Topology‐based Smoothing of 2D Scalar Fields with C1‐Continuity

Data sets coming from simulations or sampling of real‐world phenomena often contain noise that hinders their processing and analysis. Automatic filtering and denoising can be challenging: when the nature of the noise is unknown, it is difficult to distinguish between noise and actual data features; in addition, the filtering process itself may introduce “artificial” features into the data set that were not originally present. In this paper, we propose a smoothing method for 2D scalar fields that gives the user explicit control over the data features. We define features as critical points of the given scalar function, and the topological structure they induce (i.e., the Morse‐Smale complex). Feature significance is rated according to topological persistence. Our method allows filtering out spurious features that arise due to noise by means of topological simplification, providing the user with a simple interface that defines the significance threshold, coupled with immediate visual feedback of the remaining data features. In contrast to previous work, our smoothing method guarantees a C¹‐continuous output scalar field with the exact specified features and topological structures.     

Lastansätze bei Tragfähigkeitsnachweisen im Holzbau

Load formulations in ultimate limit state design of timber structures. With the issue of DIN 1052 the new safety concept has become state of the art even in design of timber structures. Especially the ultimate limit state design indicates a rather different procedure compared with the rules used up to now. The following contribution provides a working aid in order to make the design procedure for usual loads more transparent and clear.     

Encapsulation of Nanoparticles Using Nitrilotriacetic Acid End‐Functionalized Polystyrenes and Their Application for the Separation of Proteins

The use of nitrilotriacetic acid end‐functionalized polystyrenes (NTA‐PS) as a multifunctional nanocarrier for the aqueous dispersion of CdSe, γ‐Fe₂O₃ and gold nanoparticles (NPs) is described. When the amphiphilic end‐ functionalized polystyrenes and NPs are dissolved together in tetrahydrofuran, the addition of water causes the spontaneous formation of micellar aggregates, resulting in the successful encapsulation and aqueous dispersion of NPs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) are used to characterize the structure and properties of the NPs‐containing micellar aggregates (nanocarrier). After complexation of Ni²⁺ with NTA on the surface of the nanocarrier containing γ‐Fe₂O₃, specific binding between Ni‐NTA complex and histidine‐tagged (His‐tagged) proteins enables selective separation of His‐tagged proteins using a magnet.     

Long‐range wireless sensor networks with transmit‐only nodes and software‐defined receivers

Wireless sensor networks for environmental monitoring and agricultural applications often face Long‐range requirements at low bit rates together with a large numbers of nodes. This paper presents the design and test of a novel wireless sensor network that combines a large radio range with very low power consumption and cost. Our asymmetric sensor network uses ultra‐low‐cost 40‐MHz transmitters and a sensitive software‐defined radio receiver with multi‐channel capability. Experimental radio range measurements in two different outdoor environments demonstrate a single‐hop range of up to 1.8 km. A theoretical model for radio propagation at 40 MHz in outdoor environments is proposed and validated with the experimental measurements. The reliability and fidelity of network communication over longer periods is evaluated with a deployment for distributed temperature measurements. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of the transmit‐only low‐frequency system design approach for future environmental sensor networks. Although there have been several papers proposing the theoretical benefits of this approach, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to provide experimental validation of such claims. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Innovations in the ENHS reactor design and fuel cycle

A number of approaches were explored for improving characteristics of the encapsulated nuclear heat source (ENHS) reactor and its fuel cycle, including: increasing the ENHS module power, power density and the specific power, making the core design insensitive to the actinides composition variation with number of fuel recycling and reducing the positive void coefficient of reactivity. Design innovations examined for power increase include intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) design optimization, riser diameter optimization, introducing a flow partition inside the riser, increasing the cooling time of the LWR discharged TRU, increasing the minor actinides' concentration in the loaded fuel and split-enrichment for power flattening. Another design innovation described utilizes a unique synergism between the use of MA and the design of reduced power ENHS cores.

Also described is a radically different ENHS reactor concept that has a solid core from which heat pipes transport the fission power to a coolant circulating around the reflector. Promising features of this design concept include enhanced decay heat removal capability; no positive void reactivity coefficient; no direct contact between the fuel clad and the coolant; a core that is more robust for transportation; higher coolant temperature potentially offering higher energy conversion efficiency and hydrogen production capability.     

Giant magnetocaloric effect driven by structural transitions

Magnetic cooling could be a radically different energy solution substituting conventional vapour compression refrigeration in the future. For the largest cooling effects of most potential refrigerants we need to fully exploit the different degrees of freedom such as magnetism and crystal structure. We report now for Heusler-type Ni–Mn–In–(Co) magnetic shape-memory alloys, the adiabatic temperature change ΔT(ad) = ?3.6 to ?6.2?K under a moderate field of 2?T. Here it is the structural transition that plays the dominant role towards the net cooling effect. A phenomenological model is established that reveals the parameters essential for such a large ΔT(ad). We also demonstrate that obstacles to the application of Heusler alloys, namely the usually large hysteresis and limited operating temperature window, can be overcome by using the multi-response to different external stimuli and/or fine-tuning the lattice parameters, and by stacking a series of alloys with tailored magnetostructural transitions.     

Static-charging mitigation and contamination avoidance by selective carbon coating of TEM samples

Prior to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses, insulating specimens need to become coated with a charge-draining layer. Rather than coating the entire TEM foil with a thin film of homogeneous thickness, selective coating is proposed. Using a novel preparation tool, peripheral parts of the sample are coated with a relatively thick (4-8 nm) carbon film while the central, electron-transparent part of the sample is hidden behind a shape-adopted mask and thus not directly exposed to carbon deposition. Beneath the mask, an ultrathin (3-7 A) carbon film is formed that is (i) thick enough to drain charges evolving upon electron irradiation in the electron microscope and (ii) thin enough to avoid typical contamination effects caused by superficial carbon diffusion. Consequently, image quality is becoming enhanced in high-resolution imaging and sensitivity is significantly increased in all nano-beam related techniques including elemental analytics, convergent-beam and nano-beam electron diffraction, and spectral imaging.