Lower Row Research Articles

Sphyrna alleni sp. nov., a new hammerhead shark (Carcharhiniformes, Sphyrnidae) from the Caribbean and the Southwest Atlantic.

Hammerhead sharks (Family Sphyrnidae) comprise a monophyletic Miocene radiation of carcharhiniform sharks characterized by their laterally expanded and dorsoventrally compressed head ('cephalofoil'). The bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo) is currently described as a single amphi-American hammerhead species composed of the subspecies Sphyrna tiburo tiburo in the Western Atlantic Ocean (WA) and S. tiburo vespertina in the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EP). Variation in mitochondrial DNA and cephalofoil shape suggest a species complex, with S. tiburo occurring in the U.S., Mexico, and Bahamas; S. aff. tiburo occurring from Belize to Brazil; and S. vespertina occurring in the EP. Morphometric, meristic, and genetic variation was used to resolve the bonnethead shark complex in the Western Atlantic. Twenty-three specimens (12 S. aff. tiburo from Belize and 11 S. tiburo from U.S.) were subject to sixty-one morphometric measurements and three meristic characters (counts of the number of precaudal vertebrae, lower and upper rows of functional teeth). An allometric formula was used to standardize any effect caused by differences in size of the individuals and data were analyzed with univariate and multivariate statistics. Sphyrna aff. tiburo and S. tiburo have non-overlapping vertebral counts (80-83 and 71-74 respectively) but no morphometric differences were detected. Although not captured in morphometric analysis, the cephalofoil of S. aff. tiburo has a more pointed anterior margin than S. tiburo that together with lobule shaped posterior margins gives the cephalofoil a distinctive shovel-shaped appearance. Concatenated mitochondrial sequences and 12 nuclear microsatellite markers clearly separated S. aff. tiburo and S. tiburo. We conclude that this complex comprises two species in the Western Atlantic, S. tiburo and S. alleni sp. nov., and we provide a description of the latter, which is distinguished by precaudal vertebral counts (80-83), a shovel-shaped cephalofoil with rounded posterior margins, and robust differences in mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers. We suggest nuclear genetic and meristic examination of EP bonnetheads is needed to update the taxonomical status and redescribe S. vespertina.

CFD Analysis of Aerodynamic Characteristics in a Square-Shaped Swarm Formation of Four Quadcopter UAVs

The aerodynamic behavior of a square-shaped formation of four quadcopter UAVs flying in a swarm is investigated in detail through three-dimensional computer simulations utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodology. The swarm configuration comprises four UAVs positioned with two in the upper row and two in the lower row along the same propeller axes. The flow profile generated by the UAV propellers rotating at 10,000 revolutions per minute is analyzed parametrically using the Multiple Reference Frame (MRF) technique. UAVs within the swarm are positioned at 75 cm from the motion centers of adjacent propellers. This distance, the effects of horizontally and vertically positioned UAVs on each other, and the collective behavior of the swarm are thoroughly examined. Pressure, velocity, and turbulent kinetic energy values are meticulously analyzed. This research represents a milestone in understanding the aerodynamic characteristics of UAV swarms and the optimization of swarm performance. The findings highlight effective factors in swarm flights and their consequences for UAVs. Additionally, the article describes the “near-UAV phenomenon”. Furthermore, the methodology developed for CFD simulations provides an approach to analyzing close flight scenarios and evaluating their performance in various swarm configurations. These achievements contribute to the future development of UAV technology.

Variable-spectrum mode control of high poloidal beta discharges

DIII-D experiments demonstrate that high pressure, broad current profile equilibria can be accessed in the high poloidal beta regime by optimizing the MHD mode control poloidal spectrum. A novel, variable spectrum (VS) magnetic feedback scheme implemented using the DIII-D internal non-axisymmetric coils (I-coils) facilitated access to reduced internal inductance ℓi operation above the no-wall beta limit compared with both no feedback and fixed spectrum feedback. In addition, the VS feedback helped avoid beta collapses caused by marginally unstable resistive wall mode activity. The lower and upper I-coil rows were configured in two independent feedback loops, allowing the feedback field’s poloidal spectrum to vary and track changes in the plasma mode structure as the edge safety factor q 95 varied from 11 to 6 during the discharges. The q 95 dependence of the measured phase difference between the lower and upper I-coil rows during VS feedback is qualitatively compatible with ideal MHD simulations of the least-stable plasma kink mode and with plasma response simulations that included kinetic modifications to ideal MHD. The VS feedback approach is a straightforward way to improve resilience to variations in mode structure that occur as plasma parameters change. The demonstrated expansion of the operating space to lower ℓi is expected to improve the coupling of the plasma kink mode to external fields and beneficial wall eddy currents, and is compatible with high bootstrap fraction operation.

Procedural safety and outcome of additional left atrial posterior wall ablation using pulse field ablation for atrial fibrillation

Abstract Introduction Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has recently been shown to be comparable to radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation in terms of acute safety and outcome for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Efficacy and safety of additional left atrial posterior wall ablation (LAPWA) is unknown. We hereby report safety profile and short-term success at 6 months. Methods Consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation who underwent PFA were included. Procedures were performed under conscious sedation or general anaesthesia, with or without intracardiac echocardiography/ pre- or post-ablation electroanatomic mapping at the operators’ discretion. Safety endpoints included all-cause death within 30 days, cardiac tamponade, stroke/ TIA, MI, diaphragmatic paralysis, AE fistula. Primary efficacy endpoint was arrhythmia recurrence after 90 days blanking period at 6 months. LAPWA was performed using 2.0 kV biphasic waveforms, 2 deliveries for each application site. The lesion set depended on the patient’s AF ablation history, LA size, and anatomy. After LA mapping post PVI (index or re-do), 2 anchor lesions per vein extending to the LAPW were deployed. A lesion set was then performed between the anchor lesions on the LAPW (upper and lower row) with the catheter in a flower configuration and the intention of 50% overlap for the neighbouring application sites at 3D EAM. Results Seventy-two (76% males) patients underwent PFA for AF, 55 (76.4%) were paroxysmal and 4 (5.6%) were redo cases. 19 (72%) underwent additional LAPWA. LAPWA was more likely performed in patients with persistent AF (57.9% vs 11.3%, p<0.001), require GA (p=0.043), with 100% EAM use (p=0.026). While total PFA applications was expectedly higher in the LAPWA group (65.7 ± 12.4 vs 42.9 ± 9.0, p<0.001), there were no significant differences in PFA dwell time in LA (44.2 ± 14.8 vs 42.3 ± 15.5min, p=0.628), procedural time (121.3 ± 43.8 vs 119.2 ± 49.4min, p=0.866) and fluoroscopic dose, AK (130 ± 107 vs 139 ± 102mGy, p=0.748). Average number of applications required for LAPW was 18 applications. LAPW isolation was acutely successful in all 19 patients on EAM. There were 6 inpatient complications of which all happened in the non-LAPWA group and unrelated to PFA. Arrhythmia recurrence was comparable at 6 months (11.1% vs 8.9%, p=1.00). Conclusion Additional LAPWA on top of PVI using PFA is safe with excellent acute isolation of posterior wall and does not increase procedural nor fluoroscopic duration. Short term outcome appears comparable and LAPWA may be useful especially in patients with persistent AF who may not be able to tolerate long procedures but will benefit from durable rhythm control.

On the last European giraffe,Palaeotragus inexspectatus(Mammalia: Giraffidae); new remains from the Early Pleistocene of Greece and a review of the species

AbstractEurasian Giraffidae went through a drastic biodiversity decline after the Miocene–Pliocene boundary; scanty palaeotragine populations are likely to have survived in Central Asia, providing the necessary stock for a Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene expansion from Central Asia to Spain and from the Mediterranean to southern Russia. Here, we describe new giraffid findings from the Greek middle Villafranchian faunas of Dafnero-3 and Volax and from the late Villafranchian faunas of Tsiotra Vryssi and Krimni-3, and we revise previous material from Dafnero-1. Our results support the synonymy of almost all the Villafranchian Eurasian giraffids under a single species of Palaeotragus, i.e. Palaeotragus inexspectatus, and allow us to improve its diagnosis. The orientation of the ossicones and the relative shortening of the lower premolar row might indicate affinities to some Late Miocene–Pliocene Palaeotragus from China. Our study suggests that P. inexspectatus was equally abundant at MNQ17 and MNQ18 in the Eastern Mediterranean and that its extinction after MNQ19 was probably attributable to the combination of the climatic and environmental turnover at the Villafranchian–Epivillafranchian boundary, along with the competition with emerging ruminant groups, such as giant cervids. A preliminary analysis of its palaeoecology suggests a giraffid more involved in grazing than its Late Miocene relatives.

Optimisation of Supports’ Position for a Reinforced Concrete Slab of Arbitrary Geometry

Introduction. A number of research held in recent years on rational design of buildings and structures built for different purposes study the rational position of the vertical members — columns or supports. However, the majority of up-to-date research and publications focus on elucidating the rational position of the supports in the context of improving the efficiency of the beams. Whereas the behaviour of the reinforced concrete slabs affected by changing the position of the supports is not covered well enough in the modern research. The present study is targeted exactly at revealing the behaviour of the reinforced concrete slab structures of a building in case of varying position of the main supports.Materials and methods. During the present numerical experiment, a reinforced concrete slab of arbitrary geometry with the given thickness h, the concrete grade with the respective properties and the reinforcement possessing the properties according to its class, has been investigated. Additionally, it was decided to set the distance magnitudes from the centers of gravity of the upper and lower row of reinforcement to the bottom and top surface of the slab 𝑎𝑥, 𝑎′𝑥, 𝑎𝑦, 𝑎′𝑦. The number of columns n was set for the slab. It was considered that the number of columns was known, but their position could change. Moreover, among the total number of columns, there were distinguished the certain ones having the definite (constant) position, whereas the remaining supports could change their position within the slab area. Bearing in mind the above, the researchers were to solve the problem of rational position of the moveable columns.Results. This paper presents the results of the numerical experiment on identifying the most optimal (rational) position of the reinforced concrete columns supporting a slab of the arbitrary geometry. Based on the several parameters at once, such as deflection, potential strain energy and consumption of the reinforcement products, the analysis of the rational position of the supports under the slab was made and functional dependences on changing the above mentioned parameters have been presented in the work.Discussion and conclusion. Based on the results obtained in the numerical experiment, the analysis of the behaviour of the reinforced concrete slabs of a set thickness upon changing the position of the supports under the slab was made and the changes of the slab operational parameters were analysed and compiled into the functional dependences.

Оцінка якості гігієнічного догляду за порожниною рота у дітей з вродженими незрощеннями губи та піднебіння у процесі ортодонтичного лікування

Introduction. Systematic monitoring of the of oral hygiene and professional hygiene with the use of modern, individually selected basic and additional hygiene products and items during orthodontic treatment is a mandatory component of the comprehensive rehabilitation of children with congenital cleft lip and palate (CLP). The aim: to evaluate the quality of individual oral hygiene care of children with congenital unilateral cleft lip and palate in the course of orthodontic treatment in the period of transitional dentition. Materials and methods. The determination of the hygienic condition of the oral cavity in the course of orthodontic treatment was done using the «Differentiated index for determining the indicator of individual oral hygiene, adjusted to take into account the different quality of hygiene on the upper and lower dental rows (DIOH). Results and their discussion. Prevention of diseases of hard tissues of teeth and periodontal tissues in children is important from birth and is especially necessary in the course of orthodontic treatment using removable and fixed orthodontic designs. Children with CLP have an increased risk of developing dental caries for a variety of reasons. Differential examination of the state of dental hygiene on the upper and lower jaws allows giving more targeted recommendations regarding oral hygiene, i.e. personify them. Conclusions. The use of hygiene indices, in particular those that reflect the difference between the level of hygiene on the jaw where the orthodontic appliance is placed and where it is absent, is appropriate for assessing the state of oral hygiene in children with dentognathic anomalies and providing recommendations for its improvement. Key words: congenital unilateral cleft lip and palate, hygiene index, prevention, diseases of hard tissues of teeth and periodontal tissues.

Spatial gradients of gene expression, amyloid PET and functional connectome for predicting regional rates of tau‐PET increase: towards tau‐PET outcome ROIs in clinical trials.

AbstractBackgroundIn clinical trials, an important question is which brain regions show high tau accumulation within 1‐2 years. Building upon our previous epicenter‐connectivity‐based distance model for predicting the progression of tau‐PET accumulation from initial seed regions of high tau (epicenters) to other regions (Franzmeier et al. Sci Adv. 2020), we incorporate here epicenter‐based distance within spatial gradients of gene expression and amyloid‐PET to enhance the predictive power.MethodWe included 351 participants encompassing Ab(+) non‐demented subjects (controls & MCI), characterized by cross‐sectional 11‐F florbetaben amyloid‐PET and longitudinal 11‐F flortaucipir tau‐PET (longitudinal, n = 172, mean/range = 1,7 yrs (0.7 – 5.2 yrs)) from ADNI. For transcriptomic gene expression maps obtained from the Allen Human Brain Atlas, we computed for each of the 18,686 genes maps spatial correlations with the average tau‐PET map in a randomly selected training sample (n = 106), and retained the top 5% of positively/inversely tau‐correlating gene maps. For each imaging modality, spatial gradients were subsequently computed across amyloid‐PET scans in the training sample, the subset of gene expression maps, and functional connectivity (FC) matrices from Human Connectome project. In the test sample (n = 245), tau‐PET epicenters at baseline (Franzmeier et al. Sci Adv 2020) were projected onto the gradient maps and epicenter‐based gradient distance was computed. In step‐wise spatial regression analyses, we tested which gradient distances predicted the spatial patterns of cross‐sectional and longitudinal tau‐PET accumulation, accounting for spatial autocorrelations.ResultFor cross‐sectional tau‐PET (Fig. 1A), a total of 54.6% (p < 0.0001) of the spatial tau pattern could be explained, where an amyloid‐PET gradients and a FC gradient (spanning the transmodal axis from primary sensory to DMN regions) showed the strongest effects (Fig. 2, upper row & Fig. 3A). For longitudinal tau‐PET (Fig. 1B), a total of 47.8% (p < 0.0001) of tau increases could be explained, where gene‐expression gradients showed the strongest effects (Fig. 2 lower row & Fig. 3B).ConclusionEpicenter‐based gradient distances of connectivity and molecular brain properties show additive, high predictive accuracy for predicting regions of high future tau‐accumulation, providing an attractive approach to define tau‐PET outcome ROIs in clinical trials.

Refining a tabular method for assessing the fire resistance of reinforced concrete structures

This paper reports the analysis of fire resistance assessment methods of building structures. Based on the results, it was established that conducting fire tests is not expedient and harmful to the environment. The use of estimation fire resistance assessment methods for reinforced concrete staircases is not considered possible due to the lack of appropriate tables with fire resistance classes for the tabular method. The use of the estimation zone method is also impossible because of the lack of temperature nomograms of temperature distribution during exposure to the standard fire temperature regime. There are also no described procedures for applying the estimation refined method for reinforced concrete staircases. So, using mathematical models, the existing type of reinforced concrete staircase was reproduced. Employing the finite-element method, the behavior of reinforced concrete stairwells under the influence of fire was investigated. Based on the results of these experiments, it was analyzed which structural geometric parameters of reinforced concrete stairwells have the greatest influence on their fire resistance. In this way, three independent, most significant geometric parameters of reinforced concrete stairwells were established – the height of the solid base, the thickness of the protective layer of the lower row of reinforcing bars, and the length of the span. Therefore, the ranges of the most significant structural geometric parameters of reinforced concrete stairwells were used to build a regression dependence of the fire resistance limit on these parameters in order to design a full factorial numerical experiment. After proving the adequacy of the results obtained according to the regression dependence, tables were constructed with the geometric parameters of reinforced concrete stairwells to determine the compliance of these structures with the required fire resistance class. The use of these tables will make it possible to reduce the risks of threats to human life and health during a fire by determining the possibility of using these structures with a guaranteed fire resistance class during design

Comprehensive Improvement and Application of Copper Row Chain System of TOBSPIN Tobacco Cutter

In order to solve the problem of abnormal wear of the lower copper row chain of TOBSPIN tobacco cutter, the working principle of the compaction unit of the wire-cutting machine was analyzed. Comprehensive improvements were made to the lower copper row chain system, which effectively reduced the wear on both sides of the copper row chain and prolonged the usage time of the copper row chain. Tested with TOBSPIN shredder used by Ningbo Cigarette Factory, the results showed that the wear speed of the improved copper exhaust chain was reduced from 2.62 mm / 800 h to 0.85 mm / 800 h, down by 67.6%. This method can support improving the service life of TOBSPIN tobacco cutters.

Identification of species of the genus Sylvaemus of northeastern Ukraine by metric characters

The reliable identification of representatives of the genus Sylvaemus is compli-cated by the huge coincidence of external and metrical characters, as well as by the fact that in most of their range, mice are in conditions of sympatry or even syntopy Moreover, identification is complicated by opposite clinal variability in size and geographic variability in fur colouration. The species are also similar in karyotypes, so their reliable identification is usually possible only based on biochemical or molecular analysis. The craniological collection of small mam-mals of O. V. Zorya and collection specimens of the Museum of Nature of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University were studied. In total, 436 speci-mens of three species of the genus Sylvaemus were analysed: Sylvaemus ura-lensis, Sylvaemus sylvaticus, and Sylvaemus tauricus. Analysed were 14 odon-tometric and 23 craniological characters. Among the metric characters, three odontometrical—width of first upper molar (WM1), length of second lower molar (LM2), length of lower molar row (LM123)—and seven craniometrical characters—length of first upper molar (LM1), length of foramen incisivum (LFI), length of upper molar row (LUM), width of choana (WCH), height of skull including bulla tympanica (HBCB), length of lower molar row (LLM), length of mandible (LM)—made the greatest contribution to the differentiation of mice of the genus Sylvaemus. Width of first upper molar (WM1), length of first lower molar (LM1), length of second lower molar (LM2), length of brain-case (LBC), least interorbital constriction (LIOC), width of braincase (WBC), distance between incisor and M3 (LIM3), length of upper molar row (LUM), condylobasal length of skull (CBL), palatal length (LPP), greatest length of skull (GLS), and length of lower molar row (LLM) are the least variable metric char-acters. Scatterplots linking LLM/CBL, LUM/CBL, and LUM/GLS appeared to be the most suitable for differentiating the specimens, with minimal overlap of species in the morphospace. In north-eastern Ukraine, the best distribution of mice of the genus Sylvaemus was obtained as a result of the analysis based on both odontometrical and craniological characters, when the correctness of the classification was 100%.

Toroidal modeling of plasma flow damping and density pump-out by RMP during ELM mitigation in HL-2A

Reduction of both the plasma density and toroidal flow speed, due to application of the predominantly n = 1 (n is the toroidal mode number) resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) for controlling the edge localized mode in the HL-2A tokamak, is numerically investigated utilizing the quasi-linear initial-value code MARS-Q (Liu et al 2013 Phys. Plasmas 20 042503). Simulation results reveal that the neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) due to three dimensional fields plays the key role in modifying the plasma momentum and particle transport in the HL-2A discharge. By comparing the modeling results with the measured density pump-out in the experiment, the electron NTV particle flux model, in combination with the free-boundary condition for the axisymmetric change of the density at the plasma edge, is found to yield the best agreement in terms of both the pump-out level and the overall time scale. Further sensitivity studies show that the simulated density pump-out level is reasonably robust against variations in the model assumptions, including the particle diffusion model and the non-ambipolar versus ambipolar NTV particle flux. The latter however affects the time scale for reaching the steady state solution. Finally, it is found that the plasma edge-peeling response, the NTV torque, as well as the plasma momentum and particle transport, all are sensitive to the toroidal phase difference between the upper and lower rows of the RMP coil currents in HL-2A, with the 30∘ coil phasing producing the minimal side effects on the plasma.

Study on the new dental material of Palaeotragus from the Late Miocene of Linxia Basin (Gansu, China)

ABSTRACT Palaeotragus is a common genus of the Giraffidae that was widely distributed in the Neogene strata of Eurasia. Early studies usually placed small giraffids in the Palaeotragus clade, leading to considerable controversy over the validity and systematic classification of this genus. Palaeotragus microdon and Palaeotragus cf. coelophrys are two representative species of Palaeotragus in China, their dental specimens are mainly distinguished by size, causing problems in their actual identification. In this study, several mandibles of a small giraffid found in Linxia Basin, Gansu Province, China (MN 10–13), are studied and identified as Palaeotragus cf. coelophrys. Based on a detailed comparison, the size and morphological variability of the Chinese Palaeotragus dental material are discussed, as well as the validity of the two species and the validity of other Eurasian Palaeotragus. This study reveals that the Chinese Palaeotragus has a continuous sequence of size variability and premolar features, which is insufficient to separate the mandible of the two species. In addition, the type species P. rouenii can be clearly distinguished from the Chinese Palaeotragus by the relatively long lower premolar row, possibly due to the difference in feeding habits. The holotype of P. coelophrys is closely related to Chinese Palaeotragus, while the P. coelophrys mandible from Maragheh (MMTT37 2517) should belong to different species.

Measuring device for systems of technical vibro-diagnosis of power equipment

RELEVANCE. Among the various methods for assessing the technical condition of power equipment, vibration diagnostics occupies an important place. Therefore, improving the quality of hardware for vibration diagnostics is currently extremely important. THE PURPOSE. To develop a vibration sensor with a new principle of operation for systems of technical vibration diagnostics of power equipment, as well as to theoretically substantiate the performance of the proposed sensor. METHODS. When solving the set goal, the main provisions of the theory of vibration diagnostics were applied. RESULTS. A design of the vibration acceleration sensor has been developed, the peculiarity of which is that it is excited by means of constructive coupling capacitors, the first electrode of which is made in the form of a thin-walled metal split cylinder, the role of the second electrodes is performed by the lower row of the winding of each measuring coil, and the function of the inertial element is performed by a screen made in the form of a metal ring fixed on a suspension in the form of a membrane. Based on the electrical equivalent circuit of the sensor, a theoretical substantiation of its operability and efficiency was made. Variants of circuit solutions for the primary and secondary measuring transducers of the measuring device for vibration diagnostics systems have been developed. The primary measuring transducer contains directly a vibration displacement sensor, a sinusoidal voltage source, an input differential measuring amplifier and an analog filter containing a narrow-band filter, a broadband amplifier and a buffer amplifier. The secondary measuring transducer contains a quadrature detector of information signals, an output buffer amplifier and a quadrature reference voltage driver. A block diagram of the hardware solution for the vibration acceleration registration system is also proposed. CONCLUSION. The developed sensor has improved output characteristics and can be used not only for vibration control of power equipment, but also for measuring mechanical vibrations in technical diagnostic systems of various other machines and mechanisms, as well as for tasks of spectral seismic exploration.

On the Origins of the Récades of the Kings of Dahomey

On the Origins of the <i>Récades</i> of the Kings of Dahomey

Resonant mode effects on rotation braking induced by n = 1 resonant magnetic perturbations in the EAST tokamak

The spectrum effects on toroidal rotation braking, induced by n = 1 resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) in the discharges with and , are studied in the EAST tokamak. Here n is the toroidal mode number, RMP spectrum is varied by scanning , the phase difference between the upper and lower rows of RMP coils. The toroidal rotation changes periodically with the periodic scanning and such an effect is stronger in the discharge with lower . The spectrum dependence of the neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) torque, modeled by NTVTOK based on the magnetic perturbation obtained from MARS-F calculation, agrees well with that of the experimentally observed braking torques in both discharges. The modeled NTV torque is stronger in the discharge with lower q 95, which also agrees with the observations. The comparisons between the spectrum dependence of the NTV and magnetic perturbations show that the resonant mode of magnetic perturbations near the plasma edge mainly contribute the NTV torque. These agreements between modeling and experiments highlight the capability of NTV theory in explaining the experimental observation in the EAST tokamak.

High‐fidelity random fiber distribution algorithm based on fiber spreading process

AbstractThe performance of fiber‐reinforced composites is not only determined by their constituents, but also by the spatial distribution of inclusions. The traditional random distribution algorithm only considers the randomness of its relative position, and every newly generated fiber has to be checked with all the existing fibers, which requires a large amount of calculation. In this paper, inspired by the spreading process that the fibers are not arranged randomly, but the forces acting on the upper and lower rows of fibers. A random fiber distribution algorithm based on partition randomness is proposed, and a microscopic model of in‐plane fibers with random distribution is established. The maximum volume fraction of fibers generated by the algorithm is 75%, and the generation time is less than 20s. Statistical characterization and finite element analysis of the structure generated by the algorithm are compared with the experimental data to verify the randomness and effectiveness of fibers. The algorithm overcomes the jamming limit of the traditional hard‐core method, and can efficiently generate random microstructure models with different volume fractions, which can be a promising alternative for modeling and analysis of unidirectional fiber‐reinforced composites.

Influence of solar radiation on the surface loss of the painted statues in Grotto No. 3 of Maijishan Grottoes, China

The embedded hygrothermal environment of cultural heritages (solar radiation, temperature, humidity, etc.) plays a significant role in their conservation and survival, especially in the case of outdoor ones. The surface loss of painted statues is often related to fluctuations in the surface temperature caused by the ever-changing solar radiation; however, the quantitative relationship between them remains unclear. To clarify, in this paper, hygrothermal monitoring and numerical simulation were conducted on painted statues with an age of over 1400 years in the World Heritage Maijishan Grottoes. The results showed that the ruined eaves have led to significant differences in solar radiation intensity and surface temperature between the upper and lower statues, with maximum values of 598.7 W/m2 and 13.6 °C, respectively, corresponding to surface loss rates of nearly 15% and 50%. Under the influence of direct insolation, the thermal stress on the statue surface increased with decreasing height, resulting in a difference of 10.8 kPa between the highest and lowest points. Taking the tensile strength of clay (10 kPa) as a threshold of thermal stress, the yearly number of events exceeding this threshold at the upper and lower rows were 2819 and 3173, respectively. Overall, direct insolation has a significant effect on the temperature changes on painted statue surfaces, thus leading to greater thermal stress and greater degrees of surface loss. For heritages in open or semi-open environments, it is necessary and effective to evaluate their preservation conditions based on the threshold and then propose suitable conservation methods for preventive protection.

Issue Information

Phycological ResearchVolume 71, Issue 2 p. 75-76 Issue InformationFree Access Issue Information First published: 03 April 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/pre.12493AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Abstract A tidal pool dinoflagellate, Chiharadinium hexapraecingulum (T. Horiguchi & Chihara) Dawut & T. Horiguchi gen. & comb. nov. Upper row: Light micrographs of lateral view, ventral view, epifluorescence micrograph of motile cells and scanning electron micrograph of apical view of a cell. Lower row: Scanning electron micrographs of ventral view, left lateral view and antapical view of motile cells. Establishment of a new genus Chiharadinium is reported by Dawut et al. in this issue. Volume71, Issue2April 2023Pages 75-76 RelatedInformation

Development of the Iconography of Maitreya Preaching in Tuṣita Heaven and Pensive Image as Heavenly Multitude through the Northern Route

The iconography of Maitreya preaching in Tuṣita Heaven illustrates the contents of Foshuoguan Milepusa Shangsheng Doushuaitian jing(hereafter, Shangsheng jing) in which Maitreya, who was promised that he will attain Buddhahood after Sakyamuni’s nirvana, preaches in Tuṣita Heaven. It originated from Gandhara region that includes Kapisa and was introduced to Central Asia and China by the Northern Route. In the Kizil Caves, there are Maitreya images sitting cross-legged and preaching to the heavenly multitude. Compared to the examples found in the Gandhara region, the heavenly multitudes here are depicted with increased importance. Moreover, the multitudes seating cross-legged or with two feet drawn together in the art of Gandhara region became pensive bodhisattvas in the Kizil Caves, and those in the lower rows in the cave also seem to represent the pensive multitude mentioned in Shangsheng jing. As the iconography was introduced to China, the heavenly multitude who stood with attending bodhisattvas were reduced in size whereas images of Maitreya became more dominant. The fact that cross-legged Maitreya is usually attended by pensive bodhisattvas to form a triad shows that the Chinese perception of Shangsheng jing differed from that of Gandhara and Central Asia. The palaces of Tuṣita Heaven that resemble the wooden architectures of China show that the iconography has been Sinicized. There are many inscriptions on the pensive bodhisattvas of late Northern Wei that include the word ‘pensive image,’ suggesting that they were made to represent pensive heavenly multitude listening to the preaching of Maitreya in Tuṣita Heaven. Accordingly, it can be deduced that the images of pensive bodhisattva reflect not only Sakyamuni meditating when still Prince Siddhartha, but also pensive heavenly multitude in accordance with the iconography of Maitreya preaching in Tuṣita Heaven.