Intersection Method Research Articles

Tuning the 1O2 Oxidation of a Phenol at the Air/Solid Interface of a Nanoparticle: Hydrophobic Surface Increases Oxophilicity.

Although silica surfaces have been used in organic oxidations for the production of peroxides, studies of airborne singlet oxygen at interfaces are limited and have not found widespread advantages. Here, with prenyl phenol-coated silica and delivery of singlet oxygen (1O2) through the gas phase, we uncover significant selectivity for dihydrofuran formation over allylic hydroperoxide formation. The hydrophobic particle causes prenyl phenol to produce an iso-hydroperoxide intermediate with an internally protonated oxygen atom, which leads to dihydrofuran formation as well as O atom transfer. In contrast, hydrophilic particles cause prenyl phenol to produce allylic hydroperoxide, due to phenol OH hydrogen bonding with SiOH surface groups. Mechanistic insight is provided by air/nanoparticle interfaces coated with the prenyl phenol, in which product yield was 6-fold greater on the hydrophobic nanoparticles compared to the hydrophilic nanoparticles and total rate constants (ASI-kT) of 1O2 were 13-fold greater on the hydrophobic vs hydrophilic nanoparticles. A slope intersection method was also developed that uses the airborne 1O2 lifetime (τairborne) and surface-associated 1O2 lifetime (τsurf) to quantitate 1O2 transitioning from volatile to non-volatile and surface boundary (surface···1O2). Further mechanistic insights on the selectivity of the reaction of prenyl phenol with 1O2 was provided by density functional theory calculations.

Static couch non-coplanar arc selection optimization for lung SBRT treatment planning

Objective. Non-coplanar arc geometry optimizations that take advantage of beam’s eye view (BEV) geometric overlap information have been proven to reduce dose to healthy organs-at-risk (OARs). Recently, a metric called mean arc distance (MAD) has been developed that quantifies the arc geometry sampling of 4π space. The purpose of this research is to combine improved BEV overlap information with MAD to generate static couch lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment plans deliverable on a C-arm linear accelerator. Approach. An algorithm utilizing the Moller–Trumbore ray-triangle intersection method was employed to compute a cost surrogate for dose to overlapping OARs using distances interpolated onto a PDD. Cost was combined with MAD for 100 000 random combinations of arc trajectories. A pathfinding algorithm for arc selection was created, balancing the contributions of MAD and 4π cost for the final trajectory. This methodology was evaluated for 18 lung SBRT patients. Cases were also planned with arcs from a clinical treatment template protocol for dosimetric and plan quality comparison. Results were evaluated using dose constraints in the context of RTOG0915. Main results. Five of six OARs had maximum dose reductions when planned with the arc trajectory optimization algorithm. Significant maximum dose reductions were found for esophagus (7.41 ± 0.91 Gy, p = 0.00019), trachea (5.56 ± 1.55 Gy, p = 0.0025), spinal cord (2.87 ± 1.13 Gy, p = 0.039), large bronchus (3.47 ± 1.49 Gy, p = 0.0075), and aorta (3.13 ± 0.99 Gy, p = 0.012). Mean dose to contralateral lung was also significantly reduced (0.50 ± 0.06 Gy, p = 0.00019). There were two significant increases in OAR doses: mean dose to ipsilateral lung (0.40 ± 0.09, p = 0.00086) and V5Gy to ipsilateral lung (1.95 ± 0.70%, p = 0.011). Paddick conformity index increased by 0.03 ± 0.02 (p = 0.14), remaining below a limit of 1.2 for both techniques. Significance. Static couch non-coplanar optimization yielded maximum dose reductions to OARs while maintaining target conformity for lung SBRT.

Buckling Analysis of Laminated Plates with Asymmetric Layup by Approximation Method.

This study investigated thin-walled plate elements with a central cut-out under axial compression. The plates were manufactured from epoxy/carbon laminate (CFRP) with an asymmetric layup. The study involved analyzing the buckling and post-buckling behavior of the plates using experimental and numerical methods. The experiments provided the post-buckling equilibrium paths (P-u), which were then used to determine the critical load using the straight-line intersection method. Along with the experiments, a numerical analysis was conducted using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and using the ABAQUS® software. A linear analysis of an eigenvalue problem was conducted, the results of which led to the determination of the critical loads for the developed numerical model. The second part of the calculations involved conducting a non-linear analysis of a plate with an initial geometric imperfection corresponding to structural buckling. The numerical results were validated by the experimental findings, which showed that the numerical model of the structure was correct.

Feminist Research Methods and Intersectionality: An Introduction to the Focus Section

What makes feminist research in geography intersectional? Are all identities included in intersectional thinking? Is intersectionality, as theory and method, for all geographers and geographies? These questions push us to consider the tools and perspectives necessary to incorporate intersectionality into geographic methods and feminist geography research. Intersectionality-associated investigations of raced, gendered, and classed experiences and place-making have employed a wide variety of research methods. This collection of articles integrates intersectionality and feminist methods in geography. In particular, the authors push our collective thinking through geographic phenomena and intersectionality as methodology along four themes: interrogating power and power relations, foregrounding lived experiences in multiple subjugated identities, with concern and care for reflexivity, and in the rethinking of geographical methods and data. This introduction engages scholarship in Black feminist thought and feminist geography with the contributions from the focus section.

A genetic method specifically delineates Th1-type Treg cells and their roles in tumor immunity

Regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing the transcription factor (TF) Foxp3 also express other TFs shared by T helper (Th) subsets under certain conditions. Here, to determine the roles of T-bet-expressing Treg cells, we generate a mouse strain, called VeDTR, in which T-bet/Foxp3 double-positive cells are engineered to be specifically labeled and depleted by a combination of Cre- and Flp-recombinase-dependent gene expression control. Characterization of T-bet+Foxp3+ cells using VeDTR mice reveals high resistance under oxidative stress, which is involved in accumulation of T-bet+Foxp3+ cells in tumor tissues. Moreover, short-term depletion of T-bet+Foxp3+ cells leads to anti-tumor immunity but not autoimmunity, whereas that of whole Treg cells does both. Although ablation of T-bet+Foxp3+ cells during Toxoplasma infection slightly enhances Th1 immune responses, it does not affect the course of the infection. Collectively, the intersectional genetic method reveals the specific roles of T-bet+Foxp3+ cells in suppressing tumor immunity.

Analysis of the Electrically Large Target in Isotropic Medium by the Physical Optics Method With Adaptive Mesh Technique

In this work, the physical optics (PO) method based on multilayered medium theory is used to analyze high-frequency scattering characteristics of plasma sheath covering an aircraft. The ray intersection method is taken for occlusion judgment, but some errors occur on the edge between illuminated and shadowed regions of a target. Therefore, the iterative edge patch segmentation based on adaptive mesh technique is proposed to reduce this error, which is significant to enhance computational accuracy of the PO method. Furthermore, to simplify the computational process and validate effectiveness of adaptive mesh technique, the plasma sheath covering a RAM-C II aircraft is modeled with a five-layered isotropic medium. Compared with uniform fine segmentation, the proposed adaptive mesh technique markedly reduces the computational cost by an order of magnitude while maintaining accuracy of the PO method. Moreover, high-frequency scattering characteristics of plasma sheath covering a RAM-C II aircraft under different flight conditions are presented via the bistatic radar cross section (RCS) with observable attenuation effects. Hence, the PO method for multilayered media combined with the proposed lit region judgment method is suitable to analyze scattering features of electrically large coated target.

Edaphic factors and elevation gradient influence arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and spore density in the rhizosphere of Shorea robusta Gaertn

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are important ecosystem engineers that improve nutrient uptake and help plants adapt to a variety of abiotic stresses. Few studies have examined the relationship between AMF and a specific host tree along an elevation gradient. Shorea robusta is the dominant tree species in Nepal's tropical forests, with very high timber value. The goal of this study was to ascertain how edaphic factors and elevation gradient influence AMF colonization and spore density within the rhizosphere of Shorea robusta. The present study was conducted in four S. robusta dominated forests ranging from 82 m to 950 m asl. Among the four forests, Tarai Sal forest (TSF); Bhabar Sal forest (BSF) belonged to lower elevation Sal forest and Plateau Sal forest (PSF); Hill Sal forest (HSF) belonged to high elevation Sal forest. The percentage of AMF colonization and soil spore density were assessed by magnified intersect method and wet sieving and decanting method respectively. The edaphic factors viz. organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, pH, soil temperature, bulk density, moisture content, and water holding capacity of soil were determined by standard methods. Total AMF colonization ranged from 33% to 57%. Spore density, on the other hand, ranged from 25 to 366 per 100 g of soil. The maximum AMF root colonization and spore density for lower elevation Sal forest was 52% and 39/100 g of soil respectively while that for higher elevation Sal forest was 57% and 366/100 g of soil respectively. Pearson's correlation test revealed that total AMF colonization as well as spore density in the rhizosphere of S. robusta were affected by phosphorus content, pH, moisture content, water-holding capacity, soil temperature, and elevation. Moreover, the spore density was also affected by nitrogen content. Total AMF colonization and spore density were found to be highly correlated. Overall, the intensity of AMF colonization and spore density were higher in higher elevation Sal forest compared to the lower elevation Sal forest. This study can be used to gain insights into the active involvement of AMF in the sustainable management of the forest ecosystem.

Mathematical foundation, discussion and suggestion on penalty parameter setting of penalty-based boundary intersection method for many-objective optimization problems

Mathematical foundation, discussion and suggestion on penalty parameter setting of penalty-based boundary intersection method for many-objective optimization problems

New Approach in the Determination of a Suitable Directionally Coarsened Microstructure for the Fabrication of Nanoporous Superalloy Membranes Based on CMSX-4.

The pore size of nanoporous superalloy membranes produced by directional coarsening is directly related to the γ-channel width after creep deformation, since the γ-phase is removed subsequently by selective phase extraction. The continuous network of the γ'-phase thus remaining is based on complete crosslinking of the γ'-phase in the directionally coarsened state forming the subsequent membrane. In order to be able to achieve the smallest possible droplet size in the later application in premix membrane emulsification, a central aspect of this investigation is to minimize the γ-channel width. For this purpose, we use the 3w0-criterion as a starting point and gradually increase the creep duration at constant stress and temperature. Stepped specimens with three different stress levels are used as creep specimens. Subsequently, the relevant characteristic values of the directionally coarsened microstructure are determined and evaluated using the line intersection method. We show that the approximation of an optimal creep duration via the 3w0-criterion is reasonable and that coarsening occurs at different rates in dendritic and interdendritic regions. The use of staged creep specimens shows significant material and time savings in determining the optimal microstructure. Optimization of the creep parameters results in a γ-channel width of 119 ± 43 nm in dendritic and 150 ± 66 nm in interdendritic regions while maintaining complete crosslinking. Furthermore, our investigations show that unfavorable stress and temperature combinations favor undirectional coarsening before the rafting process is completed.

Path planning and pose correction of robot laser cleaning process for specific surfaces of parts

The purpose of this paper is to solve a series of problems, such as the difficulty in accurately controlling the specific surfaces, and the interference between the laser beam and the part, when the laser is used to clean mechanical parts with complex surfaces by using robots. Firstly, a region segmentation algorithm of the stereo lithography (STL) model was designed, and the feature surfaces of the model were obtained by using the dihedral angle as the criterion. Then the path points which could easily cause interference between the laser beam and the part to be cleaned were detected by the method of ray intersection, and the pose of the robot was modified according to the normal vectors of two non-interference points that were adjacent to the continuous interference points respectively. Finally, the proposed method was validated by scanning path visualization and robot laser cleaning process experiments. The generated path in the unit of feature surface according to the variation components of normal vectors proved the effectiveness of the STL model region segmentation algorithm based on dihedral angle division criteria; the change of the normal vectors of the path points on the current feature surface was continuous and smooth, which meant that the path points did not cause sudden change of the robot pose after the pose correction. The robot cleaned the specific surfaces of the test workpiece safely and effectively in the actual laser cleaning experiments, and the effective cleaning area reached 96.87%, 99.56%, 94.53% and 91.62% of the target cleaning area, which further proved the effectiveness of this study. The method is also useful for the path planning of robots in other processing fields.

A robust cooperative localization algorithm based on covariance intersection method for multi-robot systems.

Cooperative localization is an arising research problem for multi-robot system, especially for the scenarios that need to reduce the communication load of base stations. This article proposes a novel cooperative localization algorithm, which can achieve high accuracy localization by using the relative measurements among robots. To address uncertainty in the measuring robots' positions and avoid linearization errors in the extended Kalman filter during the measurement update phase, a particle-based approximation method is proposed. The covariance intersection method is then employed to fuse preliminary estimations from different robots, guaranteeing a minimum upper bound for the fused covariance. Moreover, in order to avoid the negative effect of abnormal measurements, this article adopts the Kullback-Leibler divergence to calculate the distances between different estimations and rejects to fuse the preliminary estimations far from the estimation obtained in the prediction stage. Two simulations are conducted to validate the proposed algorithm. Compared with the other three algorithms, the proposed algorithm can achieve higher localization accuracy and deal with the abnormal measurement.

Opponent colour median-based scale invariant local ternary pattern: a new feature descriptor for moving object detection

ABSTRACT This article presents a new colour-texture feature descriptor called opponent colour median-based scale invariant local ternary pattern (OCMD-SILTP) to deal with dynamic backgrounds, similar texture regions, moving cast shadow, and illumination changes. Here, the incoming image frames are first divided into several sub regions and then the colour-texture features are derived by applying OCMD-SILTP on the individual colour planes (R, G, and B) as well as opponent colour planes (R-G, R-B, and G-B). For opponent planes, the median of neighbourhood pixels of one color plane is used for thresholding the neighbourhood pixels of opponent color plane. Because of this, the proposed OCMD-SILTP colour-texture descriptors are more immune to scaling and video noises. The background changes are dynamically updated through OCMD-SILTP texture patterns using histogram intersection method. Experiments on publically available dataset prove the significance of proposed approach under complex environments.

Metamorphism of the Uni Suite as an Indicator of Early Precambrian Collisional Processes in the Vyatka Belt, Northeast of Volgo–Uralia

According to the core data from two deep holes, the following mineral assemblages were identified in metapelitic rocks of the Uni Suite in the central part of the Vyatka Belt, sandwiched between Archean blocks in the northeastern part of the Volgo–Uralian Segment of the East European Craton: (1) Pl + Ms + Bt + Qz + Kfs + And ± Chl and (2) Pl + Bt + Qz + Kfs + Grt + Sil ± Ms ± Chl. A set of methods including classical (Grt–Bt, GASP, Ti-in-Bt, and Ms–Bt) and multi-equilibrium thermobarometry (winTWQ 2.34), as well as the isopleth intersection method on pseudosection diagrams (GeoPS 3.2.2.128), was applied to estimate the P–T conditions for these assemblages. The calculated P–T parameters of metamorphism are 520–650°C (or up to 690°C, according to the isopleth method) and 2–5.4 kbar. Metamorphism of paragneiss containing assemblage (2) was accompanied by anatexis in the water-saturated system. Metamorphism of rocks of the Uni Suite belongs to the relatively shallow type of the andalusite–sillimanite facies series and amphibolite facies and relates to deformations during orogenes.

Introduction to the Special Issue on Intersectional Methods and Moral Theology

In this introductory essay, the co-editors explain why a special issue on intersectional methods in moral theology is necessary, introduce intersectionality, and provide a brief overview of the essays.

Orientated-quantitative computed tomography study on individualized axial safety target area of femoral neck screw channel and establishment of a stable spatial coordinate system based on anterior cortex of femoral neck basilar.

Frequent in-out-in femoral neck screws were reported potential huge iatrogenic-injury risks, related to axial safe target area (ASTA) of femoral neck screws channel. However, orientated-quantitative ASTA based on stable coordinate system was unreported before. Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed on computed tomography (CT) images of 139 intact normal hips, and the intersection area, defined as ASTA, was obtained by superimposing the axial CT images of each femoral neck. Taking anterior cortex of femoral neck basilar (AC-FNB) as landmark, a coordinate system was established to measure the anterior-posterior diameter (D-AP), the superior-inferior diameter (D-SI) and the oblique angle respectively. Each intersection was overlaid up to the axial CT images to determine the coronal location of the ASTA boundaries. Each ASTA presented an inclined rounded triangle with a flat anterior base coincided with AC-FNB. There were significant sex differences in D-SI (male: 33.6±2.3 vs. female: 29.4±1.9mm) and D-AP (male: 25.3±2.1 vs. 21.9±1.9mm), P <0.001. D-SI was found to be positively correlated with D-AP ( R2 =0.6). All fluoroscopic visible border isthmus completely matched the corresponding ASTA boundaries. The oblique angle was 5-53° (male: 28.1±10.3°, female: 27.1±8.2°) without significant difference between sexes. The intersection method was employed to conveniently acquire orientated-quantitative individualized ASTA. Under this coordinate system, x-ray data of screws could be converted to axial coordinates in CT ASTA, which could help surgeons design combined screws configuration preoperatively and evaluate quantitatively their axial position intraoperatively.

The Case for Intersectional Theology: An Asian American Catholic Perspective

Intersectional approaches aim to uncover the multidimensionality of multiply burdened victimhood rather than a single-axis analysis. When intersected with Asian and Asian American postcolonial experiences and perspectives, intersectionality exposes the global reach and colonial origins of white imperialism and ideological, systemic, and mutational nature of white supremacist logic of dominance connected to global capitalism, neocolonialism, class-ism, ableism, caste-ism, racism, etc. While limited and inadequate by itself, there is a family resemblance of intersectional method in the Catholic theological and intellectual tradition that is inclusive of ordinary and marginalized voices and secular disciplines. For Catholic theologians and the church, then, intersectional approach can be instrumental in dismantling white supremacy within the church as an institution and people. Indeed, the intersectional nature of Jesus’ ministry, personhood, and location further solidifies the case for using intersectional theology for ecclesial and personal introspection, growth, and development.

METAMORPHISM OF UNI SUITE AS AN INDICATOR OF EARLY PRECAMBRIAN COLLISION PROCESSES IN THE VYATKA BELT, BASEMENT OF THE VOLGA-URALIA

In the central part of the Vyatka belt, sandwiched between the Archean blocks in the northeast of the Volga-Ural segment of the East European craton, according to the core data from two deep wells, the following mineral parageneses were established in the metapelites of the Uni suite: (1) Pl + Ms + Bt + Qz + Kfs + And ± Chl and (2) Pl + Bt + Qz + Kfs + Grt + Sil ± Ms ± Chl (without staurolite and cordierite), corresponding to moderate pressure metamorphism of the amphibolite facies. To determine the P-T conditions for these parageneses a set of methods was used, including classical (Grt-Bt, GASP, Ti-in-Bt, Ms-Bt) and multi-equilibrium thermobarometry (winTWQ 2.34), as well as the isopleth intersection method on pseudosection diagrams (GeoPS 3.2.2.128). The calculated P-T values of metamorphism are 520–650°C (or up to 690°C according to the isopleth method) and 2–5.4 kbar. Paragenesis (2) rock was accompanied by anatexis in the water-saturated system. Zoning can be distinguished in the metamorphism of the rocks, it belongs to a relatively shallow type, to the andalusite-sillimanite subfacies.

Table of Contents, Vol. 12, Special Issue 1, Intersectional Methods and Moral Theology

Intersectionality is a tool for theological analysis that invites sustained critical reflection on how gender, race, social class, sexual identity, citizenship status, and other forms of difference shape people’s perceptions of God, the human person, the church, and the moral life. Scholars of moral theology increasingly recognize how the biases of one’s lived experience integrally shapes one’s theological reasoning. Beyond the need to name, identify, and analyze our biases as an integral part of our theological methods, we also need to create space for discourse that seeks to bridge our differences. This special issue of the Journal of Moral Theology brings together seven essays that focus on intersectionality as a theological method and its implications for the practice of moral theology. Scholars in moral theology, liberation theologies, feminist and womanist theologies, and decolonial theologies demonstrate how intersectional methods are employed in constructive theological discourse.

Inversion of the Complex Refractive Index of Au-Ag Alloy Nanospheres Based on the Contour Intersection Method.

The contour intersection method is a new method used to invert the complex refractive index of small particles. Research has yet to be reported on using this method to invert the complex refractive index of nanoparticles. This paper reports the feasibility and reliability of the contour intersection method in the inversion of the complex refractive index of nanoparticles using Au-Ag alloy nanospheres. The Mie theory and the size-dependent dielectric function are used to calculate the light scattering and absorption efficiency of Au-Ag alloy nanospheres corresponding to the complex refractive index. The complex refractive index of the particles is obtained by inversion with the contour intersection method. The backscattering efficiency constraint method is used to determine the unique solution when multiple valid solutions from the contour intersection method appear. The effects of the Au component percentage, particle size, and measurement errors on the inversion results are quantitatively analyzed. Finally, the inversion accuracy is compared and analyzed with the traditional iterative method. The results show that as long as the light scattering efficiency, light absorption efficiency, and backscattering efficiency of Au nanospheres can be measured, the accurate complex refractive index can also be calculated by inversion using the contour intersection method. The accuracy of the inversion results can be ensured when the measurement error is less than 5%. The results of inversion using the contour intersection method are better than those of the iterative methods under the same conditions. This study provides a simple and reliable inversion method for measuring the complex refractive index of Au-Ag alloy nanospheres.

A Method to Locate Firing Points by Fusing Double CCD and GIS

The precise positioning of the firing explosion point is an effective means to test the technical performance of artillery weapons and equipment warfare, but when the CCD single pole distance method is directly used to detect the explosion point, it is often affected by the obstacles in the shooting visual area, terrain and landform, and the detection and positioning accuracy is difficult to meet the evaluation requirements. To this end, the double CCD intersection method is first used to locate the explosive point, and the target recognition and positioning algorithm is used to realize the visual explosion point positioning, but this method also has the phenomenon of missing detection of the bomb point and ricochet explosion point. Then, the sensor is used to collect GIS signals at the point of explosion, which can well detect the location of missed bounces and ricochets, but there is also the cost of time registration and spatial coordinate system registration. In order to give full play to the complementary advantages of the two positioning methods, this paper proposes to establish a fusion localization model. Experiments have verified that the fusion positioning method improves the accuracy of the detection of the explosion point of traditional single live shooting, and can provide a reference for the positioning detection of related points of interest.