Visualizing transport structures of time-dependent flow fields

This article focuses on the transport characteristics of physical properties in fluids-in particular, visualizing the finite-time transport structure of property advection. Applied to a well-chosen set of property fields, the proposed approach yields structures giving insights into the underlying flow's dynamic processes.     

Synthesis of new boron-rich building blocks for boron neutron capture therapy or energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy

The synthesis of a new ortho-carborane derivative, tetracarboranylketone 4, is reported here. Ketone 4 was prepared from a tetraalkynylated ketone by the addition of decaborane. The keto group was then easily modified to yield the glycosides 17alpha and 18beta, which contain glucose or galactose, respectively, and the nucleotide 13b. In addition to ketone 4, which is acyclic, cyclic ketone 8 was also synthesised. X-ray diffraction analysis of compound 4 indicated the presence of two toluene guest molecules per molecule of the host compound. Furthermore, compound 4 displays a rather low cytotoxicity. These novel products can be used as building blocks to create a new class of biomolecules containing high-density carborane clusters. Such molecules may constitute powerful tools for applications like Boron Neutron Capture Therapy or Energy-Filtering Transmission Electron Microscopy.     

Throughput Analysis of a Decentralized RLAN Based on Asynchronous DS/CDMA Using Random Periodic Spreading Sequences

Packet throughput figures are obtained for a decentralized radio local area network (RLAN) which is based on asynchronous direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS/CDMA). Packets arrive at the receiver nodes with different power levels. Techniques are developed to derive the probability of packet success for a system employing random periodic spreading sequences. It can be shown, that this system performs far better than a network using random spreading sequences. Based on the packet error probability, throughput figures of slotted DS/CDMA-ALOHA are presented for various scenarios. The effect of applying forward error correction (FEC) is investigated. For finite user environments, additional sources of errors have to be considered. These have a major impact and reduce the overall system performance. Finally, the throughput figures of a system applying the binary exponential backoff algorithm to avoid unstable behavior is investigated. The performance figures of the various systems described in this paper show that DS/CDMA forms a valuable choice for future RLANs.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the inter-alkali metal iodide Cs2Li3I5

Cs₂Li₃I₅ was obtained from the reaction of CsI, Li and I₂ in a sealed tantalum tube and colorless single crystals grown from the melt by slow cooling. This first inter-alkali metal iodide crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (C2/m, Z= 2) with a= 1666.8(6), b= 472.1(1), c= 1098.7(4) pm, β= 115.73(3)°. As the result of a x-ray crystallographic structure determination (R= 0.069, R_W= 0.066), Li⁺ is surrounded tetrahedrally (two thirds) and octahedrally (one third) by iodide. Cornersharing double chains of [LiI₄] tetrahedra are connected with edge-sharing chains of [LiI₆] octahedra to a layer of the composition [Li₃I₅]. Bicapped trigonal prisms [CsI₃] share faces and edges so that a network of the composition [Cs₂I₅] is formed which contains the necessary tetrahedral and octahedral holes for Li⁺.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the inter-alkali-metal chloride RbLiCl2

The crystal structure of RbLiCl₂ [a= 1441.3(3), b= 412.57(8), c= 720.9(1) pm, Guinier-Simon data, orthorhombic, Ccmm, No. 63, Z= 4] was determined and refined from single crystal data, R= 0.074, R_W= 0.062. The coordination polyhedron of Rb⁺ is a bicapped trigonal prism, Li⁺ is tetrahedrally coordinated. [LiCl₄] tetrahedra are connected via common corners to undulated layers $\text{∞}\text{2}\text{[}\text{LiCl}{}^{\mathrm{c}}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>4</mtext><mtext>2</mtext>}}\text{]}{}^{\mathrm{?}}$ parallel to (100). The structure is closely related to that of SrZnO₂.     

Gill reactivity of aluminium-species following liming

In acidified aluminium (Al) rich freshwater positively charged Al-species (Al(i)) are the key toxic components due to the accumulation in fish gills. As a countermeasure, liming is used to increase the pH and reduce the concentration of Al(i)-species; in particular low molecular mass (LMM) Al(i)-species by hydrolyses. However, very toxic high molecular mass (HMM) Al polymers can form in the unstable mixing zone immediately after liming. In the present work gill reactivity of LMM and HMM Al-species was studied under controlled conditions in eight channel-tank mixing zone systems in the field where Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) kept in cages were exposed to defined mixing zone water. Mixing zones were created by continually liming acid river water (pH 5.0-5.7) high in LMM Al(i) to pH 6.0 and 6.4, respectively. Transformation processes affecting the Al-speciation as a function of time after liming were documented by in situ hollow fibre ultrafiltration interfaced with ion chromatography, while the Al accumulation in fish gills was used as bioindicator. For fish exposed to mixing zone water immediately after liming (1 min) the Al accumulation in gills (mug Al g(-1)) was higher (factor of 2) than for fish exposed to acid water prior to liming, due to the formation of gill reactive HMM Al(i)-species. The Al accumulation in gills followed a first order kinetic expression reaching steady-state conditions after 24-h exposures. The deposition rate of Al in gills (mug Al g(-1) h(-1)) correlated with the water concentrations of HMM Al(i) (R(2)=0.80) in the mixing zones, and for LMM Al(i) in the acid water (R(2)=0.92). Due to the transient nature of HMM Al(i) the deposition rate of Al decreased from the point of liming with a factor of 10 downstream the channel-tank system (i.e. 100 min after liming). The concentration of gill accumulated Al was higher (factor of 3) immediately after high level liming (pH 6.4) than following low level liming (pH 6.0). However, high level liming was more efficient in detoxifying Al in downstream waters. Furthermore, the bioavailability of a given LMM Al(i) concentration as well as bioreactivity following liming was dependent on the TOC and silicon concentration in the acid water. Increased concentration of TOC (1.5 to 4.3 mg l(-1)) and silicon (0.3 to 1.0 mg l(-1)) reduced the gill reactivity of Al(i) by approximately 50%.     

Composite materials parts manufacturing

Composite materials parts manufacturing is based on the interactions of simultaneous as well as consecutive process steps. These influence the composite part properties and economical production. A wide range of possible composite materials and processing technologies necessitate a holistic view of the product life cycle to ensure the best possible economic and ecological outcome. Current studies on new manufacturing and machining processes aim for higher productivity and machinability, whereas new quality control approaches are enhancing the desired product quality. Furthermore, recent research addressing joining concepts and recycling methods has a huge impact on competitiveness and sustainability. Focusing on latest academic research approaches and current industrial application fields, this paper gives an overview of various process steps in the overall product life cycle of composite materials parts manufacturing.     

Fast and intuitive generation of geometric shape transitions

We describe a novel method for continuously transforming two triangulated models of arbitrary topology into each other. Equal global topology for both objects is assumed. However, extensions for genus changes during metamorphosis are provided. The proposed method addresses the major challenge in 3D metamorphosis, namely, specifying the morphing process intuitively with minimal user interaction and sufficient detail. Corresponding regions and point features are interactively identified. These regions are parametrized automatically and consistently, providing a basis for smooth interpolation. Suitable 3D interaction techniques offer a simple and intuitive control over the whole morphing process.