Soil degradation, including rocky desertification,of the karst regions in China is severe. Karst landscapes are especially sensitive to soil degradation as carbonate rocks are nutrient-poor and easily eroded. Understa...Soil degradation, including rocky desertification,of the karst regions in China is severe. Karst landscapes are especially sensitive to soil degradation as carbonate rocks are nutrient-poor and easily eroded. Understanding the balance between soil formation and soil erosion is critical for long-term soil sustainability, yet little is known about the initial soil forming processes on karst terrain. Herein we examine the initial weathering processes of several types of carbonate bedrock containing varying amounts of non-carbonate minerals in the SPECTRA Critical Zone Observatory, Guizhou Province, Southwest China. We compared the weathering mechanisms of the bedrock to the mass transfer of mineral nutrients in a soil profile developed on these rocks and found that soil formation and nutrient contents are strongly dependent upon the weathering of interbedded layers of more silicate-rich bedrock(marls). Atmospheric inputs from dust were also detected.展开更多
The B cell antigen receptor （BCR） is the sensor on the B cell surface that surveys foreign molecules （antigen） in our bodies and activates B cells to generate antibody responses upon encountering cognate antigen. ...The B cell antigen receptor （BCR） is the sensor on the B cell surface that surveys foreign molecules （antigen） in our bodies and activates B cells to generate antibody responses upon encountering cognate antigen. The binding of antigen to the BCR induces signaling cascades in the cytoplasm, which provides the first signal for B cell activation. Subsequently, BCRs internalize and target bound antigen to endosomes, where antigen is processed into T cell recognizable forms. T helper cells generate the second activation signal upon binding to antigen presented by B cells. The optimal activation of B cells requires both signals, thereby depending on the coordination of BCR signaling and antigen transport functions. Antigen binding to the BCR also induces rapid remodeling of the cortical actin network of B cells. While being initiated and controlled by BCR signaling, recent studies reveal that this actin remodeling is critical for both the signaling and antigen processing functions of the BCR, indicating a role for actin in coordinating these two pathways. Here we will review previous and recent studies on actin reorganization during BCR activation and BCR- mediated antigen processing, and discuss how actin remodeling translates BCR signaling into rapid antigen uptake and processing while providing positive and negative feedback to BCR signaling.展开更多
A new class of compact and lightweight S-band 1 kW traveling-wave tube (TWT) is being developed for a microwave power module (MPM) that will be used for phased antenna array radar applications. The proposed S-band MPM...A new class of compact and lightweight S-band 1 kW traveling-wave tube (TWT) is being developed for a microwave power module (MPM) that will be used for phased antenna array radar applications. The proposed S-band MPM provides a tenfold peak power increase compared to state-of-the-art S-band MPMs. In this paper, the design of the vacuum power booster TWT part of the MPM is presented. The compact and lightweight S-band TWT is driven by a 6 kV, 0.9 A electron beam. The amplifier is predicted by large-signal simulations to generate over 1 kW at S-band with 25 dB saturated gain and over 40% efficiency. The stability from unwanted oscillations has been investigated. To suppress the oscillations, the helix circuit has been coated with carbon composite material. The coaxial input and output antennas have been fabricated. For efficiency enhancement, a multi-stage depressed collector (MDC) has been designed using a 3D particle-in-cell (PIC) simulator, VORPAL. The collector design makes use of a current loop based on a feedback mechanism for effective design process. The integrated designs of a helix circuit, an electron gun, a periodic permanent magnet (PPM), antennas, and a collector are presented.展开更多
A miniaturized square resonator bandpass filter with circular stubs is designed, fabricated, and characterized. Analytical calculations were carried out to determine the critical filter parameters and the design was o...A miniaturized square resonator bandpass filter with circular stubs is designed, fabricated, and characterized. Analytical calculations were carried out to determine the critical filter parameters and the design was optimized using a 3D electromagnetic finite-element solver. The measured results were in good agreement with the designed results. The proposed filter exhibits significant improvement in bandwidth compared to the conventional square resonator bandpass filters.展开更多
A novel multi-band end-fire antenna array was designed, fabricated, and characterized. Analytical calculations were carried out to determine the critical antenna dimensions and the design was optimized using a 3D elec...A novel multi-band end-fire antenna array was designed, fabricated, and characterized. Analytical calculations were carried out to determine the critical antenna dimensions and the design was optimized using a 3D electromagnetic finite-element solver. The measured results were in good agreement with the designed results. The proposed antenna array exhibits multi-band capabilities which can be potentially used for applications that require a multi-band end-fire radiation pattern.展开更多
A novel elliptical patch resonator for a compact bandpass filter with tunable bandwidth is presented. This bandpass filter has the advantage of great flexibility in which the center frequency can be changed easily. Th...A novel elliptical patch resonator for a compact bandpass filter with tunable bandwidth is presented. This bandpass filter has the advantage of great flexibility in which the center frequency can be changed easily. The bandwidth of this filter can be modified by simply changing one variable, and this makes the proposed design unique. The order of the elliptical patch resonator can be increased, and three types of different orders of the same design are compared. The proposed filter can be used for future compact advanced wireless communication systems.展开更多
The start-oscillation-current of a gyro-TWT (gyrotron traveling-wave tube) determines the stable operating current level of the device. The amplifier is susceptible to oscillations when the operating current level is ...The start-oscillation-current of a gyro-TWT (gyrotron traveling-wave tube) determines the stable operating current level of the device. The amplifier is susceptible to oscillations when the operating current level is higher than the start-oscillation current. There are several ways of calculating the start-oscillation current, including using the linear and nonlinear theory of a gyro-TWT. In this paper, a simple way of determining the start-oscillation current of lossy gyro-TWT is introduced. The linear TWT parameters that include the effects of synchronism, loss, and gain, were converted to gyro-TWT parameters to calculate the start-oscillation-current. The dependence on magnetic field, loss, and beam alpha was investigated. Calculations were carried out for a V-band gyro-TWT for both operating and competing modes. The proposed method of calculating the start-oscillation current provides a simple and fast way to estimate the oscillation conditions and can be used for the design process of a gyro-TWT.展开更多
The design, fabrication, and characterization of the microstrip circular antenna arrays were presented. The proposed antennas were designed for single band at 2.45 GHz and dual bands at 3.3 - 3.6 and 5.0 - 6.0 GHz to ...The design, fabrication, and characterization of the microstrip circular antenna arrays were presented. The proposed antennas were designed for single band at 2.45 GHz and dual bands at 3.3 - 3.6 and 5.0 - 6.0 GHz to support WLAN/WiMAX applications. The proposed single and dual band antennas showed omnidirectional radiation pattern with the gain values of 3.5 dBi at 2.45 GHz, 4.0 dBi at 3.45 GHz, and 3.3 dBi at 5.5 GHz. The dual band antenna array was placed on both top and bottom layers to obtain the desired antenna characteristics. The proposed double-sided dual band antenna provides omnidirectional radiation pattern with high gain.展开更多
基金supported by the National Environmental Research Council of the UK(Grant Nos.NE/N007530/1 and NE/N007603/1)the National Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41571130042)
文摘Soil degradation, including rocky desertification,of the karst regions in China is severe. Karst landscapes are especially sensitive to soil degradation as carbonate rocks are nutrient-poor and easily eroded. Understanding the balance between soil formation and soil erosion is critical for long-term soil sustainability, yet little is known about the initial soil forming processes on karst terrain. Herein we examine the initial weathering processes of several types of carbonate bedrock containing varying amounts of non-carbonate minerals in the SPECTRA Critical Zone Observatory, Guizhou Province, Southwest China. We compared the weathering mechanisms of the bedrock to the mass transfer of mineral nutrients in a soil profile developed on these rocks and found that soil formation and nutrient contents are strongly dependent upon the weathering of interbedded layers of more silicate-rich bedrock(marls). Atmospheric inputs from dust were also detected.
文摘The B cell antigen receptor （BCR） is the sensor on the B cell surface that surveys foreign molecules （antigen） in our bodies and activates B cells to generate antibody responses upon encountering cognate antigen. The binding of antigen to the BCR induces signaling cascades in the cytoplasm, which provides the first signal for B cell activation. Subsequently, BCRs internalize and target bound antigen to endosomes, where antigen is processed into T cell recognizable forms. T helper cells generate the second activation signal upon binding to antigen presented by B cells. The optimal activation of B cells requires both signals, thereby depending on the coordination of BCR signaling and antigen transport functions. Antigen binding to the BCR also induces rapid remodeling of the cortical actin network of B cells. While being initiated and controlled by BCR signaling, recent studies reveal that this actin remodeling is critical for both the signaling and antigen processing functions of the BCR, indicating a role for actin in coordinating these two pathways. Here we will review previous and recent studies on actin reorganization during BCR activation and BCR- mediated antigen processing, and discuss how actin remodeling translates BCR signaling into rapid antigen uptake and processing while providing positive and negative feedback to BCR signaling.
文摘A new class of compact and lightweight S-band 1 kW traveling-wave tube (TWT) is being developed for a microwave power module (MPM) that will be used for phased antenna array radar applications. The proposed S-band MPM provides a tenfold peak power increase compared to state-of-the-art S-band MPMs. In this paper, the design of the vacuum power booster TWT part of the MPM is presented. The compact and lightweight S-band TWT is driven by a 6 kV, 0.9 A electron beam. The amplifier is predicted by large-signal simulations to generate over 1 kW at S-band with 25 dB saturated gain and over 40% efficiency. The stability from unwanted oscillations has been investigated. To suppress the oscillations, the helix circuit has been coated with carbon composite material. The coaxial input and output antennas have been fabricated. For efficiency enhancement, a multi-stage depressed collector (MDC) has been designed using a 3D particle-in-cell (PIC) simulator, VORPAL. The collector design makes use of a current loop based on a feedback mechanism for effective design process. The integrated designs of a helix circuit, an electron gun, a periodic permanent magnet (PPM), antennas, and a collector are presented.
文摘A miniaturized square resonator bandpass filter with circular stubs is designed, fabricated, and characterized. Analytical calculations were carried out to determine the critical filter parameters and the design was optimized using a 3D electromagnetic finite-element solver. The measured results were in good agreement with the designed results. The proposed filter exhibits significant improvement in bandwidth compared to the conventional square resonator bandpass filters.
文摘A novel multi-band end-fire antenna array was designed, fabricated, and characterized. Analytical calculations were carried out to determine the critical antenna dimensions and the design was optimized using a 3D electromagnetic finite-element solver. The measured results were in good agreement with the designed results. The proposed antenna array exhibits multi-band capabilities which can be potentially used for applications that require a multi-band end-fire radiation pattern.
文摘A novel elliptical patch resonator for a compact bandpass filter with tunable bandwidth is presented. This bandpass filter has the advantage of great flexibility in which the center frequency can be changed easily. The bandwidth of this filter can be modified by simply changing one variable, and this makes the proposed design unique. The order of the elliptical patch resonator can be increased, and three types of different orders of the same design are compared. The proposed filter can be used for future compact advanced wireless communication systems.
文摘The start-oscillation-current of a gyro-TWT (gyrotron traveling-wave tube) determines the stable operating current level of the device. The amplifier is susceptible to oscillations when the operating current level is higher than the start-oscillation current. There are several ways of calculating the start-oscillation current, including using the linear and nonlinear theory of a gyro-TWT. In this paper, a simple way of determining the start-oscillation current of lossy gyro-TWT is introduced. The linear TWT parameters that include the effects of synchronism, loss, and gain, were converted to gyro-TWT parameters to calculate the start-oscillation-current. The dependence on magnetic field, loss, and beam alpha was investigated. Calculations were carried out for a V-band gyro-TWT for both operating and competing modes. The proposed method of calculating the start-oscillation current provides a simple and fast way to estimate the oscillation conditions and can be used for the design process of a gyro-TWT.
文摘The design, fabrication, and characterization of the microstrip circular antenna arrays were presented. The proposed antennas were designed for single band at 2.45 GHz and dual bands at 3.3 - 3.6 and 5.0 - 6.0 GHz to support WLAN/WiMAX applications. The proposed single and dual band antennas showed omnidirectional radiation pattern with the gain values of 3.5 dBi at 2.45 GHz, 4.0 dBi at 3.45 GHz, and 3.3 dBi at 5.5 GHz. The dual band antenna array was placed on both top and bottom layers to obtain the desired antenna characteristics. The proposed double-sided dual band antenna provides omnidirectional radiation pattern with high gain.
