Abstract: Dislocation microstructures have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy in polycrystalline coesite deformed experimentally at 4 GPa, 1200 degrees C. Burgers vectors have been determined by large-angle convergent-beam electron diffraction. Sample orientation was assisted by precession electron diffraction to overcome difficulties arising from pseudo-hexagonal symmetry. The results are explained by using a pseudo-hexagonal setting. We found that most dislocations observed are of the 1/3 < 2 (1) over bar(1) over bar0 > type. No clear glide plane was identified, suggesting that climb is activated under these conditions. This conclusion is supported by the observation of numerous subgrain boundaries. We have also observed some [00011 dislocations. Finally, the C12/cl space group to which coesite belongs being centred, an additional slip system is observed: 1/6[(1) over bar2 (1) over bar3](01 (1) over bar1) (1/2[(1) over bar 10](110) in the monoclinic setting).

Abstract: We present results on model based quantification of electron energy loss spectra (EELS), focusing on the factors that influence accuracy and precision in determining chemical concentrations. Several sources of systematical errors are investigated. The spectrometer entrance aperture determines the collection angle, and the effects of its position with respect to the transmitted beam are investigated, taking into account the diffraction by the crystal structure. The effect of the orientation of the sample is tested experimentally and theoretically on SrTiO3, and finally, a simulated experiment on c-BN at different thicknesses confirms the superior results of the model based method with respect to the conventional method. A test on a set of experimental reference compounds is presented, showing that remarkably good accuracy can be obtained. Recommendations are given to achieve high accuracy and precision in practice. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract: The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in energy-loss magnetic chiral dichroism (EMCD)the equivalent of X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) in the electron microscopeis optimized with respect to the detector shape, size and position. We show that an important increase in SNR over previous experiments can be obtained when taking much larger detector sizes. We determine the ideal shape of the detector but also show that round apertures are a good compromise if placed in their optimal position. We develop the theory for a simple analytical description of the EMCD experiment and then apply it to dynamical multibeam Bloch wave calculations and to an experimental data set. In all cases it is shown that a significant and welcome improvement of the SNR is possible.

Abstract: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is increasingly applied in the respiratory domain. The ability to simulate the flow through a bifurcating tubular system has increased the insight into the internal flow dynamics and the particular characteristics of respiratory flows such as secondary motions and inertial effects. The next step in the evolution is to apply the technique to patient-specific cases, in order to provide more information about pathological airways. This study presents a patient-specific approach where both the geometry and the boundary conditions (BC) are based on individual imaging methods using computed tomography (CT). The internal flow distribution of a 73-year-old female suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is assessed. The validation is performed through the comparison of lung ventilation with gamma scintigraphy. The results show that in order to obtain agreement within the accuracy limits of the gamma scintigraphy scan, both the patient-specific geometry and the BC (driving pressure) play a crucial role. A minimal invasive test (CT scan) supplied enough information to perform an accurate CFD analysis. In the end it was possible to capture the pathological features of the respiratory system using the imaging and computational fluid dynamics techniques. This brings the introduction of this new technique in the clinical practice one step closer.

Abstract: In Flanders (Belgium) there is an obvious lack of clear long-term vision on sustainable development, for society as a whole as well as for the individual sectors of (economic) activity. In this paper we present the first results of a process of vision development for Flemish agriculture, called On tomorrow's grounds. The initiative, taken by Stedula (the Flemish Policy Research Centre for Sustainable Agriculture), shows that discovering core values, stating a concise mission, establishing guiding core principles and working with vivid descriptions of envisaged future systems seem indispensable elements to develop a vision that inspires and mobilizes people and that, eventually, stands a chance of being anchored in the sector's or organisation's culture. The principal method of working of the project was a multi-stakeholder process (MSP) focussed on dialogue. During five extensive stakeholder meetings, representatives of farmers, service industries, food distribution, education, government, research, consumers and NGO's participated in a constructive dialogue on values and mission, principles and two vivid descriptions of envisioned future farms. The concept of the project was welcomed and supported by the Flemish Minister-President and by the Belgian federal state secretary for sustainable development.

Abstract: Mass, major ionic components (MICs) of PM2.5, and related gaseous pollutants (SO2, NOx, NH3, HNO2, and HNO3) were monitored over six locations of different anthropogenic influence (industrial, urban, suburban, and rural) in Belgium. SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, and Na+ were the primary ions of PM2.5 with averages diurnal concentrations ranging from 0.44.5, 0.37.6, 0.94.9, and 0.41.2 µg m-3, respectively. MICs formed 39% of PM2.5 on an average, but it could reach up to 8098%. The SO2, NO, NO2, HNO2, and HNO3 levels showed high seasonal and site-specific fluctuations. The NH3 levels were similar over all the sites (26 µg m-3), indicating its relation to the evenly distributed animal husbandry activities. The sulfur and nitrogen oxidation ratios for PM2.5 point towards a low-to-moderate formation of secondary sulfate and nitrate aerosols over five cities/towns, but their fairly intensive formation over the rural Wingene. Cluster analysis revealed the association of three groups of compounds in PM2.5: (i) NH4NO3, KNO3; (ii) Na2SO4; and (iii) MgCl2, CaCl2, MgF2, CaF2, corresponding to anthropogenic, sea-salt, and mixed (sea-salt + anthropogenic) aerosols, respectively. The neutralization and cation-to-anion ratios indicate that MICs of PM2.5 appeared mostly as (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 salts. Sea-salt input was maximal during winter reaching up to 12% of PM2.5. The overall average Cl-loss for sea-salt particles of PM2.5 at the six sites varied between 69 and 96% with an average of 87%. Principal component analysis revealed vehicular emission, coal/wood burning and animal farming as the dominating sources for the ionic components of PM2.5.