Showing papers by "Technische Universität Darmstadt published in 2001"

Fast ignition by intense laser-accelerated proton beams.

Abstract: The concept of fast ignition with inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is a way to reduce the energy required for ignition and burn and to maximize the gain produced by a single implosion. Based on recent experimental findings at the PETAWATT laser at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, an intense proton beam to achieve fast ignition is proposed. It is produced by direct laser acceleration and focused onto the pellet from the rear side of an irradiated target and can be integrated into a hohlraum for indirect drive ICF.

A Pattern Approach to Interaction Design

Abstract: To create successful interactive systems, user interface designers need to cooperate with developers and application domain experts in an interdisciplinary team. These groups, however, usually miss a common terminology to exchange ideas, opinions, and values.This paper presents an approach that uses pattern languages to capture this knowledge in software development, HCI, and the application domain. A formal, domain-independent definition of design patterns allows for computer support without sacrificing readability, and pattern use is integrated into the usability engineering life cycle.As an example, experience from building an award-winning interactive music exhibit was turned into a pattern language, which was then used to inform follow-up projects and support HCI education.

Experimental observation of the topological structure of exceptional points.

Abstract: We report on a microwave cavity experiment where exceptional points (EPs), which are square root singularities of the eigenvalues as function of a complex interaction parameter, are encircled in the laboratory. The real and imaginary parts of an eigenvalue are given by the frequency and width of a resonance and the eigenvectors by the field distributions. Repulsion of eigenvalues--always associated with EPs--implies frequency anticrossing (crossing) whenever width crossing (anticrossing) is present. The eigenvalues and eigenvectors are interchanged while encircling an EP, but one of the eigenvectors undergoes a sign change which can be discerned in the field patterns.

Generation of 5-fs pulses and octave-spanning spectra directly from a Ti:sapphire laser

Abstract: Spectra extending from 600 to 1200 nm have been generated from a Kerr-lens mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser producing 5-fs pulses. Specially designed double-chirped mirror pairs provide broadband controlled dispersion, and a second intracavity focus in a glass plate provides additional spectral broadening. These spectra are to our knowledge the broadest ever generated directly from a laser oscillator.

An integrated survey of deterministic project scheduling

Abstract: There have been many survey papers in the area of project scheduling in recent years. These papers have primarily emphasized modeling and algorithmic contributions for specific classes of project scheduling problems, such as net present value (NPV) maximization and makespan minimization, with and without resource constraints. Paralleling these developments has been the research in the area of project scheduling decision support, with its emphasis on data sets, data generation methods, and so on, that are essential to benchmark, evaluate, and compare the new models, algorithms and heuristic techniques. These investigations have extended the frontiers of research and application in all areas of project scheduling and management. In this paper, we survey the vast literature in this area with a perspective that integrates models, data, and optimal and heuristic algorithms, for the major classes of project scheduling problems. We also include recent surveys that have compared commercial project scheduling systems. Finally, we present an overview of web-based decision support systems and discuss the potential of this technology in enabling and facilitating researchers and practitioners in identifying new areas of inquiry and application.

Cell Surface Area Regulation and Membrane Tension

Abstract: The beautifully orchestrated regulation of cell shape and volume are central themes in cell biology and physiology. Though it is less well recognized, cell surface area regulation also constitutes a distinct task for cells. Maintaining an appropriate surface area is no automatic side effect of volume regulation or shape change. The issue of surface area regulation (SAR) would be moot if all cells resembled mammalian erythrocytes in being constrained to change shape and volume using existing surface membrane. But these enucleate cells are anomalies, possessing no endomembrane. Most cells use endomembrane to continually rework their plasma membrane, even while maintaining a given size or shape. This membrane traffic is intensively studied, generally with the emphasis on targeting and turnover of proteins and delivery of vesicle contents. But surface area (SA) homeostasis, including the controlled increase or decrease of SA, is another of the outcomes of trafficking. Our principal aims, then, are to highlight SAR as a discrete cellular task and to survey evidence for the idea that membrane tension is central to the task. Cells cannot directly "measure" their volume or SA, yet must regulate both. We posit that a homeostatic relationship exists between plasma membrane tension and plasma membrane area, which implies that cells detect and respond to deviations around a membrane tension set point. Maintenance of membrane strength during membrane turnover, a seldom-addressed aspect of SA dynamics, we examine in the context of SAR. SAR occurs in both animal and plant cells. The review shows the latter to be a continuing source of groundbreaking work on tension-sensitive SAR, but is principally slanted to animal cells.

An integrated survey of deterministic project scheduling

Abstract: There have been many survey papers in the area of project scheduling in recent years. These papers have primarily emphasized modeling and algorithmic contributions for specific classes of project scheduling problems, such as net present value (NPV) maximization and makespan minimization, with and without resource constraints. Paralleling these developments has been the research in the area of project scheduling decision support, with its emphasis on data sets, data generation methods, and so on, that are essential to benchmark, evaluate, and compare the new models, algorithms and heuristic techniques. These investigations have extended the frontiers of research and application in all areas of project scheduling and management. In this paper, we survey the vast literature in this area with a perspective that integrates models, data, and optimal and heuristic algorithms, for the major classes of project scheduling problems. We also include recent surveys that have compared commercial project scheduling systems. Finally, we present an overview of web-based decision support systems and discuss the potential of this technology in enabling and facilitating researchers and practitioners in identifying new areas of inquiry and application.

Visualizing time-series on spirals

Abstract: In this paper, we present a new approach for the visualization of time-series data based on spirals. Different to classical bar charts and line graphs, the spiral is suited to visualize large data sets and supports much better the identification of periodic structures in the data. Moreover, it supports both the visualization of nominal and quantitative data based on a similar visualization metaphor. The extension of the spiral visualization to 3D gives access to concepts for zooming and focusing and linking in the data set. As such, spirals complement other visualization techniques for time series and specifically enhance the identication of periodic patterns.

Chaos Synchronization and Spontaneous Symmetry-Breaking in Symmetrically Delay-Coupled Semiconductor Lasers

Abstract: We present experimental and numerical investigations of the dynamics of two device-identical, optically coupled semiconductor lasers exhibiting a delay in the coupling. Our results give evidence for subnanosecond coupling-induced synchronized chaotic dynamics in conjunction with a spontaneous symmetry-breaking: we find a well-defined time lag between the dynamics of the two lasers, and an asymmetric physical role of the subsystems. We demonstrate that the leading laser synchronizes its lagging counterpart, whereas the synchronized lagging laser drives the coupling-induced instabilities.

Single‐Crystalline Copper Nanowires Produced by Electrochemical Deposition in Polymeric Ion Track Membranes

Abstract: In the recent past, investigations have focused increasingly on confined systems with micrometer and, in particular, nanometer dimensions. Due to their restricted size, these structures exhibit novel physical and chemical properties, and have opened up a large new field of basic research as well as possible applications. Electrochemical deposition is becoming an increasingly attractive method for the synthesis of new materials and nanostructures.

A plasma membrane-bound enzyme of tobacco roots catalyses the formation of nitric oxide from nitrite.

Abstract: Purified plasma membranes (PMs) of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Samsun) roots exhibited a nitrite-reducing enzyme activity that resulted in nitric oxide (NO) formation. This enzyme activity was not detected in soluble protein fractions or in PM vesicles of leaves. At the pH optimum of pH 6.0, nitrite was reduced to NO with reduced cytochrome c as electron donor at a rate comparable to the nitrate-reducing activity of root-specific succinate-dependent PM-bound nitrate reductase (PM-NR). The hitherto unknown PM-bound nitrite: NO-reductase (NI-NOR) was insensitive to cyanide and anti-NR IgG and thereby proven to be different from PM-NR. Furthermore, PM-NR and NI-NOR were separated by gel-filtration chromatography and apparent molecular masses of 310 kDa for NI-NOR and 200 kDa for PM-NR were estimated. The PM-associated NI-NOR may reduce the apoplastic nitrite produced by PM-NR in vivo and may play a role in nitrate signalling via NO formation.

O'Mega: An Optimizing Matrix Element Generator

Abstract: I sketch the architecture of O'Mega, a new optimizing compiler for tree amplitudes in quantum field theory. O'Mega generates the most efficient code currently available for scattering amplitudes for many polarized particles in the standard model. A complete infrastructure for physics beyond the standard model is provided.

Effects of salt treatment and osmotic stress on V-ATPase and V-PPase in leaves of the halophyte Suaeda salsa

Abstract: The Chenopodiaceae Suaeda salsa L. was grown under different salt concentrations and under osmotic stress. The fresh weight was markedly stimulated by 0.1 M NaCl, 0.4 M NaCl and 0.1 M KCl and reduced by osmotic stress (PEG iso-osmotic to 0.1 M NaCl). Treatment with 0.4 M KCl severely damaged the plants. Membrane vesicle fractions containing tonoplast vesicles were isolated by sucrose gradient from leaves of the S. salsa plants and modulations of V-ATPase and V-PPase depending on the growth conditions were determined. Western blot analysis revealed that V-ATPase of S. salsa consists of at least nine subunits (apparent molecular masses 66, 55, 52, 48, 36, 35, 29, 18, and 16 kDa). This polypeptide pattern did not depend on culture conditions. V-PPase is composed of a single polypeptide (69 kDa). An additional polypeptide (54 kDa) was detected in the fractions of NaCl-, KCl- and PEG-treated plants. It turned out that the main strategy of salt-tolerance of S. salsa seems to be an up-regulation of V-ATPase activity, which is required to energize the tonoplast for ion uptake into the vacuole, while V-PPase plays only a minor role. The increase in V-ATPase activity is not obtained by structural changes of the enzyme, but by an increase in V-ATPase protein amount.

Weighted Extended B-Spline Approximation of Dirichlet Problems

Abstract: We describe a new finite element method which uses weighted extended B-splines on a regular grid as basis functions for solving Dirichlet problems on bounded domains in arbitrary dimensions. This web-method does not require any grid generation and can be implemented very efficiently. It yields smooth, high order accurate approximations with relatively low dimensional subspaces.

Introduction to Model Based Optimization of Chemical Processes on Moving Horizons

Abstract: Dynamic optimization problems are typically quite challenging for large-scale applications. Even more challenging are on-line applications with demanding real-time constraints. This contribution provides a concise introduction into problem formulation and standard numerical techniques commonly found in the context of moving horizon optimization using nonlinear differential algebraic process models.

Evidence for a Soft Nuclear Equation-of-State from Kaon Production in Heavy-Ion Collisions

Abstract: The production of pions and kaons has been measured in ${}^{197}\mathrm{Au}{+}^{197}\mathrm{Au}$ collisions at beam energies from 0.6 to $1.5A\mathrm{GeV}$ with the kaon spectrometer at SIS/GSI. The ${K}^{+}$ meson multiplicity per nucleon is enhanced in $\mathrm{Au}+\mathrm{Au}$ collisions by factors up to 6 relative to $\mathrm{C}+\mathrm{C}$ reactions, whereas the corresponding pion ratio is reduced. The ratio of the ${K}^{+}$ meson excitation functions for $\mathrm{Au}+\mathrm{Au}$ and $\mathrm{C}+\mathrm{C}$ collisions increases with decreasing beam energy. This behavior is expected for a soft nuclear equation-of-state.

Evolution of the bilaterian larval foregut

Abstract: Bilateria are subdivided into Protostomia and Deuterostomia. Indirect development through primary, ciliary larvae occurs in both of these branches; however, the closing blastopore develops into mouth and anus in Protostomia and into anus only in Deuterostomia. Because of this important difference in larval gut ontogeny, the tube-shaped guts in protostome and deuterostome primary larvae are thought to have evolved independently. To test this hypothesis, we have analysed the expression of brachyury, otx and goosecoid homologues in the polychaete Platynereis dumerilii, which develops by means of a trochophora larva-the primary, ciliary larva prototypic for Protostomia. Here we show that brachyury expression in the ventral portion of the developing foregut in Platynereis and also otx expression along ciliated bands in the mouth region of the trochophora larva parallels expression in primary larvae in Deuterostomia. In addition, goosecoid expression in the foregut of Platynereis mirrors the function in higher Deuterostomia. We present molecular evidence for the evolutionary conservation of larval foreguts and mouth regions of Protostomia and Deuterostomia. Our data indicate that Urbilateria, the common bilaterian ancestors, developed through a primary, ciliary larva that already possessed a tripartite tube-shaped gut.

Discrete Electromagnetism With the Finite Integration Technique - Abstract

Abstract: The Finite Integration Technique (FIT) is a consistent discretization scheme for Maxwell's equations in their integral form. The resulting matrix equations of the discretized fields can be used for efficient numerical simulations on modern computers. In addition, the basic algebraic properties of this discrete electromagnetic field theory allow to analytically and algebraically prove conservation properties with respect to energy and charge of the discrete formulation and gives an explanation of the stability properties of numerical time domain formulations.

Dynamics of semiconductor lasers subject to delayed optical feedback: the short cavity regime.

Abstract: We give experimental and numerical evidence for a new dynamical regime in the operation of semiconductor lasers subject to delayed optical feedback occurring for short delay times. This short cavity regime is dominated by a striking dynamical phenomenon: regular pulse packages forming a robust low-frequency state with underlying fast, regular intensity pulsations. We demonstrate that these regular pulse packages correspond to trajectories moving on global orbits comprising several destabilized fixed points within the complicated phase space structure of this delay system.

Shear correction factors in Timoshenko's beam theory for arbitrary shaped cross-sections

Abstract: In this paper shear correction factors for arbitrary shaped beam cross-sections are calculated. Based on the equations of linear elasticity and further assumptions for the stress field the boundary value problem and a variational formulation are developed. The shear stresses are obtained from derivatives of the warping function. The developed element formulation can easily be implemented in a standard finite element program. Continuity conditions which occur for multiple connected domains are automatically fulfilled.

Algorithms for Multi-exponentiation

Abstract: This paper compares different approaches for computing power products Π1≤i≤k giei in commutative groups. We look at the conventional simultaneous exponentiation approach and present an alternative strategy, interleaving exponentiation. Our comparison shows that in general groups, sometimes the conventional method and sometimes interleaving exponentiation is more efficient. In groups where inverting elements is easy (e.g. elliptic curves), interleaving exponentiation with signed exponent recoding usually wins over the conventional method.

Zeosil Nanoslabs: Building Blocks in nPr 4 N + -Mediated Synthesis of MFI Zeolite.

Abstract: Tetrapropylammonium (TPA)-containing precursors are the building blocks in the crystallization of silica In the first steps slab-shaped silicalite nanoparticles are formed by ordered combination of the precursors These nanoslabs have MFI-type zeolite framework topology and play a key role in TPA-ion-mediated zeolite crystallization from monomeric and polymeric silica sources