Local cone-beam tomography image reconstruction on chords

We develop reconstruction algorithms for local cone-beam tomography for use with generalized scanning trajectories. The algorithms are grounded theoretically in a recently developed chord-based theory for exact image reconstruction and principles of lambda tomography. Being chord based, they are distinct mathematically and conceptually from conventional local tomography reconstruction algorithms. The salient feature of our algorithms is that they permit reconstruction of discontinuities in the profiles of the object function along chords. By consideration of all possible chords, a 3D image that describes the locations of object discontinuities can be reconstructed. Results from microlocal analysis are applied for understanding the object features that can be reconstructed stably by use of the algorithms. A computer-simulation study is conducted to demonstrate the algorithms and compare their performance with an existing algorithm.     

Photosensitization of ZnO nanowires with CdSe quantum dots for photovoltaic devices

We combine CdSe semiconductor nanocrystals (or quantum dots) and single-crystal ZnO nanowires to demonstrate a new type of quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell. An array of ZnO nanowires was grown vertically from a fluorine-doped tin oxide conducting substrate. CdSe quantum dots, capped with mercaptopropionic acid, were attached to the surface of the nanowires. When illuminated with visible light, the excited CdSe quantum dots injected electrons across the quantum dot-nanowire interface. The morphology of the nanowires then provided the photoinjected electrons with a direct electrical pathway to the photoanode. With a liquid electrolyte as the hole transport medium, quantum-dot-sensitized nanowire solar cells exhibited short-circuit currents ranging from 1 to 2 mA/cm2 and open-circuit voltages of 0.5-0.6 V when illuminated with 100 mW/cm2 simulated AM1.5 spectrum. Internal quantum efficiencies as high as 50-60% were also obtained.     

Theory and research on small groups.

Review of book: R. Scott Tindale et. al (Eds.) Theory and Research on Small Groups. New York: Plenum Press. 1998, 277 pp. Reviewed by Mark F. Stasson, Michael J. Markus, and Jason W. Hart. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Internship selection: Inclusion and exclusion criteria.

As an internship applicant, do you know what internship agencies look for to select or exclude you from further consideration? In a survey, the authors examined exclusion and inclusion criteria used at 402 internship sites accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The 249 respondents (62%) rated fit between applicant goals and site opportunities as the most important inclusion criteria. Four exclusion criteria (lack of completion of orals, lack of APA status of doctoral program, poor fit between applicant goals and site opportunities, and incomplete doctoral course work) were most commonly used to eliminate applicants from consideration. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Polyurethane cationomers with nitroazoaromatic groups

Novel polyurethane cationomers bearing p-nitroazoaromatic groups covalently incorporated in the polymer chain were synthesized. Their photobehavior in polymer films and solutions was investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy and was also evaluated comparatively with an ionic azodiol model. Under UV irradiation, in the first stage of the photoprocess the trans-cis isomerization occurs, followed then by a photobleaching reaction in the second stage of the process.     

Determination of the mass fraction of methyl esters in mixed fuels

This paper presents the results of two methods employed to determine the methyl ester (ME) fraction in mixed fuels prepared from MEs of higher fatty acids and fossil Diesel fuel. The first method is based on determining the ester number of the mixed fuel. The second one utilises the measurement of the carbonyl band intensity in the mixed fuel by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The ME fraction in the tested mixed fuels was always set to 30 wt‐%. Applying the first method the ester numbers of mixed fuels were determined and the ME fraction was defined using an averaged molar mass of ME. The differences between the values of the measured and real fraction of ME varied between −0.2 and +0.8 wt‐%. If the value of the average molar mass of ME was not known, the molar mass of methyl oleate was used as a reference. Thereby the differences in determining the ME fraction in mixed fuels ranged between −0.1 and +0.9 wt‐%. Employing the IR spectroscopy method the differences between the measured and the real fraction of ME varied between −1.0 and +0.5 wt‐%. Both methods are suitable to determine the ME fraction in mixed fuels.     

Conscious and anaesthetised Göttingen mini-pigs as an in-vivo model for buccal absorption – pH-dependent absorption of metoprolol from bioadhesive tablets

The potential of buccal mucosa as a site for systemic absorption has attracted increased attention in recent years creating a need for new predictive in-vivo models. The aim of this study was to evaluate anaesthetised and conscious Göttingen mini-pigs as a model for buccal drug absorption by testing pH-dependent absorption of metoprolol from a solid dosage form. Buccal tablets buffered to pH 6.2 and pH 8.9, oral liquid and intravenous injection were tested in four conscious and anaesthetised Göttingen mini-pigs in a non-randomised cross-over study. Blood samples were collected and processed before analysis by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection. An ex-vivo flow retention model was applied to study release and retention of the bioadhesive buccal tablets. The T_max obtained from the two buccal conscious groups (55?±?5 and 35?±?5?min) were significantly different to the buccal anaesthetised groups (120?±?0 and 165?±?15?min) for buccal tablet pH 6.2 and pH 8.9, respectively. Also, the absolute bioavailability from the anaesthetised buccal tablet pH 8.9 (20.7?±?4.0%) had a significant increase compared to all other buccal tablet groups. In conclusion, this study showed a pH-dependent absolute bioavailability of metoprolol when administrated as bioadhesive buccal tablets to anaesthetised mini-pigs. The anaesthesia was found to delay the time to reach maximal plasma concentration of metoprolol as compared to the conscious pig model when administrated as buccal tablets.