Real-Time Semantics-Driven Infrared and Visible Image Fusion Network.

This paper proposes a real-time semantics-driven infrared and visible image fusion framework (RSDFusion). A novel semantics-driven image fusion strategy is introduced in image fusion to maximize the retention of significant information of the source image in the fusion image. First, a semantically segmented image of the source image is obtained using a pre-trained semantic segmentation model. Second, masks of significant targets are obtained from the semantically segmented image, and these masks are used to separate the targets in the source and fusion images. Finally, the local semantic loss of the separation target is designed and combined with the overall structural similarity loss of the image to instruct the network to extract appropriate features to reconstruct the fusion image. Experimental results show that the RSDFusion proposed in this paper outperformed other comparative methods on both subjective and objective evaluation of public datasets and that the main target of the source image is better preserved in the fusion image.

A Compact High-Isolation Four-Element MIMO Antenna with Asymptote-Shaped Structure.

The demand for high-speed wireless communication systems has led to the development of ultrawide-band (UWB) antennas with a compact size and high performance. In this paper, we propose a novel four-port multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna with an asymptote-shaped structure that overcomes the limitations of existing designs for UWB applications. The antenna elements are placed orthogonally to each other for polarization diversity, and each element features a stepped rectangular patch with a tapered microstrip feedline. The unique structure of the antenna significantly reduces its dimensions to 42 × 42 mm2 (0.43λ×0.43λ@ 3.09GHz), making it highly desirable for use in small wireless devices. To further enhance the antenna's performance, we use two parasitic tapes on the ground plane at the back as decoupling structures between adjacent elements. The tapes are designed in a windmill shape and a rotating extended cross shape, respectively, to further improve the isolation. We fabricated and measured the proposed antenna design on a single-layer substrate (FR4) with a dielectric constant of 4.4 and a thickness of 1 mm. The measured results show that the impedance bandwidth of the antenna is 3.09-12 GHz, with an isolation of -16.4 dB, an envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) of 0.02, a diversity gain (DG) of 9.991 dB, an average total effective reflection coefficient (TARC) of -20 dB, an overall group delay value less than 1.4 ns, and a peak gain of 5.1 dBi. Although there may be some antennas that have better performance in one or two specific aspects, our proposed antenna has an excellent trade-off among all the antenna characteristics including bandwidth, size, and isolation. The proposed antenna also exhibits good quasi-omnidirectional radiation properties, making it well-suited for a range of emerging UWB-MIMO communication systems, particularly in small wireless devices. In summary, the compact size and ultrawide-band capabilities of the proposed MIMO antenna design, coupled with its improved performance compared to other recent UWB-MIMO designs, make it a promising candidate for 5G and next-generation wireless communication systems.

A Compact Four-Port MIMO Antenna for UWB Applications.

A compact four-port multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna for ultrawideband (UWB) applications is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna has four unit cell antennas. Each unit cell is placed orthogonal to its adjacent elements. The radiation element of each unit cell is composed of a cut semicircular patch and a stepped microstrip feed line. The whole ground on the back side consists of four parts of defective ground and their extended branches, which are connected through a "卍" structure. The main decoupling technology used in the MIMO antenna is polarization diversity. In addition, protruded ground and parasitic elements are added to achieve a higher isolation. This compact antenna has a small area of 45 mm × 45 mm and is printed on a single layer substrate (FR4) with an εr = 4.4 and a thickness of 1.6 mm. This antenna has an impedance bandwidth (S11 < −10 dB) of 3.1−13.1 GHz (123%) and an isolation of less than −17 dB. The envelope correction coefficient (ECC) is less than 0.02 and the average gain is 4 dBi. The ultrawide bandwidth and compact size of the proposed antenna make it a promising candidate for UWB applications.

Erratum: Wei et al. Tilted-Beam Antenna Based on SSPPs-TL with Stable Gain. Sensors 2021, 21, 3288.

Text Correction [...].

Tilted-Beam Antenna Based on SSPPs-TL with Stable Gain.

In this paper, a titled-beam antenna based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) transmission lines (TLs) is proposed. The parallel SSPPs-TL is a slow-wave TL, which is able to limit waves in the TL strictly. By periodically introducing a set of tapered stubs along the SSPPs-TL, the backward endfire beams are formed by the surface waves in the slow-wave radiation region. Then, through the placement of a big metal plate below the endfire antenna, the backward endfire beams are tilted, and the tilted angle of the beams are steered by the distance of the metal plate and antenna. Over the band of 5.7 GHz~7.0 GHz, the tilted antenna performs constant shapes of radiation patterns. The gain keeps stable at around 12 dBi and the 1-dB gain bandwidth is 20%. The measured results of the fabricated prototypes confirm the design theory and simulated results.

Multiple stable states of dissipative soliton resonance in a passively mode-locked Yb-doped fiber laser.

Dissipative soliton resonance (DSR) with multiple stable states has been experimentally demonstrated in a passively mode-locked Yb-doped fiber laser. The generation of the DSR square pulse has been achieved with the nonlinear optical loop mirror technique. The duration of the square pulse varies from 16 to 123 ns, while the amplitude of the pulse remains constant. Experimentally, by fixing the pump power and changing the orientations of the polarization controllers, we have observed three different square pulses that all operate in the DSR regime. At the same time, we have obtained a wavelength-tunable square pulse, which demonstrates that the DSR and operation wavelength are independent of each other. We also analyzed the ideal state in the DSR regime.

A novel automatic quantification method for high-content screening analysis of DNA double strand-break response.

High-content screening is commonly used in studies of the DNA damage response. The double-strand break (DSB) is one of the most harmful types of DNA damage lesions. The conventional method used to quantify DSBs is γH2AX foci counting, which requires manual adjustment and preset parameters and is usually regarded as imprecise, time-consuming, poorly reproducible, and inaccurate. Therefore, a robust automatic alternative method is highly desired. In this manuscript, we present a new method for quantifying DSBs which involves automatic image cropping, automatic foci-segmentation and fluorescent intensity measurement. Furthermore, an additional function was added for standardizing the measurement of DSB response inhibition based on co-localization analysis. We tested the method with a well-known inhibitor of DSB response. The new method requires only one preset parameter, which effectively minimizes operator-dependent variations. Compared with conventional methods, the new method detected a higher percentage difference of foci formation between different cells, which can improve measurement accuracy. The effects of the inhibitor on DSB response were successfully quantified with the new method (p = 0.000). The advantages of this method in terms of reliability, automation and simplicity show its potential in quantitative fluorescence imaging studies and high-content screening for compounds and factors involved in DSB response.