A fast and robust hybrid method for block‐structured mesh deformation with emphasis on FSI‐LES applications

The present work introduces an efficient technique for the deformation of block‐structured grids occurring in simulations of fluid–structure interaction (FSI) problems relying on large‐eddy simulation (LES). The proposed hybrid approach combines the advantages of the inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation with the simplicity and low computational effort of transfinite interpolation (TFI), while preserving the mesh quality in boundary layers. It is an improvement over the state‐of‐the‐art currently in use. To reach this objective, in a first step, three elementary mesh deformation methods (TFI, IDW, and radial basis functions) are investigated based on several test cases of different complexities analyzing not only their capabilities but also their computational costs. That not only allows to point out the advantages of each method but also demonstrates their drawbacks. Based on these specific properties of the different methods, a hybrid methodology is suggested that splits the entire grid deformation into two steps: first, the movement of the block‐boundaries of the block‐structured grid and second, the deformation of each block of the grid. Both steps rely on different methodologies, which allows to work out the most appropriate method for each step leading to a reasonable compromise between the grid quality achieved and the computational effort required. Finally, a hybrid IDW‐TFI methodology is suggested that best fits to the specific requirements of coupled FSI‐LES applications. This hybrid procedure is then applied to a real‐life FSI‐LES case. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Extraction of admittance parameters of symmetrically doped AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN DH-HEMT for microwave frequency applications

Microsystem Technologies - An analytical model for determining intrinsic short-circuit admittance (Y) parameters of AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN Double Heterostructure (DH) High Electron Mobility Transistor...     

Spectroscopic investigations on Dy3+ ions doped zinc lead alumino borate glasses for photonic device applications

This paper presents the structural, optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL) and decay spectral properties of Dy~(3+)ions doped zinc lead alumino borate (ZPAB) glasses to elucidate their possible usage in photonic devices such as w-LEDs and lasers. A broad hump shown by the XRD spectrum recorded for an un-doped ZPAB glass confirms its non-crystalline nature. The Judd-Ofelt (J-O) intensity parameter evaluated from the measured oscillator strengths of the absorption spectral features were used to estimate various radiative parameters and also to understand the nature of bonding between Dy~(3+)ions and oxygen ligands. Under 350 nm excitation, the as-prepared glasses are exhibiting two emission bands~4F_(9/2)→~6H_(15/2)(blue),and~4F_(9/2)→~6H_(13/2)(yellow) at 483 and 575 nm,respectively. From the PL spectra,the Y/B ratio values, CIE chromaticity color coordinates and color correlated temperature (CCT) were evaluated. The experimental lifetimes measured from the decay profiles are decreasing with increase in Dy~(3+)ions concentration in these glasses which may be attributed to the cross-relaxation and nonradiative multiphonon relaxation process. Decay profiles observed for higher concentration were well fitted to Inokuti-Hirayama (I-H) model to understand the energy transfer process and subsequent decrease in experimental lifetimes. The higher values of radiative parameters, emission cross-sections,quantum efficiency, optical gain and gain band width suggest the suitability of 0.5 mol%of Dy~(3+) ions in these ZPAB glasses for the photonic device application.     

Development of a TES-Based Anti-coincidence Detector for Future x-Ray Observatories

Microcalorimeters onboard future x-ray observatories require an anti-coincidence detector to remove environmental backgrounds. In order to most effectively integrate this anti-coincidence detector with the main microcalorimeter array, both instruments should use similar read-out technology. The detectors used in the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS) use a phonon measurement technique that is well suited for an anti-coincidence detector with a microcalorimeter array using SQUID readout. This technique works by using a transition-edge sensor (TES) connected to superconducting collection fins to measure the athermal phonon signal produced when an event occurs in the substrate crystal. Energy from the event propagates through the crystal to the superconducting collection fins, creating quasiparticles, which are then trapped as they enter the TES where they produce a signal. We are currently developing a prototype anti-coincidence detector for future x-ray missions and have recently fabricated test devices with Mo/Au TESs and Al collection fins. We present results from the first tests of these devices which indicate a proof of concept that quasiparticle trapping is occurring in these materials.     

Human AKR1C Isoforms Oxidize the Potent Proximate Carcinogen 7,12-DMBA-3,4-diol in the Human Lung A549 Carcinoma Cell Line

Aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) oxidize structurally diverse PAH trans -dihydrodiols to yield reactive and redox active o -quinones. This study examined the ability of AKR1C2 and AKR1C4 to oxidize PAH trans -dihydrodiols of the benz[ a ]anthracene series. The enzymes oxidized 100% of the racemic trans -dihydrodiols and the highest utilization ratios were observed for the more potent proximate carcinogens 7,12-dimethylbenz[ a ]anthracene-3,4-diol (DMBA-3,4-diol) and 7-methylbenz[ a ]anthracene-3,4-diol (7-MBA-3,4-diol). Human multiple tissue expression array analysis revealed high expression of AKR1C isoforms in the human lung carcinoma cell line A549. Both Western blot analysis using AKR1C9 antisera and enzymatic assays using 1-acenapthanol as substrate confirmed the presence of active AKR1C enzymes in A549 cells. To determine the importance of AKR1C-mediated trans -dihydrodiol oxidation in A549 cells, DMBA-3,4-diol was incubated with cell lysates in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis identified peaks that corresponded to the synthetically prepared mono- and bis -thioether conjugates of DMBA-3,4-dione confirming the ability of these cells to oxidize DMBA-3,4-diol to the corresponding o -quinone. Together, these studies demonstrate the importance of human AKR1Cs in PAH activation and their possible role in lung cancer.     

Micro-porous calcium phosphate coatings on load-bearing zirconia substrate: Processing,property and application

This study presents the design, processing, properties and potential applications of a novel layered bio-ceramic composites consisting of three different micro-porous calcium phosphate coatings on strong zirconia cores manufactured using a recently developed slip coating-deposition and coating-substrate co-sintering technique. Detailed microstructures of the three graded micro-porous calcium phosphate coatings, and the coating/substrate interface have been investigated. Also, the flexural strength of the bio-ceramic composite and the bonding state between the coatings and zirconia substrate have been characterized. A preliminary and limited in vitro cell test indicates that the new scaffold composite has no cytotoxicity to the fibroblasts which can attach, proliferate and grow on the coating surfaces. Because of the combination of bio-function and strength, such layered load-bearing bio-ceramic composites are a potential candidate for large-scale head bone repairs.     

Influence of urea fertiliser formulation, urease inhibitor and season on ammonia loss from ryegrass

This paper reports the results of experiments to determine whether ammonia (NH₃) loss can be reduced and nitrogen (N) use efficiency improved by using two relatively new commercial urea formulations rather than granular urea and urea ammonium nitrate. Four nitrogen treatments were applied at a rate of 40 kg N ha^?1: granular urea, ‘Green Urea? 14’ [containing 45.8 % N as urea and ‘Agrotain^®’ (N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide) @ 5 L t^?1 of urea as a urease inhibitor], ‘Nhance’, a fine particle spray [containing 46 % N as urea, ‘Agrotain’ @ 1 L t^?1 of urea and gibberellic acid (applied at a rate of 10 g ha^?1)] and urea ammonium nitrate in solution (UAN) surface applied. Ammonia loss was determined in autumn and spring using a micrometeorological method. In autumn, use of the Green Urea and Nhance reduced NH₃ loss from the 30 % of applied N lost from the granular urea to 9 and 23 % respectively. Loss from all treatments in spring was very small (<2 % of applied N), because 4 mm of rain fell within 24 h of application onto an already wet site. The use of the Nhance and Green Urea instead of granular urea did not result in increased agronomic efficiency or recovery efficiency of the applied N, and this is most likely due to the presence of sufficient available N from both fertiliser application and the soil. A ¹⁵N study recovered 72.8 % of the applied N in the plants and soil, and showed that 30 % of the total N taken up by the plant was derived from the fertiliser, and 70 % from the soil.     

Studies on the Physicomechanical Properties of Sodium Periodate Oxidized Jute Reinforced Polypropylene (PP) Composites

In the present work, effects of oxidation and fiber content (from 20 to 35 wt. %) on the physicomechanical properties of jute-polypropylene (PP) composites were studied. Mechanical properties (tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and charpy impact strength) were measured for all raw and oxidized jute-PP composites. Improved mechanical properties were obtained for oxidized jute-PP composites. Interfacial adhesion and bonding between the fiber and PP matrix were investigated by scanning electron micrograph analysis. Improved interfacial interactions and reduced water absorption were found for oxidized jute-PP composites. Water absorption tests of all composites were also performed.     

喜来芝石中提取的腐植酸与阿司匹林的分子络合物及其表征

阿司匹林具有退热、消炎、止痛和抗血小板凝集的作用。乙酰水杨酸分子含一个羧基和一个酯基。酯基容易被水解,导致其药效降低,并会对人体产生副作用。本研究的目的是用冻干技术和溶剂挥发技术,以原料的物质的量比为1∶1和1∶2,制备阿司匹林和腐植酸固态络合物。阿司匹林和腐植酸分子间相互作用通过差示扫描量热法(DSC)、X射线衍射(XRD)、傅里叶变换红外光谱学法(FT-IR)和扫描电子显微镜法(SEM)进行研究。用这些技术能清晰表明固态包合络合物的结构。对物质的量比为1∶2冻干络合物研究表明,阿司匹林的稳定性和溶出率显著提高。优选的冻干阿司匹林与腐植酸(1∶2)络合物对抑制鼠爪水肿和抗溃疡作用测得的最低值(0.63±0.10)与单纯的阿司匹林相比,有明显的降低,证明用其治疗具有非常显著的抗炎作用(P0.05)。     

Mono- and dinuclear silver(I) complexes of benzene- and pyridine-bearing 20-membered thiaoxaaza macrocycles

Two 20-membered penta- and hexadentate macrocycles containing one or two pyridine subunits, namely [20]aneNO₂S₂ (L¹) and [20]aneN₂O₂S₂ (L²), have been synthesized. Reaction of L¹ with silver(I) nitrate afforded a unique 2:2 (M:L) disilver(I) complex [μ₂-Ag₂(L¹)₂](NO₃)₂ (1) in which two four-coordinate Ag atoms bridge two ligands to form a cyclic dimer. In contrast, an endo-dentate 1:1 monosilver(I) complexes [AgL²]X; [X = ClO₄ (2) or PF₆ (3)] which show isomorphous structures were obtained from the reactions of L² with silver(I) salts.