An integrated research tool for X-ray imaging simulation

This paper presents a software simulation package of the entire X-ray projection radiography process including beam generation, absorber structure and composition, irradiation set up, radiation transport through the absorbing medium, image formation and dose calculation. Phantoms are created as composite objects from geometrical or voxelized primitives and can be subjected to simulated irradiation process. The acquired projection images represent the two-dimensional spatial distribution of the energy absorbed in the detector and are formed at any geometry, taking into account energy spectrum, beam geometry and detector response. This software tool is the evolution of a previously presented system, with new functionalities, user interface and an expanded range of applications. This has been achieved mainly by the use of combinatorial geometry for phantom design and the implementation of a Monte Carlo code for the simulation of the radiation interaction at the absorber and the detector.     

Decentralized adaptive recurrent neural control structure

This paper presents a novel decentralized variable structure neural control approach for large-scale uncertain systems, which is developed using recurrent high-order neural networks (RHONN). It is assumed that each subsystem belongs to a class of block-controllable nonlinear systems whose vector fields includes interconnection terms, which are bounded by nonlinear functions. A decentralized RHONN structure and the respective learning law are proposed in order to approximate online the dynamical behavior of each nonlinear subsystem. The control law, which is able to regulate and to track the desired reference signals, is designed using the well-known variable structure theory. The stability of the whole system is analyzed via the Lyapunov methodology. The applicability of the proposed decentralized identification and control algorithm is illustrated via simulations as applied to an interconnected double inverted pendulum.     

An Improved Method for the Preparation of Schardinger β-Dextrin on a Industrial Scale by Cyclodextrin Glycosyl Transferase of an Alkalophilic Bacillus Sp. (ATCC 21783)

The formation of Schardinger ß-dextrin from starch by an alkalophilic Bacillus sp. (ATCC 21783) has been studied. Factors affecting the yield of cyclodextrins include the type, concentration, and dispersion of the starch; the time of the enzymolysis, the amount of enzyme used. A method for the preparation of Schardinger ß-dextrin on a industrial scale without using precipitants was devised. The final yield of ß-cyclodextrin was 3.6 kg from 15 kg of potato starch.     

Stochastic aspects of bridge deck aeroelasticity under turbulent flow

Returning to an earlier frequency-domain analysis of the problem of long-span bridge response to ambient winds, the paper emphasizes the indispensable experimental information necessary to bring results into conformity with full-scale prototype action. Focus is placed upon the use of a sectional wind tunnel model under simulated turbulent flow as the prime source of this information, which consists principally of the flutter derivatives and the spectra of the wind forces, both obtained under turbulent flow. The effect of three-dimensional turbulence upon the flutter derivatives is observed to influence structural stability in a manner consistent with that observed in full-bridge wind tunnel models.     

Nanoindentation measurement of core–skin interphase viscoelastic properties in a sandwich glass composite

Mechanics of Time-Dependent Materials - Debonding at the core–skin interphase region is one of the primary failure modes in core sandwich composites under shear loads. As a result, the...     

Uranium Superconductivity Redux

Since the discovery of heavy-fermion superconductivity in uranium compounds in the early 1980s, other uranium compounds have been discovered that are fully as interesting to study. However, as we look forward in the year 2000, we now have higher-purity, single crystals of the element itself. Preliminary resistivity and ac susceptibility measurements show the improved quality of the samples and thus hold the promise of understanding many aspects of its superconductivity, which have remained untouched for almost 25 years.     

Spectrophotometric Study of α-Nitroso-β-naphthol and its 3,6-disulphonic acid (nitroso-R-Salt)

The U. V. and visible absorption spectra of α-nitroso-β-naphthol and nitroso-R-salt are recorded in solutions of varying pH. The U. V. bands are assigned to π → π* transition within the aromatic system while the visible bands are assigned to intramolecular charge transfer. The pK of both compounds are determined from spectrophotometric and pH measurements.