Line Structure Research Articles

Design, Synthesis, and in-silico Studies of New Disubstituted Benzimidazoles: Evaluation of In-vitro Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity

A series of thirteen new benzimidazole scaffolds 4(a-m) was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of 2-chloro- N-(aryl)-acetamides 3(a-m) with 2-(substituted phenyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazoles 2(a-e) in N.N-Dimethylformamide. All the synthesized compounds were tested on the MCF-7 cell line, followed by antibacterial and antifungal activity. The anticancer activity was determined using MTT assay technique, whereas the antimicrobial activity was carried out using two-fold serial dilution technique. Among all the tested compounds, compound 4b exhibited the highest anticancer and antimicrobial activity, comparable to the standard drug. Finally, the binding mode analysis of the highly active compounds was performed at the active binding sites of the co-crystallized structure of the MCF-7 cell line (PDB ID 1ZXM) and glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase (PDB ID 2VF5). In silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion studies were also carried out.. KEYWORDS :Benzimidazoles, Cytotoxicity, in silico studies, MCF-7 cell lines, MTT assay.

Population structure, favourable alleles and grain quality traits of promising advanced breeding lines of lowland rice adaptable to acidic soils

Population structure, favourable alleles and grain quality traits of promising advanced breeding lines of lowland rice adaptable to acidic soils

New energy transmission line fault location method based on Pearson correlation coefficient

The access of new energy power source makes the traditional transmission line structure become complex, and due to the influence of power electronic device control strategy, the fault characteristics have been fundamentally changed, resulting in the traditional transmission line fault localization method can not be applied to the new energy sending line. To address the above problems, this paper analyzes the transient current characteristics of different power supply faults, and learns that there are obvious differences in the transient currents on both sides of the fault point inside and outside the transmission line area, and then proposes a new energy transmission line fault localization method based on the Pearson correlation coefficient, which determines the fault location by calculating the correlation coefficients of the fault waveforms of the neighboring monitoring points. Finally, comparative experiments are carried out under different fault types and fault locations to further verify the applicability of the proposed method.

Paradox lost: wide gape in the Ordovician brachiopod Rafinesquina explains how unattached filter‐feeding strophomenoids thrived on muddy substrates

AbstractStrophomenoid brachiopods had thin, concavo‐convex shells, were ubiquitous colonizers of Palaeozoic muddy seafloors, and are hypothesized to have filter‐fed in a concave‐upward orientation. This orientation would elevate their line of commissure out of potentially lethal lophophore‐clogging mud. The paradox is that epibiont distributions on strophomenoids support a convex‐upward life position, as do studies of strophomenoid stability and trace fossils formed by strophomenoid sediment‐clearing. A premise of the concave‐upward orientation hypothesis is a narrow gape, which causes narrow, high velocity inhalant currents, leaving strophomenoids vulnerable to sediment entrainment. Herein we investigate the gape angle of Rafinesquina using serial thin sections and peels, silicified specimens, computer modelling, SEM analysis, x‐ray microCT, and 3D printing. Hinge line structure suggests that, conservatively, Rafinesquina could gape 40–45°. Such a gape occurred when diductor muscle contraction could not cause any further rotation, hinge teeth and crenulations were disengaged, and interareas interlocked. In contrast, when closed, hinge teeth were locked in hinge sockets. This wide gape eliminates constraints on feeding orientation. In either convex‐up or concave‐up orientation, Rafinesquina could feed with slow, diffuse inhalant currents incapable of disturbing sediment, and could snap valves shut to forcefully expel enough water to clear sediment from the mantle cavity, explaining previously described moat‐shaped trace fossils associated with shells. Our findings demonstrate that Rafinesquina gaped at an angle approximately equal to the angle between the two interareas when the valves are closed. Our analyses hint that other strophomenoids with similar interarea angles also lived with their shells widely agape.

Multiscale prediction of thermal damage for hybrid fibers reinforced cementitious composites blended with fly ash at high temperatures

Thermal damage assessment of cementitious composites is essential for evaluating post-fire health conditions of the engineering structures, as well as the basis for reinforcement and repair after fires. Fibers and fly ash are widely used in cementitious composites due to their excellent properties. However, quantifying and predicting the thermal damage of hybrid fibers reinforced cementitious composites blended with fly ash at high temperatures is still inexplicit. Hence, this study aims to realize multiscale prediction of thermal damage for hybrid fibers reinforced cementitious composites blended with fly ash at high temperatures. First, the volumes of the phase compositions during hydration and dehydration are calculated by the hydration of cement and fly ash and the dehydration of hydration products. Then, a multiscale model is established to predict the thermal damage of hybrid fibers reinforced cementitious composites and verified by the experimental data. At last, the temperature field of tunnel lining structure in fires is obtained by numerical modeling and employing it to predict thermal damage at different thicknesses and moments. Results show that the heating rate determines the dehydration degree of hydration products and the volumes of the phase composites at high temperatures. The proposed multiscale model can reflect the thermal microcracking of cement paste, the interfacial thermal damage between aggregates and the cement paste, and the deterioration of elastic modulus of fibers. After three hours of exposure to fires, serious damage appears at the surface and the thickness of 2 cm and 5 cm of the lining, while there is nearly no damage at a thickness of 30 cm or more.

Research on Energy Absorption Characteristics of Polypropylene Foam Concrete Buffer Layer in High Ground Stress Soft Rock Tunnel

Creep stress is a detrimental stress generated by the surrounding rock during the operation of the secondary lining of the supporting structure used for high-stress soft rock tunnels in railways, highways and other projects. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate and provide solutions for damages such as cracking and deformation caused by creep stress. For this purpose, research methods used in the literature and experimental studies, as well as the theoretical, data and numerical simulation analyses, were used. Accordingly, the mix proportion design, specimen production and the tests of physical and mechanical properties of EPP foam concrete were carried out. Moreover, the EPP(polypropylene foam) concrete was used as the buffer layer of the supporting structure, the practical application of which was verified through numerical analyses. The findings of the study revealed the effective compression performance of the mix proportion design method. Furthermore, the EPP foam concrete was found to be able to absorb the energy generated by the creep of the surrounding rock, consequently reducing the surrounding rock pressure acting on the secondary lining structure, which, in turn, ensures the safety of the operation. The findings of the study can be used as a reference for designing similar projects.

Wideband filtering power amplifier based on terminated coupled line structure

Abstract This paper proposes a design method for designing a wideband filtering power amplifier (PA) based on terminated coupled line structure (TCLS). This method generates four transmission zeros and three transmission poles by loading stepped impedance resonator and short-circuit stubs on the four ports of TCLS, which greatly optimizes the in-band return loss and stopband suppression of the output matching network. In addition, the effective suppression of the second harmonic also increases the efficiency of the PA. In order to verify the effectiveness and superiority of this design method, a wideband bandpass filtering PA is designed and manufactured in 2.9–3.7 GHz. Measurement results show that the saturated output power is from 40.1 dBm to 41.2 dBm, the drain efficiency is greater than 60.3%, and the gain is 10–11.2 dB.

Research on intrusion and large arch bulge in lining structure for highway’s mudstone tunnel

During the construction of a highway in northwest China, large deformation of mudstone caused severe deformation of and damage to side walls, initial support, and secondary lining to various extents. To reveal the causes of mudstone’s large deformation in the tunnels of this highway, a comprehensive study was conducted by using engineering geological survey, on-site monitoring and measurement, indoor rock mechanics test, numerical simulation, and macroscopic analysis. For the problem of large deformation of this highway’s tunnel section from YK209 + 500 m to YK210 + 030 m, the 3D finite difference method FLAC3D was used to simulate the large deformation of the wall rock and compare the deformation of the tunnel and the mechanical characteristics of the lining structure under different conditions by means of inverse analysis of the rheological characteristics of the mudstone and simulation of the softening of the mudstone in water. The research results provide a reference and basis for the construction design of similar mudstone tunnel projects. For the management of tunnel deformation, it is recommended to enhance the tunnel’s drainage measures, thereby mitigating the intensification of mudstone softening when exposed to water.

Durability Improvement of Pumice Lightweight Aggregate Concrete by Incorporating Modified Rubber Powder with Sodium Silicate.

To improve the durability of pumice lightweight aggregate concrete applied in cold and drought areas, sodium silicate-modified waste tire rubber powder is used to treat the pumice lightweight aggregate concrete. The pumice lightweight aggregate concrete studied is mainly used in river lining structures. It will be eroded by water flow and the impact of ice and other injuries, resulting in reduced durability, and the addition of modified rubber will reduce the damage. The durability, including mass loss rate and relative dynamic elastic modulus of pumice lightweight aggregate concrete with different sodium silicate dosages and rubber power particle sizes, is analyzed under freeze-thaw cycles, and the microstructure is further characterized by using microscopic test methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance tests, ultra-depth 3D microscope tests, and scanning electron microscopy tests. The results showed that the durability of pumice lightweight aggregate concrete is significantly improved by the addition of modified waste tire rubber powder, and the optimum durability is achieved when using 2 wt% sodium silicate modified rubber power with a particle size of 20, and then the mass loss rate decreased from 4.54% to 0.77% and the relative dynamic elastic modulus increased from 50.34% to 64.87% after 300 freeze-thaw cycles compared with other samples. The scanning electron microscopy test result showed that the surface of rubber power is cleaner after the modification of sodium silicate, so the bonding ability between rubber power and cement hydration products is improved, which further improved the durability of concrete under the freeze-thaw cycle. The results of the nuclear magnetic resonance test showed that the pore area increased with the number of freeze-thaw cycles, and the small pores gradually evolved into large pores. The effect of sodium silicate on the modification of rubber power with different particle sizes is different. After the treatment of 2 wt% sodium silicate, the relationship between the increased rate of pore area and the number of freezing-thawing cycles is 23.8/times for the pumice lightweight aggregate concrete containing rubber power with a particle size of 20 and 35.3/times for the pumice lightweight aggregate concrete containing a particle size of 80 rubber power, respectively.

Design of dispersion‐reconfigurable phaser using stepped‐impedance line

AbstractThis paper proposes a dispersion‐reconfigurable reflection‐type phaser based on the stepped‐impedance microstrip line structure. By configuring “ON” and “OFF” states of switches, the proposed phaser exhibits positive‐slope, negative‐slope, and zero‐slope linearly dispersive group delay responses. For proof‐of‐concept demonstration, we use line connection/disconnection to mimic the ON/OFF states of real switches. Three prototypes are hence fabricated to represent the three different states. The experimental results agree well with the expected responses, which finally validate the proposed concept.

Study of spatial temperature features of road tunnel fires under multiple factors

AbstractAfter a highway tunnel fire, the rapid change of the internal ambient temperature directly affects the personal safety of pedestrians. Based mainly on the lateral possibility of fire location and considering the coupling effect of multiple factors in a two‐lane highway tunnel, this study systematically carried out 63 full‐size tunnel fire simulation studies relying on Fluent software. The smoke temperature distribution patterns in the transverse and longitudinal spaces of the tunnel after the fire were revealed. This study shows that the smoke temperature below the tunnel vault is susceptible to the effect of sidewall restraint, making the maximum temperature of the tunnel vault of the offset fire source large; considering the lateral location of the fire source, the maximum temperature prediction formula of the tunnel vault is modified to expose the change law of the longitudinal temperature decay of the vault. This paper reveals for the first time the law of temperature distribution changes at the characteristic height of the human eye on the evacuation platform in the tunnel; the systematic study of the fire source cross‐sectional temperature distribution changes at the key lining structure points, and it is found that a low‐temperature space conducive to personnel escape exists in the lower part of the tunnel away from the fire source side. The results of the study are beneficial to the design of safe evacuation paths in the tunnel and the active emergency evacuation of personnel in the near‐fire source area.

Evaluation of direct ink write processing parameter window via machine learning

Direct ink writing 3D printing offers significant advantages for fabricating soft materials. It is a process of forming solid parts from extruded line structures, so the uniformity and stability of the line is critical for successful printing. This study mainly focuses on the process parameter window for achieving uniform and stable printed lines. Four machine learning models (support vector machine, backpropagation neural network, decision tree, and K-nearest neighbour) are built to predict the success of printing. These models exhibited robust predictive capabilities, particularly the backpropagation neural network and support vector machine models, both achieving an accuracy of 0.9091. Utilizing these models, the reasonable processing parameter window and the relationships among printing parameters were analysed. The results indicate that high printing speeds require large extrusion pressure to achieve a high success rate. An increase in nondimensional nozzle height enhances the possibility of successful printing with small pressure and low speed. The predicted processing parameters derived from the machine learning model were applied to print representative structures, showing good prediction performance.

Applying Characteristic Impedance Compensation Cut-Outs to Full Radio Frequency Chains in Multi-Layer Printed Circuit Board Designs.

Modern wireless communication systems are of utmost importance to various sectors such as healthcare, education, the household, and the advancement of emerging technologies like the internet of things, autonomous vehicles, and the enhancement of 5G. Further development and improvement of these systems drives the need for small dimension, high integration and density, and cost-effective electronic devices. Achieving optimal performance in wireless electronic devices involves overcoming engineering challenges related to microstrip line signal integrity. This research addresses the impact of surface mount technology (SMT) component pads on signal integrity, proposing a novel high-frequency microstrip line structure for mitigating impedance discontinuities. The study introduces stepped microstrip lines and explores characteristic impedance compensation techniques. A six-layer printed circuit board (PCB) structure is presented, and the effects of compensation on signal integrity are analyzed using time-domain reflectometry and scattering parameter measurements. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of compensation methods in aligning characteristic impedance with desired values, thereby ensuring improved impedance matching and transmission coefficients. The average over-the-length impedance for the proposed structure with compensation applied was measured to be 52.7 Ω, which is only 1.3 Ω (2.5%) more than that of the reference microstrip. Applying reference plane cut-outs leads to a maximum compensated absolute value of more than 30 Ω to reach the target impedance with a 10% tolerance. This research contributes valuable insights for advancing wireless communication systems and maintaining robustness in high-frequency microstrip transmission lines.

Experimental and Numerical Modeling of the Freeze–thaw Response of U-Shaped Channel Lining on Sulfate Saline Soil Foundation

Under the influence of seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, the concrete lining of channels situated on saline soil foundations is highly vulnerable to an array of deleterious phenomena, such as frost heave, salt expansion, and corrosion. To investigate the synergistic interplay among saline soil substrates, U-shaped channel lining structures, and ambient temperatures during freeze-thaw cycles, a novel Hydraulic-Thermal-Salt-Mechanical (HTSM) model is established in this study. The HTSM model elucidates the migration of moisture and salt solute, ice-water phase transitions, and sodium sulfate crystallization within unsaturated saline soils throughout the freeze-thaw cycles. It considers the variations in volume and pore solution volume before and after the phase transition of sodium sulfate. Temperature and salt frost heaving force measurements obtained from outdoor freeze-thaw cycles are compared with numerical simulation results to validate the efficacy of the HTSM model and investigate the distribution patterns of salt frost heaving force (frost swelling force) along the channel. The results showed that the frost swelling force and depth exhibit a great linear relationship and the maximum stress of the U-shaped channel appears at the bottom of the channel, highlighting the good arching force characteristics of the U-shaped structure which prove that bottom of the channel is also the most prone to fracture. Significantly, the initial water content significantly impacts the frost swelling force—it increases by 4% while the frost swelling force increases by 76%. Comparing the numerical simulation results of temperature variations, moisture changes, and salt-frost heaving forces with the outdoor experimental data, it is evident that the proposed HTSM model effectively simulates the salt-frost heaving patterns observed in U-shaped channel linings.

An Iterative Calculation Method for Internal Forces and Deformation of Curved Tunnel Lining

The accurate prediction of lining forces and deformations is crucial for the design of arched tunnel lining. However, in traditional tunnel structural mechanics methods, the distribution shape of the surrounding rock elastic resistance (SRER), as well as the zero point and maximal point locations of SRER, are not clearly defined. In this paper, an iterative calculation method is proposed based on the gradual convergence of the unitized values of SRER and total displacement (TD) of the lining, and the one-to-one functional relationship between the two in the stability process of the surrounding rock and lining. In this method involves using the initial displacement caused by the pressure of the surrounding rock pressure is used to initiate the iterative process, and iterative calculation is carried out until the errors between the unitized value of SRER and the unitized value of TD of the lining structure meet the error requirements. This enables precise determination of the SRER and TD. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, a case study is conducted on the tunnel of Lianghe Expressway tunnel in Yunnan province, China. The results showed that when the semi-lining structure is divided into unit blocks and the average error of consistency is required to be less than 1e-3, it takes about 20 iterations are needed to meet the error requirement. Furthermore, the accuracy of the calculated results is verified through site-measuring experiments. This method provides an effective tool for failure analysis of arched tunnel lining structures.

Deep unfolding model‐based for hybrid robust wide band adaptive beamforming

AbstractThe design of arrays capable of receiving wideband signals differs from arrays that can only receive narrowband signals. These arrays must be able to receive signals with an instant bandwidth of several GHz across the entire operating frequency, such as High‐Resolution Radars or Terahertz in 6G communication systems. In these arrays, using a time delay line structure leads to an increase in beamformer coefficients, resulting in high computational complexity. This poses a challenge for beamforming in wideband systems. Additionally, classic Wideband beamformers face other factors, such as poor performance in the presence of input direction of arrival error, array calibration error, and requiring too many snapshots to reach the steady state of the beamformer. Therefore, the robustness of wideband adaptive beamforming using deep unfolding model‐based technique is focused on, which has not been discussed before. The advent of deep unfolding, an innovative technique, amalgamates iterative optimization approaches with elements of neural networks. The aim is to deftly maneuver through various tasks across disciplines such as machine learning, signal and image processing, and telecommunication systems. Also, the network training method is done to become more robust against the mentioned factors. In the proposed structure, the constraints of the previous methods have been evaluated. It is observed to have better performance compared to other classic algorithms. Also, with the investigations of the proposed method with other conventional deep learning methods, it was observed that in some cases the proposed structure performance is equal to the conventional deep learning method and sometimes better.

A Ku/K band dual linearly polarized Reflectarray for earth exploration satellite services

ABSTRACT A novel single-layer dual-band, dual-polarised reflectarray was designed, developed, and tested in this paper. This Reflectarray is a vital component to use, in Earth exploration sensor systems and remote sensing satellites for measuring water levels and cryosphere research. The proposed antenna is employed in dual frequency bands from 12.5–16 GHz to 23.5–26 GHz covering Ku/K bands. The corrugated semi-circular rings enclosed with quad delay line structures attached to the outer ring constitute the Ku band unit cell with periodicity (0.55 λ 0 ) resonating at 14.5 GHz. The K band unit cell with periodicity (0.78 λ 0 ) is constructed similarly to the Ku band unit cell but with a horizontal slot that provides vertical polarisation and resonates at 24.5 GHz. This integrated unit cell configuration results in dual linear, reduced cross-polarisation and allows independent phase optimisation at each frequency band. Phase variation of 770° and 811° at the operating frequencies of 14.5 GHz and 24.5 GHz is achieved by varying the element sizes. A centre-fed RA constructed on a square aperture (12.34 λ 0 ) comprising 23 × 23 elements for each frequency band gives the measured results of 1 dB bandwidth of 24% and 10.2% and peak gain of 28.2 dB and 27.6 dB at Ku/K bands, respectively.

Timely Constructed and Enhanced Lining for Managing Extensive Deformations of Tunnel in Coal Stratum: A Case Study

Background The Sanlian Tunnel case study exemplifies that even after implementing the initial support within the coal stratum, the surrounding rocks exhibited ongoing deformation devoid of stabilization indications. Addressing this issue calls for innovative control technologies that mitigate extensive deformations and redefine safe and sustainable coal stratum tunnel construction. Methods The field experiment was adopted to select the appropriate technical measures to control extensive deformations. Three experiment schemes were developed and applied to the construction. Scheme One was the enhanced initial support structure, and Scheme Two was the combined use of enhanced initial support structure, lengthened sidewall anchor rods and added steel pipe piles. Scheme Three was the “timely constructed and enhanced lining structure” proposed on the basis of Scheme Two, and the secondary lining was applied if the horizontal displacement exceeded 450mm. Then, field observations of displacements and stresses were implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of different experimental schemes in controlling extensive deformations. Results Scheme One and Two cannot control extensive deformations effectively, as the displacement of the initial support continued to increase with no sign of stabilization. Regarding Scheme Three, structural deformation progressively attained a state of stability around 80 days subsequent to the secondary lining construction. Additionally, the stress within the support structure remains stable below the permissible threshold, affirming the secure condition. Conclusion Emanating from the field monitoring results, it is evident that the suggested “timely constructed and enhanced lining structure” scheme control technology holds substantial promise for practical implementation in engineering scenarios.

Research on Image Stitching Algorithm Based on Point-Line Consistency and Local Edge Feature Constraints.

Image stitching aims to synthesize a wider and more informative whole image, which has been widely used in various fields. This study focuses on improving the accuracy of image mosaic and proposes an image mosaic method based on local edge contour matching constraints. Because the accuracy and quantity of feature matching have a direct influence on the stitching result, it often leads to wrong image warpage model estimation when feature points are difficult to detect and match errors are easy to occur. To address this issue, the geometric invariance is used to expand the number of feature matching points, thus enriching the matching information. Based on Canny edge detection, significant local edge contour features are constructed through operations such as structure separation and edge contour merging to improve the image registration effect. The method also introduces the spatial variation warping method to ensure the local alignment of the overlapping area, maintains the line structure in the image without bending by the constraints of short and long lines, and eliminates the distortion of the non-overlapping area by the global line-guided warping method. The method proposed in this paper is compared with other research through experimental comparisons on multiple datasets, and excellent stitching results are obtained.

Stress state analysis and symmetrical optimization of double-row non-symmetrical arrangement of anchorage slot in concrete lining structure

The role of the anchorage slot is to fix the anchorage and tension anchor rope, which is the weakest link of the concrete lining structure. The stress state of the anchorage slot area in the construction and operation stages of the 2# sand discharge of the Xiaolangdi Project was analyzed by modeling in this paper. The results showed that the stress state of the anchorage slot area was the most complex. The tensile stress was generated in the radial direction of the concrete lining during the construction period, and the circumferential pre-compression stress was unevenly distributed along the thickness direction. During the operation period, when the backfill concrete at the anchor slot and the lining jointly bore the internal water pressure, a tensile stress of 0.89 MPa was generated in the inner anchorage slot area of the lining, which was less than the tensile strength of the concrete itself. Finite element calculation results were compared with the field-measured data, and the results were essentially the same. Finite element analysis software was used to optimize the double-row asymmetric arrangement of the anchorage slots into a single-row symmetrical structure. The results showed that the angle of the complex stress area of the lining is reduced by about 75%. The optimized single-row symmetrical anchorage slot layout was safer, and the pre-stressing distribution was more uniform.