The Gram-negative bacterium Legionella pneumophila is an intracellular parasite of aquatic protozoa. It exhibits a distinct dimorphic lifecycle that alternates between vegetative replicative form (RF) and infectious cyst-like form (CLF). Inadvertent inhalation of aerosolized CLFs by immunocompromised individuals leads to an infection in alveolar macrophages causing Legionnaires' disease. To further study a Legionella infection the use of the multicellular organism Caenorhabditis elegans was done. Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy of live L. pneumophila infected nematodes shows Legionella-containing vacuoles (LCVs) with motile forms. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) defined the ultrastructure of L. pneumophila forms found in the primary infection site of the intestinal lumen and the secondary infection site in the gonadal tissues. These findings suggest the possible intracellular replication cycle of Legionella occurring in the gonadal tissues of the nematode. Providing insight and a plausible evolutionary origin of the ability of L. pneumophila to manipulate the macrophage innate immune system. / October 2014

Uranium-10wt% zirconium (U-10Zr) alloy nuclear fuels have been used for decades and new variations are under consideration ranging from U-5Zr to U-50Zr. As a precursor to understanding the fission gas behavior in U-Zr alloys using ion implantation, a basic study on the U-Zr metallurgy was completed using EPMA, DSC, XRD, Optical microscopy, and TEM with a focus on solid state phase transformations in alloys containing 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50wt% zirconium. Alloys were cast by crucible melting using high temperature furnace under argon atmosphere in yttrium oxide crucibles and various thermal profiles were used to study phase transformations in these alloys. Using TEM, XRD, and DSC data, it was ascertained that athermal-ω, along with martensitic α1, formed in all alloys quenched from γ phase. XRD could detect the presence of athermal-ω only in U-20, 30 and 50wt%Zr alloys. BSE images for as-cast alloys of 2, 5, 10, 20, and 30wt%Zr had lamellar microstructure with lamellae rich in zirconium. All alloy samples clearly showed a heating transformation pertaining to δ → γ in DSC data while XRD could only confirm the presence of δ phase in U-20, 30, and 50wt%Zr alloys. An explanation is offered for the absence of δ phase peaks in uranium-rich alloys based on its formation mechanism. Alloy samples of U-2, 5, and 10wt%Zr were step-cooled from γ phase by annealing in the (α + δ) phase field before cooling to room temperature revealed broad peaks for δ phase indicating incomplete collapse of {111}γ planes. Both as cast and γ- quenched alloys were annealed at 600degreeC, in the (α + δ) phase field for 1, 3, 7, and 30 days. Microstructures of the samples in both cases contained uranium-rich matrix and zirconium-rich precipitates and WDS analyses were consistent with their being α-U and δ phase respectively. However, XRD data for annealed alloys never showed peaks for δ phase even though it’s area fraction was within the detection limits. Moreover, the peaks which were present in U-20wt%Zr vanished after annealing for 7 days. Based on the data obtained, it is suggested that it is more appropriate to consider the presence of metastable diffusional-ω instead of a stable δ in the as-cast alloys and that it is not stable at 600degreeC.

E911 creep samples exposed to temperatures of 600˚C, 625˚C and 650˚C at differing stress levels were supplied by CORUS. The hardness of the gauge length that experienced both creep strain and temperature was found to be lower than that of the head where thermal softening only can be assumed. The changes in the morphology and size of precipitates were observed qualitatively by optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. A creep fracture mechanism map of E911 steel was constructed with two modes of creep (transgranular and intergranular ). A fitted ellipse shape was used to characterise the irregular block shape by Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD). It showed that the width of the block inside a prior austenite grain increases more rapidly in the gauge length than in the head; subgrain growth was also observed by EBSD. Transmission Electron Microscopy studies indicate that at 600°C E911 steel can reach up to 75647 hours creep rupture life (108MPa), which is due to the relatively small size of M23C6, Laves and M2X phases. However, Z phase precipitation results in a drop in creep resistance owing to the dissolution of fine MX phase and the transformation of M2X phase. At 625°C and 650°C, the creep rupture life decreases owing to the coarsening of Laves, M23C6 and M2X phases. Four experimental steel casts were prepared with varying levels of Ni and Cr to investigate the effect of these elements on Z phase formation. After 10,000 hours exposure, there was little evidence of Z phase in the samples studied and therefore it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the role of Ni or Cr in promoting Z phase formation. It is possible that the casts studied here will allow better conclusions to be drawn after exposing the samples to longer durations.

Zugl.: Hamburg, Techn. Univ., Diss., 2007

abstract: Thermoelectric devices (TED's) continue to be an area of high interest in both thermal management and energy harvesting applications. Due to their compact size, reliable performance, and their ability to accomplish sub-ambient cooling, much effort is being focused on optimized methods for characterization and integration of TED's for future applications. Predictive modeling methods can only achieve accurate results with robust input physical parameters, therefore TED characterization methods are critical for future development of the field. Often times, physical properties of TED sub-components are very well known, however the "effective" properties of a TED module can be difficult to measure with certainty. The module-level properties must be included in predictive modeling, since these include electrical and thermal contact resistances which are difficult to analytically derive. A unique characterization method is proposed, which offers the ability to directly measure all device-level physical parameters required for accurate modeling. Among many other unique features, the metrology allows the capability to perform an independent validation of empirical parameters by measuring parasitic heat losses. As support for the accuracy of the measured parameters, the metrology output from an off-the-shelf TED is used in a system-level thermal model to predict and validate observed metrology temperatures. Finally, as an extension to the benefits of this metrology, it is shown that resulting data can be used to empirically validate a device-level dimensionless relationship. The output provides a powerful performance prediction tool, since all physical behavior in a performance domain is captured using a single analytical relationship and can be plotted on a singe graph. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Mechanical Engineering 2011

abstract: HgCdTe is the dominant material currently in use for infrared (IR) focal-plane-array (FPA) technology. In this dissertation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used for the characterization of epitaxial HgCdTe epilayers and HgCdTe-based devices. The microstructure of CdTe surface passivation layers deposited either by hot-wall epitaxy (HWE) or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on HgCdTe heterostructures was evaluated. The as-deposited CdTe passivation layers were polycrystalline and columnar. The CdTe grains were larger and more irregular when deposited by HWE, whereas those deposited by MBE were generally well-textured with mostly vertical grain boundaries. Observations and measurements using several TEM techniques showed that the CdTe/HgCdTe interface became considerably more abrupt after annealing, and the crystallinity of the CdTe layer was also improved. The microstructure and compositional profiles of CdTe(211)B/ZnTe/Si(211) heterostructures grown by MBE was investigated. Many inclined {111}-type stacking faults were present throughout the thin ZnTe layer, terminating near the point of initiation of CdTe growth. A rotation angle of about 3.5° was observed between lattice planes of the Si substrate and the final CdTe epilayer. Lattice parameter measurement and elemental profiles indicated that some local intermixing of Zn and Cd had taken place. The average widths of the ZnTe layer and the (Cd, Zn)Te transition region were found to be roughly 6.5 nm and 3.5 nm, respectively. Initial observations of CdTe(211)B/GaAs(211) heterostructures indicated much reduced defect densities near the vicinity of the substrate and within the CdTe epilayers. HgCdTe epilayers grown on CdTe(211)B/GaAs(211) composite substrate were generally of high quality, despite the presence of precipitates at the HgCdTe/CdTe interface. The microstructure of HgCdSe thin films grown by MBE on ZnTe/Si(112) and GaSb(112) substrates were investigated. The quality of the HgCdSe growth was dependent on the growth temperature and materials flux, independent of the substrate. The materials grown at 100°C were generally of high quality, while those grown at 140°C had {111}-type stacking defects and high dislocation densities. For epitaxial growth of HgCdSe on GaSb substrates, better preparation of the GaSb buffer layer will be essential in order to ensure that high-quality HgCdSe can be grown. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering 2011

Single crystals of iron with 20, 28 and 40 at. % aluminium were deformed in compression at room temperature. The later two alloys were deformed also at temperatures in the range of yield stress anomaly. Room temperature deformation was carried under the atomic force microscope (AFM) and the evolution of surface was recorded in-situ. Samples deformed at elevated temperatures were investigated by AFM after the deformation. Dislocation structures in deformed samples were then investigated in transmission electron microscope (TEM). Observations of surface (AFM) and bulk (TEM) are compared. Results of both techniques mutually agree and support the interpretation of observed phenomena. Several original analysis methods were developed. Most notably the stereographic reconstruction, which was applied to dislocation structures and carbide particles present in investigated alloys. Model explaining the distribution of carbide particle axes is presented. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

abstract: Soft magnetic alloys play a significant role for magnetic recording applications and highly sensitivity magnetic field sensors. In order to sustain the magnetic areal density growth, development of new synthesis techniques and materials is necessary. In this work, the effect of oxygen incorporation during electrodeposition of CoFe alloys on magnetic properties, magnetoresistance and structural properties has been studied. Understanding the magnetic properties often required knowledge of oxygen distribution and structural properties of the grown films. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was a powerful tool in this study to correlate the oxygen-distribution nanostructure to the magnetic properties of deposited films. Off-axis electron holography in TEM was used to measure magnetic domain wall width in the deposited films. Elemental depth profiles of Fe, Co, O were investigated by secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). Magnetic properties have been determined by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements. Oxygen content in the CoFe deposited films was controlled by electrolyte composition. Films were deposited on Si 100 substrates and on other substrates such as Cu and Al. However, a good film quality was achieved on Si substrate. Electron energy loss and x-ray spectroscopies showed that the low oxygen films contained intragranular Fe2+ oxide (FeO) particles and that the high oxygen films contained intergranular Fe3+ (Fe2O3) along grain boundaries. The films with oxide present at the grain boundary had significantly increased coercivity, magnetoresistance and reduced saturation magnetization relative to the lower oxygen content films with intragranular oxide. The differences in magnetic properties between low oxygen and high oxygen concentration films were attributed to stronger mobile domain wall interactions with the grain boundary oxide layers. The very high magnetoresistance values were achieved for magnetic devices with nanocontact dimension < 100 nm and oxide incorporation in this nanoconfined geometry. The content of oxide phase in nanocontact was controlled by concentration of the Fe3+ ions in the electrodeposition solution. Magnetic device integrity was improved by varying amount of additive into plating solution. These results indicated that electrodeposited CoFe nanocontact is a novel class of materials with large application for magnetic field sensors. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering 2012

La contaminación atmosférica es un tema de gran preocupación, debido a que afecta directamente al medio ambiente y a la salud de las personas. En este contexto, uno de los contaminantes criterio de mayor impacto es el material particulado (MP), el cual es generado principalmente por la combustión en motores diesel. El propósito principal de este estudio es analizar física y químicamente el material particulado emitido por distintas tecnologías de buses urbanos diesel, mediante el uso de microscopía electrónica de transmisión. Para lograr este objetivo el estudio se dividió en dos etapas: primero se obtuvieron muestras de MP de algunos buses pertenecientes al sistema Transantiago. Los buses fueron medidos en un dinamómetro de chasis perteneciente al Centro de Control y Certificación Vehicular (3CV), en el cual el bus siguió un ciclo de conducción estándar. La captura de MP se llevó a cabo a través de pequeños soportes de muestreo. La segunda etapa fue desarrollada en el Laboratorio de Microscopía Electrónica de la Universidad de Chile, y consistió en observar las distintas estructuras y morfologías de MP presentes en el soporte. Se hallaron diversas morfologías, entre las más recurrentes estaban las partículas esféricas y membranas, junto con partículas que presentan nanocintas de carbono en su periferia. Dentro de los elementos químicos se encontró principalmente carbono, azufre, silicio y sodio. Al calcular la distribución de tamaño se observaron partículas en rangos desde 8 [nm] hasta 48 [nm], con un diámetro promedio total de 25 [nm]. El análisis comparativo de sistema de post tratamiento permitió encontrar diferencias muy significativas: en el caso de la masa, el bus con filtro cerámico logró un 94 % de reducción de masa de MP mientras que el bus con filtro metálico logró un 93 %. Respecto a los diámetros promedio, el bus sin filtro obtuvo un diámetro promedio de 31[nm], versus 28 y 23[nm] para los buses con filtro metálico y cerámico. Por el contrario, no se observaron diferencias en la estructura ni la composición química al ir variando los factores antes mencionados. Comparando los tipos de inyección de los buses estudiados, y considerando las diferencias de motor y potencia, no existe un gran contraste en la cantidad de MP. Con respecto al diámetro, se observó una leve disminución para el caso del bus equipado con sistema common rail.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-29T15:36:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_4934_.pdf: 793178 bytes, checksum: cafcf44a20ef1eaf84c872e150c832a1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-07-11 / LEMES, Eliane de Queiroz. Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de paineira em função do estádio de maturação, temperaturas cardinais e estresse salino. 2011. Dissertação (Mestrado em Ciências Florestais) Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre-ES. Orientador: Prof. Dr. José Carlos Lopes. Objetivou-se com este trabalho estudar a maturação fisiológica de sementes de paineira (Ceiba speciosa St. Hil.) na região serrana do Caparaó, estudar a germinação dessas sementes sob diferentes temperaturas e avaliar o comportamento germinativo das sementes de paineira e o desenvolvimento de plântulas normais e anormais sob diferentes condições de estresse salino simulado com NaCl. Os estudos foram conduzidos na região Serrana do Caparaó, município de Guaçui - ES, onde as arvores foram etiquetadas na antese floral e acompanhado o enchimento dos frutos e desenvolvimento das sementes até que atingisse a completa maturação, a coleta dos frutos foi feita semanalmente e conduzidos ao Laboratório de Tecnologia e Análise de Sementes do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da UFES onde foram avaliadas as características biométricas dos frutos e das sementes, coloração do fruto e das sementes; umidade, massa fresca, massa seca e germinação das sementes. Para o estudo das temperaturas cardinais os testes de germinação foram realizados com quatro sub-amostras de 25 sementes, colocadas em placas de Petri forradas com papel germitest, mantidas em câmaras tipo BOD, onde foram testadas as seguintes temperaturas constantes: 05, 07, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 e 45 ºC. Para avaliar a germinação e o desenvolvimento das plântulas em diferentes concentrações de NaCl os tratamentos foram constituídos pelos potenciais osmóticos: 0,0 (controle); -0,2; -0,4; -0,6 e -0,8 MPa. A germinação e o vigor das sementes foram avaliados pela germinação, primeira contagem, índice de velocidade de germinação tempo médio de germinação, freqüência relativa de germinação, comprimento parte aérea e comprimento de raiz, massa fresca e massa seca das plântulas e caracterização morfológica das plântulas normais e anormais. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições de 25 sementes. Foram ajustadas equações de regressão para as principais características avaliadas, os dados expressos em porcentagem foram transformados em arc-sen e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Scott Knott e Tukey em nível de 5% de probabilidade. A colheita de sementes de Ceiba speciosa pode ser iniciada aos 163 dias (22 semanas) após a antese, nesta fase as sementes se apresentavam com a coloração marrom escuro e com teor de umidade de aproximadamente 37% e porcentagem de germinação de 87%. As sementes coletadas na região do Serrana do Caparaó apresentou ampla faixa de germinação entre as temperaturas, sendo a temperatura ótima para essa espécie a de 25 e 30 °C. A salinidade causou decréscimos nos valores das variáveis analisadas no teste de germinação. A Paineira é considerada glicófita, com limite máximo de tolerância ao NaCl até -0,6 MPa. Palavras-chave: Ceiba speciosa, sementes, germinação, plântulas, salinidade.