Academic literature on the topic 'ATMFD'

Abstract Class switch recombination (CSR) produces secondary immunoglobulin isotypes and requires AID-dependent DNA deamination of intronic switch (S) regions within the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene locus. Non-canonical repair of deaminated DNA by mismatch repair (MMR) or base excision repair (BER) creates DNA breaks that permit recombination between distal S regions. ATM-dependent phosphorylation of AID at serine-38 (pS38-AID) promotes its interaction with APE1, a BER protein, suggesting that ATM regulates CSR through BER. However, pS38-AID may also play a role in MMR during CSR, although the mechanism remains unknown. To examine whether ATM modulates BER- and/or MMR-dependent CSR, ATM−/− mice were bred to mice deficient for the MMR gene MSH2. Surprisingly, the predicted Mendelian frequencies of ATM−/−MSH2−/− adult mice were not observed. To obtain ATM- and MSH2-deficient B cells, ATM was conditionally deleted on an MSH2−/− background using a floxed ATM allele [ATMF] and B cell-specific Cre recombinase expression (CD23-cre) to generate a deleted ATM allele (ATMD). As compared to the ATMD/D and MSH2−/− mice and B cells, the ATMD/DMSH2−/− mice and B cells display a reduced CSR phenotype. Interestingly, Sμ-Sγ1 junctions from ATMD/DMSH2−/− B cells that were induced to switch to IgG1 in vitro revealed a significant loss of blunt end joins and an increase in insertions as compared to wildtype, ATMD/D, or MSH2−/− B cells. This data suggests that the absence of both ATM and MSH2 blocks NHEJ and leads to inefficient end joining and the reduced CSR. We identify complementary roles for ATM and MSH2 in NHEJ and A-EJ during CSR and propose a model whereby ATM and MSH2 function cooperatively to regulate end-joining during CSR through pS38-AID. This work was supported by The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (5G12MD007603), The National Cancer Institute (2U54CA132378), and The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (1SC1GM132035-01).

Abstract Secondary immunoglobulin isotypes are produced by class switch recombination (CSR), which requires AID-dependent DNA deamination of intronic switch (S) regions within the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene. Non-canonical repair of deaminated DNA by mismatch repair (MMR) or base excision repair (BER) creates staggered DNA breaks that promote recombination between S regions. ATM-dependent phosphorylation of AID at serine-38 (pS38-AID) promotes its interaction with a BER protein, suggesting that ATM regulates CSR through BER. However, the mechanism by which ATM participates in BER remains unknown. ATM−/− mice were bred to knockout mice of the MMR gene MSH2. Surprisingly, the predicted Mendelian frequencies of ATM−/−MSH2−/− adult mice were not obtained and preliminary data indicate a late embryonic lethal phenotype. To bypass the observed lethality, ATM was conditionally deleted on an MSH2−/− background using a floxed ATM allele [ATMF] and B cell-specific Cre recombinase expression. These ATMd/dMSH2−/− mice and B cells display a CSR phenotype comparable to ATM−/− B cells, which suggest that ATM may function genetically upstream of MSH2 and implicate a role for ATM in both MMR and BER.

Transverse thermoelectric performance of the artificially tilted multilayer thermoelectric device (ATMTD) is very difficult to be optimized, due to the large degree freedom in device design. Herein, an ATMTD with Fe and Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 (BTS) materials was proposed and fabricated. Through high-throughput calculation of Fe/BTS ATMTD, a maximum of calculated transverse thermoelectric figure of merit of 0.15 was obtained at a thickness ratio of 0.49 and a tilted angle of 14°. For fabricated ATMTD, the whole Fe/BTS interface is closely connected with a slight interfacial reaction. The optimizing Fe/BTS ATMTD with 12 mm in length, 6 mm in width and 4 mm in height has a maximum output power of 3.87 mW under a temperature difference of 39.6 K. Moreover the related power density per heat-transfer area reaches 53.75 W·m−2. This work demonstrates the performance of Fe/BTS ATMTD, allowing a better understanding of the potential in micro-scaled devices.

Abstract Integration analysis of multi-omics data provides a comprehensive landscape for understanding biological systems and mechanisms. The abundance of high-quality multi-omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, methylomics and phenomics) for the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana enables scientists to study the genetic mechanism of many biological processes. However, no resource is available to provide comprehensive and systematic multi-omics associations for Arabidopsis. Here, we developed an Arabidopsis thaliana Multi-omics Association Database (AtMAD, http://www.megabionet.org/atmad), a public repository for large-scale measurements of associations between genome, transcriptome, methylome, pathway and phenotype in Arabidopsis, designed for facilitating identification of eQTL, emQTL, Pathway-mQTL, Phenotype-pathway, GWAS, TWAS and EWAS. Candidate variants/methylations/genes were identified in AtMAD for specific phenotypes or biological processes, many of them are supported by experimental evidence. Based on the multi-omics association strategy, we have identified 11 796 cis-eQTLs and 10 119 trans-eQTLs. Among them, 68 837 environment-eQTL associations and 149 622 GWAS-eQTL associations were identified and stored in AtMAD. For expression–methylation quantitative trait loci (emQTL), we identified 265 776 emQTLs and 122 344 pathway-mQTLs. For TWAS and EWAS, we obtained 62 754 significant phenotype-gene associations and 3 993 379 significant phenotype-methylation associations, respectively. Overall, the multi-omics associated network in AtMAD will provide new insights into exploring biological mechanisms of plants at multi-omics levels.

This study deals with optimal control of the coupling active tuned mass damper (ATMD) system for two neighboring structures under earthquake excitations. It also investigates the seismic performances of the proposed system including the issues on actuator failure problems. The conventional control approach is to use two ATMDs independently where each ATMD is individually installed at each structure without any connection between two structures. Since this uncoupling configuration does not allow transferring its control force to the other structure, it cannot adapt to emergency situation in which one of the two actuators becomes inoperable due to the power cuts or outages. On the other hand, the proposed control approach is to use a coupling ATMD system where two ATMDs with one mass being shared are installed to interconnect two structures. Hence, the proposed coupling ATMD system can transmit the control force of the remaining actuator to another structure through the interconnection configuration so that it can adapt to the one-side actuator failure. In a numerical example, the conventional independent and newly proposed coupling systems have been optimally designed to have similar control performance in normal operational conditions, and their performances have been compared to each other under the malfunction conditions of one-side actuator. Their comparative results verified the outstanding adaptive performance of the proposed coupling ATMD system over the independent ATMD system. The independent ATMD system showed considerably degraded control performance compared to its own normal control performance, whereas the proposed system exhibits much improved control performance over the independent ATMD system by fully utilizing the other normally operating actuators through the coupling configuration.

Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) mutated (ATM) kinase orchestrates deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage responses by phosphorylating numerous substrates implicated in DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint activation. A-T patients and mouse models that express no ATM protein undergo normal embryonic development but exhibit pleiotropic DNA repair defects. In this paper, we report that mice carrying homozygous kinase-dead mutations in Atm (AtmKD/KD) died during early embryonic development. AtmKD/− cells exhibited proliferation defects and genomic instability, especially chromatid breaks, at levels higher than Atm−/− cells. Despite this increased genomic instability, AtmKD/− lymphocytes progressed through variable, diversity, and joining recombination and immunoglobulin class switch recombination, two events requiring nonhomologous end joining, at levels comparable to Atm−/− lymphocytes. Together, these results reveal an essential function of ATM during embryogenesis and an important function of catalytically inactive ATM protein in DNA repair.

The level of pyrophosphatase (PPase) expression has been suggested as a potential biomarker of various cancers, and its prognostic value has been evaluated in patients suffering from lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and hyperthyroidism. However, the detection of PPase usually needs specific materials that require complicated, time-consuming reactions with restricted linear range and sensitivity, limiting their application in early clinical diagnosis. Herein, we developed a DNAzyme-based biosensor for the detection of PPase. In the presence of PPase, pyrophosphate (PPi) and Cu2+ ions released from the PPi–Cu2+–PPi complex induce the cleavage of the DNAzyme and the corresponding substrate. An apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site was elaborately designed within substrates that could encase the fluorophore 2-amino-5,6,7-trimethyl-1,8-naphthyridine (ATMND). The fluorescence of ATMND was initially quenched but restored when the DNAzyme/substrate complex was hydrolyzed with the release of ATMND. In this way, the PPase activity can be estimated by detecting the increased fluorescence of the released ATMND. Under optimized conditions, the activity of PPase could be analyzed at concentrations from 0.5 to 1000 mU, with the lowest detectable concentration being 0.5 mU. This work lays a foundation for developing a DNAzyme-amplified fluorescent biosensor with a high sensitivity, a wide linear range, and single-step operation for use as an easy diagnostic for PPase analysis.

Modern tall buildings use lighter construction materials that have high strength and less stiffness and are more flexible. Although this results in the improvement of structural safety, excessive wind-induced excitations could lead to occupant discomfort. The optimal control law of a linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controller with an active tuned mass damper (ATMD) is used for reducing the along-wind response of a tall building. ATMD consists of a second mass with optimum parameters for tuning frequency and damping ratio of the tuned mass damper (TMD), under the stationary random load, was used. A fluctuating along-wind load, acting on a tall building, was treated as a stationary Gaussian white noise and was simulated numerically, in the time domain, using the along-wind load spectra proposed by G. Solari in 1993. Using this simulated wind load, it was possible to calculate the along-wind responses of a tall building (with and without the ATMD), using an LQG controller. Comparing the RMS (root mean square) response revealed that the numerically simulated along-wind responses, without ATMD, are a good approximation to the closed form response, and that the reduced responses with ATMD and LQG controller were estimated by varying the values of control design parameters.

There are some problems in the control for a large flexible spacecraft on orbit such as the coupling, destabilization, and performance of the control system. To solve the problems, an active tuned mass damper (ATMD) is developed utilizing the piezoelectricity smart material, and an optimal output feedback control strategy is proposed based on the positive position feedback (PPF) method. The numerical simulations show that the developed ATMD/PPF method can suppress the flexible structural vibration induced by disturbances effectively. Using the method, the stability of the control system can be ensured and a good performance can be maintained even in case that the ATMD is in failure.

In this study, the music-inspired Harmony Search (HS) algorithm is modified for the optimization of active tuned mass dampers (ATMDs). The modification of HS includes the consideration of the best solution with a defined probability and updating of algorithm parameters such as harmony memory, considering rate and pitch adjusting rate. The design variables include all the mechanical properties of ATMD, such as the mass, stiffness and damping coefficient, and the active controller parameters of the proposed proportional–integral–derivative (PID) type controllers. In the optimization process, the analysis of an ATMD implemented structure is done using the generated Matlab Simulink block diagram. The PID controllers were optimized for velocity feedback control, and the objective of the optimization is the minimization of the top story displacement by using the limitation of the stroke capacity of ATMD. The optimum results are presented for different cases of the stroke capacity limit of ATMD. According to the results, the method is effective in reducing the maximum displacement of the structure by 53.71%, while a passive TMD can only reduce it by 31.22%.

O objetivo deste t rabalho é mostrar a eficácia entre as estratégias de controle: sistema de massa ativa regulada (ATMD); tendão; isolamento da base e sistema híb1'ido. A matriz ponderada Q usada no sistema de ATMD é determinada através do método da matriz de amortecimento modificado C e matriz de rigidez modificada K. Para a estrutura modelada com controle híbrido, um algorítmo de controle ótimo com aceleração, velocidade e deslocamento realimentados é proposto. Na estrutura modelada com controle a-Livo por tendão, um algorítmo para calcular o ganho de realimentação ótimo da saída é desenvolvido de um modo simples tal que certo índice de realização prescrito é minimizado. Com a introdução de uma operação matricial especial. o ganho de realimentação ótimo é obtido sistematicamente pela resoluçã.o simultânea e iterativa de equações algébricas lineares. Uma vez conhecido o vetor de controle. é resolvido um problema. diferencial vetorial de valor inicial do tipo.T\a seqüência foram feitas simulações numéricas usando dois tipos de parâmetros estruturais uma estrutura rígida e outra mais flexível.
The purpose of this work is to show the effectiveness of control strategies among the aclive t uned mass damper ATMD system, Active Tendon systern, base-isolation system and hybrid control system. The weighting matrix Q used in the ATMD is determined through a method t hat modifies the damping matrix Õ and the stiffness matrix F;. For the hybrid control system, an optimal-con trol algorithm ·with acceleration: velocity and displacement feedback is proposed. For the active Tendon control system, an algorithm to calculate optimal direct output feedback gai n is developed in a simple fashion such that a certain prescribed performance index is minimized. With the int roduction of a special matrix operation. optimal feedback gain is obtained systematically by solving simultaneously linear algebraic equation iteratively. In the following, numerical somula.tions for two types of structural pa.ra.meters are prcscnted (one is a st iff structure and t he other is a soft structure).

En aquesta tesi doctoral s'ha estudiat la teràpia fotodinàmica antimicrobiana com a mètode alternatiu d'eliminació de bacteris, amb un possible ús final sobre superfícies i materials, així com per a un potencial ús terapèutic. L'ús de la teràpia fotodinàmica antimicrobiana presenta nombrosos avantatges, com ara el de no generar resistències, gracies al seu dany massiu i multifocalitzat i a la capacitat de dirigir el seu efecte a l'àrea desitjada, tot just il·luminant l’àrea amb una llum no perjudicial, d’intensitat i longitud d’ona adequada. En aquesta tesi, s’ha investigat l'ús de la teràpia fotodinàmica antimicrobiana per tal d’eliminar espècies bacterianes potencialment patògenes: Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes i Escherichia coli; en aquest últim cas, s'ha estudiat també la seva eficàcia envers diferents soques, amb diferents patrons de resistència als antibiòtics, creixent en suspensió o formant biopel·lícules. Així mateix, s’han buscat sinergies entre la teràpia fotodinàmica i el tractament amb un antibiòtic: l’àcid nalidixic. Els resultats van ser els següents: S’ha aconseguit calcular les dosis mínimes inhibidores del fotosensibilitzador (blau de metilè) que eliminava més de 108 UFC/mL, en cultius tant de gram positiu (Listeria monocytogenes), com en gram negatiu (Escherichia coli), però va caldre un canvi de fotosensibilitzador cap a un derivatitzat del anterior (nou blau de metilè), més eficient per tal d'aconseguir dosis bactericides sobre Salmonella enterica. En els estudis amb Escherichia coli, s'ha comprovat l'eficàcia de la teràpia fotodinàmica per tal d’eliminar soques multiresistents als antibiòtics, creixent tant en suspensió com en biopel·lícula. Com era d'esperar per la seva naturalesa, les soques creixent en biofilm necessiten una major concentració de fotosensibilitzador per assolir les dosis bactericides i es pot observar una variabilitat en la resposta al tractament més gran que en els cultius planctònics. Finalment, per a algunes de les soques d'E. coli, combinacions amb diferents concentracions d'àcid nalidíxic i blau metilè van ser estudiats per trobar una possible sinergia entre ells, però només es va detectar aquest efecte en una de les soques multiresistents d'Escherichia coli, mentre que a la resta de soques estudiades, es va mantenir un efecte additiu. Com a conclusió, podem dir que en els estudis es descriuen en aquesta tesi, resta demostrat que la teràpia fotodinàmica antimicrobiana és una metodologia eficaç per a l'eliminació d'un ampli espectre de microorganismes, d’una manera ràpida i segura, fins i tot amb soques molt resistents als tractaments antibacterians convencionals, o creixent en estructures de resistència que causen greus problemes en créixer en superfícies, com les biopel·lícules. Com a dades afegides, s’ha demostrat l'existència de diferències en la resposta al tractament entre els diferents tipus de bacteris, sent el gram positiu més sensibles al tractament. S’han detectat diferències en la resposta al tractament entre espècies diferents i fins i tot entre diferents soques de la mateixa espècie, possiblement a causa de les diferències a l'estructura cel·lular o degudes a la presència de mecanismes com bombes de eflux, que limitarien l'eficàcia de la teràpia. Finalment, sembla que la composició i estructura del biofilm també exerceix un paper modulador a la resposta a la teràpia fotodinàmica.
En la presente tesis doctoral se ha estudiado la terapia fotodinámica antimicrobiana como método de eliminación alternativo de bacterias, orientado a un posible uso sobre superficies o materiales, así como para un uso terapéutico. El uso de la terapia fotodinámica antimicrobiana presenta diversas ventajas, como son la no generación de resistencias por su daño masivo multifocalizado y la capacidad de dirigir su efecto a la zona deseada mediante la iluminación con una luz inocua de la longitud e intensidad adecuada. En esta tesis se ha buscado utilizar terapia fotodinámica antimicrobiana para intentar eliminar especies bacterianas potencialmente patógenas: Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes y Escherichia coli; en este último caso, se ha estudiado también su efectividad en diferentes cepas con diferentes patrones de resistencia a antibióticos, creciendo en suspensión o formando biopelículas. Así mismo, se han buscado sinergias entre el tratamiento fotodinámico y el tratamiento con un antibiótico, el ácido nalidíxico. Los resultados han sido los siguientes: Se consiguieron calcular las dosis mínimas inhibitorias de fotosensibilizador (azul de metileno) que eliminaba por completo cultivos bacterianos de más de 108 UFC/mL tanto en un gram positivo (Listeria monocytogenes) como en un gram negativo (Escherichia coli), pero hizo falta cambiar el fotosensibilizador a un derivado (nuevo azul de metileno) más eficiente para alcanzar dosis bactericidas sobre Salmonella enterica. En estudios con Escherichia coli, se comprobó la eficiencia de la terapia fotodinámica para la eliminación de las cepas multiresistentes a antibióticos, tanto en crecimiento planctónico como en biopelícula. Como era de esperar por su naturaleza de estructura de resiliencia, las cepas creciendo en biopelícula precisaron de una mayor concentración de fotosensibilizador para alcanzar la dosis bactericida y con más variabilidad que sobre cultivos planctónicos. Finalmente, para algunas de las cepas de E. coli, se estudiaron combinaciones con diferentes concentraciones de azul de metileno y ácido nalidíxico para buscar un posible efecto sinérgico entre ellos, pero sólo se detectó tal efecto en una de las cepas multiresistentes de Escherichia coli, manteniéndose el efecto aditivo en las demás cepas estudiadas. Como conclusión, podemos afirmar que en los estudios que se describen en esta tesis, queda demostrado que la terapia fotodinámica antimicrobiana es una metodología efectiva para la eliminación de un amplio espectro de microorganismos, de forma rápida y segura, incluso con cepas muy resistentes a tratamientos antibacterianos convencionales o formando estructuras de resistencia que causan grandes problemas al crecer en superficies, como las biopelículas. Como información añadida, se ha comprobado la existencia de diferencias en la respuesta al tratamiento entre los diferentes tipos bacterianos, siendo las gram positivas más sensibles al tratamiento. Se han evidenciado diferencias en la respuesta al tratamiento entre diferentes especies, e incluso entre diferentes cepas de la misma especie, posiblemente debido a diferencias en la estructura celular o presencia de mecanismos como bombas de eflujo, que limita la efectividad del tratamiento. Por último, parece ser que la composición/estructuración de la biopelícula también ejerce un papel modulador en la respuesta al tratamiento fotodinámico.
In this doctoral thesis, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as a method of disposal alternative of bacteria has been studied, looking for its use on surfaces and materials, as well as for therapeutic use in patients. The use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, presents several advantages, such as not generating resistance, thanks to its multifolocalizated massive damage and the ability to direct its effect to just the area illuminated with a light with a safe wavelength and intensity. This thesis has used antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in order to eliminate pathogenic bacterial species: Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli; in the latter case, has been also studied the treatment effectiveness in different strains with different patterns of antibiotic resistance, with cells in suspension as well as forming biofilms. Likewise, synergies between photodynamic therapy and a treatment with nalidixic acid, an antibiotic, have been researched. The results were as follows: Managed to calculate the minimum inhibitory doses of photosensitizer (methylene blue) which completely eliminated more than 108 cfu/mL bacterial cultures both in a gram positive (Listeria monocytogenes) as in a negative gram (Escherichia coli); but it was needed a change of photosensitizer to a derivated one (new methylene blue), more efficient to achieve bactericidal doses of Salmonella enterica. In studies with Escherichia coli, it was proved the efficiency of photodynamic therapy for the elimination of antibiotic multiresistant strains, both in biofilm and planktonic growth. As it was expected by its nature of structure of resilience, strains growing in biofilm needed a higher concentration of photosensitizer to achieve bactericidal doses and the efficiency rates had more variability than on planktonic cultures. Finally, for some of the strains of E. coli, combinations with different concentrations of blue methylene and nalidixic acid were studied in order to find a possible synergy between them, but only in one of the tested multiresistant strains of Escherichia coli was synergy found, remaining an additive effect in the other strains studied. As a conclusion, we can say that in the studies described in this thesis, it is shown that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy is an effective methodology for the elimination of a wide spectrum of microorganisms quickly and safely, even if they are very resistant to conventional antibacterial treatments or are forming resistance structures that usually cause big problems when growing on surfaces, as can be in biofilms. As additional information, it has been proven the existence of differences in the response to treatment between different bacterial types, being the gram positive more sensitive to treatment. Likewise, differences in response to treatment between different species, and even between different strains of the same species, have shown in the experiments; those can be due to differences in cell structure or presence of mechanisms like efflux pumps, so limiting the effectiveness of the therapy. And as a final point, it would seem that the composition/structure of the biofilm also exerts a modulatory role in the response to photodynamic therapy.

The unique features of shape memory alloys (SMA) gives them an unmatched ability to be implemented in several fields of engineering. Considering their phase shift capacity, when thermoelectrically driven, SMAs assume an elastic modulus variation predicated upon two key parameters - stress and temperature. Based on the above statement, the present dissertation aims to develop a new vibration control system, which makes use of SMAs in order to extend and improve its operational domain. Initially, an experimental campaign is developed in order to design a mapping of the elastic modulus of a FLEXINOL R SMA sample.This mapping seeks to explore and an optimize the inclusion of shape memory alloys in vibration control systems. In a second step, two types of ATMDs (Suppressor and TMD) are mathematically studied in order to comprise the insertion of a SMA element in the control system. Considering the main purpose of this thesis, a particular case study structure was chosen to carry out the implementation of the new vibration control system. The selected structure consists in a footbridge built over an important highway located in the Lisbon city center, Portugal. At this stage, both the design of the SMA element and the subsequent operational limits are presented. Afterwards, a numerical model computed in MATLAB (The Mathworks, 2014) is developed to simulate the behavior of a two degrees of freedom (TDOF) system. This one provides the system’s behavior (structure + ATMD) towards a predefined harmonic request, evaluating the effects of the implementation of the new vibration control system. Using the above mentioned numerical model, an influence analysis of both control systems was carried out. Several comparisons between the variants of each ATMD (Suppressor and TMD) where drawn, showing the positive and negative aspects of their action. In the end, a single numerical model, with the ability to excite the structure, read its behavior, identify the vibration frequencies and properly tune the control system in real time, performed a complete structural analysis. Finally, a concluding chapter is presented, where the obtained results are discussed. This chapter also mentions the main future development prospects, that may be considered in studies conducted by other researchers.

Unprecedented capabilities for the detection of nuclear particles are presented by tensioned metastable fluid states which can be attained via tailored resonant acoustic systems such as the acoustic tensioned metastable fluid detection (ATMFD) systems. Radiation detection in tensioned metastable fluids is accomplished via macro-mechanical manifestations of femto-scale nuclear interactions. Incident nuclear particles interact with the dynamically tensioned metastable fluid wherein the intermolecular bonds are sufficiently weakened such that the recoil of ionized nuclei generates nano-scale vapor cavities which grow to visible scales. Ionized nuclei form preferentially in the direction of incoming radiation, therefore, enabling the capability to ascertain information on directionality of incoming radiation — an unprecedented development in the field of radiation detection. Nuclear particle detection via ATMFD systems has been previously reported, demonstrating the ability to detect a broad range of nuclear particles, to detect neutrons over an energy range of eight orders of magnitude, to operate with intrinsic detection efficiencies beyond 90%, and to ascertain information on directionality of incoming radiation. This paper presents advancements that expand on these accomplishments, thereby increasing the accuracy and precision of ascertaining directionality information utilizing enhanced signal processing-cum-signal analysis, refined computational algorithms, and on demand enlargement of the detector sensitive volume. Advances in the development of ATMFD systems were accomplished utilizing a combination of experimentation and theoretical modeling. Modeling methodologies include Monte-Carlo based nuclear particle transport using MCNP5 and complex multi-physics based assessments accounting for acoustic, structural, and electromagnetic coupling of the ATMFD system via COMSOL’s Multi-physics simulation platform. Benchmarking and qualification studies have been conducted with special nuclear material (SNM), Pu-based neutron-gamma sources, with encouraging results. These results show that the ATMFD system, in its current configuration, is capable of locating the direction of a radioactive source to within 30° with 80% confidence.

Tension metastable fluid states offer unique potential for leap-ahead advancements in radiation detection. Such metastable fluid states can be attained using tailored resonant acoustics to result in acoustic tension metastable fluid detection (ATMFD) systems. ATMFD systems are under development at Purdue University. Radiation detection in ATMFD systems is based on the principle that incident nuclear particles interact with the dynamically tensioned fluid wherein the intermolecular bonds are sufficiently weakened such that even fundamental particles can be detected over eight orders of magnitude in energy with intrinsic efficiencies far above conventional detection systems. In the case of neutron-nuclei interactions the ionized recoil nucleus ejected from the target atom locally deposits its energy, effectively seeding the formation of vapor nuclei that grow from the sub-nano scale to visible scales such that it becomes possible to record the rate and timing of incoming radiation (neutrons, alphas, and photons). Nuclei form preferentially in the direction of incoming radiation. Imploding nuclei then result in shock waves that are readily possible to not only directly hear but also to monitor electronically at various points of the detector using time difference of arrival (TDOA) methods. In conjunction with hyperbolic positioning, the convolution of the resulting spatio-temporal information provides not just the evidence of rate of incident neutron radiation but also on directionality — a unique development in the field of radiation detection. The development of superior intrinsic-efficiency, low-cost, and rugged, ATMFD systems is being accomplished using a judicious combination of experimentation-cum-theoretical modeling. Modeling methodologies include Monte-Carlo based nuclear particle transport using MCNP5, and also complex multi-dimensional electromagneticcum-fluid-structural assessments with COMSOL’s Multi-physics simulation platform. Benchmarking and qualification studies have been conducted with Pu-based neutron-gamma sources with encouraging results. This paper summarizes the modeling-cum-experimental framework along with experimental evidence for the leap-ahead potential of the ATMFD system for transformation impact on the world of radiation detection.

State of the art neutron detectors lack capabilities required by the fields of homeland security, health physics, and even for direct in-core nuclear power monitoring. A new system being developed at Purdue’s Metastable Fluid and Advanced Research Laboratory in conjunction with S/A Labs, LLC provides capabilities the state of the art lacks, and simultaneously with beta (β) and gamma (γ) blindness, high (> 90% intrinsic) efficiency for neutron/alpha spectroscopy and directionality, simple detection mechanism, and lowered electronic component dependence. This system, the Tensioned Metastable Fluid Detector (TMFD) [3], provides these capabilities despite its vastly reduced cost and complexity compared with equivalent present day systems. Fluids may be placed at pressures lower than perfect vacuum (i.e. negative) [4, 5], resulting in tensioned metastable states. These states may be induced by tensioning fluids just as one would tension solids. The TMFD works by cavitation nucleation of bubbles resulting from energy deposited by charged ions or laser photon pileup heating of fluid molecules which are placed under sufficiently tensioned (negative) pressure states of metastability. The charged ions may be created from neutron scattering, or from energetic charged particles such as alphas, alpha recoils, fission fragments, etc. A methodology has been created to profile the pressures in these chambers by lasing, called Laser Induced Cavitation (LIC), for verification of a multiphysics simulation of the chambers. The methodology and simulation together have lead to large efficiency gains in the current Acoustically Tensioned Metastable Fluid Detector (ATMFD) system. This paper describes in detail the LIC methodology and provides background on the simulation it validates.

Tension metastable fluid states offer unique potential for radical transformation in radiation detection capabilities. States of tension metastability may be obtained in tailored resonant acoustic systems such as the acoustic tension metastable fluid detector (ATMFD) system or via centrifugal force based systems such as the centrifugal tension metastable fluid detector (CTMFD) system; both under development at Purdue University. Tension metastable fluid detector (TMFD) systems take advantage of the weakened intermolecular bonds of liquids in sub-vacuum states. Nuclear particles incident onto sufficiently tensioned fluids can nucleate critical size vapor bubbles which grow from nanoscales and are then possible to see, hear and record with unprecedented efficiency and capability [1]. Previous work by our group has shown the ability of TMFD systems to detect neutrons with energies spanning eight orders of magnitude with 95%+ intrinsic efficiency [2] while remaining insensitive to gamma photons and also giving directional information [3] on the source of the radiation. In this paper we describe research results with CTMFD systems for use in the detection of key actinide isotopes constituting special nuclear materials (SNMs) in spent fuel. Tests in a CTMFD system demonstrate the ability to detect alpha activity (at ∼100% efficiency) of U-isotopes at concentrations of ∼100 ppb (which is unprecedented and about x100–1000 more sensitive than from conventional liquid scintillation spectroscopy). An inherent capability of TMFD systems concerns on demand tailoring of fluid tension levels allowing for energy discrimination and spectroscopy. This appears especially useful to detect the key isotopes of U and other transuranic isotopes of Pu, Np, Am, and Cm that are at different stages of nuclear fuel reprocessing (i.e. UREX+).

Agitated thin film dryers (ATFD) has been considered as an effective technology for drying viscous liquid foods, pastes or pureed foods. In this study, a lab-scale ATFD was developed and applied for drying of juices from spinach leaves at varying temperature (60 – 90 ˚C), feed rate (0.3 – 0.5 kg/h) and blade rotation speed (300 – 600 RPM) combinations. Juice suspensions were successfully dried into powder with a moisture content ranging from 0.049 to 0.114 kg/kg total. Increasing the wall temperature and feed rate were found to improve the specific evaporation rate and evaporation rate of the ATFD, respectively. The blade rotation speed had limited effect on the water removal rate, while it played a crucial role in powder formation. Keywords: Food solution; Spinach juice; Thin film drying; Scraped surface; Vacuum conductive drying.

Abstract In order to reduce their cost, offshore wind turbines (OWTs) must have a powerful generator and a minimum overall weight. This has the consequence of making the OWT structure sensitive to dynamic excitations even at low frequencies. Indeed, modern multi-megawatt OWTs are composed of slender flexible and lightly damped components. The excessive vibrations of the OWT structure can impact the wind energy conversion to electricity, decrease the fatigue lifetime and even result in a total collapse of the structure when exposed to harsh environmental conditions. It is therefore important to reduce the unwanted vibrations of an OWT by implementing an appropriate control device that enhances its structural safety. Motivated by the potential of the structural control methods in suppressing OWTs vibration, this paper proposes the design of a controlled active tuned mass damper (ATMD) system to reduce the nacelle/tower out-of-plane vibration of a monopile-supported 10 MW DTU OWT subjected to combined wave and wind loads. Compared to previous works, the main originality of this paper is the inclusion of a state estimator, Linear Quadratic (LQ) observer, within an optimal control schema. The state observer aims to drastically reduce the number of required system states. Indeed, as some measurements are practically impossible, all system states cannot be obtained. In this study, a fully coupled multi-degree of freedom (MDOF) analytical model of a monopile-supported OWT developed in [4] is used for this purpose. The optimal control schema makes use of the robust LQR feedback controller to establish the ATMD actuator control force. The developed active control schema proved to efficiently reduce the nacelle/tower vibration.

Active structural control has drawn significant attention in recent decades. In this paper, the problem of active vibration control of multi-degree-freedom structures is considered. Fuzzy logic controller combined with the genetic algorithm (GA) is designed to optimize the parameters of active tuned mass damper (ATMD) for the best results in reduction of the building response under earthquake excitation. The advantage of the fuzzy logic approach is the ability to handle the non-linear behavior of the system. Non-linear behavior of the soil is modeled in the dynamics of the structural system with nonlinear hysteric restoring forces. The building structure with eleven stories is modeled as a 2D frame, which uses tuned mass damper subsystems mounted on the top of the building. A structural system was simulated against the ground motion of the destructive earthquakes. The time history of the story displacements and accelerations, the control voltages and forces, and the frequency responses of both the uncontrolled and the controlled structures are shown in the end of this study. The performance of designed fuzzy logic control is checked using the changing mass parameters of each story and the results are discussed. The comparison between the proposed control and TMD passive control shows that the proposed fuzzy logic controller has great potential in active structural control.

Platelet-PA-Inhibitors can be released by thrombin, Col laaen( Col) and others.If they are physiologically important,inhibition of their release might facilitate thrombolysis.Intrinsic PA were tested in euclobulins (eug)of PPP and PPP+Washed platelets(WP) ,with and without aspirinf ASA) .treated with UK,SK and Col(20 atfd l2uo/ml) Results(mm2)were:euaPPP:232+78;+3×106WP/ul:217+71;+10%7ul:188+/5 +2×106MP/ul: 157+69:With UK:eugPPP:283+76;+3×l0517P/ul :234+69;+106 WP/ul :172+55;+2×l(PWP/ul :154+48; With SK:euoPPP:303+99;+3×l05WP/ul 252+65;+1067P/ul:203+68;+2×106UP/ul: 174+85;Wi th Col (20ug/ml) :eur PPP:234+97;+3×105WP/ul:160+63;+106WP/ul:141+73;+2×l06WP/ul:129+81; +2×106WP/ul+ASA: 105+31;Wi th Col uc/ml) :euaPPP:230+56;+3×l05NP/ul: 160+52;+106WP/ul:139+44;+2×106wp/ul:126+21;+2×106WP/ul+ASA:118+28. EugPPP+l/P showed lower lysis area.Col induced more decrease of lysis area in euc with WP.ASA did not modify this effect.UK and SK produced higher lysis area only in euoPPP.No difference was observed between high and low doses of Col-effect upon WP.Combined treatment of eucPPP+WP+Col, with UK and SK showed:(mm2):UK-treated eugPPP+2×106WP/ul+Col(29ug/ml):134+25;+ASA and Col(20ug/ml):115+65;+Col(2uc/ml):157+50;+ASA and Col(2uo/ml):133+49; SK-treated eupPPP+2×106WP/ul:+Col(20uo/ml):144+49;+ASA and Col(20ug/ml):128+ 60;+Co1(2ug/ml):173+66;+ASA and Col(2ug/ml):142+36.Col (20ug/ml) produced slight lower lysis area of UK and SK-treated eugPPP+WP. (p:ns). ASA did not modify this effect.Col (2uc/ml) did not produce changes in lysis area of UK and SK-treated eupPPP +WP. ASA produced slight lower lysis area(p:ns).Conclusion: high dosis of Col could release anti UK,anti SK and intrinsic PA-inhibitors from platelets;low dosis of Col could only release fntrinsic PA-inhibi tors. It suggests that anti UK and anti SK release might be triggered by stronger stimuli than intrinsic PA inhibitors.ASA could not inhibit any inhibitors release.We must consider that PA-inhibi tors could be released by different metabolic pathways other than cyclooxygenase pathway.