Application of the morphological alpha shape method to the extraction of topographical features from engineering surfaces

In contrast to the mean-line based filters, morphological filters are function oriented and more suitable for the functional prediction of component performance. This paper presents a novel morphological method based on the alpha shape for the extraction of topographical features from engineering surfaces. Compared to the traditional implementation of morphological filters, the alpha shape method is more efficient in performance for large structuring element. The resulting envelope follows the form of the surface all over such that the distortions caused the end effects are avoided. A series of measured surfaces from the automotive cylinder liner and the bioengineering femoral heads are analyzed using the morphological alpha shape method. The topographical features are successfully extracted, enabling further analysis to the components

New aspects of operando Raman spectroscopy applied to electrochemical CO2 reduction on Cu foams

The mechanism of electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) on copper surfaces is still insufficiently understood. Operando Raman spectroscopy is ideally suited to elucidate the role of adsorbed reaction intermediates and products. For a Cu foam material which has been previously characterized regarding electrochemical properties and product spectrum, 129 operando spectra are reported, covering the spectral range from 250 to 3300 cm−1. (1) The dendritic foam structure facilitates surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and thus electrochemical operando spectroscopy, without any further surface manipulations. (2) Both Raman enhancement and SERS background depend strongly on the electric potential and the “history” of preceding potential sequences. (3) To restore the plausible intensity dependencies of Raman bands, normalization to the SERS background intensity is proposed. (4) Two distinct types of *CO adsorption modes are resolved. (5) Hysteresis in the potential-dependent *CO desorption supports previous electrochemical analyses; saturating *CO adsorption may limit CO formation rates. (6) HCO3− likely deprotonates upon adsorption so that exclusively adsorbed carbonate is detectable, but with strong dependence on the preceding potential sequences. (7) A variety of species and adsorption modes of reaction products containing C—H bonds were detected and compared to reference solutions of likely reaction products, but further investigations are required for assignment to specific molecular species. (8) The Raman bands of adsorbed reaction products depend weakly or strongly on the preceding potential sequences. In future investigations, suitably designed potential protocols could provide valuable insights into the potential-dependent kinetics of product formation, adsorption, and desorption

Tourists Perceived Value and Experience Preference based on AR Technique

National park in China are to design activities to optimize visitor benefits while still protecting resources, and it is critical to understand what visitors prefer from their park experience and their perceived value in order to attainment their benefits. This research studies Potatso NP in Yunnan Provence as a case, by applying AR technology in tourists experience, investigates the relationship of tourist preference and perceived value to profile potential tourist market characteristics of Chinese national park. Correlation analysis was conducted and it is found that 1) there is correlation of cultural and social dimension on both AR preference and perceived value; 2) There is also correlation on educational dimension. It is believed that this study can provide valuable insight on protecting and keeping the unique value on natural and cultural heritage of national park, enhancing the tourism experience of fun and interactive immersion, and enriching tourists’ natural and cultural knowledge

Brain APOE expression quantitative trait loci-based association study identified one susceptibility locus for Alzheimer\u27s disease by interacting with APOE epsilon 4

AbstractSome studies have demonstrated interactions of AD-risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in non-APOE regions with APOE genotype. Nevertheless, no study reported interactions of expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) for APOE with APOE genotype. In present study, we included 9286 unrelated AD patients and 8479 normal controls from 12 cohorts of NIA Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS) and Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). 34 unrelated brain eQTLs for APOE were compiled from BRAINEAC and GTEx. We used multi-covariate logistic regression analysis to identify eQTLs interacted with APOE ε4. Adjusted for age and gender, substantia nigra eQTL rs438811 for APOE showed significantly strong interaction with APOE ε4 status (OR, 1.448; CI, 1.124–1.430; P-value = 7.94 × 10−6). APOE ε4-based sub-group analyses revealed that carrying one minor allele T of rs438811 can increase the opportunity of developing to AD by 26.75% in APOE ε4 carriers but not in non-carriers. We revealed substantia nigra eQTL rs438811 for APOE can interact with APOE ε4 and confers risk in APOE ε4 carriers only.</jats:p