The PilE protein is the major component of the Neisseria meningitidis pilus, which is encoded by the pilE/pilS locus that includes an expressed gene and eight homologous silent fragments. The silent gene fragments have been shown to recombine through gene conversion with the expressed gene and thereby provide a means by which novel antigenic variants of the PilE protein can be generated. We hav...

Abstract A new system of multiple dynamic strain sensors and accelerometers embedded in test piles provides direct synchronous measurement of force and acceleration at various locations within a pile during high strain dynamic pile testing. This instrumentation system creates an opportunity to explore side and end bearing pile resistance distribution with a higher level of confidence and reliab...

We present a new approach to the modelling of stress propagation in static granular media, focussing on the conical sandpile constructed from a point source. We view the medium as consisting of cohesionless hard particles held up by static frictional forces; these are subject to microscopic indeterminacy which corresponds macroscopically to the fact that the equations of stress continuity are i...

Laboratory measurements were undertaken to investigate wave and current velocities in the vicinity of a wind turbine monopile foundation, in order to inform environmental impact assessments and to quantify flow variability in the region of the power take off cable. Flow measurements were made up to 15.5 pile diameters (D) downstream of the pile. Measurements were also taken around the perimeter...

Grouped and single pile behavior differs owing to the impacts of the pile-to-pile interaction. Ultimate lateral resistance and lateral subgrade modulus within a pile group are known as the key parameters in the soil-pile interaction phenomenon. In this study, a series of experimental investigation was carried out on single and group pile subjected to monotonic lateral loadings. Experimental inv...

– We have experimentally investigated 2-dimensional dense bubble flows underneath inclined planes. Velocity profiles and velocity fluctuations have been measured. A broad second-order phase transition between two dynamical regimes is observed as a function of the tilt angle θ. For low θ values, a block motion is observed. For high θ values, the velocity profile becomes curved and a shear veloci...

Apparent particle size grading is the most important characteristic of super-high dumping site. On the basis of the development of the HHC-CA model and on-site survey of granular size distribution, the slope model of current situation, had considered the features of particle size grading, was established according to a super-high dumping site. FLAC was used to analyze the slope stability of cur...

The structure of the nuclear and cytoplasmic membranes of Trichonympha, a complex flagellate, has been studied in the electron microscope. The nuclear membrane consists of two 70 A membranes, penetrated by numerous pores. Small (100 A) granules occur on the outer surface, around the rims of the pores. Granule-bearing membranes, only 30 to 40 A thick, form long, ribbon-shaped sacs, with 100 A gr...