Application of Advanced Synchrotron Radiation–Based and Conventional Molecular Techniques in Recent Research on Molecular Structure,Metabolic Characteristics,and Nutrition in Coproducts from Biofuel Processing

Abstract

Advanced synchrotron radiation infrared microspectroscopy, as a nondestructive and rapid analytical technique, is able to simultaneously reveal the structural, chemical, and environmental features of biomaterials at cellular and molecular levels within intact tissue. However, to date, this advanced synchrotron-based technique is still seldom used by feed and nutrition scientists. This article aims to provide detailed information regarding how to apply advanced synchrotron radiation–based and conventional molecular techniques to research in coproducts from biofuel processing on the molecular structure, metabolic characteristics, and nutrition. The information described in this article provides better insight on coproduct research progress and updates with advanced synchrotron radiation-based and globar-based (conventional) molecular spectroscopy.     

Abstract Hodge Decomposition and Minimal Models for Cyclic Algebras

We show that an algebra over a cyclic operad supplied with an additional linear algebra datum called Hodge decomposition admits a minimal model whose structure maps are given in terms of summation over trees. This minimal model is unique up to homotopy. J. Chuang is supported by an EPSRC advanced research fellowship. A. Lazarev is partially supported by an EPSRC research grant.     

Optical Communications Research Activities at COM RD1 Siemens S.A.

Abstract

This article summarizes the research activities carried out by the R&D Optical Networks Communications group (COM RD1), at Siemens S.A., in collaboration with both universities and other research institutes. These activities cover various aspects of advanced modulation formats, all optical wavelength conversion, optical quality of signal monitoring in transparent WDM networks, routing, and wavelength assignment in optical networks.     

Design and development of an ultra-compact drum-shaped chamber for combinatorial pulsed laser deposition

We have designed a compact combinatorial pulsed laser deposition (PLD) chamber as a building block of a desktop laboratory for advanced materials research. Development of small-size systems for the growth and characterization of films would greatly help in interconnecting a variety of analytical tools for rapid screening of advanced materials. This PLD chamber has four special features: (1) a drum-shaped growth chamber, (2) a waterwheel-like combinatorial masking system, (3) a multi-target system having one feedthrough, and (4) a small reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) system. The performance of this system is demonstrated by the RHEED intensity oscillation during homoepitaxial growth of SrTiO₃ as well as by simultaneous fabrication of a ternary phase diagram of rare earth-doped Y₂O₃ phosphors.     

Elettra Update

Elettra is an international multidisciplinary research center, specializing in synchrotron and free-electron laser radiation and their application in material science. The center (see Figure 1) is located on the outskirts of Trieste (Basovizza), Italy. Two advanced light sources are in operation: Elettra, the 12-cell, double-bend achromat, 259.2-m-circumference electron storage ring operating since 1993; and FERMI, the new seeded free electron laser (FEL) operating since 2010 and open to the users' community with three beamlines covering the spectral range from 100 to 4 nm. The presence of the two complementary facilities, both open to the international community, is a unique asset of the research center.     

On confinement characteristics of the newly developed sawtooth-free plasmas in KSTAR tokamak

Development of advanced scenarios, an important experimental goal of the Korea superconducting tokamak advanced research (KSTAR) project, has just begun. The safety factor (q) profile is a key to achieve these advanced scenarios. Particularly the hybrid scenario, one of the advanced scenarios, can be established generally with low magnetic shear (s) at the center with central q-value above unity so to avoid sawtooth instability. This q-profile was successfully produced using early divertor formation during a plasma current ramp-up phase in KSTAR. Auxiliary heating was also employed during the current ramp-up phase to delay the inductive current diffusion to the center of the plasma. In addition to the early divertor formation method, the target q-profile was attempted to be achieved by modifying the plasma current waveform using the so-called, ‘current-overshoot’ method and the timing of L-mode to H-mode transition. In this work, the confinement characteristics of these sawtooth-free regimes are investigated. The global energy confinement time is calculated and compared with that of conventional H-modes in KSTAR. The confinement enhancement factor reveals that the newly developed discharges are not improved over H-modes contrary to results of other tokamaks. To investigate the reason, transport modeling is performed self-consistently with an integrated simulation package incorporating plasma equilibrium, transport, and heating and current drive. The current ramp-up phase is simulated and impact of early divertor formation, current-overshoot, and early L–H transition on the target q-profile and s/q profile is addressed. The s/q profile is found to be not improved in these discharges compared with hybrid scenarios reported in other tokamaks. Based on these results, future experimental directions are addressed to access the hybrid regimes in KSTAR.     

Experimental explorations of the high-order Gaussian mode transformation based on blind-optimization adaptive optics

We present research on high-order Gaussian laser beam transformation by using adaptive optics (AO) technique. Numerical simulation for a mode transformation system based on stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) algorithm was accomplished, along with experimental results obtained for a transformation of TEM₂₀ mode with 37 control channels. The far-field energy centrality of TEM₂₀ mode was advanced and the evaluation function increased more than a factor of 6 after transformation. The experiments results indicate the feasibility of blind-optimization AO in mode transformation system.     

BRIF and CARIF progress

China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) is currently constructing Beijing rare ion beam facility (BRIF) and is proposing China advanced rare ion beam facility (CARIF). This paper is aiming at introducing the progress of BRIF project and the conceptual design CARIF. The ISOL type facility BRIF under construction is composed of a 100 MeV 300 μA proton cyclotron, an ISOL with mass resolution of 20000, and a super-conducting LINAC of 2 MeV/q, and will be commissioned in 2013. CARIF facility proposed is planned to use both ISOL and PF techniques. It is based on a China advanced research reactor CARR that was critical, with ISOL separation of fission fragment, post acceleration to 150 MeV/u, and fragmentation of neutron-rich fission fragment beam like ¹³²Sn. Such unique combination will allow CARIF to deliver beam intensity better than the best world facilities by more than one order of magnitude.     

Investigation of Alien Wavelength Quality in Live Multi-Domain,Multi-Vendor Link Using Advanced Simulation Tool

Abstract

This article presents an advanced optical model for simulation of alien wavelengths in multi-domain and multi-vendor dense wavelength-division multiplexing networks. The model aids optical network planners with a better understanding of the non-linear effects present in dense wavelength-division multiplexing systems and better utilization of alien wavelengths in future applications. The limiting physical effects for alien wavelengths are investigated in relation to power levels, channel spacing, and other factors. The simulation results are verified through experimental setup in live multi-domain dense wavelength-division multiplexing systems between two national research networks: SURFnet in Holland and NORDUnet in Denmark.     

Recent Advances in linear and nonlinear Raman spectroscopy I

Raman spectroscopy has advanced considerably in the last several years due to rapid developments in instrumentation and the availability of theoretical methods for accurate calculation of Raman spectra, thus enormously facilitating the interpretation of Raman data. This review is restricted to cover papers mainly published in the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, which serve to give a fast overview of recent advances in this research field as well as to provide readers of this journal a quick introduction to the various subfields of Raman spectroscopy. It also reflects the current research interests of the Raman community. Similar reviews of highly active areas of Raman spectroscopy will appear in future issues of this journal. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

TDPAC research in the border region of physics,chemistry, biology: Charge density waves,intercalation reactions,and metal proteins

Three examples for modern applications of time -differential perturbed angular correlation (TDPAC) to research in the border region of physics, chemistry, and biology are given: (i) charge density waves in layered transition-metal dichalcogenides; (ii) intercalation of Li, Ag, and In into 2H-TaS₂ monitored in situ from both the guest and the host point of view; (iii) heavy metal derivatives of small blue Cu-proteins and multi-Cu enzymes. These studies require advanced spectrometers and suitable facilities for isotope production.     

Graded manifolds,supermanifolds and infinite-dimensional Grassmann algebras

A new approach to superdifferentiable functions of Grassmann variables is developed, which avoids ambiguities in odd derivatives. This is used to give an improved definition of supermanifold over a finite-dimensional Grassmann algebra. A natural embedding of super-manifolds over Grassmann algebras with increasing number (L) of generators is developed, and thus a limit asL tends to infinity is possible. A correspondence between graded manifolds and supermanifolds is constructed, extending results of [5] and [8].Research supported by the SERC under advanced research fellowship number B/AF/687     

Stable pH sensitivity of LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interfacial electronic gas

Probing pH value is essential for many applications. The request of developing stable and highly sensitive pH sensor with small size are increased recently, this is a challenge to the traditional glass pH sensors. This work investigated the pH sensing performance of the novel two-dimensional electronic gas (2DEG) at the LaAlO₃/SrTiO₃ heterostructure interface discovered recently. The experimental results demonstrated that the devices host excellent sensing ability to the pH value of aqueous solutions. Quite stable output current is realized for a given pH value, and the output current is linearly dependent on pH value as required by sensor applications. This work would prompt the application research of LaAlO₃/SrTiO₃ heterostructure and design of new generation of advanced pH sensors.     

Inertial fusion research in China

The goal of the first milestone of the inertial fusion program in China is to reach fusion ignition and plasma burning in about 2020. Under the program, in the past years, the inertial fusion physics research achieved great progress; the laser facilities and the support technologies for laser drivers are advanced; the advanced diagnostic techniques are developed and the relatively integrated system is set up; the precise target fabrications are coordinately developed.     

Blue–green luminescent CdZnSeS nanocrystals synthesized with activated alkyl thiol

Semiconductor nanocrystals with blue–green luminescence are potentially useful in various applications, but the preparation has not been easy compared to regular semiconductor nanocrystals with emission in the orange–red range. In this research alloyed CdZnSeS nanocrystals with luminescence covering the wavelength range from 430 to 560 nm are obtained by a one-step method with the assistance of alkyl thiol compound 1-dodecanethiol, which serves both as the sulfur source and surface ligand. The luminescence of CdZnSeS nanocrystals can be tuned from blue to green by altering the Cd:Zn molar ratio. Besides, the amount of 1-dodecanethiol in the reaction mixture can influence the emission wavelength by restricting the growth of nanocrystals. The dual control of both particle composition and size has enabled the tuning of luminescence to cover the blue–green spectral window. This research presents a convenient method to synthesize nanocrystals with tunable blue–green emission; these materials can be useful in advanced technologies such as photovoltaics, lighting and display.     

Si-based optoelectronic devices and their attractive applications

The semiconductor photonics and optoelectronics which have a great significance in the development of advanced high technology of information systems will be discussed in this paper. The emphasis will be put on the recent research carried out in our laboratory in enhanced luminescence from low dimensional materials such as SiGe/Si and Er-doped Si-rich SiO₂/Si and Er-doped Si _x N _y /Si. A ring shape waveguide structure, used to promote the effective absorption coefficient in PIN photodetector for 1.3 μm wavelength and a resonant cavity enhanced structure, used to improve the quantum efficiency and response in heterostructure photo-transistor (HPT), are also proposed in this paper. Presented at the 1st Czech-Chinese Workshop “Advanced Materials for Optoelectronics”, Prague, Czech Republic, June 13–17, 1998.     

CVD-derived Hf-based High-k Gate Dielectrics

Hf-based high-k gate dielectric has been recently highlighted as the most promising high-k dielectrics for the next-generation CMOS devices with high performance due to its excellent thermal stability and relatively high dielectric constant. This article provides a comprehensive view of the state-of-the-art research activities in advanced Hf-based high-k gate dielectrics grown by chemical-vapor-deposition-based method, including metal-organic-chemical-vapor-deposition (MOCVD), atomic-layer-chemical-vapor-deposition (ALCVD), and plasma-enhanced- chemical-vapor-deposition (PECVD), in CMOS device. We begin with a survey of methods developed for generating Hf-based high-k gate dielectrics. After that, most attention has been paid to the detailed discussion of the latest development of novel Hf-based high-k gate dielectrics grown by CVD. Finally, we conclude this review with the perspectives and outlook on the future developments in this area. This article explores the possible influences of research breakthroughs of Hf-based gate dielectrics on the current and future applications for nano-MOSFET devices.     

RFQ's Beam Dynamics and RF Structure

The advanced properties of RFQ are commented in this paper.The contribution of the design research on the beam dynamics to these advanced properties is described.Five design limits are given.The main developments of RFQ's beam dynamics and r.f structures in the last 10 years are presented.     

Multifarious Applications of Photoacoustic Spectrophotometer and Its Importance in Forensic Investigation

Abstract: Photoacoustic spectrophotometer (PAS) has emerged as the most promising technology with its promise to resolve unmet issues in various domains. The advantages of PAS are nonvulnerability of the sample, trace quantity sample analysis, and short response time. Though it showed distinguished features close to its emergence, it is bereft of its importance in the present scenario. Certainly, there exists a transparent gap in understanding the current situation in forensic crime scene management and the application of PAS within the same discipline. This article aims to consolidate all this information to fill an existing knowledge gap and tries to establish trajectory of research done up to now. This article will also pinpoint the reasons behind why this advanced technique could not accomplish its respectable feat inside the market and restraint of optical business toward inventing and commercializing this merchandise.     

Acetone: isomerization and aggregation

The advanced experimental and theoretical techniques enable us to obtain information on the rearrangement of atoms or molecules in a reaction nowadays. As an example, we report on our research work on acetone isomerization and aggregation to give an insight into the reaction pathways, the products and their structures, and the growth regularity of aggregation. The evidences on the structural change of acetone and the stability of acetone clusters are found by a laser ionization mass spectrometer and the results are interpreted from theoretical analysis based on the DFT/B3LYP method. Various isomerization channels of acetone have been established and the optimal structures of the neutral clusters (CH₃COCH₃)_n and the protonated acetone clusters (CH₃COCH₃)_nH⁺ for n=1–7 have been determined.