Thesis advisor: Seth C. Kruckenberg / Quantitatively describing the deformational behavior (i.e. the rheology) of lower crustal materials has proven challenging due to the highly variable nature of structural and compositional fabrics in the lower crust. Further, many flow laws describing the rheology of monophase aggregates are experimentally derived and do not necessarily apply to polyphase materials, such as gabbro, that dominate the lower crust. Here, we present the results of integrated microstructural analysis and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) textural analysis from exhumed lower crustal granulites in the Mount Hay block of central Australia. The preservation of heterogeneous mafic and felsic granulites containing monophase and/or polyphase mixtures of anorthite, pyroxene, and quartz (interlayered on the mm- to m-scale) make this region uniquely suited for advancing our knowledge of the processes that affect deformation and the rheology of the lower crust. Forty-two samples from distinct structural and compositional domains were chosen to compare the microstructural record of deformation, the development of crystallographic textures, and to provide estimates of lower crustal rheology and deformation conditions. Full thin-section maps of crystallographic texture were produced using EBSD methods. The resultant orientation maps were processed to characterize crystallographic textures in all constituent phases, and all other quantifiable aspects of the rock microstructure (e.g., grain size, grain shape, misorientation axes). The EBSD analysis reveals the presence of strong crystallographic preferred orientations (CPO) in nearly all constituent phases, suggesting deformation dominated by dislocation creep. Differential stresses during deformation are calculated using grain size piezometry for all major phases, and range between 34-54 MPa in quartz within monophase layers. Two-pyroxene geothermometry was used to constrain deformation temperatures to ca. 780-810 C. Based on the estimated CPO patterns, stress, and temperature, we quantify strain rates and effective viscosities of all major phases through application of monophase flow laws. Monophase strain rates range from 2.10 x 10-12 s-1 to 1.56 x 10-11 s-1 for quartz, 4.68 x 10-15 s-1 to 2.48 x 10-13 s-1 for plagioclase feldspar, 1.56 x 10-18 s-1 to 1.64 x 10-16 s-1 for enstatite, and 5.66 x 10-16 s-1 to 1.00 x 10-14 s-1 for diopside. The determined flow law variables used for monophase calculations were subsequently applied to two different models – the Minimized Power Geometric model of Huet et al. (2014) and the Asymptotic Expansion Homogenization (AEH) method of Cook (2006) – in order to calculate a bulk aggregate viscosity of the polyphase material. At a strain rate of 10-14 s-1, polyphase effective viscosities for our samples range from 3.07 x 1020 to 2.74 x 1021 Pa·s. We find that the bulk viscosity of heterogeneous, gabbroic lower crust in the Mount Hay region lies between that of monophase plagioclase and monophase quartz, and varies as a function of composition. These results are consistent with past modeling studies and geophysical estimates. / Thesis (MS) — Boston College, 2019. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Electric and hybrid vehicles uses regenerative braking, where application of the brake triggers the electric motor to work as a generator to produce electricity, which in turn charges the battery. This results in much less use of the friction brake, changing the corrosion and wear behavior of the rotor surface. There is a need for research on this topic, since fully electric or hybrid vehicles are replacing combustion engines due to concerns about global warming and climate change. Here the corrosion behavior of coated cast iron vehicle rotors in 3.5wt% NaCl is studied. The corrosion study has been performed using electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). All the coated samples were provided by Pure Forge Rotors. Based on the results from SEM and EDX, the coating is atomic forge proprietary coating, and the base material is gray cast iron. Our primary objective is to study the corrosion behavior of coated, non-coated and friction-tested samples. CV experiments indicate a shift in the corrosion potential and corrosion current density due to changes in the nature of the exposed surface. Cross-sectional SEM showed the thickness of the coating to be 16-23 µm. After friction testing, the friction layer created by rubbing the brake pad over the rotor plays a role in corrosion resistance, but this depends on the type of brake pad material (i.e. semi-metallic, non-asbestos organic and low metallic). Results showed that friction film that forms after testing against non-asbestos organic pads provides the highest corrosion resistance amongst the three brake pad materials.

The urinary bladder is an unusual organ in that its normal function includes filling and emptying with alternating changes in internal pressure. Although fluctuations in blood flow to the bladder wall are known to accompany these changes, detailed descriptions of the bladder microvasculature are sparse. The present study uses vascular corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy to describe the three-dimensional anatomy of the microvasculature of the urinary bladder of the dog. Specialized features of that microvasculature, including collateral circulation, vessel folding, vessel orientation, the presence of valves and sphincters, and mucosal capillary density, that may enhance and control blood flow during normal bladder function, are described and discussed.

No description available.

Molten salt reactors (MSRs) using chloride-based salt-matrixes as coolants or fuels are a promising option for advanced nuclear reactors, but the extreme temperatures and corrosivity of molten salts pose a challenge for implementation. Molten MgCl2-NaCl-KCl is a viable candidate for MSRs that is considered in this work. Thermochemical properties are derived from electrochemical tests that aid in characterizing the properties of salts. To study these properties, some work has proposed using a three-electrode system with a reference electrode housed in a ceramic membrane. This research aims to develop a stable high-temperature reference electrode using a ceramic membrane that is then applied to develop an on-line monitoring system of Ni-Cr alloy corrosion in chloride salt. A mullite tube used as the membrane of a Ni(II)/Ni reference electrode in molten MgCl2-NaCl-KCl is studied. The performance of two different membrane thicknesses (1.325mm and 0.255mm) was studied in temperature ranges from 635oC to 835oC and data collected on the calculated formal potential of the Ni(II)/Ni system. Tests indicated that the results were stable and repeatable, and the formal potential for both systems differed from the previous experimental data by 0.12V at most, indicating that the system can be applied as an effective reference electrode. Using the reference electrode, on-line monitoring the corrosion of Ni-15wt.%Cr, Ni-20wt.%Cr, and Ni-30wt.%Cr was studied for 120 hours in MgCl2-NaCl-KCl. The on-line measurements showed the concentration changes of dissolved Cr and Ni by corrosion in the bulk molten salt. This work confirms that Ni(II)/Ni reference electrodes with a mullite tube membrane are stable and effective in molten chloride salt systems, particularly MgCl2-NaCl-KCl. The mullite membrane prepared by the manufacturer may be used directly for electrochemical applications without polishing, simplifying the reference electrode manufacturing process, and making it easier to replicate. The use of a Ni(II)/Ni reference electrode provides an avenue to study a different range of salt systems than previous reference electrodes allowed, particularly alloys in chloride salts at high temperatures. This work also confirms that the mullite tube may be used to perform on-line analysis of alloy corrosion in high temperature molten chloride salts. The study of Ni-Cr alloys in chloride salts better prepares the nuclear industry to select coolant salts and alloy containers with the best set of thermochemical and corrosion resistant characteristics for MSRs. / Master of Science / The United States receives approximately 18% of its energy from nuclear technology. Many of the reactors supplying this energy are at the end of their lifecycle and the decommissioning of some of these plants has already begun. In order to replace this older generation of nuclear reactors, a safer and cheaper option has been suggested: Molten Salt Reactors. Molten salt reactors (MSRs) using high temperature salts as a fuel or coolant are a promising option, but the extreme conditions of molten salts pose a challenge for construction and use of MSRs. Molten MgCl2-NaCl-KCl is a salt being considered for MSR application, and is considered in this work. Properties of the salts considered for MSRs are being studied diligently before implementation of these reactors. Electrochemical tests are used to study and monitor these properties. These electrochemical tests use a three-electrode system with a reference electrode housed in a membrane. In this work, a mullite tube is used as a ceramic membrane for a reference electrode in molten MgCl2-NaCl-KCl. The performance of two different membrane thicknesses (1.325mm and 0.255mm) was studied in temperature ranges from 635oC to 835oC. Results indicate that the system is an effective reference electrode. Using this innovative reference electrode, a method of monitoring on-line corrosion of Ni-15wt.%Cr, Ni-20wt.%Cr, and Ni-30wt.%Cr alloys was studied for 120-hour time periods during exposure to MgCl2-NaCl-KCl. This work confirms that reference electrodes with a mullite membrane may be used for electrochemical applications when studying molten chloride salts. The use of a Ni(II)/Ni reference electrode with a mullite membrane provides an avenue to study a different range of salt systems than previous reference electrodes and ceramics allowed, particularly chloride salts. Additionally, this mullite membrane Ni(II)/Ni reference electrode system may be used for monitoring on-line corrosion of Ni-Cr alloys in chloride salt systems.

Yeast probiotics and paraprobiotics, live and inactivated yeast cells, respectively, improve health and performance of livestock by stabilizing the intestinal microbial community. They have also been used for infection prevention and treatment. Despite much research already conducted, the mechanism of direct antagonism, or adhesion of bacteria to the probiotic/paraprobiotic, is under characterized. Additionally, it is unknown which probiotic/paraprobiotic is optimal to use for specific infections. The interactions between the yeast and certain pathogens were analyzed qualitatively with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantitatively with membrane filtration assays. Gram-positive bacteria were found to exhibit specificity under SEM. Through membrane filtration, Listeria monocytogenes exhibited binding to all samples (P<0.05), while Salmonella Typhimurium exhibited binding (P<0.001) with all samples except with 2338. Escherichia coli O157:H7 only bound to the probiotics (P<0.001). With a better understanding of how specific yeast probiotics and paraprobiotics interact with bacteria, specific therapies can be administered to combat infections.

No description available.

Geometallurgy describes a holistic approach to mining (integrating geological, metallurgical, geotechnical, environmental, and more parameters) with the goal to improve the efficiency and sustainability of a mining operation. The potential of systematic optical petrography in a geometallurgical context was investigated in this study, as well as how petrography may be useful across disciplines in several blocks of the mining value chain. In a case study, twelve boulder samples (non-mineralized and mineralized) from the Rajapalot exploration property in Finland were characterized by detailed optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with the aim to delineate the origin of the respective boulders. This allowed to demonstrate some benefits and challenges of systematic optical petrography in the mining value chain and geometallurgical programs. The study was performed through the geology department at Mitta AB in Luleå, Sweden, using rock samples supplied by Mawson Gold Ltd, Finland. The Rajapalot Au-Co property lies a few km east of the Rompas Au-U property, both owned by Mawson Gold Ltd and located in the Paleoproterozoic Peräpohja belt in northwest Finland. When determining the boulders’ origin, geochemical gradients of the Peräpohja belt lithostratigraphy; oxidized sodic rocks in the Kivalo group and reduced potassic rocks in the Paakkola group were crucial factors. The mineralization style of the Rompas Au-U association and the Rajapalot Au-Co association (including the “Palokas” Fe-Mg type and the “Rumajärvi” K-Fe type) were further crucial to classify the mineralized boulders. Results show that the rock types (and suggested origin) vary between boulder samples. Most samples are presumed to originate from the Paakkola group, one sample from the Kivalo group, and a few samples are inconclusive. Furthermore, the samples impact on the mining value chain was discussed based on the results of the petrographic analysis. A method description for a more systematic way of examining rock material is presented, including for example quantitative parameters such asmodal mineralogy and grain size distribution. However, the applicability of this method description needs further study.

Background: The success of kidney transplant surgery and ureteral reconstruction requires the preservation of the ureteral blood supply. Because of its potential vulnerability to surgical trauma during trans plant and reconstructive surgery, the ureteral vasculature merits a full anatomical description. Methods: The microvascular anatomy of the ureter was studied in male New Zealand white rabbits by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts and alkali digested tissue. Results: The rabbit ureter is supplied predominantly by a branch of the renal artery proximally (cranial ureteral artery) and by a branch of the vesicular artery distally (caudal ureteral artery). Minor vascular continuities are also present between the capillary beds of the ureter and those of the renal pelvis cranially and the bladder wall caudally. There are no external vascular connections to the middle ureter with the exception of a single, small vein which drains into the inferior vena cava. A single group of longitudinal arteries and veins runs the full length of the ureter within the adventitia. Branches of these longitudinal vessels pass tangentially through the muscularis to supply a vascular complex within the lamina propria. This complex in turn supports a rich, mucosal capillary plexus located at the junction between the transitional epithelium and the lamina propria. In the fixed ureter the capillary plexus lies in grooves formed by displacement of the basal layers of the overlying transitional epithelium. The capillaries are continuous or fenestrated, are often invested with pericytes, and are distributed uniformly around the entire circumference of the ureter. Conclusions: The ureteral vasculature exhibits several unique features related to its function in urine conduction and its ability to accommodate expansion and contraction. The combination of techniques used provides a clear three‐dimensional view of this vasculature. Our findings also confirm that, because of its limited blood supply, the ureter may be very susceptible to injury during renal transplantation or other abdominal surgery.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a pseudocereal native to the Andean region of South America and a staple crop for subsistence farmers in the altiplano of Bolivia and Peru. Downy mildew is the most significant disease of quinoa caused by the pathogen Peronospora farinosa f.sp. chenopodii Byford. This disease greatly impacts quinoa crops with yield losses up to 99%. As fungicides are expensive for farmers, the development of resistant cultivars appears to be the most efficient means for controlling downy mildew. The quinoa germplasm bank contains high amounts of genetic diversity, some of which exhibit mildew resistance. Methods for evaluating mildew severity are important for finding resistant genotypes that are useful in breeding programs. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate and investigate downy mildew resistance in quinoa through several different methods. A simple inoculation method was developed for downy mildew disease assessment by placing a damp piece of cheesecloth on a leaf, pipetting a known spore solution onto the cloth, and subjecting the plants to specific humidity cycles in a growth chamber. After inoculation of five quinoa-breeding lines in a growth chamber, accession 0654 was found to be the most resistant, while genotypes NL6 and Sayana showed moderate resistance. Each of these genotypes displayed some potential for resistance breeding programs. Investigation of the growth and development of P. farinosa through resistant and susceptible quinoa genotypes revealed fewer sporangiophores, hyphal strands, and haustoria among leaf tissues of accession 0654 than in the susceptible Chucapaca cultivar. Peronospora farinosa growth was detected in leaf, petiole, and stem tissues with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using ITSP primers designed from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the pathogen. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also revealed that P. farinosa penetrated stomata via appressoria, secreted extracellular matrices during sporangia germination, grew intercellularly in leaf and petiole tissues, and exited leaf tissue through stomata. Future research requiring knowledge of resistant quinoa genotypes, P. farinosa growth and development, or inoculation methods for large numbers of small quinoa plants would benefit from this report.