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Introduction of Th into synthetic disordered fluorite-type Gd2Zr2O7 induces a transition to an ordered pyrochlore-type phase at a Th concentration of 10 % at the Gd site (Gd1.8Th0.2Zr2O7 composition). The degree of order of the fluorite-type phase reaches 50 % for a Th concentration of 25 % (Gd1.5Th0.5Zr2O7 composition). Upon application of high pressure, the Gd2Zr2O7 phase retains the fluorite-type structure until 33 GPa (K0 = 167(1) GPa), where it undergoes reversible amorphization. The Gd1.7Th0.3Zr2O7 phase was found to be stable up to at least a pressure of 25 GPa (K0 = 169(3) GPa). Upon heating to Tmax of 1135 K, the Gd2Zr2O7 phase retains its disordered fluorite-type structural arrangement (α = 3.03 × 10−5 K−1). The excellent stability of the Gd2−xThxZr2O7 phases under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure makes Gd2Zr2O7 a promising candidate as a host matrix for radioactive elements for safe long-term underground storage of nuclear waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present spatially and temporally resolved velocity and acceleration measurements of turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection (RBC) in the entire fluid sample of square horizontal cross section with length L = 320 mm and height H = 20 mm, resulting in an aspect ratio of Γ = H / L = 16 . The working fluid was water with a Prandtl number of Pr=7 and the Rayleigh number was set to Ra = 1.1 × 10 6 . In order to minimize surface reflections, we used fluorescent polyethylene microspheres as tracer particles that were imaged at a rate of 19 Hz by six cameras. From the images, the particle positions, velocities, and accelerations were determined via the 'Shake-The-Box' (STB) Lagrangian particle tracking algorithm. With this approach, we could simultaneously track more than 300,000 particles and hence study the resulting turbulent structures in the Eulerian and Lagrangian frames while resolving the smallest spatial and temporal scales of the flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two series of Th 1- x Zr x SiO 4 phases were synthesized hydrothermally under weakly basic (pH = 8) and strongly acidic (pH = 1) conditions. Changes in pH were found to have a significant effect on experimental phase diagrams. Synthesis at pH = 8 favors the formation of Th-rich phases with resulting Th 1- x Zr x SiO 4 solid solution for x = 0 – 0.5. Contrary, synthesis at pH = 1 results in the formation of pure end-members of the ThSiO 4 -ZrSiO 4 pseudo-binary system separated by multiple miscibility gaps. Phases formed both under basic and acidic conditions were found to retain water, which can be discharged from the structure upon heating. A different high-pressure (HP) behaviour was found for Th-rich and Zr-rich solid solutions. While Th-rich Th 0.9 Zr 0.1 SiO 4 and Th 0.6 Zr 0.4 SiO 4 phases retain their stoichiometry and crystal structure upon compression at HP, a significant reduction of the Th occupancy related to a decrease of the Th-O distances is observed for the Th-poor Th 0.26 Zr 0.74 SiO 4 phase at P > 8 GPa, with the subsequent formation of a Th-rich amorphous phase. The Th diffusion between the crystalline and amorphous phases was found to be fully reversible. This unique self-healing property makes these phases promising candidates for nuclear applications under extreme pressure and temperature conditions, in particular those found in underground repositories. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme temperatures and pressures were applied to systems based on stabilized zirconia, ZrO2, doped with Ce4+ ions as surrogate for tetravalent Actinides in order to conclude on their long‐term stability in deep geological underground. Both tetragonal and cubic yttrium‐stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) exhibit excellent phase and structural stabilities up to 1150 K. In addition, incorporated guest Ce4+ did not show any increase in their mobility at elevated temperatures. Application of external pressure did not induce any structural or phase changes in cubic YSZ doped with 5 at.% Ce as well. However, a corresponding tetragonal analog with lower yttrium content exhibits a second‐order phase transition toward higher cubic symmetry around 9 GPa. Remarkably, no discharge of the guest Ce4+ ions was observed throughout the transition and further upon increase in pressure. This together with T‐dependent data indicates excellent affinity of guest Ce atoms with the host YSZ matrices. The parent YSZ phases are, therefore, promising candidates as host materials for long‐term underground immobilization for radiotoxic tetravalent elements like U, Th, or Pu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Y‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) phases were found to incorporate Th atoms, and the corresponding solubility ranges depend on the relative Y content. For the tetragonal phases with a lower Y concentration of 14 at.%, a maximal possible Th intake on the Zr/Y metal site reached ca. 10.3 at.%. Cubic phases with higher Y content could dissolve 11 at.% Th in an equilibrium state and up to ca. 12.3 at.% Th under nonequilibrium conditions. Larger Th–Zr/Y solubility range for phases with higher Y concentration was found to be related to the associated symmetry increase, as concluded from synchrotron radiation powder diffraction data. Specifically, the introduction of Th into tetragonal YSZ induces evolution toward higher cubic symmetry via flattening of the Zr/YO8 polyhedra. In addition, a tetragonal YSZ crystal lattice exhibits strongly anisotropic expansion with a concomitant decrease in tetragonality upon the intake of Th. This results in an easier accommodation of bigger Th atoms via a structural stabilization of longer Zr/Y–O bonding distances which yields more symmetrical coordination of central Zr/Y metal ions by surrounding O atoms. Cubic symmetry is, therefore, more favorable to the incorporation of large tetravalent actinide elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytic parahermitian matrix admits an eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) with analytic eigenvalues and eigenvectors except in the case of multiplexed data. In this paper, we propose an iterative algorithm for the estimation of the analytic eigenvalues. Since these are generally transcendental, we find a polynomial approximation with a defined error. Our approach operates in the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) domain and for every DFT length generates a maximally smooth association through EVDs evaluated in DFT bins; an outer loop iteratively grows the DFT order and is shown, in general, to converge to the analytic eigenvalues. In simulations, we compare our results to existing approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By utilizing diffusion maps embedding and transition matrix analysis we investigate sparse temperature measurement time-series data from Rayleigh–Bénard convection experiments in a cylindrical container of aspect ratio between its diameter (D) and height (L). We consider the two cases of a cylinder at rest and rotating around its cylinder axis. We find that the relative amplitude of the large-scale circulation (LSC) and its orientation inside the container at different points in time are associated to prominent geometric features in the embedding space spanned by the two dominant diffusion-maps eigenvectors. From this two-dimensional embedding we can measure azimuthal drift and diffusion rates, as well as coherence times of the LSC. In addition, we can distinguish from the data clearly the single roll state (SRS), when a single roll extends through the whole cell, from the double roll state (DRS), when two counter-rotating rolls are on top of each other. Based on this embedding we also build a transition matrix (a discrete transfer operator), whose eigenvectors and eigenvalues reveal typical time scales for the stability of the SRS and DRS as well as for the azimuthal drift velocity of the flow structures inside the cylinder. Thus, the combination of nonlinear dimension reduction and dynamical systems tools enables to gain insight into turbulent flows without relying on model assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the extension of the factorization of a Hermitian matrix by an eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) to the case of a parahermitian matrix that is analytic at least on an annulus containing the unit circle. Such parahermitian matrices contain polynomials or rational functions in the complex variable $z$ and arise, e.g., as cross spectral density matrices in broadband array problems. Specifically, conditions for the existence and uniqueness of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a parahermitian matrix EVD are given, such that these can be represented by a power or Laurent series that is absolutely convergent, at least on the unit circle, permitting a direct realization in the time domain. Based on an analysis of the unit circle, we prove that eigenvalues exist as unique and convergent but likely infinite-length Laurent series. The eigenvectors can have an arbitrary phase response and are shown to exist as convergent Laurent series if eigenvalues are selected as analytic functions on the unit circle, and if the phase response is selected such that the eigenvectors are Hölder continuous with $\alpha >\frac{1}{2}$ on the unit circle. In the case of a discontinuous phase response or if spectral majorisation is enforced for intersecting eigenvalues, an absolutely convergent Laurent series solution for the eigenvectors of a parahermitian EVD does not exist. We provide some examples, comment on the approximation of a parahermitian matrix EVD by Laurent polynomial factors, and compare our findings to the solutions provided by polynomial matrix EVD algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polynomial matrix EVD (PEVD) is an extension of the conventional eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) to polynomial matrices. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the theoretical foundations of the PEVD and to highlight practical applications in the area of broadband blind source separation (BSS). Based on basic definitions of polynomial matrix terminology such as parahermitian and paraunitary matrices, strong decorrelation and spectral majorisation, the PEVD and its theoretical foundations will be briefly outlined. The paper then focuses on the applicability of the PEVD and broadband subspace techniques — enabled by the diagonalisation and spectral majorisation capabilities of PEVD algorithms — to define broadband BSS solutions that generalise well-known narrowband techniques based on the EVD. This is achieved through the analysis of new results from three exemplar broadband BSS applications — underwater acoustics, radar clutter suppression, and domain-weighted broadband beamforming — and their comparison with classical broadband methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the near-neutral and reducing aquatic conditions expected in undisturbed ore deposits or in closed nuclear waste repositories, the actinides Th, U, Np, and Pu are primarily tetravalent. These tetravalent actinides (AnIV) are sparingly soluble in aquatic systems and, hence, are often assumed to be immobile. However, AnIV could become mobile if they occur as colloids. This review focuses on a new type of AnIV colloids, oxyhydroxy silicate colloids. We herein discuss the chemical characteristics of these colloids and the potential implication for their environmental behavior. The binary oxyhydroxy silicate colloids of AnIV could be potentially more mobile as a waterborne species than the well-known mono-component oxyhydroxide colloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents corrections to the paper, "On the existence and uniqueness of the eigenvalue decomposition of a paraher mitian matrix," (Weiss, S. et al), IEEE Trans. Signal Process., vol. 66, no. 10, pp. 2659–2672, May 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider minimum-mean-square error (MMSE) training-based channel estimation for two-hop multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) relaying systems. The channel estimation process is divided into two main phases. The relay-destination channel is estimated in the first phase and can be obtained using well-known point-to-point MIMO OFDM estimation methods. In the second phase, the source-relay channel is estimated at the destination with the use of a known training sequence that is transmitted from the source and forwarded to the destination by a nonregenerative relay. To obtain an estimate of the source-relay channel, the source training sequence, relay precoder, and destination processor, require to be optimized. To solve this problem, we first derive an iterative algorithm that involves sequentially solving a number of convex optimization problems to update the source, relay, and destination design variables. Since the iterative algorithm may be too computationally expensive for practical implementation, we then derive simplified solutions that have reduced computational complexity. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sometimes it is thought that sharp transitions between potentially different turbulent states should be washed out by the prevailing intense fluctuations and short coherence lengths and times. Contrary to this expectation, we found a sequence of such transitions in turbulent rotating Rayleigh-Benard convection as the rotation rate was increased. This phenomenon was observed in cylindrical samples with aspect ratios (diameter/height) Γ = 1.00 and 0.50. It became most prominent at very large Rayleigh numbers up to 2 x 1012, where the fluctuations are extremely vigorous, and was manifested most clearly for Γ= 1.00. It was found in the heat transport as well as in the temperature gradient near the sample center. We conjecture that the transitions are between different large-scale structures which involve changes of symmetry and thus cannot be gradual [L. Landau, Zh. Eksp. Teor. Fiz. 7, 19 (1937); L. D. Landau, Phys. Z. Sowjetunion 11, 26 (1937); L. D. Landau, in Collected Papers of L. D. Landau, (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1965), pp. 193-216]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reducing conditions in a nuclear waste repository render neptunium tetravalent. Thus, Np is often assumed to be immobile in the subsurface. However, tetravalent actinides can also become mobile if they occur as colloids. We show that Np(IV) is able to form silica-rich colloids in solutions containing silicic acid at concentrations of both the regions above and below the "mononuclear wall" of silicic acid at 2 × 10-3 M (where silicic acid is expected to start polymerization). These Np(IV)–silica colloids have a size of only very few nanometers and can reach significantly higher concentrations than Np(IV) oxyhydroxide colloids. They can be stable in the waterborne form over longer spans of time. In the Np(IV)–silica colloids, the actinide—oxygen—actinide bonds are increasingly replaced by actinide—oxygen—silicon bonds due to structural incorporation of Si. Possible implications of the formation of such colloids for environmental scenarios are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For parahermitian polynomial matrices, which can be used, for example, to characterize space-time covariance in broadband array processing, the conventional eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) can be generalized to a polynomial matrix EVD (PEVD). In this paper, a new iterative PEVD algorithm based on sequential matrix diagonalization (SMD) is introduced. At every step the SMD algorithm shifts the dominant column or row of the polynomial matrix to the zero lag position and eliminates the resulting instantaneous correlation. A proof of convergence is provided, and it is demonstrated that SMD establishes diagonalization faster and with lower order operations than existing PEVD algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The formation of electron pairs is a prerequisite of superconductivity. The fermionic nature of electrons yields four classes of superconducting correlations with definite symmetry in spin, space, and time. Here, we suggest double quantum dots coupled to conventional x-wave superconductors in the presence of inhomogeneous magnetic fields as a model system exhibiting unconventional pairing. Due to their small number of degrees of freedom, tunable by gate voltages, quantum-dot systems are ideal to gain fundamental insight into unconventional pairing. We propose two detection schemes for unconventional superconductivity, based on either Josephson or Andreev spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Selective modification of shear-stiff, nano-mica platelets. [•] PMMA coated nano-mica with chains above and below critical entanglement. [•] Observation of vivid birefringence of a nematic phase with remarkable stability. [•] Significantly enhanced mechanical properties in spite of non-wetting character. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Janus particles are superior to ordinary Pickering emulsifiers. Widespread industrial usage is however hampered by the restricted accessibility of these polar colloids. Whereas established synthesis protocols that allow for breaking the symmetry of colloid surfaces are laborious and expensive, here we use Janus particles that are based on the ubiquitous layered silicate kaolinite. As a consequence of its crystal structure, the two opposing basal planes, the tetrahedral (TS) and the octahedral (OS) surface, are capped by distinct functional groups. We show that these chemically different basal surfaces allow for facile selective modification making them compatible with e.g. polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), respectively. The TS was selectively modified by simple cation exchange with poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) polycations attached to a polystyrene block while on the OS PMMA chains were covalently anchored via statistically distributed catechol groups. Solid-state NMR proved successful modification, while TGA was provided the amount of polymer bound to both external basal surfaces of kaolinite. Moreover, the selective nature of the modification was proven indirectly by qualitatively comparing the sedimentation stability of suspensions of differently modified samples. These Janus particles with fine-tuned surface tension of the opposing hemispheres were tested on their interfacial activity in solvent-cast films of PS–PMMA blends. The assembly of the Janus particles at the interfaces of the blend was proven by transmission electron microscopy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thorium(IV) is able to form meta-stable colloids with silica in aqueous solution at pH⩾7 which results in concentrations of colloid-borne Th(IV) of 10−3 M. The colloid structure can be regarded as amorphous because it shows no long-range order, indicated by the absence of distinct structural periodicity >4Å. The internal structure of the colloid particles consists of [Th(O(H)) n ] polyhedra, n =8–9, coordinated partly by [SiO4] polyhedra with Th–Si distances of 3.25±0.02Å, and partly by [Th(O(H)) n ] polyhedra with Th–Th distances of 3.98±0.02Å. The near-order coordination shows similarity with that of the orthosilicates thorite, α-ThSiO4, and huttonite, β-ThSiO4. XPS analysis of the oxygen bonds revealed the presence of O2−, OH− and H2O. The colloids can be classified as oxyhydroxo colloids [(Th,Si)O n (OH)4− n ·xH2O]4−2 n −(4− n ). Silica occurs in the colloid structure either in mononuclear or oligomeric units, depending on the Si/Th ratio and the silica precursor formed in the initial solution. Silica is enriched at the colloid surface if the concentration of the initial solutions is increased. The solution behavior of the particles was analyzed by in situ methods. With rising silica content, the particles gradually change from metal oxide type colloids to silica type colloids which can dramatically increase their colloidal stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using compressed gases with Prandtl numbers near 0.7, we obtained flow visualizations of turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection in a cylindrical sample with an aspect ratio &Ggr; = D/L ss 10 (D is the diameter and L the height) by the shadowgraph method. Focusing on the plumes under the top plate, we found that their length had a log-normal distribution, suggesting a fragmentation process. Fragmentation events could be visually identified in the images and involved plume interactions with bulk fluctuations or upwelling domain walls. We found the mean spacing between plumes to vary with the Rayleigh number in proportion to the volume-averaged Kolmogorov length of the turbulent bulk fluctuations, providing further evidence for plume-bulk interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Evidence is provided by photon correlation spectroscopy, ultrafiltration and ultracentrifugation that uranium(IV) can form silicate-containing colloids of a size of ⩽20nm. A concentration of up to 10−3 M of colloid-borne U(IV) was observed. The particles are generated in near-neutral to slightly alkaline solutions containing background chemicals of geogenic nature (carbonate, silicate, sodium ions). They remain stable in aqueous suspension over years. Electrostatic repulsion due to a negative zeta potential in the near-neutral to alkaline pH range caused by the silicate stabilizes the U(IV) colloids. The isoelectric point of the nanoparticles is shifted toward lower pH values by the silicate. The mechanism of the colloidal stabilization can be regarded as “sequestration” by silicate, a phenomenon well known from heavy metal ions of high ion potential such as iron(III) or manganese(III,IV), but never reported for uranium(IV) so far. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy showed that U–O–Si bonds, which increasingly replace the U–O–U bonds of the amorphous uranium(IV) oxyhydroxide with increasing silicate concentrations, make up the internal structure of the colloids. The next-neighbor coordination of U(IV) in the U(IV)-silica colloids is comparable with that of coffinite, USiO4. The assessment of uranium behavior in the aquatic environment should take the possible existence of U(IV)-silica colloids into consideration. Their occurrence might influence uranium migration in anoxic waters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To investigate the relation between intrauterine pressures and volumes for virtual-reality-based surgical training in hysteroscopy. Ten fresh extirpated uteri were insufflated by commercial hysteroscopy pump and imaged by computer tomography (CT) under intrauterine air pressure in distension–collapse cycles between 0 , 20 (150 mmHg), and 0 kPa, performing a CT scan at every step at about 2.7 kPa (20 mmHg). An initial threshold pressure to distend the cavity was avoided by introducing the insufflation tube up to the fundus. The filling and release phases of seven uteri that were completely distended showed the typical characteristics of a hysteresis curve which is expected from a viscoelastic, nonlinear, anisotropic soft tissue organ like the uterus. In three cases tightening the extirpated uterus especially at the lateral resection lines caused significant problems that inhibited registration of a complete distension–collapse cycle. Interpolated volumes for complete distended cavities and extrapolated for incomplete data sets, derived from the digitally reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) geometries, ranged from 0.6 to 11.4 mL at 20 kPa. These values highly correlate with the uterine volume (not insufflated) considering different biometric data of the uteri and patient data. Linear ( R2 = 0.66) and quadratic least-squares fits ( R2 = 0.74) were used to derive the formulas y = 0.069 x and y = 0.00037 x2 + 0.036 x, where x is the uterine volume in mL (not insufflated) and y is the cavity volume in mL at 20 kPa intrauterine pressure. Our experimental hysteroscopical setup enabled us to reconstruct the changes in volumes of insufflated uteri under highly realistic conditions in 3D. The relation between intrauterine pressure and cavity volume in distension–collapse cycles describes a typical hysteresis curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A detailed analysis of the relationship between the steered beam response and the original one is provided for wideband beamforming based on a uniform linear array. It is shown that after adding steering delays to the originally received wideband array signals, the main beam will be shifted to the desired directions. However, for the sidelobe region, for one side, it is shifted out of the visible area; for the other side, it is not a simple shifted-back of those shifted out, but exhibits a very complicated pattern. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The design of frequency invariant beamformers (FIBs) with off-broadside main beams is studied and it is shown that the required FIR filter length in this case should be much larger than the one with a broadside main beam. To reduce the computational complexity of such a beamformer and also improve its frequency invariant property at lower frequencies, two subband implementations are proposed. In the first one, the fullband array signals are split into subbands by a bank of analysis filters and the corresponding decimated subband signals form a series of subband arrays. Based on this standard subband structure, we then change the sensor spacings of different subband signals so that lower frequency bands have a larger spacing, which leads to a class of FIBs with scaled aperture with further improved performance at lower frequencies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new class of broadband arrays with frequency invariant beam pattern is proposed. By suitable substitutions, the beam pattern of a continuous sensor array can be regarded as the Fourier transform of its spatial and temporal parameters. For the design of practical discrete sensor arrays, it can be regarded as an approximation to the continuous sensor case and a simple design method is provided, which can be applied to linear, rectangular and cubic broadband arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel method for the design of two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) arrays with frequency invariant beam patterns is proposed. By suitable substitutions, the beam pattern of a 2-D or 3-D arrays can be regarded as the 3-D or 4-D Fourier transform of its spatial and temporal parameters. Since frequency invariance can be easily imposed in the Fourier domain, a simple design method is derived. Design examples for the 2-D case are provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Based on the generalized sidelobe canceller (GSC), we propose a novel adaptive broadband beamformer, where the quiescent vector and blocking matrix are replaced by a series of two-dimensional frequency invariant filters(FIFs). As opposed to standard beamspace techniques, the number of FIFs is flexible and they are not required to posses a very low sidelobe level. Compared with a standard GSC, a faster convergence speed and a lower computational complexity of its adaptive part are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which determined the limitations the subband adaptive filtering systems can impose on the steady-state performance of an unknown system. Theoretical background; Numerical representation; Results and discussion.

Presents a novel mechanism for the detection of cortical auditory evoked potentials, which is fully automatic and stops the measurement when a given confidence is reached. Automatic detector methods; Adjustment of detector using real data; Clinical evaluation.

For real-world applications, autonomous mobile robotic platforms must be capable of navigating safely in a multitude of different and dynamic environments with accurate and robust localization being a key prerequisite. To support further research in this domain, we present the INSANE datasets (Increased Number of Sensors for developing Advanced and Novel Estimators)—a collection of versatile Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV) datasets for cross-environment localization. The datasets provide various scenarios with multiple stages of difficulty for localization methods. These scenarios range from trajectories in the controlled environment of an indoor motion capture facility, to experiments where the vehicle performs an outdoor maneuver and transitions into a building, requiring changes of sensor modalities, up to purely outdoor flight maneuvers in a challenging Mars analog environment to simulate scenarios which current and future Mars helicopters would need to perform. The presented work aims to provide data that reflects real-world scenarios and sensor effects. The extensive sensor suite includes various sensor categories, including multiple Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and cameras. Sensor data is made available as unprocessed measurements and each dataset provides highly accurate ground truth, including the outdoor experiments where a dual Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) setup provides sub-degree and centimeter accuracy (1-sigma). The sensor suite also includes a dedicated high-rate IMU to capture all the vibration dynamics of the vehicle during flight to support research on novel machine learning-based sensor signal enhancement methods for improved localization. The datasets and post-processing tools are available at: https://sst.aau.at/cns/datasets/insane-dataset/ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results from moist convection in a mixture of pressurized sulfur hexafluoride (liquid and vapor), and helium (gas) to model the wet and dry components of the Earth's atmosphere. To allow for homogeneous nucleation, we operate the experiment close to critical conditions. We report on the nucleation of microdroplets in the wake of large cold liquid drops falling through the supersaturated atmosphere and show that the homogeneous nucleation is caused by isobaric cooling of the saturated sulfur hexafluoride vapor. Our results carry over to atmospheric clouds: falling hail and cold rain drops may enhance the heterogeneous nucleation of microdroplets in their wake under supersaturated atmospheric conditions. We also observed that under appropriate circumstances settling microdroplets form a rather stable horizontal cloud layer, which separates regions of super- and subcritical saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the interplay of spin and charge coherence in a single-level quantum dot. A tunnel coupling to a superconducting lead induces superconducting correlations in the dot. With full spin symmetry retained, only even-singlet superconducting correlations are generated. An applied magnetic field or attached ferromagnetic leads partially or fully reduce the spin symmetry, and odd-triplet superconducting correlations are generated as well. For single-level quantum dots, no other superconducting correlations are possible. We analyze, with the help of a diagrammatic real-time technique, the interplay of spin symmetry and superconductivity and its signatures in electronic transport, in particular current and shot noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate experimentally and numerically the synchronization of two-dimensional spiral wave patterns in the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction due to point-to-point coupling of two separate domains. Different synchronization modalities appear depending on the coupling strength and the initial patterns in each domain. The behavior as a function of the coupling strength falls into two qualitatively different regimes. The weakly coupled regime is characterized by inter-domain interactions that distorted but do not break wave fronts. Under weak coupling, spiral cores are pushed around by wave fronts in the other domain, resulting in an effective interaction between cores in opposite domains. In the case where each domain initially contains a single spiral, the cores form a bound pair and orbit each other at quantized distances. When the starting patterns consist of multiple randomly positioned spiral cores, the number of cores decreases with time until all that remains are a few cores that are synchronized with a partner in the other domain. The strongly coupled regime is characterized by interdomain interactions that break wave fronts. As a result, the wave patterns in both domains become identical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The stability of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel doped with uranium to form calcium uranium silicate hydrate (C-U-S-H) gel was investigated in 2.5 M NaCl, 2.5 M NaCl/0.02 M Na 2 SO 4 , 2.5 M NaCl/0.02 M NaHCO 3 or 0.02 M NaHCO 3 solutions relevant to the geological disposal of radioactive waste. The C-U-S-H gel samples were synthesized by direct U(VI) incorporation and characterized with time-resolved laser-induced luminescence spectroscopy (TRLFS), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Time-dependent pH changes as well as the Ca, Si and U release from C-U-S-H gels into the brines, determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), were monitored for three calcium-to-silicon (C/S) ratios (0.99, 1.55 and 2.02) over 32 d. Subsequently, changes of the U(VI) speciation and C-S-H mineralogy caused by leaching were investigated with TRLFS, IR spectroscopy and XRD. Results indicated that composition and pH value of the leaching solution, the presence of portlandite as well as formation and solubility of calcite as secondary phase determine the U(VI) retention by C-S-H gel under high saline and alkaline conditions. At high ionic strengths, the Ca release from C-S-H and secondary phases like calcite is increased. Under hyperalkaline conditions only small amounts of U(VI) were released during leaching. A decrease of the pH due to the additional presence of carbonate was linked with an increased U(VI) release from C-S-H gel leading to the formation of aqueous calcium uranyl carbonate in the supernatant solution. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Higher NaCl concentrations increase Ca release from CSH and secondary phases. • U(VI) release depends on brine composition and pH value. • Carbonate destabilizes the polyhedral CaO plane of the C-U-S-H structure. • Secondary phases such as calcite contribute to U(VI) retention. • Formation of Ca 2 UO 2 (CO 3) 3 (aq) at moderate alkaline pH values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new Nusselt-number (Nu) measurements for slowly rotating turbulent thermal convection in cylindrical samples with aspect ratio Γ = 1.00 and provide a comprehensive correlation of all available data for that Γ. In the experiment compressed gasses (nitrogen and sulfur hexafluride) as well as the fluorocarbon C6F14 (3M Fluorinert FC72) and isopropanol were used as the convecting fluids. The data span the Prandtl-number (Pr) range 0.74 < Pr < 35.5 and are for Rayleigh numbers (Ra) from 3 × 108 to 4 × 1011. The relative heat transport Nur(1/Ro) ≡ Nu(1/Ro)/Nu(0) as a function of the dimensionless inverse Rossby number 1/Ro at constant Ra is reported. For Pr≈0.74 and the smallest Ra = 3.6 × 108 the maximum enhancement Nur,max-1 due to rotation is about 0.02. With increasing Ra, Nur,max-1 decreased further, and for Ra≤2 × 109 heat-transport enhancement was no longer observed. For larger Pr the dependence of Nur on 1/Ro is qualitatively similar for all Pr. As noted before, there is a very small increase of Nur for small 1/Ro, followed by a decrease by a percent or so, before, at a critical value 1/Roc, a sharp transition to enhancement by Ekman pumping takes place. While the data revealed no dependence of 1/Roc on Ra, 1/Roc decreased with increasing Pr. This dependence could be described by a power law with an exponent α =-0.41. Power-law dependencies on Pr and Ra could be used to describe the slope S + Ro = ∂Nur/∂(1/Ro) just above 1/Roc. The Pr and Ra exponents were β1 = -0.16±0.08 and β2 = -0.04±0.06, respectively. Further increase of 1/Ro led to further increase of Nur until it reached a maximum value Nur,max. Beyond the maximum, the Taylor-Proudman (TP) effect, which is expected to lead to reduced vertical fluid transport in the bulk region, lowered Nur. Nur,max was largest for the largest Pr. For Pr = 28.9, for example, we measured an increase of the heat transport by up to 40% (Nur-1 = 0.40) for the smallest Ra = 2.2 × 109, even though we were unable to reach Nur,max over the accessible 1/Ro range. Both Nur, max(Pr,Ra) and its location 1/Romax(Pr, Ra) along the 1/Ro axis increased with Pr and decreased with Ra. Although both could be given by power-law representations, the uncertainties of the exponents are relatively large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic structure of UC x (x = 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 2.0) was studied by means of x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the C K edge and measurements in the high energy resolution fluorescence detection (HERFD) mode at the U M 4 and L 3 edges. The full-relativistic density functional theory calculations taking into account the 5 f - 5 f Coulomb interaction U and spin-orbit coupling (DFT+U+SOC) were also performed for UC and UC 2 . While the U L 3 HERFD-XAS spectra of the studied samples reveal little difference, the U M 4 HERFD-XAS spectra show certain sensitivity to the varying carbon content in uranium carbides. The observed gradual changes in the U M 4 HERFD spectra suggest an increase in the C 2p-U 5f charge transfer, which is supported by the orbital population analysis in the DFT+U+SOC calculations, indicating an increase in the U 5f occupancy in UC 2 as compared to that in UC. On the other hand, the density of states at the Fermi level were found to be significantly lower in UC 2 , thus affecting the thermodynamic properties. Both the x-ray spectroscopic data (in particular, the C K XAS measurements) and results of the DFT+U+SOC calculations indicate the importance of taking into account U and SOC for the description of the electronic structure of actinide carbides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Virtual reality models of human organs are needed in surgery simulators which are developed for educational and training purposes. A simulation can only be useful, however, if the mechanical performance of the system in terms of force-feedback for the user as well as the visual representation is realistic. We therefore aim at developing a mechanical computer model of the organ in question which yields realistic force-deformation behavior under virtual instrument–tissue interactions and which, in particular, runs in real time. Study design: The modeling of the human uterus is described as it is to be implemented in a simulator for minimally invasive gynecological procedures. To this end, anatomical information which was obtained from specially designed computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging procedures as well as constitutive tissue properties recorded from mechanical testing were used. In order to achieve real-time performance, the combination of mechanically realistic numerical uterus models of various levels of complexity with a statistical deformation approach is suggested. In view of mechanical accuracy of such models, anatomical characteristics including the fiber architecture along with the mechanical deformation properties are outlined. In addition, an approach to make this numerical representation potentially usable in an interactive simulation is discussed. Results and conclusions: The numerical simulation of hydrometra is shown in this communication. The results were validated experimentally. In order to meet the real-time requirements and to accommodate the large biological variability associated with the uterus, a statistical modeling approach is demonstrated to be useful. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In case of the release of lanthanides and actinides into the environment, knowledge about their behavior in biological systems is necessary to assess and prevent adverse health effects for humans. We investigated the interaction of europium with FaDu cells (human squamous cell carcinoma cell line) combining analytical methods, spectroscopy, and thermodynamic modeling with in-vitro cell experiments under defined conditions. Both the cytotoxicity of Eu(III) onto FaDu cells and its cellular uptake are mainly concentration-dependent. Moreover, they are governed by its chemical speciation in the nutrient medium. In complete cell culture medium, i.e., in the presence of fetal bovine serum, Eu(III) is stabilized in solution in a wide concentration range by complexation with serum proteins resulting in low cytotoxicity and cellular Eu(III) uptake. In serum-free medium, Eu(III) precipitates as hardly soluble phosphate species, exhibiting a significantly higher cytotoxicity and slightly higher cellular uptake. The presence of a tenfold excess of citrate in serum-free medium causes the formation of Eu(HCit) 2 3− complexes in addition to the dominating Eu(III) phosphate species, resulting in a decreased Eu(III) cytotoxicity and cellular uptake. The results of this study underline the crucial role of a metal ion’s speciation for its toxicity and bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of the organic layer covering colloidal biogenic elemental selenium nanoparticles (BioSeNPs) is not known, particularly in the case when they are synthesized by complex microbial communities. This study investigated the presence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on BioSeNPs. The role of EPS in capping the extracellularly available BioSeNPs was also examined. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and colorimetric measurements confirmed the presence of functional groups characteristic of proteins and carbohydrates on the BioSeNPs, suggesting the presence of EPS. Chemical synthesis of elemental selenium nanoparticles in the presence of EPS, extracted from selenite fed anaerobic granular sludge, yielded stable colloidal spherical selenium nanoparticles. Furthermore, extracted EPS, BioSeNPs, and chemically synthesized EPS-capped selenium nanoparticles had similar surface properties, as shown by ζ-potential versus pH profiles and isoelectric point measurements. This study shows that the EPS of anaerobic granular sludge form the organic layer present on the BioSeNPs synthesized by these granules. The EPS also govern the surface charge of these BioSeNPs, thereby contributing to their colloidal properties, hence affecting their fate in the environment and the efficiency of bioremediation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The miscibility behavior of the USiO4-ThSiO4 system was investigated. The end members and 10 solid solutions UxTh(1-x)SiO4 with x = 0.12-0.92 were successfully synthesized, without formation of other secondary uranium or thorium phases. Lattice parameters of the solid solutions evidently follow Vegard's Law. Investigation of the local structure with EXAFS reveals small differences between the U and Th environment attributed to different atomic radii of the metal atoms but no implications for a miscibility gap. The data provided confirm complete miscibility for the system USiO4-ThSiO4. The structure of the end members was studied in detail with XRD and discussed with special regard to the oxygen positions and the often neglected Si-O bond length. USiO4 could be obtained without UO2 impurities and the lattice parameters derived from Rietveld refinement as c = 6.2606(3) Å and a = 6.9841(3) Å. The Si-O distance in USiO4 appears to be 1.64 Å, which is more reasonable than earlier reported values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the rapid developments in recent nanocrystal research and their expanding applications, the evolution mechanism of nanocrystals remains veiled for the most part due to the lack of appropriate analytical techniques. Here we demonstrate one promising multi-spectroscopic approach for the in situ investigation of nanocrystal evolution. That is, the formation of nanocrystalline cerium dioxide (NC-CeO2) has been probed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and high-energy X-ray scattering (HEXS). The obtained results indicate that the fine colloidal particles of NC-CeO2 are formed in an acidic aqueous solution simply through the hydrolysis of the initial precursor of small oligomer CeIV species. This information on how NC-CeO2 evolves is fundamental to simplifying and alleviating the synthetic strategy for NC-CeO2 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of paraunitary (PU) filter bank design for subband coding has received considerable attention in recent years, not least because of the energy preserving property of this class of filter banks. In this paper, we consider the design of signal-adapted, finite impulse response (FIR), PU filter banks using polynomial matrix EVD (PEVD) techniques. Modifications are proposed to an iterative, time-domain PEVD method, known as the sequential best rotation (SBR2) algorithm, which enables its effective application to the problem of FIR orthonormal filter bank design for efficient subband coding. By choosing an optimization scheme that maximizes the coding gain at each stage of the algorithm, it is shown that the resulting filter bank behaves more and more like the infinite-order principle component filter bank (PCFB). The proposed method is compared to state-of-the-art techniques, namely the iterative greedy algorithm (IGA), the approximate EVD (AEVD), standard SBR2 and a fast algorithm for FIR compaction filter design, called the window method (WM). We demonstrate that for the calculation of the subband coder, the WM approach offers a low-cost alternative at lower coding gains, while at moderate to high complexity, the proposed approach outperforms the benchmarkers. In terms of run-time complexity, AEVD performs well at low orders, while the proposed algorithm offers a better coding gain than the benchmarkers at moderate to high filter order for a number of simulation scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the preparation of water-soluble organo-silica hybrid nanotubes templated by core-shell-corona structured triblock terpolymer cylindrical polymer brushes (CPBs). The CPBs consist of a polymethacrylate backbone, a poly(fert-butyl acrylate) (PtBA) core, a poly(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl acrylate) (PAPTS) shell, and a poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (POEGMA) corona. They were prepared via the "grafting from" strategy by the combination of two living/controlled polymerization techniques: anionic polymerization for the backbone and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) for the triblock terpolymer side chains. The monomers 1BA, APTS, and OEGMA were consecutively grown from the pendant ATRP initiating groups along the backbone to spatially organize the silica precursor, the trimethoxysilyl groups, into a tubular manner. The synthesized core-shell-corona structured CPBs then served as a unimolecular cylindrical template for the in situ fabrication of water-soluble organo-silica hybrid nanotubes via base-catalyzed condensation of the PAPTS shell block. The formed tubular nanostructures were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cryogenic TEM, and atomic force microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous spectroscopic research suggested that uranium(VI) adsorption to iron oxides is dominated byternary uranyl-carbonato surface complexes across an unexpectedly wide pH range. Formation of such complexes would have a significant impact on the sorption behavior and mobility of uranium in aqueous environments. We therefore reinvestigated the identity and structural coordination of uranyl sorption complexes using a combination of U LIII-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and iterative transformation factor analysis, which enhances the resolution in comparison to conventional EXAFS analysis. A range of conditions (pH, CO2 partial pressure, ionic strength) made it possible to quantify the variations in surface speciation. In the resulting set of spectral data (N = 11) the variance is explained by only two components, which represent two structurally different types of surface complexes: (1) a binary uranyl surface complex with a bidentate coordination to edges of Fe(O,OH)6 octahedra and (2) a uranyl triscarbonato surface complex where one carbonate ion bridges uranyl to the surface. This ternary type B complex differs from a type A complex where uranyl is directly attached to surface atoms and carbonate is bridged by uranyl to the surface. Both surface complexes agree qualitatively and quantitatively with predictions by a charge distribution (CD) model. According to this model the edge-sharing uranyl complex has equatorial ligands (-OH2, -OH, or one -CO3 group) that point away from the surface. The monodentate uranyl triscarbonato surface complex (type B) is relevant only at high pH and elevated pCO2. At these conditions, however, it is responsible for significant uranyl sorption, whereas standard models would predict only weak sorption. This paper presents the first spectroscopic evidence of this ternary surface complex, which has significant implications for immobilization of uranyl in carbonate-rich aqueous environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UC and UMeC2 (Me = Fe, Zr, Mo) carbides were studied by the high‐energy‐resolution fluorescence‐detected X‐ray absorption (HERFD‐XAS) technique at the U M4 and L3 edges. Both U M4 and L3 HERFD‐XAS reveal some differences between UMeC2 and UC; there are differences also between the M4 and L3 edge results for both types of carbide in terms of the spectral width and energy position. The observed differences are attributed to the consequences of the U 5f, 6d–4d(3d) hybridization in UMeC2. Calculations of the U M4 HERFD‐XAS spectra were also performed using the Anderson impurity model (AIM). Based on the analysis of the data, the 5f occupancy in the ground state of UC was estimated to be 3.05 electrons. This finding is also supported by the analysis of U N4,5 XAS of UC and by the results of the AIM calculations of the U 4f X‐ray photoelectron spectrum of UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Now that drones have evolved from bulky platforms to agile devices, a challenge is to combine multiple drones into an integrated autonomous system, offering functionality that individual drones cannot achieve. Such multidrone systems require connectivity, communication, and coordination. We discuss these building blocks along with case studies and lessons learned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural characterisation of actinide nanoparticles (NPs) is of primary importance and hard to achieve, especially for non‐homogeneous samples with NPs less than 3 nm. By combining high‐energy X‐ray scattering (HEXS) and high‐energy‐resolution fluorescence‐detected X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (HERFD XANES) analysis, we have characterised for the first time both the short‐ and medium‐range order of ThO2 NPs obtained by chemical precipitation. By using this methodology, a novel insight into the structures of NPs at different stages of their formation has been achieved. The pair distribution function revealed a high concentration of ThO2 small units similar to thorium hexamer clusters mixed with 1 nm ThO2 NPs in the initial steps of formation. Drying the precipitates at around 150 °C promoted the recrystallisation of the smallest units into more thermodynamically stable ThO2 NPs. HERFD XANES analysis at the thorium M4 edge, a direct probe for f states, showed variations that we have correlated with the breakdown of the local symmetry around the thorium atoms, which most likely concerns surface atoms. Together, HEXS and HERFD XANES are a powerful methodology for investigating actinide NPs and their formation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a part of the AMADEE-18 analog Mars mission, designed to study challenges associated with human-based exploration of the Red Planet, we focused our team efforts on testing means to localize an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on Mars. Robot helicopters, such as the one selected for a technology demonstration as a part of NASA's Mars 2020 mission, are small and their performance is computationally limited. An essential aspect of navigation and path planning of an autonomous helicopter is accurate localization of the robot. In the absence of a global positioning system, a computationally efficient localization technology that can be applied on Mars is visual-inertial odometry (VIO). The AMADEE-18 mission provided an opportunity to test the feasibility of a state-of-the-art VIO algorithm and the camera in a Mars-like analog environment. The flight datasets included different terrain structures that challenged the functionality of VIO algorithms. The experiment has yielded valuable insights into the desired surface structure, texture, and mission times for surface relative navigation of UAV on Mars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general strategy for the determination of Tc oxidation state by new approach involving X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) at the Tc L3 edge is shown. A comprehensive series of 99Tc compounds, ranging from oxidation states I to VII, was measured and subsequently simulated within the framework of crystal-field multiplet theory. The observable trends in the absorption edge energy shift in combination with the spectral shape allow for a deeper understanding of complicated Tc coordination chemistry. This approach can be extended to numerous studies of Tc systems as this method is one of the most sensitive methods for accurate Tc oxidation state and ligand characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]