Two-dimensional ultrasound detection with unfocused frequency-randomized signals

A method is described for detecting scattering in two-dimensions using an unfocused ultrasound field created from a continuously driven source array. The frequency of each element on the array is unique, resulting in a field that is highly variant as a function of both time and position. The scattered signal is then received by a single receiving line. The method, as currently written, is valid under the first order Born approximation. To demonstrate the approach, a series of simulations within the frequency range of 0.10-1.25 MHz are performed and compared with a simulated B-Scan in the same frequency range. The method is found to be superior in resolving closely spaced objects, discerning 1.4 mm separation in the radial and 0.5-mm separation in the axial direction. The method was also better able to determine object size, resolving scatters less than 10% of wavelength associated with the center frequency.     

Synthesis and luminescent properties of cis bis-N-heterocyclic carbene platinum(II) bis-arylacetylide complexes

A series of luminescent N-heterocyclic carbene platinum(II) complexes, [(pmim)Pt(C≡C-R)(2)] (R = C(6)H(5) (2), C(6)H(4)OMe (3), C(6)H(2)(OMe)(3) (4), C(6)H(4)NMe(2) (5), C(4)H(3)S (6), C(6)H(4)C≡CC(6)H(5) (7), 1-pyrenyl (8), and C(6)H(4)F (9)), were successfully synthesized using the precursor (pmim)PtI(2), 1 (pmim = 1,1'-dipentyl-3,3'-methylene-diimidazoline-2,2'-diylidene). The X-ray crystal structures of 1, 4, 5, and 7 have been determined. These complexes showed long-lived emission in solution at room temperature. The emission origin of the complexes is tentatively assigned to be from triplet states of predominantly intraligand (IL) character with some mixing of metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) character. TD-DFT and DFT calculations have been performed on most of the complexes to ascertain the nature of the excited state. Changes in the alkynyl ligands lead to a change in the absorption and emission maxima seen for these complexes in a potentially predictable way.     

Prodrug design for the potent cardiovascular agent Nω-hydroxy-L-arginine (NOHA): synthetic approaches and physicochemical characterization

N(ω)-Hydroxy-L-arginine (NOHA)--the physiological nitric oxide precursor--is the intermediate of NO synthase (NOS) catalysis. Besides the important fact of releasing NO mainly at the NOS-side of action, NOHA also represents a potent inhibitor of arginases, making it an ideal therapeutic tool to treat cardiovascular diseases that are associated with endothelial dysfunction. Here, we describe an approach to impart NOHA drug-like properties, particularly by wrapping up the chemically and metabolically instable N-hydroxyguanidine moiety with different prodrug groups. We present synthetic routes that deliver several more or less highly substituted NOHA derivatives in excellent yields. Versatile prodrug strategies were realized, including novel concepts of bioactivation. Prodrug candidates were primarily investigated regarding their hydrolytic and oxidative stabilities. Within the scope of this work, we essentially present the first prodrug approaches for an interesting pharmacophoric moiety, i.e., N-hydroxyguanidine.     

The effects of high energy electron beam irradiation on the thermal and structural properties of low density polyethylene

Radiation is currently being exploited to modify polyethylene in order to improve properties for various applications such as hip replacements. This paper thoroughly examines the effects of high energy electron beam irradiation (10 MeV) on low density polyethylene (LDPE) material. ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) testing specimens were manufactured from LDPE and subjected to a broad range of doses ranging between 25 and 400 kGy at room temperature in an air atmosphere. Extensive characterisation techniques such as modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were conducted on the non-irradiated and irradiated samples. While considering the semicrystalline nature of LDPE during the MDSC experiment, the melting temperature (T_m) and the temperature crystallinity (T_c) were calculated. This revealed that the T_m and the T_c decreased in temperature as the irradiation dose increased. The FTIR analysis was implemented to evaluate the presence of polar species such as carbonyl groups and trans-vinylene double bond groups. The IR spectra illustrated that the concentration of characteristic bands for trans-vinylene bonds increased with increasing radiation dose indicating the formation of carbonyl bond groups. Furthermore, the results demonstrated an occurrence of oxidative degradation due to the formation of carbonyl groups at 1718 cm^?1.     

Comparison of near-wall treatment methods for high Reynolds number backward-facing step flow

A comparison of near-wall treatment methods using different turbulence models for flow over a backward-facing step is presented. A Reynolds number (Re) of about 38,000 (U _∞ = 44.2 m/s), based on the step height and the mean stream velocity, was considered. An appropriate near-wall treatment method is critical to the choice of turbulence model used to predict wall-bounded flow. Predictions were obtained by applying standard wall functions, non-equilibrium wall functions and a two-layer model with six different turbulence models. These results were compared with data by Driver and Seegmiller (“Backward-facing step with inclined opposite wall—experiments by driver and seegmiller”, 1985a, http://cfd.me.umist.ac.uk/ercoftac [2003, Jan 31]). Non-equilibrium wall functions with modified k ? ? models predicted the closest reattachment length. However, the two-layer model gave results more representative of the entire flow pattern. The predictions show that a proper combination of turbulence models and near-wall treatment methods give reliable results.     

Quantitative evaluation of process induced strain in MOS transistors by Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction

Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction (CBED) experiments and simulations associated with Finite Element calculations were performed in order to measure strain and stress in a complex device such as periodic MOS transistors with a spatial resolution of about 2 nm and a sensitivity that could reach 50 MPa. A lamella of a thickness of about 475 nm was extracted from the wafer with the transistors by Focus Ion Beam (FIB) and was observed in cross-section in a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). When approaching the transistors, the HOLZ lines of the CBED patterns acquired in the silicon substrate, become broader and broader. This HOLZ line broadening, which is due to the stress relaxation in the thin foil, was used to determine quantitatively the strain and stress in the lamella and then in the bulk device. We showed that this procedure could be applied to a complex device. Two parameters, the intrinsic material strains – or equivalently the intrinsic material stresses – in the nickel silicide (NiSi) and nitride (Si₃N₄) layers on the top of the transistors gate, were successfully fitted by trial and error, in the procedure.     

Single-pion production in pp collisions at 0.95 GeV/c (II)

The single-pion production reactions pp d , pp np and pp pp were measured at a beam momentum of 0.95GeV/c ( T _p 400 MeV) using the short version of the COSY-TOF spectrometer. The central calorimeter provided particle identification, energy determination and neutron detection in addition to time-of-flight and angle measurements from other detector parts. Thus all pion production channels were recorded with 1-4 overconstraints. The main emphasis is put on the presentation and discussion of the np channel, since the results on the other channels have already been published previously. The total and differential cross-sections obtained are compared to theoretical calculations. In contrast to the pp channel we observe in the np channel a strong influence of the excitation. In particular, the pion angular distribution exhibits a (3 cos² + 1) -dependence, typical for a pure s -channel excitation and identical to that observed in the d channel. Since the latter is understood by a s -channel resonance in the ¹ D ₂ pn partial wave, we discuss an analogous scenario for the pn channel.     

Single- and double-pion production in nucleon collisions on the nucleon and on nuclei—the ABC effect and its origin in a dibaryonic resonance

The ABC effect-an intriguing low-mass enhancement in the ππ invariant mass spectrum-is known from inclusive measurements of two-pion production in nuclear fusion reactions. First exclusive measurements carried out at CELSIUS-WASA for the fusion reactions leading to d or ³He reveal this effect to be a σ-channel phenomenon associated with the formation of a ΔΔ system in the intermediate state and combined with a resonance-like behavior in the total cross-section. Together with the observation that the differential distributions do not change in shape over the resonance region the features fulfill the criteria of an isoscalar s-channel resonance in pn and NNππ systems, if the two emitted nucleons are bound. It obviously is robust enough to survive in nuclei as a dibaryonic resonance configuration. In this context also the phenomenon of NΔ resonances is reexamined.     

Single \mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi^{-}}} production in np collisions for excess energies up to 90 MeV

The quasifree reaction was studied in a kinematically complete experiment by bombarding a liquid-hydrogen target with a deuteron beam of momentum 1.85GeV/c and analyzing the data along the lines of the spectator model. In addition to the three charged ejectiles the spectator proton was also detected in the large-acceptance time-of-flight spectrometer COSY-TOF. It was identified by its momentum and flight direction thus yielding access to the Fermi motion of the bound neutron and to the effective neutron 4-momentum vector _n which differed from event to event. A range of almost 90MeV excess energy above threshold was covered. Energy-dependent angular distributions, invariant-mass spectra as well as fully covered Dalitz plots were deduced. Sizeable pp FSI effects were found as were contributions of p and d partial waves. In comparison with existing literature data the results provide a sensitive test of the spectator model. The behavior of the elementary cross-section σ₀₁ close to threshold is discussed in view of new cross-section data.