Examination of the Response of Regularly Packed Specimens of Spherical Particles Using Physical Tests and Discrete Element Simulations

Significant insight into the response of granular materials can be gained by coupling accurately controlled physical tests with complementary discrete element simulations. This paper discusses a series of triaxial and plane strain laboratory compression tests on steel spheres with face-centered-cubic and rhombic packings, as well as discrete element simulations of these tests. The tests were performed on specimens of uniform-sized steel balls and on specimens of steel balls with specified distributions of ball diameters. The packing configurations are ideal and differ considerably from real sand specimens, however, studies of such idealized granular materials can yield considerable insight into the response of granular materials and the capability of discrete element simulations to capture the response. The differences in response for the two packing configurations considered illustrate the importance of fabric. The numerical simulations captured the observed laboratory response well if the particle configurations, particle sizes, and boundary conditions were accurately represented. However, the postpeak response is more difficult to capture, and it is shown to be sensitive to the coefficient of friction assumed along the specimen boundaries. The simulations of the tests on the nonuniform-sized specimens demonstrated a clear correlation between strength and coordination number.     

The relationship between cognitive ability,insight and self-regulatory behaviors: Findings from the older driver population

Self-regulation is often promoted as a coping strategy that may allow older drivers to drive safely for longer. Self-regulation depends upon drivers making an accurate assessment of their own ability and having a willingness to practice self-regulatory behaviors to compensate for changes in ability. The current study explored the relationship between older drivers’ cognitive ability, their driving confidence and their use of self-regulation. An additional study aim was to explore the relationship between these factors and older drivers’ interest in driving programs. Seventy Australian drivers aged 65 years and over completed a questionnaire about their driving and a brief screening measure of cognitive ability (an untimed Clock Drawing Test). While all participants reported high levels of confidence regarding their driving ability, and agreed that they would continue driving in the foreseeable future, a notable proportion performed poorly on the Clock Drawing Test. Compared to older drivers who successfully completed the Clock Drawing Test, those who failed the cognitive test were significantly less likely to report driving self-regulation, and showed significantly less interest in being involved in driving programs. Older drivers with declining cognitive abilities may not be self-regulating their driving. This group also appears to be unlikely to self-refer to driving programs.     

Electron beam modification and functionalization of MWNT for covalent dispersion into polymeric systems

The development of nanotube-based polymer composites with improved mechanical properties and electrical conductivity requires the covalent dispersion of carbon nanotubes to utilize their stress transfer capabilities. Covalent dispersion of nanotubes therefore requires the functionalization of their surface to interact with solvents or monomers. In this work, we have developed a novel method of nanotube surface modification in which dry MWNT are irradiated with a high-energy electron beam (EB) in ambient air environment. Raman spectroscopy was performed to characterize the influence of EB irradiation on nanotubes, namely, variance of the disorder, or D band (∼1360 cm⁻¹) with respect to the graphitic, or G, band (∼1580 cm⁻¹). Raman spectra show increased deformation to the graphitic structure, as well as increased strain on the carbon-carbon bonds, weakening the nanotube. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirms that nanotubes remain intact despite high EB dose. In addition, minimal surface deformation and length reduction occurred on irradiated MWNT.     

Direct inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 by the kinase inhibitors SB 203580 and PD 98059. SB 203580 also inhibits thromboxane synthase

The kinase inhibitors SB 203580 and PD 98059 have been reported to be specific inhibitors of the 38- and 42/44-kDa mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, respectively. In this study, the two inhibitors were found to decrease platelet aggregation induced by low concentrations of arachidonic acid, suggesting that they also interfere with the metabolism of arachidonic acid to thromboxane A2. In support of this, SB 203580 and PD 98059 inhibited the conversion of exogenous [3H]arachidonic acid to [3H]thromboxane in intact platelets. Measurement of platelet cyclooxygenase-1 activity following immunoprecipitation revealed that SB 203580 and PD 98059 are direct inhibitors of this enzyme. Both compounds were shown to inhibit purified cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 by a reversible mechanism. In addition, SB 203580 (but not PD 98059) inhibited platelet aggregation induced by prostaglandin H2 and the conversion of prostaglandin H2 to thromboxane A2 in intact platelets. SB 203580 also inhibited this pathway in platelet microsome preparations, suggesting a direct inhibitory effect on thromboxane synthase. These results demonstrate that direct effects of the two kinase inhibitors on active arachidonic acid metabolites have to be excluded before using these compounds for the investigation of MAPKs in signal transduction pathways. This is of particular relevance to studies on the regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 as these two MAPKs are capable of phosphorylating cytosolic phospholipase A2, thereby increasing its intrinsic activity.