Microstress estimate of stochastically heterogeneous structures by the functional perturbation method: A one dimensional example

A new functional perturbation method (FPM) for calculating the probabilistic response of stochastically heterogeneous, linear elastic structures is developed. The method is based on treating the governing differential operator as well as the unknown displacement function as a functional of material modulus field. By executing a functional perturbation around the homogeneous case, a set of successive differential equations is obtained and solved, from which the average and variance of any local parameter (displacements, stresses, strains) can be found. For a linear problem, the equations to be solved in each approximation order differ from the one for the homogeneous case by a pseudo external loading (right hand side) part only. Thus, only the Green function for the homogeneous case is needed for an analytical solution of the corresponding heterogeneous problem. A one dimensional stochastically heterogeneous rod embedded in a uniform shear resistant elastic medium is solved as an example. The statistical variance of displacements and stresses are found analytically, including the edge regions. Morphological (grain size) and material (modulus) effects on the stochastic response are demonstrated. The above results are essential for estimating the stochastic features of local stress concentrations, which are the source for many strength-related macro properties of materials. Extensive usage of generalized functions (Dirac operator and its derivatives) is needed for the analysis.     

Perception and action are based on the same visual information: distinction between position and velocity.

Ss were presented with spiders running from left to right at various velocities over a structured background. Motion of the background influenced the perceived velocity of the spider: Motion of the background in the opposite direction than the spider increased the perceived velocity. The perceived position of the spider was not influenced by background motion. Ss were asked to hit the spiders as quickly as possible. Fast spiders were hit with a higher velocity than slow spiders. The same effect was found if the spiders only differed in apparent velocity, induced by motion of the background. The trajectory of the hit was not influenced by motion of the background. The authors concluded that although velocity is nothing but the change of position in time, velocity and position are processed independently. Furthermore, these two separately processed sources of information are used in both perception and action. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Population effect of a large‐scale stream restoration effort on Chinook salmon in the Pahsimeroi River,Idaho

Stream habitat restoration is an important tool for fisheries management in impaired lotic systems. Although small‐scale benefits of stream habitat restoration are commonly investigated, it is difficult to demonstrate population effects. The Pahsimeroi River Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha population was previously restricted to the lower portion of the river by multiple irrigation structures. To address fish passage issues, a combination of restoration projects was initiated including barrier removals, instream flow enhancements and installation of fish screens on diversions. The largest barrier was removed in 2009, more than doubling the amount of accessible linear habitat. We hypothesized restoration efforts would expand the distribution of spawning salmon in the Pahsimeroi River watershed, leading to a broader distribution of juveniles. We also hypothesized a broader juvenile distribution would have population effects by reducing the prevalence of density‐dependent growth and survival. Redds were documented in newly accessible habitat immediately following barrier removal and accounted for a median of 42% of all redds in the Pahsimeroi River watershed during 2009–2015. Snorkel surveys also documented juvenile rearing in newly accessible habitat. Juvenile productivity increased from a median of 64 smolts/female spawner for brood years 2002–2008 to 99 smolts/female spawner for brood years 2009–2014. Overall, results suggested increased habitat accessibility in the Pahsimeroi River broadened the distribution of spawning adult and rearing juvenile salmon and reduced the effects of density‐dependent survival. Large‐scale stream restoration efforts can have a population effect. Despite the large‐scale effort and response, habitat restoration alone is likely not sufficient to restore this population.     

On an evolutionary approach for constrained optimization problem solving

Over the last few decades, many different evolutionary algorithms have been introduced for solving constrained optimization problems. However, due to the variability of problem characteristics, no single algorithm performs consistently over a range of problems. In this paper, instead of introducing another such algorithm, we propose an evolutionary framework that utilizes existing knowledge to make logical changes for better performance. The algorithmic aspects considered here are: the way of using search operators, dealing with feasibility, setting parameters, and refining solutions. The combined impact of such modifications is significant as has been shown by solving two sets of test problems: (i) a set of 24 test problems that were used for the CEC2006 constrained optimization competition and (ii) a second set of 36 test instances introduced for the CEC2010 constrained optimization competition. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm shows better performance in comparison to the state-of-the-art algorithms.     

AES and XPS study on the tarnishing of silver in alkaline sulphide solutions

Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to follow the changes that occur on the surfaces of silver sheets when reacting with sulphide solutions of pH 12. The results obtained enabled conclusions to be drawn about the nature of the Ag₂S films. Immersion in dilute sulphide solutions ( 3 × 10^–4 M) resulted in highly irregular films that were interrupted by shallow depressions (cavities). Inside these cavities AES analysis proved the existence of massive carbon species, the presence of which delayed healing of the cavities by the formation of Ag₂S film, thus allowing the silver metal interface to continue in contact with the solution oxygen. This explains why silver electrodes maintain the Ag/Ag₂O potential while immersed in dilute sulphide solutions. Equilibration of silver with more concentrated sulphide solutions (5 × 10^–4 to 5 × 10^–3 M) effected healing of the cavities through the formation of a continuous Ag₂S film. Once this continuous film is formed, the metal interface is no longer accessible to the solution oxygen. At this point the transition of potential from Ag/Ag₂O to Ag/Ag₂S occurs.     

磺酸型离子液体的合成及其在酯化反应中的催化性能研究

以N-甲基咪唑、2-氯乙醇、对甲苯磺酰氯和苯为原料合成了氯化1-甲基-3-[α-甲基-(4-磺酸苄基)]咪唑盐、1-甲基-3-[α-甲基-(4-磺酸苄基)]咪唑硫酸氢根盐、1-甲基-3-[α-甲基-(4-磺酸苄基)]咪唑对甲苯磺酸盐三种离子液体,并用红外光谱和核磁共振对产物的结构做了表征.以乙腈为探针分子,采用红外光谱对合成的离子液体做了酸性类型的表征.考察了以上三种离子液体在壬二酸和甲醇的酯化反应中的催化性能,室温下n(壬二酸)∶n(甲醇)=1∶2时,反应4 h,壬二酸甲酯的产率可达到90.0%、选择性超过98.0%,且反应结束后产物易于分离.离子液体循环使用5次以上,催化活性没有明显降低.     

脂肪酶催化合成棕榈酸维生素C酯的研究

在溶剂相中,用固定化脂肪酶催化合成棕榈酸维生素C酯。研究了反应体系含水量、溶剂、反应温度、加酶量、加入分子筛等因素对反应的影响。结果表明,最佳反应条件为:Novo 435脂肪酶用量为反应物质量的4%,叔丁醇作溶剂,反应温度55℃,摇床转速200 r/min,反应时间36 h,转化率52%,产品纯度95%。     

Effect of particle dimension on biocompatibility of carbon nanomaterials

With various emerging applications ranging from medicine to materials and electronics, the risk of exposure to nanomaterials is rapidly increasing. Several routes of exposure to nanomaterials exist; the most important being dermal contact and inhalation. In this dermal toxicity study, the cellular effects of carbon-based materials with diameters ranging from micro- to nano-dimension were investigated using mouse keratinocytes (HEL-30). The carbon materials tested included carbon fibers (CF; 10 μm diameter), carbon nanofibers (CNF; 100 nm diameter), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT; 10 nm diameter), and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT; 1 nm diameter). CF and CNF did not significantly affect cell viability; however, MWCNT and SWCNT reduced cell viability in a time-dependent manner up to 48 h, with full recovery of mitochondrial function by the 72 h time point. After a 24 h exposure, cells exposed to MWCNT produced up to 3-fold higher increase in reactive oxygen species than those exposed to SWCNT. The results of this study suggest that high-aspect ratio carbon material toxicity is dependent on dimension and composition.     

无溶剂体系中酶催化合成共轭亚油酸甘油酯

采用直接酯化法,以共轭亚油酸(简称CLA)和甘油为原料,用脂肪酶Novozym 435催化合成共轭亚油酸甘油酯。结果表明:n(甘油)/n(CLA)=5,酶添加量为体系总质量的4%,65℃反应6 h后,共轭亚油酸的转化率为98.18%。所得共轭亚油酸甘油酯为淡黄色油状透明液体,酸价低于3,Novozym 435的操作半衰期为30 h。     

Conducting rubberlike copolymer–carbon fiber composites

Electrically conductive rubberlike copolymer–carbon fiber composites have been prepared by either a solution method or a concentrated emulsion method. In the former procedure, carbon fibers were introduced with stirring in a copolymer–toluene solution, and the polymer–fiber composites were precipitated by extracting the solvent with methanol. In the latter procedure, a pastelike concentrated emulsion of copolymer–toluene solution in an aqueous solution of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) was first formed, and the carbon fibers were mechanically blended with the concentrated emulsion. The polymer–carbon fiber composites were precipitated by extracting the toluene and water with methanol. Four kinds of rubberlike copolymers have been used: styrene/ethylene–butylene/styrene triblock copolymer (SES), styrene/butadiene/styrene triblock copolymer (SBS), ethylene/propene/ethylene triblock copolymer (EPE), and ethylene/vinylacetate copolymer (EVA). Short (L = 0.1 mm)- and medium (L = 5 mm)-length carbon fibers were employed. The composites were hot-pressed in a Laboratory Press to form a sheet. The effects of the two methodologies on the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the sheets were investigated by changing the type of polymer, the size of the carbon fibers, the volume fraction of the carbon fibers in the composites, and the hot-pressing temperature. Composites with electrical conductivities in the range of 5–14 S/cm, tensile strengths in the range of 10–17 MPa, and elongations at break point larger than 200% were obtained. The conductivities of the composites prepared with the short fibers were by two orders of magnitude smaller than those prepared with medium-size fibers. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.