, I.V.; Faunce, C.A.; Donnelly, S.E.

1998-01-01

Full text: Carbon nitride films have been deposited on Si (100) by ion beam sputtering a vitreous graphite target with nitrogen and argon ions with and without concurrent N2 ion bombardment at room temperature. The sputtering beam energy was 1000 eV and the assisted beam energy was 300 eV with ion / atom arrival ratio ranging from 0.5 to 5. The carbon nitride films were deposited both as single layer directly on silicon substrate and as multilayer between two layers of stoichiometric amorphous silicon nitride and polycrystalline titanium nitride. The deposited films were implanted ex-situ with 30 keV nitrogen ions with various doses ranging from 1E17 to 4E17 ions.cm -2 and 2 GeV xenon ion with a dose of 1E12 ions.cm -2 . The nitrogen concentration of the films was measured with Rutherford Backscattering (RBS), Secondary Neutral Mass Spectrometry (SNMS) and Parallel Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (PEELS). The nitrogen concentration for as deposited sample was 34 at% and stoichiometric carbon nitride C 3 N 4 was achieved by post nitrogen implantation of the multi-layered films. Post bombardment of single layer carbon nitride films lead to reduction in the total nitrogen concentration. Carbon K edge structure obtained from PEELS analysis suggested that the amorphous C 3 N 4 matrix was predominantly sp 2 bonded. This was confirmed by Fourier Transforrn Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the single CN layer which showed the nitrogen was mostly bonded with carbon in nitrile (C≡N) and imine (C=N) groups. The microstructure of the film was determined by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) which indicated that the films were amorphous

Electronic tuning of the transport properties of off-stoichiometric PbxSn1−xTe thermoelectric alloys by Bi2Te3 doping

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guttmann, Gilad M.; Dadon, David; Gelbstein, Yaniv

2015-01-01

The recent energy demands affected by the dilution of conventional energy resources and the growing awareness of environmental considerations had motivated many researchers to seek for novel renewable energy conversion methods. Thermoelectric direct conversion of thermal into electrical energies is such a method, in which common compositions include IV-VI semiconducting compounds (e.g., PbTe and SnTe) and their alloys. For approaching practical thermoelectric devices, the current research is focused on electronic optimization of off-stoichiometric p-type Pb x Sn 1−x Te alloys by tuning of Bi 2 Te 3 doping and/or SnTe alloying levels, while avoiding the less mechanically favorable Na dopant. It was shown that upon such doping/alloying, higher ZTs, compared to those of previously reported undoped Pb 0.5 Sn 0.5 Te alloy, were obtained at temperatures lower than 210–340 °C, depending of the exact doping/alloying level. It was demonstrated that upon optimal grading of the carrier concentration, a maximal thermoelectric efficiency enhancement of ∼38%, compared to that of an undoped material, is expected

Epoxy-Based Shape-Memory Actuators Obtained via Dual-Curing of Off-Stoichiometric “Thiol–Epoxy” Mixtures

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alberto Belmonte

2017-03-01

Full Text Available In this work, epoxy-based shape-memory actuators have been developed by taking advantage of the sequential dual-curing of off-stoichiometric “thiol–epoxy” systems. Bent-shaped designs for flexural actuation were obtained thanks to the easy processing of these materials in the intermediate stage (after the first curing process, and successfully fixed through the second curing process. The samples were programmed into a flat temporary-shape and the recovery-process was analyzed in unconstrained, partially-constrained and fully-constrained conditions using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA. Different “thiol–epoxy” systems and off-stoichiometric ratios were used to analyze the effect of the network structure on the actuation performance. The results evidenced the possibility to take advantage of the flexural recovery as a potential actuator, the operation of which can be modulated by changing the network structure and properties of the material. Under unconstrained-recovery conditions, faster and narrower recovery-processes (an average speed up to 80%/min are attained by using materials with homogeneous network structure, while in partially- or fully-constrained conditions, a higher crosslinking density and the presence of crosslinks of higher functionality lead to a higher amount of energy released during the recovery-process, thus, increasing the work or the force released. Finally, an easy approach for the prediction of the work released by the shape-memory actuator has been proposed.

Determination of the kinetic and stoichiometric constant in a conventional bioreactor of activated sludge, to scale

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rodriguez Chaparro, Tatiana; Perez Navarrete, Eddie Albert; Vivas Mora, Eneydi

2003-01-01

The activated sludge process is the one of the most efficient process, when it comes to removal of organic matter. Implementing in the lab is quite easy, economic technically feasible, and simultaneously offers the possibility of using the results obtained in the lab to be applied in field by determining the kinetic and stoichiometric constants. The activated sludge system was designed, built and operated in the water quality lab, at the Military University in Bogota, Colombia. The bioreactor has an aeration chamber, a sedimentation tank and a feeding source with wastewater taken from a meat packing plant in Bogota. The research was carried out for 3 months, in two stages as follows: in the first stage and in order to obtain a high concentration of biomass the acclimatizing process was carried out. This step allows the bioreactor to run in a continuous flow. In the second stage, the bioreactor was taken in to operation and fed with the acclimated sludge at different sludge ages. This would allow us to determine the kinetics, and the stoichiometric constants. The bioreactor was run with a hydraulic retention time of 8 hours and for different sludge ages (5, 10, and 15 days). The system was monitored with a daily grab samples, and pH, temperature as well as the DBO 5 and suspended volatile solids were terminated

Variations in eco-enzymatic stoichiometric and microbial characteristics in paddy soil as affected by long-term integrated organic-inorganic fertilization

Science.gov (United States)

Lin, Sen; Wang, Shaoxian; Si, Yuanli; Yang, Wenhao; Zhu, Shaowei

2017-01-01

To investigate the effects of different nutrient management regimes on the soil chemical, eco-enzymatic stoichiometric and microbial characteristics, soil samples were collected from a 30-year, long-term field experiment with six plots growing rice. The results showed that as integrated fertilization increased, so did the concentrations of soil total or available nutrients and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Our results also found enhanced soil basal respiration and cumulative carbon mineralization compared to chemical fertilization alone at the same nutrient doses. The activities of soil protease (Pro), β-glucosidase (βG), N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) and acid phosphatase (AP) from the integrated fertilization treatments were significantly higher than those of the treatments without organic manure, so did the activities of soil leucyl aminopeptidase (LAP) and urease (Ure) from the treatment with organic manure in addition to farmer practise fertilization (NPKM2). The stoichiometric ratios, expressed as lnβG/ln(NAG+LAP)/lnPro/lnUre/lnAP, ranged from 1:0.94:1.04:0.67:1.01 to 1:0.98:1.10:0.78:1.25, indicating that the acquisition of C, N and P changed consistently and synchronously under different nutrient management strategies. Integrated fertilization was more beneficial to the acquisition and utilization of soil organic carbon compared to low-molecular-weight organic nitrogen. We concluded that protease and urease should be considered in eco-enzymatic stoichiometric assessments for the hydrolysis of proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates and phosphomonoesters in soil, and integrated fertilization with chemical fertilizers and organic manure should be recommended as a preferable nutrient management system for intensive rice cultivation. PMID:29253000

Atomistic models of Cu diffusion in CuInSe2 under variations in composition

Science.gov (United States)

Sommer, David E.; Dunham, Scott T.

2018-03-01

We construct an analytic model for the composition dependence of the vacancy-mediated Cu diffusion coefficient in undoped CuInSe2 using parameters from density functional theory. The applicability of this model is supported numerically with kinetic lattice Monte Carlo and Onsager transport tensors. We discuss how this model relates to experimental measurements of Cu diffusion, arguing that our results can account for significant contributions to the bulk diffusion of Cu tracers in non-stoichiometric CuInSe2.

Microbiologically-Facilitated Effects on the Surface Composition of Alloy 22, A Candidate Nuclear Waste Packaging Material

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Horn, J; Lian, T; Martin, S I

2001-01-01

The effects of microbiological activities on the surface composition of Alloy 22 was investigated. Prior studies suggesting microbially-generated selective dissolution of chromium from Alloy 22 were based solely on analyzing solubilized Alloy 22 elements. These and other investigations point to the insufficiencies of analyzing solubilized (or solubilized and reprecipitated) alloying elements to discern between homogeneous/stoichiometric dissolution and selective/non-stoichiometric dissolution of alloying elements. Therefore, an approach using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to interrogate the surface layers of treated Alloy 22 specimens was taken to resolve this issue. Sputtering into the surface of the samples, coupled with XPS analysis at given intervals, allowed a high resolution quantitative elemental evaluation of the alloy as a function of depth. Biotically-incubated Alloy 22 show a region that could be depleted of chromium. Surfacial XPS analysis of these same coupons did not detect the presence of re-precipitated Alloy 22 component elements, also supporting the possible occurrence of non-stoichiometric dissolution. Thus, these preliminary data do not exclude the possibility of selective dissolution. It also appears that this experimental approach shows promise to unequivocally resolve this issue. Further tests using smoother-surface, more highly polished coupons should allow for better resolution between surface layers to permit a decisive determination of the mode of Alloy 22 dissolution using sputtering XPS analysis

Study of the catalytic activity of mixed non-stoichiometric uranium-thorium oxides in carbon monoxide oxidation; Etude de l'activite catalytique des oxydes mixtes d'uranium et de thorium non stoechiometriques dans l'oxydation du monoxyde de carbone

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Brau, G [Commissariat a l' Energie Atomique, Fontenay-aux-Roses (France). Centre d' Etudes Nucleaires

1969-06-01

The aim of this work has been to study the catalytic properties of non-stoichiometric uranium-thorium oxides having the general formula U{sub x}Th{sub 1-x}O{sub 2+y}, for the oxidation of carbon monoxide. The preparation of pure, homogeneous, isotropic solids having good structural stability and a surface area as high as possible calls for a strict control of the conditions of preparation of these oxides right from the preparation of 'mother salts': the mixed oxalates U{sub x}Th{sub 1-x}(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 2}, 2H{sub 2}O. A study has been made of their physico-chemical properties (overall and surface chemical constitution, texture, structure, electrical conductivity), as well as of their adsorption properties with respect to gaseous species occurring in the catalytic reaction. This analysis has made it possible to put forward a reaction mechanism based on successive oxidations and reductions of the active surface by the reactants. A study of the reactions kinetics has confirmed the existence of this oxidation-reduction mechanism which only occurs for oxides having a uranium content of above 0.0014. The carbon dioxide produced by the reaction acts as an inhibitor by blocking the sites on which carbon monoxide can be adsorbed. These non-stoichiometric mixed oxides are a particularly clear example of catalysis by oxygen exchange between the solid and the gas phase. (author) [French] Ce travail a pour but l'etude des proprietes catalytiques des oxydes mixtes d'uranium et de thorium non stoechiometriques de formule generale U{sub x}Th{sub 1-x}O{sub 2+y} dans l'oxydation du monoxyde de carbone. L'obtention de solides purs, homogenes, isotropes, de bonne stabilite structurale et d'aire specifique aussi elevee que possible, exige de controler rigoureusement les conditions de preparation de ces oxydes des l'elaboration de leurs 'ascendants': les oxalates mixtes U{sub x}Th{sub 1-x}(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 2}, 2H{sub 2}O. Leurs proprietes physico-chimiques (composition

Investigating genotype-phenotype relationships in Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolic network through stoichiometric modeling

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Brochado, Ana Rita

processes. Metabolism is an extensively studied and characterised subcellular system, for which several modeling approaches have been proposed over the last 20 years. Nowadays, stoichiometric modeling of metabolism is done at the genome scale and it has diverse applications, many of them for helping....... This chapter aims at providing the reader with relevant state-of-the-art information concerning Systems Biology, Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling and Metabolic Engineering. Particular attention is given to the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the eukaryotic model organism used thought the thesis.......A holistic view of the cell is fundamental for gaining insights into genotype to phenotype relationships. Systems Biology is a discipline within Biology, which uses such holistic approach by focusing on the development and application of tools for studying the structure and dynamics of cellular...

Ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of non-stoichiometric Sr{sub 1-x}Bi{sub 2+2x/3}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 9} ceramics prepared from sol-gel derived powders

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jain, Rajni [Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007 (India); Gupta, Vinay [Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007 (India); Mansingh, Abhai [Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007 (India); Sreenivas, K. [Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007 (India)]. E-mail: kondepudysreenivas@rediffmail.com

2004-09-15

Ceramic compositions of strontium bismuth tantalate (SBT) [Sr{sub 1-x}Bi{sub 2+2x/3}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 9}] with x = 0.0, 0.15, 0.30, 0.45 prepared from a sol-gel process have been studied. Stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric phases stable within the series have been investigated for their structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties. Sintering at 1000 deg. C produces a single homogeneous phase up to x = 0.15. With x > 0.15 an undesirable BiTaO{sub 4} phase is detected and a higher sintering temperature (1100 deg. C) prevents the formation of this phase. The ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition temperature (T{sub c}) increases linearly from 325 to 455 deg. C up to x = 0.30, and with x > 0.30, it tends to deviate from the linear behavior. At x = 0.45 a broad and a weak transition is observed and the peak value of dielectric constant ({epsilon}'{sub max}) is significantly reduced. The piezoelectric coefficient (d{sub 33}), remnant polarization (2P{sub r}), and coercive field (2E{sub c}) values increase linearly up to x = 0.30. The degradation in the electrical properties for x > 0.30 are attributed to the presence of undesirable BiTaO{sub 4} phase, which is difficult to identify by X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD) due to the close proximity of the peaks positions of BiTaO{sub 4} and the SBT phase.

Stoichiometric implications of a biphasic life cycle.

Science.gov (United States)

Tiegs, Scott D; Berven, Keith A; Carmack, Douglas J; Capps, Krista A

2016-03-01

Animals mediate flows of elements and energy in ecosystems through processes such as nutrient sequestration in body tissues, and mineralization through excretion. For taxa with biphasic life cycles, the dramatic shifts in anatomy and physiology that occur during ontogeny are expected to be accompanied by changes in body and excreta stoichiometry, but remain little-explored, especially in vertebrates. Here we tested stoichiometric hypotheses related to the bodies and excreta of the wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) across life stages and during larval development. Per-capita rates of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) excretion varied widely during larval ontogeny, followed unimodal patterns, and peaked midway through development (Taylor-Kollros stages XV and XII, respectively). Larval mass did not increase steadily during development but peaked at stage XVII and declined until the termination of the experiment at stage XXII. Mass-specific N and P excretion rates of the larvae decreased exponentially during development. When coupled with population-biomass estimates, population-level excretion rates were greatest at stages VIII-X. Percent carbon (C), N, and C:N of body tissue showed weak trends across major life stages; body P and C:P, however, increased sixfold during development from egg to adult. Our results demonstrate that intraspecific ontogenic changes in nutrient contents of excretion and body tissues can be significant, and that N and P are not always excreted proportionally throughout life cycles. These results highlight the dynamic roles that species play in ecosystems, and how the morphological and physiological changes that accompany ontogeny can influence ecosystem-level processes.

Determination of the stoichiometric ratio uranium dioxide samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moura, Sergio Carvalho

1999-01-01

The determination of the O/U stoichiometric ratio in uranium dioxide is an important parameter in order to qualify nuclear fuels. The excess oxygen in the crystallographic structure can cause changes in the physico-chemical properties of this compound such as variation of the thermal conductivity alterations, fuel plasticity and others, affecting the efficiency of this material when it is utilized as nuclear fuel in the reactor core. The purpose of this work is to evaluate methods for the determination of uranium oxide samples from two different production processes, using gravimetric, voltammetric and X-ray diffraction techniques. After the evaluation of these techniques, the main aspect of this work is to define a reliable methodology in order to characterize the behavior of uranium oxide. The methodology used in this work consisted of two different steps: utilization of gravimetric and volumetric methods in order to determine the ratio in uranium dioxide samples; utilization of X-ray diffraction technique in order to determine the lattice parameters using patterns and application of the Rietveld method during refining of the structural data. As a result of the experimental part of this work it was found that the X-ray diffraction analysis performs better and detects the presence of more phases than gravimetric and voltammetric techniques, not sensitive enough in this detection. (author)

Wood versus plant fibers: Similarities and differences in composite applications

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Madsen, Bo; Gamstedt, E. Kristofer

2013-01-01

-negligible porosity content, and finally, the moisture sensitivity of the composites. The performance of wood and plant fiber composites is compared to the synthetic glass and carbon fibers conventionally used for composites, and advantages and disadvantages of the different fibers are discussed. © 2013 Bo Madsen......The work on cellulose fiber composites is typically strictly divided into two separated research fields depending on the fiber origin, that is, from wood and from annual plants, representing the two different industries of forest and agriculture, respectively. The present paper evaluates...... in parallel wood fibers and plant fibers to highlight their similarities and differences regarding their use as reinforcement in composites and to enable mutual transfer of knowledge and technology between the two research fields. The paper gives an introduction to the morphology, chemistry...

On some derived compounds of fluorides of Cerium III or IV: defined compounds and non stoichiometric phases

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Besse, Jean-Pierre

1968-01-01

This research study addresses the study of rare earth fluorides. It reports the preparation and study of new fluoro-cerates (IV) in order to complete the set of already known compounds (ammonium fluoro-cerate, and alkaline earth compounds), the study of binary CeF 3 binary systems, monovalent and divalent fluorides, and CeF 3 -NF 2 -N'F ternary systems, and the study of non stoichiometric phases in CeF 3 oxides, sulphides and selenides [fr

Matrix intensification alters avian functional group composition in adjacent rainforest fragments.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Justus P Deikumah

Full Text Available Conversion of farmland land-use matrices to surface mining is an increasing threat to the habitat quality of forest remnants and their constituent biota, with consequences for ecosystem functionality. We evaluated the effects of matrix type on bird community composition and the abundance and evenness within avian functional groups in south-west Ghana. We hypothesized that surface mining near remnants may result in a shift in functional composition of avifaunal communities, potentially disrupting ecological processes within tropical forest ecosystems. Matrix intensification and proximity to the remnant edge strongly influenced the abundance of members of several functional guilds. Obligate frugivores, strict terrestrial insectivores, lower and upper strata birds, and insect gleaners were most negatively affected by adjacent mining matrices, suggesting certain ecosystem processes such as seed dispersal may be disrupted by landscape change in this region. Evenness of these functional guilds was also lower in remnants adjacent to surface mining, regardless of the distance from remnant edge, with the exception of strict terrestrial insectivores. These shifts suggest matrix intensification can influence avian functional group composition and related ecosystem-level processes in adjacent forest remnants. The management of matrix habitat quality near and within mine concessions is important for improving efforts to preserveavian biodiversity in landscapes undergoing intensification such as through increased surface mining.

Distinct Osmoadaptation Strategies in the Strict Halophilic and Halotolerant Bacteria Isolated from Lunsu Salt Water Body of North West Himalayas.

Science.gov (United States)

Vaidya, Shivani; Dev, Kamal; Sourirajan, Anuradha

2018-07-01

Two strict halophilic bacterial strains, Halobacillus trueperi SS1, and Halobacillus trueperi SS3, and three halotolerant bacterial strains, Shewanella algae SS2, Halomonas venusta SS5, and Marinomonas sp. SS8 of Lunsu salt water body, Himachal Pradesh, India, were selected to study the mechanism of salt tolerance and the role of osmolytes therein. A combination of flame photometry, chromatographic and colorimetric assays was used to study the mechanism of salt tolerance in the selected strict halophilic and halotolerant bacterial strains. The strict halophiles and, one of the halotolerants, Marinomonas sp. SS8 were found to utilize both "salt-in strategy" and "accumulation of compatible solutes strategy" for osmoregulation in hypersaline conditions. On the contrary, the remaining two halotolerants used "accumulation of compatible solutes strategy" under saline stress and not the "salt-in strategy". The present study suggests towards distinct mechanisms of salt tolerance in the two classes, wherein strict halophiles accumulate compatible solutes as well as adopt salt-in strategy, while the halotolerant bacteria accumulate a range of compatible solutes, except Marinomonas sp. SS8, which utilizes both the strategies to combat salt stress.

Enhanced hexose fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae through integration of stoichiometric modeling and genetic screening.

Science.gov (United States)

Quarterman, Josh; Kim, Soo Rin; Kim, Pan-Jun; Jin, Yong-Su

2015-01-20

In order to determine beneficial gene deletions for ethanol production by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we performed an in silico gene deletion experiment based on a genome-scale metabolic model. Genes coding for two oxidative phosphorylation reactions (cytochrome c oxidase and ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase) were identified by the model-based simulation as potential deletion targets for enhancing ethanol production and maintaining acceptable overall growth rate in oxygen-limited conditions. Since the two target enzymes are composed of multiple subunits, we conducted a genetic screening study to evaluate the in silico results and compare the effect of deleting various portions of the respiratory enzyme complexes. Over two-thirds of the knockout mutants identified by the in silico study did exhibit experimental behavior in qualitative agreement with model predictions, but the exceptions illustrate the limitation of using a purely stoichiometric model-based approach. Furthermore, there was a substantial quantitative variation in phenotype among the various respiration-deficient mutants that were screened in this study, and three genes encoding respiratory enzyme subunits were identified as the best knockout targets for improving hexose fermentation in microaerobic conditions. Specifically, deletion of either COX9 or QCR9 resulted in higher ethanol production rates than the parental strain by 37% and 27%, respectively, with slight growth disadvantages. Also, deletion of QCR6 led to improved ethanol production rate by 24% with no growth disadvantage. The beneficial effects of these gene deletions were consistently demonstrated in different strain backgrounds and with four common hexoses. The combination of stoichiometric modeling and genetic screening using a systematic knockout collection was useful for narrowing a large set of gene targets and identifying targets of interest. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Examination of the PCICE method in the nearly incompressible, as well as strictly incompressible, limits

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Berry, Ray A.; Martineau, Richard C.

2007-01-01

The conservative-form, pressure-based PCICE numerical method (Martineau and Berry, 2004) (Berry, 2006), recently developed for computing transient fluid flows of all speeds from very low to very high (with strong shocks), is simplified and generalized. Though the method automatically treats a continuous transition of compressibility, three distinct, limiting compressibility regimes are formally defined for purposes of discussion and comparison with traditional methods - the strictly incompressible limit, the nearly incompressible limit, and the fully compressible limit. The PCICE method's behavior is examined in each limiting regime. In the strictly incompressible limit the PCICE algorithm reduces to the traditional MAC-type method with velocity divergence driving the pressure Poisson equation. In the nearly incompressible limit the PCICE algorithm is found to reduce to a generalization of traditional incompressible methods, i.e. to one in which not only the velocity divergence effect, but also the density gradient effect is included as a driving function in the pressure Poisson equation. This nearly incompressible regime has received little attention, and it appears that in the past, strictly incompressible methods may have been conveniently applied to flows in this regime at the expense of ignoring a potentially important coupling mechanism. This could be significant in many important flows; for example, in natural convection flows resulting from high heat flux. In the fully compressible limit or regime, the algorithm is found to reduce to an expression equivalent to density-based methods for high-speed flow. (author)

The application of strict criminal liabilities to spillage of oil: the practical impact on effective spill response

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gallagher, J.J.

2002-01-01

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 provides criminal penalties in oil spills that result from criminal activity, gross negligence or wilful misconduct on the part of the spiller. Nevertheless, the Department of Justice has seen fit to reach into unrelated legislation to potentially apply strict criminal liability to any oil spill regardless of intent. Strict criminalization of accidental oil spills is demonstrably counterproductive to effective protection of the environment from the effect of spills since it poses a serious impediment to cooperation and coordination by and between those charged by law to respond to them. This impediment is particularly dangerous since it threatens the proper functioning of the inherently sensitive ''troika'' Unified Command Structure that has evolved in spill response management in response to OPA-90 management requirements. Introduction of strict criminal liability for accidental spills is also particularly troublesome in that it must enlist unrelated law to influence an area that has been addressed specifically by legislation designed for that purpose; legislation that has worked well in the past 30 years to both regulate the target activities while successfully achieving the objective of protecting and improving environment quality. (author)

Application of strict criteria in adrenal venous sampling increases the proportion of missed patients with unilateral disease who benefit from surgery for primary aldosteronism.

Science.gov (United States)

Kline, Gregory; Leung, Alexander; So, Benny; Chin, Alex; Harvey, Adrian; Pasieka, Janice L

2018-06-01

Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is intended to confirm unilateral forms of primary aldosteronism, which are amenable to surgical cure. Excessively strict AVS criteria to define lateralization may result in many patients incorrectly categorized as bilateral primary aldosteronism and opportunity for surgical cure missed. Retrospective review of an AVS-primary aldosteronism database in which surgical cases are verified by standardized outcomes. Having used 'less strict' AVS criteria for lateralization, we examined the distribution of AVS lateralization indices in our confirmed unilateral primary aldosteronism cases both with and without cosyntropin stimulation. The proportion of proven unilateral cases that would have been missed with stricter AVS interpretation criteria was calculated. Particular focus was given to the proportion of missed cases according to use of international guidelines. False-positive lateralization with 'less strict' interpretation was also calculated. Of 80 surgical primary aldosteronism cases, 10-23% would have been missed with AVS lateralization indices of 3 : 1 to 5 : 1, with or without cosyntropin. If strict selectivity indices (for confirmation of catheterization) were combined with strict lateralization indices, up to 70% of unilateral primary aldosteronism cases could have been missed. Use of Endocrine Society AVS guidelines would have missed 21-43% of proven unilateral cases. 'Less strict' AVS interpretation yielded one case (1.2%) of false lateralization. Excessively strict AVS interpretation criteria will result in a high rate of missed unilateral primary aldosteronism with subsequent loss of opportunity for intervention. Use of more lenient lateralization criteria will improve the detection rate of unilateral primary aldosteronism with very low false-positive rate.

Superconducting properties, chemical compositions, and lattice parameters of Pb-, Sn- and (Pb1-xSnx)Mo6S8

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sadakata, N.; Corderman, R.; Asano, T.; Cox, D.; Suenaga, M.; Foner, S.; McNiff, E.J. Jr.

1991-01-01

The values of critical temperatures for alloys of Pb- and SnMo 6 S 8 were shown to be lower than those of the respective pure Chevrel phases. Chemical compositional analysis of the compounds revealed that the decreased T c in the alloys are due to the off-stoichiometric compositions in the alloys. Although alloying slightly increased the values of the upper critical field H c2 over that for PbMo 6 S 8 , the H c2 values for these specimens were substantially lower than those which have been reported for PbMo 6 S 8 . Possible causes for these depressed values of H c2 are discussed

Effect of starting composition and annealing temperature on irreversibility field and critical current density in MgxB2

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Xu, G.J.; Pinholt, R.; Bilde-Sørensen, Jørgen

2006-01-01

Bulk samples of MgxB2 with starting composition of 0.5 temperature, has...... irreversibility field of H-irr = 5.2 T at 20 K was reached for x = 0.8 with sintering temperature of 800 degrees C, which is 0.8 T higher than that of the stoichiometric MgB2 sample. It is suggested that the formation of MgB4 nanoparticles is responsible for the increase of H-irr and J(c). (c) 2005 Published...

Chemical composition dispersion in bi-metallic nanoparticles: semi-automated analysis using HAADF-STEM

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Epicier, T.; Sato, K.; Tournus, F.; Konno, T.

2012-01-01

We present a method using high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) to determine the chemical composition of bi-metallic nanoparticles. This method, which can be applied in a semi-automated way, allows large scale analysis with a statistical number of particles (several hundreds) in a short time. Once a calibration curve has been obtained, e.g., using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) measurements on a few particles, the HAADF integrated intensity of each particle can indeed be directly related to its chemical composition. After a theoretical description, this approach is applied to the case of iron–palladium nanoparticles (expected to be nearly stoichiometric) with a mean size of 8.3 nm. It will be shown that an accurate chemical composition histogram is obtained, i.e., the Fe content has been determined to be 49.0 at.% with a dispersion of 10.4 %. HAADF-STEM analysis represents a powerful alternative to fastidious single particle EDX measurements, for the compositional dispersion in alloy nanoparticles.

Crystal structure of non-stoichiometric copper selenides studied by neutron scattering and X-ray diffraction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bikkulova, N.N.; Yagafarova, Z.A.; Asylguzhina, G.N.; Danilkin, S.A.; Fuess, H.; Skomorokhov, A.N.; Yadrovskii, E.L.; Beskrovnyi, A.I.

2003-01-01

Structural characteristics of non-stoichiometric copper selenides were studied by the elastic neutron and X-ray scattering techniques. Rietveld analysis was used to refine the structure of the high-temperature β-phase of the Cu 1.75 Se, Cu 1.78 Se, and Cu 1.83 Se samples. The homogeneity ranges of the cubic phase were determined. The modification of the crystal structure accompanying the β-α phase transition was studied for Cu 1.75 Se and Cu 1.98 Se compounds within the 443-10 K temperature range. It was shown that the phase transition is accompanied by distortions of the fcc lattice and the ordering of copper ions

High Photocatalytic Performance of Two Types of Graphene Modified TiO2 Composite Photocatalysts

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Jun; Li, Sen; Tang, Bo; Wang, Zhengwei; Ji, Guojian; Huang, Weiqiu; Wang, Jinping

2017-07-01

High quality and naturally continuous structure of three-dimensional graphene network (3DGN) endow it a promising candidate to modify TiO2. Although the resulting composite photocatalysts display outstanding performances, the lacking of active sites of the 3DGN not only goes against a close contact between the graphene basal plane and TiO2 nanoparticles (weaken electron transport ability) but also limits the efficient adsorption of pollutant molecules. Similar with surface functional groups of the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets, surface defects of the 3DGN can act as the adsorption sites. However, the defect density of the 3DGN is difficult to control (a strict cool rate of substrate and a strict flow of precursor gas are necessary) because of its growth approach (chemical vapor deposition method). In this study, to give full play to the functions of graphene, the RGO nanosheets and 3DGN co-modified TiO2 composite photocatalysts are prepared. After optimizing the mass fraction of the RGO nanosheets in the composite photocatalyst, the resulting chemical adsorption ability and yields of strong oxidizing free radicals increase significantly, indicating the synergy of the RGO nanosheets and 3DGN.

Plasma-enhanced growth, composition, and refractive index of silicon oxy-nitride films

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mattsson, Kent Erik

1995-01-01

Secondary ion mass spectrometry and refractive index measurements have been carried out on silicon oxy-nitride produced by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Nitrous oxide and ammonia were added to a constant flow of 2% silane in nitrogen, to produce oxy-nitride films with atomic...... nitrogen concentrations between 2 and 10 at. %. A simple atomic valence model is found to describe both the measured atomic concentrations and published material compositions for silicon oxy-nitride produced by PECVD. A relation between the Si–N bond concentration and the refractive index is found......-product. A model, that combine the chemical net reaction and the stoichiometric rules, is found to agree with measured deposition rates for given material compositions. Effects of annealing in a nitrogen atmosphere has been investigated for the 400 °C– 1100 °C temperature range. It is observed that PECVD oxy...

Asymptotic state discrimination and a strict hierarchy in distinguishability norms

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chitambar, Eric [Department of Physics and Astronomy, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901 (United States); Hsieh, Min-Hsiu [Centre for Quantum Computation and Intelligent Systems (QCIS), Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT), University of Technology Sydney - UTS, NSW 2007 (Australia)

2014-11-15

In this paper, we consider the problem of discriminating quantum states by local operations and classical communication (LOCC) when an arbitrarily small amount of error is permitted. This paradigm is known as asymptotic state discrimination, and we derive necessary conditions for when two multipartite states of any size can be discriminated perfectly by asymptotic LOCC. We use this new criterion to prove a gap in the LOCC and separable distinguishability norms. We then turn to the operational advantage of using two-way classical communication over one-way communication in LOCC processing. With a simple two-qubit product state ensemble, we demonstrate a strict majorization of the two-way LOCC norm over the one-way norm.

Strict calculation of electron energy distribution functions in inhomogeneous plasmas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Winkler, R.

1996-01-01

It is objective of the paper to report on strict calculations of the velocity or energy distribution function function and related macroscopic properties of the electrons from appropriate electron kinetic equations under various plasma conditions and to contribute to a better understanding of the electron behaviour in inhomogeneous plasma regions. In particular, the spatial relaxation of plasma electrons acted upon by uniform electric fields, the response of plasma electrons on spatial disturbances of the electric field, the electron kinetics under the impact of space charge field confinement in the dc column plasma and the electron velocity distribution is stronger field as occurring in the electrode regions of a dc glow discharge is considered. (author)

On The Integral Representation of Strictly Continuous Set-Valued Maps

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anaté K. Lakmon

2015-11-01

Full Text Available Let T be a completely regular topological space and C(T be the space of bounded, continuous real-valued functions on T. C(T is endowed with the strict topology (the topology generated by seminorms determined by continuous functions vanishing at in_nity. R. Giles ([13], p. 472, Theorem 4.6 proved in 1971 that the dual of C(T can be identi_ed with the space of regular Borel measures on T. We prove this result for positive, additive set-valued maps with values in the space of convex weakly compact non-empty subsets of a Banach space and we deduce from this result the theorem of R. Giles ([13], theorem 4.6, p.473.

Growth of a Strictly Anaerobic Bacterium on Furfural (2-Furaldehyde)

Science.gov (United States)

Brune, Gerhard; Schoberth, Siegfried M.; Sahm, Hermann

1983-01-01

A strictly anaerobic bacterium was isolated from a continuous fermentor culture which converted the organic constituents of sulfite evaporator condensate to methane and carbon dioxide. Furfural is one of the major components of this condensate. This furfural isolate could degrade furfural as the sole source of carbon and energy in a defined mineral-vitamin-sulfate medium. Acetic acid was the major fermentation product. This organism could also use ethanol, lactate, pyruvate, or fumarate and contained cytochrome c3 and desulfoviridin. Except for furfural degradation, the characteristics of the furfural isolate were remarkably similar to those of the sulfate reducer Desulfovibrio gigas. The furfural isolate has been tentatively identified as Desulfovibrio sp. strain F-1. Images PMID:16346423

Multielement stoichiometry of submerged macrophytes across Yunnan plateau lakes (China).

Science.gov (United States)

Xing, Wei; Wu, Haoping; Shi, Qiao; Hao, Beibei; Liu, Han; Wang, Zhixiu; Liu, Guihua

2015-05-13

Stoichiometric homeostasis of element composition is one of the central concepts of ecological stoichiometry. We analyzed concentrations of macroelements (C, N, P, Ca, K, Mg, S), microelements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn) and beneficial elements (Na, Se, Si) in submerged macrophytes, water and sediments across 20 Yunnan plateau lakes. We predicted that tissue element composition in submerged macrophytes is affected by lake trophic level and taxonomy, and submerged macrophytes have weak stoichiometric homeostasis for all above 16 elements. Canonical discriminant analyses successfully discriminated among trophic level groups and taxa groups. Of all the elements, C, N, P and S most effectively discriminated among trophic level groups across 20 lakes, revealing lake trophic level mostly affect tissue macroelement composition in submerged macrophytes; while Ca, K and Se most effectively discriminated among submerged macrophytes taxa groups, suggesting taxonomy mostly affect compositions of macroelements and beneficial elements in submerged macrophytes. In addition, the stoichiometric homeostatic coefficient of 1/HCa:C for all five taxa of submerged macrophytes were less than zero, suggesting submerged macrophytes in Yunnan plateau lakes have strong Ca stoichiometric homeostasis. Our findings, not only broaden the knowledge of multielement stoichiometric homeostasis, but also help to choose most appropriate lake management strategy.

She's Strict for a Good Reason: Highly Effective Teachers in Low-Performing Urban Schools

Science.gov (United States)

Poplin, Mary; Rivera, John; Durish, Dena; Hoff, Linda; Kawell, Susan; Pawlak, Pat; Hinman, Ivannia Soto; Straus, Laura; Veney, Cloetta

2011-01-01

A study of 31 high-performing teachers in low-performing urban schools found that these teachers had certain traits in common. They were strict; they taught in traditional, explicit ways; there was little time in their classrooms when instruction was not occurring; and they moved around the room helping their students. They used very few…

Low Temperature Creep of Hot-Extruded Near-Stoichiometric NiTi Shape Memory Alloy. Part I; Isothermal Creep

Science.gov (United States)

Raj, S. V.; Noebe, R. D.

2013-01-01

This two-part paper is the first published report on the long term, low temperature creep of hot-extruded near-stoichiometric NiTi. Constant load tensile creep tests were conducted on hot-extruded near-stoichiometric NiTi at 300, 373 and 473 K under initial applied stresses varying between 200 and 350 MPa as long as 15 months. These temperatures corresponded to the martensitic, two-phase and austenitic phase regions, respectively. Normal primary creep lasting several months was observed under all conditions indicating dislocation activity. Although steady-state creep was not observed under these conditions, the estimated creep rates varied between 10(exp -10) and 10(exp -9)/s. The creep behavior of the two phases showed significant differences. The martensitic phase exhibited a large strain on loading followed by a primary creep region accumulating a small amount of strain over a period of several months. The loading strain was attributed to the detwinning of the martensitic phase whereas the subsequent strain accumulation was attributed to dislocation glide-controlled creep. An "incubation period" was observed before the occurrence of detwinning. In contrast, the austenitic phase exhibited a relatively smaller loading strain followed by a primary creep region, where the creep strain continued to increase over several months. It is concluded that the creep of the austenitic phase occurs by a dislocation glide-controlled creep mechanism as well as by the nucleation and growth of deformation twins.

Single molecule experiments challenge the strict wave-particle dualism of light.

Science.gov (United States)

Greulich, Karl Otto

2010-01-21

Single molecule techniques improve our understanding of the photon and light. If the single photon double slit experiment is performed at the "single photon limit" of a multi-atom light source, faint light pulses with more than one photon hamper the interpretation. Single molecules, quantum dots or defect centres in crystals should be used as light source. "Single photon detectors" do not meet their promise-only "photon number resolving single photon detectors" do so. Particularly, the accumulation time argument, the only safe basis for the postulate of a strictly particle like photon, has so far not yet been verified.

The Tlo Proteins Are Stoichiometric Components of Candida albicans Mediator Anchored via the Med3 Subunit

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Anda; Petrov, Kostadin O.; Hyun, Emily R.; Liu, Zhongle; Gerber, Scott A.

2012-01-01

The amplification of the TLO (for telomere-associated) genes in Candida albicans, compared to its less pathogenic, close relative Candida dubliniensis, suggests a role in virulence. Little, however, is known about the function of the Tlo proteins. We have purified the Mediator coactivator complex from C. albicans (caMediator) and found that Tlo proteins are a stoichiometric component of caMediator. Many members of the Tlo family are expressed, and each is a unique member of caMediator. Protein expression analysis of individual Tlo proteins, as well as the purification of tagged Tlo proteins, demonstrate that there is a large free population of Tlo proteins in addition to the Mediator-associated population. Coexpression and copurification of Tloα12 and caMed3 in Escherichia coli established a direct physical interaction between the two proteins. We have also made a C. albicans med3Δ/Δ strain and purified an intact Mediator from this strain. The analysis of the composition of the med3Δ Mediator shows that it lacks a Tlo subunit. Regarding Mediator function, the med3Δ/Δ strain serves as a substitute for the difficult-to-make tloΔ/Δ C. albicans strain. A potential role of the TLO and MED3 genes in virulence is supported by the inability of the med3Δ/Δ strain to form normal germ tubes. This study of caMediator structure provides initial clues to the mechanism of action of the Tlo genes and a platform for further mechanistic studies of caMediator's involvement in gene regulatory patterns that underlie pathogenesis. PMID:22562472

Stoichiometric control in Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ synthesis by novel hybrid solid state reaction

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Gadea, C.; Phatharapeetranun, N.; Ksapabutr, B.

2018-01-01

The synthesis of bismuth titanate Bi4Ti3O12 (BiT) is performed via a novel solid state reaction. The reaction is designed to control the stoichiometric content of the highly volatile element, i.e. Bi. The chemical route consists in trapping bismuth oxide colloids in a stabilized titanium based sol...

Synthesis of the off-stoichiometric oxide system Sr{sub 2}Fe{sub 1+x}Mo{sub 1−x}O{sub 6} with −1≤x≤0.25

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Soto, T.E. [Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro No. 8701, Col. Ex Hacienda de San José de la Huerta, C.P. 58190, Morelia, Michoacán (Mexico); Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Av. Francisco J. Mojica S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Morelia, Michoacán (Mexico); Valenzuela, J.L. [Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro No. 8701, Col. Ex Hacienda de San José de la Huerta, C.P. 58190, Morelia, Michoacán (Mexico); Instituto de Investigaciones Metalúrgicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Av. Francisco J. Mojica S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Morelia, Michoacán (Mexico); Mondragón, R., E-mail: reginaldo.mondragon@cimav.edu.mx [Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro No. 8701, Col. Ex Hacienda de San José de la Huerta, C.P. 58190, Morelia, Michoacán (Mexico); Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Av. Francisco J. Mojica S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Morelia, Michoacán (Mexico); Centro de Investigaciones en Materiales Avanzados, S.C., Chihuahua, Chihuahua (Mexico); and others

2014-12-15

The half-metallic ferromagnetic oxide compounds are extensively studied in view of their spintronic applications. In this work, we have synthesized and characterized the off-stoichiometric double perovskite Sr{sub 2}Fe{sub 1+x}Mo{sub 1−x}O{sub 6} with x being in the range −1≤x≤0.25, the composition x=0 corresponding to the well-known ferromagnetic system Sr{sub 2}FeMoO{sub 6}. The double perovskite has been prepared in a polycrystalline form by the solid-state reaction method and ball milling, calcination in air and reduction in a mixture of He and H{sub 2} atmosphere in a thermogravimetric analyzer. Characterization has been done by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Our results show that mechanochemical activation prior to the reaction synthesis helps to reduce the synthesis temperature and avoid the sublimation of MoO{sub 3} at high temperatures. The Curie temperature has also been obtained.

Required sample size for monitoring stand dynamics in strict forest reserves: a case study

Science.gov (United States)

Diego Van Den Meersschaut; Bart De Cuyper; Kris Vandekerkhove; Noel Lust

2000-01-01

Stand dynamics in European strict forest reserves are commonly monitored using inventory densities of 5 to 15 percent of the total surface. The assumption that these densities guarantee a representative image of certain parameters is critically analyzed in a case study for the parameters basal area and stem number. The required sample sizes for different accuracy and...

Studies on the retention mechanism of solutes in hydrophilic interaction chromatography using stoichiometric displacement theory I. The linear relationship of lgk' vs. lg[H2O].

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Fei; Yang, Fan; Tian, Yang; Liu, Jiawei; Shen, Jiwei; Bai, Quan

2018-01-01

A stoichiometric displacement model for retention (SDM-R) of small solutes and proteins based on hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) was presented. A linear equation that related the logarithm of the capacity factor of the solute to the logarithm of the concentration of water in the mobile phase was derived. The stoichiometric displacement parameters, Z (the number of water molecules required to displace a solute from ligands) and lgI (containing a number of constants that relate to the affinity of solute to the ligands) could be obtained from the slope and the intercept of the linear plots of lgk' vs. lg[H 2 O]. The retention behaviors and retention mechanism of 15 kinds of small solutes and 6 kinds of proteins on 5 kinds HILIC columns with different ligands were investigated with SDM-R in typical range of water concentration in mobile phase. A good linear relationship between lgk' and lg[H 2 O] demonstrated that the most rational retention mechanism of solute in HILIC was a stoichiometric displacement process between solute and solvent molecules with water as displacing agents, which was not only valid for small solutes, but also could be used to explain the retention mechanism of biopolymers in HILIC. Comparing with the partition and adsorption models in HILIC, SDM-R was superior to them. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Weak asymptotic solution for a non-strictly hyperbolic system of conservation laws-II

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Manas Ranjan Sahoo

2016-04-01

Full Text Available In this article we introduce a concept of entropy weak asymptotic solution for a system of conservation laws and construct the same for a prolonged system of conservation laws which is highly non-strictly hyperbolic. This is first done for Riemann type initial data by introducing $\\delta,\\delta',\\delta''$ waves along a discontinuity curve and then for general initial data by piecing together the Riemann solutions.

Detection of low numbers of microplastics in North Sea fish using strict quality assurance criteria

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Hermsen, E.; Pompe, R.; Besseling, E.; Koelmans, A.A.

2017-01-01

We investigated 400 individual fish of four North Sea species: Atlantic Herring, Sprat, Common Dab, and Whiting on ingestion of > 20 μm microplastic. Strict quality assurance criteria were followed in order to control contamination during the study. Two plastic particles were found in only 1 (a

Preparation and microstructural characterization of TiC and Ti0.6W0.4/TiC0.6 composite thin films obtained by activated reactive evaporation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Montes de Oca, J. A.; LePetitcorps, Y.; Manaud, J.-P.; Vargas Garcia, J. R.

2008-01-01

Titanium carbide-based coatings were deposited on W substrates at a high coating growth rate by activated reactive evaporation at 500 and 600 deg. C in a L560 Leybold system using propene as reactive atmosphere. The crystal structure, lattice parameter, preferred orientation, and grain size of the coatings were determined by x-ray diffraction technique using Cu Kα. The analysis of the coating morphology was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the composition of the films was analyzed by Auger electron spectroscopy and electron-probe microanalysis. Experimental results suggested that temperature was one of the most important parameters in the fabrication of stoichiometric TiC coatings. Thus, TiC coatings were obtained at 600 deg. C, whereas TiC 0.6 nonstoichiometric coatings codeposited with a free Ti phase were obtained at 500 deg. C, giving rise to the formation of a composite thin film. After annealing at 1000 deg. C, the stoichiometric films remained stable, but a crack pattern was formed over the entire coating surface. In addition, Ti 0.6 W 0.4 /TiC 0.6 composite thin coatings were obtained for the films synthesized at 500 deg. C. The formation of a Ti 0.6 W 0.4 ductile phase in the presence of a TiC 0.6 phase was responsible to avoid the coating cracking

Detection of low numbers of microplastics in North Sea fish using strict quality assurance criteria.

Science.gov (United States)

Hermsen, Enya; Pompe, Renske; Besseling, Ellen; Koelmans, Albert A

2017-09-15

We investigated 400 individual fish of four North Sea species: Atlantic Herring, Sprat, Common Dab, and Whiting on ingestion of >20μm microplastic. Strict quality assurance criteria were followed in order to control contamination during the study. Two plastic particles were found in only 1 (a Sprat) out of 400 individuals (0.25%, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.09-1.1%). The particles were identified to consist of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) through FTIR spectroscopy. No contamination occurred during the study, showing the method applied to be suitable for microplastic ingestion studies in biota. We discuss the low particle count for North Sea fish with those in other studies and suggest a relation between reported particle count and degree of quality assurance applied. Microplastic ingestion by fish may be less common than thought initially, with low incidence shown in this study, and other studies adhering to strict quality assurance criteria. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Atomistic simulations of diffusion mechanisms in off-stoichiometric Al-rich Ni3Al

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duan, Jinsong

2007-01-01

This paper presents dynamics simulation results of diffusion in off-stoichiometric Al-rich Ni 3 Al (Ni 73 Al 27 ) at temperature ranging from 1300 to 1550 K. The interatomic forces are described by the Finnis-Sinclair type N-body potentials. Particular attention is devoted to the effect of the extra 2% of Al atoms sitting on the Ni sublattice as antisite point defects (Al Ni ) on diffusion. Simulation results show that Ni atoms mainly diffuse through the Ni sublattice at the temperatures investigated. Al atoms diffuse via both the intrasublattice and antistructure bridge (ASB) mechanisms. The contribution to Al diffusion from the ASB mechanism decreases at the lower temperature (T Ni ) enhances both Al and Ni diffusion in Ni 73 Al 27 . The Ni-Al coupled diffusion effect is observed and understood at the atomic level for the first time

Complexes between ovalbumin nanoparticles and linoleic acid: Stoichiometric, kinetic and thermodynamic aspects.

Science.gov (United States)

Sponton, Osvaldo E; Perez, Adrián A; Carrara, Carlos R; Santiago, Liliana G

2016-11-15

Stoichiometric, kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of complex formation between heat-induced aggregates of ovalbumin (ovalbumin nanoparticles, OVAn) and linoleic acid (LA) were evaluated. Extrinsic fluorescence data were fitted to modified Scatchard model yielding the following results: n: 49±2 LA molecules bound per OVA monomer unit and Ka: 9.80±2.53×10(5)M. Kinetic and thermodynamic properties were analyzed by turbidity measurements at different LA/OVA monomer molar ratios (21.5-172) and temperatures (20-40°C). An adsorption approach was used and a pseudo-second-order kinetics was found for LA-OVAn complex formation. This adsorption process took place within 1h. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that LA adsorption on OVAn was a spontaneous, endothermic and entropically-driven process, highlighting the hydrophobic nature of the LA and OVAn interaction. Finally, Atomic Force Microscopy imaging revealed that both OVAn and LA-OVAn complexes have a roughly rounded form with size lower than 100nm. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reaction sintering process of tyranno SA/SiC composites and their characterization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, S.P.; Yoon, H.K.; Park, J.S.; Katoh, Y.; Kohyama, A.; Kim, D.H.; Lee, J.K.

2002-01-01

This paper deals with the efficiency of fiber preform preparation route for the fabrication of reaction sintering (RS) SiC f /SiC composites and their characterization, including density, microstructure and mechanical property. The applicability of carbon interfacial layer has been investigated in the RS process. The fiber preform was prepared by the consecutive slurry infiltration process, which associated with the combination of constant gas impregnation pressure and different magnitudes of cold pressure. The consecutive slurry infiltration process used for the preparation of fiber preform can be regarded as a promising technique for high density RS-SiC f /SiC composites, even if their mechanical properties depend on the magnitudes of cold pressure used. RS-SiC f /SiC composites entirely showed the morphology of near stoichiometric SiC phase in the intra-fiber bundle matrix, compared to that in the inter-fiber bundle matrix. The carbon interfacial layer was insufficient for the pseudo-ductile failure of RS-SiC f /SiC composites, even if some amount of fiber pull-out and interfacial delamination was observed in the tensile surface of bending test sample

Effect of cryopreservation and lyophilization on viability and growth of strict anaerobic human gut microbes.

Science.gov (United States)

Bircher, Lea; Geirnaert, Annelies; Hammes, Frederik; Lacroix, Christophe; Schwab, Clarissa

2018-04-17

Strict anaerobic gut microbes have been suggested as 'next-generation probiotics' for treating several intestinal disorders. The development of preservation techniques is of major importance for therapeutic application. This study investigated cryopreservation (-80°C) and lyophilization survival and storage stability (4°C for 3 months) of the strict anaerobic gut microbes Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia intestinalis, Anaerostipes caccae, Eubacterium hallii and Blautia obeum. To improve preservation survival, protectants sucrose and inulin (both 5% w/v) were added for lyophilization and were also combined with glycerol (15% v/v) for cryopreservation. Bacterial fitness, evaluated by maximum growth rate and lag phase, viability and membrane integrity were determined using a standardized growth assay and by flow cytometry as markers for preservation resistance. Lyophilization was more detrimental to viability and fitness than cryopreservation, but led to better storage stability. Adding sucrose and inulin enhanced viability and the proportion of intact cells during lyophilization of all strains. Viability of protectant-free B. thetaiotaomicron, A. caccae and F. prausnitzii was above 50% after cryopreservation and storage and increased to above 80% if protectants were present. The addition of glycerol, sucrose and inulin strongly enhanced the viability of B. obeum, E. hallii and R. intestinalis from 0.03-2% in protectant-free cultures to 11-37%. This is the first study that quantitatively compared the effect of cryopreservation and lyophilization and the addition of selected protectants on viability and fitness of six strict anaerobic gut microbes. Our results suggest that efficiency of protectants is process- and species-specific. © 2018 The Authors. Microbial Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Applied Microbiology.

What is your level of overconfidence? A strictly incentive compatible measurement of absolute and relative overconfidence

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Urbig, D.; Stauf, J.; Weitzel, U.|info:eu-repo/dai/nl/276323394

This study contributes to the ongoing discussion on the appropriate measurement of overconfidence, in particular, its strictly incentive compatible measurement in experiments. Despite a number of significant advances in recent research, several important issues remain to be solved. These relate to

Weight of fitness deviation governs strict physical chaos in replicator dynamics

Science.gov (United States)

Pandit, Varun; Mukhopadhyay, Archan; Chakraborty, Sagar

2018-03-01

Replicator equation—a paradigm equation in evolutionary game dynamics—mathematizes the frequency dependent selection of competing strategies vying to enhance their fitness (quantified by the average payoffs) with respect to the average fitnesses of the evolving population under consideration. In this paper, we deal with two discrete versions of the replicator equation employed to study evolution in a population where any two players' interaction is modelled by a two-strategy symmetric normal-form game. There are twelve distinct classes of such games, each typified by a particular ordinal relationship among the elements of the corresponding payoff matrix. Here, we find the sufficient conditions for the existence of asymptotic solutions of the replicator equations such that the solutions—fixed points, periodic orbits, and chaotic trajectories—are all strictly physical, meaning that the frequency of any strategy lies inside the closed interval zero to one at all times. Thus, we elaborate on which of the twelve types of games are capable of showing meaningful physical solutions and for which of the two types of replicator equation. Subsequently, we introduce the concept of the weight of fitness deviation that is the scaling factor in a positive affine transformation connecting two payoff matrices such that the corresponding one-shot games have exactly same Nash equilibria and evolutionary stable states. The weight also quantifies how much the excess of fitness of a strategy over the average fitness of the population affects the per capita change in the frequency of the strategy. Intriguingly, the weight's variation is capable of making the Nash equilibria and the evolutionary stable states, useless by introducing strict physical chaos in the replicator dynamics based on the normal-form game.

Weight of fitness deviation governs strict physical chaos in replicator dynamics.

Science.gov (United States)

Pandit, Varun; Mukhopadhyay, Archan; Chakraborty, Sagar

2018-03-01

Replicator equation-a paradigm equation in evolutionary game dynamics-mathematizes the frequency dependent selection of competing strategies vying to enhance their fitness (quantified by the average payoffs) with respect to the average fitnesses of the evolving population under consideration. In this paper, we deal with two discrete versions of the replicator equation employed to study evolution in a population where any two players' interaction is modelled by a two-strategy symmetric normal-form game. There are twelve distinct classes of such games, each typified by a particular ordinal relationship among the elements of the corresponding payoff matrix. Here, we find the sufficient conditions for the existence of asymptotic solutions of the replicator equations such that the solutions-fixed points, periodic orbits, and chaotic trajectories-are all strictly physical, meaning that the frequency of any strategy lies inside the closed interval zero to one at all times. Thus, we elaborate on which of the twelve types of games are capable of showing meaningful physical solutions and for which of the two types of replicator equation. Subsequently, we introduce the concept of the weight of fitness deviation that is the scaling factor in a positive affine transformation connecting two payoff matrices such that the corresponding one-shot games have exactly same Nash equilibria and evolutionary stable states. The weight also quantifies how much the excess of fitness of a strategy over the average fitness of the population affects the per capita change in the frequency of the strategy. Intriguingly, the weight's variation is capable of making the Nash equilibria and the evolutionary stable states, useless by introducing strict physical chaos in the replicator dynamics based on the normal-form game.

Do microorganism stoichiometric alterations affect carbon sequestration in paddy soil subjected to phosphorus input?

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, ZhiJian; Li, HongYi; Hu, Jiao; Li, Xia; He, Qiang; Tian, GuangMing; Wang, Hang; Wang, ShunYao; Wang, Bei

2015-04-01

Ecological stoichiometry provides a powerful tool for integrating microbial biomass stoichiometry with ecosystem processes, opening far-reaching possibilities for linking microbial dynamics to soil carbon (C) metabolism in response to agricultural nutrient management. Despite its importance to crop yield, the role of phosphorus (P) with respect to ecological stoichiometry and soil C sequestration in paddy fields remains poorly understood, which limits our ability to predict nutrient-related soil C cycling. Here, we collected soil samples from a paddy field experiment after seven years of superphosphate application along a gradient of 0, 30, 60, and 90 (P-0 through P-90, respectively) kg.ha-1.yr-1 in order to evaluate the role of exogenous P on soil C sequestration through regulating microbial stoichiometry. P fertilization increased soil total organic C and labile organic C by 1-14% and 4-96%, respectively, while rice yield is a function of the activities of soil β-1,4-glucosidase (BG), acid phosphatase (AP), and the level of available soil P through a stepwise linear regression model. P input induced C limitation, as reflected by decreases in the ratios of C:P in soil and microbial biomass. An eco-enzymatic ratio indicating microbial investment in C vs. P acquisition, i.e., ln(BG): ln(AP), changed the ecological function of microbial C acquisition, and was stoichiometrically related to P input. This mechanism drove a shift in soil resource availability by increasing bacterial community richness and diversity, and stimulated soil C sequestration in the paddy field by enhancing C-degradation-related bacteria for the breakdown of plant-derived carbon sources. Therefore, the decline in the C:P stoichiometric ratio of soil microorganism biomass under P input was beneficial for soil C sequestration, which offered a "win-win" relationship for the maximum balance point between C sequestration and P availability for rice production in the face of climate change.

41 CFR 102-74.351 - If a state or local government has a smoke-free ordinance that is more strict than the smoking...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-07-01

... government has a smoke-free ordinance that is more strict than the smoking policy for Federal facilities... REGULATION REAL PROPERTY 74-FACILITY MANAGEMENT Facility Management Smoking § 102-74.351 If a state or local government has a smoke-free ordinance that is more strict than the smoking policy for Federal facilities...

Nonvolatile two-step, two-color holography with continuous-wave lights for both congruent and near-stoichiometric LiNbO3:Fe

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shen Yan; Zhang Guoquan; Fu Bo; Xu Qingjun; Xu Jingjun

2004-01-01

We have studied theoretically the steady-state nonvolatile two-step, two-color holographic recording performance for both the congruent and the near-stoichiometric LiNbO 3 :Fe based on the two-center model (the deep-trap and the shallow-trap centers are Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ and Nb Li 4+ /Nb Li 5+ , respectively). The results show that the direct electron exchange between the Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ centers and the Nb Li 4+ /Nb Li 5+ centers due to the tunneling effect dominates the charge-transfer process during the nonvolatile two-step, two-color holography and determines the two-step, two-color holography performance in LiNbO 3 :Fe. We have further studied the effects of the crystal stoichiometry on the performance of the two-step, two-color holography. It is shown that, as far as the total space-charge field is considered, the nonvolatile two-step, two-color holography performance in the near-stoichiometric LiNbO 3 :Fe is much better than that in the congruent LiNbO 3 :Fe within the intensity range reachable by the continuous-wave lights

Single Molecule Experiments Challenge the Strict Wave-Particle Dualism of Light

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Karl Otto Greulich

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Single molecule techniques improve our understanding of the photon and light. If the single photon double slit experiment is performed at the “single photon limit” of a multi-atom light source, faint light pulses with more than one photon hamper the interpretation. Single molecules, quantum dots or defect centres in crystals should be used as light source. “Single photon detectors” do not meet their promise―only “photon number resolving single photon detectors” do so. Particularly, the accumulation time argument, the only safe basis for the postulate of a strictly particle like photon, has so far not yet been verified.

Initial stages of oxidation of near-stoichiometric titanium carbide at low oxygen pressures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shabalin, I.L.; Vishnyakov, V.M.; Bull, D.J.; Keens, S.G.; Yamshchikov, L.F.; Shabalin, L.I.

2009-01-01

A novel approach to the oxidation mechanism of near-stoichiometric TiC is presented. It is confirmed by consideration of solid-state chemical kinetics model and electron microscopy observations in parallel. At low oxygen pressures and moderate temperatures the initial step of the process is connected with the dissolution of oxygen and subsequent decomposition of oxygen-oversaturated oxycarbide, which ultimately results in the nucleation of oxide phase, in particular anatase, belike stabilised by residual carbon. An anatase-rutile transformation is concurrent with deeper carbon burn-off in the oxide scale, which sinters at higher temperatures. This mechanism shifts the process to a gas diffusion regime, governed by the scale permeability, but determined by solid-state diffusion that is reflected in the kinetics, as further temperature increase is accompanied by a decrease of the oxidation rate, so in general the process is characterised by the negative value of apparent activation energy

Strict liability as a legal mechanism protecting the aggrieved parties' interests within the nuclear liability regime

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Novotna, Marianna

2016-01-01

The no-fault liability principle of nuclear liability regime, its compensation schemes, sociological and legal grounds of its construction as well as liberation grounds are analysed. The simple existence of causation of damage and nuclear accident without necessity of proving negligence or any other type of fault on the part of the operator as an adequate basis for the operator’s strict liability is highlighted thus simplifying the litigation process eliminating potential obstacles, especially such as might exist with the burden of proof. The question of weighing the interests of society in the development of nuclear industry, the necessary extent of protection of victims of nuclear accidents and the interests of operators of nuclear facilities as main determinants of the strict nature of nuclear liability is also described. (orig.)

A new stoichiometric miniaturization strategy for screening of industrial microbial strains: application to cellulase hyper-producing Trichoderma reesei strains

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jourdier Etienne

2012-05-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background During bioprocess development, secondary screening is a key step at the boundary between laboratory and industrial conditions. To ensure an effective high-throughput screening, miniaturized laboratory conditions must mimic industrial conditions, especially for oxygen transfer, feeding capacity and pH stabilization. Results A feeding strategy has been applied to develop a simple screening procedure, in which a stoichiometric study is combined with a standard miniaturization procedure. Actually, the knowledge of all nutriments and base or acid requirements leads to a great simplification of pH stabilization issue of miniaturized fed-batch cultures. Applied to cellulase production by Trichoderma reesei, this strategy resulted in a stoichiometric mixed feed of carbon and nitrogen sources. While keeping the pH between shake flask and stirred bioreactor comparable, the developed shake flask protocol reproduced the strain behaviour under stirred bioreactor conditions. Compared to a an already existing miniaturized shake flasks protocol, the cellulase concentration was increased 5-fold, reaching about 10 g L-1. Applied to the secondary screening of several clones, the newly developed protocol succeeded in selecting a clone with a high industrial potential. Conclusions The understanding of a bioprocess stoichiometry contributed to define a simpler and more effective miniaturization. The suggested strategy can potentially be applied to other fed-batch processes, for the screening of either strain collections or experimental conditions.

Effect of composition on the degree of anisotropy of thermal expansion and electric resistance of cermet specimens of GeTe

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barbakadze, K.G.; Vekua, T.S.; Ioseliani, M.I.; Kvitsiniya, K.M.

1988-01-01

A study was made on α temperature coefficient of thermal expansion and ρ specific electric resistance of cermet germanium telluride for alloys close to stoichiometric composition. It is shown that anisotropy of thermal expansion of cermet germanium telluride depends sufficiently on its composition. This dependence is clearly pronounced if tellurium content in alloys equals 50.4-51.2 at.%. The maximal anisotropy is observed in the alloy containing 50.8 at.% of tellurium. The temperature of extreme value of temperature coefficient of linear expansion decreases from 440 down to 373 deg.C for alloys with 49-50.8 at.% of tellurium, and grows from 373 up to 405 deg.C if tellurium content equals 50.8-52 at.%

History, administration, goals, values, and long-term data of Russia's strictly protected scientific nature reserves

Science.gov (United States)

Martin A. Spetich; Anna E. Kvashnina; Y.D. Nukhimovskya; Olin E. Jr. Rhodes

2009-01-01

One of the most comprehensive attempts at biodiversity conservation in Russia and the former Soviet Union has been the establishment of an extensive network of protected natural areas. Among all types of protected areas in Russia, zapovedniks (strictly protected scientific preserve) have been the most effective in protecting biodiversity at the ecosystem scale. Russia...

Process for making a titanium diboride-chromium diboride-yttrium titanium oxide ceramic composition

Science.gov (United States)

Holcombe, C.E.; Dykes, N.L.

1992-04-28

A ceramic composition is described. The ceramic composition consists essentially of from about 84 to 96 w/o titanium diboride, from about 1 to 9 w/o chromium diboride, and from about 3 to about 15 w/o yttrium-titanium-oxide. A method of making the ceramic composition is also described. The method of making the ceramic composition comprises the following steps: Step 1--A consolidated body containing stoichiometric quantities of titanium diboride and chromium diboride is provided. Step 2--The consolidated body is enclosed in and in contact with a thermally insulated package of yttria granules having a thickness of at least 0.5 inches. Step 3--The consolidated body enclosed in the thermally insulated package of yttria granules is heated in a microwave oven with microwave energy to a temperature equal to or greater than 1,900 degrees centigrade to sinter and uniformly disperse yttria particles having a size range from about 1 to about 12 microns throughout the consolidated body forming a densified body consisting essentially of titanium diboride, chromium diboride, and yttrium-titanium-oxide. The resulting densified body has enhanced fracture toughness and hardness. No Drawings

Flexible n-type thermoelectric composite films with enhanced performance through interface engineering and post-treatment

Science.gov (United States)

An, Hyeunhwan; Karas, Dale; Kim, Byung-Wook; Trabia, Sarah; Moon, Jaeyun

2018-07-01

Flexible thermoelectric (TE) materials, which are devices that convert thermal gradients to electrical energy, have attracted interest for practical energy-harvesting/recovery applications. However, as compared with p-type materials, the progress on the development of n-type TE flexible materials has been slow due to difficulties involved in n-type doping techniques. This study used high mobility carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to a uniformly mixed hybrid-composite, resulting in an enhanced power factor by increasing electrical conductivity. The energy filtering effect and stoichiometric composition of the material used, bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) correlated to a significant enhancement in TE performance, with a power factor of 225.9 μW m‑1K‑2 at room temperature: a factor of 65 higher than as-fabricated composite film. This paper describes a simplified synthesis for the preparation of the composite film that eliminates time-intensive and cost-prohibitive processing, traditionally seen during extrusion and dicing inorganic manufacturing. The resulting post-annealed composite film consisting of Bi2Te3 nanowire and CNTs demonstrate a promising candidate for material that can be used for an n-type TE device that has improved energy conversion efficiency.

Effects of Cu content on the photoelectrochemistry of Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystal thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khoshmashrab, Saghar; Turnbull, Matthew J.; Vaccarello, Daniel; Nie, Yuting; Martin, Spencer; Love, David A.; Lau, Po K.; Sun, Xuhui; Ding, Zhifeng

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Two compositions of CZTS were synthesized, one yielding Cu-poor and the other Cu-stoichiometric nanocrystals (NCs). • Physical and electronic properties of both films were probed using various analytical techniques. • Films comprised of Cu-poor CZTS showed tighter packing with less defects compared to those of stoichiometric-Cu. • Photoelectrochemical measurements exhibited increased photoconversion and increased photostability of the Cu-poor films. • Intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy showed that the Cu-deficient NCs had half the recombination rate as that of stoichiometric-Cu films. - Abstract: Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) nanocrystals (NCs) were prepared via a one-pot solvothermal method. Given that the composition affects the electronic properties of this p-type semiconductor, two compositional ratios were chosen from 10 designed and synthesized analogues, one yielding Cu-poor and the other Cu-stoichiometric CZTS. NCs in which the Cu concentration was slightly below stoichiometric yielded more uniform films with greater photovoltaic performance. The lower Cu content also lead to slightly better crystallinity within the film, as demonstrated by XRD, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Chronophotoelectrochemical measurements indicated that both types of NC films displayed good stability; however, with a decrease in potential, an increase in resistance for the Cu-stoichiometric film was observed. As determined by intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy, the product separation rate of the photoinduced holes and electrons in the Cu-poor films were more than 3 times that of the Cu-stoichiometric, confirming that the lower Cu content led to an improved photoperformance

Composition-structure-property relation of oxide glasses

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hermansen, Christian

also increases such properties. Yet, these rules are not strictly followed even for the simplest binary oxide glasses, such as alkali silicates, borates and phosphates. In this thesis it is argued that the missing link between composition and properties is the glass structure. Structural models...... are proposed based on topological selection rules and experimentally verified. The relation between structure and properties is evaluated using topological constraint theory, which in its essence is a theory that quantifies the two intuitions of the glass scientist. The end result is a quantitative model...

Model of the thermodynamic properties and structure of the non-stoichiometric plutonium and cerium oxides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Manes, L.; Mari, C.; Ray, I.

1979-01-01

The tetrahedral defect consisting of one oxygen vacancy bonded to two reduced cations - is an important concept, which, as shown in the present work, can explain both the thermodynamic properties and the structures of the phases of the PuO 2 -x and CeO 2 -x systems. Based on this concept a statistical thermodynamic model has been developed and this model is described along with some preliminary calculations. A relatively good agreement with experimental thermodynamic data was obtained in this calculation. Using the exclusion principle, defect complexes each containing one tetrahedral defect are derived and it is shown that a systematic packing of these gives a good description both of the non-stoichiometric and the ordered phases observed for these oxide systems. (orig.) [de

Conversion of broadband thermal radiation in lithium niobate crystals of various compositions

Science.gov (United States)

Syuy, A. V.; Litvinova, M. N.; Goncharova, P. S.; Sidorov, N. V.; Palatnikov, M. N.; Krishtop, V. V.; Likhtin, V. V.

2013-05-01

The conversion of the broadband thermal radiation in stoichiometric ( R = 1) lithium niobate single crystals that are grown from melt with 58.6 mol % of LiO2, congruent ( R = Li/Nb = 0.946) melt with the K2O flux admixture (4.5 and 6.0 wt %), and congruent melt and in congruent single crystals doped with the Zn2+, Gd3+, and Er3+ cations is studied. It is demonstrated that the conversion efficiency of the stoichiometric crystal that is grown from the melt with 58.6 mol % of LiO2 is less than the conversion efficiency of congruent crystal. In addition, the stoichiometric and almost stoichiometric crystals and the doped congruent crystals exhibit the blue shift of the peak conversion intensity in comparison with a nominally pure congruent crystal. For the congruent crystals, the conversion intensities peak at 520 and 495 nm, respectively.

Kinematics and thermodynamics of non-stoichiometric oxidation phase transitions in spent fuel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stout, R.B.; Kansa, E.J.; Wijesinghe, A.M.

1993-01-01

At low temperatures ( 2 lattice to a U 4 O 9 lattice but with an oxygen-to-uranium (O/U) ratio of ∼2.4. Also, the weight gain time response has a plateau as the O/U approaches 2.4. Part of this response results from a geometrical dependency as a U 4 O 9 oxidation front propagates into grain volumes Of UO 2 It may also be indicative of a metastable, non-stoichiometric U 4 O 9 phase whose existence may inhibit the transition kinetics to the next expected phase Of U 3 O 8 . To gain a mechanistic understanding and to plan future oxidation tests, lattice kinematic and thermodynamic models are developed for lattice deformations and energetics of lattice phase changes (UO 2 → U 4 O 9 → U 3 0 7 → U 3 O 8) that include zeroth order influences on oxidation kinetics due to interstitial oxygen atoms and vacancies plus interstitial and substitutional actinides and fission decay products in spent fuel

Strictly positive solutions for one-dimensional nonlinear problems involving the p-Laplacian

OpenAIRE

Kaufmann, Uriel; Medri, Ivan

2013-01-01

Let $\\Omega$ be a bounded open interval, and let $p>1$ and $q\\in\\left(0,p-1\\right) $. Let $m\\in L^{p^{\\prime}}\\left(\\Omega\\right) $ and $0\\leq c\\in L^{\\infty}\\left(\\Omega\\right) $. We study existence of strictly positive solutions for elliptic problems of the form $-\\left(\\left\\| u^{\\prime}\\right\\|^{p-2}u^{\\prime}\\right) ^{\\prime}+c\\left(x\\right) u^{p-1}=m\\left(x\\right) u^{q}$ in $\\Omega$, $u=0$ on $\\partial\\Omega$. We mention that our results are new even in the case $c\\equiv0$.

Silica-supported sulfonic acids as recyclable catalyst for esterification of levulinic acid with stoichiometric amounts of alcohols

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Raimondo Maggi

2016-10-01

Full Text Available Converting biomass into value-added chemicals holds the key to sustainable long-term carbon resource management. In this context, levulinic acid, which is easily obtained from cellulose, is valuable since it can be transformed into a variety of industrially relevant fine chemicals. Here we present a simple protocol for the selective esterification of levulinic acid using solid acid catalysts. Silica supported sulfonic acid catalysts operate under mild conditions and give good conversion and selectivity with stoichiometric amounts of alcohols. The sulfonic acid groups are tethered to the support using organic tethers. These tethers may help in preventing the deactivation of the active sites in the presence of water.

Public healthcare interests require strict competition enforcement.

Science.gov (United States)

Loozen, Edith M H

2015-07-01

Several countries have introduced competition in their health systems in order to maintain the supply of high quality health care in a cost-effective manner. The introduction of competition triggers competition enforcement. Since healthcare is characterized by specific market failures, many favor healthcare-specific competition enforcement in order not only to account for the competition interest, but also for the healthcare interests. The question is whether healthcare systems based on competition can succeed when competition enforcement deviates from standard practice. This paper analyzes whether healthcare-specific competition enforcement is theoretically sound and practically effective. This is exemplified by the Dutch system that is based on regulated competition and thus crucially depends on getting competition enforcement right. Governments are responsible for correcting market failures. Markets are responsible for maximizing the public healthcare interests. By securing sufficient competitive pressure, competition enforcement makes sure they do. When interpreted according to welfare-economics, competition law takes into account both costs and benefits specific market behavior may have for healthcare. Competition agencies and judiciary are not legitimized to deviate from standard evidentiary requirements. Dutch case law shows that healthcare-specific enforcement favors the healthcare undertakings concerned, but to the detriment of public health care. Healthcare-specific competition enforcement is conceptually flawed and counterproductive. In order for healthcare systems based on competition to succeed, competition enforcement should be strict. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fracture properties of hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsuda, Y.; King, S.W.; Bielefeld, J.; Xu, J.; Dauskardt, R.H.

2012-01-01

The cohesive fracture properties of hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC:H) thin films in moist environments are reported. Films with stoichiometric compositions (C/Si ≈ 1) exhibited a decreasing cohesive fracture energy with decreasing film density similar to other silica-based hybrid organic–inorganic films. However, lower density a-SiC:H films with non-stoichiometric compositions (C/Si ≈ 5) exhibited much higher cohesive fracture energy than the films with higher density stoichiometric compositions. One of the non-stoichiometric films exhibited fracture energy (∼9.5 J m −2 ) greater than that of dense silica glasses. The increased fracture energy was due to crack-tip plasticity, as demonstrated by significant pileup formation during nanoindentation and a fracture energy dependence on film thickness. The a-SiC:H films also exhibited a very low sensitivity to moisture-assisted cracking compared with other silica-based hybrid films. A new atomistic fracture model is presented to describe the observed moisture-assisted cracking in terms of the limited Si-O-Si suboxide bond formation that occurs in the films.

SILICATE COMPOSITION OF THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fogerty, S.; Forrest, W.; Watson, D. M.; Koch, I.; Sargent, B. A.

2016-01-01

The composition of silicate dust in the diffuse interstellar medium and in protoplanetary disks around young stars informs our understanding of the processing and evolution of the dust grains leading up to planet formation. An analysis of the well-known 9.7 μ m feature indicates that small amorphous silicate grains represent a significant fraction of interstellar dust and are also major components of protoplanetary disks. However, this feature is typically modeled assuming amorphous silicate dust of olivine and pyroxene stoichiometries. Here, we analyze interstellar dust with models of silicate dust that include non-stoichiometric amorphous silicate grains. Modeling the optical depth along lines of sight toward the extinguished objects Cyg OB2 No. 12 and ζ Ophiuchi, we find evidence for interstellar amorphous silicate dust with stoichiometry intermediate between olivine and pyroxene, which we simply refer to as “polivene.” Finally, we compare these results to models of silicate emission from the Trapezium and protoplanetary disks in Taurus.

SILICATE COMPOSITION OF THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fogerty, S.; Forrest, W.; Watson, D. M.; Koch, I. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627 (United States); Sargent, B. A., E-mail: sfogerty@pas.rochester.edu [Center for Imaging Science and Laboratory for Multiwavelength Astrophysics, Rochester Institute of Technology, 54 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623 (United States)

2016-10-20

The composition of silicate dust in the diffuse interstellar medium and in protoplanetary disks around young stars informs our understanding of the processing and evolution of the dust grains leading up to planet formation. An analysis of the well-known 9.7 μ m feature indicates that small amorphous silicate grains represent a significant fraction of interstellar dust and are also major components of protoplanetary disks. However, this feature is typically modeled assuming amorphous silicate dust of olivine and pyroxene stoichiometries. Here, we analyze interstellar dust with models of silicate dust that include non-stoichiometric amorphous silicate grains. Modeling the optical depth along lines of sight toward the extinguished objects Cyg OB2 No. 12 and ζ Ophiuchi, we find evidence for interstellar amorphous silicate dust with stoichiometry intermediate between olivine and pyroxene, which we simply refer to as “polivene.” Finally, we compare these results to models of silicate emission from the Trapezium and protoplanetary disks in Taurus.

Strictly monolayer large continuous MoS2 films on diverse substrates and their luminescence properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mohapatra, P. K.; Deb, S.; Singh, B. P.; Vasa, P.; Dhar, S.

2016-01-01

Despite a tremendous interest on molybdenum disulfide as a thinnest direct band gap semiconductor, single step synthesis of a large area purely monolayer MoS 2 film has not yet been reported. Here, we report a CVD route to synthesize a continuous film of strictly monolayer MoS 2 covering an area as large as a few cm 2 on a variety of different substrates without using any seeding material or any elaborate pretreatment of the substrate. This is achieved by allowing the growth to take place in the naturally formed gap between a piece of SiO 2 coated Si wafer and the substrate, when the latter is placed on top of the former inside a CVD reactor. We propose a qualitative model to explain why the MoS 2 films are always strictly monolayer in this method. The photoluminescence study of these monolayers shows the characteristic excitonic and trionic features associated with monolayer MoS 2 . In addition, a broad defect related luminescence band appears at ∼1.7 eV. As temperature decreases, the intensity of this broad feature increases, while the band edge luminescence reduces

Hydroxycinnamic acids used as external acceptors of electrons: an energetic advantage for strictly heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria.

Science.gov (United States)

Filannino, Pasquale; Gobbetti, Marco; De Angelis, Maria; Di Cagno, Raffaella

2014-12-01

The metabolism of hydroxycinnamic acids by strictly heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria (19 strains) was investigated as a potential alternative energy route. Lactobacillus curvatus PE5 was the most tolerant to hydroxycinnamic acids, followed by strains of Weissella spp., Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides, for which the MIC values were the same. The highest sensitivity was found for Lactobacillus rossiae strains. During growth in MRS broth, lactic acid bacteria reduced caffeic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids into dihydrocaffeic, phloretic, and dihydroferulic acids, respectively, or decarboxylated hydroxycinnamic acids into the corresponding vinyl derivatives and then reduced the latter compounds to ethyl compounds. Reductase activities mainly emerged, and the activities of selected strains were further investigated in chemically defined basal medium (CDM) under anaerobic conditions. The end products of carbon metabolism were quantified, as were the levels of intracellular ATP and the NAD(+)/NADH ratio. Electron and carbon balances and theoretical ATP/glucose yields were also estimated. When CDM was supplemented with hydroxycinnamic acids, the synthesis of ethanol decreased and the concentration of acetic acid increased. The levels of these metabolites reflected on the alcohol dehydrogenase and acetate kinase activities. Overall, some biochemical traits distinguished the common metabolism of strictly heterofermentative strains: main reductase activity toward hydroxycinnamic acids, a shift from alcohol dehydrogenase to acetate kinase activities, an increase in the NAD(+)/NADH ratio, and the accumulation of supplementary intracellular ATP. Taken together, the above-described metabolic responses suggest that strictly heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria mainly use hydroxycinnamic acids as external acceptors of electrons. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Consequences of Stoichiometric Error on Nuclear DNA Content Evaluation in Coffea liberica var. dewevrei using DAPI and Propidium Iodide

OpenAIRE

NOIROT, MICHEL; BARRE, PHILIPPE; LOUARN, JACQUES; DUPERRAY, CHRISTOPHE; HAMON, SERGE

2002-01-01

The genome size of coffee trees (Coffea sp.) was assessed using flow cytometry. Nuclear DNA was stained with two dyes [4′,6‐diamino‐2‐phenylindole dihydrochloride hydrate (DAPI) and propidium iodide (PI)]. Fluorescence in coffee tree nuclei (C‐PI or C‐DAPI) was compared with that of the standard, petunia (P‐PI or P‐DAPI). If there is no stoichiometric error, then the ratio between fluorescence of the target nuclei and that of the standard nuclei (R‐PI or R‐DAPI) is expected to be proportional...

Higher-order quasi-phase matched second harmonic generation in periodically poled MgO-doped stoichiometric LiTaO3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu, Nan Ei; Kurimura, Sunao; Kitamura, Kenji

2005-01-01

A periodically poled device was investigated by using fourth-order quasi-phase-matched (QPM) second harmonic generation (SHG) in MgO-doped stoichiometric lithium tantalate (LiTaO 3 ). The effective nonlinear coefficient was found be 2.4 pm/V by using fourth-order QPM SHG at the fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm. For first-order QPM SHG, the effective value of d 33 could be 9.2 pm/V. Using the sensitive higher-order QPM SHG method, we investigated the relationship between the domain duty ratio and the conversion efficiency.

Stoichiometric imbalances between terrestrial decomposer communities and their resources: mechanisms and implications of microbial adaptations to their resources

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Maria eMooshammer

2014-02-01

Full Text Available Terrestrial microbial decomposer communities thrive on a wide range of organic matter types that rarely ever meet their elemental demands. In this review we synthesize the current state-of-the-art of microbial adaptations to resource stoichiometry, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions between heterotrophic microbial communities and their chemical environment. The stoichiometric imbalance between microbial communities and their organic substrates generally decreases from wood to leaf litter and further to topsoil and subsoil organic matter. Microbial communities can respond to these imbalances in four ways: first, they adapt their biomass composition towards their resource in a non-homeostatic behaviour. Such changes are, however, only moderate, and occur mainly because of changes in microbial community structure and less so due to cellular storage of elements in excess. Second, microbial communities can mobilize resources that meet their elemental demand by producing specific extracellular enzymes, which, in turn, is restricted by the C and N requirement for enzyme production itself. Third, microbes can regulate their element use efficiencies (ratio of element invested in growth over total element uptake, such that they release elements in excess depending on their demand (e.g., respiration and N mineralization. Fourth, diazotrophic bacteria and saprotrophic fungi may trigger the input of external N and P to decomposer communities. Theoretical considerations show that adjustments in element use efficiencies may be the most important mechanism by which microbes regulate their biomass stoichiometry. This review summarizes different views on how microbes cope with imbalanced supply of C, N and P, thereby providing a framework for integrating and linking microbial adaptation to resource imbalances to ecosystem scale fluxes across scales and ecosystems.

Study on Environment Performance Evaluation and Regional Differences of Strictly-Environmental-Monitored Cities in China

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ji Guo

2017-12-01

Full Text Available With the rapid economic growth and development, the problem of environmental pollution in China’s cities is becoming increasingly serious, and environmental pollution takes on a regional difference. There is, however, little comprehensive evaluation on the environmental performance and the regional difference of strictly-environmental-monitored cities in China. In this paper, the environmental performance of 109 strictly-environmental-monitored cities in China is evaluated in terms of natural performance, management performance, and scale performance by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA, incorporating PM2.5 and PM10 as undesirable outputs. The empirical results show that: (1 At present, the natural performance is quite high, while the management performance is noticeably low for most cities. (2 The gap between the level of economic development and environmental protection among cities in China is large, and the scale efficiency of big cities is better than that of smaller cities. The efficiency value of large-scale cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc. is high, equaling 1; the value of smaller cities such as Sanmenxia, Baoding, Mudanjiang, and Pingdingshan is low, close to 0, indicating that big cities are characterized by high environmental efficiency. (3 From the perspective of region, the level of environmental performance in China is very uneven. For example, the environmental efficiency level of the Pan-Pearl River Delta region is superior to that of the Pan-Yangtze River region and the Bahia Rim region, whose values of environmental efficiency are 0.858, 0.658, and 0.622 respectively. The average efficiency of the Southern Coastal Economic Zone, Eastern Coastal Comprehensive Economic Zone, and the Comprehensive Economic Zone in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River is higher than that of other regions. Finally, corresponding countermeasures and suggestions are put forward. The method used in this paper is applicable

Atmospheric vs. anaerobic processing of metabolome samples for the metabolite profiling of a strict anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium acetobutylicum.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Sang-Hyun; Kim, Sooah; Kwon, Min-A; Jung, Young Hoon; Shin, Yong-An; Kim, Kyoung Heon

2014-12-01

Well-established metabolome sample preparation is a prerequisite for reliable metabolomic data. For metabolome sampling of a Gram-positive strict anaerobe, Clostridium acetobutylicum, fast filtration and metabolite extraction with acetonitrile/methanol/water (2:2:1, v/v) at -20°C under anaerobic conditions has been commonly used. This anaerobic metabolite processing method is laborious and time-consuming since it is conducted in an anaerobic chamber. Also, there have not been any systematic method evaluation and development of metabolome sample preparation for strict anaerobes and Gram-positive bacteria. In this study, metabolome sampling and extraction methods were rigorously evaluated and optimized for C. acetobutylicum by using gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, in which a total of 116 metabolites were identified. When comparing the atmospheric (i.e., in air) and anaerobic (i.e., in an anaerobic chamber) processing of metabolome sample preparation, there was no significant difference in the quality and quantity of the metabolomic data. For metabolite extraction, pure methanol at -20°C was a better solvent than acetonitrile/methanol/water (2:2:1, v/v/v) at -20°C that is frequently used for C. acetobutylicum, and metabolite profiles were significantly different depending on extraction solvents. This is the first evaluation of metabolite sample preparation under aerobic processing conditions for an anaerobe. This method could be applied conveniently, efficiently, and reliably to metabolome analysis for strict anaerobes in air. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The conditions for attaining the greatest degree of system stability with strict generator excitation control

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gruzdev, I.A.; Ekimova, M.M.; Truspekova, G.A.

1982-01-01

Expressions are derived for an idealized model of a complex electric power system; these expressions define the greatest level of stability of an electric power system and the optimum combination of stabilization factors with automatic excitation control in a single power system. The possibility of increasing the level of stability of an electric power system with simultaneous strict automatic excitation control of the synychronous generators in several power systems is analyzed.

End-Member Formulation of Solid Solutions and Reactive Transport

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lichtner, Peter C. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

2015-09-01

A model for incorporating solid solutions into reactive transport equations is presented based on an end-member representation. Reactive transport equations are solved directly for the composition and bulk concentration of the solid solution. Reactions of a solid solution with an aqueous solution are formulated in terms of an overall stoichiometric reaction corresponding to a time-varying composition and exchange reactions, equivalent to reaction end-members. Reaction rates are treated kinetically using a transition state rate law for the overall reaction and a pseudo-kinetic rate law for exchange reactions. The composition of the solid solution at the onset of precipitation is assumed to correspond to the least soluble composition, equivalent to the composition at equilibrium. The stoichiometric saturation determines if the solid solution is super-saturated with respect to the aqueous solution. The method is implemented for a simple prototype batch reactor using Mathematica for a binary solid solution. Finally, the sensitivity of the results on the kinetic rate constant for a binary solid solution is investigated for reaction of an initially stoichiometric solid phase with an undersaturated aqueous solution.

Monster potential meets potential monster: pros and cons of deploying genetically modified microalgae for biofuels production.

Science.gov (United States)

Flynn, K J; Mitra, A; Greenwell, H C; Sui, J

2013-02-06

Biofuels production from microalgae attracts much attention but remains an unproven technology. We explore routes to enhance production through modifications to a range of generic microalgal physiological characteristics. Our analysis shows that biofuels production may be enhanced ca fivefold through genetic modification (GM) of factors affecting growth rate, respiration, photoacclimation, photosynthesis efficiency and the minimum cell quotas for nitrogen and phosphorous (N : C and P : C). However, simulations indicate that the ideal GM microalgae for commercial deployment could, on escape to the environment, become a harmful algal bloom species par excellence, with attendant risks to ecosystems and livelihoods. In large measure, this is because an organism able to produce carbohydrate and/or lipid at high rates, providing stock metabolites for biofuels production, will also be able to attain a stoichiometric composition that will be far from optimal as food for the support of zooplankton growth. This composition could suppress or even halt the grazing activity that would otherwise control the microalgal growth in nature. In consequence, we recommend that the genetic manipulation of microalgae, with inherent consequences on a scale comparable to geoengineering, should be considered under strict international regulation.

Intrinsic magnetic properties of hexagonal LuFeO3 and the effects of nonstoichiometry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jarrett A. Moyer

2014-01-01

Full Text Available We used oxide molecular-beam epitaxy in a composition-spread geometry to deposit hexagonal LuFeO3 (h-LuFeO3 thin films with a monotonic variation in the Lu/Fe cation ratio, creating a mosaic of samples that ranged from iron rich to lutetium rich. We characterized the effects of composition variation with x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry. After identifying growth conditions leading to stoichiometric film growth, an additional sample was grown with a rotating sample stage. From this stoichiometric sample, we determined stoichiometric h-LuFeO3 to have a TN = 147 K and Ms = 0.018 μB/Fe.

Stoichiometric titanium dioxide ion implantation in AISI 304 stainless steel for corrosion protection

Science.gov (United States)

Hartwig, A.; Decker, M.; Klein, O.; Karl, H.

2015-12-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the applicability of highly chemically inert titanium dioxide synthesized by ion beam implantation for corrosion protection of AISI 304 stainless steel in sodium chloride solution. More specifically, the prevention of galvanic corrosion between carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and AISI 304 was investigated. Corrosion performance of TiO2 implanted AISI 304 - examined for different implantation and annealing parameters - is strongly influenced by implantation fluence. Experimental results show that a fluence of 5 × 1016 cm-2 (Ti+) and 1 × 1017 cm-2 (O+) is sufficient to prevent pitting corrosion significantly, while galvanic corrosion with CFRP can already be noticeably reduced by an implantation fluence of 5 × 1015 cm-2 (Ti+) and 1 × 1016 cm-2 (O+). Surface roughness, implantation energy and annealing at 200 °C and 400 °C show only little influence on the corrosion behavior. TEM analysis indicates the existence of stoichiometric TiO2 inside the steel matrix for medium fluences and the formation of a separated metal oxide layer for high fluences.

Magnetic-field-induced martensitic transformation of off-stoichiometric single-crystal Ni2MnGa

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Inoue, Kazuko; Yamaguchi, Yasuo; Shishido, Toetsu; Ishii, Yoshinobu; Yamauchi, Hiroki

2009-01-01

The effect of a magnetic field on the martensitic transformation of an off-stoichiometric Heusler type Ni 2.16 Mn 0.78 Ga 1.06 single crystal has been revealed by neutron diffraction. The alloy undergoes a martensitic transformation at room temperature, which is nearly coincident with its Curie temperature. Splitting of the cubic (020) peak on the reciprocal lattice cubic c * -plane was traced at 293 K by a triple-axis neutron spectrometer under an increasing magnetic field of up to 10 T. It was found that the magnetic field causes the martensitic transformation from the cubic structure to the orthorhombic structure, which is the same as that caused by decreasing the temperature without a magnetic field. The increase in the magnetic field to 10 T appears to correspond to a decrease in temperature of nearly 12 K, i.e., from 293 to 281 K. The present experiment suggests the possibility of realizing a magnetic-field-induced shape memory alloy. (author)

The preparation of benzyl esters using stoichiometric niobium (V) chloride versus niobium grafted SiO2 catalyst: A comparison study

OpenAIRE

Sandro L. Barbosa; Camila D. Lima; Melina A.R. Almeida; Larissa S. Mourão; Myrlene Ottone; David L. Nelson; Stanlei I. Klein; Lucas D. Zanatta; Giuliano C. Clososki; Franco J. Caires; Eduardo J. Nassar; Gabriela R. Hurtado

2018-01-01

Two solvent free methods of a one-to-one alcohol/acid mol ratio synthesis of benzyl esters of the formic, acetic, benzoic, salicylic, nicotinic, and oxalic acids are described. The stoichiometric reactions used 1.5 mol ratio solid NbCl5 as the reagent and required from two to three hours for completion at room temperature; for the catalytic processes, NbCl5 was grafted directly, at room temperature, onto a silica gel of specific area of 507 m2g−1, produced from construction sand and sodium ca...

Electronic tuning of the transport properties of off-stoichiometric Pb{sub x}Sn{sub 1−x}Te thermoelectric alloys by Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} doping

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Guttmann, Gilad M. [The Unit of Energy Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva (Israel); Dadon, David [Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva (Israel); Gelbstein, Yaniv [The Unit of Energy Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva (Israel); Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva (Israel)

2015-08-14

The recent energy demands affected by the dilution of conventional energy resources and the growing awareness of environmental considerations had motivated many researchers to seek for novel renewable energy conversion methods. Thermoelectric direct conversion of thermal into electrical energies is such a method, in which common compositions include IV-VI semiconducting compounds (e.g., PbTe and SnTe) and their alloys. For approaching practical thermoelectric devices, the current research is focused on electronic optimization of off-stoichiometric p-type Pb{sub x}Sn{sub 1−x}Te alloys by tuning of Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} doping and/or SnTe alloying levels, while avoiding the less mechanically favorable Na dopant. It was shown that upon such doping/alloying, higher ZTs, compared to those of previously reported undoped Pb{sub 0.5}Sn{sub 0.5}Te alloy, were obtained at temperatures lower than 210–340 °C, depending of the exact doping/alloying level. It was demonstrated that upon optimal grading of the carrier concentration, a maximal thermoelectric efficiency enhancement of ∼38%, compared to that of an undoped material, is expected.

Influence of Mn incorporation for Ni on the magnetocaloric properties of rapidly solidified off-stoichiometric NiMnGa ribbons

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dey, Sushmita; Singh, Satnam; Roy, R.K.; Ghosh, M.; Mitra, A.; Panda, A.K., E-mail: akpanda@nmlindia.org

2016-01-01

The present investigation addresses the magnetocaloric behaviour in a series of Ni{sub 77−x}Mn{sub x}Ga{sub 23} (x=23, 24, 25, 27 and 29) rapidly solidified alloys prepared in the form of ribbons by melt spinning technique. The approach of the study is to identify the off-stoichiometric composition wherein room temperature magneto-structural transformation is achieved. The alloy chemistry was tailored through Mn incorporation for Ni such that the magnetic and structural transitions were at close proximity to achieve highest entropy value of ΔS equal to 8.51 J Kg{sup −1} K{sup −1} for #Mn{sub 24} ribbon measured at an applied field of 3 T. When such transitions are more staggered as in #Mn{sub 29} the entropy value of ribbon reduced to as low as 1.61 J Kg{sup −1} K{sup −1}. Near room temperature transformations in #Mn{sub 24} ribbon have been observed through calorimetric and thermomagnetic evaluation. Reverse martensitic transformation (martensite→autstenite) temperature indicates not only distinct change in the saturation flux density but also an inter-martensitic phase. Microstructural analysis of #Mn{sub 24} alloy ribbon revealed structural ordering with the existence of plate morphology evidenced for martensitic phase. - Highlights: • Magnetocaloric effect in a series of melt spun NiMnGa ribbon is addressed. • The alloy series revealed austenitic state as well as its presence with martensite. • The morphology of the ribbons has been shown and discussed through phase analysis. • Influence of magnetising field on entropy and relative cooling power is discussed. • Influence of intermartensitic state on magnetization plots have also been shown.

Strictly monolayer large continuous MoS{sub 2} films on diverse substrates and their luminescence properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mohapatra, P. K.; Deb, S.; Singh, B. P.; Vasa, P.; Dhar, S., E-mail: dhar@phy.iitb.ac.in [Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076 (India)

2016-01-25

Despite a tremendous interest on molybdenum disulfide as a thinnest direct band gap semiconductor, single step synthesis of a large area purely monolayer MoS{sub 2} film has not yet been reported. Here, we report a CVD route to synthesize a continuous film of strictly monolayer MoS{sub 2} covering an area as large as a few cm{sup 2} on a variety of different substrates without using any seeding material or any elaborate pretreatment of the substrate. This is achieved by allowing the growth to take place in the naturally formed gap between a piece of SiO{sub 2} coated Si wafer and the substrate, when the latter is placed on top of the former inside a CVD reactor. We propose a qualitative model to explain why the MoS{sub 2} films are always strictly monolayer in this method. The photoluminescence study of these monolayers shows the characteristic excitonic and trionic features associated with monolayer MoS{sub 2}. In addition, a broad defect related luminescence band appears at ∼1.7 eV. As temperature decreases, the intensity of this broad feature increases, while the band edge luminescence reduces.

Improved ionic model of liquid uranium dioxide

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Gryaznov, [No Value; Iosilevski, [No Value; Yakub, E; Fortov, [No Value; Hyland, GJ; Ronchi, C

The paper presents a model for liquid uranium dioxide, obtained by improving a simplified ionic model, previously adopted to describe the equation of state of this substance [1]. A "chemical picture" is used for liquid UO2 of stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric composition. Several ionic species

Spark ignition natural gas engines-A review

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cho, Haeng Muk; He, Bang-Quan

2007-01-01

Natural gas is a promising alternative fuel to meet strict engine emission regulations in many countries. Natural gas engines can operate at lean burn and stoichiometric conditions with different combustion and emission characteristics. In this paper, the operating envelope, fuel economy, emissions, cycle-to-cycle variations in indicated mean effective pressure and strategies to achieve stable combustion of lean burn natural gas engines are highlighted. Stoichiometric natural gas engines are briefly reviewed. To keep the output power and torque of natural gas engines comparable to those of their gasoline or Diesel counterparts, high boost pressure should be used. High activity catalyst for methane oxidation and lean deNOx system or three way catalyst with precise air-fuel ratio control strategies should be developed to meet future stringent emission standards

On a digital wireless impact-monitoring network for large-scale composite structures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yuan, Shenfang; Mei, Hanfei; Qiu, Lei; Ren, Yuanqiang

2014-01-01

Impact, which may occur during manufacture, service or maintenance, is one of the major concerns to be monitored throughout the lifetime of aircraft composite structures. Aiming at monitoring impacts online while minimizing the weight added to the aircraft to meet the strict limitations of aerospace engineering, this paper puts forward a new digital wireless network based on miniaturized wireless digital impact-monitoring nodes developed for large-scale composite structures. In addition to investigations on the design methods of the network architecture, time synchronization and implementation method, a conflict resolution method based on the feature parameters of digital sequences is first presented to address impact localization conflicts when several nodes are arranged close together. To verify the feasibility and stability of the wireless network, experiments are performed on a complex aircraft composite wing box and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) composite wing. Experimental results show the successful design of the presented network. (paper)

A novel method for stoichiometric reduction of (U{sub 3}O{sub 8},PuO{sub 2}) and its controlled oxidation using microwave

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Singh, G., E-mail: gitendars@barctara.gov.in [Advanced Fuel Fabrication Facility (AFFF), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Tarapur, 401 502 (India); Kumar, Pradeep [Integrated Fuel Fabrication Facility, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 085 (India); Aher, S.; Purohit, P.; Khot, P.M. [Advanced Fuel Fabrication Facility (AFFF), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Tarapur, 401 502 (India); Prakash, Amrit [Radio-Metallurgy Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 085 (India); Das, D.K.; Behere, P.G.; Afzal, Mohd [Advanced Fuel Fabrication Facility (AFFF), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Tarapur, 401 502 (India)

2016-10-15

We report a process for stoichiometric reduction of U{sub 3}O{sub 8} and (U{sub 3}O{sub 8},PuO{sub 2}) mixed oxide powders using an indigenously developed 2.4 GHz microwave processing system. The process parameters were optimized by interpreting reduction kinetic curves at a temperature which is 150 °C lower than the conventional reduction. The process improved the sinterability of the powder which was evaluated in terms of average particle size, BET specific surface area and bulk density. A quick method for controlled oxidation of the reduced powder to incorporate a controlled amount of hyper-stoichiometry was demonstrated by modifying the same reduction process. The percent reduction was measured experimentally using O:(U + Pu) ratio. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the various phases present. The process is novel considering shorter processing cycle, lower temperature processing, improved powder properties, energy efficiency and cost effectiveness. - Highlights: • A process for stoichiometric reduction of (U{sub 3}O{sub 8},PuO{sub 2}) was demonstrated using 2.4 GHz microwave. • A simple and quick method for obtaining controlled hyper-stoichiometry in the reduced powder was successfully demonstrated. • The process is novel relative to conventional methods in terms of time and energy economy and sinter-activity.

Shifts in the Physiology and Stoichiometric Needs of Soil Microbial Communities from Subarctic Soils in Response to Warming: Icelandic Geothermal Gradients as a Model.

Science.gov (United States)

Marañón-Jiménez, S.; Soong, J.; Leblans, N. I. W.; Sigurdsson, B. D.; Peñuelas, J.; Richter, A.; Asensio, D.; Fransen, E.; Janssens, I. A.

2017-12-01

Large amounts of CO2 can be released to the atmosphere from a faster mineralization of soil organic matter at warmer temperatures, thus inducing climate change feedbacks. Specifically, soils at high northern latitudes store more than half of the global surface soil carbon and are particularly vulnerable to temperature-driven C losses, since they warm more rapidly. Alterations to the temperature sensitivity, physiological functioning and stoichiometric constrains of soil microorganisms in response to rising temperatures can play a key role in these soil carbon (C) losses. We present results of several incubation experiments using soils from geothermal soil temperature gradients in Iceland that have undergone a range of warming intensities for seven years, encompassing the full range of IPCC warming scenarios for the northern region. Soil microbes from warmed soils did not show changes in their temperature sensitivity at the physiological level. On the contrary, seven years of chronic soil warming provoked a permanent increase of microbial metabolic quotients (i.e., respiration per unit of biomass), and a subsequent reduction in the C retained in biomass as substrate became limiting. After the initial depletion of labile soil C, increasing energy demands for metabolic maintenance and resource acquisition at higher temperatures may have triggered permanent functional changes or community shifts towards increasing respiratory costs of soil decomposers. Pointing to this, microbial communities showed a strong C limitation even at ambient soil temperatures, obscuring any metabolic response to nitrogen and phosphorous additions. The tight C:N stoichiometric constrains of soil microbial communities and the strong C limitation for microbial biomass may lead to a reduced capacity of microbial N retention, explaining the equivalent soil C and N losses found in response to soil warming. These results highlight the need to incorporate potential changes in microbial physiological

Structural stability of Riemann solutions for strictly hyperbolic systems with three piecewise constant states

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xuefeng Wei

2016-12-01

Full Text Available This article concerns the wave interaction problem for a strictly hyperbolic system of conservation laws whose Riemann solutions involve delta shock waves. To cover all situations, the global solutions are constructed when the initial data are taken as three piecewise constant states. It is shown that the Riemann solutions are stable with respect to a specific small perturbation of the Riemann initial data. In addition, some interesting nonlinear phenomena are captured during the process of constructing the solutions, such as the generation and decomposition of delta shock waves.

Assessment of the imprinting efficiency of an imide with a "stoichiometric" pyridine-based functional monomer in precipitation polymerisation.

Science.gov (United States)

Lim, K Fremielle; Hall, Andrew J; Lettieri, Stefania; Holdsworth, Clovia I

2018-03-01

The efficiency of the stoichiometric non-covalent imprinting of the imide 2,3,5-tri-O-acetyluridine (TAU) with 2,6-bis(acrylamido)pyridine (BAAPy) as functional monomer due to their strong donor-acceptor-donor/acceptor-donor-acceptor (DAD/ADA) hydrogen bond array interaction has been evaluated by bulk imprinting. This study is the first to investigate the imprinting and template rebinding efficiencies of the TAU/BAAPy molecularly imprinted polymeric (MIP) system prepared by precipitation polymerisation. We found that the stoichiometric 1:1 T:FM ratio has not been maintained in precipitation polymerisation and an optimal TAU:BAAPy ratio of 1:2.5 was obtained in acetonitrile without agitation affording an affinity constant (1.7 × 10 4 M -1 ) and a binding capacity (3.69 μmol/g) higher than its bulk counterpart. Molecular modelling, NMR studies, and selectivity assays against analogues uridine and 2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl cytidine (TAC) indicate that, aside from the DAD/ADA hydrogen bond interaction, BAAPy also interacts with the acetyl groups of TAU. Template incorporation and rebinding in precipitation MIPs are favoured by a moderate initiator concentration, ie, initiator:total monomer (I:TM) ratio of 1:131, while low I:TM ratio (ie, 1:200) drastically reduced template incorporation and binding capacity. Vigorous agitation by stirring showed higher template incorporation but significantly lower template rebinding compared to that prepared without agitation. While the imprinting efficiencies for the best performing bulk and precipitation TAU MIPs generated in this study were moderate, 41% and 60%, respectively, their rebinding capacities were only between 3 and 4% of the incorporated template. We also present quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as an efficient method for MIP characterisation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Food web architecture and basal resources interact to determine biomass and stoichiometric cascades along a benthic food web.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rafael D Guariento

Full Text Available Understanding the effects of predators and resources on primary producers has been a major focus of interest in ecology. Within this context, the trophic cascade concept especially concerning the pelagic zone of lakes has been the focus of the majority of these studies. However, littoral food webs could be especially interesting because base trophic levels may be strongly regulated by consumers and prone to be light limited. In this study, the availability of nutrients and light and the presence of an omnivorous fish (Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus were manipulated in enclosures placed in a humic coastal lagoon (Cabiúnas Lagoon, Macaé - RJ to evaluate the individual and interactive effects of resource availability (nutrients and light and food web configuration on the biomass and stoichiometry of periphyton and benthic grazers. Our findings suggest that light and nutrients interact to determine periphyton biomass and stoichiometry, which propagates to the consumer level. We observed a positive effect of the availability of nutrients on periphytic biomass and grazers' biomass, as well as a reduction of periphytic C∶N∶P ratios and an increase of grazers' N and P content. Low light availability constrained the propagation of nutrient effects on periphyton biomass and induced higher periphytic C∶N∶P ratios. The effects of fish presence strongly interacted with resource availability. In general, a positive effect of fish presence was observed for the total biomass of periphyton and grazer's biomass, especially with high resource availability, but the opposite was found for periphytic autotrophic biomass. Fish also had a significant effect on periphyton stoichiometry, but no effect was observed on grazers' stoichiometric ratios. In summary, we observed that the indirect effect of fish predation on periphyton biomass might be dependent on multiple resources and periphyton nutrient stoichiometric variation can affect consumers' stoichiometry.

Expressiveness modulo Bisimilarity of Regular Expressions with Parallel Composition (Extended Abstract

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jos C. M. Baeten

2010-11-01

Full Text Available The languages accepted by finite automata are precisely the languages denoted by regular expressions. In contrast, finite automata may exhibit behaviours that cannot be described by regular expressions up to bisimilarity. In this paper, we consider extensions of the theory of regular expressions with various forms of parallel composition and study the effect on expressiveness. First we prove that adding pure interleaving to the theory of regular expressions strictly increases its expressiveness up to bisimilarity. Then, we prove that replacing the operation for pure interleaving by ACP-style parallel composition gives a further increase in expressiveness. Finally, we prove that the theory of regular expressions with ACP-style parallel composition and encapsulation is expressive enough to express all finite automata up to bisimilarity. Our results extend the expressiveness results obtained by Bergstra, Bethke and Ponse for process algebras with (the binary variant of Kleene's star operation.

Strictly local one-dimensional topological quantum error correction with symmetry-constrained cellular automata

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nicolai Lang, Hans Peter Büchler

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Active quantum error correction on topological codes is one of the most promising routes to long-term qubit storage. In view of future applications, the scalability of the used decoding algorithms in physical implementations is crucial. In this work, we focus on the one-dimensional Majorana chain and construct a strictly local decoder based on a self-dual cellular automaton. We study numerically and analytically its performance and exploit these results to contrive a scalable decoder with exponentially growing decoherence times in the presence of noise. Our results pave the way for scalable and modular designs of actively corrected one-dimensional topological quantum memories.

Effect of annealing on the composition and structure of TiC and TaC powders

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vavrda, J.; Blazhikova, J.

1979-01-01

Effect of annealing (1300-2000 deg C) upon lattice parameters and composition of TiC and TaC powders has been investigated. It is established that the lowest deviation from stoichiometric composition of TiC and TaC is the result of annealing the samples, placed in graphite crucibles, in the medium of pure argon. It is shown, that the processes of decarbonizing and crystal defect formation produce decisive effect upon recrystallization of titanium and tantalum carbides. Using the methods of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy significant difference is detected in structural changes in TiC at high temperature heat treatment compared to recrystallization processes in metals. Singled out are the following stages of the process: carbide decarbonizing and arizing of lattice distortions connected with it; progressing disorientation of mosaic blocks, connected with the increase in stresses of the second kind and subsequent gragmentation of big crystals; relief in fragmentated crystals

Compositional changes at the interface between thorium-doped uranium dioxide and zirconium due to high-temperature annealing

Science.gov (United States)

Youn, Young-Sang; Lee, Jeongmook; Kim, Jandee; Kim, Jong-Yun

2018-06-01

Compositional changes at the interface between thorium-doped uranium dioxide (U0.97Th0.03O2) and Zr before and after annealing at 1700 °C for 18 h were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. At room temperature, the U0.97Th0.03O2 pellet consisted of hyperstoichiometric UO2+x with UO2 and ThO2, and the Zr sample contained Zr with ZrO2. After annealing, the former contained stoichiometric UO2 with ThO2 and the latter consisted of ZrO2 along with ZrO2·2H2O.

Determination of barium and strontium in Basub(x)Srsub(1-x)Nbsub(2)Osub(6) monocrystals and raw materials after their solvent ' extraction separation with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoylpyrazolone-5

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sizonenko, N.T.; Egorova, L.A.

1981-01-01

The extraction of milligram amounts of barium and strontium by 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoylpyrazolone-5 solutions in various diluents has been examined. The possibility has been shown of using the reagent for extraction separation of the elements for determining the stoichiometric composition of barium- and strontium-based compounds. Conditions have been studied for separation of barium and strontium at their different ratios by the chromate method in the presence of EDTA. A procedure has been worked out of determining barium and strontium in the estimation of stoichiometric composition of charge and single crystals of barium-strontium niobates of different composition

Learning-Based Adaptive Optimal Tracking Control of Strict-Feedback Nonlinear Systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Gao, Weinan; Jiang, Zhong-Ping; Weinan Gao; Zhong-Ping Jiang; Gao, Weinan; Jiang, Zhong-Ping

2018-06-01

This paper proposes a novel data-driven control approach to address the problem of adaptive optimal tracking for a class of nonlinear systems taking the strict-feedback form. Adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) and nonlinear output regulation theories are integrated for the first time to compute an adaptive near-optimal tracker without any a priori knowledge of the system dynamics. Fundamentally different from adaptive optimal stabilization problems, the solution to a Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation, not necessarily a positive definite function, cannot be approximated through the existing iterative methods. This paper proposes a novel policy iteration technique for solving positive semidefinite HJB equations with rigorous convergence analysis. A two-phase data-driven learning method is developed and implemented online by ADP. The efficacy of the proposed adaptive optimal tracking control methodology is demonstrated via a Van der Pol oscillator with time-varying exogenous signals.

Stoichiometric titanium dioxide ion implantation in AISI 304 stainless steel for corrosion protection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hartwig, A.; Decker, M.; Klein, O.; Karl, H.

2015-01-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the applicability of highly chemically inert titanium dioxide synthesized by ion beam implantation for corrosion protection of AISI 304 stainless steel in sodium chloride solution. More specifically, the prevention of galvanic corrosion between carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and AISI 304 was investigated. Corrosion performance of TiO 2 implanted AISI 304 – examined for different implantation and annealing parameters – is strongly influenced by implantation fluence. Experimental results show that a fluence of 5 × 10 16 cm −2 (Ti + ) and 1 × 10 17 cm −2 (O + ) is sufficient to prevent pitting corrosion significantly, while galvanic corrosion with CFRP can already be noticeably reduced by an implantation fluence of 5 × 10 15 cm −2 (Ti + ) and 1 × 10 16 cm −2 (O + ). Surface roughness, implantation energy and annealing at 200 °C and 400 °C show only little influence on the corrosion behavior. TEM analysis indicates the existence of stoichiometric TiO 2 inside the steel matrix for medium fluences and the formation of a separated metal oxide layer for high fluences.

Stoichiometric and Oxygen-Deficient VO2 as Versatile Hole Injection Electrode for Organic Semiconductors.

Science.gov (United States)

Fu, Keke; Wang, Rongbin; Katase, Takayoshi; Ohta, Hiromichi; Koch, Norbert; Duhm, Steffen

2018-03-28

Using photoemission spectroscopy, we show that the surface electronic structure of VO 2 is determined by the temperature-dependent metal-insulator phase transition and the density of oxygen vacancies, which depends on the temperature and ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. The atomically clean and stoichiometric VO 2 surface is insulating at room temperature and features an ultrahigh work function of up to 6.7 eV. Heating in UHV just above the phase transition temperature induces the expected metallic phase, which goes in hand with the formation of oxygen defects (up to 6% in this study), but a high work function >6 eV is maintained. To demonstrate the suitability of VO 2 as hole injection contact for organic semiconductors, we investigated the energy-level alignment with the prototypical organic hole transport material N, N'-di(1-naphthyl)- N, N'-diphenyl-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine (NPB). Evidence for strong Fermi-level pinning and the associated energy-level bending in NPB is found, rendering an Ohmic contact for holes.

Generation of Stoichiometric Ethylene and Isotopic Derivatives and Application in Transition Metal-Catalyzed Vinylation and Enyne Metathesis

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Min, Geanna; Bjerglund, Klaus Meier; Kramer, Søren

2013-01-01

Ethylene is one of the most important building blocks in industry for the production of polymers and commodity chemicals. 13C- and D-isotope-labeled ethylenes are also valuable reagents with applications ranging from polymer-structure determination, reaction-mechanism elucidation to the preparation...... of more complex isotopically labeled compounds. However, these isotopic derivatives are expensive, and are flammable gases, which are difficult to handle. We have developed a method for the controlled generation of ethylene and its isotopic variants including, for the first time, fully isotopically...... labeled ethylene, from simple alkene precursors by using Ru catalysis. Applying a two-chamber reactor allows both the synthesis of ethylene and its immediate consumption in a chemical transformation permitting reactions to be performed with only stoichiometric amounts of this two carbon olefin...

Thermodinamic study the uranium-oxygen system within the composition range 2,61 < O/U < 2,67

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Caneiro, Alberto.

1983-01-01

Oxygen partial pressures (Psub(O2)) as a function of composition and temperature were studied in order to determine the thermodynamic properties of the Uranium-Oxygen (U-O) system. To measure and control Psub(O2), an electrochemical system was used, consisting of an oxygen electrochemical pump and a zirconia gauge which allowed a very accurate determination of the CO + 1/2O 2 = CO 2 reaction. In order to determine oxygen composition, a symmetrical thermogravimetric system a Cahn 1000 electrobalance was constructed and coupled to the system for controlling and measuring Psub(O2) so as to constitute an experimental set-up, which is unique in its type at the present. This facility allowed to determine the thermodynamic properties of the (U-O) system within the composition-temperature range 2,61 3 O 8 ) and of a non-stoichiometric phase (U 8 Osub(21+x)), both being separated by a narrow region of coexistence. Analytical expressions were established for the oxygen chemical potential as a function of composition and temperature, for the stable equilibrium states of the U 8 Osub(21+x) phase and for the metastable ones obtained by oxidation of U 8 Osub(21+x). (M.E.L.) [es

Stoichiometric Correlation Analysis: Principles of Metabolic Functionality from Metabolomics Data

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kevin Schwahn

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Recent advances in metabolomics technologies have resulted in high-quality (time-resolved metabolic profiles with an increasing coverage of metabolic pathways. These data profiles represent read-outs from often non-linear dynamics of metabolic networks. Yet, metabolic profiles have largely been explored with regression-based approaches that only capture linear relationships, rendering it difficult to determine the extent to which the data reflect the underlying reaction rates and their couplings. Here we propose an approach termed Stoichiometric Correlation Analysis (SCA based on correlation between positive linear combinations of log-transformed metabolic profiles. The log-transformation is due to the evidence that metabolic networks can be modeled by mass action law and kinetics derived from it. Unlike the existing approaches which establish a relation between pairs of metabolites, SCA facilitates the discovery of higher-order dependence between more than two metabolites. By using a paradigmatic model of the tricarboxylic acid cycle we show that the higher-order dependence reflects the coupling of concentration of reactant complexes, capturing the subtle difference between the employed enzyme kinetics. Using time-resolved metabolic profiles from Arabidopsis thaliana and Escherichia coli, we show that SCA can be used to quantify the difference in coupling of reactant complexes, and hence, reaction rates, underlying the stringent response in these model organisms. By using SCA with data from natural variation of wild and domesticated wheat and tomato accession, we demonstrate that the domestication is accompanied by loss of such couplings, in these species. Therefore, application of SCA to metabolomics data from natural variation in wild and domesticated populations provides a mechanistic way to understanding domestication and its relation to metabolic networks.

Sub-stoichiometric isotope dilution analysis method for the determination of iodine in common salts using iodine-131 tracer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Singh, Vivek; Garg, A.N.

1994-01-01

A sub-stoichiometric isotope dilution analysis (SIDA) method was developed for the determination of iodine in different brands of common salts. An aqueous salt solution containing 131 I tracer and NaI as carrier is oxidized by tartaric acid and KIO 3 and the liberated iodine is extracted with CCl 4 . To the extract an aqueous solution of AgNO 3 is added in substoichiometric amount to obtain a colloidal solution of AgI. On adding sodium thiosulfate solution, the NaI so formed passes into aqueous solution, which is then counted. Several different brands of salt were analysed. The method is especially suitable for the determination of microgram amounts of iodide in the presence of excess of chloride. (Author)

Neutron and X-ray study of stoichiometric and doped LiNbO3:Zn0.08

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sulyanov, S.; Maximov, B.; Volk, T.; Boysen, H.; Schneider, J.; Rubinina, N.; Hansen, Th.

2002-01-01

LiNbO 3 (LN) crystals possess useful optical properties, which are strongly dependent on both the crystal stoichiometry and the content of dopants such as Mg 2+ , Zn 2+ , In 3+ , and Sc 3+ . Such elements drastically reduce photorefraction at a sufficiently high threshold concentration, which for Zn is in the range of 7-8 at. % and was supposed to be connected with the change of dopant-atom localisation in the lattice. We report the results of a single-crystal neutron study of stoichiometric, congruent, and doped (with 8.2 at. % Zn) LiNbO 3 at T=78 K and 298 K and also a multi-pattern powder neutron and X-ray Rietveld refinement of the doped material. Zn ions occupy both Li and Nb sites and there is no residual Nb on Li sites. LN single crystals are very perfect, and extinction problems are discussed. (orig.)

Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Fluoridated and Unfluoridated Bioactive Glass Composites: Structural Analysis and Bioactivity Evaluation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Batra, Uma; Kapoor, Seema; Sharma, J. D.

2011-01-01

Biphasic bioceramic composites containing nano-hydroxyapatite (HAP) and nanosized bioactive glasses have been prepared in the form of pellets and have been examined for the effects of bioglass concentrations and sintering temperature on the structural transformations and bioactivity behavior. Pure stoichiometric nano-HAP was synthesized using sol-gel technique. Two bioglasses synthesized in this work--fluoridated bioglass (Cao-P 2 O 5 -Na 2 O 3 -CaF 2 ) and unfluoridated bioglass (Cao-P 2 O 5 -Na 2 O 3 ) designated as FBG and UFBG respectively, were added to nano-HAP with concentrations of 5, 10, 12 and 15%. The average particle sizes of synthesized HAP and bioglasses were 23 nm and 35 nm, respectively. The pellets were sintered at four different temperatures i.e. 1000 deg. C, 1150 deg. C, 1250 deg. C and 1350 deg. C. The investigations involved study of structural and bioactivity behavior of green and sintered pellets and their deviations from original materials i.e. HAP, FBG and UFBG, using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The phase composition of the sintered pellets was found to be non-stoichiometric HAP with α-TCP (tricalcium phosphate) and β-TCP. It was revealed from SEM images that bonding mechanism was mainly solid state sintering for all pellets sintered at 1000 deg. C and 1150 deg. C and also for pellets with lower concentrations of bioglass i.e. 5% and 10% sintered at 1250 deg. C. Partly liquid phase sintering was observed for pellets with higher bioglass concentrations of 12% and 15% sintered at 1250 deg. C and same behaviour was noted for pellets at all concentrations of bioglasses at 1350 deg. C. The sintered density, hardness and compression strength of pellets have been influenced both by the concentration of the bioglasses and sintering temperature. It was observed that the biological HAP layer formation was faster on the green pellets surface than on pure HAP and sintered pellets, showing higher bioactivity in the

Technical Note: On the calculation of stopping-power ratio for stoichiometric calibration in proton therapy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ödén, Jakob; Zimmerman, Jens; Nowik, Patrik; Poludniowski, Gavin; Bujila, Robert

2015-01-01

Purpose: The quantitative effects of assumptions made in the calculation of stopping-power ratios (SPRs) are investigated, for stoichiometric CT calibration in proton therapy. The assumptions investigated include the use of the Bethe formula without correction terms, Bragg additivity, the choice of I-value for water, and the data source for elemental I-values. Methods: The predictions of the Bethe formula for SPR (no correction terms) were validated against more sophisticated calculations using the SRIM software package for 72 human tissues. A stoichiometric calibration was then performed at our hospital. SPR was calculated for the human tissues using either the assumption of simple Bragg additivity or the Seltzer-Berger rule (as used in ICRU Reports 37 and 49). In each case, the calculation was performed twice: First, by assuming the I-value of water was an experimentally based value of 78 eV (value proposed in Errata and Addenda for ICRU Report 73) and second, by recalculating the I-value theoretically. The discrepancy between predictions using ICRU elemental I-values and the commonly used tables of Janni was also investigated. Results: Errors due to neglecting the correction terms to the Bethe formula were calculated at less than 0.1% for biological tissues. Discrepancies greater than 1%, however, were estimated due to departures from simple Bragg additivity when a fixed I-value for water was imposed. When the I-value for water was calculated in a consistent manner to that for tissue, this disagreement was substantially reduced. The difference between SPR predictions when using Janni’s or ICRU tables for I-values was up to 1.6%. Experimental data used for materials of relevance to proton therapy suggest that the ICRU-derived values provide somewhat more accurate results (root-mean-square-error: 0.8% versus 1.6%). Conclusions: The conclusions from this study are that (1) the Bethe formula can be safely used for SPR calculations without correction terms; (2

Technical Note: On the calculation of stopping-power ratio for stoichiometric calibration in proton therapy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ödén, Jakob [Department of Medical Physics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-17176, Sweden and Department of Medical Radiation Physics, Stockholm University and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-17176 (Sweden); Zimmerman, Jens; Nowik, Patrik; Poludniowski, Gavin, E-mail: gavin.poludniowski@karolinska.se [Department of Medical Physics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-17176 (Sweden); Bujila, Robert [Department of Medical Physics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-17176, Sweden and Department of Physics, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm SE-10691 (Sweden)

2015-09-15

Purpose: The quantitative effects of assumptions made in the calculation of stopping-power ratios (SPRs) are investigated, for stoichiometric CT calibration in proton therapy. The assumptions investigated include the use of the Bethe formula without correction terms, Bragg additivity, the choice of I-value for water, and the data source for elemental I-values. Methods: The predictions of the Bethe formula for SPR (no correction terms) were validated against more sophisticated calculations using the SRIM software package for 72 human tissues. A stoichiometric calibration was then performed at our hospital. SPR was calculated for the human tissues using either the assumption of simple Bragg additivity or the Seltzer-Berger rule (as used in ICRU Reports 37 and 49). In each case, the calculation was performed twice: First, by assuming the I-value of water was an experimentally based value of 78 eV (value proposed in Errata and Addenda for ICRU Report 73) and second, by recalculating the I-value theoretically. The discrepancy between predictions using ICRU elemental I-values and the commonly used tables of Janni was also investigated. Results: Errors due to neglecting the correction terms to the Bethe formula were calculated at less than 0.1% for biological tissues. Discrepancies greater than 1%, however, were estimated due to departures from simple Bragg additivity when a fixed I-value for water was imposed. When the I-value for water was calculated in a consistent manner to that for tissue, this disagreement was substantially reduced. The difference between SPR predictions when using Janni’s or ICRU tables for I-values was up to 1.6%. Experimental data used for materials of relevance to proton therapy suggest that the ICRU-derived values provide somewhat more accurate results (root-mean-square-error: 0.8% versus 1.6%). Conclusions: The conclusions from this study are that (1) the Bethe formula can be safely used for SPR calculations without correction terms; (2

Oxidation of Benzene by Persulfate in the Presence of Fe(III)- and Mn(IV)-Containing Oxides: Stoichiometric Efficiency and Transformation Products.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Haizhou; Bruton, Thomas A; Li, Wei; Buren, Jean Van; Prasse, Carsten; Doyle, Fiona M; Sedlak, David L

2016-01-19

Sulfate radical (SO4(•-)) is a strong, short-lived oxidant that is produced when persulfate (S2O8(2-)) reacts with transition metal oxides during in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) of contaminated groundwater. Although engineers are aware of the ability of transition metal oxides to activate persulfate, the operation of ISCO remediation systems is hampered by an inadequate understanding of the factors that control SO4(•-) production and the overall efficiency of the process. To address these shortcomings, we assessed the stoichiometric efficiency and products of transition metal-catalyzed persulfate oxidation of benzene with pure iron- and manganese-containing minerals, clays, and aquifer solids. For most metal-containing solids, the stoichiometric efficiency, as determined by the loss of benzene relative to the loss of persulfate, approached the theoretical maximum. Rates of production of SO4(•-) or hydroxyl radical (HO(•)) generated from radical chain reactions were affected by the concentration of benzene, with rates of S2O8(2-) decomposition increasing as the benzene concentration increased. Under conditions selected to minimize the loss of initial transformation products through reaction with radicals, the production of phenol only accounted for 30%-60% of the benzene lost in the presence of O2. The remaining products included a ring-cleavage product that appeared to contain an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde functional group. In the absence of O2, the concentration of the ring-cleavage product increased relative to phenol. The formation of the ring-cleavage product warrants further studies of its toxicity and persistence in the subsurface.

Some results on a general iterative method for k-strictly pseudo-contractive mappings

OpenAIRE

Jung Jong Soo

2011-01-01

Abstract Let H be a Hilbert space, C be a closed convex subset of H such that C ± C ⊂ C, and T : C → H be a k-strictly pseudo-contractive mapping with F(T) ≠ ∅ for some 0 ≤ k < 1. Let F : C → C be a κ-Lipschitzian and η-strongly monotone operator with κ > 0 and η > 0 and f : C → C be a contraction with the contractive constant α ∈ (0, 1). Let , and τ < 1. Let {αn } and {βn } be sequen...

Fabrication of 2-3 YBa2Cu3O7-x/polymer composite with Tc above liquid nitrogen temperature

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wilson, C.M.; Safari, A.

1990-01-01

This paper reports on high T c superconducting oxide woven networks fabricated and used to form YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x /polymer composites showing a superconducting resistive transition above liquid nitrogen temperature. The ceramic network was produced by soaking biaxially woven carbon fabric in a solution containing the stoichiometric proportions of Y, Ba, and Cu. Decomposition of the infiltrated carbon fabric and reaction of the remaining oxides resulted in a ceramic replica of the original fabric. The fired networks had a strand diameter ∼100 μm and were embedded in a polymer matrix to produce 2--3 superconducting/polymer composites with a superconducting transition of ∼89 K. Linear shrinkage of the networks was constrained during firing, although the radial shrinkage of the superconducting strands occurred freely. XRD of the networks indicated the presence of BaCO 3 , CuO, and BaCuO 2 as impurity phases

High-resolution electron-microscopic studies of the polymorphs in Ag2±δSe films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okabe, Toshio; Ura, Katsuhiko

1994-01-01

The polymorphs that appear in the low-temperature phase of silver selenide have been studied by high-resolution electron microscopy. The specimen films are intentionally prepared with excess silver or selenium over stoichiometric composition by flash evaporation, as-depositing carbon films on both sides of the specimen films to protect them from selenium sublimation and to maintain the composition throughout the heat treatment. It is shown that four different types of low-temperature phase exist: tetragonal (a = 6.98, c = 4.96 A) for a metastable phase only formed with a small grain size of less than 50 nm; face-centred cubic (a = 10.9 A) for a non-stoichiometric phase with excess silver; monoclinic (a = 7.05, b = 8.17, c = 4.34 A, α = 101.0 ) for a non-stoichiometric phase with excess selenium; and orthorhombic (a = 7.05, b 7.82, c = 4.34 A) for the stoichiometric stable phase. The topotactic relations between the orthorhombic and monoclinic types are found to be fully coherent, having the same a and c lattice parameters. (orig.)

Managing Hanford Site solid waste through strict acceptance criteria

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jasen, W.G.; Pierce, R.D.; Willis, N.P.

1993-02-01

Various types of waste have been generated during the 50-year history of the Hanford Site. Regulatory changes in the last 20 years have provided the emphasis for better management of these wastes. Interpretations of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (AEA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) have led to the definition of a group of wastes called radioactive mixed wastes (RMW). As a result of the radioactive and hazardous properties of these wastes, strict management programs have been implemented for the management of these wastes. Solid waste management is accomplished through a systems performance approach to waste management that used best-demonstrated available technology (BDAT) and best management practices. The solid waste program at the Hanford Site strives to integrate all aspects of management relative to the treatment, storage and disposal (TSD) of solid waste. Often there are many competing and important needs. It is a difficult task to balance these needs in a manner that is both equitable and productive. Management science is used to help the process of making decisions. Tools used to support the decision making process include five-year planning, cost estimating, resource allocation, performance assessment, waste volume forecasts, input/output models, and waste acceptance criteria. The purpose of this document is to describe how one of these tools, waste acceptance criteria, has helped the Hanford Site manage solid wastes

Influence of H on the composition and atomic concentrations of 'N-rich' plasma deposited SiOxNyHz films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prado, A. del; San Andres, E.; Martil, I.; Gonzalez-Diaz, G.; Bohne, W.; Roehrich, J.; Selle, B.

2004-01-01

The influence of H on the composition and atomic concentrations of Si, O, and N of plasma deposited SiO x N y H z films was investigated. The bonding scheme of H was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The composition and absolute concentrations of all the species present in the SiO x N y H z , including H, was measured by heavy-ion elastic recoil detection analysis (HI-ERDA). Samples were deposited from SiH 4 , O 2 , and N 2 gas mixtures, with different gas flow ratios in order to obtain compositions ranging from SiN y H z to SiO 2 . Those samples deposited at higher SiH 4 partial pressures show both Si-H and N-H bonds, while those deposited at lower SiH 4 partial pressures show N-H bonds only. The Si-H and N-H bond concentrations were found to be proportional to the N concentration. The concentration of H was evaluated from the Si-H and N-H stretching absorption bands and compared to the HI-ERDA results, finding good agreement between both measurements. The deviation from H-free stoichiometric SiO x N y composition due to the presence of N-H bonds results in an effective coordination number of N to produce Si-N bonds lower than 3. By fitting the experimental composition data to a theoretical model taking into account the influence of N-H bonds, the actual concentration of N-H bonds was obtained, making evident the presence of nonbonded H. The presence of Si-H and Si-Si bonds was found to partially compensate the effect of N-H bonds, from the point of view of the relative N and Si contents. Finally, the presence of N-H bonds results in a lower Si atom concentration with respect to the stoichiometric film, due to a replacement of Si atoms by H atoms. This decrease of the Si concentration is lower in those films containing Si-H and Si-Si bonds. A model was developed to calculate the Si, O, and N atom concentrations taking into account the influence of N-H, Si-H, and Si-Si bonds, and was found to be in perfect agreement with the experimental data

The effect of 8 days of strict bed rest on the incretin effect in healthy volunteers.

Science.gov (United States)

Nielsen, Signe Tellerup; Harder-Lauridsen, Nina Majlund; Benatti, Fabiana Braga; Wedell-Neergaard, Anne-Sophie; Lyngbæk, Mark Preben; Møller, Kirsten; Pedersen, Bente Klarlund; Krogh-Madsen, Rikke

2016-03-15

Bed rest and physical inactivity are the consequences of hospital admission for many patients. Physical inactivity induces changes in glucose metabolism, but its effect on the incretin effect, which is reduced in, e.g., Type 2 diabetes, is unknown. To investigate how 8 days of strict bed rest affects the incretin effect, 10 healthy nonobese male volunteers underwent 8 days of strict bed rest. Before and after the intervention, all volunteers underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) followed by an intravenous glucose infusion (IVGI) on the following day to mimic the blood glucose profile from the OGTT. Blood glucose, serum insulin, serum C-peptide, plasma incretin hormones [glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP)], and serum glucagon were measured serially during both the OGTT and the IVGI. The incretin effect is calculated as the relative difference between the area under the curve for the insulin response during the OGTT and that of the corresponding IVGI, respectively. Concentrations of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and GIP measured during the OGTT were higher after the bed rest intervention (all P effect (P = 0.6). In conclusion, 8 days of bed rest induces insulin resistance, but we did not see evidence of an associated change in the incretin effect. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Non-stoichiometry and properties of SnTe left angle Cd right angle semiconducting phase of variable composition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rogacheva, E.I.; Nashchekina, O.N.

2006-01-01

It was established that the dependences of microhardness, hole concentration, electrical conductivity, and the Seebeck coefficient on composition in the Sn 0.984 Te-Cd and Sn 0.984 Te-CdTe solid solutions based on non-stoichiometric tin telluride exhibit non-monotonic behavior. The effects connected with the interaction between intrinsic and impurity defects and with critical phenomena accompanying a transition to the impurity continuum were isolated. The results obtained in this work represent another evidence for our proposition about the universal character of critical phenomena accompanying the transition from an impurity discontinuum to an impurity continuum in solid solutions. (copyright 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (Abstract Copyright [2006], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Composition and solubility of precipitated copper(II) arsenates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nelson, Hanna; Shchukarev, Andrey; Sjoeberg, Staffan [Department of Chemistry, Umea University, SE-901 87 Umea (Sweden); Loevgren, Lars, E-mail: lars.lovgren@chem.umu.se [Department of Chemistry, Umea University, SE-901 87 Umea (Sweden)

2011-05-15

Research Highlights: > By mixing solutions of Cu{sup 2+} and HAsO{sub 4}{sup 2-} solid phases are formed in a wide pH range. > Five different stoichiometric compositions were found. > Two of the solid phases formed in 0.1 M NaCl contained Na{sup +}. > Stability constants for all solid phases have been determined. > Aqueous complexes containing Cu{sup 2+} and AsO{sub 4}{sup 3-} ions could not be detected. - Abstract: Equilibrium reactions involving Cu(II) and As(V) have been studied with respect to formation of complexes in aqueous solutions as well as formation of solid phases. Potentiometric titrations performed at 25 deg. C (I = 0.1 M Na(Cl)) and at different Cu to As ratios gave no evidence for the existence of Cu(II) arsenate complexes in solution below the pH of the precipitation boundaries (pH {approx} 4), irrespective of the Cu to As ratio and pH. Mixing of solutions of Cu(II) and As(V) at different proportions and adjusting pH to values ranging from 4 to 9 resulted in precipitation of five different solid phases. The elemental composition of the solids was determined using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and Environmental Scanning Microscopy-Field Emission Gun equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscopy detector. The average Cu/As ratio was determined by dissolving the solids. Total soluble concentrations of the components Cu(II) and As(V), as well as the basicity of the solid phases were determined by analysis of aqueous solutions. Based upon these experimental data the stoichiometric composition of the solid phases and their stability were determined. The resulting equilibrium model includes the solid phases Cu{sub 3}(AsO{sub 4}){sub 2}, Cu{sub 3}(AsO{sub 4})(OH){sub 3}, Cu{sub 2}(AsO{sub 4})(OH), Cu{sub 5}Na(HAsO{sub 4})(AsO{sub 4}){sub 3} and Cu{sub 5}Na{sub 2}AsO{sub 4}){sub 4}, where Cu{sub 5}Na(HAsO{sub 4})(AsO{sub 4}){sub 3} and Cu{sub 5}Na{sub 2}(AsO{sub 4}){sub 4} have not been reported previously. In 0.1 M Na(Cl), Na{sup +} was found to be

Strong Convergence to Common Fixed Points of a Countable Family of Asymptotically Strictly Quasi-ϕ-Pseudocontractions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wei-Qi Deng

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Based on an original idea, namely, a specific way of choosing the indexes of the involved mappings, we propose a new hybrid shrinking iteration scheme for approximating some common fixed points of a countable family of asymptotically strictly quasi-ϕ-pseudocontractions and obtain a strong convergence theorem in the framework of Banach space. Our result extends other authors, related results existing in the current literature. As application, an iterative solution to a system of equilibrium problems is provided.

Mechanical characterization of magnesium aluminate MgO·nAl2O3 spinel single crystals irradiated with Cu- ions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohmura, Takahito; Lee, Chi-Gyu; Kishimoto, Naoki

2003-01-01

Ion-irradiation response of spinel single crystals was investigated using a nanoindentation technique. Specimens of stoichiometric (n=1) and non-stoichiometric (n=2.4) single crystals of MgO n(Al 2 O 3 ) spinel were irradiated with 60 keV Cu - ion at room temperature. Dose rate ranged from 1 to 100 μA/cm 2 , and a total dose was kept constant at 3x10 16 ions/cm 2 . Both plastic hardness and elastic modulus of all the irradiated specimens were softened. Radiation-induced swelling simultaneously occurred. Rutherford back scattering spectroscopy detected disordering of spinel crystalline structure. Accordingly, the radiation-induced softening and swelling are ascribed to accumulation of point defects associated with the disordering. In comparison between the stoichiometric and the non-stoichiometric specimens, the radiation-induced softening is suppressed in the non-stoichiometric composition. (author)

Predicting HIV-1 transmission and antibody neutralization efficacy in vivo from stoichiometric parameters.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Oliver F Brandenberg

2017-05-01

Full Text Available The potential of broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the HIV-1 envelope trimer to prevent HIV-1 transmission has opened new avenues for therapies and vaccines. However, their implementation remains challenging and would profit from a deepened mechanistic understanding of HIV-antibody interactions and the mucosal transmission process. In this study we experimentally determined stoichiometric parameters of the HIV-1 trimer-antibody interaction, confirming that binding of one antibody is sufficient for trimer neutralization. This defines numerical requirements for HIV-1 virion neutralization and thereby enables mathematical modelling of in vitro and in vivo antibody neutralization efficacy. The model we developed accurately predicts antibody efficacy in animal passive immunization studies and provides estimates for protective mucosal antibody concentrations. Furthermore, we derive estimates of the probability for a single virion to start host infection and the risks of male-to-female HIV-1 transmission per sexual intercourse. Our work thereby delivers comprehensive quantitative insights into both the molecular principles governing HIV-antibody interactions and the initial steps of mucosal HIV-1 transmission. These insights, alongside the underlying, adaptable modelling framework presented here, will be valuable for supporting in silico pre-trial planning and post-hoc evaluation of HIV-1 vaccination or antibody treatment trials.

Stoichiometric titanium dioxide ion implantation in AISI 304 stainless steel for corrosion protection

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hartwig, A.; Decker, M.; Klein, O.; Karl, H., E-mail: helmut.karl@physik.uni-augsburg.de

2015-12-15

The aim of this study is to evaluate the applicability of highly chemically inert titanium dioxide synthesized by ion beam implantation for corrosion protection of AISI 304 stainless steel in sodium chloride solution. More specifically, the prevention of galvanic corrosion between carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and AISI 304 was investigated. Corrosion performance of TiO{sub 2} implanted AISI 304 – examined for different implantation and annealing parameters – is strongly influenced by implantation fluence. Experimental results show that a fluence of 5 × 10{sup 16} cm{sup −2} (Ti{sup +}) and 1 × 10{sup 17} cm{sup −2} (O{sup +}) is sufficient to prevent pitting corrosion significantly, while galvanic corrosion with CFRP can already be noticeably reduced by an implantation fluence of 5 × 10{sup 15} cm{sup −2} (Ti{sup +}) and 1 × 10{sup 16} cm{sup −2} (O{sup +}). Surface roughness, implantation energy and annealing at 200 °C and 400 °C show only little influence on the corrosion behavior. TEM analysis indicates the existence of stoichiometric TiO{sub 2} inside the steel matrix for medium fluences and the formation of a separated metal oxide layer for high fluences.

Hukum Lingkungan dan Pertanggungjawaban Strict Liability dalam Sistem Hukum Common Law (Studi Kasus Cambridge Water Co. Ltd v. Eastern Countries Leather Plc

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mahfud Mahfud

2010-12-01

Full Text Available ABSTRACT: The possibilities for pollution control still offered today Blackburn J.’s celebrated rule of strict liability, now almost 130 years old, has ensured its continuing popularity. There can be few tort lawyers, however, who have not increasingly wondered how much time should be devoted to a case which has received little judicial attention in recent years, and which was last subjected to detailed consideration by the House of Lords nearly 50 years ago, until, that is, the much-published decision of the House of Lords in Cambridge Water Co. Ltd v. Eastern Countries Leather Plc.   (Environmental Law and The Strict Liability Application In the Common Law System (The Case Study of Cambridge Water Co. Ltd V. Eastern Countries Leather Plc

Growth and holographic data storage properties of near-stoichiometric LiTaO{sub 3} crystals doped with Mn

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang Tao [College of Science, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China)], E-mail: tzhang_hit02@yahoo.com; Dong Yantang; Geng Tao; Dai Qiang [College of Science, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China); Xu Yuheng [School of Astronautics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China)

2009-03-15

A series of Mn-doped near-stoichiometric LiTaO{sub 3} crystals were grown from a Li-rich (Li/Nb = 1.38, atomic ratio) and varying level of Mn-doping melt using a Cz furnace equipped with a radio frequency generator. The etching experiment reveals that as-grown polarized Mn:SLN has single ferroelectric domain structures under optical microscope. By two-beam coupling experiment, we measured and systematically analyzed the photorefractive properties such as the dynamic range, the sensitivity and the loss of signal-to-noise-ratio coefficient. Based on Mn (0.05 wt%):SLN crystal, a big capacity storage of 100 holograms in a coherent volume of 0.085 cm{sup 3} have been fulfilled successfully and the storage density arrived 0.93 Gbits cm{sup -3}.

Bioactive hydroxyapatite/graphene composite coating and its corrosion stability in simulated body fluid

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Janković, Ana; Eraković, Sanja [Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11 000 Belgrade (Serbia); Mitrić, Miodrag [Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11 000 Belgrade (Serbia); Matić, Ivana Z.; Juranić, Zorica D. [Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, 11 000 Belgrade (Serbia); Tsui, Gary C.P.; Tang, Chak-yin [Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China); Mišković-Stanković, Vesna [Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11 000 Belgrade (Serbia); Rhee, Kyong Yop, E-mail: rheeky@khu.ac.kr [Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 449-701 (Korea, Republic of); Park, Soo Jin [Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Inha University, Incheon 402-751 (Korea, Republic of)

2015-03-05

Highlights: • Bioactive HAP/Gr coating on Ti was successfully obtained by EPD. • Increased fracture toughness of the HAP/Gr coating compared to pure HAP coating. • HAP/Gr coating exhibited superior biomimetic mineralization vs. pure HAP coating. • Gr improved the mechanical properties and thermal stability of HAP/Gr coating. • HAP/Gr coating was classified as non-cytotoxic against the targeted PBMC. - Abstract: The hydroxyapatite/graphene (HAP/Gr) composite was electrodeposited on Ti using the electrophoretic deposition process to obtain uniform bioactive coating with improved mechanical strength and favorable corrosion stability in simulated body fluid (SBF). Incorporation of Gr was verified by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron analysis. The HAP/Gr composite coating exhibited reduced surface cracks, nearly double the hardness, and elastic modulus increased by almost 50% compared to pure HAP coating, as estimated by a nanoindentation test. The bioactive HAP/Gr composite coating provided a newly formed apatite layer in SBF with enhanced corrosion stability, as evidenced by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the HAP/Gr coating was improved in comparison to the pure HAP coating, and the Ca/P ratio was closer to the stoichiometric value. No antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli could be verified. The HAP/Gr composite coating was classified as non-cytotoxic when tested against healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)

Bioactive hydroxyapatite/graphene composite coating and its corrosion stability in simulated body fluid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Janković, Ana; Eraković, Sanja; Mitrić, Miodrag; Matić, Ivana Z.; Juranić, Zorica D.; Tsui, Gary C.P.; Tang, Chak-yin; Mišković-Stanković, Vesna; Rhee, Kyong Yop; Park, Soo Jin

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Bioactive HAP/Gr coating on Ti was successfully obtained by EPD. • Increased fracture toughness of the HAP/Gr coating compared to pure HAP coating. • HAP/Gr coating exhibited superior biomimetic mineralization vs. pure HAP coating. • Gr improved the mechanical properties and thermal stability of HAP/Gr coating. • HAP/Gr coating was classified as non-cytotoxic against the targeted PBMC. - Abstract: The hydroxyapatite/graphene (HAP/Gr) composite was electrodeposited on Ti using the electrophoretic deposition process to obtain uniform bioactive coating with improved mechanical strength and favorable corrosion stability in simulated body fluid (SBF). Incorporation of Gr was verified by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron analysis. The HAP/Gr composite coating exhibited reduced surface cracks, nearly double the hardness, and elastic modulus increased by almost 50% compared to pure HAP coating, as estimated by a nanoindentation test. The bioactive HAP/Gr composite coating provided a newly formed apatite layer in SBF with enhanced corrosion stability, as evidenced by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the HAP/Gr coating was improved in comparison to the pure HAP coating, and the Ca/P ratio was closer to the stoichiometric value. No antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli could be verified. The HAP/Gr composite coating was classified as non-cytotoxic when tested against healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)

Approximation of a Common Element of the Fixed Point Sets of Multivalued Strictly Pseudocontractive-Type Mappings and the Set of Solutions of an Equilibrium Problem in Hilbert Spaces

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

F. O. Isiogugu

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The strong convergence of a hybrid algorithm to a common element of the fixed point sets of multivalued strictly pseudocontractive-type mappings and the set of solutions of an equilibrium problem in Hilbert spaces is obtained using a strict fixed point set condition. The obtained results improve, complement, and extend the results on multivalued and single-valued mappings in the contemporary literature.

Solid polymer composite electrolytes for PEMFC

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zaidi, S M.J.; Mikhailenko, S D; Kaliaguine, S

1998-07-01

Composite electrolyte membranes for fuel cell technology were prepared from solid state proton conductors and polymer binders. The polymers were partially sulfonated and non-sulfonated polysulfone (PS), porous polyetherimide (PEI) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). As proton conductors H-chabazite, tungstophosphoric acid and its Na-salt and non-stoichiometric boron phosphate were employed. All membranes prepared using sulfonated PS as a binder with sulfonation degree higher than 50% were found to be mechanically unstable. They possess however reasonably high conductivity up to 6{times}10{sup {minus}3} S/cm. Introducing the tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) into the nonsulfonated porous PS makes possible to obtain strong and flexible membranes with s=4{times}10{sup {minus}3} S/cm, while use of boron phosphate in that case results in the conductivity of about 10{sup {minus}5} S/cm. Porous PEI impregnated with aqueous solution of TPA retains its original tensile strength and exhibited the conductivity s=2{times}10{sup {minus}4} S/cm. It however fell to 3{times}10{sup {minus}5} S/cm when the binder was modified with 2% of propionic acid, which caused a decrease in polymer pore size. Incorporation of the sodium acid salt of TPA into PEI allows one to obtain a composite with reasonably good mechanical properties and a conductivity of ca 10{sup {minus}5} S/cm for membranes prepared by the cast method. Using the phase inversion technique for preparation of the membranes of the same composition makes possible to increase their conductivity up to 10{sup {minus}4} S/cm. When boron phosphate was used in lieu of TPA salt the conductivity obtained is still higher reaching 3{times}10{sup {minus}5} and 3{times}10{sup {minus}4} S/cm for membranes prepared by cast and phase inversion techniques respectively. The PMMA based membranes were mechanically stable even when a solid content reached 55wt.%. Among PMMA membranes the highest conductivity of 10{sup {minus}3} S/cm was registered for

Adaptive terminal sliding mode control for hypersonic flight vehicles with strictly lower convex function based nonlinear disturbance observer.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Yun-Jie; Zuo, Jing-Xing; Sun, Liang-Hua

2017-11-01

In this paper, the altitude and velocity tracking control of a generic hypersonic flight vehicle (HFV) is considered. A novel adaptive terminal sliding mode controller (ATSMC) with strictly lower convex function based nonlinear disturbance observer (SDOB) is proposed for the longitudinal dynamics of HFV in presence of both parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. First, for the sake of enhancing the anti-interference capability, SDOB is presented to estimate and compensate the equivalent disturbances by introducing a strictly lower convex function. Next, the SDOB based ATSMC (SDOB-ATSMC) is proposed to guarantee the system outputs track the reference trajectory. Then, stability of the proposed control scheme is analyzed by the Lyapunov function method. Compared with other HFV control approaches, key novelties of SDOB-ATSMC are that a novel SDOB is proposed and drawn into the (virtual) control laws to compensate the disturbances and that several adaptive laws are used to deal with the differential explosion problem. Finally, it is illustrated by the simulation results that the new method exhibits an excellent robustness and a better disturbance rejection performance than the convention approach. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study on the correlation between chemical and mineral composition of coal ashes; Sekitanbaibun no kobutsu soseigakuteki kento kagakubutsu sosei to kobutsugakuteki sosei no sokan

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hirato, M.; Nagashima, S.; Okada, S. [Hachinohe Institute of Technology, Aomori (Japan)

1996-10-28

Coal ash is a substance that has been mixed into minerals in the earth`s crust during their coalification process. Estimation was made on what kinds of mineral composition have been mixed into coals. Noted first was the kinds of compounds contained in the ash, wherein the ratios of mass in the compounds and minerals were correlated, and selection was made on minerals which are thought correlated. The selection criterion was based on minerals containing silica, alumina, iron oxide, lime and magnesium as compounds. Then, a phase equilibrium line diagram was used to estimate compositions and melting points of minerals which are thought to have been produced from these compounds. By comparing the estimation with the measured melting points of the ashes, mineral compositions thought reasonable were all selected. Assumption was possible on minerals that are thought to have been transferred into coal ash. Compound indications of ashes from 29 kinds of the world`s typical coals were replaced with the subject minerals and expressed as mineral compositions. As a method of calculation, stoichiometric coefficients for each mineral were determined by taking material balance in atomic/molecular levels in masses of compound aggregates and mineral composition aggregates. 7 tabs.

Convergence of Implicit and Explicit Schemes for an Asymptotically Nonexpansive Mapping in -Uniformly Smooth and Strictly Convex Banach Spaces

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Meng Wen

2012-01-01

Full Text Available We introduce a new iterative scheme with Meir-Keeler contractions for an asymptotically nonexpansive mapping in -uniformly smooth and strictly convex Banach spaces. We also proved the strong convergence theorems of implicit and explicit schemes. The results obtained in this paper extend and improve many recent ones announced by many others.

A Total Variation Model Based on the Strictly Convex Modification for Image Denoising

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Boying Wu

2014-01-01

Full Text Available We propose a strictly convex functional in which the regular term consists of the total variation term and an adaptive logarithm based convex modification term. We prove the existence and uniqueness of the minimizer for the proposed variational problem. The existence, uniqueness, and long-time behavior of the solution of the associated evolution system is also established. Finally, we present experimental results to illustrate the effectiveness of the model in noise reduction, and a comparison is made in relation to the more classical methods of the traditional total variation (TV, the Perona-Malik (PM, and the more recent D-α-PM method. Additional distinction from the other methods is that the parameters, for manual manipulation, in the proposed algorithm are reduced to basically only one.

A semi-automatic method for positioning a femoral bone reconstruction for strict view generation.

Science.gov (United States)

Milano, Federico; Ritacco, Lucas; Gomez, Adrian; Gonzalez Bernaldo de Quiros, Fernan; Risk, Marcelo

2010-01-01

In this paper we present a semi-automatic method for femoral bone positioning after 3D image reconstruction from Computed Tomography images. This serves as grounding for the definition of strict axial, longitudinal and anterior-posterior views, overcoming the problem of patient positioning biases in 2D femoral bone measuring methods. After the bone reconstruction is aligned to a standard reference frame, new tomographic slices can be generated, on which unbiased measures may be taken. This could allow not only accurate inter-patient comparisons but also intra-patient comparisons, i.e., comparisons of images of the same patient taken at different times. This method could enable medical doctors to diagnose and follow up several bone deformities more easily.

Microscope Raman scattering and X-ray diffraction study of near-stoichiometric Ti:LiNbO3 waveguides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, De-Long; Siu, G.G.; Pun, E.Y.B.

2005-01-01

The crystalline phase within guiding layers of near-stoichiometric strip and planar Ti:LiNbO 3 wave-guides, prepared by the method of simultaneous work of vapour transport equilibration (VTE) treatment and indiffusion of Ti film, was studied by combined confocal microscope Raman scattering and X-ray powder diffraction. The results show that the strip and planar waveguide layers still retain the LiNbO 3 phase and no other non-LiNbO 3 phases can be identified within the guiding layer. Li/Nb ratios inside and outside the strip and planar waveguide layers were determined from the microscope Raman scattering results and compared to those obtained from the measured optical absorption edge. It is shown that the Li/Nb ratios are homogeneous within the waveguide layer and are close inside and outside the waveguide layer. (copyright 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

R -Dimensional ESPRIT-Type Algorithms for Strictly Second-Order Non-Circular Sources and Their Performance Analysis

Science.gov (United States)

Steinwandt, Jens; Roemer, Florian; Haardt, Martin; Galdo, Giovanni Del

2014-09-01

High-resolution parameter estimation algorithms designed to exploit the prior knowledge about incident signals from strictly second-order (SO) non-circular (NC) sources allow for a lower estimation error and can resolve twice as many sources. In this paper, we derive the R-D NC Standard ESPRIT and the R-D NC Unitary ESPRIT algorithms that provide a significantly better performance compared to their original versions for arbitrary source signals. They are applicable to shift-invariant R-D antenna arrays and do not require a centrosymmetric array structure. Moreover, we present a first-order asymptotic performance analysis of the proposed algorithms, which is based on the error in the signal subspace estimate arising from the noise perturbation. The derived expressions for the resulting parameter estimation error are explicit in the noise realizations and asymptotic in the effective signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), i.e., the results become exact for either high SNRs or a large sample size. We also provide mean squared error (MSE) expressions, where only the assumptions of a zero mean and finite SO moments of the noise are required, but no assumptions about its statistics are necessary. As a main result, we analytically prove that the asymptotic performance of both R-D NC ESPRIT-type algorithms is identical in the high effective SNR regime. Finally, a case study shows that no improvement from strictly non-circular sources can be achieved in the special case of a single source.

Freedom and necessity in computer aided composition: A thinking framework and its application

Science.gov (United States)

Kretz, Johannes

This paper presents some of the author's experiences with computer aided composition (CAC): the modeling of physical movements is used to obtain plausible musical gestures in interaction with constraint programming (rule based expert systems) in order to achieve precisely structured, consistent musical material with strong inner logic and syntax in pitch material. The "Constraints Engine" by Michael Laurson implemented in OpenMusic (IRCAM) or PWGL (Sibelius Academy) can be used to set up an interactive framework for composition, which offers a balance of freedom (allowing chance operations and arbitrary decisions of the composer) and necessity (through strict rules as well as through criteria for optimization). Computer Aided Composition is moving far beyond being "algorithmic" or "mechanical". This paper proposes an approach based on evolutionary epistemology (by the Austrian biologist and philosopher Rupert Riedl). The aim is a holistic synthesis of artistic freedom and coherent structures similar to the grown order of nature.

A study on the development of hypo-stoichiometric Zr-based hydrogen storage alloys with ultra-high capacity for anode material of Ni/MH secondary battery

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, S.-M.; Lee, H.; Kim, J.-H.; Lee, P.S.; Lee, J.-Y. [Korea Advanced Inst. of Science and Technology, Taejon (Korea). Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering

2000-08-10

Some hypo-stoichiometric Zr-based Laves phase alloys were prepared and studied from a viewpoint of discharge capacity for electrochemical application. After careful alloy design of ZrMn{sub 2}-based hydrogen storage alloys through changing their stoichiometry while substituting or adding some alloying elements, the Zr(Mn{sub 0.2}V{sub 0.2}Ni{sub 0.6}){sub 1.8} alloy reveals relatively good properties with regard to hydrogen storage capacity, hydrogen equilibrium pressure and electrochemical discharge capacity. In order to improve the discharge capacity and rate-capability, Zr is partially replaced by Ti. The discharge capacity of Zr{sub 1-x}Ti{sub x}(Mn{sub 0.2}V{sub 0.2}Ni{sub 0.6}){sub 1.8} (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.6) alloy electrodes at 30 C reaches a maximum value and decreases as the Ti fraction increases. In view of electrochemical and thermodynamic characteristics, the occurrence of a maximal phenomenon of the electrochemical discharge capacity of the alloy is attributed to a competition between decreasing hydrogen storage capacity and increasing rate-capability with Ti fraction. However, as the Ti fraction increases, the discharge capacity decreases drastically with repeated electrochemical cycling. Judging from the analysis of surface composition by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), the rapid degradation with increasing Ti fraction in Zr-based alloy is ascribed to the fast growth of the oxygen-penetrated layer with cycling. Therefore, it is assured that the stoichiometry and Ti fraction should be optimized to obtain a good cycle life of the electrode maintaining high discharge capacity. On the basis of above results, the hydrogen storage capacity of the alloy with optimized composition (Zr{sub 0.65}Ti{sub 0.35}(Mn{sub 0.3}V{sub 0.14}Cr{sub 0.11}Ni{sub 0.65}){sub 1.76}) is about 1.68 wt% under 10 atm of equilibrium hydrogen pressure. (orig.)

Rheological properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) derived composite membranes for fuel cells

Science.gov (United States)

Remiš, T.

2017-01-01

Rheological properties of new anhydrous proton conducting membrane based on PVA, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS),sulfosuccinic acid (SSA), titanium dioxide (TiO2)was examined at various stoichiometric ratios. SSA was used as sulfonating agents to form a crosslinked structure and as proton source, whereas TEO Sand TiO2were utilized to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of the membrane. In order to verify that all the substances were immobilized into the matrix, the membranes were analysed by means of FT-IR. The rheological, mechanical and thermal properties of the membranes were investigated using rheometer ARES G2 and thermogravimetic analyser (TGA).The analysis of mixed PVA solutions exhibited a unique behaviour of viscosity with increased crosslink density. The dynamic storage modulus G´ of dried composite membranes shows better mechanical resistance and increased tolerance to pressure applied during membrane electrode assembly (MEA).

The effect of gadolinium content on the thermal conductivity of near-stoichiometric (U,Gd)O2 solid solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fukushima, S.; Ohmichi, T.; Maeda, A.; Watanabe, H.

1982-01-01

The thermal conductivities of near-stoichiometric (U, Gd)O 2 solid solutions containing CdOsub(1.5) up to 15 mol% were determined in the temperature range 700 to 2000 K from thermal diffusivities measured by the laser flash method. Temperature dependence of the thermal conductivities up to around 1600 K could be expressed by the phonon conduction equation K = (A + BT) -1 . The thermal conductivity decreased gradually with an increase of gadolinium content. Thermal resistivities caused by lattice defects were calculated from a theoretical model considering U 4+ , U 5+ and Gd 3+ ions as phonon scattering centers. It was found that this model was in good agreement with the experimental results. The calculation based on this model indicates that the lattice strain effect on the lattice defect thermal resistivity is much larger than the mass effect. (orig.)

TaSiN nanocomposite thin films: Correlation between structure, chemical composition, and physical properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ramírez, G.; Oezer, D.; Rivera, M.; Rodil, S.E.; Sanjinés, R.

2014-01-01

The structural and electronic properties of fcc-TaN/SiN x nanocomposite thin films deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering have been investigated as function of the N and Si contents. Our studies have been mainly focused on three different types of nanocomposite Ta x Si y N z films based on: nitrogen deficient fcc-TaN 0.88 , nearly stoichiometric fcc-TaN, and over-stoichiometric fcc-TaN 1.2 with the Si contents in the range from 0 to about 15 at.%. The optical properties were investigated by ellipsometric measurements, while the DC. electrical resistivity was measured using the van der Pauw configuration at 300 K. The optical measurements were interpreted using the standard Drude–Lorentz model. The results showed that the electronic properties are closely correlated with both the compositional and the structural modifications of the Ta x Si y N z films induced by the addition of Si atoms, and also depending on the stoichiometry of the starting fcc-TaN system. Thus, depending on both the nitrogen and the silicon contents, the fcc-Ta x Si y N z films can exhibit room temperature resistivity values ranging from 10 2 μΩ cm to about 6 × 10 4 μΩ cm. - Highlights: • TaSiN films were grown using dual magnetron sputtering system. • The physical and structural properties were correlated with the deposition parameters. • The electrical properties were influenced by the nitrogen and silicon contents on the films

The role of stoichiometric flexibility in modelling forest ecosystem responses to nitrogen fertilization.

Science.gov (United States)

Meyerholt, Johannes; Zaehle, Sönke

2015-12-01

The response of the forest carbon (C) balance to changes in nitrogen (N) deposition is uncertain, partly owing to diverging representations of N cycle processes in dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs). Here, we examined how different assumptions about the degree of flexibility of the ecosystem's C : N ratios contribute to this uncertainty, and which of these assumptions best correspond to the available data. We applied these assumptions within the framework of a DGVM and compared the results to responses in net primary productivity (NPP), leaf N concentration, and ecosystem N partitioning, observed at 22 forest N fertilization experiments. Employing flexible ecosystem pool C : N ratios generally resulted in the most convincing model-data agreement with respect to production and foliar N responses. An intermediate degree of stoichiometric flexibility in vegetation, where wood C : N ratio changes were decoupled from leaf and root C : N ratio changes, led to consistent simulation of production and N cycle responses to N addition. Assuming fixed C : N ratios or scaling leaf N concentration changes to other tissues, commonly assumed by DGVMs, was not supported by reported data. Between the tested assumptions, the simulated changes in ecosystem C storage relative to changes in C assimilation varied by up to 20%. © 2015 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2015 New Phytologist Trust.

Coherent modeling and forecasting of mortality patterns for subpopulations using multi-way analysis of compositions: an application to Canadian Provinces and Territories

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bergeron Boucher, Marie-Pier; Simonacci, Violetta; Oeppen, James

2018-01-01

Mortality levels for subpopulations, such as countries in a region or Provinces within a country, generally change in a similar fashion over time, as a result of common historical experiences in terms of health, culture and economics. Forecasting mortality for such populations should consider...... to Compositional Data Analysis (CoDa) methodology. Compositional data are strictly positive values summing to a constant and represent part of a whole. Life table deaths are compositional by definition as they provide the age composition of deaths per year and sum to the life table radix. In bilinear models...... the use of life table deaths treated as compositions generally leads to less bias forecasts than other commonly used models by not assuming a constant rate of mortality improvement. As a consequence, an extension of this approach to multi-way data is here presented. Specifically, a CoDa adaptation...

Fermentative Degradation of Polyethylene Glycol by a Strictly Anaerobic, Gram-Negative, Nonsporeforming Bacterium, Pelobacter venetianus sp. nov

OpenAIRE

1983-01-01

The synthetic polyether polyethylene glycol (PEG) with a molecular weight of 20,000 was anaerobically degraded in enrichment cultures inoculated with mud of limnic and marine origins. Three strains (Gra PEG 1, Gra PEG 2, and Ko PEG 2) of rod-shaped, gram-negative, nonsporeforming, strictly anaerobic bacteria were isolated in mineral medium with PEG as the sole source of carbon and energy. All strains degraded dimers, oligomers, and polymers of PEG up to a molecular weight of 20,000 completely...

On a class of adjustable rate mortgage loans subject to a strict balance principle

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Astrup Jensen, Bjarne

We describe the background and the basic funding mechanisms for the type of adjustable rate mortgageloans that were introduced in the Danish market in 1996. Each loan is funded separately by tap issuingpass-through mortgage bonds (`strict balance principle'). The novelty is a funding mechanism...... that usesa roll-over strategy, where long term loans are funded by sequentially issuing short term pass-throughbonds, and the first issuer of these loans obtained a patent on the funding principles in 1999. Publiclyavailable descriptions of the principles leave an impression of very complicated numerical...... algorithms.The algorithms described here show that the essentials can be reduced to a `back of an envelope' complexity.Keywords: Adjustable rate mortgages, balance principle, patent, yield curve riding...

Gold Cluster Diffusion Kinetics on Stoichiometric and Reduced Surfaces of Rutile TiO ₂ (110)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Goldman, Nir; Browning, Nigel D.

2011-06-16

Gold clusters on rutile TiO₂ are known to serve as efficient oxidation catalysts for pollutants and environmental contaminants. However, the mechanism by which highly mobile small clusters migrate and aggregate into larger species relevant to gold’s catalytic activity remains unresolved. We report herein on ab initio simulations of the diffusion of atomic gold clusters up to the trimer on rutile TiO₂(110) surfaces. We show that, on the stoichiometric surface, both the dimer and the trimer can exhibit relatively low surface mobility due to high energetic barriers for diffusion out of their energetic minima coupled with low barriers for the reverse motion. On the reduced surface, these clusters can diffuse relatively quickly between energetic minima within the oxygen vacancy site due to the large degree of vibrational entropy in their transition states. Our computed diffusion times provide a point of comparison for future experiments and will aid in development of models of gold cluster island sintering.

Stoichiometric network analysis and associated dimensionless kinetic equations. Application to a model of the Bray-Liebhafsky reaction.

Science.gov (United States)

Schmitz, Guy; Kolar-Anić, Ljiljana Z; Anić, Slobodan R; Cupić, Zeljko D

2008-12-25

The stoichiometric network analysis (SNA) introduced by B. L. Clarke is applied to a simplified model of the complex oscillating Bray-Liebhafsky reaction under batch conditions, which was not examined by this method earlier. This powerful method for the analysis of steady-states stability is also used to transform the classical differential equations into dimensionless equations. This transformation is easy and leads to a form of the equations combining the advantages of classical dimensionless equations with the advantages of the SNA. The used dimensionless parameters have orders of magnitude given by the experimental information about concentrations and currents. This simplifies greatly the study of the slow manifold and shows which parameters are essential for controlling its shape and consequently have an important influence on the trajectories. The effectiveness of these equations is illustrated on two examples: the study of the bifurcations points and a simple sensitivity analysis, different from the classical one, more based on the chemistry of the studied system.

Plasma interactions determine the composition in pulsed laser deposited thin films

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Jikun; Döbeli, Max; Stender, Dieter; Conder, Kazimierz; Wokaun, Alexander; Schneider, Christof W.; Lippert, Thomas

2014-09-01

Plasma chemistry and scattering strongly affect the congruent, elemental transfer during pulsed laser deposition of target metal species in an oxygen atmosphere. Studying the plasma properties of La0.6Sr0.4MnO3, we demonstrate for as grown La0.6Sr0.4MnO3-δ films that a congruent transfer of metallic species is achieved in two pressure windows: ˜10-3 mbar and ˜2 × 10-1 mbar. In the intermediate pressure range, La0.6Sr0.4MnO3-δ becomes cation deficient and simultaneously almost fully stoichiometric in oxygen. Important for thin film growth is the presence of negative atomic oxygen and under which conditions positive metal-oxygen ions are created in the plasma. This insight into the plasma chemistry shows why the pressure window to obtain films with a desired composition and crystalline structure is narrow and requires a careful adjustment of the process parameters.

Structural stability of solutions to the Riemann problem for a non-strictly hyperbolic system with flux approximation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Meina Sun

2016-05-01

Full Text Available We study the Riemann problem for a non-strictly hyperbolic system of conservation laws under the linear approximations of flux functions with three parameters. The approximated system also belongs to the type of triangular systems of conservation laws and this approximation does not change the structure of Riemann solutions to the original system. Furthermore, it is proven that the Riemann solutions to the approximated system converge to the corresponding ones to the original system as the perturbation parameter tends to zero.

A fractal image analysis methodology for heat damage inspection in carbon fiber reinforced composites

Science.gov (United States)

Haridas, Aswin; Crivoi, Alexandru; Prabhathan, P.; Chan, Kelvin; Murukeshan, V. M.

2017-06-01

The use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite materials in the aerospace industry have far improved the load carrying properties and the design flexibility of aircraft structures. A high strength to weight ratio, low thermal conductivity, and a low thermal expansion coefficient gives it an edge for applications demanding stringent loading conditions. Specifically, this paper focuses on the behavior of CFRP composites under stringent thermal loads. The properties of composites are largely affected by external thermal loads, especially when the loads are beyond the glass temperature, Tg, of the composite. Beyond this, the composites are subject to prominent changes in mechanical and thermal properties which may further lead to material decomposition. Furthermore, thermal damage formation being chaotic, a strict dimension cannot be associated with the formed damage. In this context, this paper focuses on comparing multiple speckle image analysis algorithms to effectively characterize the formed thermal damages on the CFRP specimen. This would provide us with a fast method for quantifying the extent of heat damage in carbon composites, thus reducing the required time for inspection. The image analysis methods used for the comparison include fractal dimensional analysis of the formed speckle pattern and analysis of number and size of various connecting elements in the binary image.

Metal matrix composites: History, status, factors and future

Science.gov (United States)

Cyriac, Ajith James

The history, status, and future of metal matrix composites are presented by evaluating the progression of available literature through time. The trends that existed and issues that still prevail are discussed and a prediction of the future for MMCs is presented. The factors that govern the performance of metal matrix composites are also discussed. In many developed countries and in several developing countries there exists continued interest in MMCs. Researchers tried numerous combinations of matrices and reinforcements since work strictly on MMCs began in the 1950s. This led to developments for aerospace and defense applications, but resultant commercial applications were limited. The introduction of ceramic whiskers as reinforcement and the development of 'in-situ' eutectics in the 1960s aided high temperature applications in aircraft engines. In the late 1970s the automobile industries started to take MMCs seriously. In the last 20 years, MMCs evolved from laboratories to a class of materials with numerous applications and commercial markets. After the collapse of the Berlin Wall, prevailing order in the world changed drastically. This effect was evident in the progression of metal matrix composites. The internet connected the world like never before and tremendous information was available for researchers around the world. Globalization and the internet resulted in the transformation of the world to a more level playing field, and this effect is evident in the nature and source of research on metal matrix composites happening around the world.

Ab initio calculations of non-stoichiometric copper nitride, pure and with palladium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moreno-Armenta, Maria G.; Soto, Gerardo; Takeuchi, Noboru

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → The most stable arrangement corresponds to the Cu 3 N-anti ReO 3 structure. → Formation energy of Cu 32 Vac 0 N 8 and Cu 24 Pd 8 Vac 0 N 8 are very similar. → The biggest volume in the compound is Cu 31 Pd 1 Vac 0 N 8/ . → Small amount introduction of extra metal atoms in copper nitride is possible. - Abstract: We present first principles calculations of copper nitride by using periodic density functional theory within a plane-wave ultrasoft pseudopotential scheme. The insertions of extra Cu and/or Pd atoms in the empty sites, vacancy reorganization, and substitution of Cu by Pd atoms were studied. We have used an equivalent reduced-symmetry 2 x 2 x 2 Cu 3 N-like cubic super-cell. Small Cu and/or Pd concentrations and vacancy rearrangements in the copper sub-lattice were conveniently calculated in these low-symmetry cells. We cover probable situations like: the occupation of the initially empty copper sites by (1) copper atoms, and by (2) palladium; (3) the relocation of vacancies in the copper sub-lattice; and (4) the substitution of small quantities of copper by palladium atoms in the copper sub-lattice. The equilibrium volumes and energies after relaxing the atomic positions are compared to those of intrinsic copper nitride. We found that the most stable arrangement corresponds to the ideal stoichiometric Cu 3 N. We also found that any deviation from this ideal configuration shift the semiconductor state to a metallic or semi-metallic one.

Magnetic properties of nearly stoichiometric CeAuBi2 heavy fermion compound

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adriano, C.; Jesus, C. B. R.; Pagliuso, P. G.; Rosa, P. F. S.; Grant, T.; Fisk, Z.; Garcia, D. J.

2015-01-01

Motivated by the interesting magnetic anisotropy found in the heavy fermion family CeTX 2 (T = transition metal and X = pnictogen), here, we study the novel parent compound CeAu 1−x Bi 2−y by combining magnetization, pressure dependent electrical resistivity, and heat-capacity measurements. The magnetic properties of our nearly stoichiometric single crystal sample of CeAu 1−x Bi 2−y (x = 0.92 and y = 1.6) revealed an antiferromagnetic ordering at T N  = 12 K with an easy axis along the c-direction. The field dependent magnetization data at low temperatures reveal the existence of a spin-flop transition when the field is applied along the c-axis (H c  ∼ 7.5 T and T = 5 K). The heat capacity and pressure dependent resistivity data suggest that CeAu 0.92 Bi 1.6 exhibits a weak heavy fermion behavior with strongly localized Ce 3+ 4f electrons. Furthermore, the systematic analysis using a mean field model including anisotropic nearest-neighbors interactions and the tetragonal crystalline electric field (CEF) Hamiltonian allows us to extract a CEF scheme and two different values for the anisotropic J RKKY exchange parameters between the Ce 3+ ions in this compound. Thus, we discuss a scenario, considering both the anisotropic magnetic interactions and the tetragonal CEF effects, in the CeAu 1−x Bi 2−y compounds, and we compare our results with the isostructural compound CeCuBi 2

Strict Liability Versus Policy and Regulation for Environmental Protection and Agricultural Waste Management in Malaysia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohd Bakri Ishak

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Basically, strict liability is part of the mechanism for expressing judgment or sentence by using direct evidence. This principle is very useful in order to obtain remedies from any damage either directly or indirectly. The principle in Rylands v Fletcher is responsible on imposing strict liability where if something brought onto land or collected there escapes liability under this rule can include not only the owner of land but also those who control or occupation on it. However, as a matter of fact, policy and regulation are also important in taking any action against any party who are responsible for environmental pollution or damage, which may include mismanagement of waste or industrial waste or agricultural waste. There are certain policies and regulations on environmental protection such as the National Environmental Policy, certain Acts and several regulations under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127, which are very useful for agricultural waste management inter alia: Waters Act 1920 (Act 418, Environmental Quality (Prescribed Premises (Crude Palm Oil Regulations 1977, Environmental Quality (Prescribed Premises (Raw Natural Rubber Regulations 1978, Environmental Quality (Sewage and Industrial Effluents Regulations 1979, and Environmental Quality (Compounding of Offences Rules 1978. As a matter of fact, we should realize that time is of an essence for any parties which are involved in court cases and especially in avoiding the element of externality, which is commonly suffered by the government. In making this paper, therefore, some element of comparison with certain developed jurisdiction such as in the United Kingdom and Japan could not be avoided in order to obtain better outcome and to be more practical for the purpose of environmental protection and agricultural waste management.

An Investigation of the Composition of the Flow in and out of a Two-Stroke Diesel Engine and Air Consumption Ratio

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mirko Grljušić

2017-06-01

Full Text Available The aim of this research was to investigate the mass, substance and energy flow through two-stroke low speed Diesel engines. For this reason, a zero-dimensional model of the combustion in the engine was developed with a calculated amount and composition of exhaust gases. Due to the large amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases, a ratio of real air consumption and stoichiometric amount of air required for combustion of injected fuel was set. The calculated ratio showed that the engine consumed four times more air than needed for combustion in AFRstoich. In this work, this was called the Air Consumption Factor or Ratio, and has not previously been mentioned in scientific literature. The air consumption ratio is defined as a factor of dry or humid air. To be more comprehensive, a modified diagram of the composition of the flow in and out of a two-stroke fuel injection engine and the cylinder was made.

Strict sequential catheter ablation strategy targeting the pulmonary veins and superior vena cava for persistent atrial fibrillation.

Science.gov (United States)

Yoshiga, Yasuhiro; Shimizu, Akihiko; Ueyama, Takeshi; Ono, Makoto; Fukuda, Masakazu; Fumimoto, Tomoko; Ishiguchi, Hironori; Omuro, Takuya; Kobayashi, Shigeki; Yano, Masafumi

2018-08-01

An effective catheter ablation strategy, beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is necessary. Pulmonary vein (PV)-reconduction also causes recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias. The effect of the PVI and additional effect of a superior vena cava (SVC) isolation (SVCI) was strictly evaluated. Seventy consecutive patients with persistent AF who underwent a strict sequential ablation strategy targeting the PVs and SVC were included in this study. The initial ablation strategy was a circumferential PVI. A segmental SVCI was only applied as a repeat procedure when patients demonstrated no PV-reconduction. After the initial procedure, persistent AF was suppressed in 39 of 70 (55.7%) patients during a median follow-up of 32 months. After multiple procedures, persistent AF was suppressed in 46 (65.7%) and 52 (74.3%) patients after receiving the PVI alone and PVI plus SVCI strategies, respectively. In 6 of 15 (40.0%) patients with persistent AF resistant to PVI, persistent AF was suppressed. The persistent AF duration independently predicted persistent AF recurrences after multiple PVI alone procedures [HR: 1.012 (95% confidence interval: 1.006-1.018); pstrategies [HR: 1.018 (95% confidence interval: 1.011-1.025); pstrategies, respectively. The outcomes of the PVI plus SVCI strategy were favorable for patients with shorter persistent AF durations. The initial SVCI had the additional effect of maintaining sinus rhythm in some patients with persistent AF resistant to PVI. Copyright © 2018 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

K Basin Sludge Conditioning Testing. Nitric Acid Dissolution Testing of K East Area Sludge Composite, Small- and Large-Scale Testing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carlson, C.D.; Delegard, C.H.; Burgeson, I.E.; Schmidt, A.J.; Silvers, K.L.

1998-01-01

This report describes work performed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for Numatec Hanford Corporation (NHC) to support the development of the K Basin Sludge Treatment System. For this work, testing was performed to examine the dissolution behavior of a K East Basin floor and Weasel Pit sludge composite, referred to as K East area sludge composite, in nitric acid at the following concentrations: 2 M, 4 M, 6 M and 7.8 M. With the exception of one high solids loading test the nitric acid was added at 4X the stoichiometric requirement (assuming 100% of the sludge was uranium metal). The dissolution tests were conducted at boiling temperatures for 24 hours. Most of the tests were conducted with approximately2.5 g of sludge (dry basis). The high solids loading test was conducted with approximately7 g of sludge. A large-scale dissolution test was conducted with 26.5 g of sludge and 620 mL of 6 M nitric acid. The objectives of this test were to (1) generate a sufficient quantity of acid-insoluble residual solids for use in leaching studies, and (2) examine the dissolution behavior of the sludge composite at a larger scale

Incorporation of zinc for fabrication of low-cost spinel-based composite ceramic membrane support to achieve its stabilization.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Lingling; Dong, Xinfa; Dong, Yingchao; Zhu, Li; You, Sheng-Jie; Wang, Ya-Fen

2015-04-28

In order to reduce environment risk of zinc, a spinel-based porous membrane support was prepared by the high-temperature reaction of zinc and bauxite mineral. The phase evolution process, shrinkage, porosity, mechanical property, pore size distribution, gas permeation flux and microstructure were systematically studied. The XRD results, based on a Zn/Al stoichiometric composition of 1/2, show a formation of ZnAl2O4 structure starting from 1000°C and then accomplished at 1300°C. For spinel-based composite membrane, shrinkage and porosity are mainly influenced by a combination of an expansion induced by ZnAl2O4 formation and a general densification due to amorphous liquid SiO2. The highest porosity, as high as 44%, is observed in ZnAl4 membrane support among all the investigated compositions. Compared with pure bauxite (Al), ZnAl4 composite membrane support is reinforced by ZnAl2O4 phase and inter-locked mullite crystals, which is proved by the empirical strength-porosity relationships. Also, an increase in average pore diameter and gas flux can be observed in ZnAl4. A prolonged leaching experiment reveals the zinc can be successfully incorporated into ceramic membrane support via formation of ZnAl2O4, which has substantially better resistance toward acidic attack. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hunting the ghosts of a 'strictly quantum field': the Klein-Gordon equation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bertozzi, Eugenio

2010-01-01

This paper aims to identify and tackle some problems related to teaching quantum field theory (QFT) at university level. In particular, problems arising from the canonical quantization are addressed by focusing on the Klein-Gordon equation (KGE). After a brief description of the status of the KGE in teaching as it emerges from an analysis of a selected sample of university textbooks, an analysis of the applications of the KGE in contexts different from the QFT is presented. The results of the analysis show that, while in the real case the solutions of the equation can be easily interpreted from a physical point of view, in the complex case the coherence with relativistic quantum mechanics and the electrodynamics framework brings to light interpretative problems related to the classical complex KG field. The comparison between the classical cases investigated and the QFT framework, where the equation finds a coherent particle interpretation, leads to share Ryder's statement asserting that the KG field is a 'strictly quantum field'. Implications of the results in terms of remarks about the canonical procedure currently utilized for teaching are underlined.

Rheological properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) derived composite membranes for fuel cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Remiš, T

2017-01-01

Rheological properties of new anhydrous proton conducting membrane based on PVA, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS),sulfosuccinic acid (SSA), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 )was examined at various stoichiometric ratios. SSA was used as sulfonating agents to form a crosslinked structure and as proton source, whereas TEO Sand TiO 2 were utilized to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of the membrane. In order to verify that all the substances were immobilized into the matrix, the membranes were analysed by means of FT-IR. The rheological, mechanical and thermal properties of the membranes were investigated using rheometer ARES G2 and thermogravimetic analyser (TGA).The analysis of mixed PVA solutions exhibited a unique behaviour of viscosity with increased crosslink density. The dynamic storage modulus G´ of dried composite membranes shows better mechanical resistance and increased tolerance to pressure applied during membrane electrode assembly (MEA). (paper)

Polyol-mediated synthesis of copper indium sulphide by solvothermal process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gorai, S.; Chaudhuri, S.

2005-01-01

A simple polyol-mediated solvothermal method has been proposed to synthesize copper indium sulphide. XRD studies reveal that the products are well crystallized. SEM indicates rod-like (with different aspect ratio) and star-shaped flake-like morphology of the products. The products are also characterized by optical studies and compositional analysis (XRF). XRF results show the formation of stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric copper indium sulphides depending on the reaction conditions

Fabrication and bonding of thiol-ene-based microfluidic devices

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sikanen, Tiina M; Lafleur, Josiane P.; Moilanen, Maria-Elisa

2013-01-01

In this work, the bonding strength of microchips fabricated by thiol-ene free-radical polymerization was characterized in detail by varying the monomeric thiol/allyl composition from the stoichiometric ratio (1:1) up to 100% excess of thiol (2:1) or allyl (1:2) functional groups. Four different...... properties for each application. Here, a capillary electrophoresis separation is performed to demonstrate the attractive properties of stoichiometric thiol-ene microchips....

Pulsed laser deposition of multiwall carbon nanotube/NiO nanocomposite thin films

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Yalisi, B

2011-07-01

Full Text Available Due to their excellent properties CNTs is believed to be the best candidate to be an absorbing elements in the composite. “Stoichiometric transfer” makes PLD a suitable candidate for the composite growth. PLD experimental setup is discussed...

Concentrations and carbon isotope compositions of methane in the cored sediments from offshore SW Taiwan

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chuang, P.C.; Yang, T.F.; Hong, W.L. [National Taiwan Univ., Taipei, Taiwan (China). Dept. of Geosciences; Lin, S.; Chen, J.C. [National Taiwan Univ., Taipei, Taiwan (China). Inst. of Oceanography; Sun, C.H. [CPC Corp., Wen Shan, Miaoli, Taiwan (China). Exploration and Development Research Inst.; Wang, Y. [Central Geological Survey, MOEA, Taipei, Taiwan (China)

2008-07-01

Gas hydrates are natural occurring solids that contain natural gases, mainly methane, within a rigid lattice of water molecules. They are a type of non-stoichiometric clathrates and metastable crystal products in low temperature and high pressure conditions and are widely distributed in oceans and in permafrost regions around the world. Gas hydrates have been considered as potential energy resources for the future since methane is the major gas inside gas hydrates. Methane is also a greenhouse gas that might affect the global climates from the dissociations of gas hydrates. Bottom simulating reflections (BSRs) have been found to be widely distributed in offshore southwestern Taiwan therefore, inferring the existence of potential gas hydrates underneath the seafloor sediments. This paper presented a study that involved the systematic collection of sea waters and cored sediments as well as the analysis of the gas composition of pore-space of sediments through ten cruises from 2003 to 2006. The paper discussed the results in terms of the distribution of methane concentrations in bottom waters and cored sediments; methane fluxes in offshore southwestern Taiwan; and isotopic compositions of methane in pore spaces of cored sediments. It was concluded that the carbon isotopic compositions of methane demonstrated that biogenic gas source was dominated at shallower depth. However, some thermogenic gases might be introduced from deeper source in this region. 15 refs., 5 figs.

Development of a PCR assay based on the 16S-23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer for identification of strictly anaerobic bacterium Zymophilus

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Felsberg, Jürgen; Jelínková, Markéta; Kubizniaková, P.; Matoulková, D.

2015-01-01

Roč. 33, June (2015), s. 85-89 ISSN 1075-9964 Institutional support: RVO:61388971 Keywords : Brewing microbiology * Strictly anaerobic bacteria * Yeast contamination Subject RIV: GM - Food Processing Impact factor: 2.424, year: 2015

Control of Petri nets subject to strict temporal constraints using Max-Plus algebra

Science.gov (United States)

Tebani, K.; Amari, S.; Kara, R.

2018-04-01

In this paper, we treat the control problem of timed discrete event systems under temporal constraints. This type of constraint is very frequent in production systems, transportation network and in networked automation systems. Precisely, we are interested in the validation of strict temporal constraints imposed on the paths in a timed event graph (TEG) by using Max-Plus algebra. Not all the transitions of the considered TEG model are controllable, i.e. only the input transitions are controllable. An analytical approach for computing state feedback controllers is developed. Sufficient condition is given for the existence of causal control laws satisfying the temporal constraints. In the first, a TEG with observable transitions is considered. Then, the proposed approach is extended to the partially observable TEG. The synthesised feedback can be interpreted by places of control connected to the TEG to guarantee the respect of the time constraints. The proposed method is illustrated in the assembly system example.

Chemical Composition, In Situ Degradability and In Vitro Gas ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The leguminous tree tagasaste is highly productive in the Ethiopian ... and conservation practices, could substantially change the nutritive value of a given ...... in vitro gas production and stoichiometric relationship between short chain fatty acid ...

Improved irradiation tolerance of reactive gas pulse sputtered TiN coatings with a hybrid architecture of multilayered and compositionally graded structures

Science.gov (United States)

Liang, Wei; Yang, Jijun; Zhang, Feifei; Lu, Chenyang; Wang, Lumin; Liao, Jiali; Yang, Yuanyou; Liu, Ning

2018-04-01

This study investigates the improved irradiation tolerance of reactive gas pulse (RGP) sputtered TiN coatings which has hybrid architecture of multilayered and compositionally graded structures. The multilayered RGP-TiN coating is composed of hexagonal close-packed Ti phase and face-centred cubic TiN phase sublayers, where the former sublayer has a compositionally graded structure and the latter one maintains constant stoichiometric atomic ratio of Ti:N. After 100 keV He ion irradiation, the RGP-TiN coating exhibits improved irradiation resistance compared with its single layered (SL) counterpart. The size and density of He bubbles are smaller in the RGP-TiN coating than in the SL-TiN coating. The irradiation-induced surface blistering of the coatings shows a similar tendency. Meanwhile, the irradiation hardening and adhesion strength of the RGP-TiN coatings were not greatly affected by He irradiation. Moreover, the irradiation damage tolerance of the coatings can be well tuned by changing the undulation period number of N2 gas flow rate. Detailed analysis suggested that this improved irradiation tolerance could be related to the combined contribution of the multilayered and compositionally graded structures.

Efficient FPT Algorithms for (Strict) Compatibility of Unrooted Phylogenetic Trees.

Science.gov (United States)

Baste, Julien; Paul, Christophe; Sau, Ignasi; Scornavacca, Celine

2017-04-01

In phylogenetics, a central problem is to infer the evolutionary relationships between a set of species X; these relationships are often depicted via a phylogenetic tree-a tree having its leaves labeled bijectively by elements of X and without degree-2 nodes-called the "species tree." One common approach for reconstructing a species tree consists in first constructing several phylogenetic trees from primary data (e.g., DNA sequences originating from some species in X), and then constructing a single phylogenetic tree maximizing the "concordance" with the input trees. The obtained tree is our estimation of the species tree and, when the input trees are defined on overlapping-but not identical-sets of labels, is called "supertree." In this paper, we focus on two problems that are central when combining phylogenetic trees into a supertree: the compatibility and the strict compatibility problems for unrooted phylogenetic trees. These problems are strongly related, respectively, to the notions of "containing as a minor" and "containing as a topological minor" in the graph community. Both problems are known to be fixed parameter tractable in the number of input trees k, by using their expressibility in monadic second-order logic and a reduction to graphs of bounded treewidth. Motivated by the fact that the dependency on k of these algorithms is prohibitively large, we give the first explicit dynamic programming algorithms for solving these problems, both running in time [Formula: see text], where n is the total size of the input.

Composition-control of magnetron-sputter-deposited (BaxSr1-x)Ti1+yO3+z thin films for voltage tunable devices

Science.gov (United States)

Im, Jaemo; Auciello, O.; Baumann, P. K.; Streiffer, S. K.; Kaufman, D. Y.; Krauss, A. R.

2000-01-01

Precise control of composition and microstructure is critical for the production of (BaxSr1-x)Ti1+yO3+z (BST) dielectric thin films with the large dependence of permittivity on electric field, low losses, and high electrical breakdown fields that are required for successful integration of BST into tunable high-frequency devices. Here, we present results on composition-microstructure-electrical property relationships for polycrystalline BST films produced by magnetron-sputter deposition, that are appropriate for microwave and millimeter-wave applications such as varactors and frequency triplers. Films with controlled compositions were grown from a stoichiometric Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 target by control of the background processing gas pressure. It was determined that the (Ba+Sr)/Ti ratios of these BST films could be adjusted from 0.73 to 0.98 by changing the total (Ar+O2) process pressure, while the O2/Ar ratio did not strongly affect the metal ion composition. Film crystalline structure and dielectric properties as a function of the (Ba+Sr)/Ti ratio are discussed. Optimized BST films yielded capacitors with low dielectric losses (0.0047), among the best reported for sputtered BST, while still maintaining tunabilities suitable for device applications.

Composition-control of magnetron-sputter-deposited (BaxSr1-x)Ti1+yO3+z thin films for voltage tunable devices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Im, Jaemo; Auciello, O.; Baumann, P. K.; Streiffer, S. K.; Kaufman, D. Y.; Krauss, A. R.

2000-01-01

Precise control of composition and microstructure is critical for the production of (Ba x Sr 1-x )Ti 1+y O 3+z (BST) dielectric thin films with the large dependence of permittivity on electric field, low losses, and high electrical breakdown fields that are required for successful integration of BST into tunable high-frequency devices. Here, we present results on composition-microstructure-electrical property relationships for polycrystalline BST films produced by magnetron-sputter deposition, that are appropriate for microwave and millimeter-wave applications such as varactors and frequency triplers. Films with controlled compositions were grown from a stoichiometric Ba 0.5 Sr 0.5 TiO 3 target by control of the background processing gas pressure. It was determined that the (Ba+Sr)/Ti ratios of these BST films could be adjusted from 0.73 to 0.98 by changing the total (Ar+O 2 ) process pressure, while the O 2 /Ar ratio did not strongly affect the metal ion composition. Film crystalline structure and dielectric properties as a function of the (Ba+Sr)/Ti ratio are discussed. Optimized BST films yielded capacitors with low dielectric losses (0.0047), among the best reported for sputtered BST, while still maintaining tunabilities suitable for device applications. (c) 2000 American Institute of Physics

Formation of multiple stoichiometric phases in binary systems by combined bulk and grain boundary diffusion: Experiments and model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Svoboda, J.; Fischer, F.D.; Schillinger, W.

2013-01-01

The thermodynamic extremal principle has been used by the authors to treat the evolution of binary and multicomponent systems under the assumption that all phases are nearly stoichiometric. Up to now only bulk diffusion has been taken into account. The concept is now extended to combined bulk and grain boundary diffusion possible in each newly formed phase. The grains are approximated by cylinders allowing interface diffusion along the top and bottom of the grains and grain boundary diffusion along the mantle with different interface/grain boundary diffusion coefficients. A consistent analysis yields an effective diffusion coefficient taking into account the combined interface/grain boundary and bulk diffusion of each individual component. The current concept is applied to the Cu–Sn couple which has been studied by a number of researchers. The results of simulations are compared with experiments at 200 °C on solid systems reported in the literature as well as with our experiments at 250 °C with liquid Sn.

Composite biodegradable biopolymer coatings of silk fibroin - Poly(3-hydroxybutyric-acid-co-3-hydroxyvaleric-acid) for biomedical applications

Science.gov (United States)

Miroiu, Floralice Marimona; Stefan, Nicolaie; Visan, Anita Ioana; Nita, Cristina; Luculescu, Catalin Romeo; Rasoga, Oana; Socol, Marcela; Zgura, Irina; Cristescu, Rodica; Craciun, Doina; Socol, Gabriel

2015-11-01

Composite silk fibroin-poly(3-hydroxybutyric-acid-co-3-hydroxyvaleric-acid) (SF-PHBV) biodegradable coatings were grown by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation on titanium substrates. Their physico-chemical properties and particularly the degradation behavior in simulated body fluid at 37 °C were studied as first step of applicability in local controlled release for tissue regeneration applications. SF and PHBV, natural biopolymers with excellent biocompatibility, but different biodegradability and tensile strength properties, were combined in a composite to improve their properties as coatings for biomedical uses. FTIR analyses showed the stoichiometric transfer from targets to coatings by the presence in the spectra of the main absorption maxima characteristic of both polymers. XRD investigations confirmed the FTIR results showing differences in crystallization behavior with respect to the SF and PHBV content. Contact angle values obtained through wettability measurements indicated the MAPLE deposited coatings were highly hydrophilic; surfaces turning hydrophobic with the increase of the PHBV component. Degradation assays proved that higher PHBV contents resulted in enhanced resistance and a slower degradation rate of composite coatings in SBF. Distinct drug-release schemes could be obtained by adjusting the SF:PHBV ratio to controllably tuning the coatings degradation rate, from rapid-release formulas, where SF predominates, to prolonged sustained ones, for larger PHBV content.

Study of the Adherence Mechanism Between the Metal and Inorganic Coating with Mill Addition of Li2Ni8O10 Nano Powder

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

QIAN Hui-chun; JIANG Wei-zhong

2009-01-01

The adherence strength between the metal and the inorganic coating can be greatly increased by mill addition of Li2Ni8O10,. The interface structure between metal and the inorganic coating with excellent adherence has been studied by investigating the chemical composition and the microstructure as well as elements valence bond on the interface with the help of scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron microprobe, and Auger electron spectroscope (AES). The results show that there is a non-stoichiometrical transitional layer on the interface between metal and the inorganic coating with excellent adherence, the adherence between metal and the non-stoichiometrical transitional layer is achieved by the metallic bond and the adherence between the non-stoichiometrical transitional layer and the inorganic coating is produced by ionic and covalent bond. The non-stoichiometrical transitional layer results in the strong adherence.

Facile hot-injection synthesis of stoichiometric Cu2ZnSnSe4 nanocrystals using bis(triethylsilyl) selenide.

Science.gov (United States)

Jin, Chunyu; Ramasamy, Parthiban; Kim, Jinkwon

2014-07-07

Cu2ZnSnSe4 is a prospective material as an absorber in thin film solar cells due to its many advantages including direct band gap, high absorption coefficient, low toxicity, and relative abundance (indium-free) of its elements. In this report, CZTSe nanoparticles have been synthesized by the hot-injection method using bis-(triethylsilyl)selenide [(Et3Si)2Se] as the selenium source for the first time. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the stoichiometry of CZTSe nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies showed that the nanocrystals were single phase polycrystalline with their size within the range of 25-30 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy measurements ruled out the existence of secondary phases such as Cu2SnSe3 and ZnSe. The effect of reaction time and precursor injection order on the formation of stoichiometric CZTSe nanoparticles has been studied by Raman spectroscopy. UV-vis-NIR data indicate that the CZTSe nanocrystals have an optical band gap of 1.59 eV, which is optimal for photovoltaic applications.

Refractive Indices in Undoped and MgO-Doped Near-Stoichiometric LiTaO3 Crystals

Science.gov (United States)

Nakamura, Masaru; Higuchi, Shinji; Takekawa, Shunji; Terabe, Kazuya; Furukawa, Yasunori; Kitamura, Kenji

2002-04-01

Undoped and MgO (0.5 and 1.0-mol%)-doped near-stoichiometric LiTaO3 (SLT) crystals were grown from off-congruent Li-rich solutions (Li˜ 60 mol%) by the double-crucible Czochralski method using a continuous SLT ceramic grain charging system. Curie temperatures of the undoped and MgO (0.5 and 1.0-mol%)-doped SLT crystals are 688, 694 and 695°C, respectively. The ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices (no, ne) of these crystals were measured by the prism coupling technique in the wavelength range from 0.440 to 1.050 μm at room temperature, and the temperature-independent Sellmeier equations for each crystal were derived from the measured refractive index data. no of the SLT crystal was almost the same as that of a congruent-melt LiTaO3 (CLT) crystal, while ne of the SLT crystal was lower than that of the CLT crystal. ne was lower than no for the SLT crystal, similar to as in the case of the LiNbO3 crystal. The refractive indices of the SLT crystal, no and ne, were found to be almost independent of MgO concentration at the doping level of 0.5 and 1.0 mol%.

Lenient vs. strict rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure: a post-hoc analysis of the RACE II study

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Mulder, Bart A.; van Veldhuisen, Dirk J.; Crijns, Harry J. G. M.; Tijssen, Jan G. P.; Hillege, Hans L.; Alings, Marco; Rienstra, Michiel; Groenveld, Hessel F.; van den Berg, Maarten P.; van Gelder, Isabelle C.

2013-01-01

It is unknown whether lenient rate control is an acceptable strategy in patients with AF and heart failure. We evaluated differences in outcome in patients with AF and heart failure treated with lenient or strict rate control. This post-hoc analysis of the RACE II trial included patients with an

Resistance scaling for composite fermions in the presence of a density gradient

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stormer, H. L.; Tsui, Daniel Chee; Pan, Wei; West, Ken W.; Baldwin, K. W.; Pfeiffer, Loren N.

2006-01-01

The magnetoresistance, R xx , at even-denominator fractional fillings, of an ultra high quality two-dimensional electron system at T ∼ 35 mK is observed to be strictly linear in magnetic field, B. While at 35 mK R xx is dominated by the integer and fractional quantum Hall states, at T ≅ 1.2 K an almost perfect linear relationship between R xx and B emerges over the whole magnetic field range except for spikes at the integer quantum Hall states. This linear R xx cannot be understood within the Composite Fermion model, but can be explained through the existence of a density gradient in our sample

Study of non stoichiometric pure and Zr-Doped yttria surfaces by X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gautier, M.; Duraud, J.P.; Jollet, F.; Thromat, N.; Maire, P.; Le Gressus, C.

1988-01-01

Surfaces of oxygen-deficient yttrium oxide, pure or Zr-doped, have been studied by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The bulk local geometric structure of these non-stoichiometric compounds was previously determined around the Y atom by an EXAFS (Extended X-ray absorption fine structure) study. The local electronic structure around both Y and O, at the surface, was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The partial transfer of the electronic distribution between the anion and the cation was probed using the Auger parameter. Coupling of these experiments with microscopic observations show that: - In the pure oxygen-deficient sample, the concentration of oxygen vacancies appears to be increased at the grain boundaries. - The Auger parameter shows upon reduction an evolution of the Y-O bond towards a more covalent one, this evolution being modulated with the presence of Zr0 2

A Review of the Effect of Dietary Composition on Fasting Substrate Oxidation in Healthy and Overweight Subjects.

Science.gov (United States)

Whelan, Megan E; Wright, Olivia R L; Hickman, Ingrid J

2016-01-01

The purpose of this review was to assess existing evidence on the effects of chronic dietary macronutrient composition on substrate oxidation during a fasted state in healthy and overweight subjects. A systematic review of studies was conducted across five databases. Studies were included if they were English language studies of human adults, ≥19 years, used indirect calorimetry (ventilated hood technique), specified dietary macronutrient composition, and measured substrate oxidation. There was no evidence that variations of a typical, non-experimental diet influenced rate or ratio of substrate utilization, however there may be an upper and lower threshold for when macronutrient composition may directly alter preferences for fuel oxidation rates during a fasted state. This review indicates that macronutrient composition of a wide range of typical, non-experimental dietary fat and carbohydrate intakes has no effect on fasting substrate oxidation. This suggests that strict control of dietary intake prior to fasting indirect calorimetry measurements may be an unnecessary burden for study participants. Further research into the effects of long-term changes in isocaloric macronutrient shift is required.

Quantitative relationship between adsorbed amount of solute and solvent composition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Yan; Geng Xindu; Zebolsky, Don M.

2003-01-01

A new adsorption isotherm that relates the amount of solute adsorbed to the solvent concentration is proposed. The new equation is derived from Geng and Shi's stoichiometric displacement model for adsorption (SDM-A). The obtained equation may be simplified to an expression containing two parameters. The equation with two parameters, valid for low concentrations of solute, is a logarithmically linear relationship. The intercept contains a thermodynamic equilibrium constant of the solute displacing solvent from the adsorbent. The slope is the negative value of the stoichiometric displacement parameter (Z), the average total number of solvent molecules displaced from an active site on the adsorbent and from the solute. Tests with a homologous series of aromatic alcohols by frontal analysis in reversed phase liquid chromatography demonstrate that experimental results fit the equation well

Bulletin of Materials Science | Indian Academy of Sciences

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Pure cordierite and cordierite–ZrO2 composite (5–20 wt%) ceramics for various stoichiometric compositions were synthesized from standard raw materials by a novel precipitation technique. The analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction, simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, Fourier ...

In-situ sulfuration synthesis of sandwiched spherical tin sulfide/sulfur-doped graphene composite with ultra-low sulfur content

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Bing; Yang, Yaqing; Wang, Zhixuan; Huang, Shoushuang; Wang, Yanyan; Wang, Shanshan; Chen, Zhiwen; Jiang, Yong

2018-02-01

SnS is widely studied as anode materials since of its superior structural stability and physicochemical property comparing with other Sn-based composites. Nevertheless, the inconvenience of phase morphology control and excessive consumption of sulfur sources during synthesis hinder the scalable application of SnS nanocomposites. Herein, we report a facile in-situ sulfuration strategy to synthesize sandwiched spherical SnS/sulfur-doped graphene (SnS/S-SG) composite. An ultra-low sulfur content with approximately stoichiometric ratio of Sn:S can effectively promote the sulfuration reaction of SnO2 to SnS and simultaneous sulfur-doping of graphene. The as-prepared SnS/S-SG composite shows a three-dimensional interconnected spherical structure as a whole, in which SnS nanoparticles are sandwiched between the multilayers of graphene sheets forming a hollow sphere. The sandwiched sphere structure and high S doping amount can improve the binding force between SnS and graphene, as well as the structural stability and electrical conductivity of the composite. Thus, a high reversibility of conversion reaction, promising specific capacity (772 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 C) and excellent rate performance (705 and 411 mAh g-1 at 1 C and 10 C, respectively) are exhibited in the SnS/S-SG electrode, which are much higher than that of the SnS/spherical graphene synthesized by traditional post-sulfuration method.

Composition-ratio influence on resistive switching behavior of solution-processed InGaZnO-based thin-film.

Science.gov (United States)

Hwang, Yeong-Hyeon; Hwang, Inchan; Cho, Won-Ju

2014-11-01

The influence of composition ratio on the bipolar resistive switching behavior of resistive switching memory devices based on amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (a-IGZO) using the spin-coating process was investigated. To study the stoichiometric effects of the a-IGZO films on device characteristics, four devices with In/Ga/Zn stoichiometries of 1:1:1, 3:1:1, 1:3:1, and 1:1:3 were fabricated and characterized. The 3:1:1 film showed an ohmic behavior and the 1:1:3 film showed a rectifying switching behavior. The current-voltage characteristics of the a-IGZO films with stoichiometries of 1:1:1 and 1:3:1, however, showed a bipolar resistive memory switching behavior. We found that the three-fold increase in the gallium content ratio reduces the reset voltage from -0.9 to - 0.4 V and enhances the current ratio of high to low resistive states from 0.7 x 10(1) to 3 x 10(1). Our results show that the increase in the Ga composition ratio in the a-IGZO-based ReRAM cells effectively improves the device performance and reliability by increasing the initial defect density in the a-IGZO films.

Plasma interactions determine the composition in pulsed laser deposited thin films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Jikun; Stender, Dieter; Conder, Kazimierz; Wokaun, Alexander; Schneider, Christof W.; Lippert, Thomas, E-mail: thomas.lippert@psi.ch [Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232 Villigen PSI (Switzerland); Döbeli, Max [Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich (Switzerland)

2014-09-15

Plasma chemistry and scattering strongly affect the congruent, elemental transfer during pulsed laser deposition of target metal species in an oxygen atmosphere. Studying the plasma properties of La{sub 0.6}Sr{sub 0.4}MnO{sub 3}, we demonstrate for as grown La{sub 0.6}Sr{sub 0.4}MnO{sub 3-δ} films that a congruent transfer of metallic species is achieved in two pressure windows: ∼10{sup −3} mbar and ∼2 × 10{sup −1} mbar. In the intermediate pressure range, La{sub 0.6}Sr{sub 0.4}MnO{sub 3-δ} becomes cation deficient and simultaneously almost fully stoichiometric in oxygen. Important for thin film growth is the presence of negative atomic oxygen and under which conditions positive metal-oxygen ions are created in the plasma. This insight into the plasma chemistry shows why the pressure window to obtain films with a desired composition and crystalline structure is narrow and requires a careful adjustment of the process parameters.

Crystal structure determination of solar cell materials: Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films using X-ray anomalous dispersion

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nozaki, Hiroshi; Fukano, Tatsuo; Ohta, Shingo; Seno, Yoshiki; Katagiri, Hironori; Jimbo, Kazuo

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 thin films as a solar cell material were synthesized. ► The wavelength dependences of the diffraction intensity were measured. ► The crystal structures were clearly identified as kesterite structure for all samples. ► Crystal structure analysis revealed that the atomic compositions were Cu/(Zn + Sn) = 0.97 and Zn/Sn = 1.42 for the sample synthesized using stoichiometric amount of starting materials. - Abstract: The crystal structure of Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) thin films fabricated by vapor-phase sulfurization was determined using X-ray anomalous dispersion. High statistic synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction data were collected from very small amounts of powder. By analyzing the wavelength dependencies of the diffraction peak intensities, the crystal structure was clearly identified as kesterite. Rietveld analysis revealed that the atomic composition deviated from stoichiometric composition, and the compositions were Cu/(Zn + Sn) = 0.97, and Zn/Sn = 1.42.

High-Throughput Screening Across Quaternary Alloy Composition Space: Oxidation of (AlxFeyNi1-x-y)∼0.8Cr∼0.2.

Science.gov (United States)

Payne, Matthew A; Miller, James B; Gellman, Andrew J

2016-09-12

Composition spread alloy films (CSAFs) are commonly used as libraries for high-throughput screening of composition-property relationships in multicomponent materials science. Because lateral gradients afford two degrees of freedom, an n-component CSAF can, in principle, contain any composition range falling on a continuous two-dimensional surface through an (n - 1)-dimensional composition space. However, depending on the complexity of the CSAF gradients, characterizing and graphically representing this composition range may not be straightforward when n ≥ 4. The standard approach for combinatorial studies performed using quaternary or higher-order CSAFs has been to use fixed stoichiometric ratios of one or more components to force the composition range to fall on some well-defined plane in the composition space. In this work, we explore the synthesis of quaternary Al-Fe-Ni-Cr CSAFs with a rotatable shadow mask CSAF deposition tool, in which none of the component ratios are fixed. On the basis of the unique gradient geometry produced by the tool, we show that the continuous quaternary composition range of the CSAF can be rigorously represented using a set of two-dimensional "pseudoternary" composition diagrams. We then perform a case study of (AlxFeyNi1-x-y)∼0.8Cr∼0.2 oxidation in dry air at 427 °C to demonstrate how such CSAFs can be used to screen an alloy property across a continuous two-dimensional subspace of a quaternary composition space. We identify a continuous boundary through the (AlxFeyNi1-x-y)∼0.8Cr∼0.2 subspace at which the oxygen uptake into the CSAF between 1 and 16 h oxidation time increases abruptly with decreasing Al content. The results are compared to a previous study of the oxidation of AlxFeyNi1-x-y CSAFs in dry air at 427 °C.

Lyme Neuroborreliosis: Preliminary Results from an Urban Referral Center Employing Strict CDC Criteria for Case Selection

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

David S. Younger

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Lyme neuroborreliosis or “neurological Lyme disease” was evidenced in 2 of 23 patients submitted to strict criteria for case selection of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employing a two-tier test to detect antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi at a single institution. One patient had symptomatic polyradiculoneuritis, dysautonomia, and serological evidence of early infection; and another had symptomatic small fiber sensory neuropathy, distal polyneuropathy, dysautonomia, and serological evidence of late infection. In the remaining patients symptoms initially ascribed to Lyme disease were probably unrelated to B. burgdorferi infection. Our findings suggest early susceptibility and protracted involvement of the nervous system most likely due to the immunological effects of B. burgdorferi infection, although the exact mechanisms remain uncertain.

Strengthening Masonry Arches with Lime-Based Mortar Composite

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Valerio Alecci

2017-06-01

Full Text Available In recent decades, many strengthening interventions on masonry elements were performed by using fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs. These advanced materials proved to be effective to increase the load-carrying capacity of masonry elements and to improve their structural behavior, avoiding the most critical failure modes. Despite the advantages of this technique compared to more traditional methods, FRP systems have disadvantages related to their low resistance to high temperatures, impossibility of application on wet surfaces, low permeability, and poor compatibility with masonry supports. Therefore, composite materials made of a fiber textile embedded in an inorganic matrix were recently proposed as alternatives to FRPs for strengthening historic masonry constructions. These composite materials are easier to install, have higher resistance to high temperatures, and permit higher vapor permeability than FRPs. The inorganic matrix is frequently a cement-based mortar, and the composite materials made of a fiber textile embedded in a cement-based mortar are usually identified as FRCM (fabric reinforced cementitious matrix composites. More recently, the use of natural lime mortar as an inorganic matrix has been proposed as an alternative to cement-based mortars when historic compatibility with the substrate is strictly required, as in case of restoration of historic buildings. In this paper, the effectiveness of a fabric made of basalt fibers embedded in lime mortar matrix (Basalt-FRLM for the strengthening of masonry arches is investigated. An experimental investigation was performed on 1:2 scaled brick masonry arches strengthened at the extrados with a layer of Basalt-FRLM and tested under vertical load. The results obtained are compared with previous results obtained by the authors by testing masonry arches strengthened at their extrados with FRCM and FRP composites. This investigation highlights the effectiveness of Basalt-FRLM in increasing load

Measurement of critical energy for direct initiation of spherical detonations in stoichiometric high-pressure H{sub 2}-O{sub 2} mixtures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kamenskihs, Vsevolods; Lee, John H.S. [Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec (Canada); Ng, Hoi Dick [Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec (Canada)

2010-09-15

In this study, the critical energy for direct initiation of spherical detonations in stoichiometric high-pressure hydrogen-oxygen mixtures are measured and investigated to look at the effect of explosion limits on the detonation sensitivity. Results up to an initial pressure of 20 atm are obtained. Experiments are carried out in a spherical bomb and direct initiation is achieved via spark ignition from a high-voltage capacitor discharge. A detailed description of different methods to obtain a good estimate of the correct amount of energy deposited into the mixture used to initiate the detonation, including the calorimeter method and current method, is provided. It is demonstrated that at elevated initial pressure, the second explosion limit effect plays a significant role leading to slow-branching reactions and the detonation sensitivity of hydrogen mixtures is comparable to other common hydrocarbon mixtures at such condition. (author)

Synthesis and characterization of Cerium-doped hydroxyapatite/polylactic acid composite coatings on metal substrates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yuan, Qiuhua, E-mail: yuanqiuh@szu.edu.cn; Qin, Caoping; Wu, Jianbo; Xu, Anping; Zhang, Ziqiang; Liao, Junquan; Lin, Songxin; Ren, Xiangzhong; Zhang, Peixin

2016-10-01

Ce-doped hydroxyapatite/polylactic acid (HA/PLA) composites serving as implant coatings have rarely been studied by other researchers in recent years. This paper was focused to study the existence of Ce ions in structure, chemical composition and surface morphology of HA and its composite coatings. Ce-doped HA powders were synthesized by chemical precipitation method with different Ce molar fractions (0(pure HA), 0.5 mol%, 1 mol% and 2 mol%). And Ce-doped HA/PLA composite coatings were fabricated for the first time on stainless steel substrates by spin coating technique. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray detector (EDX), thermo gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that Ce ions were doped into the crystal lattice of apatite successfully. The (Ce + Ca)/P atomic ratios in the doped HA/PLA samples ranged from 1.614 to 1.673, which were very close to the theoretical value of 1.67 for the stoichiometric HA. The addition of PLA could keep metal substrates from catalyzing the decomposition of HA. TG-DTA analysis indicated that Ce-doped HA powder had high thermal stability, and the SEM micrographs revealed that the surface topography of Ce-doped HA/PLA composite coatings was uniform and dense when the Ce molar fraction was 2 mol%. XPS results indicated that the Ce ions doped in HA showed mixed valences of Ce{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 4+}. - Highlights: • Ce-doped HA composite coatings were synthesized by spin-coating technique for the first time. • Ce ions were demonstrated to dope into HA crystal lattice successfully. • The addition of PLA could keep metal substrates from catalyzing the decomposition of HA. • XPS results showed that Ce ions doped in HA have mixed valences of Ce{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 4+}.

Non-Stoichiometric SixN Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor for Compact Random Number Generator with 0.3 Mbit/s Generation Rate

Science.gov (United States)

Matsumoto, Mari; Ohba, Ryuji; Yasuda, Shin-ichi; Uchida, Ken; Tanamoto, Tetsufumi; Fujita, Shinobu

2008-08-01

The demand for random numbers for security applications is increasing. A conventional random number generator using thermal noise can generate unpredictable high-quality random numbers, but the circuit is extremely large because of large amplifier circuit for a small thermal signal. On the other hand, a pseudo-random number generator is small but the quality of randomness is bad. For a small circuit and a high quality of randomness, we purpose a non-stoichiometric SixN metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) noise source device. This device generates a very large noise signal without an amplifier circuit. As a result, it is shown that, utilizing a SiN MOSFET, we can attain a compact random number generator with a high generation rate near 1 Mbit/s, which is suitable for almost all security applications.

Strontium chloroapatite based glass-ceramics composites for nuclear waste immobilisation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jena, Hrudananda; Maji, Binoy Kumar; Asuvathraman, R.; Govindan Kutty, K.V.

2013-01-01

Apatites are naturally occurring minerals with a general formula of M 10 (PO 4 ) 6 X 2 , (M= Ca, Sr, Ba, X= OH, Cl, F) with a hexagonal crystal structure (S.G :P6 3 /m) and can accommodate alkaline earth and various other aliovalent cations and anions into its crystal structure. Apatites are also known to have high resistance to leaching of the constituent elements under geological conditions. It may not often be possible to immobilize the whole spectrum of the radioactive waste in a single phase M 10 (PO 4 ) 6 Cl 2 , then a combination of M-chloroapatite encapsulated in borosilicate glass (BSG) can immobilize most of the radwaste elements in the composite glass-ceramic matrix (glass bonded chloroapatite), thus utilizing the immobilizing efficiency of both the ceramic phase and glass. In the present study, the synthesis, characterization and thermo-physical property measurements of the Sr-chloroapatite (SrApCI) and some glass-bonded composites based on it have been investigated. The Sr-chloroapatite glass-ceramics were prepared by solid state reactions among stoichiometric concentrations of apatite forming reagents, 20 wt. % borosilicate glass (BSG), and known concentrations (10, 13 and 16 wt. %) of a simulated waste in chloride form. The products were characterized by XRD to confirm the formation of Sr 10 (PO 4 ) 6 Cl 2 and glass bonded-chloroapatite composites. The surface morphology and qualitative chemical composition of the powders were examined by SEM and EDX. Thermal expansion and glass transition temperature of the matrices were measured by dilatometry. Glass transition temperature of the glass-bonded composites was also examined by differential scanning calorimetry and differential thermal analysis. The 10-16 wt.% waste loaded matrices showed similar thermal expansion as that of SrApCI, indicating the thermal stability of the matrix to chloride waste immobilization. The glass transition temperature of the waste loaded matrices decreases on increasing the

Fabrication and bonding of thiol-ene-based microfluidic devices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sikanen, Tiina M; Moilanen, Maria-Elisa; Lafleur, Josiane P; Zhuang, Guisheng; Jensen, Thomas G; Kutter, Jörg P

2013-01-01

In this work, the bonding strength of microchips fabricated by thiol-ene free-radical polymerization was characterized in detail by varying the monomeric thiol/allyl composition from the stoichiometric ratio (1:1) up to 100% excess of thiol (2:1) or allyl (1:2) functional groups. Four different thiol-ene to thiol-ene bonding combinations were tested by bonding: (i) two stoichiometric layers, (ii) two layers bearing complementary excess of thiols and allyls, (iii) two layers both bearing excess of thiols, or (iv) two layers both bearing excess of allyls. The results showed that the stiffness of the cross-linked polymer plays the most crucial role regarding the bonding strength. The most rigid polymer layers were obtained by using the stoichiometric composition or an excess of allyls, and thus, the bonding combinations (i) and (iv) withstood the highest pressures (up to the cut-off value of 6 bar). On the other hand, excess of thiol monomers yielded more elastic polymer layers and thus decreased the pressure tolerance for bonding combinations (ii) and (iii). By using monomers with more thiol groups (e.g. tetrathiol versus trithiol), a higher cross-linking ratio, and thus, greater stiffness was obtained. Surface characterization by infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the changes in the monomeric thiol/allyl composition were also reflected in the surface chemistry. The flexibility of being able to bond different types of thiol-enes together allows for tuning of the surface chemistry to yield the desired properties for each application. Here, a capillary electrophoresis separation is performed to demonstrate the attractive properties of stoichiometric thiol-ene microchips. (technical note)

Compositional trends and magnetic excitations in binary and ternary Fe–Pd–X magnetic shape memory alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gruner, Markus Ernst; Hamann, Sven; Brunken, Hayo; Ludwig, Alfred; Entel, Peter

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► We discuss compositional trends in Fe–Pd–Cu and Fe–Pd–Mn magnetic shape memory alloys. ► We combine density functional theory and combinatorial thin film experiments. ► Magnetic excitations contribute decisively to the structural transformation behavior. -- Abstract: High throughput thin film experiments and first-principles calculations are combined in order to get insight into the relation between finite temperature transformation behavior and structural ground state properties of ternary Fe–Pd–X alloys. In particular, we consider the binding surface, i.e., the energy of the disordered alloy calculated along the Bain path between bcc and fcc which we model by a 108 atom supercell. We compare stoichiometric Fe 75 Pd 25 with ternary systems, where 4.6% of the Fe atoms were substituted by Cu and Mn, respectively. The computational trends are related to combinatorial experiments on thin film libraries for the systems Fe–Pd–Mn and Fe–Pd–Cu which reveal a systematic evolution of the martensitic start temperature with composition within the relevant concentration range for magnetic shape memory (MSM) applications. Our calculations include atomic relaxations, which were shown to be relevant for a correct description of the structural properties. Furthermore, we find that magnetic excitations can substantially alter the binding surface. The comparison of experimental and theoretical trends indicates that, both, compositional changes and magnetic excitations contribute significantly to the structural stability which may thus be tailored by specifically adding antiferromagnetic components

A strictly monofunctional bacterial hydroxymethylpyrimidine phosphate kinase precludes damaging errors in thiamin biosynthesis.

Science.gov (United States)

Thamm, Antje M; Li, Gengnan; Taja-Moreno, Marlene; Gerdes, Svetlana Y; de Crécy-Lagard, Valérie; Bruner, Steven D; Hanson, Andrew D

2017-07-20

The canonical kinase (ThiD) that converts the thiamin biosynthesis intermediate hydroxymethylpyrimidine (HMP) monophosphate to the diphosphate can also very efficiently convert free HMP to the monophosphate in prokaryotes, plants, and fungi. This HMP kinase activity enables salvage of HMP, but it is not substrate-specific and so allows toxic HMP analogs and damage products to infiltrate the thiamin biosynthesis pathway. Comparative analysis of bacterial genomes uncovered a gene, thiD2 , that is often fused to the thiamin synthesis gene thiE and could potentially encode a replacement for ThiD. Standalone ThiD2 proteins and ThiD2 fusion domains are small (~130-residues) and do not belong to any previously known protein family. Genetic and biochemical analyses showed that representative standalone and fused ThiD2 proteins catalyze phosphorylation of HMP monophosphate, but not of HMP or its toxic analogs and damage products such as bacimethrin and 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyrimidin-4-ol. As strictly monofunctional HMP monophosphate kinases, ThiD2 proteins eliminate a potentially fatal vulnerability of canonical ThiD, at the cost of the ability to reclaim HMP formed by thiamin turnover. ©2017 The Author(s).

Clinical impact of strict criteria for selectivity and lateralization in adrenal vein sampling.

Science.gov (United States)

Gasparetto, Alessandro; Angle, John F; Darvishi, Pasha; Freeman, Colbey W; Norby, Ray G; Carey, Robert M

2015-04-01

Selectivity index (SI) and lateralization index (LI) thresholds determine the adequacy of adrenal vein sampling (AVS) and the degree of lateralization. The purpose of this study was investigate the clinical outcome of patients whose adrenal vein sampling was interpreted using "strict criteria" (SC) (SIpre-stimuli≥3, SIpost-stimuli≥5 and LIpre-stimuli≥4, LIpost-stimuli≥4). A retrospective review of 73 consecutive AVS procedures was performed and 67 were technically successful. Forty-three patients showed lateralization and underwent surgery, while 24 did not lateralize and were managed conservatively. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), kalemia (K(+)), and the change in number of blood pressure (BP) medications were recorded for each patient before and after AVS and potential surgery were performed. In the surgery group, BP and K(+) changed respectively from 160±5.3/100±2.0 mmHg to 127±3.3/80±1.9 (p blood pressure medications were six (14.0%) in the lateralized group and 22 (91.7%) in the non-lateralized group (p <0.001). AVS interpretation with SC leads to significant clinical improvement in both patients who underwent surgery and those managed conservatively.

Factors influencing the charge distribution on Pd x Pt y bimetallic nanoparticles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Carlos M. Celis-Cornejo

2013-12-01

Full Text Available We performed quantum mechanics calculations to elucidate the electronic behavior of Pd-Pt bimetallic nanoparticles, using density functional theory, in response to particle size and stoichiometric composition. Using neutrally charged nanoparticles and the Bader charge analysis, we found that external Pd atoms were positively charged, which agrees with previous XPS observations of supported Pd-Pt nanoparticles. From the calculations, unsupported nanoparticles exhibit an electron transfer from Pd to Pt. This result supports the idea that Pd electron-deficient species are possibly responsible of the hydrogenating function of these catalysts, in the hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene. Additionally, it was found that the particle size does not affect the electronic charge distribution and the stoichiometric composition is the factor that greatly influences this property in nanoparticles.

The preparation of benzyl esters using stoichiometric niobium (V chloride versus niobium grafted SiO2 catalyst: A comparison study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sandro L. Barbosa

2018-03-01

Full Text Available Two solvent free methods of a one-to-one alcohol/acid mol ratio synthesis of benzyl esters of the formic, acetic, benzoic, salicylic, nicotinic, and oxalic acids are described. The stoichiometric reactions used 1.5 mol ratio solid NbCl5 as the reagent and required from two to three hours for completion at room temperature; for the catalytic processes, NbCl5 was grafted directly, at room temperature, onto a silica gel of specific area of 507 m2g−1, produced from construction sand and sodium carbonate, forming a 5.4% Nb w/w SiO2-Nb gel with a specific area of 412 m2g−1. At 10% w/w catalyst/alcohol ratio, this SiO2-Nb catalyst gave similarly very good yields but required from 6 to 9 hours at the reflux temperature of the slurry. The catalyst could be re-used three times. Keyword: Organic chemistry

Microstructural optimization of high temperature SiC/SiC composites by nite process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shimoda, K.; Park, J.S.; Hinoki, T.; Kohyama, A.

2007-01-01

Full text of publication follows: SiC/SiC composites are one of the promising structural materials for future fusion reactor because of the excellent potentiality in thermal and mechanical properties under very severe environment including high temperature and high energy neutron bombardment. For fusion-grade SiC/SiC composites, high-crystallinity and near-stoichiometric characteristic are required to keep excellent stability against neutron irradiation. The realization of the reactor will be strongly depend on optimization of SiC/SiC composites microstructure, particularly in regard to the materials and processes used for the fiber, interphase and matrix constituents. One of the important accomplishments is the new process, called nano-particle infiltration and transient eutectic phase (NITE) process developed in our group. The microstructure of NITE-SiC/SiC composites, such as fiber volume fraction, porosity and type of pores, can be controlled precisely by the selection of sintering temperature/applied stress history. The objective of this study is to investigate thermal stability and mechanical properties of NITE-SiC/SiC composites at high-temperature. Two kinds of highly-densified SiC/SiC composites with the difference of fiber volume fraction were prepared, and were subjected to exposure tests from 1000 deg. C to 1500 deg. C in an argon-oxygen gas mixture with an oxygen partial pressure of 0.1 Pa. The thermal stability of the composites was characterized through mass change and TEM/SEM observation. The in-situ tensile tests at 1300 deg. C and 1500 deg. C were carried out in the same atmosphere. Most of SiC/SiC composites, even for the advanced CVI-SiC/SiC composites with multi-layered SiC/C inter-phases, underwent reduction in the maximum strength by about 20% at 1300 deg. C. In particular, this reduction was attributed to a slight burnout of the carbon interphase due to oxygen impurities in test atmosphere. However, there was no significant degradation for

Microstructural optimization of high temperature SiC/SiC composites by nite process

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shimoda, K. [Kyoto Univ., Graduate School of Energy Science (Japan); Park, J.S. [Kyoto Univ., Institute of Advanced Energy (Japan); Hinoki, T.; Kohyama, A. [Kyoto Univ., lnstitute of Advanced Energy, Gokasho, Uji (Japan)

2007-07-01

Full text of publication follows: SiC/SiC composites are one of the promising structural materials for future fusion reactor because of the excellent potentiality in thermal and mechanical properties under very severe environment including high temperature and high energy neutron bombardment. For fusion-grade SiC/SiC composites, high-crystallinity and near-stoichiometric characteristic are required to keep excellent stability against neutron irradiation. The realization of the reactor will be strongly depend on optimization of SiC/SiC composites microstructure, particularly in regard to the materials and processes used for the fiber, interphase and matrix constituents. One of the important accomplishments is the new process, called nano-particle infiltration and transient eutectic phase (NITE) process developed in our group. The microstructure of NITE-SiC/SiC composites, such as fiber volume fraction, porosity and type of pores, can be controlled precisely by the selection of sintering temperature/applied stress history. The objective of this study is to investigate thermal stability and mechanical properties of NITE-SiC/SiC composites at high-temperature. Two kinds of highly-densified SiC/SiC composites with the difference of fiber volume fraction were prepared, and were subjected to exposure tests from 1000 deg. C to 1500 deg. C in an argon-oxygen gas mixture with an oxygen partial pressure of 0.1 Pa. The thermal stability of the composites was characterized through mass change and TEM/SEM observation. The in-situ tensile tests at 1300 deg. C and 1500 deg. C were carried out in the same atmosphere. Most of SiC/SiC composites, even for the advanced CVI-SiC/SiC composites with multi-layered SiC/C inter-phases, underwent reduction in the maximum strength by about 20% at 1300 deg. C. In particular, this reduction was attributed to a slight burnout of the carbon interphase due to oxygen impurities in test atmosphere. However, there was no significant degradation for

A non-terrestrial 16O-rich isotopic composition for the protosolar nebula.

Science.gov (United States)

Hashizume, Ko; Chaussidon, Marc

2005-03-31

The discovery in primitive components of meteorites of large oxygen isotopic variations that could not be attributed to mass-dependent fractionation effects has raised a fundamental question: what is the composition of the protosolar gas from which the host grains formed? This composition is probably preserved in the outer layers of the Sun, but the resolution of astronomical spectroscopic measurements is still too poor to be useful for comparison with planetary material. Here we report a precise determination of the oxygen isotopic composition of the solar wind from particles implanted in the outer hundreds of nanometres of metallic grains in the lunar regolith. These layers of the grains are enriched in 16O by >20 +/- 4 per thousand relative to the Earth, Mars and bulk meteorites, which implies the existence in the solar accretion disk of reactions--as yet unknown--that were able to change the 17O/16O and 18O/16O ratios in a way that was not dependent strictly on the mass of the isotope. Photochemical self-shielding of the CO gas irradiated by ultraviolet light may be one of these key processes, because it depends on the abundance of the isotopes, rather than their masses.

Composition and phase analysis of nanocrystalline Ba{sub x}Sr{sub 1-x}Fe{sub 12}O{sub 19} (x = 1.0; 0.6; and 0.4) by using general structure analysis system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gunanto, Y. E., E-mail: yohanes.gunanto@uph.edu [Departement of Biology Education, Pelita Harapan University, Karawaci, Tangerang, 15811 (Indonesia); Jobiliong, E., E-mail: eric.jobiliong@uph.edu [Departement of Industrial Engineering, Pelita Harapan University, Karawaci, Tangerang, 15811 (Indonesia); Adi, Wisnu Ari, E-mail: dwisnuaa@batan.go.id [Centre for Sci. and Tech. of Adv. Materials, BATAN, Serpong, Tangerang Selatan, 15314 (Indonesia)

2016-03-11

Single phase of nanocrystalline Ba{sub x}Sr{sub 1-x}Fe{sub 12}O{sub 19} (x = 1.0; 0.6; and 0.4) was successfully synthesized by mechanical milling method and thermal process. Stoichiometric quantities of analytical-grade SrCO{sub 3}, BaCO{sub 3}, and Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, were mixed and milled using a high-energy milling. The mixture of all precursors was sintered at a temperature of 1000 °C for 10 hours. The refinement of x-ray diffraction trace for all samples confirmed a single phase material with a hexagonal structure. The increase of the amount of strontium content in the barium atoms in the Ba{sub x}Sr{sub 1-x}Fe{sub 12}O{sub 19} system can decrease the lattice parameter which have been successfully substituted into the barium atoms. The calculation result of cationic distribution showed that the Ba{sub x}Sr{sub 1-x}Fe{sub 12}O{sub 19} (x = 0.6) and (x = 0.4) samples have nominal composition of Ba{sub 0,61}Sr{sub 0,39}Fe{sub 12}O{sub 19} and Ba{sub 0,37}Sr{sub 0,63}Fe{sub 12}O{sub 19}, respectively. Results of the mean of crystallite size evaluation for respective powder materials showed that the Ba{sub x}Sr{sub 1-x}Fe{sub 12}O{sub 19} (x = 1.0; 0.6; and 0.4) samples have the crystallite size of 22 nm, 25 nm and 34 nm, respectively. We concluded that the cationic distribution of barium atoms was successfully substituted by strontium atoms approaching the nominal stoichiometric composition.

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes/epoxy resin composites characterization of the starting materials and evaluation of thermal and electrical conductivity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, Wellington Marcos da

2009-01-01

In this study we investigate the electrical and thermal properties of I) composite materials fabricated with O, I, 0,5 and I wt% of concentric multi-wall carbon nanotubes/epoxy resin (MWNT) dispersed randomly in the resin; 2) MWNT buckypaper/resin composite materials; 3) and neat MWNT buckypaper. Initially, we use the techniques of thermogravimetry, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, energy dispersive spectroscopy, x-ray fluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy for a broadening characterization of the starting materials, to evaluate its morphology, purity, chemical composition and structure, in order to optimize the properties of crosslinked resin and, consequently, of the composite systems. Important parameters such as the average molecular mass and the equivalent weight of epoxy resin (DGEBA) were determined by 1 H-NMR analysis and, after that, resin/curing agent relations with Phr 10, 15, 20 and 53,2 were elaborated and investigated by thermogravimetry, the resin/curing agent relation with Phr 10 showed to be the most thermally stable. This stoichiometric relation was used to elaborate the composites. We have evaluated that the effect of adding 10 wt% of the solvent acetone to the epoxy resin preparation does not alter its properties so we have adopted two routes to fabricate the composites. In the first route we used 10 wt% of acetone and, in the second the MWNT were dispersed in the matrix without using the solvent. However, no significant difference was observed for the dispersion of the bundle tubes in both systems. The electrical conductivity of the composites and buckypapers was evaluated by impedance spectroscopy and the thermal conductivity by the flash laser flash method. Only the buckypapers presented high values for electrical conductivity (10 3 S.m -1 ). The composite systems presented values of 10 -3 S.m -1 , only a bit different from the value of the crosslinked resin. For thermal conductivity, the values for the

Numerical and experimental study of the distribution of charged species in a flat stoichiometric premixed CH4/O2/Ar flame

KAUST Repository

Han, Jie

2015-03-30

In this paper, an existing ion reaction mechanism is used to compute the distribution of charged species in a at stoichiometric premixed CH4/O2/Ar flame stabilized on top of a McKenna burner. The ion reaction rates and charged species thermodynamic data are updated according to the most recent data. A modified version of the detailed ARAMCO 1.3 reaction mechanism is used to describe the chemistry of neutral species. Because of the important role of CH in the chemi-ionization process, its prediction is improved based on the available measured data. The ability of the ion reaction mechanism to predict the distribution of positive ions is assessed by comparing to the experimental measurements performed in our group. The calculated results are qualitatively consistent with the experimental data, even though there exist quantitative differences that need to be addressed in future work.

Numerical and experimental study of the distribution of charged species in a flat stoichiometric premixed CH4/O2/Ar flame

KAUST Repository

Han, Jie; Alquaity, Awad B. S.; Belhi, Memdouh; Farroq, Aamir; Sarathy, Mani; Bisetti, Fabrizio

2015-01-01

In this paper, an existing ion reaction mechanism is used to compute the distribution of charged species in a at stoichiometric premixed CH4/O2/Ar flame stabilized on top of a McKenna burner. The ion reaction rates and charged species thermodynamic data are updated according to the most recent data. A modified version of the detailed ARAMCO 1.3 reaction mechanism is used to describe the chemistry of neutral species. Because of the important role of CH in the chemi-ionization process, its prediction is improved based on the available measured data. The ability of the ion reaction mechanism to predict the distribution of positive ions is assessed by comparing to the experimental measurements performed in our group. The calculated results are qualitatively consistent with the experimental data, even though there exist quantitative differences that need to be addressed in future work.

First-principles study of magnetic properties of stoichiometric and O deficient low-index surfaces of rutile SnO{sub 2} and TiO{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Han, Ruilin; Yang, Hui [Key Laboratory of Physics and Technology for Advanced Batteries (Ministry of Education), Department of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China); Wang, Dingdi [Department of Physics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China); Du, Xiaobo [Key Laboratory of Physics and Technology for Advanced Batteries (Ministry of Education), Department of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China); Yan, Yu, E-mail: yanyu@jlu.edu.cn [Key Laboratory of Physics and Technology for Advanced Batteries (Ministry of Education), Department of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China)

2015-01-15

In consideration of experimental evidences of O vacancies or/and surface state as the possible origin of d{sup 0} ferromagnetism in SnO{sub 2} and TiO{sub 2}, the electronic structure and magnetic properties of stoichiometric and O deficient (110), (100), (101) and (001) surfaces of rutile SnO{sub 2} and TiO{sub 2} are investigated using first-principles calculations. The calculations show that the stoichiometric (110), (100), (101) and (001) surfaces of rutile SnO{sub 2} and TiO{sub 2} are nonmagnetic. The O vacancy at these low-index surfaces of SnO{sub 2} do not induce magnetic moment due to extended character of 5s and 5p orbitals of the reduced Sn atom, while the vacancy at the low-index surfaces of TiO{sub 2} produce spin splitting defect states in the band gap, resulting in the formation of magnetic moment of 2.0 μ{sub B}. The induced magnetic moment by surface O vacancy is mainly contributed by partially filled 3d orbitals of the reduced Ti atoms. It is noticed that the magnetic coupling between magnetic moments induced by two O vacancies at the low-index surfaces of rutile TiO{sub 2} are long-range ferromagnetic, which can be explained by the overlap of spin density around the common Ti or O atoms among reduced Ti atoms produced by two O vacancies. - Highlights: • Surface O vacancy does not induce magnetic moment in SnO{sub 2}. • Coupling between the moments induced by O vacancies at surfaces of TiO{sub 2} is ferromagnetic. • d{sup 0} ferromagnetism of TiO{sub 2} can be attributed to surface O vacancy.

Stoichiometric Assembly of the Cellulosome Generates Maximum Synergy for the Degradation of Crystalline Cellulose, as Revealed by In Vitro Reconstitution of the Clostridium thermocellum Cellulosome.

Science.gov (United States)

Hirano, Katsuaki; Nihei, Satoshi; Hasegawa, Hiroki; Haruki, Mitsuru; Hirano, Nobutaka

2015-07-01

The cellulosome is a supramolecular multienzyme complex formed by species-specific interactions between the cohesin modules of scaffoldin proteins and the dockerin modules of a wide variety of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes. Cellulosomal enzymes bound to the scaffoldin protein act synergistically to degrade crystalline cellulose. However, there have been few attempts to reconstitute intact cellulosomes due to the difficulty of heterologously expressing full-length scaffoldin proteins. We describe the synthesis of a full-length scaffoldin protein containing nine cohesin modules, CipA; its deletion derivative containing two cohesin modules, ΔCipA; and three major cellulosomal cellulases, Cel48S, Cel8A, and Cel9K, of the Clostridium thermocellum cellulosome. The proteins were synthesized using a wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis system, and the purified proteins were used to reconstitute cellulosomes. Analysis of the cellulosome assembly using size exclusion chromatography suggested that the dockerin module of the enzymes stoichiometrically bound to the cohesin modules of the scaffoldin protein. The activity profile of the reconstituted cellulosomes indicated that cellulosomes assembled at a CipA/enzyme molar ratio of 1/9 (cohesin/dockerin = 1/1) and showed maximum synergy (4-fold synergy) for the degradation of crystalline substrate and ∼2.4-fold-higher synergy for its degradation than minicellulosomes assembled at a ΔCipA/enzyme molar ratio of 1/2 (cohesin/dockerin = 1/1). These results suggest that the binding of more enzyme molecules on a single scaffoldin protein results in higher synergy for the degradation of crystalline cellulose and that the stoichiometric assembly of the cellulosome, without excess or insufficient enzyme, is crucial for generating maximum synergy for the degradation of crystalline cellulose. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Structural and electronic properties of low-index stoichiometric BiOI surfaces

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dai, Wen-Wu; Zhao, Zong-Yan, E-mail: zzy@kmust.edu.cn

2017-06-01

As promising photocatalyst driven by visible-light, BiOI has attracted more and more attention in the past years. However, the surface structure and properties of BiOI that is the most important place for the photocatalytic have not been investigated in details. To this end, density functional theory was performed to calculate the structural and electronic properties of four low-index stoichiometric surfaces of BiOI. It is found that the relaxation of the low-index BiOI surfaces are relatively small, especially the (001) surface. Thus, the surface energies of BiOI are very relatively small. Moreover, there are a few surface states below the bottom of conduction band in the first layer except the (001) surface, which maybe capture the photo-excited carriers. In all of the most stable terminated planes, all the dangling bonds are cleaved from the broken Bi-O bonds. In the case of (001) surface, the dangling bond density of Bi atoms for the (001) surface is zero per square nano. Therefore, the (001) surface is thermodynamically lowest-energy surface of BiOI, and it is the predominant surface (51.4%). As a final remark, the dangling bonds density of bismuth atoms determines not only the surface energy, but also the surface relaxation. Finally, the equilibrium morphology of BiOI was also proposed and provided, which is determined through the Wulff construction. These results will help us to better understand the underlying photocatalytic mechanism that is related to BiOI surfaces, and provide theoretical support for some experimental studies about BiOI-based photocatalyst in future. - Highlights: • Four low-index BiOI surfaces have been calculated by DFT method. • The relaxations of the low-index BiOI surfaces are relatively small. • There are a few surface states below the bottom of conduction band in the first layer. • The dangling bonds density of bismuth atoms determines not only the surface energy, but also the surface relaxation. • The thermodynamic

Combustion modeling and kinetic rate calculations for a stoichiometric cyclohexane flame. 1. Major reaction pathways.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Hongzhi R; Huynh, Lam K; Kungwan, Nawee; Yang, Zhiwei; Zhang, Shaowen

2007-05-17

The Utah Surrogate Mechanism was extended in order to model a stoichiometric premixed cyclohexane flame (P = 30 Torr). Generic rates were assigned to reaction classes of hydrogen abstraction, beta scission, and isomerization, and the resulting mechanism was found to be adequate in describing the combustion chemistry of cyclohexane. Satisfactory results were obtained in comparison with the experimental data of oxygen, major products and important intermediates, which include major soot precursors of C2-C5 unsaturated species. Measured concentrations of immediate products of fuel decomposition were also successfully reproduced. For example, the maximum concentrations of benzene and 1,3-butadiene, two major fuel decomposition products via competing pathways, were predicted within 10% of the measured values. Ring-opening reactions compete with those of cascading dehydrogenation for the decomposition of the conjugate cyclohexyl radical. The major ring-opening pathways produce 1-buten-4-yl radical, molecular ethylene, and 1,3-butadiene. The butadiene species is formed via beta scission after a 1-4 internal hydrogen migration of 1-hexen-6-yl radical. Cascading dehydrogenation also makes an important contribution to the fuel decomposition and provides the exclusive formation pathway of benzene. Benzene formation routes via combination of C2-C4 hydrocarbon fragments were found to be insignificant under current flame conditions, inferred by the later concentration peak of fulvene, in comparison with benzene, because the analogous species series for benzene formation via dehydrogenation was found to be precursors with regard to parent species of fulvene.

Cogeneration from thermal treatment of selected municipal solid wastes. A stoichiometric model building for the case study on Palermo

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lo Mastro, F.; Mistretta, M.

2004-01-01

This paper aims to calculate the energetic and environmental effects of an integrated solid waste management system in Palermo, Italy. In particular, the thermal treatment of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) with energy recovery is assessed. The current characterization at the local scale is taken into account. Two different options of collection are taken into account: (1) unselected wastes; and (2) sorted collection, according to the current Italian regulation. Combustion process is analyzed and the following features are calculated: (1) stoichiometric content of air and air excess; and (2) temperature and enthalpy of flue gases. Energy recovery is performed in the hypothesis of Hirn cycle both with steam condensation to produce only power, and with bleeding cycle for the combined production of power and thermal energy. Total electric efficiency is assumed as representative index of the technological level of the assessed plant. Results show that the thermal treatment of selected MSW, associated with a cogenerative recovery of energy, represents a relevant sustainable strategy of waste valorization as an alternative to fossil fuels

Multi-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy study of road dust samples from a traffic area of Venice using stoichiometric and environmental references

Science.gov (United States)

Valotto, Gabrio; Cattaruzza, Elti; Bardelli, Fabrizio

2017-02-01

The appropriate selection of representative pure compounds to be used as reference is a crucial step for successful analysis of X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) data, and it is often not a trivial task. This is particularly true when complex environmental matrices are investigated, being their elemental speciation a priori unknown. In this paper, an investigation on the speciation of Cu, Zn, and Sb based on the use of conventional (stoichiometric compounds) and non-conventional (environmental samples or relevant certified materials) references is explored. This method can be useful in when the effectiveness of XANES analysis is limited because of the difficulty in obtaining a set of references sufficiently representative of the investigated samples. Road dust samples collected along the bridge connecting Venice to the mainland were used to show the potentialities and the limits of this approach.

The crystal structure and electronic properties of a new metastable non-stoichiometric BaAl{sub 4}-type compound crystallized from amorphous La{sub 6}Ni{sub 34}Ge{sub 60} alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hasegawa, Masashi [Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai, Katahira 980-8577 (Japan); Suzuki, Shoichiro [Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai, Katahira 980-8577 (Japan); Ohsuna, Tetsu [Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai, Katahira 980-8577 (Japan); Matsubara, Eiichiro [Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai, Katahira 980-8577 (Japan); Endo, Satoshi [Center for Low Temperature Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Katahira 980-8577 (Japan); Inoue, Akihisa [Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai, Katahira 980-8577 (Japan)

2004-11-17

A new metastable La-Ge-Ni ternary BaAl{sub 4}-type (ThCr{sub 2}Si{sub 2}-type) compound, of which the space group is I4/mmm is synthesized. It is obtained by a polymorphic transformation from an La{sub 6}Ni{sub 34}Ge{sub 60} amorphous alloy on crystallizing. The formula of the compound is (La{sub 0.3}Ge{sub 0.7})(Ni{sub 0.85}Ge{sub 0.15}){sub 2}Ge{sub 2}. This indicates that it is highly non-stoichiometric compared to the stoichiometric LaNi{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}. It is found that the c-axis lattice parameter of this compound is much longer than that of LaNi{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}. It should be noted that the longer c-axis unit cell parameter is attributable only to the longer interlayer distance between Ge site and Ni site layers. The temperature dependences of electrical resistivity and thermoelectric power of the (La{sub 0.3}Ge{sub 0.7})(Ni{sub 0.85}Ge{sub 0.15}){sub 2}Ge{sub 2} compound and La{sub 6}Ni{sub 34}Ge{sub 60} amorphous alloy are also clarified. The comparison of these electronic properties between the two materials indicates that sp-electrons mainly contribute to the density of states around the Fermi level of this compound.

Probing the redox metabolism in the strictly anaerobic, extremely thermophilic, hydrogen-producing Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus using amperometry

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kostesha, Natalie; Willquist, Karin; Emnéus, Jenny

2011-01-01

Changes in the redox metabolism in the anaerobic, extremely thermophilic, hydrogen-forming bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus were probed for the first time in vivo using mediated amperometry with ferricyanide as a thermotolerant external mediator. Clear differences in the intracellul...... in the intracellular electron flow and to probe redox enzyme properties of a strictly anaerobic thermophile in vivo.......Changes in the redox metabolism in the anaerobic, extremely thermophilic, hydrogen-forming bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus were probed for the first time in vivo using mediated amperometry with ferricyanide as a thermotolerant external mediator. Clear differences in the intracellular...... the NADH-dependent lactate dehydrogenase, upon which more NADH was directed to membrane-associated enzymes for ferricyanide reduction, leading to a higher electrochemical signal. The method is noninvasive and the results presented here demonstrate that this method can be used to accurately detect changes...

Global neural dynamic surface tracking control of strict-feedback systems with application to hypersonic flight vehicle.

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Bin; Yang, Chenguang; Pan, Yongping

2015-10-01

This paper studies both indirect and direct global neural control of strict-feedback systems in the presence of unknown dynamics, using the dynamic surface control (DSC) technique in a novel manner. A new switching mechanism is designed to combine an adaptive neural controller in the neural approximation domain, together with the robust controller that pulls the transient states back into the neural approximation domain from the outside. In comparison with the conventional control techniques, which could only achieve semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded stability, the proposed control scheme guarantees all the signals in the closed-loop system are globally uniformly ultimately bounded, such that the conventional constraints on initial conditions of the neural control system can be relaxed. The simulation studies of hypersonic flight vehicle (HFV) are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed global neural DSC design.

Effects of prey macronutrient content on body composition and nutrient intake in a web-building spider.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jesse Hawley

Full Text Available The nutritional composition of diets can vary widely in nature and have large effects on the growth, reproduction and survival of animals. Many animals, especially herbivores, will tightly regulate the nutritional composition of their body, which has been referred to as nutritional homeostasis. We tested how experimental manipulation of the lipid and protein content of live prey affected the nutrient reserves and subsequent diet regulation of web-building spiders, Argiope keyserlingi. Live locusts were injected with experimental solutions containing specific amounts of lipid and protein and then fed to spiders. The nutrient composition of the spiders' bodies was directly related to the nutrient composition of the prey on which they fed. We then conducted an experiment where spiders were fed either high lipid or high protein prey and subsequently provided with two large unmanipulated locusts. Prior diet did not affect the amount or ratio of lipid and protein ingested by spiders when feeding on unmanipulated prey. Argiope keyserlingi were flexible in the storage of lipid and protein in their bodies and did not bias their extraction of nutrients from prey to compensate for previously biased diets. Some carnivores, especially those that experience frequent food limitation, may be less likely to strictly regulate their body composition than herbivores because food limitation may encourage opportunistic ingestion and assimilation of nutrients.

Composition of the Earth's interior: the importance of early events.

Science.gov (United States)

Carlson, Richard W; Boyet, Maud

2008-11-28

The detection of excess 142Nd caused by the decay of 103Ma half-life 146Sm in all terrestrial rocks compared with chondrites shows that the chondrite analogue compositional model cannot be strictly correct, at least for the accessible portion of the Earth. Both the continental crust (CC) and the mantle source of mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) originate from the material characterized by superchondritic 142Nd/144Nd. Thus, the mass balance of CC plus mantle depleted by crust extraction (the MORB-source mantle) does not sum back to chondritic compositions, but instead to a composition with Sm/Nd ratio sufficiently high to explain the superchondritic 142Nd/144Nd. This requires that the mass of mantle depleted by CC extraction expand to 75-100 per cent of the mantle depending on the composition assumed for average CC. If the bulk silicate Earth has chondritic relative abundances of the refractory lithophile elements, then there must exist within the Earth's interior an incompatible-element-enriched reservoir that contains roughly 40 per cent of the Earth's 40Ar and heat-producing radioactive elements. The existence of this enriched reservoir is demonstrated by time-varying 142Nd/144Nd in Archaean crustal rocks. Calculations of the mass of the enriched reservoir along with seismically determined properties of the D'' layer at the base of the mantle allow the speculation that this enriched reservoir formed by the sinking of dense melts deep in a terrestrial magma ocean. The enriched reservoir may now be confined to the base of the mantle owing to a combination of compositionally induced high density and low viscosity, both of which allow only minimal entrainment into the overlying convecting mantle.

Charge collection efficiency in SI GaAs grown from melts with variable composition as a material for solar neutrino detection

CERN Document Server

Verbitskaya, E; Ivanov, A; Strokan, N; Vasilev, V; Markov, A; Polyakov, A; Gavrin, V; Kozlova, Y; Veretenkin, E; Bowles, T J

2000-01-01

The results on electrical characteristics and charge collection efficiency in the detectors from bulk SI GaAs developed as a material for solar neutrino spectroscopy are presented. SI GaAs crystals were grown by the Czochralski method. The changes in the stoichiometric components are permanently controlled. It is shown that the performance of GaAs p sup + -i-n sup + structures provided the range of operational reverse voltage up to 1 kV. Measurement of deep level spectra and their analysis reveal the dominant deep levels - hole traps E sub v +0.51 and +0.075 eV in GaAs grown from stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric melts, respectively. Investigation of carrier transport properties and bulk homogeneity evinced in charge collection efficiency has shown advantageous results for SI GaAs grown from stoichiometric melt. The reduction of carrier transport parameters and charge collection efficiency in GaAs grown from nonstoichiometric melt is analyzed taking into consideration formation of the hole trap E sub v +0....

Determining the fracture resistance of advanced SiC fiber reinforced SiC matrix composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nozawa, T.; Katoh, Y.; Kishimoto, H.

2007-01-01

Full text of publication follows: One of the perceived advantages for highly-crystalline and stoichiometric silicon carbide (SiC) and SiC composites, e.g., advanced SiC fiber reinforced chemically-vapor-infiltrated (CVI) SiC matrix composites, is the retention of fast fracture properties after neutron irradiation at high-temperatures (∼1000 deg. C) to intermediate-doses (∼15 dpa). Accordingly, it has been clarified that the maximum allowable stress (or strain) limit seems unaffected in certain irradiation conditions. Meanwhile, understanding the mechanism of crack propagation from flaws, as potential weakest link to cause composite failure, is somehow lacking, despite that determining the strength criterion based on the fracture mechanics will eventually become important considering the nature of composites' fracture. This study aims to evaluate crack propagation behaviors of advanced SiC/SiC and to provide fundamentals on fracture resistance of the composites to define the strength limit for the practical component design. For those purposes, the effects of irreversible energies related to interfacial de-bonding, fiber bridging, and microcrack forming on the fracture resistance were evaluated. Two-dimensional SiC/SiC composites were fabricated by CVI or nano-infiltration and transient-eutectic-phase (NITE ) methods. Hi-Nicalon TM Type-S or Tyranno TM -SA fibers were used as reinforcements. In-plane mode-I fracture resistance was evaluated by the single edge notched bend technique. The key finding is the continuous Load increase with the crack growth for any types of advanced composites, while many studies specified the gradual load decrease for the conventional composites once the crack initiates. This high quasi-ductility appeared due primarily to high friction (>100 MPa) at the fiber/matrix interface using rough SiC fibers. The preliminary analysis based on the linear elastic fracture mechanics, which does not consider the effects of irreversible energy

High-temperature vaporization behavior of oxygen-deficient thoria

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ackermann, R.J.; Tetenbaum, M.

1979-01-01

The experimental results of the present study on the vaporization behavior of oxygen-deficient thoria are directed toward a more precise and detailed study of the lower phase boundary (l.p.b.) and congruently vaporizing composition (c.v.c), and intermediate compositions, and the corresponding oxygen potentials and total pressure at temperatures above 2000K. The l.p.b. and c.v.c. values were found to fit an equation of the form log x = A + (B/T), where x is the stoichiometric defect in ThO 2 -x. Oxygen potentials corresponding to the l.p.b. and c.v.c. have been estimated from vapor pressures and thermodynamic data. A very sharp decrease in oxygen potential occurs when thoria isreduced only slightly from the stoichiometric composition. In the temperature range from 2400 to 2655 K, the oxygen partial pressure dependency of x in ThO 2 -x was found to be approximately proportional to PO 2 - 1 /4to PO 2 - 1 /. The small extent of reduction over a wide range of oxygen potentials at these temperatures is a clear illustration of the higher stability of the ThO 2 -x phase compared with that of UO 2 -x. Values of ΔHO 2 and ΔSO 2 have been estimated for selected compositions from the dependence of the measured oxygen potential on temperature. Estimates of the standard free energy of formation of bivariant ThO 2 -x compositions have been made. A substantial increase in the total pressure of thorium-bearing species occurs when stoichiometric thoria is reduced toward the lower phase boundary. (orig.) [de

Strong Convergence Theorems of a New General Iterative Process with Meir-Keeler Contractions for a Countable Family of -Strict Pseudocontractions in -Uniformly Smooth Banach Spaces

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Song Yanlai

2010-01-01

Full Text Available We introduce a new iterative scheme with Meir-Keeler contractions for strict pseudocontractions in -uniformly smooth Banach spaces. We also discuss the strong convergence theorems for the new iterative scheme in -uniformly smooth Banach space. Our results improve and extend the corresponding results announced by many others.

Analysis of A-15 phase in the system Nb-Au

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silveira, M.F. da.

1982-01-01

The Nb-Au system contains a A-15 structure with a superconducting critical temperature of the order of 11 K. According to the actually available phase diagrams there is some incertainty, whether the stoichiometric composition Nb 3 Au (75% at. Nb and 25% at. Au) occurs within the limits of stability. In the present work the samples (alloys of Nb and Au) are produced using a technique of melting by condenser discharge. The advantage of this technique consists in the possibility to obtain samples with compositions exceeding the limits of stability, as shown by lattice parameter analyses of the phase A-2 (Nb - solid solution) samples. The A-15 phase is obtained by heat treatments of samples crystallized originally in the A-2 structure. The inductively determined critical temperatures are close to the highest reported in the literature for this compound (11,5 K). Further we show by lattice parameter analyses that we are able to obtain the A-15 phase also with metastable compositions, very probably inclusively with the stoichiometric composition. (author) [pt

Strong and Weak Convergence Criteria of Composite Iterative Algorithms for Systems of Generalized Equilibria

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lu-Chuan Ceng

2014-01-01

Full Text Available We first introduce and analyze one iterative algorithm by using the composite shrinking projection method for finding a solution of the system of generalized equilibria with constraints of several problems: a generalized mixed equilibrium problem, finitely many variational inequalities, and the common fixed point problem of an asymptotically strict pseudocontractive mapping in the intermediate sense and infinitely many nonexpansive mappings in a real Hilbert space. We prove a strong convergence theorem for the iterative algorithm under suitable conditions. On the other hand, we also propose another iterative algorithm involving no shrinking projection method and derive its weak convergence under mild assumptions. Our results improve and extend the corresponding results in the earlier and recent literature.

Investigation of composition and properties of some neptunium (5) oxalate compounds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zubarev, V.G.; Krot, N.N.

1981-01-01

A simple way of neptunium (5) oxalate synthesis is described and its composition is determined: (NpO 2 ) 2 C 2 O 4 xH 2 O. The compound is precipitated from solution during pouring together stoichiometric quantities of neptunium (5) nitrate and ammonium, sodium or potassium oxalate at pH=4-5. An explanation to unusual effect of solubility change with time of neptunium (5) monooxalate complexes and alkali metal or ammonium ion is found taking into account the slow formation of precipitate and low solubility of the compound obtained (0.62 g/l as to metal). Thermal decomposition of the compound is studied. At 180 deg C a water molecule is split off and at 260 deg C decomposition of neptunium oxalate starts. IR spectra and interplane distances (dsub(hkl)) of the compound crystal lattice are determined. New data on the synthesis and properties of complex neptunium (5) oxalates and monovalent cation in second sphere with the ratio ligand: metal=2:1 and 3:1 are presented. On the basis of results of IR spectroscopy and X-ray phase analyses a supposition is made on the existence of such complex compounds [ru

Ecological Stoichiometric Characteristics of Two Typical Plantations in the Karst Ecosystem of Southwestern China

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Danbo Pang

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Reforestation has been widely adopted to restore soil fertility and ecosystem service function in the rocky desertification region of southwestern China. However, there has been limited research concerning the stoichiometry of carbon (C, nitrogen (N, and phosphorus (P and nutrient resorption rate of plantations in karst ecosystems. In this study, we selected plantations of Pinus yunnanensis Franch. (PY and Eucalyptus maideni F. Muell. (EM in Yunnan Province. The C, N, and P concentrations and the C:N:P stoichiometry in different soil layers (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–30 cm were examined. The nutrient limitation and nutrient resorption efficiency were also analyzed. The leaf C and N concentrations in the PY plantation were higher than that in the EM plantation; the P concentration demonstrated the opposite trend, both in green and senesced leaves. Soil C, N, and P concentrations in the EM plantation were much greater than in the PY plantation at all three depths and decreased with the depth of the soil. In addition, the high ratios of C:P, N:P, C:Available P, and N:Available P in soil coupled with the ratios of N:P in leaves indicate that the EM plantation has a greater P deficiency than the PY plantation. In the EM plantation, the relatively low P concentrations in senesced leaves indicates efficient TP (Total phosphorus resorption, which highlights that the high reuse proficiency of P could have favored moderating P limitation in the karst ecosystem. This research aids in understanding the stoichiometric characteristics that mediate forest properties, and provides a basis for management of vegetation in karst ecosystems.

Generalized mechanical pain sensitivity over nerve tissues in patients with strictly unilateral migraine.

Science.gov (United States)

Fernández-de-las-Peñas, César; Arendt-Nielsen, Lars; Cuadrado, María Luz; Pareja, Juan A

2009-06-01

No study has previously analyzed pressure pain sensitivity of nerve trunks in migraine. This study aimed to examine the differences in mechanical pain sensitivity over specific nerves between patients with unilateral migraine and healthy controls. Blinded investigators assessed pressure pain thresholds (PPT) over the supra-orbital nerves (V1) and peripheral nerve trunks of both upper extremities (median, radial, and ulnar nerves) in 20 patients with strictly unilateral migraine and 20 healthy matched controls. Pain intensity after palpation over both supra-orbital nerves was also assessed. A pressure algometer was used to quantify PPT, whereas a 10-point numerical pain rate scale was used to evaluate pain to palpation over the supra-orbital nerve. The analysis of covariance revealed that pain to palpation over the supra-orbital nerve was significantly higher (P0.6). In patients with unilateral migraine, we found increased mechano-sensitivity of the supra-orbital nerve on the symptomatic side of the head. Outside the head, the same patients showed increased mechano-sensitivity of the main peripheral nerves of both upper limbs, without asymmetries. Such diffuse hypersensitivity of the peripheral nerves lends further evidence to the presence of a state of hyperexcitability of the central nervous system in patients with unilateral migraine.

Energy scaling and extended tunability of terahertz wave parametric oscillator with MgO-doped near-stoichiometric LiNbO3 crystal.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Yuye; Tang, Longhuang; Xu, Degang; Yan, Chao; He, Yixin; Shi, Jia; Yan, Dexian; Liu, Hongxiang; Nie, Meitong; Feng, Jiachen; Yao, Jianquan

2017-04-17

A widely tunable, high-energy terahertz wave parametric oscillator based on 1 mol. % MgO-doped near-stoichiometric LiNbO3 crystal has been demonstrated with 1064 nm nanosecond pulsed laser pumping. The tunable range of 1.16 to 4.64 THz was achieved. The maximum THz wave output energy of 17.49 μJ was obtained at 1.88 THz under the pump energy of 165 mJ/pulse, corresponding to the THz wave conversion efficiency of 1.06 × 10-4 and the photon conversion efficiency of 1.59%, respectively. Moreover, under the same experimental conditions, the THz output energy of TPO with MgO:SLN crystal was about 2.75 times larger than that obtained from the MgO:CLN TPO at 1.60 THz. Based on the theoretical analysis, the THz energy enhancement mechanism in the MgO:SLN TPO was clarified to originate from its larger Raman scattering cross section and smaller absorption coefficient.

Tunable Optical Properties of Metal Nanoparticle Sol-Gel Composites

Science.gov (United States)

Smith, David D.; Snow, Lanee A.; Sibille, Laurent; Ignont, Erica

2001-01-01

We demonstrate that the linear and non-linear optical properties of sol-gels containing metal nanoparticles are highly tunable with porosity. Moreover, we extend the technique of immersion spectroscopy to inhomogeneous hosts, such as aerogels, and determine rigorous bounds for the average fractional composition of each component, i.e., the porosity of the aerogel, or equivalently, for these materials, the catalytic dispersion. Sol-gels containing noble metal nanoparticles were fabricated and a significant blue-shift in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was observed upon formation of an aerogel, as a result of the decrease in the dielectric constant of the matrix upon supercritical extraction of the solvent. However, as a result of chemical interface damping and aggregation this blue-shift does not strictly obey standard effective medium theories. Mitigation of these complications is achieved by avoiding the use of alcohol and by annealing the samples in a reducing atmosphere.

Characterization for rbs of layers de grown cdznse for chemical deposition (cbd)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pedrero, E.; Larramendi, E.; Calzadilla, O.

1999-01-01

Depth and composition of CdZnSe thin films grown by Chemical Bath Deposition were characterized by Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry. Depth and the relative cuantitity of Se, both decrease when annealed in air. The films have a non-stoichiometric Cd:Zn:Se composition constant from the substrate to the surface , with vacancies of Se. After annealing all the films come up to a similar composition: Cd( Zn 0.2 )Se

Composite biocompatible hydroxyapatite-silk fibroin coatings for medical implants obtained by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miroiu, F.M.; Socol, G.; Visan, A.; Stefan, N.; Craciun, D.; Craciun, V.; Dorcioman, G.; Mihailescu, I.N.; Sima, L.E.; Petrescu, S.M.; Andronie, A.; Stamatin, I.; Moga, S.; Ducu, C.

2010-01-01

The aim of this study was to obtain biomimetic inorganic-organic thin films as coatings for metallic medical implants. These contain hydroxyapatite, the inorganic component of the bony tissues, and a natural biopolymer - silk fibroin - added in view to induce the surface functionalization. Hydroxyapatite (HA), silk fibroin (FIB) and composite HA-FIB films were obtained by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) in order to compare their physical and biological performances as coatings on metallic prostheses. We used an excimer laser source (KrF*, λ = 248 nm, τ = 25 ns) operated at 10 Hz repetition rate. Coatings were deposited on quartz, Si and Ti substrates and then subjected to physical (FTIR, XRD, AFM, SEM) analyses, correlated with the results of the cytocompatibility in vitro tests. The hybrid films were synthesized from frozen targets of aqueous suspensions with 3:2 or 3:4 weight ratio of HA:FIB. An appropriate stoichiometric and functional transfer was obtained for 0.4-0.5 J/cm 2 laser fluence. FTIR spectra of FIB and HA-FIB films exhibited distinctive absorption maxima, in specific positions of FIB random coil form: 1540 cm -1 amide II, 1654 cm -1 amide I, 1243 cm -1 amide III, while the peak from 1027 cm -1 appeared only for HA and composite films. Osteosarcoma SaOs2 cells cultured 72 h on FIB and HA-FIB films showed increased viability, good spreading and normal cell morphology. The well-elongated, flattened cells are a sign of an appropriate interaction with the MAPLE FIB and composite HA-FIB coatings.

Composite biocompatible hydroxyapatite-silk fibroin coatings for medical implants obtained by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Miroiu, F.M., E-mail: marimona.miroiu@inflpr.ro [National Institute for Lasers, Plasma, and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, RO-77125, MG-36, Magurele-Ilfov (Romania); Socol, G.; Visan, A.; Stefan, N.; Craciun, D.; Craciun, V.; Dorcioman, G.; Mihailescu, I.N. [National Institute for Lasers, Plasma, and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, RO-77125, MG-36, Magurele-Ilfov (Romania); Sima, L.E.; Petrescu, S.M. [Institute of Biochemistry, Romanian Academy, 296 Splaiul Independentei, 060031 Bucharest (Romania); Andronie, A.; Stamatin, I. [3Nano-SAE Alternative Energy Sources-University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, RO-77125, Magurele-Ilfov (Romania); Moga, S.; Ducu, C. [University of Pitesti, Targul din Vale Str, no. 1, 110040 Pitesti (Romania)

2010-05-25

The aim of this study was to obtain biomimetic inorganic-organic thin films as coatings for metallic medical implants. These contain hydroxyapatite, the inorganic component of the bony tissues, and a natural biopolymer - silk fibroin - added in view to induce the surface functionalization. Hydroxyapatite (HA), silk fibroin (FIB) and composite HA-FIB films were obtained by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) in order to compare their physical and biological performances as coatings on metallic prostheses. We used an excimer laser source (KrF*, {lambda} = 248 nm, {tau} = 25 ns) operated at 10 Hz repetition rate. Coatings were deposited on quartz, Si and Ti substrates and then subjected to physical (FTIR, XRD, AFM, SEM) analyses, correlated with the results of the cytocompatibility in vitro tests. The hybrid films were synthesized from frozen targets of aqueous suspensions with 3:2 or 3:4 weight ratio of HA:FIB. An appropriate stoichiometric and functional transfer was obtained for 0.4-0.5 J/cm{sup 2} laser fluence. FTIR spectra of FIB and HA-FIB films exhibited distinctive absorption maxima, in specific positions of FIB random coil form: 1540 cm{sup -1} amide II, 1654 cm{sup -1} amide I, 1243 cm{sup -1} amide III, while the peak from 1027 cm{sup -1} appeared only for HA and composite films. Osteosarcoma SaOs2 cells cultured 72 h on FIB and HA-FIB films showed increased viability, good spreading and normal cell morphology. The well-elongated, flattened cells are a sign of an appropriate interaction with the MAPLE FIB and composite HA-FIB coatings.

Evaluation of a strict protocol approach in managing women with severe disease due to hypertension in pregnancy: A before and after study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Backer Fèbè

2005-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background To evaluate whether the introduction of a strict protocol based on the systemic evaluation of critically ill pregnant women with complications of hypertension affected the outcome of those women. Method Study group: Indigent South African women managed in the tertiary hospitals of the Pretoria Academic Complex. Since 1997 a standard definition of women with severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM, also referred to as a Nearmiss, has been used in the Pretoria Academic Complex. All cases of SAMM and maternal deaths (MD were entered on the Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Audit System programme (MaMMAS. A comparison of outcome of severely ill women who had complications of hypertension in pregnancy was performed between 1997–1998 (original protocol and 2002–2003 (strict protocol. Data include women referred from outside the Pretoria Academic Complex area to the tertiary hospitals. Results Between 1997–1998 there were 79 women with SAMM and 18 maternal deaths due to complications of hypertension, compared with 91 women with SAMM and 13 maternal deaths in 2002–2003. The mortality index (MI declined from 18.6% to 12.5% (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.27–1.45. Statistically significant fewer women had renal failure (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.21 – 0.66 and cerebral complications (RR 0.52, 95%CI 0.34 – 0.81 during the second period, and liver dysfunction (RR 0.27 95%CI 0.06 – 1.25 tended to be lower. However, there tended to be an increase in the number of women, who had immune system failure (RR 4.2 95%CI 0.93 – 18.94 and respiratory failure (RR 1.42 95%CI 0.88 – 2.29 although it did not reach significance. Cardiac failure remained constant (RR 0.84 95%CI 0.54 – 1.30. Conclusion The strict protocol approach based on the systemic evaluation of severely ill pregnant women with complications of hypertension and an intensive, regular feedback mechanism has been associated with a reduction in the number of patients with renal failure and

Gender differences in body composition, physical activity, eating behavior and body image among normal weight adolescents--an evolutionary approach.

Science.gov (United States)

Kirchengast, Sylvia; Marosi, Andrea

2008-12-01

Body composition but also physical activity patterns underlie gender typical differences throughout human life. In the present study the body composition of 354 girls and 280 boys ageing between 11 and 18 years originating from Eastern Austria were analyzed using bioelectrical impedance method. Normal weight according to body mass index categories was a strict inclusion criterion. Information regarding physical activity during school and leisure time, daily nutritional habits, subjective body satisfaction and weight control practices were collected by means of a structured and standardized questionnaire. Results of the analyses reveal that--as to be expected--adolescent boys and girls differed significantly in body composition, but also in physical activity patterns. Even normal weight girls exhibited a significantly higher amount of absolute and relative fat mass, whereas normal weight boys showed a significantly higher amount of fat free body mass. Furthermore male adolescents were significantly more physically active than their female counterparts. According to the results of multiple regression analyses physical activity patterns had beside sex an independent influence on body composition parameters during adolescence. In contrast, girls and boys showed only minor differences in nutritional habits and weight control practices. Nutritional habits, body satisfaction and weight control practices were not significantly related to body composition parameters. The observed gender differences in body composition as well as in physical activity patterns are interpreted in an evolutionary sense.

Processes for liquefying carbonaceous feedstocks and related compositions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

MacDonnell, Frederick M.; Dennis, Brian H.; Billo, Richard E.; Priest, John W.

2017-02-28

Methods for the conversion of lignites, subbituminous coals and other carbonaceous feedstocks into synthetic oils, including oils with properties similar to light weight sweet crude oil using a solvent derived from hydrogenating oil produced by pyrolyzing lignite are set forth herein. Such methods may be conducted, for example, under mild operating conditions with a low cost stoichiometric co-reagent and/or a disposable conversion agent.

The Kadi Saga as a Tale of 'Strict Observance’ of International Law : Obligations Under the UN Charter, Targeted Sanctions and Judicial Review in the European Union

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Larik, J.E.

2014-01-01

This article addresses the question whether the European Union defaulted on the ‘strict observance’ of international law and ‘respect’ for the UN Charter, which are now express objectives of the EU following the Lisbon reform, in the course of the famous Kadi cases. With the final appeals judgment

The Stoichiometric Interaction of the Hsp90-Sgt1-Rar1 Complex by CD and SRCD Spectroscopy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Giuliano Siligardi

2018-01-01

Full Text Available While the molecular details by which Hsp90 interacts with Sgt1 and Rar1 were previously described the exact stoichiometric complex that is formed remains elusive. Several possibilities remain that include two asymmetric complexes, Sgt12-Hsp902-Rar12 (two molecules of Sgt1 and Rar1 and one Hsp90 dimer or Sgt12-Hsp902-Rar11 (with a single Rar1 molecule and an asymmetric complex (Sgt11-Hsp902-Rar11. The Hsp90-mediated activation of NLR receptors (Nucleotide-binding domain and Leucine-rich Repeat in the innate immunity of both plants and animals is dependent on the co-chaperone Sgt1 and in plants on Rar1, a cysteine- and histidine-rich domain (CHORD-containing protein. The exact stoichiometry of such a complex may have a direct impact on NLR protein oligomerization and thus ultimately on the mechanism by which NLRs are activated. CD spectroscopy was successfully used to determine the stoichiometry of a ternary protein complex among Hsp90, Sgt1, and Rar1 in the presence of excess ADP. The results indicated that a symmetric Sgt12-Hsp902-Rar11 complex was formed that could allow two NLR molecules to simultaneously bind. The stoichiometry of this complex has implications on, and might promote, the dimerization of NLR proteins following their activation.

A solid criterion based on strict LMI without invoking equality constraint for stabilization of continuous singular systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xuefeng; Chen, YangQuan

2017-11-01

The paper considers the stabilization issue of linear continuous singular systems by dealing with strict linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) without invoking equality constraint and proposes a complete and effective solved LMIs formulation. The criterion is necessary and sufficient condition and can be directly solved the feasible solutions with LMI toolbox and is much more tractable and reliable in numerical simulation than existing results, which involve positive semi-definite LMIs with equality constraints. The most important property of the criterion proposed in the paper is that it can overcome the drawbacks of the invalidity caused by the singularity of Ω=PE T +SQ for stabilization of singular systems. Two counterexamples are presented to avoid the disadvantages of the existing condition of stabilization of continuous singular systems. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Charge collection efficiency in SI GaAs grown from melts with variable composition as a material for solar neutrino detection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Verbitskaya, E.; Eremin, V.; Ivanov, A.; Strokan, N.; Vasilev, V.; Markov, A.; Polyakov, A.; Gavrin, V.; Kozlova, Yu.; Veretenkin, E.; Bowles, T.J.

2000-01-01

The results on electrical characteristics and charge collection efficiency in the detectors from bulk SI GaAs developed as a material for solar neutrino spectroscopy are presented. SI GaAs crystals were grown by the Czochralski method. The changes in the stoichiometric components are permanently controlled. It is shown that the performance of GaAs p + -i-n + structures provided the range of operational reverse voltage up to 1 kV. Measurement of deep level spectra and their analysis reveal the dominant deep levels - hole traps E v +0.51 and +0.075 eV in GaAs grown from stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric melts, respectively. Investigation of carrier transport properties and bulk homogeneity evinced in charge collection efficiency has shown advantageous results for SI GaAs grown from stoichiometric melt. The reduction of carrier transport parameters and charge collection efficiency in GaAs grown from nonstoichiometric melt is analyzed taking into consideration formation of the hole trap E v +0.075 eV, presumably assigned to Ga antisite and its influence on the concentration of the ionized deep donor level EL2 +

Divergent changes in serum sterols during a strict uncooked vegan diet in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Science.gov (United States)

Agren, J J; Tvrzicka, E; Nenonen, M T; Helve, T; Hänninen, O

2001-02-01

The effects of a strict uncooked vegan diet on serum lipid and sterol concentrations were studied in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The subjects were randomized into a vegan diet group (n 16), who consumed a vegan diet for 2-3 months, or into a control group (n 13), who continued their usual omnivorous diets. Serum total and LDL-cholesterol and -phospholipid concentrations were significantly decreased by the vegan diet. The levels of serum cholestanol and lathosterol also decreased, but serum cholestanol:total cholesterol and lathosterol:total cholesterol did not change. The effect of a vegan diet on serum plant sterols was divergent as the concentration of campesterol decreased while that of sitosterol increased. This effect resulted in a significantly greater sitosterol:campesterol value in the vegan diet group than in the control group (1.48 (SD 0.39) v. 0.72 (SD 0.14); P vegan diet changes the relative absorption rates of these sterols and/or their biliary clearance.

Effect of strict metabolic control on regulation of subcutaneous blood flow in insulin-dependent diabetic patients

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kastrup, J; Mathiesen, E R; Saurbrey, Nina

1987-01-01

washout technique. Mean arterial blood pressure was reduced by a maximum of 23 mmHg by elevating the limb above heart level and elevated to a maximum of 65 mmHg by head-up tilt; in the latter position venous pressure was kept constantly low by activation of the leg muscle vein pump (heel raising......The effect of 10 weeks of improved metabolic control on the impaired autoregulation of the subcutaneous blood flow was studied at the level of the lateral malleolus in eight long-term insulin-dependent diabetic patients with clinical microangiopathy. Blood flow was measured by the local 133-Xenon......). Improved metabolic control was achieved using either continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion or multiple insulin injections. The blood glucose concentration declined from (median) 12.7 to 6.8 mmol/l and the HbA1C level from 10.1 to 7.5% during strict metabolic control (p less than 0.01 and p less than 0...

Gas composition generated by Eucalyptus firewood gasification in different dimensions; Composicao dos gases gerados pela gasificacao de lenha de Eucalipto em diferentes dimensoes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zanatta, Fabio L.; Silva, Jadir Nogueira da; Galvarro, Svetlana S.F.; Laureano, Juliane [Universidade Federal de Vicosa (UFV), MG (Brazil). Dept. de Engenharia Agricola], email: fabio.zanatta@ufv.br; Martin, Samuel [Universidade de Brasilia (UNB), DF (Brazil). Dept. de Engenharia Rural

2011-07-01

Gasification is a technology that yields an energetic gas from the partial oxidation of organic wastes at high temperatures, by an air factor of 20 to 40% of the stoichiometric amount. The gas generated by gasifier can be used to generate electricity or heat as needed. The gas quality is very dependent of the combustible gases present such as CO, CH{sub 4} and H{sub 2}. On this basis, we investigated the composition of gases generated by an updraft gasifier operating with eucalyptus firewood in four different dimensions to determinate the heating value of gas and evaluate which dimension provides the best results. The experiment was conducted at the Post-Harvest and Renewable Energy Experimental Area of the Agricultural Engineering Department at UFV. It had been used logs of eucalyptus firewood in standard diameter and length of 15, 50 and 100 cm. In addition, chips made of eucalyptus firewood were used with approximate dimensions of 2,5x2,0x0,3 cm. According to conditions under which the experiment was set, the results indicated that chips of eucalyptus firewood have provided more homogeneous conditions in gas composition, thus facilitating use. (author)

Thermodynamics of the vaporization of non-stoichiometric thorium monocarbide ThC1±x

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamawaki, Michio; Koyama, Tadafumi; Takahashi, Yoichi

1989-01-01

Vaporization thermodynamics of thorium monocarbide phase ThC 1±x was studied by mass spectrometric Knudsen effusion method at the compositions of ThC 0.891 , ThC 0.975 , ThC 1.007 and ThC 1.074 . The partial vapor pressure of Th(g) and activities of Th and C in ThC 1±x were determined at 2060 to 2330 K. Gibbs energies of formation of ThC 1±x were also determined. Congruent vaporization composition of ThC 1±x was evaluated at 2300 K to be ThC 1.09 . Congruent vaporization and congruent effusing compositions were defined explicitly and their characteristics brought out. (orig.)

Modification of the structure and composition of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 ceramic coatings by changing the deposition conditions in O2 and Ar

Science.gov (United States)

Donkov, N.; Zykova, A.; Safonov, V.; Kolesnikov, D.; Goncharov, I.; Yakovin, S.; Georgieva, V.

2014-05-01

Hydroxyapatite Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 (HAp) is a material considered to be used to form structural matrices in the mineral phase of bone, dentin and enamel. HAp ceramic materials and coatings are widely applied in medicine and dentistry because of their ability to increase the tissue response to the implant surface and promote bone ingrowth and osseoconduction processes. The deposition conditions affect considerably the structure and bio-functionality of the HAp coatings. We focused our research on developing deposition methods allowing a precise control of the structure and stoichiometric composition of HAp thin films. We found that the use of O2 as a reactive gas improves the quality of the sputtered hydroxyapatite coatings by resulting in the formation of films of better stoichiometry with a fine crystalline structure.

IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY OF POLYCRYSTALLINE TIN DIOXIDE FILMS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

D. V. Adamchuck

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The aim of this work is the analysis of the influence of annealing in an inert atmosphere on the electrical properties and structure of non-stoichiometric tin dioxide films by means of impedance spectroscopy method. Non-stoichiometric tin dioxide films were fabricated by two-step oxidation of metallic tin deposited on the polycrystalline Al2O3 substrates by DC magnetron sputtering. In order to modify the structure and stoichiometric composition, the films were subjected to the high temperature annealing in argon atmosphere in temperature range 300–800 °С. AC-conductivity measurements of the films in the frequency range 20 Hz – 2 MHz were carried out. Variation in the frequency dependencies of the real and imaginary parts of the impedance of tin dioxide films was found to occur as a result of high-temperature annealing. Equivalent circuits for describing the properties of films with various structure and stoichiometric composition were proposed. Possibility of conductivity variation of the polycrystalline tin dioxide films as a result of аnnealing in an inert atmosphere was demonstrated by utilizing impedance spectroscopy. Annealing induces the recrystallization of the films, changing in their stoichiometry as well as increase of the sizes of SnO2 crystallites. Variation of electrical conductivity and structure of tin dioxide films as a result of annealing in inert atmosphere was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Analysis of the impedance diagrams of tin dioxide films was found to be a powerful tool to study their electrical properties. 

Fluorescence Characterization of Cure and Water-Uptake in Polymers and Composites

Science.gov (United States)

1994-06-01

the different wavelength DDS) in the stoichiometric mixture of DDS and EDDA calibration in both instruments as well as to some (ethylene dioxyl...diethyl amine) were obtained before temperature dependence of the excitation maxima. and after 1 h cure at 120°C. EDDA is an aliphatic However, the overall

Stoichiometric control for heteroepitaxial growth of smooth ɛ-Ga2O3 thin films on c-plane AlN templates by mist chemical vapor deposition

Science.gov (United States)

Tahara, Daisuke; Nishinaka, Hiroyuki; Morimoto, Shota; Yoshimoto, Masahiro

2017-07-01

Epitaxial ɛ-Ga2O3 thin films with smooth surfaces were successfully grown on c-plane AlN templates by mist chemical vapor deposition. Using X-ray diffraction 2θ-ω and φ scans, the out-of-plane and in-plane epitaxial relationship was determined to be (0001) ɛ-Ga2O3 [10\\bar{1}0] ∥ (0001)AlN[10\\bar{1}0]. The gallium/oxygen ratio was controlled by varying the gallium precursor concentration in the solution. While scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of large grains on the surfaces of the films formed for low concentrations of oxygen species, no large grains were observed under stoichiometric conditions. Cathodoluminescence measurements showed a deep-level emission ranging from 1.55-3.7 eV; however, no band-edge emission was observed.

Strict monandry in the ponerine army ant genus Simopelta suggests that colony size and complexity drive mating system evolution in social insects

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kronauer, Daniel J C; O'Donnell, Sean; Boomsma, Jacobus J

2011-01-01

-ratios have convergently shaped these mating systems. Here we show that ponerine army ants of the genus Simopelta, which are distantly related but similar in general biology to other army ants, have strictly monandrous queens. Preliminary data suggest that workers reproduce in queenright colonies, which...... is in sharp contrast to other army ants. We hypothesize that differences in mature colony size and social complexity may explain these striking discrepancies....

Influences of arc current on composition and properties of MgO thin films prepared by cathodic vacuum arc deposition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhu Daoyun; Zheng Changxi; Wang Mingdong; Liu Yi; Chen Dihu; He Zhenhui; Wen Lishi; Cheung, W.Y.

2010-01-01

MgO thin films with high optical transmittances (more than 90%) were prepared by cathodic vacuum arc deposition technique. With the increase of arc current from 40 to 80 A, the deposition pressure decreases and the film thickness increases; the atomic ratio of Mg/O in MgO thin films (obtained by RBS) increases from 0.97 to 1.17, giving that deposited at 50 A most close to the stoichiometric composition of the bulk MgO; the grains of MgO thin films grow gradually as shown in SEM images. XRD patterns show that MgO (1 1 0) orientation is predominant for films prepared at the arc currents ranged from 50 to 70 A. The MgO (1 0 0) orientation is much enhanced and comparable to that of MgO (1 1 0) for films prepared at the arc current of 80 A. The secondary electron emission coefficient of MgO thin film increases with arc current ranged from 50 to 70 A.

Measurement and Analysis of Composition and Depth Profile of H in Amorphous Si1−xCx:H Films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wei, Hua; Shu-De, Yao; Kun, Wang; Zhi-Bo, Ding

2008-01-01

Composition in amorphous Si 1−X C x :H heteroepitaxial thin films on Si (100) by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) is analysed. The unknown x (0.45–0.57) and the depth profile of hydrogen in the thin films are characterized by Rutherford backscattering spectrum (RBS), resonance-nuclear reaction analysis (R-NRA) and elastic recoil detection (ERD), respectively. In addition, the depth profile of hydrogen in the unannealed thin films is compared to that of the annealed thin films with rapid thermal annealing (RTA) or laser spike annealing (LSA) in nitrogen atmosphere. The results indicate that the stoichiometric amorphous SiC can be produced by PECVD when the ratio of CH 4 /SiH 4 is approximately equal to 25. The content of hydrogen decreases suddenly from 35% to 1% after 1150° C annealing. RTA can reduce hydrogen in SiC films effectively than LSA. (cross-disciplinary physics and related areas of science and technology)

Intra-Genomic Heterogeneity in 16S rRNA Genes in Strictly Anaerobic Clinical Isolates from Periodontal Abscesses.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Jiazhen; Miao, Xinyu; Xu, Meng; He, Junlin; Xie, Yi; Wu, Xingwen; Chen, Gang; Yu, Liying; Zhang, Wenhong

2015-01-01

Members of the genera Prevotella, Veillonella and Fusobacterium are the predominant culturable obligate anaerobic bacteria isolated from periodontal abscesses. When determining the cumulative number of clinical anaerobic isolates from periodontal abscesses, ambiguous or overlapping signals were frequently encountered in 16S rRNA gene sequencing chromatograms, resulting in ambiguous identifications. With the exception of the genus Veillonella, the high intra-chromosomal heterogeneity of rrs genes has not been reported. The 16S rRNA genes of 138 clinical, strictly anaerobic isolates and one reference strain were directly sequenced, and the chromatograms were carefully examined. Gene cloning was performed for 22 typical isolates with doublet sequencing signals for the 16S rRNA genes, and four copies of the rrs-ITS genes of 9 Prevotella intermedia isolates were separately amplified by PCR, sequenced and compared. Five conserved housekeeping genes, hsp60, recA, dnaJ, gyrB1 and rpoB from 89 clinical isolates of Prevotella were also amplified by PCR and sequenced for identification and phylogenetic analysis along with 18 Prevotella reference strains. Heterogeneity of 16S rRNA genes was apparent in clinical, strictly anaerobic oral bacteria, particularly in the genera Prevotella and Veillonella. One hundred out of 138 anaerobic strains (72%) had intragenomic nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in multiple locations, and 13 strains (9.4%) had intragenomic insertions or deletions in the 16S rRNA gene. In the genera Prevotella and Veillonella, 75% (67/89) and 100% (19/19) of the strains had SNPs in the 16S rRNA gene, respectively. Gene cloning and separate amplifications of four copies of the rrs-ITS genes confirmed that 2 to 4 heterogeneous 16S rRNA copies existed. Sequence alignment of five housekeeping genes revealed that intra-species nucleotide similarities were very high in the genera Prevotella, ranging from 94.3-100%. However, the inter-species similarities were

Structural trends in off stoichiometric chalcopyrite type compound semiconductors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stephan, Christiane

2011-03-15

Energy supply is one of the most controversial topics that are currently discussed in our global community. Most of the energy delivered to the customer today has its origin in fossil and nuclear power plants. Indefinable risks and the radioactive waste repository problem of the latter as well as the global scarcity of fossil resources cause the renewable energies to grow more and more important for achieving sustainability. The main renewable energy sources are wind power, hydroelectric power and solar energy. On the photovoltaic (PV) market different materials are competing as part of different kinds of technologies, with the largest contribution still coming from wafer based crystalline silicon solar cells (95 %). Until now thin film solar cells only contribute a small portion to the whole PV market, but large capacities are under construction. Thin film photovoltaic shows a number of advantages in comparison to wafer based crystalline silicon PV. Among these material usage and production cost reduction are two prominent examples. The type of PV materials, which are analyzed in this work, are high potential compounds that are widely used as absorber layer in thin film solar cells. These are compound semiconductors of the type CuB{sup III}C{sup VI}{sub 2} (B{sup III} = In, Ga and C{sup VI} = Se, S). Several years of research have already gone into understanding the efficiency limiting factors for solar cell devices fabricated from this compound. Most of the studies concerning electronic defects are done by spectroscopic methods mostly performed using thin films from different kinds of synthesis, without any real knowledge regarding the structural origin of these defects. This work shows a systematic fundamental structural study of intrinsic point defects that are present within the material at various compositions in CuB{sup III}C{sup VI}{sub 2} compound semiconductors. The study is done on reference powder samples with well determined chemical composition and

Structural trends in off stoichiometric chalcopyrite type compound semiconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stephan, Christiane

2011-01-01

Energy supply is one of the most controversial topics that are currently discussed in our global community. Most of the energy delivered to the customer today has its origin in fossil and nuclear power plants. Indefinable risks and the radioactive waste repository problem of the latter as well as the global scarcity of fossil resources cause the renewable energies to grow more and more important for achieving sustainability. The main renewable energy sources are wind power, hydroelectric power and solar energy. On the photovoltaic (PV) market different materials are competing as part of different kinds of technologies, with the largest contribution still coming from wafer based crystalline silicon solar cells (95 %). Until now thin film solar cells only contribute a small portion to the whole PV market, but large capacities are under construction. Thin film photovoltaic shows a number of advantages in comparison to wafer based crystalline silicon PV. Among these material usage and production cost reduction are two prominent examples. The type of PV materials, which are analyzed in this work, are high potential compounds that are widely used as absorber layer in thin film solar cells. These are compound semiconductors of the type CuB III C VI 2 (B III = In, Ga and C VI = Se, S). Several years of research have already gone into understanding the efficiency limiting factors for solar cell devices fabricated from this compound. Most of the studies concerning electronic defects are done by spectroscopic methods mostly performed using thin films from different kinds of synthesis, without any real knowledge regarding the structural origin of these defects. This work shows a systematic fundamental structural study of intrinsic point defects that are present within the material at various compositions in CuB III C VI 2 compound semiconductors. The study is done on reference powder samples with well determined chemical composition and using advanced diffraction techniques

Photocurable imidizable polyene-polythiol compositions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mathias, E.

1977-01-01

This invention relates to polyenes containing at least two ethylenically unsaturated bonds per molecule formed by reacting in substantially stoichiometric amounts, (1) a primary diamine, (2) a member of the group consisting of a benzenoid-containing dianhydride, acid anhydride and anhydride acid halide and (3) an ethylenically unsaturated alcohol. The thus formed amide-acid polyene either per se or after being cured in combination with a polythiol in the presence of a free radical generator will, upon heating, imidize. The free radicals, which cause hardening, can be generated by irradiation, for example with ultraviolet light. (Auth.)

Influence of multiband sign-changing superconductivity on vortex cores and vortex pinning in stoichiometric high-Tc CaKFe4As4

Science.gov (United States)

Fente, Antón; Meier, William R.; Kong, Tai; Kogan, Vladimir G.; Bud'ko, Sergey L.; Canfield, Paul C.; Guillamón, Isabel; Suderow, Hermann

2018-04-01

We use a scanning tunneling microscope to study the superconducting density of states and vortex lattice of single crystals of CaKFe4As4 . This material has a critical temperature of Tc=35 K, one of the highest among stoichiometric iron based superconductors (FeBSCs), and is comparable to Tc found near optimal doping in other FeBSCs. We observe quasiparticle scattering from defects with a pattern related to interband scattering between zone centered hole sheets. We measure the tunneling conductance in vortex cores and find a peak due to Caroli-de Gennes-Matricon bound states. The peak is located above the Fermi level, showing that CaKFe4As4 is a clean superconductor with vortex core bound states close to the so-called extreme quantum limit. We identify locations where the superconducting order parameter is strongly suppressed due to pair breaking. Vortices are pinned at these locations, and the length scale of the suppression of the order parameter is of order of the vortex core size. As a consequence, the vortex lattice is disordered up to 8 T.

The influence of target oxygen on the YBa2Cu3O6+δ DC Magnetron sputtering process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Larsson, G.; Selinder, T.I.; Helmersson, U

1990-01-01

The oxygen partial pressure and the target potential have been monitored under a range of process conditions during single target dc magnetron sputtering of Y-Ba-Cu-O. The introduced sputtering gas consisted in all but one instance of pure argon and hence the oxygen present in the plasma originated mainly from the target. During the first hours of sputtering the oxygen partial pressure was of the same magnitude as the argon pressure (3.0 Pa). As the oxygen was released from the target and subsequently removed by pumping, the target potential increased and the film composition became more stoichiometric. After 30-40 hours of sputtering the target potential and the oxygen pressure stabilized and the film composition was equal to that of the stoichiometric target. If an oxygen flow exceeding a critical level was mixed into the sputtering gas the target potential and the deposition rate decreased swiftly. This was due to target oxidation, further manifested in changing plasma and target colours. In some instances the stabilization after 'presputtering' was incomplete and oscillations in target voltage and oxygen partial pressure were observed. The fluctuations made it virtually impossible to obtain stoichiometric films. The oscillative behaviour of the sputtering process is tentatively explained by a target temperature dependent oxygen diffusion. (au)

Assessment of different management systems in an area of cerrado sensu strict

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Flávia Nascimento de Souza

2011-03-01

Full Text Available This study aims to evaluate the effect of different management systems on the floristic composition and diversity of a fragment of Cerrado sensu stricto vegetation located in Brasilândia de Minas (MG, eleven years after interventions. In 1997, 30 plots were installed in the study site, in a random block design, consisting of ten treatments with three replications: 50%, 60%, 70% and 80% removal of the basal area, involving 20% reduction and increase in the De Liocourt quotient value; clear cutting and control treatment. Prior to treatment installation, an inventory was compiled of original vegetation. In 2004 and 2008 further inventories were produced. It was observed that interventions in the relevant Cerrado area led to changes in the floristic composition and diversity of local vegetation, yet these changes were also observed in undisturbed areas which had not been subjected to management plans.

Thermal decomposition of ammonium uranate; X-ray study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

El-Fekey, S.A.; Rofail, N.H.; Khilla, M.A.

1984-01-01

Ammonium uranate was precipitated from a nuclear-pure uranyl nitrate solution using gaseous ammonia. Thermal decomposition of the obtained uranate, at different calcining temperatures, resulted in the formation of amorphous (A-)UO 3 , β-UO 3 , UOsub(2.9), U 3 O 8 (H) and U 3 O 8 (O). The influence of ammonia content, occluded nitrate ions and rate of heating, on the formation of these phases, was studied using X-ray powder diffraction analysis. The results indicated that ammonium uranate UO 2 (OH)sub(2-x)(ONH 4 )x . YH 2 O is a continuous non-stoichiometric system is a continuous non-stoichiometric system with no intermediate stoichiometric compounds and its composition varies according to mode of preparation. The results indicated also that the rate of heating and formation of hydrates are important factors for both UOsub(2.9) and U 3 O 8 (O) formation. (orig.)

Structural, electric and kinetic parameters of ternary alloys of GeSbTe

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Morales-Sanchez, E. [Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Unidad Queretaro, Libramiento Norponiente 2000, Ap. Postal 13, Juriquilla, Queretaro, C. P. 76230, (Mexico)]. E-mail: m6007@ciateq.net.mx; Prokhorov, E.F. [Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Unidad Queretaro, Libramiento Norponiente 2000, Ap. Postal 13, Juriquilla, Queretaro, C. P. 76230, (Mexico); Gonzalez-Hernandez, J. [Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Unidad Queretaro, Libramiento Norponiente 2000, Ap. Postal 13, Juriquilla, Queretaro, C. P. 76230, (Mexico); Mendoza-Galvan, A. [Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Unidad Queretaro, Libramiento Norponiente 2000, Ap. Postal 13, Juriquilla, Queretaro, C. P. 76230, (Mexico)

2005-01-03

Thin amorphous films of GeSbTe have been widely employed in the technology used for phase change optical memory or compact disks. In this article, we report on measurements of resistance, transmittance, and X-ray diffraction in thin films with stoichiometric compositions of Ge{sub 1}Sb{sub 4}Te{sub 7}, Ge{sub 1}Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 4}, Ge{sub 2}Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 5}, and Ge{sub 4}Sb{sub 1}Te{sub 5.} The resistivity, lattice constant, and the temperature at which transformation from the amorphous phase to the cubic crystalline structure occurs were calculated for each stoichiometric composition, and the energy activation was determined, applying Kissinger's model. It was found that the Ge{sub 4}Sb{sub 1}Te{sub 5} composition has the highest crystallization temperature (425 K), the highest resistivity (0.178 {omega} cm), the greatest E{sub a} (3.09 eV), and the lowest lattice constant (a=5.975 A) in the cubic phase at 170 deg C.

Impact of eating and drinking on body composition measurements by bioelectrical impedance.

Science.gov (United States)

Androutsos, O; Gerasimidis, K; Karanikolou, A; Reilly, J J; Edwards, C A

2015-04-01

Bioelectrical impedance analysis would be a more practical tool to measure body composition in clinical settings, dietetic practice and epidemiological studies if patients/subjects did not have to fast before measurements. The present study assessed whether the ingestion of food or drink had any biologically significant effect on bioimpedance measurements and body composition by the foot-to-foot method. Fifty-five healthy adults [30 males and 25 females; mean (SD) age 27.7 (7.1) years; mean (SD)body mass index 24 (3.8) kg m(-2)] were randomly assigned to a 2-day food trial (high-fat meal or high-carbohydrate meal) or a 2-day drink trial (water or high electrolyte drink). Body composition measurements were carried out in the fasting state, immediately after meal consumption and every 30 min for 2 h by the foot-to-foot single frequency bioimpedance technique. Bioimpedance increased significantly after the ingestion of food and fluid, although the changes were small. The electrolyte drink, high-fat and high-carbohydrate meals significantly increased the percentage body fat and fat mass. In all cases, the median percentage changes from baseline were approximately 1% in body fat percentage units. Although there were statistically significant changes in body composition estimates after food or drink consumption, these were small and within the imprecision of the impedance technique, and so are unlikely to be of clinical significance. The present study suggests that impedance measures of body fatness in clinical settings do not require strict adherence to fasting, and this should increase the opportunities for clinical application. © 2014 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.

Phase formation and stability in TiO{sub x} and ZrO{sub x} thin films. Extremely sub-stoichiometric functional oxides for electrical and TCO applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Henning, Ralph A.; Leichtweiss, Thomas; Decker, Yannic; Janek, Juergen [Giessen Univ. (Germany). Inst. of Physical Chemistry; Dorow-Gerspach, Daniel; Schmidt, Ruediger; Wuttig, Matthias [RWTH Aachen Univ. (Germany). Inst. of Physics; Wolff, Niklas; Schuermann, Ulrich; Kienle, Lorenz [Kiel Univ. (Germany). Faculty of Engineering

2017-03-01

Most functional materials are thermodynamic equilibrium phases representing minima in the thermodynamic phase space. However, it is expected that many metastable phases with highly interesting properties also exist. Here, we report on a systematic approach to prepare thin-films of such non-equilibrium phases based on the gas phase deposition methods sputtering and pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Our synthetic strategy is to deposit a ''precursor phase'' which is amorphous or already a crystalline non-equilibrium phase. Subsequent heat treatment leads to the nucleation of crystalline phases which again may be metastable or stable compounds. In the present paper we focus on the binary systems Ti-O and Zr-O, both systems being widely applied and technologically relevant. Highly oxygen-deficient titanium oxide (TiO{sub 1.6}) and zirconium oxide (ZrO) films prepared by pulsed laser deposition at room temperature are optically absorbing and possess electronic conductivities in the range of 10 S/cm. Both materials are metastable in respect to both composition and structure. For TiO{sub 1.6} we find an amorphous matrix with embedded grains of cubic titanium monoxide (γ-TiO) directly after deposition. Upon annealing nanocrystalline grains of metallic Ti are formed in the amorphous matrix due to an internal solid-state disproportionation whereas the electrical conductivity of the films increases and comes close to metal-like conductivity (1000 S/cm) at about 450 C. Congruently, room temperature deposited ZrO films with an average composition of Zr:O= 1:1 contain small ZrO nanocrystals within an amorphous matrix. Heat treatment again leads to an internal disproportionation reaction whereas small crystals of Zr{sub 2}O and ZrO{sub 2} precipitate at temperatures as low as 75 C. Increasing the temperature then results in the crystallization of metastable tetragonal ZrO{sub 2} at about 400 C. Sputter deposition allows a subtler control of the oxygen partial

The hydration of slag, part 2: reaction models for blended cement

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Chen, Wei; Brouwers, H.J.H.

2007-01-01

The hydration of slag-blended cement is studied by considering the interaction between the hydrations of slag and Portland cement clinker. Three reaction models for the slag-blended cement are developed based on stoichiometric calculations. These models correlate the compositions of the unhydrated

Iterative algorithms for the input and state recovery from the approximate inverse of strictly proper multivariable systems

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Liwen; Xu, Qiang

2018-02-01

This paper proposes new iterative algorithms for the unknown input and state recovery from the system outputs using an approximate inverse of the strictly proper linear time-invariant (LTI) multivariable system. One of the unique advantages from previous system inverse algorithms is that the output differentiation is not required. The approximate system inverse is stable due to the systematic optimal design of a dummy feedthrough D matrix in the state-space model via the feedback stabilization. The optimal design procedure avoids trial and error to identify such a D matrix which saves tremendous amount of efforts. From the derived and proved convergence criteria, such an optimal D matrix also guarantees the convergence of algorithms. Illustrative examples show significant improvement of the reference input signal tracking by the algorithms and optimal D design over non-iterative counterparts on controllable or stabilizable LTI systems, respectively. Case studies of two Boeing-767 aircraft aerodynamic models further demonstrate the capability of the proposed methods.

Microstructure and wear of in-situ Ti/(TiN + TiB) hybrid composite layers produced using liquid phase process

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yazdi, R., E-mail: ryazdi@ut.ac.ir; Kashani-Bozorg, S.F.

2015-02-15

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) technique was conducted on commercially pure (CP)-Ti substrate, which was coated with h-BN-based powder mixture prior to the treatment. The treated surfaces were evaluated and characterized by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis, and electron dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The microhardness and wear experiment were also performed by using a microhardness machine and pin-on-disk tribometer. As h-BN reacted with titanium, an in-situ hybrid composite layer was formed showing near stoichiometric dendrites of TiN, platelets of TiB and interdendritic regions of α′-Ti martensite crystal structures. The population level of TiN and TiB regions were found to increase using a pre-placed powder mixture with greater h-BN content. However, the fabricated layers exhibited cracking and porosity; these were minimized by adjusting arc energy density and h-BN content of powder mixture. The microhardness value of the fabricated hybrid composite layers was found to be in the range of ∼650 HV{sub 0.2}–1000 HV{sub 0.2}; this is three to five times higher than that of the untreated CP-Ti substrate. In addition, the in-situ hybrid composite layers exhibited superior wear behavior over CP-Ti substrate; this is attributed to the formation of newly formed ceramic phases in the solidified surface layers and good coherent interface between the composite layer and CP-substrate. Meanwhile, severe adhesive wear mechanism of CP-titanium surface changed to mild abrasive one as a result of surface treatment. - Highlights: • In-situ Ti/(TiN + TiB) hybrid composite layers were synthesized by TIG processing on commercially pure titanium. • The microstructure features were characterized by several methods. • Microhardness enhanced three to five times higher than that of the CP-Ti substrate after surface modification. • The fabricated composite layers improved wear resistance of CP-titanium. • Severe adhesive wear mechanism of

Generation of highly N-type, defect passivated transition metal oxides using plasma fluorine insertion

Science.gov (United States)

Baker, L. Robert; Seo, Hyungtak; Hervier, Antoine; Somorjai, Gabor A.

2016-04-12

A new composition of matter is disclosed wherein oxygen vacancies in a semiconducting transition metal oxide such as titanium dioxide are filled with a halogen such as Fluorine, whereby the conductivity of the composition is greatly enhanced, while at the same time the chemical stability of the composition is greatly improved. Stoichiometric titanium dioxide having less than 3 % oxygen vacancies is subject to fluorine insertion such that oxygen vacancies are filled, limited amounts of fluorine replace additional oxygen atoms and fluorine interstitially inserts into the body of the TiO.sub.2 composition.