Heparin-Mimicking Polymer Modified Polyethersulfone Membranes - A Mini Review

Recent studies on the modification of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes using heparin-mimicking polymers are reviewed. The general conception of heparin-mimicking polymersis defined as the syntheticpolymers (including the biopolymer derivates and synthetic sulfated artificial polymers) with similar biologically functionalities as heparin, such as the anticoagulant, growth factor binding, and also disease mediation. In the review, heparin-mimicking polymers is briefly reviewed; then heparin-mimicking polymer modified PES membranes, including blended, coated, and grafted membranes are discussed respectively

Research on a simulation scheme of penetration overload signal

In this paper, the types of penetrating collision overload signals are analyzed, and a detection device for simulating the signal of the penetration process is designed in combination with engineering practice. The device uses asimulated signal generation circuit to simulate the overload signal of the projectile actually hitting the target during the penetration process. The Pspice simulation software is used to simulate the voltage overload of the simulated overload signal, and the feasibility and stability of the signal generation are verified by the prototype test. The simulation signal proposed by the design scheme can be used to simulate the penetration overload signals for different initial speeds and different targets, and it has certain guiding significance for the pre-design simulation test of engineering projects

Research of concrete cracking propagation based on information entropy evolution

The distribution state evolution of concrete cracking evolution energy has been discussed in which with dissipative system characteristics is considered, and combined the theory of information entropy with energy method. The function of entropy evolution change for in different stage of crack stable and unstable propagations evolution is established. The element damage extent formula is deduced, which can be applied to judge the stage of crack. Finally, the cracking process of double span continuous beam is simulated by Midas/FEA to compare with other literature. The result shows that the strain energy entropy function proposed can is be capable of well describing the evolution law of concrete cracking evolution

Structural damage identification using data fusion and optimization of the self-adaptive differential evolution algorithm

This paper addresses the critical challenges of inadequate localization and low quantification precision in structural damage identification by introducing a novel approach that integrates Dempster–Shafer (D-S) evidence theory with the Self-Adaptive Differential Evolution (SDE) algorithm. First, modal parameters are extracted from a simply supported beam using the finite element (FE) method, and the corresponding index values are computed based on the formulated damage identification index equations. Next, these indices are applied to analyze damage localization in both single-position and multi-position scenarios within the simply supported beam. The SDE algorithm is then employed to dynamically optimize the initial weights and thresholds of various algorithms, ensuring the assignment of optimal values. Finally, the resulting data are input into the model for training, yielding a prediction model with enhanced accuracy that can precisely estimate the damage severity of the simply supported beam. The findings demonstrate that the three proposed damage identification indices—DI1,i,j, DI2,i,j, and DSDIi,j—not only achieve high accuracy in damage localization but also significantly improve the precision of algorithms optimized by the SDE. These methods exhibit strong accuracy and robustness, providing a valuable reference for damage identification in small-to-medium-span simply supported beam bridges

A Tutorial on Near-Field XL-MIMO Communications Towards 6G

Extremely large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (XL-MIMO) is a promising technology for the sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication networks. By significantly boosting the antenna number or size to at least an order of magnitude beyond current massive MIMO systems, XL-MIMO is expected to unprecedentedly enhance the spectral efficiency and spatial resolution for wireless communication. The evolution from massive MIMO to XL-MIMO is not simply an increase in the array size, but faces new design challenges, in terms of near-field channel modelling, performance analysis, channel estimation, and practical implementation. In this article, we give a comprehensive tutorial overview on near-field XL-MIMO communications, aiming to provide useful guidance for tackling the above challenges. First, the basic near-field modelling for XL-MIMO is established, by considering the new characteristics of non-uniform spherical wave (NUSW) and spatial non-stationarity. Next, based on the near-field modelling, the performance analysis of XL-MIMO is presented, including the near-field signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) scaling laws, beam focusing pattern, achievable rate, and degrees-of-freedom (DoF). Furthermore, various XL-MIMO design issues such as near-field beam codebook, beam training, channel estimation, and delay alignment modulation (DAM) transmission are elaborated. Finally, we point out promising directions to inspire future research on near-field XL-MIMO communications.Comment: 42 page

Long-read sequencing reveals genomic structural variations that underlie creation of quality protein maize

Mutation of o2 doubles maize endosperm lysine content, but it causes an inferior kernel phenotype. Developing quality protein maize (QPM) by introgressing o2 modifiers (Mo2s) into the o2 mutant benefits millions of people in developing countries where maize is a primary protein source. Here, we report genome sequence and annotation of a South African QPM line K0326Y, which is assembled from single-molecule, real-time shotgun sequencing reads collinear with an optical map. We achieve a N50 contig length of 7.7 million bases (Mb) directly from long-read assembly, compared to those of 1.04 Mb for B73 and 1.48 Mb for Mo17. To characterize Mo2s, we map QTLs to chromosomes 1, 6, 7, and 9 using an F2 population derived from crossing K0326Y and W64Ao2. RNA-seq analysis of QPM and o2 endosperms reveals a group of differentially expressed genes that coincide with Mo2 QTLs, suggesting a potential role in vitreous endosperm formation.Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Insight-HXMT observations of Swift J0243.6+6124 during its 2017-2018 outburst

The recently discovered neutron star transient Swift J0243.6+6124 has been monitored by {\it the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope} ({\it Insight-\rm HXMT). Based on the obtained data, we investigate the broadband spectrum of the source throughout the outburst. We estimate the broadband flux of the source and search for possible cyclotron line in the broadband spectrum. No evidence of line-like features is, however, found up to $\rm 150~keV$. In the absence of any cyclotron line in its energy spectrum, we estimate the magnetic field of the source based on the observed spin evolution of the neutron star by applying two accretion torque models. In both cases, we get consistent results with $B\rm \sim 10^{13}~G$, $D\rm \sim 6~kpc$ and peak luminosity of $\rm >10^{39}~erg~s^{-1}$ which makes the source the first Galactic ultraluminous X-ray source hosting a neutron star.Comment: publishe

Validating the predictive ability of the 2MACE score for major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation: results from phase II/III of the GLORIA-AF registry

The 2MACE score was specifically developed as a risk-stratification tool in atrial fibrillation (AF) to predict cardiovascular outcomes. We evaluated the predictive ability of the 2MACE score in the GLORIA-AF registry. All eligible patients from phase II/III of the prospective global GLORIA-AF registry were included. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were defined as the composite outcome of stroke, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Cox proportional hazards were used to examine the relationship between the 2MACE score and study outcomes. Predictive capability of the 2MACE score was investigated using receiver-operating characteristic curves. A total of 25,696 patients were included (mean age 71 years, female 44.9%). Over 3 years, 1583 MACEs were recorded. Patients who had MACE were older, with more cardiovascular risk factors and were less likely to be managed using a rhythm-control strategy. The median 2MACE score in the MACE and non-MACE groups were 2 (IQR 1-3) and 1 (IQR 0-2), respectively (p < 0.001). The 2MACE score was positively associated with an increase in the risk of MACE, with a score of ≥ 2 providing the best combination of sensitivity (69.6%) and specificity (51.6%), HR 2.47 (95% CI, 2.21-2.77). The 2MACE score had modest predictive performance for MACE in patients with AF (AUC 0.655 (95% CI, 0.641-0.669)). Our analysis in this prospective global registry demonstrates that the 2MACE score can adequately predict the risk of MACE (defined as myocardial infarction, CV death and stroke) in patients with AF. Clinical trial registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifiers: NCT01468701, NCT01671007 and NCT01937377