Complementary effects of solid lubricants in the automotive brake lining

An experimental investigation was carried out to examine the tribological behavior of NAO (non-asbestos organic) type brake linings containing different volume ratios of graphite and antimony trisulfide (Sb₂S₃). A scale dynamometer was used for friction tests and particular emphases were given to the effect of applied pressure, sliding speed, and temperature on the coefficient of friction according to the relative amounts of the two solid lubricants. Results showed that the brake linings with both solid lubricants exhibited better friction stability and less speed sensitivity than the friction materials containing a single solid lubricant. In particular, the brake lining containing higher concentrations of graphite showed better fade resistance than others during high-temperature friction test.     

Preparation of multi-compositional gas sensing films by combinatorial solution deposition

Various compositions of gas sensing films were prepared by the combinatorial deposition of SnO₂, ZnO, and WO₃ sol solutions and their gas sensing behaviors were investigated. The film composition could be manipulated conveniently via the alternate dropping of different oxide sol solutions. From the correlation between film compositions and gas sensitivities, the selective detection of C₂H₅OH and CH₃COCH₃ in the presence of CO, C₃H₈, H₂, and NO₂ could be attained. In addition, the discrimination between C₂H₅OH and CH₃COCH₃, which is a challenging issue due to their similar chemical nature, becomes possible. This research demonstrates the precise design of the sensor-material composition for the selective gas detection via the combinatorial approach.     

Application of Support Vector Machines in Assessing Conceptual Cost Estimates

Total conceptual cost estimates and the assessment of the quality of these estimates are critical in the early stages of a building construction project. In this study, the support vector machine (SVM) model for assessing the quality of conceptual cost estimates is proposed, and the application of SVM in construction areas is investigated. The results show that the SVM model assessed the quality of conceptual cost estimates slightly more accurately than the discriminant analysis model. This shows that using the SVM has potential in construction areas. In addition, the SVM model can assist clients in their evaluation of the quality of the estimated cost and the probability of exceeding the target cost, and in their decision on whether or not it is necessary to seek a more accurate estimate in the early stages of a project.     

Defining Yield from Bender Element Measurements in Triaxial Stress Probe Experiments

This paper describes the elastic response of a block sample of compressible Chicago glacial clay under a variety of stresses and its relationship with the deformation characteristics at relatively large strains. The elastic shear stiffness was obtained from bender element tests during consolidation and shearing in drained triaxial stress probe tests. An empirical correlation was established based on the elastic shear stiffness in a preyield condition. By comparing the empirical correlation with the measured elastic shear stiffness in the stress region during probing, the changes of elastic shear stiffness were investigated. The departure of elastic shear stiffness from values computed by the empirical relation based on K0 loading directly relates to the yielding characteristics of the clay. The large-scale change of soil structure at yielding alters the well-established relationship between the elastic shear stiffness and stresses in the preyield condition. The mechanical yielding response of clays can be detected based on the systematic analysis of the elastic shear wave velocities.     

Multiterminal light-emitting logic device electricallyreprogrammable between OR and NAND functions

A monolithic multiterminal logic device that functions both optically and electrically as an ORNAND gate, is demonstrated for the first time. The device, based on the real-space transfer of hot electrons into a complementary collector layer, has been implemented in an InGaAs/InAlAs/InGaAs heterostructure grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Excellent performance is obtained at room temperature. The collector current and the optical output power both exhibit the OR and the NAND functions of any two of the three input terminals, these functions being interchangeable by the voltage on the third terminal     

Physiological actions of the neuropeptide Antho-RNamide on antagonistic muscle systems in sea anemones

Several studies have reported that the bulk aluminum (Al) concentration is increased in the brain in Alzheimer disease (AD), while other studies have failed to demonstrate an increase. Most of these investigations have had one or more methodological deficiencies, including lack of adequate neuropathological assessment; failure to age-match the control samples; small sample sizes, lacking statistical power; and geographical heterogeneity in the AD and control populations. The present population-based study of 92 clinically and histopathologically diagnosed AD patients and normal elderly nursing home residents was designed to avoid these potential biases. When a subsample of AD cases with the most severe brain pathology was compared with controls having no or minimal pathology, no statistically significant differences were found in the bulk aluminum concentration measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry in frontal cortex (1.8 +/- 0.7 vs. 1.7 +/- 0.7 micrograms/g dry wt), temporal cortex (1.4 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.5 +/- 0.5 micrograms/g dry wt), liver (2.0 +/- 1.3 vs. 2.0 +/- 1.2 micrograms/g dry wt), or head of femur (2.4 +/- 1.6 vs. 2.2 +/- 1.0 micrograms/g ash wt). Within the whole series of 92 cases, there was no difference in the bulk aluminum concentration of the frontal cortex between individuals diagnosed as definite, probable, and possible cases of AD using the CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease) criteria. The density of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in frontal and temporal cortex showed no correlation with the bulk aluminum concentration. Logistic regression analyses, which controlled for age and sex, did not influence outcome for any of the comparisons. The data show conclusively that in AD, bulk aluminum concentration is not increased in two cortical brain regions that are selectively vulnerable to the neuropathological changes associated with this disorder.     

The crystal structure of an Fe-superoxide dismutase from the hyperthermophile Aquifex pyrophilus at 1.9 A resolution: structural basis for thermostability

The incidence of stress fractures is increasing among competitive and recreational athletes as well as among children and the elderly. By understanding the continuum of bone's response to stress and maintaining an appropriate index of suspicion, the health care provider can diagnose these injuries appropriately. An accurate history and examination is essential and will differentiate stress fractures from other stress reactions. The more common stress fractures are discussed.     

Laser scanning path generation considering photopolymer solidification in micro-stereolithography

It is essential to automate the scanning path generation process to effectively implement the micro-stereolithography. However, a scanning path that is generated based only on a 3D CAD model introduces dimensional inaccuracies. In micro-stereolithography, the photopolymer solidification is affected by fabrication conditions, such as the optical properties (laser power, laser scanning speed, laser scanning pitch focusing condition, etc.) and material properties of the photopolymer. Thus, the photopolymer solidification phenomena must be considered when generating a laser scanning path. In this paper, a scanning path generation algorithm that uses 3D CAD data and considers the photopolymer solidification phenomena is proposed to improve the dimensional accuracy in micro-stereolithography. Multi-line photopolymer solidification experiments were performed for various laser scanning conditions to examine the photopolymer solidification phenomena. From these experiments, linear relations between the solidification length (width) and scanning length (width) were acquired and stored in a database. Subsequently, these data were utilized to compensate the scanning path of the laser beam. In addition, experiments for determining the layer thickness in the z-direction were performed and these results were also used in the scanning path generation algorithm.This research was supported by the Highly Advanced National Project (http://www.most.go.kr), which performs some of the National R&D Program, and sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Science and Technology under the contract project code M10214000116-02B1500-02010.     

An ideal topology type convergent theorem on scale effect algebras

The famous Antosik-Mikusinski convergent theorem on the Abel topological groups has very extensive applications in measure theory, summation theory and other analysis fields. In this paper, we establish the theorem on a class of effect algebras equipped with the ideal topology. This paper shows also that the ideal topology of effect algebras is a useful topology in studying the quantum logic the- ory.     

Corrosion Condition Evaluation at Muddy Creek Bridge

Corrosion rates were measured at the exposed spots of rebars near three corners of Muddy Creek Bridge located in northern West Virginia using a 3LP device. Also, chloride contents of the concrete samples taken from the vicinity of the spots were analyzed using a wet chemical method that had been developed in this study. The average corrosion rate over the three spots was 4.66 mA/m2, which is in the range of corrosion damage possible in 10–15 years. The average chloride content of the concrete over the three spots was 703 parts per million (ppm), which is well above the threshold limit value of 260 ppm. Although the corrosion rate measurement method using a 3LP device is by manual operation, it is found to be reliable and effective, and, thus, recommended for future studies of this kind of research. The wet chemical method developed in this study is found to be effective.