Orientation Of Axis Research Articles

Synthesis of the cis‐ and trans‐3‐Fluoro Analogues of Febrifugine and Halofuginone

AbstractThe novel synthesis of racemic cis‐ and trans‐3‐fluorofebrifugine and halofuginone is described. This straight‐forward seven‐step process relies on an electrophilic fluorination‐allylation sequence that generates a mixture of N‐Cbz protected, diastereomeric 2‐allyl‐3‐fluoropiperidines. On separation, a Wacker oxidation‐methyl functionalisation sequence enabled introduction of the required quinazolinone portion. Finally, removal of the N‐Cbz protecting group lead to isolation of the 3‐fluorofebrifugine dihydrobromide analogues that are of potentially pharmacological use. Analysis of the NMR spectra for each stereoisomer provides information concerning the preferred conformers of the different diastereomers. Evidence indicates that the cis‐diastereomer favours a conformation where the F‐atom occupies an axial orientation. In contrast, for its trans‐stereoisomeric counterpart, the 2‐substituent overrides any F‐atom effect and it preferentially occupies a conformer where both substituents occupy equatorial positions. Finally, interconversion between the cis‐ and trans‐diastereomers was studied. In DMSO‐d6 and as their free‐bases, isomerisation of each diastereomer gave a common 65 : 35 ratio of trans‐ to cis‐3‐fluorofebrifugine. Determination of the reaction rate constants for the isomerisation process at different temperatures enabled calculation of the activation energy barriers, for each process, using an Arrhenius plot. The activation energy barrier for the isomerisation of the trans‐isomer was 94.3±4.9 kJ mol−1, whereas for the cis‐isomer it was 84.5±3.9 kJ mol−1.

Intraocular Lens Rotational Stability after Cataract Surgery with and without Primary Posterior Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorrhexis

Purpose: To evaluate intraocular lens (IOL) rotational stability and capsular fusion process after cataract surgery with and without primary posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (PPCCC). Setting: Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fujian, China. Design: Prospective, intraindividual, randomized clinical trial. Methods: This study included 56 adult patients (112 eyes) with bilateral cataract undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery with PPCCC in one eye (PPCCC group) and conventional cataract surgery in the contralateral eye (NPCCC group). IOL axis orientation and fusion footprint length were measured at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery using OPD-Scan III, while capsular bend index (CBI) was assessed at the same time points using Pentacam AXL. Results: No between-group difference was found in the absolute rotation from 1 day to 1 year (2.93 ± 1.72 vs 2.66 ± 1.61 degrees, P=0.54). The absolute rotation from 1 week to 1 month in NPCCC group was higher than that in PPCCC group (1.65 ± 0.68 vs 1.27 ± 0.32 degrees, P=0.01). At 1 month after surgery, both fusion footprint length (9.11 ± 2.74 vs. 10.67 ± 2.06 mm, P = 0.02) and CBI (2.92 ± 0.60 vs. 3.25 ± 0.59, P = 0.03) were lower in NPCCC group. Conclusion: Cataract surgery involving PPCCC demonstrates comparable outcomes to conventional procedures regarding long-term IOL rotational stability, therefore is a promising option for adult cataract patients scheduled for toric IOL implantation. PPCCC slightly reduces IOL rotation in the early postoperative period, which can be attributed to accelerated capsular fusion.

Determination of principal axes orientation in an ion trap using matter-wave interference

We have developed a method for determining the orientations of the principal axes of an ion trap using an ion matter-wave interferometer. By examining the ion matter-wave interference signal induced by spin-dependent momentum kicks originating from stimulated Raman transitions, we can accurately ascertain the angles between the directions of these momentum kicks and the trap principal axes. The application of direct–current voltage to the ground electrodes, a common method adopted to finely tune trap frequencies in ion traps, leads to the trap principal axes rotating, a phenomenon that is yet to be reported quantatively. Our measurements successfully captured the rotation of the trap axes depending on the applied offset voltages. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the functioning of ion traps for diverse quantum science and technology applications.

Complete Visibility Algorithms of Luminous Robots With Two‐Color Lights on Grid

ABSTRACTAn autonomous mobile robot system is a distributed system consisting of multiple mobile computational entities, called robots, which autonomously and repeatedly perform three fundamental operations: look, compute, and move. Various challenges in such systems, including gathering, pattern formation, and flocking, have been extensively studied to explore the relationship between the robots' capabilities and the feasibility of solving these problems (i.e., solvability). In this study, we focus on the complete visibility problem, which aims to relocate all robots on an infinite grid plane so that every robot is visible to every other robot (i.e., complete visibility). We assume that each robot is a luminous robot (i.e., has a light with a constant number of colors) and opaque (non‐transparent). This paper primarily examines the number of light colors required for each robot to solve the complete visibility problem. Specifically, we investigate the question: “how many colors can we reduce while still achieving complete visibility?” (even under certain stronger assumptions). As an answer to the above question, we show the existence of a deterministic algorithm to achieve complete visibility (i.e., every robot can observe all the other robots) using only two colors of light, if the robots agree on the directions and orientations of both axes. The proposed algorithm correctly works even if robots operate asynchronously and have no knowledge of the total number of robots. Moreover, its spatial complexity (i.e., the area of the smallest enclosed rectangle that includes all robots in the final configuration) ensures the optimal one, , where is the number of robots.

Studying the Properties of Spacetime with an Improved Dynamical Model of the Inner Solar System

Physical properties of the Sun (orientation of rotation axis, oblateness coefficient J2⊙, and change rate of the gravitational parameter μ˙⊙) are determined using a dynamical model describing the motion of the Sun, planets, the Moon, asteroids, and Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). Among the many kinds of observations used to determine the orbits and physical properties of the bodies, the most important for our study are precise interplanetary ranging data: Earth–Mercury ranges from MESSENGER spacecraft and Earth–Mars ranges from Odyssey and MRO. The findings allow us to improve the model of the Sun in modern planetary ephemerides. First, the dynamically determined direction of the Sun’s pole is ≈2° off the visible axis of rotation of the Sun’s surface, which is corroborated by present knowledge of the Sun’s interior. Second, the change rate of the Sun’s gravitational parameter is found to be smaller (in absolute value) than the nominal value derived from the estimate of mass loss through radiation and solar wind. Possible interpretations are discussed.

Detecting damage on engine mounts using hilbert-huang transform vibration analysis

Engine mounts, which are usually composed of elastomeric materials like rubber that can absorb excessive vibrations, are built to withstand vibration sources from engines. Engine mounts may eventually degrade from extended use. When rubber products age or sustain damage, they may grow harder and crack. Engine mounts need to be maintained regularly to ensure optimal performance. Visual examinations and the detection of excessive vibrations can be used to accomplish this. Vibration sensors are mounted on the engine mount in axial, vertical, and horizontal orientations using a vibration detection technique utilizing the Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT) methodology. Matlab is used to examine the data that is gathered at three distinct rotational speeds: 750 rpm, 2000 rpm, and 3000 rpm. The HHT approach combines two key components: the Hilbert Transform, which analyzes the time-frequency signal of the first decomposition until only residuals remain, and Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD), which breaks down the signal into Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs). According to test data, a damaged mount had an amplitude of 0.00005212 m/s² and a frequency of 8 Hz. On the other hand, in typical circumstances, the highest frequency was 7 Hz with the same amplitude. Five frequency increases were made in the damaged mount throughout this operation. In the damaged mount, the Hilbert Transform showed a frequency of 2124 Hz with an amplitude of 0.007594 m/s², indicating a significant resonance. This illustrates how the Hilbert-Huang Transform's capacity to handle non-stationary and nonlinear signal forms allows it to detect damage in components efficiently

Thin film lithium niobate electro-optic modulator with reduced half-wave voltage length product through design

This paper aims at shortening electrode spacing in a thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) electro-optic modulator (EOM) while avoiding an increase in metal absorption loss, thereby reducing the half-wave voltage length product (V π ⋅L). Through numerical simulations, we find that metal absorption loss reaches its peak values when the optical modes of the metal-clad dielectric waveguide and ridged waveguide hybridize. This negative effect can be mitigated by adjusting the electrode width to modify the optical mode of the metal-clad dielectric waveguide. In addition, we raise the vertical position of the electrodes to further mitigate metal absorption loss and reduce the electrode spacing. By calculating the optimal buffer layer thickness for two crystal axis orientations, our findings reveal a 19% reduction in V π ⋅L at conventional crystal axis orientation (θ=±90∘) and a 16% decrease at unconventional crystal axis orientation (θ=54∘). Notably, V π ⋅L at unconventional crystal axis orientation is 5% lower than at conventional crystal axis orientation. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of geometric configuration optimization toward enhancing the efficiency and performance of the TFLN EOM.

Spectral aging analysis of the 3C 219 double-double radio galaxy

Context. Double-double radio galaxies are characterized by intermittent jet-formation activity. The exact reasons for this behavior are not yet fully understood. Studying these objects and their environment allows us to find common characteristics and compare them with the general population of radio galaxies. 3C 219 is a well-known and thoroughly studied radio galaxy. Among the many explanations for its unusual “partial jet” structure, intermittent activity seems to be the leading one. However, this hypothesis has never been tested using aging analysis. Aims. The aim of this paper is to put constraints on the active galactic nucleus duty cycle and dynamics of radio lobe expansion in 3C 219, in both the inner and outer double. This will provide us with information on the behavior of the central engine and the interaction of the radio lobes with the ambient medium, allowing us to verify whether the structure of 3C 219 is the result of intermittent activity and to search for its possible causes. Methods. We performed a spectral aging analysis of the 3C 219 double-double radio galaxy using archival Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array and Low Frequency Array data. We present detailed spectral age maps and constructed a spectral age profile. We compared ratios of linear sizes and luminosities in individual phases of activity with lobe expansion velocities in the plane of the sky derived from the age profile to infer hot-spot advance velocities through the surrounding medium and the orientation of the jet axes. Results. The galaxy shows a general asymmetry in the distribution of plasma with respect to the inferred jet axis in the original phase of activity, suggesting an influence of the intracluster medium on the formation of the radio structure. The advance speed of hot spots in the outer double is typical of classical FRII sources expanding into an ambient thermal medium, while for the inner double, the lower limit is estimated to be ∼0.28 c. The radio galaxy has experienced a very short quiescent period of no more than 2 Myr, which is ≲7% of its total lifetime. Conclusions. The most plausible explanation for the double-double radio structure in 3C 219 is a rapid jet reorientation along the line of sight, which may be the result of a minor merger. Further study of the 3C 219 inner double is needed. High-resolution maps are required to probe its structure in sufficient detail, while high-frequency observations are necessary to better constrain the durations of the quiescent and restarted phases.

Deep learning-based whole-brain B1 +-mapping at 7T.

This study investigates the feasibility of using complex-valued neural networks (NNs) to estimate quantitative transmit magnetic RF field (B1 +) maps from multi-slice localizer scans with different slice orientations in the human head at 7T, aiming to accelerate subject-specific B1 +-calibration using parallel transmission (pTx). Datasets containing channel-wise B1 +-maps and corresponding multi-slice localizers were acquired in axial, sagittal, and coronal orientation in 15 healthy subjects utilizing an eight-channel pTx transceiver head coil. Training included five-fold cross-validation for four network configurations: used transversal, sagittal, coronal data, and was trained on all slice orientations. The resulting maps were compared to B1 +-reference scans using different quality metrics. The proposed network was applied in-vivo at 7T in two unseen test subjects using dynamic kt-point pulses. Predicted B1 +-maps demonstrated a high similarity with measured B1 +-maps across multiple orientations. The estimation matched the reference with a mean relative error in the magnitude of (2.70 ± 2.86)% and mean absolute phase difference of (6.70 ± 1.99)° for transversal, (1.82 ± 0.69)% and (4.25 ± 1.62)° for sagittal ( ), as well as (1.33 ± 0.27)% and (2.66 ± 0.60)° for coronal slices ( ) considering brain tissue. trained on all orientations enables a robust prediction of B1 +-maps across different orientations. Achieving a homogenous excitation over the whole brain for an in-vivo application displayed the approach's feasibility. This study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing complex-valued NNs to estimate multi-slice B1 +-maps in different slice orientations from localizer scans in the human brain at 7T.

Analysis of initiation and growth of new transverse cracks in high crack density regions in cross-ply laminates

In cross-ply laminates under loading, multiple intralaminar (transverse) cracking in the 90-layers causes laminate stiffness reduction which can be predicted by analytical models studying average of the stress perturbation between transverse cracks. The commonly used analytical models such as shear-lag type or variational-type models assume that stress in damaged 90-layers does not depend on the laminate thickness coordinate. But with increase in crack density, the stress perturbations created by transverse cracks start to interact, generating high stress gradients in through-the-thickness direction in the 90-layers. Location of a new crack and features of its propagation in a high stress gradient region between two cracks in a cross-ply laminate are analyzed in this paper. FEM is used to calculate stress distribution between two cracks. The location of the next crack and its initial orientation is found using principal stresses and orientation of principal axes. Most often these cracks are initiated at ply interface in the middle between already existing cracks. Their propagation across the layer thickness is analyzed using energy release rate based criterion. It is shown that at very high crack density the crack propagation across the layer thickness is unstable in the beginning, but it is stopped when approaching the middle of the layer where the crack opening becomes zero. Presence of local delaminations at the tips of existing cracks changes the energy release rate for propagation of new transverse cracks.

Synthesis and Spatial Structure of 3-Phenylacrylic Acid Octahydroquinolizin-1-Ylmethyl Ester and 2-(Octahydroquinolizin-1-Ylmethyl)Isoindole-1,3-Dione

The reactions of lupinine alkaloid and its chlorine derivative with cinnamoyl chloride and 2-K-isoindole-1,3-dione were investigated to obtain 3-phenylacrylic acid octahydroquinolizin-1-ylmethyl ester and 2-(octahydroquinolizin-1-ylmethyl)isoindole-1,3-dione, respectively. The optimal conditions for carrying out the aforementioned reactions were determined, taking into account the nature of the solvent and medium. It was established that acylation of the molecule in a benzene medium, in the presence of trimethylamine, resulted in the formation of 3-phenylacrylic acid octahydroquinolizin-1-ylmethyl ester, with an 82% yield. It was demonstrated that the interaction of chlorolupinine with 2-K-isoindole-1,3-dione under Gabriel reaction conditions resulted in the formation of 2-(octahydroquinolizin-1-ylmethyl)isoindole-1,3-dione. The conformer with an axial orientation of the isoindole-1,3-dione substituent was observed to exhibit greater stability than the conformer with an equatorial orientation. The structure of the synthesized compounds was investigated by IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The use of two-dimensional spectra in COSY (1H-1H) and HMQC (1H-13C) formats enabled the establishment of homo- and heteronuclear interactions, thereby confirming the structure of the compounds under investigation. The values of chemical shifts, multiplet and integrated intensity of 1H and 13C signals in one-dimensional NMR spectra of the novel compounds were determined. The crystal structures of 3-phenylacrylic acid octahydroquinolizin-1-ylmethyl ester and 2-(octahydroquinolizin-1-ylmethyl)isoindole-1,3-dione were elucidated through X-ray analysis.

Error analysis based on a tunable wave plate polarization interferometric imaging spectrometer

Interference imaging spectroscopy combines modern imaging technology with spectral technology, holding significant importance for object imaging and spectral detection. This article introduces the principle of an adjustable wave plate polarization interferometric imaging spectrometer. The example design specifications are set for an observation wavelength range of 450–780 nm and a maximum resolution of 2 nm at 450 nm, with a 0.5 in detector as the base for calculating the specific dimensions of the Soleil–Babinet compensator. An investigation was conducted on the issues of nonuniform sampling, as well as three types of mechanical errors: flatness, wedge angle tolerance, and optical axis orientation accuracy. Emphasis was placed on discussing the impact of these errors on the instrument’s optical path difference and spectral reconstruction accuracy. This research provides theoretical guidance for the design and engineering of this miniaturized imaging spectrometer.

Crustal stress near the Yakutat microplate collision from probabilistic earthquake focal mechanisms

Earthquake source characteristics provide a valuable constraint on crustal stress and regional plate tectonics. Earthquake source studies in Yukon and northern British Columbia have been limited by sparse seismic network coverage. In this work, we leverage recent seismic network improvements to estimate focal mechanisms for small and moderate-magnitude (M>2.0) earthquakes from P-wave first-motion polarity data. We invert these data within a probabilistic framework to rigorously quantify mechanism uncertainties. Subsequently, probabilistic earthquake focal mechanisms are used as input for inversions for the orientation of principal stress axes, and stress shape ratio, for spatial windows throughout the region. We implement a novel, data-driven approach to propagate focal mechanism uncertainty in stress inversion. Our results improve the spatial coverage of existing earthquake focal mechanisms and enable an orogenic-scale study of crustal stress near the Yakutat-North America collision. Overall, the region is characterized by a transpressive stress regime. Maximum horizontal compressive stress orientations exhibit a pattern orthogonal to the Yakutat collision syntaxis. Stress inversion results also reveal an abrupt change in orientation east-to-west, which we interpret as a change in stress regime across the Fairweather-Connector-Totschunda fault system that is likely related to coupling between the subducting Yakutat slab and North America. This work improves our understanding of potential earthquake hazards in southwestern Yukon and the surrounding region.

Determining the Axial Orientations of a Large Number of Flux Transfer Events Sequentially Observed by Cluster during a High-Latitude Magnetopause Crossing

Flux transfer events (FTEs) are magnetic structures generally believed to originate from time-varying magnetic reconnection at the Earth’s magnetopause. Despite years of research, the mechanism of how FTEs are formed through reconnection remains controversial. In various models, FTEs exhibit different global configurations. Studying the FTE axial orientation can provide insights into their global shape, thereby helping to distinguish the generation mechanisms. In this paper, taking advantage of the orbital characteristics of the four Cluster spacecraft, we devised a multi-spacecraft timing method to determine the axes of a total of 57 FTEs observed sequentially by Cluster during a high-latitude duskside magnetopause crossing. During the nearly five-hour observation, the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) experienced a large rotation, leading to a substantial rotation of the magnetosheath magnetic field. The analysis results show two new features of the FTE axis that have not been reported before: (1) the axes of the FTEs gradually rotate in response to the turning of the IMF and the magnetosheath magnetic field; (2) the axes of the FTEs vary between the direction of the magnetosheath magnetic field and the direction of the reconnection X-line. These features indicate that FTEs may have a more complex global configuration than depicted by traditional FTE models.

Inference of the acoustic properties of transversely isotropic porous materials

Transversely isotropic porous materials are well represented by equivalent fluid models based on semi-phenomenological models such as the Johnson-Champoux-Allard-Lafarge (JCAL) model and a set of material parameters. Direct measurements of these parameters, however, are often difficult or time consuming. As an alternative, inverse estimation methods provide a simple and fast framework to identify the JCAL model parameters, since they can be performed on single impedance tube measurements. In this work, we present a stochastic inverse identification method of the JCAL parameters for transversely isotropic materials. We consider the flow resistance and characteristic viscous length and the static tortuosity to be anisotropic and the frame to be fully rigid, resulting in nine unique parameters to be identified. The method is based on reflection factor measurements of a material in different orientations corresponding the transverse and isotropic principal axes. Hence, a priori knowledge of the orientation of the principal axes of the material is required. Results of the parameter inference are presented based on experimental data for a glass wool sample.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Radiomics of Axial and Sagittal Orientation in Pregnant Patients with Suspected Placenta Accreta Spectrum

Rationale and ObjectivesPlacenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Current radiomic analysis of PAS magnetic resonance (MR) images is often performed on a single imaging plane. However, depending on the chosen imaging plane, radiomic features extracted from the same patient may vary due to the differing orientations and anatomical contexts, potentially leading to inconsistent results. In this study, we applied region of interest (ROI)-based radiomic analysis on axial and sagittal MR images in pregnant patients at high-risk for PAS. Our objective was to compare MR textural features extracted from these imaging planes and to correlate these findings with surgical outcomes, aiming to enhance the accuracy of PAS diagnosis and treatment planning. Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective review of MR images of pregnancies with prenatally suspected PAS. Volumetric placental, uterus, and internal os of the cervix regions of interest (ROI) were manually segmented on axial and sagittal MR images for each patient. Radiomic features were extracted following the image biomarker standardization initiative guideline. Agreement in features extracted from axial and sagittal images were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. ResultsOf the 101 pregnant patients that met the study inclusion criteria, 65 underwent cesarean hysterectomy for PAS. Seventy seven percent of the radiomics features had strong Spearman rank correlations (>0.8) between axial and sagittal images, indicating that these imaging planes provide similar radiomics information. The diagnostic performance of features extracted from axial and sagittal planes was quantified under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC). We found that axial and sagittal planes have similar performance for the prediction of hysterectomy. Shape elongation, Placental Location within the Uterus (PLU), and heterogeneity features were significant predictors for hysterectomy regardless of the imaging plane. ConclusionOur study found that radiomics features extracted from axial and sagittal MR image plane in the same patient have excellent agreement and strong correlation. We identified several features present in both axial and sagittal images that were predictive in detecting PAS-suspected patient who required hysterectomy. These features may represent the underlying placental pathophysiology.

Overwrapping Bivalved Casts: Does the Material Matter?

Circumferential integrity of bivalved casts (cut twice longitudinally) can be restored by overwrapping with different materials. This study compared the mechanical properties of solid casts and bivalved casts overwrapped with semirigid fiberglass (SF), elastic bandages (EB), and rigid fiberglass (RF) using an overwrapped-bivalved cast-bone fracture (OBCBF) model. This study used an MTS Bionix Servohydraulic system to test properties of OBCBF models in 4 conditions: intact Control made of RF (not bivalved or overwrapped), a Rigid overwrapped model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with RF, a Semirigid overwrapped model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with SF, and an Elastic model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with EB. Constructs were tested in 4-point bending. Force-displacement curves (FDC) were generated to calculate load-at-critical-failure (LCF, angulation > 10 degrees = 6.6mm vertical deformation) and stiffness. Five controls and 30 OBCBF models with 3 overwrapped cast types were tested, with each overwrapped cast type tested with 2 orientations of the initial cast bivalve axis, yielding 7 conditions (Control, Rigid 0 degrees, Rigid 90 degrees, Semirigid 0 degrees, Semirigid 90 degrees, Elastic 0 degrees, Elastic 90 degrees). Mean LCF was: Rigid 90 degrees > Rigid 0 degrees > Control > Semirigid 0 degrees > Semirigid 90 degrees > Elastic 90 degrees > Elastic 0 degrees ( P <0.0001). Mean stiffness was: Rigid 0 degrees > Rigid 90 degrees > Control > Semirigid 90 degrees > Semirigid 0 degrees > Elastic 0 degrees > Elastic 90 degrees ( P <0.0001). Multiple comparisons indicated no significant difference between LCF and stiffness for Semirigid 0 degrees/90 degrees casts compared with Controls. Mechanical properties of overwrapped bivalved casts change depending on the materials used to overwrap, with higher LCF and stiffness when overwrapping with RF > SF > EB; however, mean comparisons indicate that rigid bivalved casts overwrapped with SF did not have significantly different mean stiffness and LCF from controls and other cast models. This study compares the bending properties of a bivalved cast-construct overwrapped with different materials, providing basic science evidence for orthopaedic surgeons who have several choices of materials to overwrap bivalved casts.

Spin states of X-complex asteroids in the inner main belt

Context. Based on the V-shape search method, two families, Athor and Zita, have been identified within the X-complex population of asteroids located in the inner main belt. The Athor family is ~3 Gyr old while the Zita family could be as old as the Solar System. Both families were found to be capable of delivering near-Earth asteroids (NEAs). Moreover, the Athor family was linked to the low-iron enstatite (EL) meteorites. Aims. The aim of our study is to characterise the spin states of the members of the Athor and Zita collisional families and test whether these members have a spin distribution consistent with a common origin from the break up of their respective family parent asteroids. Methods. To perform this test, our method is based on the well-established asteroid family evolution, which indicates that there should be a statistical predominance of retrograde-rotating asteroids on the inward side of family’s V-shape, and prograde-rotating asteroids on the outward side of family’s V-shape. To implement the method, we used photometric data from our campaign and the literature in order to reveal the spin states, and hence their rotation sense (prograde or retrograde), of the asteroids belonging to these families. We combined dense and sparse-in-time photometric data in order to construct asteroid rotational light curves; we performed the light curve inversion method to estimate the sidereal period and 3D convex shape along with the spin axis orientation in space of several family member asteroids. Results. We obtained 34 new asteroid models for Athor family members and 17 for Zita family members. Along with the literature and revised models, the Athor family contains 60% (72% considering only the family’s core) of retrograde asteroids on the inward side and, conversely, 76% (77% considering only the family’s core) of prograde asteroids on the outward side. We also found that the Zita family exhibits 80% of retrograde asteroids on the inward side. In addition, the Zita family presents an equal amount of prograde and retrograde rotators (50% each) on the outward side. However, when we applied Kernel density estimation (KDE), we also found a clear peak for prograde asteroids on the outward side, as expected from the theory. Conclusions. The spin states of these asteroids validate the existence of both families, with the Athor family exhibiting a stronger signature for the presence of retrograde-rotating and prograde-rotating asteroids on the inner and outer side of the family, respectively. Our work provides an independent confirmation and characterisation of these very old families, whose presence and characteristics offer constraints for theories and models of the Solar System’s evolution.

Physical and Mutual Orbit Characteristics of Near-Earth Binary Asteroid (163693) Atira

We report physical and mutual orbit characteristics of near-Earth binary asteroid (163693) Atira. Using S-band (2380 MHz, 12.6 cm) radar observations from the Arecibo Observatory and several epochs of lightcurve observations from 2003 to 2019 with SHAPE modeling software, we determine the shape, size, rotational period, and mutual orbit of the primary and secondary components and the density of the primary component. We confirm the primary’s sidereal rotation period to be 3.398521 ± 0.000003 hr, and we find a likely spin axis orientation of ecliptic longitude and latitude (187°, −53°) ± 12°. We find the primary’s volume-equivalent diameter to be 4.92 ± 0.95 km and the secondary’s volume-equivalent diameter to be 0.80 ± 0.30 km. We find the primary component’s density to be 1.43 ± 0.87 g cm−3. We also find that the secondary has a semimajor axis of 7.8 ± 0.5 km and a sidereal orbital period of 15.577 ± 0.003 hr based on orbital calculations using delay and Doppler offsets between the primary and secondary and the timing of mutual events observed in lightcurve data. This work represents the first detailed analysis of the shape of an Atira-class asteroid.

Cemented sand under hollow cylinder multiaxial loading

Improvement of granular soils mechanical properties can be achieved by the addition of bonding agents. In this research, low amount of Portland cement was added to a sand and its beneficial shear strengthening effects were evaluated under a range of multiaxial stress paths. The influence of the orientation of the principal axes of stress and strain on the stress-strain response and failure of cemented sand has only been scarcely investigated. Therefore, this experimental investigation reports the results of a series of consolidated drained hollow cylinder torsional tests with constant principal stress path direction, ασ, varying from 0° to 90° Results were compared with the shear behaviour of the uncemented sand tested under similar loading conditions. Results show that the addition of cement to the sand matrix increases the soil strength for all multiaxial stress path directions. The suitability of two multiaxial strength criteria for reproducing the shape of the failure envelope as a function of the orientation of principal stress axis ασ has also been analysed.