Simple Profile Research Articles

Thermo-mechanical response and form-stability of a fully metallic composite phase change material: Dilatometric tests and finite element analysis

Composite Phase Change Materials (C-PCMs), such as immiscible Al-Sn alloys are designed to store and release heat as a result of the phase transformation of one of the phases, i.e., Sn in this case. The volume changes induced by melting and solidification of the low-melting Sn phase as well as the different thermal expansion of solid Al and Sn phases induces stress fields during thermal cycles. Repeated experimental dilatometric tests were performed on the above C-PCM to check their microstructural stability as well as its effect on their form-stability, i.e., capability to recover the initial shape under various potential cyclic service conditions.Analysis of the thermo-mechanical behaviour of the two phases, as well as the overall one, have been investigated under the simple thermal profiles reproducing dilatometric tests. A finite element model of fully dense Al-Sn C-PCM, where a single spherical inclusion of Sn is surrounded by Al matrix, is generated and numerical thermo-mechanical analysis is performed. The thermal-dependence of elastoplastic-behaviour, thermal expansivity and other thermophysical properties of the 2 solid phases has been modelled, together with compressibility of liquid Sn. The simulations illustrate the overall material behaviour as well as the local thermomechanical response. The results for the slopes of elongation vs temperature curves agree well with experimental data from dilatometric tests, for which form-stability is observed from the third cycle. The results also suggested that the plastic deformation of the only regions of Al phase surrounding the Sn inclusion accommodates its expansion during heating and melting. In these latter regions, at the end of a dilatometric cycle, compressive strain in radial direction reaches a maximum value of 0.1 %, higher than overall strains.

On the laminar solutions and stability of accelerating and decelerating channel flows

We study the effect of acceleration and deceleration on the stability of channel flows. To do so, we derive an exact solution for laminar profiles of channel flows with an arbitrary, time-varying wall motion and pressure gradient. This solution then allows us to investigate the stability of any unsteady channel flow. In particular, we restrict our investigation to the non-normal growth of perturbations about time-varying base flows with exponentially decaying acceleration and deceleration, with comparisons to growth about a constant base flow (i.e. the time-invariant simple shear or parabolic profile). We apply this acceleration and deceleration through the velocity of the walls and through the flow rate. For accelerating base flows, perturbations never grow larger than perturbations about a constant base flow, while decelerating flows show massive amplification of perturbations – at a Reynolds number of $500$ , properly timed perturbations about the decelerating base flow grow $ {O}(10^5)$ times larger than perturbations grow about a constant base flow. This amplification increases as we raise the rate of deceleration and the Reynolds number. We find that this amplification arises due to a transition from spanwise perturbations leading to the largest amplification to streamwise perturbations leading to the largest amplification that only occurs in the decelerating base flow. By evolving the optimal perturbations through the linearized equations of motion, we reveal that the decelerating base flow achieves this massive amplification through the Orr mechanism, or the down-gradient Reynolds stress mechanism, which accelerating and constant base flows cannot maintain.

High-order-mode cavity fed 45° linear polarized antenna for 5G applications

Abstract In this paper, a high-order-mode (HOM) (TE330) cavity-fed 45° linear polarized 6×6 slot array antenna is proposed. The 45° linear polarization is achieved by introducing asymmetric cross slots on the HOM cavity, resulting in low profile and wide bandwidth. The antenna array was verified using standard printed circuit board technology. Measured results show that the impedance bandwidth ( $|S_{11}|\le$ −10 dB) is 13.9% (36.98–42.92 GHz), and the peak gain is 19.3 dBi with a 3-dB gain bandwidth of 13.6%. Attributed to its simple structure, low profile, and wide bandwidth, the presented antenna is a good candidate for 5G applications.

The Role of the Atherogenic Index of Plasma and the Castelli Risk Index I and II in Cardiovascular Disease.

Metabolic syndrome (MS),identifiedby abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and/ordyslipidemia, occurs across all BMI (body mass index) ranges and increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) diseases and type II diabetes. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) and Castelli Risk Index (CRI) I & II are ratios that can be calculated from a simple lipid profile test.These ratios are independent risk factors for CV diseases and have been shown to be increased inangiographically confirmed coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. This study aimed toassessCV risk across the different subtypes of obesity: metabolically obese non-obese (MONO), metabolically healthy non-obese (MHNO), metabolically obese obese (MOO), and metabolically healthy obese (MHO)using AIP and CRI I & II andto study the association of AIP, CRI I & II with other CV risk factors such as total body fat percentage (BF%), visceral fat percentage (VF%), and BMI. Assessing CV risk in an individual based on the person's subtype of obesity using ratios calculated from simple lipid profile parameters may prove beneficial to developingbetter screening strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 128adultswith BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2with and without MS, presenting to the General Medicine/Internal Medicine Outpatient Department in M S Ramaiah Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka State, India. The sample size was calculated to be a minimum of 82 subjects based on a study that showed that AIP and CRI I & II had a positive association with BMI. After a detailed history,physicalexamination, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, and waist circumference), VF%, and BF% by bio-impedance were recorded. A blood sample was processed for lipid profile and fasting blood sugar on a Vitros 5600 auto-analyzer (Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, San Diego, CA, USA). Subjects were divided into MONO (non-obese subjects with BMI < 25 kg/m2 having MS), MHNO (no obesity or MS), MOO (obese BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 having MS), and MHO (obese BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 not having MS) groups. AIP and CRII & IIwere calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC). MONO, MHNO, MOO, and MHO constituted 26 (20.3%), 48 (37.5%), 28 (21.8%), and 26 (20.3%) of the 128 subjects, respectively. AIP ≥0.24 was found in 16 (61.5%) of MONO and in 16 (51.1%) of MOO subjects. CRI-I >4 was found in 19 (73.1%) and 16 (57.1%) subjects of the MONO and MOO groups, respectively. Eleven (42.3%) and 12 (42.9%) of MONO and MOO subjects, respectively, had CRI-II >3. Pearson's correlation revealed for AIP r=0.32, p=0.000 and r=0.43, p=0.000 with VF% and BMI, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) for AIP and CRI I & II to detect the presence of MS were 0.84, 0.74, and 0.73, respectively. CV risk, as assessed by AIP and CRI I & II in the different subtypes of obesity, was found to be highest in the MONO group, followed by the MOO group. With BMI and VF%, AIP showed a moderately positive linear correlation. API and CRI could be tools of low cost and moderate reliability in screening the general population for risk of CV disease.

Optimizing bioprocessing efficiency with OptFed: Dynamic nonlinear modeling improves product-to-biomass yield

Biotechnological production of recombinant molecules relies heavily on fed-batch processes. However, as the cells' growth, substrate uptake, and production kinetics are often unclear, the fed-batches are frequently operated under sub-optimal conditions. Process design is based on simple feed profiles (e.g., constant or exponential), operator experience, and basic statistical tools (e.g., response surface methodology), which are unable to harvest the full potential of production.To address this challenge, we propose a general modeling framework, OptFed, which utilizes experimental data from non-optimal fed-batch processes to predict an optimal one. In detail, we assume that cell-specific rates depend on several state variables and their derivatives.Using measurements of bioreactor volume, biomass, and product, we fit the kinetic constants of ordinary differential equations. A regression model avoids overfitting by reducing the number of parameters. Thereafter, OptFed predicts optimal process conditions by solving an optimal control problem using orthogonal collocation and nonlinear programming.In a case study, we apply OptFed to a recombinant protein L fed-batch production process. We determine optimal controls for feed rate and reactor temperature to maximize the product-to-biomass yield and successfully validate our predictions experimentally. Notably, our framework outperforms RSM in both simulation and experiments, capturing an optimum previously missed. We improve the experimental product-to-biomass ratio by 19% and showcase OptFed's potential for enhancing process optimization in biotechnology.

Tumeurs mésenchymateuses utérines associées à des translocations : du nouveau sans oublier l’ancien. Une approche diagnostique intégrée

This review focuses on uterine mesenchymal tumors that are defined on a molecular level by a single and unique genetic alteration, that is somehow necessary and sufficient to allow tumor growth and progression. Although diverse from a clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical point of view, the different entities we are going to talk about share both a simple genomic profile with a low number of chromosomal alterations observed by CGH Array (few deletions, gains or amplifications...) and a low mutational burden observed by sequencing technics. Some of these entities are already well known and described in the literature when found outside of the uterus and gynecological tract. It remains intriguing that uterine mesenchymal pathology has been lagging behind when compared to its extrauterine counterpart. How can we explain that when it comes to inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, abundant numbers of articles have been published since the 70's, but it was only in the early 2000s that the first relevant descriptions of this tumor in the uterus emerged? Certainly, the increased accuracy, availability, and use of molecular biology technics and in particular RNA sequencing in the area of uterine pathology can partly explain the reduction of the gap between soft tissue and uterine pathology we currently observe. Other reasons explaining this gap may be the high prevalence of smooth muscle tumors in the uterus and the abounding diversity of their morphological aspects, which may have partly eclipsed the array of differential diagnoses. Last but not least, one can hypothesize that the relative "simplicity" of hysterectomy procedures, referring to their safety and accessibility, has cured most of the lesions and partly clouded our knowledge regarding the biological potential and natural history of these newly described entities. As a consequence of this situation, our reader will often encounter the wording "uncertain malignant potential", as for some of these rare entities, evidence to establish reliable prognostic variables is still insufficient. We hope this review to be a useful tool to guide pathologists through the diversity and complexity of uterine mesenchymal tumors. As a scientific and medical community, sharing this knowledge will help us to collectively raise our vigilance and awareness by expanding the array of our differential diagnoses. We hope this will lead to more cases being accurately diagnosed, and ultimately, to a deeper knowledge regarding the biological potential and clinical evolution of these tumors. From a therapeutical point of view, the consequences of an accurate diagnosis for the patient are already appreciable through the use of targeted therapy. Examples include: ALK inhibitors in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, tyrosine-kinase inhibitors in COL1A::PDGFB rearranged sarcomas or mTOR inhibitors in PEComa.

A Multi-Criteria Decision Making for Employee Selection Using SAW and Profile Matching

Multi-criteria decision making process has been one of the fastest growing areas during the last decades depending on the change in the business sector. Multi-criteria decision making is the most important branch of operation research by which people make complex decision daily life. The major steps in the decision- making approach are selecting the most preferred alternative for the decision-maker, ranking alternatives in order of importance for selection problems, and screening alternatives for the final decision. Employees are an important element of a company that determines its progress. Conventional (manual) recruitment methods are vulnerable to non-technical factors, such as frequent duplication or invalid data. In this study, simple additive weighting and profile matching are proposed to solve the employee selection problem. This study was conducted at the (UPT) Career Development and Entrepreneurship Universitas Brawijaya Malang using data collected from written test selection in 2019. The effectiveness of both methods was analyzed using confusion matrix. The SAW method provides an accuracy rate of 94.7%, a precision rate of 87.5%, Recall rate of 91.3% and F-measure rate of 89.4%. On the other hand, profile matching method obtained the Accuracy rate of 90.4%, Precision rate of 81.4%, Recall rate of 81.4% and F-measure rate of 81.4%. Thus, it can be concluded that both methods have high accuracy values accompanied by high precision values when used for the selection process. This system can also effectively reduce the bias rate of the same data very well, as can be seen from the high recall and F-measure rates.

Combining Data Independent Acquisition With Spike-In SILAC (DIA-SiS) Improves Proteome Coverage and Quantification

Data-independent acquisition (DIA) is increasingly preferred over data-dependent acquisition due to its higher throughput and fewer missing values. Whereas data-dependent acquisition often uses stable isotope labeling to improve quantification, DIA mostly relies on label-free approaches. Efforts to integrate DIA with isotope labeling include chemical methods like mass differential tags for relative and absolute quantification and dimethyl labeling, which, while effective, complicate sample preparation. Stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) achieves high labeling efficiency through the metabolic incorporation of heavy labels into proteins invivo. However, the need for metabolic incorporation limits the direct use in clinical scenarios and certain high-throughput experiments. Spike-in SILAC (SiS) methods use an externally generated heavy sample as an internal reference, enabling SILAC-based quantification even for samples that cannot be directly labeled. Here, we combine DIA-SiS, leveraging the robust quantification of SILAC without the complexities associated with chemical labeling. We developed DIA-SiS and rigorously assessed its performance with mixed-species benchmark samples on bulk and single cell-like amount level. We demonstrate that DIA-SiS substantially improves proteome coverage and quantification compared to label-free approaches and reduces incorrectly quantified proteins. Additionally, DIA-SiS proves effective in analyzing proteins in low-input formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. DIA-SiS combines the precision of stable isotope-based quantification with the simplicity of label-free sample preparation, facilitating simple, accurate, and comprehensive proteome profiling.

A wide angle beam scanning CRLH leaky-wave antenna with non-identical elements per unit-cells

In this research article, a wide-angle scanning leaky-wave antenna (LWA) based on the composite right/left-handed (CRLH) metamaterial (MTM) operating over the C-band spectrum for mobile applications is proposed, investigated, and realized. The proposed LWA includes nine CRLH-MTM-based unit-cells. The properties of CRLH-MTM have been applied using series slots and shunt metallic via-holes. Each unit cell consists of three patches, two external patches, and one smaller middle patch implemented between them. One slot has been etched on each external patch; the width of these two slots is unequal. Moreover, the distance of the middle patch with each side patch is different. The results show that using this method of realizing non-identical elements caused the achievement of proper return-loss at the transition frequency and provided the balanced CRLH metamaterial condition. Additionally, using CRLH-MTM properties by realizing series capacitance (slot) and shunt inductance (via-holes) made the wide-angle scant from backward to forward radiation pattern. The results demonstrate that the LW antenna with small dimensions of 251.5 × 30 × 1.575 mm3 operates over a frequency range of 4.8–6.13 GHz covering a wide beam scanning range from −63° to +65° with broadside radiation at the center frequency of 5.46 GHz. The radiation gain of the proposed antenna varies from 6.2–13.1 dB. The achievements confirm the effectiveness of the proposed methods to realize a high-performance LW-antenna with the advantages of simple design, low profile, low cost, and easy of manufacture for mobile applications.

Initial pedogenic processes, mineral and chemical transformations and mobility of trace elements in Technosols on dumps of the former copper mines in Miedziana Góra and Miedzianka, the Świętokrzyskie Mts., south-central Poland

Technosols develop, among others, on dumps of former copper mines which became overgrown in spontaneous plant succession. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of pedogenesis on soil properties, mineral and geochemical composition, as well as operationally defined forms of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in Technosols developed on former mine dumps of the Miedziana Góra and Miedzianka former mining areas in south-central Poland. The studied Technosols were weakly developed soils with a simple soil profile comprising (1) C horizons in the subsoil and (2) O and A (or AC) horizons in the topsoil. The pHH2O of soils was 5.5–8.1. High soil pHH2O values were due to occurrence of carbonates (up to 25 %). The highest content of total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) was found in O horizons as well as in A and AC horizons including buried A horizon. Soil magnetic susceptibility (χ) was 6.0–171.3 × 10–8 m3 kg−1. In each profile, the highest χ values were typical of A horizons including the buried A horizon. The most common minerals present in all profiles were quartz, kaolinite and mica. There were also admixtures of carbonates (dolomite, calcite), feldspars (orthoclase and albite), jarosite, goethite and traces of Fe sulphides. SEM-EDS analyses showed that soil substrate was subject to transformations of sulphides into Fe oxides. Moreover, pedogenic Cu carbonates were found in pores and on coarse materials. Technosols were enriched in Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Zn, U and Th. The most mobile trace elements in the studied Technosols were Cd, Cu and Zn. Topsoil horizons of the studied soils contained a considerable share of Pb, Cu, Zn and Ni bound with soil organic matter. Arsenic was mostly bound with Fe oxides. First indicators of pedogenesis in the studied Technosols are (1) accumulation of soil organic matter in the topsoil followed by the decrease of soil pH and leaching of carbonates, (2) mineral transformations in the soil substrate (alteration of sulphides into Fe oxides and jarosite; origin of pedogenic Cu carbonates due to crystallization from soil solutions), (3) increase of magnetic susceptibility in the topsoil which may be an effect of atmospheric dust fall out or pedogenic transformation of Fe oxides into the phases with higher magnetic susceptibility and (4) the effect of soil properties, mineral composition and soil organic matter on geochemical forms of potentially toxic trace elements. The novelty value of the study lies in the identification of pedogenic Cu carbonates and the potential effect of soil-forming processes on the increase of topsoil magnetic susceptibility.

Process Capability Index for Simple Linear Profile in the Presence of Within- and Between-Profile Autocorrelation

In many situations, the quality of a process or product can be characterized by a functional relationship or profile. It is well-known that the independence assumptions of the error terms within or between profiles are not always valid and could be violated due to within or between profile autocorrelation. Since most of the process capability indices (PCIs) have been developed for simple linear profiles (SLPs) without considering autocorrelation, this paper provides some novel methods to analyze the capability of SLP under each of the two different autocorrelation effects separately, as well as the case where both autocorrelation effects are present. We assume that the first-order autoregressive AR(1) model explains the within- and between-profile autocorrelation in error terms. To evaluate the process capability, a new functional index called is introduced for SLP with independent errors, and then it is modified to include the three possible cases of within, between, and simultaneous autocorrelation. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed schemes outperform existing schemes regarding bias and mean square error (MSE) criteria. Moreover, bootstrap confidence intervals for the proposed index are obtained. Finally, an illustrative example in the chemical industry is used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method.

Experimental Broad-Based Curved Sidewall Aneurysms in Rabbits Mimicking Human Carotid Siphon Aneurysms: Proof of Feasibility and Comparability Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Broad-based sidewall aneurysms of the carotidartery are primarily treated endovascularly. However,recurrence or rupture after treatment still poses a significant risk. Hence, reliable animal models mimicking this aneurysm type are essential for to evaluate the performanceof new advanced endovascular devices. Experimental aneurysms were created in 12 New Zealand white rabbits (2.5-3.5 kg). The human carotid siphon was mimicked with an end-to-end anastomosis of both common carotid arteries. A venous pouch was sutured on the convexity to mimic a broad-based side wall aneurysm. Patency and configuration were investigated 4 weeks postoperatively by 3-T magnetic resonance angiography. To compare flow conditions of broad-based sidewall aneurysms in rabbits and humans, exemplary computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed using species-specific blood viscosity values. We were able to achieve 0% peri- or postoperative mortality. Patency was confirmed by 3-T magnetic resonance angiography in 11 of 12 aneurysms (91.7%). Aneurysm lengths ranged from 6.4 to 9.8 mm and aneurysm necks from 7.3 to 9.8 mm. Computational fluid dynamics showed simple flow profiles with one vortex in rabbit as well as in human aneurysms. Wall shear stress rates were comparable using species-specific blood viscosity values (rabbit mean 1.65 Pa vs. human mean 1.7 Pa). The broad-based curved sidewall aneurysm model mimicking the carotid siphon showed high aneurysm patency rates with low morbidity. High comparability with human flow patterns and human intranaeurysmal biomechanical forces was shown using simulations.

One-step N-Terminomics Based on Isolation of Protein N-Terminal Peptides From LysargiNase Digests by Tip-Based Strong Cation Exchange Chromatography

We have developed a one-step isolation method for protein N-terminal peptides from LysargiNase digests by pipette tip-based strong cation exchange (SCX) chromatography. This CHAMP-N (CHromatographic AMplification of Protein N-terminal peptides) method using disposable and parallel-processable SCX tips instead of conventional HPLC SCX columns facilitates simple, sensitive, reproducible, and high-throughput N-terminomic profiling without sacrificing the high identification numbers and selectivity achieved by the HPLC-based method. By applying the CHAMP-N method to HEK293T cells, we identified novel cleavage sites for signal and transit peptides and non-canonical translation initiation sites. Finally, for proteome-wide terminomics, we present a simple and comprehensive N- and C-terminomics platform employing three different tip-based approaches, including CHAMP-N, in which protease digestion and one-step isolation by tip LC are commonly used to achieve complementary terminome coverages.

Temperature-programmed microfluidic CRISPR diagnostics enable rapid and automatous point-of-care testing for syphilis

The rising incidence of syphilis highlights the urgent need to develop molecular tests of Treponema pallidum at the point-of-care (POC). Traditional molecular approaches based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) often involve expensive equipment, expert technicians, and lengthy turnaround time. Recently emerged approaches coupling CRISPR detection with isothermal amplification techniques hold great promise to advance the POC diagnostics, but commonly require multiple manual operations for postamplification reaction transfer or suffer from compromised performance in terms of sensitivity or assay time. To address these issues, we develop a thermometer-inspired microfluidic biosensing platform that seamlessly integrates CRISPR detection and isothermal amplification through temperature-programmed air expansion for intended fluidic manipulation. This platform not only allows for automated running of the canonical two-step recombinase polymerase amplification-CRISPR/Cas12a assay via a simple two-step temperature profile, but also provides a smartphone-enabled fluorescence readout with a limit of detection of a few DNA copies in 30 min. We detail the rational design of a thermally-responsive microfluidic cartridge and showcase how it harnesses the temperature difference in preamplification and CRISPR detection to implement the assay workflow without the need for an external driving mechanism or human intervention. Furthermore, we validate its applicability for rapid and sensitive detection of Treponema pallidum DNA in clinical samples (n = 30), exhibiting 100 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity compared to the quantitative PCR technique. The simplicity and effectiveness may lead this platform to be a powerful upgrade kit compatible with the existing CRISPR approaches, thus facilitating their widespread point-of-care diagnostic applications.

Topology of Pulsar Profiles (ToPP)

Some of the most important information on a radio pulsar is derived from its average pulse profile. Many early pulsar studies were necessarily based on only a few such profiles. In these studies, discrete profile components were linked to emission mechanism models for individual stars through human interpretation. For the population as a whole, profile morphology must reflect the geometry and overall evolution of the radio emitting regions. The problem, however, is that this population is becoming too large for individual intensive studies of each source. Moreover, connecting profiles from a large collection of pulsars rapidly becomes cumbersome. In this article, we present ToPP, the first-ever unsupervised method to sort pulsars by profile-shape similarity using graph topology. We applied ToPP to the publicly available European Pulsar Network profile database, providing the first organised visual overview of multi-frequency profiles representing 90 individual pulsars. We found discrete evolutionary tracks varying from simple single-component profiles at all frequencies towards diverse mixtures of more complex profiles with frequency evolution. The profile evolution is continuous, extending out to millisecond pulsars, and does not fall into sharp classes. We interpret the profiles as being a mixture of pulsar core-cone emission type, spin-down energetics, and the line-of-sight impact angle towards the magnetic axis. We show how ToPP can systematically classify sources into the Rankin empirical profile scheme. ToPP comprises one of the key unsupervised methods that will be essential to exploring upcoming pulsar census data, such as the data expected from the Square Kilometer Array.

A hybrid approach for estimating monotonic change points in the parameters of simple linear profiles in multistage processes

In this paper, a hybrid method is proposed for estimating monotonic change points in multistage processes where, at each stage, the quality of the process is represented by simple linear profile models. In the case of monotonic changes, the change type is not known a priori, and the only assumption is that the changes are non-decreasing or non-increasing in nature. In the proposed method, a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm is first developed to identify the parameters experiencing a change in each process stage. Then, the second SVM algorithm is applied to identify the type of change occurring in the related parameters. Finally, considering the identified parameters and change types, the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) is proposed to estimate the change points of the process under different scenarios, including single and multiple change points, upward and downward step changes, increasing and decreasing linear trends, shift in both parameters of the profiles, shift in different stages of the process, and weak and strong autocorrelation coefficients. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated through extensive simulation experiments. The results indicate that the proposed method recognizes the patterns and estimates the monotonic change points accurately.

A Rapid Fabrication Method of Large-Area MLAs with Variable Curvature for Retroreflectors Based on Thermal Reflow.

Retroreflectors are an important optical component, but current retroreflector structures and manufacturing processes are relatively complex. This paper proposes a rapid, low-cost, large-area method for fabricating retroreflectors based on microlens arrays. Tunable microlens arrays with adjustable curvature, fill factor, and sizes were prepared using photolithography and thermal reflow techniques. Subsequently, a two-step nanoimprinting process was used to create a flexible reverse mold and transfer the structure onto the desired substrate. The microlens arrays, with a diameter of 30 μm, a period of 33 μm, a curvature radius ranging from 15.5 to 18.8 μm, and a fill factor ranging from 75.1% to 88.8%, were fabricated this way. In addition, the method also fabricated microlens arrays with diameters ranging from 10 to 80 μm. Retroreflectors were made by sputtering a layer of silver on the MLAs as a reflecting layer, and tests showed that the microlens-based retroreflector exhibited superior retroreflective performance with a wide-angle response of ±75°. Microlens-based retroreflectors have the advantages of simple operation and controllable profiles. The fabrication method in this paper is suitable for large-scale production, providing a new approach to retroreflector design.

Self-consistent dynamical models with a finite extent – IV. Wendland models based on compactly supported radial basis functions

ABSTRACT We present a new step in our systematic effort to develop self-consistent dynamical models with a finite radial extent. The focus is on models with simple analytical density profiles allowing for analytical calculations of many dynamical properties. In this paper, we introduce a family of models, termed Wendland models, based on compactly supported radial basis functions. The family of models is characterized by a parameter k that controls the smoothness of the transition at the truncation radius. In the limit $k\rightarrow \infty$, the Wendland model reduces to a non-truncated model with a Gaussian density profile. For each Wendland model, the density, mass and gravitational potential are simple truncated polynomial functions of radius. Via the sphecow tool we demonstrate that all Wendland models can be supported by isotropic distribution functions. Surprisingly, the isotropic distribution function exhibits varied behaviour across different Wendland models. Additionally, each model can be supported by a continuum of Osipkov–Merritt orbital structures, ranging from radially anisotropic to completely tangential at the truncation radius. To the best of our knowledge, the Wendland models presented here are the first family of models accommodating both radial and tangential Osipkov–Merritt distribution functions. Using linear superposition, these models can easily be combined to generate Wendland models with even more diverse orbital structures. While the Wendland models are not fully representative of real dynamical systems due to their Gaussian-like density profile, this study lays important groundwork for constructing more realistic models with truncated density profiles that can be supported by a range of orbital structures.

Future-proof rates for controlled electric vehicle charging: Comparing multi-year impacts of different emission factor signals

Electricity pricing can be used to shift the timing of electricity demand, but the choice of price signals is highly constrained. Consumer rates are updated every few years and limited to simple daily profiles, yet must capture the complex dynamics of a changing electricity system. Emission factors (EFs) were developed as an evaluation tool, but are increasingly used as demand response (DR) signals. Given these constraints, can they be effective? We evaluate the emissions impact of EF-based electricity rates with and without supply-side emissions pricing. We study controlled electric vehicle (EV) charging in the Western U.S. up to 2037 by coupling an electricity system dispatch model and a data-driven EV charging model. We compare average and short-run marginal EFs with a new medium-run marginal EF that better matches the timeline of electricity rate updates. We find that a stable supply-side signal makes DR more valuable: DR reduces emissions by up to 6% with supply-side carbon pricing or just 2% without it. Medium-run marginal EFs yield the most consistent emission reductions, but constraints on charging flexibility limit their impact. We recommend policymakers base rates for DR on medium-run marginal emission factors and implement supply-side carbon pricing to facilitate greater emission reductions.

A compact wideband antenna with high gain based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons

In this paper, a novel wideband antenna with a simple structure and low profile based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) is proposed. The structure consists of periodically modulated corrugated metal strips as transmission lines, a CPW feed, and a ground metal plate as an antenna reflector. The SSPP transmission line is used to convert quasi-TEM to SSPP mode and achieve optimal impedance matching. The prototype of the end-fire antenna has been designed and fabricated. The simulation results show that this antenna can achieve a gain of 10.19 dB, a bandwidth of 146%, and an efficiency of 90% in a wide operating band from 7 to 45 GHz. The proposed design illustrates great potential that includes high efficiency, good directivity, high gain, wide bandwidth, and easy manufacturing.