Cunninghamia plays an important role in China’s southern forest industry in the face of increasingly arid climate; thus it is urgent to identify and screen drought-tolerant varieties. In this study, ...2-year-old seedlings of C. unica and C. lanceolata from four provenances were subjected to water-break tests, and their physiological responses to different drought conditions were observed. The results showed that with the aggravation of drought stress, C. unica had more stable changes in relative water content (RWC), water potential (Ψw) and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) with more cumulative amounts of proline (PRO) than C. lanceolata, and its H2O2 maintained at a lower level, along with antioxidant enzyme activities decreasing later as compared with C. lanceolata. Moreover, comprehensive evaluation showed that C. unica had a higher drought tolerance than C. lanceolata as a whole, which could have been shaped by maintaining Ψw and opening stomata in its relative drought conditions. This work provides a theoretical basis for understanding the drought tolerance of C. unica and C. lanceolate individuals, so as to accelerate selective breeding in Chinese fir.
Integrability and modularity of multiple functions present key features for future AI-driven wireless systems. In this letter, a cooperatively operating architecture of two highly integrated building ...blocks is proposed and studied as a multifunction receiving array system. One module is a hybrid array for two joint operations, namely simultaneously radiating external local oscillator (LO) source and refocusing unknown RF signal. The other is a receiving plane that captures the wireless LO power and RF signal for demodulation with unified circuitantenna passive receiver units. The proposed receiver presents the following attractive characteristics: physical feeding network for LO is replaced by the external LO wave source; demodulator for each receiving channel is self-consistently integrated into the unified mixing antenna units. This passive receiver array system is prototyped and verified with external LO frequency of 21 GHz and RF frequency of 19 GHz. Measured results exhibit a robust receiving IF signal at 2 GHz, which validates the feasibility of the proposed architecture.
We present a genome assembly from an individual female
(a stiletto fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Therevidae). The genome sequence is 910.1 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded ...into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.66 kilobases in length.
In this article, a densely integrated and unified paralleled amplifier and antenna architecture is proposed and demonstrated for next-generation millimeter-wave (mmW) and terahertz (THz) front-end ...modules. It makes use of topologically paralleled transistors cohabitated within a compact rectangular patch antenna (CRPA) as a unified cell. This design simultaneously amplifies and radiates power without resorting to any power divider, input and output matching networks, or power combiner whatsoever, therefore, greatly reducing front-end loss, size, and complexity. Then, the unified unit cell is self-consistently distributed to form a unified planar array with active elements between array elements as power feeders. In this demonstration, the input power is sequentially amplified, radiated through each array element, and spatially added up, resulting in low on-board circuit losses and efficient radiation. In this article, we investigate and present challenges and early results of implementing this unification concept of active circuitry and antenna at mmW frequencies. Using a standard 65-nm CMOS process, a set of chips were designed, fabricated, and tested under different amplifier biasing conditions at 146 GHz for experimental demonstration. The realized low-loss, matched, and compact unified prototypes have demonstrated an amplified radiation, with power enhancement of 3.4 dB through single element and 6 dB through <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">2 \times 2 </tex-math></inline-formula> layout compared to their respective passive counterparts. Moreover, frequency tuning is observed varying drain bias and self-matching is improved with increasing gate bias. Therefore, the feasibility of a unique feature in the architectural implementation of low-loss, compact, and densely integrated and topologically cohabitated mmW and THz front-end modules is confirmed.
El objetivo principal en los inicios de la reproducción humana asistida (RHA) era conseguir la gestación. Las tasas de éxito eran bajas y, por ello, las transferencias embrionarias múltiples se ...convirtieron en una práctica normal alcanzando tasas de embarazo múltiple hasta veinte veces superiores a las naturales. El embarazo múltiple está asociado a un mayor riesgo de complicaciones para la salud que un embarazo único, tanto para la madre como para los bebés. A los costes en salud deben sumarse también los costes económicos y los riesgos psicosociales, implicando por tanto un elevado coste socio-sanitario. En la actualidad, las tasas de éxito en RHA han mejorado enormemente gracias, en parte, a importantes avances del laboratorio como el cultivo embrionario hasta blastocisto y la vitrificación. Asimismo, existen diversas herramientas de asesoramiento, políticas sanitarias y económicas que han demostrado, tras su aplicación en varios países, su efectividad en el aumento de la práctica de la transferencia embrionaria única y en el descenso de las tasas de embarazo múltiple, garantizando unas tasas de éxito satisfactorias. Por todo ello, la transferencia embrionaria única se plantea como la estrategia de elección en RHA para conseguir un recién nacido vivo sano a término en casa.
A scalable planar 2-D active array antenna configuration that can realize amplified radiation through co-existing active devices is proposed, studied, and demonstrated in this work. The input and ...output of these amplifying active devices are directly integrated with the feed network and array elements, respectively, thereby eliminating the matching networks typically required in an amplifier circuit. A comprehensive analysis of the rectangular patch antenna (RPA) performance with different feeding techniques is initially analyzed and the choice of nonradiating edge feed RPA as array elements is justified for not only realizing the maximum radiation efficiency but also facilitating the direct active device integration. Subsequently, a physical arrangement of these array elements is devised to reduce cross-polarization. The design of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">4\times {2} </tex-math></inline-formula> active array antenna unit cell operating at 5.8 GHz is then discussed through extensive analysis of active devices, optimization procedure, potential excitation signal control, and influence of faulty transistors. From simulations, this active array scheme has realized a higher matching bandwidth and exhibited an amplifier gain of around 13.6 dB, compared with its passive counterpart. Eventually, these unit cells are integrated through an equal power hybrid feed network for realizing an <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">8\times {8} </tex-math></inline-formula> active array antenna configuration that is fabricated and measured. The measured results of the experimental prototype match reasonably well with the simulation results, thereby confirming the proposed integration technique. The resulting paralleled configuration promises efficient handling of greater powers, making them suitable for high-power applications.
A generalized mesh-network equivalent model for a microstrip rectangular patch antenna (RPA), which is simple yet efficient is proposed, studied, and demonstrated in this article. The mesh-network ...equivalent model is established through the segmentation of RPA width and radiation parameters into <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">M </tex-math></inline-formula> sections, as well as the segmentation of RPA length into <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">N </tex-math></inline-formula> sections. A general design procedure to realize the mesh-network equivalent model is addressed and described for any number of RPA segmentations, as desired by specific applications. Subsequently, the proposed mesh-network equivalent model is used to accurately evaluate the input impedance responses at various feed positions along the length of RPA. In addition, to include the effects of a slot etched inside the RPA geometry, a generalized microstrip coupled line equivalent model is proposed, analyzed, and discussed in detail. Eventually, the microstrip coupled line model in conjunction with the proposed mesh-network equivalent model can accurately estimate the input impedance response of a slotted RPA, and has been verified for RPA with center slot, edge slot, and multiple slots as examples in this work. Two cases with multiport excitation of RPA are also analyzed and presented as a part of this work. For demonstration purposes, all these prototypes are designed, fabricated, and measured at 28 GHz. The proposed equivalent model-based results are validated by measured and simulated counterparts. Furthermore, the extension of the proposed mesh-network model to accommodate slots of smaller size inside RPA, RPA loaded with via, inverted-F antenna, and multimode operation are demonstrated and discussed through a comparison between mesh-network modeling results and simulation results.
A concept of seamlessly colocated and cointegrated antennas and front-end chain circuits in the form of a unified and integrated design space is proposed, studied, and demonstrated in this paper, ...which strives to create future joint circuiting-radiating front-end analog functional blocks. To show the proposed concept, the building elements involving dual-function amplifier antenna are highlighted as an example and arranged in a series-connected array, each acting simultaneously as a matching circuit and transmitting antenna. In other words, a single geometrical space serves as both circuits and antennas, meaning a space overlap in which the circuit is an antenna and the antenna is a circuit. This reflects both the harmony and harmonious relationship of the circuit antenna. In this paper, the spacing between two neighboring array elements is utilized to accommodate active devices, such as transistors, in this example. As the first theoretical and experimental demonstration, this paper involves the design of patch antennas, the analysis of mutual coupling, and the placement of amplifying transistors in different operation modes. The modeling procedure for a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">1 \times N </tex-math></inline-formula> amplifier-antenna system is presented. The proposed concept is experimentally validated by prototyping a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">1 \times 2 </tex-math></inline-formula> amplifier-antenna array at 5 GHz with rectangular patches and off-the-shell HJ-FET. An equivalent circuit network is established for the proposed dual function block. Measured results show that the experimental block has −10 dB matching bandwidth of 125 MHz at the steering angle of +30° with an amplifying gain of 11.5 dB. It is also experimentally illustrated that frequency tuning and beam steering can easily be enabled by varying the dc bias. The design of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">1 \times 4 </tex-math></inline-formula> amplifier-antenna array at 5 GHz is also discussed to generalize the proposed theory and guide the design of higher order amplifier arrays.
In this work, we present a comprehensive analysis of port impedance effects on a signal coupled across two-port networks, derive an equation to evaluate the impedances for a specified coupling, and ...demonstrate two beam-shaping active array antenna prototypes to validate the theory. In this context, the generalized S-parameters are theoretically studied and verified through an example. Subsequently, a closed-form equation is derived to accurately evaluate the port impedances that enable the achievement of a desired magnitude and phase of the signal coupling across the two-port network. The meaningfulness of all the potential results and the additional capabilities of derived equations are then discussed. With this understanding, a general modeling procedure is formulated to achieve the simultaneous amplification and phase shifting only through the active devices, without resorting to any additional passive circuitry. As a proof of concept, two <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">1 \times 5 </tex-math></inline-formula> active array antenna prototypes are developed and fabricated at 5 GHz: one for broadside radiation with a sidelobe level of less than −20 dB requirement, and the other for flat-top radiation beam between −10° and 30°. They are integrated with a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">1 \times 5 </tex-math></inline-formula> Wilkinson power divider that is designed for radiation pattern measurements, and the corresponding results agree reasonably well with the simulated counterparts and theory, thereby proving the developed concept. Such solutions demonstrate the inherent advantages of being low-loss, compact, and efficient, which are essential for the next generation of wireless systems.
Various multivariate statistical techniques (MST) can provide valuable insights into water quality variability. Despite numerous studies in which these methods have been used, their potential has not ...been fully exploited. This paper presents an improved approach to better understand the hydrodynamics of karst systems. The integrated application of hierarchical cluster and principal component analysis in combination with factor analysis allowed the construction of an advanced multivariate chemograph. The analytical procedure was applied in a binary karst aquifer known for its complex hydrodynamics and mixing of water with similar hydrochemical composition. In addition, the study area provides access to an integral groundwater flow system (ponor‐cave‐spring) and offers extensive prior hydrogeological knowledge. The approach allowed reduction and discrimination of the main parameters affecting water quality characteristics. Their identification enabled recognition of three predominant recharge components: (a) stored water impact with Cl and electrical conductivity, (b) sinking stream impact with turbidity and bacteria composition and (c) karst aquifer impact with Ca/Mg ratio as principal parameters. The results supported innovative characterization of the dominant processes and isolation of temporal hydrodynamic phases of individual monitoring points within the aquifer system. On this basis, a spatio‐temporal conceptual model was developed and the hydrodynamic behavior of the main springs was revealed. The applied methodology demonstrated to be useful in ascertaining functioning of a complex karst system under flood event conditions.
Plain Language Summary
Karst aquifer systems contain important water resources. The quality of karst springs can deteriorate significantly after rain events, but it is difficult to distinguish how water flows and mixes in the subsurface, especially in large and complex systems. Statistical methods are powerful tools for studying these issues, but most common approaches are inadequate in some cases to reveal the origin of the water and its fate. In this paper, we present an approach in which we combined different statistical methods to explain the dynamics of water flow based on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of water. The application of these methods led to the discrimination of parameters most useful for a reliable interpretation of statistical results, such as turbidity, bacteria, Cl, EC, and Ca/Mg, and to the construction of an advanced diagram that we called a multivariate chemograph. This diagram allowed us to see where the water was coming from at any given time to our monitoring points, which allowed us to construct a detailed explanation of water flow dynamics in space and time. Our contribution is important to better predict the fate of contaminants in karst underground and to develop an early warning system for better water supply management.
Key Points
A new approach to study and explain hydrodynamics of karst aquifers was developed
It offers an innovative solution to distinguish influential monitoring parameters
Multivariate chemographs allowed spatio‐temporal detection of recharge phases
