A Novel Eigenvalue Algorithm for the Complex Band Structure and Eigenmodes of Plasmonic Crystals

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Validating Stereoscopic Volume Rendering

The evaluation of stereoscopic displays for surface-based renderings is well established in terms of accurate depth perception and tasks that require an understanding of the spatial layout of the scene. In comparison direct volume rendering (DVR) that typically produces images with a high number of low opacity, overlapping features is only beginning to be critically studied on stereoscopic displays. The properties of the specific images and the choice of parameters for DVR algorithms make assessing the effectiveness of stereoscopic displays for DVR particularly challenging and as a result existing literature is sparse with inconclusive results. In this thesis stereoscopic volume rendering is analysed for tasks that require depth perception including: stereo-acuity tasks, spatial search tasks and observer preference ratings. The evaluations focus on aspects of the DVR rendering pipeline and assess how the parameters of volume resolution, reconstruction filter and transfer function may alter task performance and the perceived quality of the produced images. The results of the evaluations suggest that the transfer function and choice of recon- struction filter can have an effect on the performance on tasks with stereoscopic displays when all other parameters are kept consistent. Further, these were found to affect the sensitivity and bias response of the participants. The studies also show that properties of the reconstruction filters such as post-aliasing and smoothing do not correlate well with either task performance or quality ratings. Included in the contributions are guidelines and recommendations on the choice of pa- rameters for increased task performance and quality scores as well as image based methods of analysing stereoscopic DVR images

Magnetism in reduced dimensions

We propose a short overview of a few selected issues of magnetism in reduced dimensions, which are the most relevant to set the background for more specialized contributions to the present Special Issue. Magnetic anisotropy in reduced dimensions is discussed, on a theoretical basis, then with experimental reports and views from surface to single-atom anisotropy. Then conventional magnetization states are reviewed, including macrospins, single domains, multidomains, and domain walls in stripes. Dipolar coupling is examined for lateral interactions in arrays, and for interlayer interactions in films and dots. Finally thermally-assisted magnetization reversal and superparamagnetism are presented. For each topic we sought a balance between well established knowledge and recent developments.Comment: 13 pages. Part of a Special Issue of the C. R. Physique devoted to spinelectronics (2005

From the semantic point cloud to heritage-building information modeling: A semiautomatic approach exploiting machine learning

This work presents a semi-automatic approach to the 3D reconstruction of Heritage-Building Information Models from point clouds based on machine learning techniques. The use of digital information systems leveraging on three-dimensional (3D) representations in architectural heritage documentation and analysis is ever increasing. For the creation of such repositories, reality-based surveying techniques, such as photogrammetry and laser scanning, allow the fast collection of reliable digital replicas of the study objects in the form of point clouds. Besides, their output is raw and unstructured, and the transition to intelligible and semantic 3D representations is still a scarcely automated and time-consuming process requiring considerable human intervention. More refined methods for 3D data interpretation of heritage point clouds are therefore sought after. In tackling these issues, the proposed approach relies on (i) the application of machine learning techniques to semantically label 3D heritage data by identification of relevant geometric, radiometric and intensity features, and (ii) the use of the annotated data to streamline the construction of Heritage-Building Information Modeling (H-BIM) systems, where purely geometric information derived from surveying is associated with semantic descriptors on heritage documentation and management. The “Grand-Ducal Cloister” dataset, related to the emblematic case study of the Pisa Charterhouse, is discussed

An experimental study of ultrasonic beam reflection from fluid-loaded cylindrical shells

Over the past forty years, the problem of nonspecular reflection of bounded beams from fluid-solid interfaces has been studied extensively. Early studies by Schoch and Bertoni and Tamir have concentrated on planar structures, both halfspaces and plates. More recent studies of reflection of sound from cylinders have concentrated on effectively planar incident fields, where the sound wave field does not vary appreciably over the cylinder diameter. The problem discussed here, nonspecular Gaussian beam reflection from cylindrical shells, differs from the previous studies in that the incident field has a substantial spatial variation over the cylinder radius. Zeroug and Felsen studied the theoretical aspects of nonspecular reflection of divergent and collimated beams from planar and cylindrical interfaces. In their analysis, the plane interface results were extended to the cylindrical case by mapping the problem geometry to cylindrical coordinates \u27k and solving in terms of cylinder functions, while assuming locally planar conditions

Impact Of Fines On Gas Relative Permeability Through Sand Using Pore Networks From 3d Synchrotron Micro-Computed Tomography

Fines migration and transport in sand systems have huge influence on vital applications, including the storage and recovery of water and energy resources from the subsurface. Multi-phase flow of gas through saturated unconsolidated media takes place between the pores of sediments, physical phenomenon at the pore-scale control the flow properties. Given a sandy sediment media, gas permeability is highly affected by fine particles due to migration, clogging and bridging reducing gas flow or causing sand particles to displace creating fractures. There is a knowledge gap of fines effects on gas production from sandy sediments, especially at the pore-scale. Therefore, there is a need to model and quantify effects of fines in multi-phase flow using pore networks to better understand gas recovery systems. Three-dimensional, synchrotron micro-computed tomography images of sand sediments were obtained at Argonne National Laboratory at a resolution of 3.89 micron per voxel. Kaolinite and Montmorillonite fine particles were added in varied concentrations in six soil specimens, each system was scanned at four stages with varied saturations of brine and CO2, resulting in 20 systems. Micro-computed tomography images were processed for 3D visualization, quantification and pore network modeling. Pore Network Models were generated, and relative permeability properties were then computed for each system. Findings revealed that fines accumulate at sand-brine and brine-gas interfaces. As fines concentration increased, gas percolation decreased. Further increase in fines concentrations resulted in blocking local gas flow causing pressure variations enough to create fractures that allows gas to escape and permeability to increase back. Pore Networks and Computer-Based Two-Phase Flow Simulations can effectively be used to characterize flow in porous media. In unconsolidated media the pore space geometry will change due to sand grains movements. At high concentrations, different fines type produces altered gas flow regimes, Kaolinite resulted in fractures while montmorillonite resulted in detached gas ganglia. Generally, increasing fines reduces gas percolation and further injection of gas reduced permeability. The finds herein are critical in understanding the impact of fines migration during gas flow in sand, they can be applied to characterizing and predicting two phase properties of unconsolidated sediments

MODULATION OF PROTEIN DYNAMICS BY LIGAND BINDING AND SOLVENT COMPOSITION

Many proteins undergo conformational switching in order to perform their cellular functions. A multitude of factors may shift the energy landscape and alter protein dynamics with varying effects on the conformations they explore. We apply atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to a variety of biomolecular systems in order to investigate how factors such as pressure, the chemical environment, and ligand binding at distant binding pockets affect the structure and dynamics of these protein systems. Further, we examine how such changes should be characterized. We first investigate how pressure and solvent modulate ligand access to the active site of a bacterial lipase by probing the dynamics in a variety of pressures and DMSO-water solvent mixtures. By measuring the gorge leading to the binding pocket we find small amounts of DMSO and high atmospheric pressure optimize the ability of lipids to reach the catalytic interior. Next, we examine the allosteric mechanism behind cooperative and anti-cooperative binding of nuclear hormone receptor RXR and two of its binding partners (TR and CAR). We detail why ligands of the RXR:TR (9c and t3) complex bind anti-cooperatively while ligands of RXR:CAR (9c and tcp) bind cooperatively. Finally, we describe how an intrinsically disordered protein, α-synuclein, alters its conformational dynamics in a pH-dependent manner increasing the likelihood of pathogenic aggregation and neurodegenerative disease at low pH. In each case, we apply contact analysis to uncover the collective motions underlying conformational change triggered by environmental factors or ligand binding