Discrimination of B–C–N nanotubes through energy-filtering electron microscopy

Various multi-walled nanotubes in the B–C–N system are thoroughly investigated using a JEOL-3100FEF high-resolution field emission transmission electron microscope operating at 300 kV and equipped with an in-column built Omega filter. Spatially-resolved B, C and N elemental maps of the nanotubes are constructed. It is realized that a wide variety of tubular arrays composed of B, C and N atoms may exist in the system. Sandwich-like BN-rich and C-rich alternating tubular shells, graphitic C layers inside and outside of pure BN shells induced either by surface contamination, or electron beam irradiation, separation of C-rich and BN-rich tubes and/or BN particles within tubular bunches may take place. One should carefully take these effects into account while analyzing nanotube physical properties, e.g., electrical or optical, rather than simply rely on electron energy loss spectra typically collected from B, C and N containing nanostructures as a whole. Striking dependence of an individual nanotube electrical conductivity on tubular shell chemistry is demonstrated using I–V curve recording in an atomic force microscope.     

A personal computer based system used in electromyography for interpretation and reporting

Programs for rule based electromyography (EMG) interpretation and reporting are described. A number of parameters are obtained during an EMG investigation. The combination of these data leads to a neurophysiological conclusion. Knowledge from the literature, research and experience is the basis for rule development. Rules have been developed for 14 of the most commonly used classifications of an EMG. The syntax is relatively easy and the user may change the rules, add rules or apply the system for other types of data. The results are displayed in a new graphical way. The system presented here is part of an integrated EMG laboratory with administrative routines, distributed databases for storage of results and routines for automatic report generation.     

Multi-dimensional analysis of soil moisture dynamics in trickle irrigated fields. II: Model testing

The mathematical model which was developed in part I of this work for multi-dimensional analysis of soil moisture in irrigated fields is converted into computer algorithms. The algorithms are capable of emulating many field conditions of practical applications during both design and operation phases. The model is subjected to various tests, the results of which are reported here. The tests in various modes of simulations verified the numerical performance of the model and the accuracy of its predictions. The model provides a powerful tool for detailed studies of soil moisture dynamics in one or multi-dimensional problems irrigated fields     

Vitamin allowance of cosmonauts during preflight training and after completing short space flights

Supply of the main and doubling crews of cosmonauts with vitamins C, A, D, E, B1, B2, B6, PP, and B12, folic acid and carotinoids was studied during training and after the completion of short-term space flights (from 4 to 13 days). As the result of the investigation conducted during the intensive training, 1 month before the space flight some cases of certain vitamins deficiency were revealed. Administration of additional vitamins during 2 weeks before the flight led to a rise in the cosmonauts' supply with vitamins. The findings obtained after the short-term space flights evidence an intensive metabolization of vitamins and increased vitamin requirements during this period.     

Simulation of the initial stages of nucleation and growth of Au/NaCl(100)

The results of a computer simulation of the initial stages of the nucleation and growth of gold on NaCl(100) are presented. A potential energy scaling Monte Carlo model employing a 50 × 50 array, mobile monomers, dimers and trimers, and gold atom vertical “roll up” was used. The parameters in the model were obtained from the work of Robinson and Robins, other published sources and/or found by calculation. Simulations of the migration of single gold adatoms over the surface permitted the determination of the diffusion coefficient as a function of the reciprocal temperature which returned the same activation energy given by the potential field, thus indicating the consistency of the model. Initial cluster densities were determined using deposition rates of R_d = 10¹⁵cm^-2s^-1 and R_d = 10¹⁴cm^-2s^-1 over the temperature range T=200–425 K. Initial cluster growth was found to occur primarily by surface phase transport and resulted in clusters that were shaped like very thin disks. Using the equations from the work of Velfe and coworkers, calculations were made to extrapolate the computer simulation data in order to permit an indirect comparison with the data of Robinson and Robins. Good agreement was achieved. Initial condensation coefficients determined over a 250 ms interval showed that α ≈ 0 at T > 425 K and α ≈ 1 at T < 325 K for a deposition rate of R_d=10¹⁵ cm^-2 s^-1.     

Dimension-structure dependences for the strength of two-phase polycrystalline inorganic materials

Examples are considered of experimental dependences of the strength of two-phase inorganic materials on the shape and size of structural elements, and also dimensional parameters: the mean value of the free path and the mean distance between particles. The structural condition for achieving the maximum strength values for two-phase metallic, cermet, and ceramic materials with a high second phase content is established and substantiated by experiment. An approximate analysis of the dislocation structure of interphase boundaries is performed and their contribution to strengthening of two-phase materials with a dispersed and microlayered structure is demonstrated.Translated from Problemy Prochnosti, No. 1, pp. 3–14, January, 1991.     

Dual-surface integral equations in electromagnetic scattering

A brief review is given of the derivation and application of dual-surface integral equations, which eliminate the spurious resonances from the solution to the original electric-field and magnetic-field integral equations applied to perfectly electrically conducting scatterers. Emphasis is placed on numerical solutions of the dual-surface electric-field integral equation for three-dimensional perfectly electrically conducting scatterers.