Axial Lines Research Articles

Flexible, video-rate, and aberration-compensated axial dual-line scanning imaging with field-of-view jointing and stepped remote focusing

Parallel dual-plane imaging with a large axial interval enables the simultaneous observation of biological structures and activities in different views of interest. However, the inflexibility in adjusting the field-of-view (FOV) positions in three dimensions and optical sectioning effects, as well as the relatively small effective axial range limited by spherical aberration, have hindered the application of parallel dual-plane imaging. Herein, we propose a flexible, video-rate, and defocus-aberration-compensated axial dual-line scanning imaging method. We used a stepped mirror to remotely generate and detect dual axial lines with compensation for spherical aberration and FOV-jointing to rearrange into a head-to-head line for high-speed optical sectioning acquisition. The lateral and axial positions of the two FOVs could be flexibly adjusted before and during imaging, respectively. The method also allows the adjustment of optical sectioning effects according to specific experimental requirements. We experimentally verified the consistent imaging performance over an axial range of 300 μm. We demonstrated high throughput by simultaneously imaging Brownian motions in two 250 μm × 250 μm FOVs with axial and lateral intervals of 150 μm and 240 μm, respectively, at 24.5 Hz. We also showed potential application in functional imaging by simultaneously acquiring neural activities in the optic tectum and hindbrain of a zebrafish brain. The proposed method is, thus, advantageous compared to existing parallel dual-plane imaging and potentially facilitates intravital biological study in large axial range.

Optimizing the placement of piezoelectric wafers on closed sections using a genetic algorithm – Towards application in structural health monitoring

Sensor network design is essential to efficiently integrate Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems in aerospace, automotive, and civil structures. This study describes an optimization model for piezoelectric (PZT) wafer placement on curved structures and closed sections.The proposed approach relied on the transformation of any complex/closed surface regardless of the shape of its cross-section into a flat plate and imposed a set of boundary conditions to account for the wave propagation characteristics. Because the structure was continuous and the wave could propagate in every direction, for simplicity and without sacrificing accuracy, our model assumed that a pair of PZT elements communicated information in the two shortest directions. Thus, the concept of having two paths for each PZT couple was introduced to tackle this multidirectional behavior. The plate was then discretized into a set of control points that represented the structure geometry. The PZT couples covered the control points along the line of sight and in the neighborhood of their direct and indirect paths. The objective function was to maximize the number of covered points while minimizing the number of PZT wafers.The proposed model was solved using a genetic algorithm and was validated on circular and square sections. Sensors were spread on the circumference of the structure rather than mounting them in the form of rings or axial lines. The optimized PZT networks had high coverage that reached 99% in simulations. Notably, the optimized model improved the preliminary solution coverage by 14%. Experimental validation was performed on the circular section (pipe). The results demonstrated the proficiency of the developed model in distributing the PZT wafers on closed sections. The coverage was further evaluated by assessing if damaged areas on the pipe surface could be identified. Artificial damage was accurately located within 18 mm from the actual location. These results demonstrate that our model efficiently distributes PZT wafers on closed structures.

A new approach to detecting and designing living structure of urban environments

Sustainable urban design or planning is not a LEGO-like assembly of prefabricated elements, but an embryo-like growth with persistent differentiation and adaptation towards a coherent whole. The coherent whole has a striking character – called living structure – that consists of far more small substructures than large ones. To detect the living structure, natural streets or axial lines have been previously adopted to be topologically represent an urban environment as a coherent whole. This paper develops a new approach to detecting the underlying living structure of urban environments. The approach takes an urban environment as a whole and recursively decomposes it into meaningful subwholes at different levels of hierarchy (or scale) ranging from the largest to the smallest. We compared the new approach to natural street and axial line approaches and demonstrated, through four case studies, that the new approach is better and more powerful. Based on the study, we further discuss how the new approach can be used not only for understanding but also – probably more importanly – for effectively designing or planning an urban environment to be living or more living.

A New Approach to Detecting and Designing Living Structure of Urban Environments

Abstract Sustainable urban design or planning is not a LEGO-like assembly of prefabricated elements, but an embryo-like growth with persistent differentiation and adaptation towards a coherent whole. The coherent whole has a striking character – called living structure – that consists of far more small substructures than large ones. To detect the living structure, natural streets or axial lines have been previously adopted to be topologically represent an urban environment as a coherent whole. This paper develops a new approach to detecting the underlying living structure of urban environments. The approach takes an urban environment as a whole and recursively decomposes it into meaningful subwholes at different levels of hierarchy (or scale) ranging from the largest to the smallest. We compared the new approach to natural street and axial line approaches and demonstrated, through four case studies, that the new approach is better and more powerful. Based on the study, we further discuss how the new approach can be used not only for understanding but also – probably more importanly – for effectively designing or planning an urban environment to be living or more living.

Increases of bioethanol productivity by S. cerevisiae in unconventional bioreactor under ELF-magnetic field: New advances in the biophysical mechanism elucidation on yeasts

The aim of this work was to evaluate the bioethanol productivity in an unconventional bioreactor assisted by extremely low frequency (ELF) - electromagnetic field and elucidate the biophysical mechanism of action by which ELF magnetic fields improve the bioethanol production by S. cerevisiae. Fermentations were carried out under axial field lines at 10 mT magnetic flux density (B), using three different recycling arrangements (spiral-shape tube, u-shape tube and whole bioreactor) in a closed loop. Fermentation kinetics were monitored by cell growth, substrate consumption, ethanol and by-product formation. In addition, electrophysiological measurements of the H+ ion fluxes were carried out in yeast cells sampled at different fermentation stages. ELF magnetic fields increased the glucose uptake, bioethanol production and H+ efflux, shortening in 2 h the fermentation time. The greatest effects of the ELF magnetic fields were obtained in the whole bioreactor arrangement, reaching an average increase of 33% in the bioethanol production. The results are consistent with a stimulatory effect of ELF magnetic fields on the plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity, as indicated by the specific increase of the vanadate-sensitive component of the yeast cells H+ efflux, providing a new biophysical mechanism of action for the biological effect of magnetic fields.

HISTORICAL CITY EVALUATION IN THE CONTEXT OF MORPHOLOGICAL THEORIES (ISTANBUL, LAST OTTOMAN PERIOD)

Introduction: The historical city core of Istanbul developed under the influence of the religions and cultures that were brought in during the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. This study investigates the effect that the 19th-century modernization, urban arrangements, road system changes, and sociocultural textures had on urban morphology on the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul, which had symbolic value. We review the morphology of Istanbul during the 19th century, a historical period when the city was undergoing new development and restructurization. We also develop an analysis methodology in order to examine this process in more detail, by following the methods of the researchers who carried out morphological studies. Purpose of the study and methods: In our research, we apply three different urban morphology methods, examining the development of the city, its effects on the urban tissue, and the newly developed and demolished areas. Firstly, we investigate historical plans in line with the Conzenian method and discover the urban tissue typologies of the historical city by using the Caniggia approach. Furthermore, we use the space syntax method developed by Bill Hillier in order to interpret the changes, differences, and similarities in the urban form, and draw axial lines to illustrate the integration of settlements and street systems shaped in the context of the relationship between people and space. Results: We discover the effects of development practices on the morphological structure of spaces and show how urban forms and cultures intertwine over time.

Визначення кута між осьовими лініями задньої секції шарнірно-зчленованого трактора та причіпної машини під час повороту

Goal of the study is to analyze the change in time of the angle between tractor sections with lateral wheel slip and with different modes of movement of the unit in a turn. To achieve this goal, you must: – analyze the kinematics of turning an articulated tractor with a trailer or a trailed machine and determine the presence of stable and unsteady motion; – to conduct an analytical study of the formation of the values of the angle between the sections of the articulated tractor in time. Research methods. The methodological basis of the work is the generalization and analysis of well-known scientific results on the kinematics of turning a wheeled tractor with an articulated frame, a rational combination of theoretical and experimental research and the use of a systematic approach. The results of the study. The kinematics and traction dynamics of an articulated tractor are considered taking into account the axle wheel slip angles. One of the factors influencing the side slip of the tractor wheels is the pulling force on the hook. The direction of this force when turning is determined by the kinematics of the trailed unit and other parameters. The position of the towed implement depends on the angle between it and the center line of the rear section of the articulated tractor. In the process of studying the angle between the axial lines of the rear section of the articulated tractor and the trailed unit at the turn, three periods were distinguished: the period of entering the turn can be divided into two phases; the period of steady turn, when the tractor and the attached implement move around the center of the turn; and the period of exit from the turn, which is divided into two phases. Conclusions. When carrying out theoretical studies, the dependences of the angle of rotation of the tractor (the angle between the rear section of the tractor and the trailed machine or trailer) were established. The obtained dependences make it possible to determine the direction of the traction force on the hook when turning, which is very important when taking into account the influence of the lateral slip angles of the tractor wheels on the kinematics and traction dynamics.

Comparison of Three Wayfinding Assessment Tools

An early, problematic symptom of aging, exacerbated by cognitive problems such as Alzheimer’s disease, is difficulty finding one’s way. Long term care (LTC) communities are especially challenging for wayfinding. This study compares three different tools to evaluate spatial complexity within eight LTC communities. The tools included computation of space syntax integration values using axial lines to determine how connected wayfinding routes are within the community. The Wayfinding Checklist tool (revised) rates the quality of signage, complexity of a building floor plan, and use of decorative elements. The Calkins Route Assessment tool evaluates route complexity using both plan and vertical visual field information (e.g. presence, location, clarity of signage and cues). The results of the analysis showed that the buildings varied with respect to integration, with some very well integrated floorplans and routes, and some that were very complex, with multiple jogs, turns, and limited integration. The Wayfinding Checklist echoed the variety of complexity of floorplans, but lowered scores for poor existence and design of signage and mostly substandard lighting for visibility. The Calkins Route Assessment tool added greater specificity to the space syntax analysis and Wayfinding Checklist, showing how visual elements (versus just visual access) can compensate for plans with low-integration. These study findings indicate that each tool was valuable for measuring wayfinding complexity, but measured different aspects of building and route complexity. Tools like these can be used to identify challenging wayfinding routes and buildings so that designers and clinicians can improve the overall design for wayfinding.

Combustion of a hydrogen/carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide mixture in hot and diluted streams

This work presents an experimental investigation on the combustion behavior of a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in hot and diluted streams, like those obtain under flameless combustion regimes. A jet in a hot coflow burner was used to carry out the experiments. This burner consists of a central fuel jet surrounded by a combustion products stream, which comes from a premixed flame under lean conditions. In this way, it is possible to obtain high temperature and low oxygen concentration in the jet flame. Here, a mixture of 40% H2, 40% CO and 20% CO was issued through the jet nozzle. This composition corresponds to a renewable fuel known as syngas. Three oxygen composition in the oxidant stream were evaluated: 2.0%, 4.7% and 6.9%. Temperature and species concentration values were measured along axial and radial lines under a fix Reynolds’s number. The results suggest that when oxygen concentration increases, CO and NO emissions of the total process decreases.

Класифікація частково регулярних мікрорельєфів, сформованих на торцевих поверхнях тіл обертання

The aim of the article is to classify partially regular microreliefs that are formed on the end surfaces of rotating bodies. The article analyzes the known classifications of regular microreliefs in scientific publications and regulations. The parameters by which regular microreliefs are classified and their characteristics are analyzed. The lack of information on the classification of partially regular microreliefs formed on the end surfaces of rotating bodies as a new class of microreliefs has been established. The proposed classification reveals a set of options for the implementation of partially regular microreliefs formed on the end surfaces of bodies of rotation and their characteristics. For the first time the classification of partially regular microreliefs that are formed on the end surfaces of rotating bodies is offered, carried out on the basis of features of kinematics of technological process. It c can be a basis for creation of their mathematical models and definition of the relative area of vibro-rolling. Signs of classification are proposed to take: methods of forming a partially regular microrelief; the shape of the centerline of continuous regular micro-irregularities; mutual arrangement of adjacent grooves; mutual placement of axial lines of continuous regular micro-inequalities; groove shapes. Each of these features is divided into certain sub-features, which consist of the corresponding characteristics, which are expressed by the elements of the mode of vibration rolling, the dimensional parameters of the elements of the grooves, their mutual placement. For the first time, analytical dependences were obtained to determine the parameter of partially regular microreliefs classification formed on the end surfaces of rotating bodies by the nature of the change in the radii of the axial lines and their axial steps.

An algorithm to reduce a river network or other graph-like polygon to a set of lines

In many geomorphic applications, it is necessary to reduce a polygon to a set of axial lines. For example, consider a fluvial channel network. On the one hand, this network has a polygonal footprint with reaches of finite width organized into a branching network. On the other hand, measuring the length or sinuosity of these reaches, as examples, requires the reduction of their polygonal footprints to axial lines. Here we present a new algorithm that can objectively reduce a polygon to such a set of axial lines, formally called a skeleton. Across four illustrative test cases, we show that this vector-based algorithm has some advantages over three raster-based algorithms in current geomorphic use because it generates smooth, continuous, well-centered skeletons and supports a useful scale-independent metric for the removal of spurious portions. Skeletons in this algorithm are uniquely constructed using a minimum of two parameters: a sampling interval (similar to a resolution) and a numeric pruning criterion (which determines skeleton complexity). We have implemented the algorithm as a freely available, open-source, GIS-ready Python code package without commercial dependency.

A Linear Programming Method for Finding a Minimal Set of Axial Lines Representing an Entire Geometry of Building and Urban Layout

This paper devises an algorithm for finding the minimal set of axial lines that can represent a geometry of building and urban layout in two dimensions. Although axial lines are useful to analyze spatial configuration in the Space Syntax, existing methods for selecting axial lines seldom address the optimality of their solutions. The proposed algorithm uses linear programming to obtain a minimal set of axial lines. To minimize the number of axial lines that represent the entire geometry of building and urban layout, a linear programming problem is established in which a set of axial lines represents the entire geometry. The axial lines must have at least one intersection with every extension line of the wall edges to the sides of the reflex angles. If a solution to this linear programming problem exists, it will be guaranteed to be an optimum. However, some solutions of this general linear programming problem may include isolated lines, which are undesirable for an axial line analysis. To avoid isolated axial lines, this paper states a new formulation by adding a group of constraints to the original formulation. By examining the modified linear programming problem in various two-dimensional building maps and spatial layouts, this paper demonstrates that the proposed algorithm can guarantee a minimum set of axial lines to represent a two-dimensional geometry. This modified linear programming problem prevents isolated axial lines in the process of axial line reduction.

Constructing a method for the geometrical modeling of the lame superellipses in the oblique coordinate systems

The elliptic curves possess a certain disadvantage related to that at the point of intersection with the coordinate axes the ellipses have tangents perpendicular to these axes. However, such a situation is undesirable for some practical applications of ellipses. It can be prevented by modeling the specified curves in oblique coordinates, which, in turn, are related to a certain original Cartesian coordinate system. The Lame superellipses are understood to be the curves whose equations include the exponents that differ from those inherent in regular ellipses. Variating these exponents can produce a wide range of different curves. This paper has proposed a method for the geometric modeling of superellipses in the oblique coordinate systems. The source data for modeling are the coordinates of the two points with the known angles of the tangent slope. The accepted axes of the oblique coordinate system are the straight lines drawn as follows. Through the first point, a line parallel to the tangent at the second point is built, and at the second point, a line parallel to the tangent at the first point is constructed. It has been shown that these operations could yield the desired values of tangent angles at intersection points of the superellipse with axial lines. It has been proven that the superellipse arc could be drawn through a third given point with the required angle of the tangent; that, however, would require determining the exponents in the superellipse equation by a numerical method. Such a situation occurs, for example, when designing the projected profiles of axial turbine blades. Based on the proposed method of modeling the superellipse curves, a computer code has been developed that could be used in describing the contours of components applied in the technologically complex industries

A new species of Amoria (Gastropoda, Volutidae, Amoriinae) from the mid-east coast of Australia

A new species of Amoria Gray, 1855 (Gastropoda, Volutidae) is described from shells dredged off the Australian mid-east coast (Cape Moreton, Queensland and Tweed Heads, New South Wales). Amoria thorae sp. nov. shows a number of similarities in shell form and/or colour pattern to two other small Amoria, A. necopinata Darragh, 1983 and A. benthalis McMichael, 1964 and to the much larger A. undulata (Lamarck, 1804) but can be readily distinguished from these and all other members of the genus by the combination of small shell size, fusiform shape, high spire, equal-sized thick columellar plaits and a single, large undulation of the axial lines.

Modeling of partially regular microreliefs formed on the end faces of rotation bodies by a vibration method

The scheme of formation of a set of variants of grooves of partially regular microreliefs formed on the end faces of rotation bodies by a vibration method has been developed, and the conditions of their existence have been determined. Using a block approach, mathematical models of partially regular microreliefs have been constructed, which described a set of their variants, taking into account such characteristics as the shape of axial lines of continuous regular microroughness, type, and location of axial symmetry lines of grooves, and groove shape. Using MathCAD software and developed mathematical models, graphic images of partially regular microreliefs were obtained.

Web-building behavior of the odd-clawed spider Progradungula otwayensis (Araneae: Gradungulidae) and implications for the evolution of combing behavior in spiders

This study explores the web-building behavior of Gradungulidae for the first time, using the Otway odd-clawed spider Progradungula otwayensisMilledge, 1997. The web consists of a signal line leading to a retreat, an upper scaffold and a cribellate catching ladder connected to the substrate. The construction sequence and final structure of the catching ladder are highly stereotyped, especially in the initial segments of the cribellate capture thread. Two vertical rail lines—made of thin cribellate silk that is not combed with the calamistrum—are connected by looping segments of combed, much thicker cribellate capture threads. Small juveniles make a relatively larger non-sticky supporting scaffold with some cribellate silk on it. Microscopic analysis of the silk revealed that the cribellate bands have a pair of axial lines and a pair of reserve warps; the cribellate fibrils have nodules. The non-sticky structural lines are made of straight or coiling lines, changing gradually from straight to coiling; each of these structural lines is composed of tightly appressed fibrils, probably associated with the occurrence of multiple ampullate gland spigots. During combing behavior both legs IV are used synchronously. The same combing behavior is performed by the Tasmanian cave spider Hickmania troglodytes (Higgins & Petterd, 1883). We conclude that both type I and type II combing behaviors are monophyletic, although it is unclear which one is ancestral. Given the phylogenetic position of ProgradungulaForster & Gray, 1979, we suggest that the ability to measure with precision and produce repetitive, stereotyped silk structures made of specific silk types may have arisen close to the ancestor of araneomorph spiders.

The Spatial Organization of Ancient Greece Cities, Case study: Priene City from Hellenistic period (Third Century BC)

The city of Priene is one of the most important historical cities and represents a basic reference of the gridiron plans which has applied in many contemporary cities in the world. Priene city was built on the slope of a steep topography with a rigid grid system, this contradiction made the city unique. However, urban studies did not give much attention to the spatial organization of historical cities by quantitative methods. This paper investigates the main planning characteristics and the spatial organization of ancient Greece cities in term of axiality and convexity by generating axial lines of the city. The spiritual and mundane zones such as Agora, Acropolis and other civic buildings were located on the integrated spaces which are directly connected to the city gates. The spatial articulation between the religious and secular spaces was clear to enrich the spatial values of the city. Space syntax analysis has shown a lower degree of axial integration of convex spaces, a high degree of axiality, little deformation of the system, more synchrony, and moderate intelligibility.

Linking properties of an orb-weaving spider's capture thread glycoprotein adhesive and flagelliform fiber components to prey retention time.

An orb web's adhesive capture spiral is responsible for prey retention. This thread is formed of regularly spaced glue droplets supported by two flagelliform axial lines. Each glue droplet features a glycoprotein adhesive core covered by a hygroscopic aqueous layer, which also covers axial lines between the droplets, making the entire thread responsive to environmental humidity.We characterized the effect of relative humidity (RH) on ability of Argiope aurantia and Argiope trifasciata thread arrays to retain houseflies and characterize the effect of humidity on their droplet properties. Using these data and those of Araneus marmoreus from a previous study, we then develop a regression model that correlated glycoprotein and flagelliform fiber properties with prey retention time. The model selection process included newly determined, humidity‐specific Young's modulus and toughness values for the three species' glycoproteins.Argiope aurantia droplets are more hygroscopic than A. trifasciata droplets, causing the glycoprotein within A. aurantia droplets to become oversaturated at RH greater than 55% RH and their extension to decrease, whereas A. trifasciata droplet performance increases to 72% RH. This difference is reflected in species' prey retention times, with that of A. aurantia peaking at 55% RH and that of A. trifasciata at 72% RH.Fly retention time was explained by a regression model of five variables: glue droplet distribution, flagelliform fiber work of extension, glycoprotein volume, glycoprotein thickness, and glycoprotein Young's modulus.The material properties of both glycoprotein and flagelliform fibers appear to be phylogenetically constrained, whereas natural selection can more freely act on the amount of each material invested in a thread and on components of the thread's aqueous layer. Thus, it becomes easier to understand how natural selection can tune the performance of viscous capture threads by directing small changes in these components.

Structural analysis of the elements of Lynch's image of the city based on space syntax

Kevin Lynch, in The Image of the City, studied the mental image of citizens as separate elements, namely nodes, paths, districts, edges and landmarks, without considering the structural relations among them. Redefining these elements in the form of a coherent structure using the descriptors of space syntax theory makes a structural analysis of these elements possible. This study explored the relations between Lynch's elements and the descriptors of space syntax theory. Taking a descriptive–analytical approach, a theoretical framework was proposed following a literature review related to the image of the city and space syntax theory, which was then used to extract the mental image of the citizens of Bojnourd city (located in the North Khorasan province of Iran), with the elements redefined by isovists and axial lines from a structural aspect. The findings of this research demonstrated a close relation between the paths and nodes in the mental image map and the axial lines map of Bojnourd city. Finally, it was concluded that there was a multi-dimensional relation between Lynchian elements and descriptors of space syntax, which could have practical applications in urban development plans.

Eulimacrostoma gen. nov., a new genus of Eulimidae (Gastropoda, Caenogastropoda) with description of a new species and reevaluation of other western Atlantic species

A new genus and a new species of Eulimidae are described based on the shell morphology and on the host-parasite relationship of the type species. Eulimacrostomamicrosculpturata Souza & Pimenta gen. nov. and sp. nov. parasitizes a starfish of the genus Luidia and has an elongated, conical, straight, or slightly curved shell, a protoconch with a brownish spiral band and convex whorls, a peculiar large and broad aperture with a strongly protruding outer lip, and microsculpture of axial lines on the teleoconch. Four other species are included in the genus, all from the western Atlantic: Eulimacrostomachascanon (Watson, 1883), comb. nov., Eulimacrostomafusus (Dall, 1889), comb. nov., Eulimacrostomalutescens (Simone, 2002), comb. nov., and Eulimacrostomapatula (Dall & Simpson, 1901), comb. nov. Newly available material of Eulimacrostomapatula expands the known geographic distribution of this species in the Caribbean to the north coast of Brazil. Eulimacrostomachascanon and Eulimacrostomafusus and Eulimacrostomalutescens are known only by the type series which was re-examined. A redescription is provided for Eulimacrostomachascanon and Eulimacrostomafusus. Species within Eulimacrostoma differ mainly by teleoconch sculpture, the presence or absence of an umbilical fissure, and shell dimensions. Lectotypes are designated for Eulimacrostomachascanon, Eulimacrostomafusus, and Eulimacrostomapatula.