Optical imaging of anatomical maps derived from magnetic resonanceimages using time-independent optical sources

Presents a model suitable for computing images of absorption cross sections of thick tissue structures illuminated at near infrared (NIR) wavelengths from tomographic projection data. Image reconstruction is accomplished by solving a system of linear equations derived from transport theory. Reconstruction results using different algebraic solvers are shown for anatomical maps of the breast, derived from magnetic resonance imaging data, containing two simulated pathologies, in which case qualitatively good reconstructions were obtained. Evaluation of magnetic resonance (MR) data to optimize NIR optical tomographic imaging methods and to assess the feasibility of a combined MR-optical measurement scheme is discussed     

The influence of trigger configurations and laminate lay-up on the failure mode of composite crush cylinders

In this paper the results are presented of a test program on the energy absorption of composite cylinders loaded in compression. The influence of the laminate lay-up and of the trigger configuration were determined. Two different failure modes for the different laminates and triggers were observed: a splaying mode and a fragmentation mode. The splaying mode is more efficient in absorbing energy. The failure mode did not change during the crushing process.     

Exchange and oxidation of CO on O-predosed Rh---Al2O3 and Rh---CeO2 catalysts

Exchange and oxidation of C¹⁶O were investigated at 450°C on ¹⁸O-predosed Rh and Pt catalysts supported on A1₂O₃, CeO₂ and CeO₂-Al₂O₃. In all cases, a rapid exchange of C¹⁶O with the surface can be observed. CO oxidation leads to C¹⁶O₂, C¹⁶O¹⁸O and C¹⁸O₂. Significant formation of C¹⁶O₂ is due to the relatively high ¹⁶O coverage in reaction resulting from the C¹⁶O exchange and from an exchange between O surface species and ¹⁶O internal atoms. Hydrogen is also formed via a water-gas shift reaction (CO + surface OH) in higher proportion on CeO₂-containing catalysts than on A1₂O₃. Chlorine inhibits all the reactions (exchange, oxidation and WGS) and particularly the internal exchange.     

β″－Al_2O_3陶瓷的强化和韧化

研究了稳定ＺｒＯ＿２和部份稳定ＺｒＯ＿２对β″－Ａｌ＿２Ｏ＿３陶瓷的强化和韧化作用，观察了不同种类、不同含量的ＺｒＯ＿２对β″－Ａｌ＿２Ｏ＿３陶瓷的显微结构、力学性能和电导率的影响，探讨了β″－Ａｌ＿２Ｏ＿３的韧化机理。     

Enhanced electron emission from phosphorus-doped diamond-cladsilicon field emitter arrays

Undoped and phosphorus (P)-doped diamond-clad Si field emitter arrays have been successfully fabricated using microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) technology. The electron emission from the blunt diamond-clad microtips are much higher than those for the pure Si tips with sharp curvature due to a lower work function. Furthermore, the characteristics of emission current against applied voltage for the P-doped diamond-clad tips show superior emission at lower field to the undoped ones. After the examination of Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and electrical characteristics of as-grown diamond, such a significant enhancement of the electron emission from the P-doped diamond-clad tips is attributed to a higher electron conductivity and defect densities     

A preliminary analysis of the biomass energy production potential in Africa in 2025 considering projected land needs for food production

This paper provides a preliminary examination of present and projected land use in Africa to estimate the potential availability of land in 2025 for use in producing biomass energy. Fifty countries are included in the analysis. Future cropland requirements are projected on the basis of average African cereal crop yield improvements since 1972, and minimum nutritional requirements are assumed to be met in 2025 without increasing imports above present absolute levels. Cropland, natural forests and other wilderness areas are excluded from consideration for biomass energy use. Woody biomass energy yields are estimated on the basis of nationally averaged precipitation, using a yield-precipitation correlation for commercial eucalyptus plantations in Brazil. The total African bioenergy production potential in 2025 is estimated to be about 18 EJ per year for a set of baseline assumptions that includes planting only 10% of the available non-crop, non-forest, non-wilderness area with biomass energy crops. A preliminary cost assessment suggests that much of this biomass could be produced for $1–2 GJ⁻¹. A number of uncertainties in the modelling assumptions are examined through a sensitivity analysis. Despite limitations in the model used here, one robust conclusion is that Africa as a whole has a significant biophysical potential for producing biomass energy. This result suggests that more detailed country and sub-country level assessments would be worthwhile to understand better the practical prospects for future biomass energy production in Africa.     

Cumulant calculations of thermodynamic quantities for the Hubbard and the emery model

The calculations of the first paper suggesting phase separation in the Hubbard model [2] are performed under modern computer facilties for the one and three-band Hubbard model. High-temperature approximations for specific heat and static correlation functions are obtained. The latter show, at these high temperatures, no tendency to phase separate in the same way as in the cited paper because our spin parallel nearest-neighbor charge correlation function is negative for all doping values. The spin antiparallel correlation function has positive and negative values for different doping regimes.Extension of this work to higher levels of iterations and to other correlation functions is in progress.     

Residual stresses and transformation toughening in MoSi2 composites reinforced with partially stabilized zirconia

The results of study of the effects of yttria stabilization (0–6 mol.%) on the room-temperature fracture behavior and toughening mechanisms in zirconia-reinforced MoSi₂ are presented in this paper. Transformation toughening is shown to occur only in composites reinforced with zirconia particles stabilized with 2 mol.% yttria. However, the fracture toughness levels are comparable in the other composites with yttria levels between 0 and 6 mol.%. Toughening in the other composites is attributed to the combined effects of residual stress, microcrack shielding/anti-shielding and/or crack deflection. A rigorous micromechanics-based model is presented for the estimation of residual stress levels in brittle materials reinforced with phases that can transform during cooling or under stress. The model is applied successfully to the rationalization of the observed fracture and toughening phenomena.     

Effect of type of processing on the microstructural features and mechanical properties of Al-Cu/SiC metal matrix composites

In this study, an aluminum based metallic matrix (Al-2wt.% Cu) was reinforced with SiC particulates using a conventional casting technique and a new disintegrated melt deposition technique. Microstructural characterization studies conducted on the samples taken from disintegrated melt deposition technique revealed a more uniform distribution of SiC particulates and good interfacial integrity between SiC particulates and metallic matrix when compared to the conventionally cast composite samples. Results of ambient temperature mechanical tests demonstrate an increase in 0.2% YS and ultimate tensile strength of samples taken from disintegrated melt deposition technique when compared with the unreinforced and conventionally cast composite samples. The results of microstructural characterization and mechanical testing were finally rationalized in terms of the nature of processing technique employed to reinforce Al-2wt.% Cu metallic matrix with SiC particulates.