Three-dimensional super-resolution correlation-differential confocal microscopy with nanometer axial focusing accuracy

We present a correlation-differential confocal microscopy (CDCM), a novel method that can simultaneously improve the three-dimensional spatial resolution and axial focusing accuracy of confocal microscopy (CM). CDCM divides the CM imaging light path into two paths, where the detectors are before and after the focus with an equal axial offset in opposite directions. Then, the light intensity signals received from the two paths are processed by the correlation product and differential subtraction to improve the CM spatial resolution and axial focusing accuracy, respectively. Theoretical analyses and preliminary experiments indicate that, for the excitation wavelength of λ = 405 nm, numerical aperture of NA = 0.95, and the normalized axial offset of uM = 5.21, the CDCM resolution is improved by more than 20% and more than 30% in the lateral and axial directions, respectively, compared with that of the CM. Also, the axial focusing resolution important for the imaging of sample surface profiles is improved to 1 nm

Improving spatial resolution of confocal Raman microscopy by super-resolution image restoration

A new super-resolution image restoration confocal Raman microscopy method (SRIR-RAMAN) is proposed for improving the spatial resolution of confocal Raman microscopy. This method can recover the lost high spatial frequency of the confocal Raman microscopy by using Poisson-MAP super-resolution imaging restoration, thereby improving the spatial resolution of confocal Raman microscopy and realizing its super-resolution imaging. Simulation analyses and experimental results indicate that the spatial resolution of SRIR-RAMAN can be improved by 65% to achieve 200 nm with the same confocal Raman microscopy system. This method can provide a new tool for high spatial resolution micro-probe structure detection in physical chemistry, materials science, biomedical science and other areas

Energy efficiency for diesel passenger trains

Rail Technical Strategy intends to achieve 4C's targets, which are reducing carbon emission, increasing rail capacity, decreasing rail cost, and improving customer satisfaction. Reducing fuel usage and cost in rail travel depend on the development of more efficient operation and management. This thesis presents investigation of different energy saving strategies for diesel passenger trains. Stabling and power control are the main part in the research. In order to obtain and analysis the methods, the thesis explores, through a series of case studies, a number of suggestions for different operating companies. The first case study relates to reducing stabling time or engine idling time and minimise fuel usage by selectively shutting down the running engines. The second case study mainly focuses on energy calculation and analysis about Class 221, combined with discussing eco-driving. The final part of thesis roughly introduces the traffic management system for assisting energy saving and introduce the new traffic control loop combined with advanced automatic system. Overall, the thesis provides evidence that technology packages (shutting down engines and eco-driving, TMS) could reduce energy consumption, decrease green gas emission, and reduce rail cost

A Study on the Damage and Economic Threshold of the Soybean Aphid at the Seedling Stage

Both plot inoculation experiments and field pest scouting at the seedling stage indicated that soybean yield losses were closely related to the number of soybean aphids and the proportion of plants colonized by soybean aphids. The main factors affecting the soybean yield were decrease in plant height and number of pods and seeds, owing to injury by soybean aphids at the seedling stage. Under existing production conditions, the economic injury level was 3.36%. The control threshold was 500 soybean aphids per 100 plants, with 35% of plants colonized by soybean aphids.Originating text in Chinese.Citation: Wang, Xibei, Fang, Yihao, Lin, Zhizhong, Zhang, Lirong, Wang, Huadi. (1994). A Study on the Damage and Economic Threshold of the Soybean Aphid at the Seedling Stage. Plant Protection (Institute of Plant Protection, CAAS, China), 20, 12-13

Confocal Raman image method with maximum likelihood method

With the increasing interest in nano microscopic area, such as DNA sequencing, micro structure detection of molecular nano devices, a higher requirement for the spatial resolution of Raman spectroscopy is demanded. However, because of the weak Raman signal, the pinhole size of confocal Raman microscopy is usually a few hundreds microns to ensure a relatively higher spectrum throughput, but the large pinhole size limits the improvements of spatial resolution of confoal Raman spectroscopy. As a result, the convential confocal Raman spectroscopy has been unable to meet the needs of science development. Therefore, a confocal Raman image method with Maximum Likelihood image restoration algorithm based on the convential confocal Raman microscope is propose. This method combines super-resolution image restoration technology and confocal Raman microscopy to realize super-resolution imaging, by using Maximum Likelihood image restoration algorithm based on Poisson-Markov model to conduct image restoration processing on the Raman image, and the high frequency information of the image is recovered, and then the spatial resolution of Raman image is improved and the super-resolution image is realized. Simulation analyses and experimental results indicate that the proposed confocal Raman image method with Maximum Likelihood image restoration algorithm can improve the spatial resolution to 200 nm without losing any Raman spectral signal under the same condition with convential confocal Raman microscopy, moreover it has strong noise suppression capability. In conclusion, the method can provide a new approach for material science, life sciences, biomedicine and other frontiers areas. This method is an effective confocal Raman image method with high spatial resolution