Side Of Shell Research Articles

Live imaging of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and protein kinase A activities during thrombus formation in mice expressing biosensors based on Förster resonance energy transfer

Background The dynamic features of thrombus formation have been visualized by conventional video widefield microscopy or confocal microscopy in live mice. However, owing to technical limitations, the precise spatiotemporal regulation of intracellular signaling molecule activities, which have been extensively studied in vitro, remains elusive in vivo. Objectives To visualize, by the use of two-photon excitation microscopy of transgenic mice expressing Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensors for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase A (PKA), ERK and PKA activities during thrombus formation in laser-injured subcutaneous arterioles. Results When a core of densely packed platelets had developed, ERK activity was increased from the basal region close to the injured arterioles. PKA was activated at the downstream side of an unstable shell overlaying the core of platelets. Intravenous administration of a MEK inhibitor, PD0325901, suppressed platelet tethering and dislodged platelet aggregates, indicating that ERK activity is indispensable for both initiation and maintenance of the thrombus. A cAMP analog, dbcAMP, inhibited platelet tethering but failed to dislodge the preformed platelet aggregates, suggesting that PKA can antagonize thrombus formation only in the early phase. Conclusion In vivo imaging of transgenic mice expressing FRET biosensors will open a new opportunity to visualize the spatiotemporal changes in signaling molecule activities not only during thrombus formation but also in other hematologic disorders.

The scaphopod foot is ventral: more evidence from the anatomy of Rhabdus rectius (Carpenter, 1864) (Dentaliida: Rhabdidae)

ABSTRACTScaphopods comprise about 900 described species of elongate infaunal molluscs, separated into two orders. The phylogenetic position of this class is contentious, having been proposed as a sister-group to bivalves or alternatively cephalopods, all groups that notably represent dramatic modifications of the molluscan body plan and historical confusion over the fundamental body axes. The digging scaphopod foot was previously considered to be anterior. Here we use a three-dimensional tomographic reconstruction of digestive anatomy and partial dorso-ventral musculature, to test the hypothesis that the scaphopod foot is ventral. Similar to cephalopods, the body orientation is confounded by ano-pedal flexion, but rationalising scaphopods is perhaps further undermined by their infaunal lifestyle, which confounds comparison of ecological life position. Some scaphopods are locally abundant, providing good quality material for anatomical study. In our focal species, Rhabdus rectius (Carpenter, 1864), sexes can reliably be differentiated in vivo by differential colour of the gonad (yellow in females; white in males). The gut is composed of three complete loops. Based on the orientation of the digestive tract and the dorso-ventral muscles, we find further evidence to support the interpretation that the concave side of the scaphopod shell is anterior (the site of the mouth) and the foot is ventral.

Transient inactivation of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell prominently ameliorates responses to acute stress in female rats

It is clear that the stress response differs between females and males. Moreover, the nucleus accumbens shell is considered a critical area in the brain's response to stress. In the present study we investigate the effect of the transient inactivation of the NAc shell on the metabolic and hormonal disturbance induced by acute stress in female rats. Female Wistar rats were canulated uni- or bilaterally in the NAc shell before stress induction. Electric foot shock was applied to the animals and lidocaine hydrochloride was administered intra-acumbally 5min before each stress session. Food and water intake, delay to eating time, plasma corticosterone, estradiol and progesterone were measured after stress administration. Our results indicate that food intake increased whereas water intake decreased in stress group, furthermore, delay in the onset of eating also was observed. In addition, plasma corticosterone and progesterone concentrations were increased whereas estradiol was decreased. Transient inactivation of right side of NAc shell inhibited the stress effect on food intake; however, the effect of stress was exacerbated when the left part of the NAc shell was inhibited. Transient inactivation of both NAc shell sides augmented the stress effect on water intake. The same results also obtained for the effect of stress on delay to eating time. Lidocaine administration inhibited the effects of stress on all of the hormones we tested. It can be concluded that the NAc shell plays an important role in the mediation of stress responses in female rats and this influence shows asymmetrical manner.

Egg shell morphology of an amblyceran louse, Hohorstiella rampurensis (Phthiraptera) infesting ring dove, Streptopelia decaocta

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study showed that miniature rice grain like egg shell of Hohorstiella rampurensis was covered by obliquely placed opercular disc. The apophyses were present only on one side of the egg shell. There were 25-35 long elongated rod like apophyses (apically turned), which were arranged in 3-4 rows and occurred in pair. The nature of egg shell of H. rampurensis characteristically differed from that of H. lata (the only species of Hohorstiella studied, so far). The study further indicates about the role of egg morphology as a guide to louse taxonomy.

Strain mapping in an InGaN/GaN nanowire using a nano-focused x-ray beam

Strained InGaN/GaN core-shell nanowires (NWs) are promising candidates for solid state lighting applications due to their superior properties compared to planar films. NW based devices consist of multiple functional layers, which sum up to many hundred nanometers in thickness, that can uniquely be accessed in a non-destructive fashion by hard X-rays. Here, we present a detailed nanoscale strain mapping performed on a single, 400 nm thick and 2 μm long core-shell InGaN/GaN nanowire with an x-ray beam focused down to 100 nm. We observe an inhomogeneous strain distribution caused by the asymmetric strain relaxation in the shell. One side of the InGaN shell was fully strained, whereas the other side and the top part were relaxed. Additionally, tilt and strain gradients were determined at the interface with the substrate.

Tunable Keplerate Type-Cluster "Mo132 " Cavity with Dicarboxylate Anions.

The internal functionalization of the Keplerate-type capsule Mo132 has been carried out by ligand exchange leading to the formation of glutarate and succinate containing species isolated as ammonium or dimethylammonium salts. Solution NMR analysis is consistent with asymmetric inner dicarboxylate ions containing one carboxylato group grafted onto the inner side of the spheroidal inorganic shell while the second hangs toward the center of the cavity. Such a disposition has been confirmed by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the glutarate containing {Mo132 } species. A detailed NMR solution study of the ligand-exchange process allowed determining the binding constant KL of acetate (AcO(-) ), succinate (HSucc(-) ) or glutarate (HGlu(-) ) ligands at the 30 inner coordinating sites, which vary such as K AcO -<K HGlu -<K HSucc --supported by the associated thermodynamic parameters Δr S* and Δr H*. Such a variation is mainly explained by a positive entropic gain attenuated by unfavorable steric effect. Furthermore, these results are completed by (1) H DOSY and (1) H EXSY NMR experiments which are in agreement with bulky guests firmly trapped within the cavity. At last, variable temperature (1) H NMR study below 290 K revealed a striking line broadening occurring abruptly within a 5 K range. Such an effect appears closely related to the presence of the ammonium cations suspected to be present within the cavity and then has been interpreted as an inner-phase transition leading to a frozen state.

Hydrodynamic instability growth of three-dimensional, “native-roughness” modulations in x-ray driven, spherical implosions at the National Ignition Facility

Hydrodynamic instability growth experiments with three-dimensional (3-D) surface-roughness modulations were performed on plastic (CH) shell spherical implosions at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) [E. M. Campbell, R. Cauble, and B. A. Remington, AIP Conf. Proc. 429, 3 (1998)]. The initial capsule outer-surface roughness was similar to the standard specifications (“native roughness”) used in a majority of implosions on NIF. The experiments included instability growth measurements of the perturbations seeded by the thin membranes (or tents) used to hold the capsules inside the hohlraums. In addition, initial modulations included two divots used as spatial fiducials to determine the convergence in the experiments and to check the accuracy of 3D simulations in calculating growth of known initial perturbations. The instability growth measurements were performed using x-ray, through-foil radiography of one side of the imploding shell, based on time-resolved pinhole imaging. Averaging over 30 similar images significantly increases the signal-to-noise ratio, making possible a comparison with 3-D simulations. At a convergence ratio of ∼3, the measured tent and divot modulations were close to those predicted by 3-D simulations (within ∼15%–20%), while measured 3-D, broadband modulations were ∼3–4 times larger than those simulated based on the growth of the known imposed initial surface modulations. In addition, some of the measured 3-D features in x-ray radiographs did not resemble those characterized on the outer capsule surface before the experiments. One of the hypotheses to explain the results is based on the increased instability amplitudes due to modulations of the oxygen content in the bulk of the capsule. As the target assembly and handling procedures involve exposure to UV light, this can increase the uptake of the oxygen into the capsule, with irregularities in the oxygen seeding hydrodynamic instabilities. These new experimental results have prompted looking for ways to reduce UV light exposure during target fabrication.

Wear on overlay welded HCWI vs. quenched and tempered low alloyed carbon steels evaluated with granite in a laboratory drum test machine

This present test evaluates wear resistance of overlay welded High Chromium White Iron (HCWI) in comparison with quenched and tempered low alloyed carbon steels within a hardness range between 400 and 700HBW. The HCWI overlay material had a carbon content in the range of 3–5% and a chromium content of 20–25%. The wear performance was evaluated by the use of two different sizes of granite rocks. This test was undertaken in a laboratory drum machine, which aimed to resemble typical conditions expected within raw material flows in mines and quarries. The secondary aim of the investigation was to further evaluate the material selection process by comparing ore, residuals and aggregates from real-world mining sites with the respective wear resistant materials being employed. The drum machine used had a diameter of 800mm and a width of 100mm. The drum rotated on a horizontal axle, which lifted the aggregate to a certain height, thus creating a sliding motion. Each test evaluated 34 samples, attached at the inner side of the drum shell. The samples were installed inside a depressed holder to protect against unwanted edge wear. The holders were specifically designed to fit hard materials such as HCWI. The HCWI overlay material was ground flat at the top and cracks were sealed with epoxy. The experimental results demonstrated how different size of abrasives resulted in significantly different wear responses on the tested materials and that the developed test method can provide valuable information in the selection of wear resistant material.

On exact solutions for anisotropic heat conduction in composite conical shells

In this paper, exact analytical solutions for anisotropic conductive heat transfer in composite conical shells are presented. To the knowledge of authors, the present work is the first exact study in the field of heat conduction in anisotropic cones. The shell has a full conical shape and the fibers are winded around the body. In order to obtain the most general solution, the general boundary condition is considered at the basis of shell and the effect of heat convection resulted from flow motion around the body and different kinds of non-axisymmetric radiative heat flux at outer side of shell is modeled. The exact solution of temperature distribution is obtained via separation of variables method for a general form and some special cases. Due to the existence of a dual second order derivative of temperature in heat transfer equation, it is not possible to obtain directly the temperature distribution using the analytical techniques. In order to cancel this term, the heat transfer equation is transformed to a canonical form using an innovative transformation. The present analytical solution is validated via numerical solution and some applied cases are considered to investigate the capability of current solution for solving the industrial problems.

Multifrequency study of a new Fe-rich supernova remnant in the Large Magellanic Cloud, MCSNR J0508−6902

We present a detailed radio, X-ray and optical study of a newly discovered Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) supernova remnant (SNR) which we denote MCSNR J0508-6902. Observations from the Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) and the $\textit{XMM-Newton}$ X-ray observatory are complemented by deep H$\alpha$ images and Anglo Australian Telescope AAOmega spectroscopic data to study the SNR shell and its shock-ionisation. Archival data at other wavelengths are also examined. The remnant follows a filled-in shell type morphology in the radio-continuum and has a size of $\sim$74 pc $\times$ 57 pc at the LMC distance. The X-ray emission exhibits a faint soft shell morphology with Fe-rich gas in its interior $-$ indicative of a Type Ia origin. The remnant appears to be mostly dissipated at higher radio-continuum frequencies leaving only the south-eastern limb fully detectable while in the optical it is the western side of the SNR shell that is clearly detected. The best-fit temperature to the shell X-ray emission ($kT = 0.41^{+0.05}_{-0.06}$ keV) is consistent with other large LMC SNRs. We determined an O/Fe ratio of $<21$ and an Fe mass of 0.5-1.8$~M_{\odot}$ in the interior of the remnant, both of which are consistent with the Type Ia scenario. We find an equipartition magnetic field for the remnant of $\sim$28 $\mu$G, a value typical of older SNRs and consistent with other analyses which also infer an older remnant.

Study on the Macrosegregation Behavior for the Bloom Continuous Casting: Model Development and Validation

With the aid of a coupling electromagnetic-thermal-solute transportation model validated by the industrial investigation, a three-dimensional (3-D) plus two-dimensional (2-D) hybrid modeling method has been presented for the exploration of the macrosegregation and macroscale transport phenomena in the bloom continuous casting (CC) processes of high-carbon GCr15-bearing steel. The evolution and characteristics of solute distribution and its influence on the porosity formation in the strand during CC process have been revealed. Solute segregation degree changes from a positive to a negative value with distance from strand surface in the region of initial solidification shell within thickness of 25 mm, which can be attributed to the circulation flow ahead the solidification front and the floatation of solute-rich molten steel at the upper part of the mold. The discontinuous, nonfrozen band induced by the zigzag solute distribution is proven to be the main reason that leads to the porosity formation in the final solidification stage of the CC strand. As the solidification proceeds, the segregation degree of C at the strand center is increased from 1.0 to 1.2, while the melt liquidus temperature is reduced from 1726 K (1453 °C) to 1706.91 K (1433.91 °C) during the CC process. Moreover, with the action of gravity and thermosolutal convection, a negative segregation region in the concave shape and an irregular positive segregation zone are produced in the fixed and loosened side of shell, respectively.

Dynamic optimal design of an industrial ethylene oxide (EO) reactor via differential evolution algorithm

In this study, the operating conditions of an industrial fixed-bed ethylene oxide reactor are optimized via differential evolution (DE) algorithm to boost the ethylene oxide yield with taking into account the catalyst deactivation. A mathematical heterogenous model of the reactor has been used in order to evaluate the optimal operating conditions, both at steady state and dynamic conditions. Two different cases have been investigated in this regard. In the first case, optimum inlet molar flow rate, inlet pressure of the reaction side and temperatures of shell and tube sides have been obtained within their practical ranges. In the second case, a stepwise approach has been followed in order to determine the optimal temperature profiles for saturated water and gas in three steps during operation. The objective of each optimization case study is to maximize the ethylene oxide production rate. The effect of optimal operating conditions on the reactor performance has been compared with corresponding industrial conditions over a period of three operating years. 1.726% and 4.22% yield enhancement of ethylene oxide production can be achieved by application of first and second optimization case studies, respectively.

Batting head injury in professional cricket: a systematic video analysis of helmet safety characteristics

BackgroundBatters in cricket are continuing to sustain head and facial injuries despite wearing protective helmets.ObjectiveTo gain an understanding of the types and mechanisms of head injuries sustained by batters wearing...

Facile fabrication of Janus magnetic microcapsules via double in situ miniemulsion polymerization

We describe a facile and flexible technique for fabricating Janus magnetic microcapsules via double in situ miniemulsion polymerization. Under a magnetic field, magnetic nanoparticles move to one side of the miniemulsion monomer droplets. After the monomers polymerize, an inorganic tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) phase is compressed and restricted as a liquid core due to the phase separation between TEOS and the growing polymer. After the monomers turn into a polymeric shell and the silica forms completely, the volume of the TEOS phase decreases dramatically leading to a hollow structure. Magnetic nanoparticles are chemically embedded in one side of the microcapsule shell and Janus magnetic microcapsules are fabricated efficiently and conveniently by a one-step method.

Explosion of fixed roof atmospheric storage tanks, part 3: Gas explosion and structural response simulations

Many flammable products are stored in large tanks at atmospheric pressure. Ignition of a hydrocarbon–air mixture in such tanks can lead to an explosion and cause lethal casualties or damage the surrounding facilities and buildings. To apprehend this, safety distances for humans, structures, and equipments need to be defined. Several simple methodologies have been set up to estimate safety distances in case of an atmospheric storage tank explosion. This third and last article concerning fixed roof atmospheric storage tank explosions focuses on numerical modeling, including gas explosion and structural response simulations. Three-dimensional gas explosion simulations using the CFD code FLACS have been performed to define a typical pressure load profile to apply on the inner side of the tank shell. Then, the structural response of the tank (deformation and displacement), under the loading conditions previously obtained, has been computed with LS–DYNA. Consequently, the findings question some of the assumptions used in analytical methods described previously. The specific input data needed to obtain a reasonably conservative estimation of the safety distances have been identified. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012

EARPIECE FOR A HEARING DEVICE WITH BAYONET FITTING

An earpiece for a hearing device is provided with a high retaining force in an ear shell in a repeatedly detachable manner. The earpiece comprising a receiver including a receiver connecting piece at the sound outlet and an ear shell in which the receiver is fixed and which holds the receiver in the ear canal and possesses, when worn in the ear canal, an inner side facing the eardrum and an opposite outer side on which the receiver is detachably fixed. The receiver is attached to the ear shell via a bayonet fitting. A first part of the bayonet fitting is fixedly connected to the receiver connecting piece. A second part of the bayonet fitting is rotated from the inner side of the ear shell to the first part of the bayonet fitting. The bayonet fitting ensures sufficient retention and wear-free releasing and closing.

Improved Prediction of Shell Side Heat Transfer in Horizontal Evaporative Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers

This paper presents an improved prediction method for the heat transfer and pressure drop in the shell side of a horizontal shell and tube evaporator. The results from an experimental test program are used in which a wide range of evaporating two-phase shell side flow data was collected from a TEMA E-shell evaporator. The data are compared with shell side heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop models for homogeneous and stratified flow. The comparison suggests a deterioration in the heat transfer data at low mass fluxes consistent with a transition from homogeneous to stratified flow. The pressure drop data suggest a stratified flow across the full test range. A new model is presented that suggests the transition in the heat transfer data may be due to the extent of tube wetting in the upper tube bundle. The new model, which also takes into account the orientation of the shell side baffles, provides a vast improvement on the predictions of a homogenous type model. The new model would enable designers of shell side evaporators/reboilers to avoid operating conditions where poor heat transfer could be expected, and it would also enable changes in process conditions to be assessed for their implications on likely heat transfer performance.

A Landau mode in current-carrying carbon nanotube and effects on electrical breakdown

On the basis of the Landau quantization, the bound state is discussed, which includes the finite length effect, induced magnetic field, and electric field in a current-carrying nanotube. Using a slab model and evaluating the matching of the wave function in the radial direction, the authors obtained the conditions of a Landau mode in which the momentum in the axial direction is reversed in the outer side and inner side of the nanotube shell. The mode arises over a threshold electric current, influences more long tubes than short tubes, and does not contribute to the net electric current. The authors compared the theoretical results to the experimental data, estimating the minimum voltage condition, the relations between the tube length and the current for the obtained Landau mode, and the tube length and current data in the experiments. It is plausible that the Landau mode plays an important role in the eventual electrical breakdown and the thinning phenomena. The wave function broadly spreading in the outer side in the radial direction activates the air and triggers the destruction of atomic bonds. Another factor influencing the electrical breakdown phenomena was found.

Polarimetry toward theIRASVela Shell. II. Extinction and Magnetic Fields

We explore correlations between visual extinction and polarization along the western side of the IRAS Vela Shell using a published polarimetric catalog of several hundreds of objects. Our extinction maps along this ionization front (I-front) find evidence of clumpy structure with typical masses between 1.5 and 6 solar masses and a mean length scale L ~ 0.47pc. The polarimetric data allowed us to investigate the distribution of the local magnetic field in small (~pc) scales across the I-front. Using the dispersion of polarization position angles, we find variations in the kinetic-to-magnetic energy density ratio of, at least, one order of magnitude along the I-front, with the magnetic pressure generally dominating over the turbulent motions. These findings suggest that the magnetic component has a significant contribution to the dynamical balance of this region. Along the I-front, the mean magnetic field projected on the sky is [0.018 +/- 0.013]mG. The polarization efficiency seems to change along the I-front. We attribute high polarization efficiencies in regions of relatively low extinction to an optimum degree of grain alignment. Analysis of the mass-to-magnetic flux ratio shows that this quantity is consistent with the subcritical regime (lambda < 1), showing that magnetic support is indeed important in the region. Our data extend the overall lambda-N(H2) relation toward lower density values and show that such trend continues smoothly toward low N(H2) values. This provides general support for the evolution of initially subcritical clouds to an eventual supercritical stage.

Retroscleral Implantation Technique for Porous Polyethylene Orbital Implant After Evisceration

The authors developed a technique for the retroscleral implantation of a porous polyethylene orbital implant after evisceration for the placement of an adequately large orbital implant without wound tension. The surgical results of the technique in 27 patients are reported. The technique involves the severance of the optic nerve after standard evisceration and the insertion of the orbital implant into the retroscleral and intraconal space through the side of the scleral shell. All patients received a 20-mm orbital implant. No complications such as infection, implant exposure, or worsened implant motility were observed during the average follow-up period of 22.4 months. Retroscleral implantation of the orbital implant after evisceration may be an appropriate procedure that allows placement of a large orbital implant without exposure or decreased implant motility.