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Porous copper (Cu), with varying porosities, has been made using carbamide as a space holder through the powder metallurgy route. Two shapes of carbamide particles were used, (i) needlelike and (ii) spherical, in order to investigate the effect of the space holder shape on the pore structure and mechanical properties of porous Cu. The compressive deformation behavior of porous Cu was studied under a compression test. The pores' structural characteristics and mechanical properties of the porous Cu varied significantly with the shape of the space holder. Although the effect of the space holder shape on the porosity was not regular, the effect on the mechanical properties was regular. The stress increased monotonically with the increase in the strain, and strain hardening occurred at the plastic yield stage. The elastic modulus and yield strength followed the power law, with the relative density irrespective of the space holder shape. The empirical constants associated with different empirically developed power law relations were different, according to the shape of space holder. A quantitative relationship between the elastic modulus and yield strength and the spacer content was obtained to control the mechanical properties of the present porous Cu or other porous metals and metal foams using the well-known space holder method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problem of large measurement error and phase shift in resistance voltage dividers under high-frequency conditions in the field of power measurement, such as power harmonics, an error correction method is proposed for an alternating current (AC) resistance voltage divider based on the equivalence principle. Firstly, the frequency error model of the AC resistance voltage divider precision is established, and the angle difference of the continuous spectrum ratio difference from 50 Hz to 100 kHz is corrected by determining the shielding structure and the resistance parameters and fine-tuning the shielding potential correction method to reduce the capacities error of the AC resistance voltage divider design precision. At the same time, the performance parameters such as the direction and magnitude of the shielding potential compensation capacitive error are investigated. Finally, the precision voltage divider (the maximum voltage applied is 480 V) calibration experiments verify that the important characteristic judgment factor of the voltage divider is independent of the frequency and the equivalent capacitance value, which effectively solves the phase correction problem of harmonic power measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental caries is a common and costly multifactorial biofilm disease caused by cariogenic bacteria that ferment carbohydrates to lactic acid, demineralizing the inorganic component of teeth. Therefore, low pH (pH 4.5) is a characteristic signal of the localised carious environment, compared to a healthy oral pH range (6.8 to 7.4). The development of pH-responsive delivery systems that release antibacterial agents in response to low pH has gained attention as a targeted therapy for dental caries. Release is triggered by high levels of acidogenic species and their reduction may select for the establishment of health-associated biofilm communities. Moreover, drug efficacy can be amplified by the modification of the delivery system to target adhesion to the plaque biofilm to extend the retention time of antimicrobial agents in the oral cavity. In this review, recent developments of different pH-responsive nanocarriers and their biofilm targeting mechanisms are discussed. This review critically discusses the current state of the art and innovations in the development and use of smart delivery materials for dental caries treatment. The authors' views for the future of the field are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eulerian–Eulerian method is efficient when dealing with liquid–solid slurry flows containing a large number of particles, but its reliability relies on an accurate description of liquid–particle interaction for which numerous interphase drag models have been proposed. However, the performance of these models has not been systematically evaluated when applied to slurry flows. In this study, slurries in horizontal pipes under various flow conditions are simulated using the Eulerian–Eulerian method. Six commonly used drag models, such as the Schiller–Naumann, Wen–Yu, Gibilaro, Gidaspow, Syamlal–O'Brien, and Huilin–Gidaspow models, are assessed based on their predictions of streamwise velocity, secondary flow, solid concentration, and liquid turbulent kinetic energy. Under normal operations, all models provide similar streamwise velocities and secondary flow patterns. However, the Schiller–Naumann model presents an intensified secondary flow and a flattened solid concentration profile. All models perform poorly for the solid concentration distribution, which may be corrected by considering the overall mean solid concentration. Additionally, the Wen–Yu model, which has previously been thought applicable only for dilute systems, behaves very closely to the Gidaspow model, which is usually recommended for dense fluidized beds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Dental caries is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide, mediated by a multispecies biofilm that consists of high levels of acidogenic bacteria which ferment sugar to acid and cause teeth demineralization. Current treatment practice remains insufficient in addressing 1) rapid clearance of therapeutic agents from the oral environment 2) destroying bacteria that contribute to the healthy oral microbiome. In addition, increasing concerns over antibiotic resistance calls for innovative alternatives. In this study, we developed a pH responsive nano-carrier for delivery of polycationic silver nanoparticles. Branched-PEI capped silver nanoparticles (BPEI-AgNPs) were encapsulated in a tannic acid − Fe (III) complex-modified poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particle (Fe(III)-TA/PLGA@BPEI-AgNPs) to enhance binding to the plaque biofilm and demonstrate "intelligence" by releasing BPEI-AgNPs under acidic conditions that promote dental caries The constructed Fe(III)-TA/PLGA@BPEI-AgNPs (intelligent particles − IPs) exhibited significant binding to an axenic S. mutans biofilm grown on hydroxyapatite. Ag+ ions were released faster from the IPs at pH 4.0 (cariogenic pH) compared to pH 7.4. The antibiofilm results indicated that IPs can significantly reduce S. mutans biofilm volume and viability under acidic conditions. Cytotoxicity on differentiated Caco-2 cells and human gingival fibroblasts indicated that IPs were not cytotoxic. These findings demonstrate great potential of IPs in the treatment of dental caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastomeric support utilizing steel-reinforced elastomeric bearing pads (SREBPs) has been applied to offshore structures gradually. This study presented a process for designing the offshore elastomeric support. And a specific numerical method was introduced to synchronously simulate the hydrodynamic responses and structural interactions between hull and topside modules of a spread-moored floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit with elastomeric-supporting topside modules. Furthermore, a model test of the target FPSO was conducted in a deepwater offshore basin to validate the numerical simulation, and the numerical results were consistent with the experimental outcomes overall. The numerical results demonstrated that both bearing force and stress of the SREBPs fell within the design scope, and the maximum bearing force on vertical SREBPs was found to be around 1.3 times the weight of a corresponding topside module, considering the dynamic effects resulted from motion responses of the FPSO. Additionally, the maximum bearing force acting on anti-uplift SREBPs can refer to the peak value of a vertical SREBP's dynamic force correspondingly. The horizontal interactions between hull and topsides mainly depend on inclination of the hull, so the bearing forces of horizontal SREBPs are closely related to the severity of rolling and pitching. • A process is presented for the design of offshore elastomeric support for the topsides of an FPSO. • A numerical method is introduced for the simulation of an FPSO with elastomeric-supporting topsides. • The hydrodynamic responses and structural interactions are simulated synchronously for the FPSO. • The model test of a spread-moored FPSO with elastomeric-supporting topsides was performed creatively. • The numerical method is proved to be accurate and applicable for the engineering practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the passive natural circulation systems (PNCSs) in offshore floating nuclear plants, the ocean environment is usually regarded as the final heat sink. Condensation-induced water hammer (CIWH) may occur as the saturated steam released into the ocean by natural circulation. This study aims to develop a CFD model to analysis the CIWH phenomenon induced by direct contact condensation (DCC) in the PNCSs. In the model framework, the two-phase interface is tracked explicitly by the volume of fluid method; the interface heat transfer is acquired by the hybrid Heat Transfer Coefficient model based on the Surface Renewal Theory; the condensation heat and mass transfer rate are obtained by user-defined functions (UDF). The condensation model is firstly validated with the PMK-2 experimental data, showing consistency with the measured temperature evolutions. Then, the model is applied to investigate the CIWH events in the horizontal pipe geometry of the passive natural circulation systems. The simulation results indicate that the reverse flow of subcooled water triggers the formation of the CIWH events, by increasing the condensation rate and forming the entrapped bubble. The reverse flow periodically occurs afterwards, inducing multiple CIWHs. The increase of inlet stream velocity lengthens the reverse flow period and the distance, thus strengthening the interfacial condensation and the pressure impulse of CIWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is devoted to discussing the reverse triple I method based on the Pythagorean fuzzy set (PFS). We first propose the concepts of Pythagorean t-norm, Pythagorean t-conorm, residual Pythagorean fuzzy implication operator (RPFIO) and Pythagorean fuzzy biresiduum. The reverse triple I methods for Pythagorean fuzzy modus ponens (PFMP) and Pythagorean fuzzy modus tollens (PFMT) are also established. In addition, some interesting properties of the reverse triple I method of PFMP and PFMT inference models are analysed, including the robustness, continuity and reversibility. Finally, a practical problem is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the reverse triple I method for PFMP in decision-making problems. The advantages of the new method over existing methods are also expounded. Overall, compared with the existing methods, the proposed methods are based on logical reasoning rather than using aggregation operators, so the novel methods are more logical, can better deal with the uncertain problems in complex decision-making environments and can completely reflect the decision-making opinions of decision-makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The preoperative classification of pleomorphic adenomas (PMA) and Warthin tumors (WT) in the parotid gland plays an essential role in determining therapeutic strategies. This study aims to develop and validate an ultrasound-based ensemble machine learning (USEML) model, employing nonradiative and noninvasive features to differentiate PMA from WT.A total of 203 patients with histologically confirmed PMA or WT who underwent parotidectomy from two centers were enrolled. Clinical factors, ultrasound (US) features, and radiomic features were extracted to develop three types of machine learning model: clinical models, US models, and USEML models. The diagnostic performance of the USEML model, as well as that of physicians based on experience, was evaluated and validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in internal and external validation cohorts. DeLong’s test was used for comparisons of AUCs. SHAP values were also utilized to explain the classification model.The USEML model achieved the highest AUC of 0.891 (95% CI, 0.774–0.961), surpassing the AUCs of both the US (0.847; 95% CI, 0.720–0.932) and clinical (0.814; 95% CI, 0.682–0.908) models. The USEML model also outperformed physicians in both internal and external validation datasets (both p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of the USEML model and physician experience were 89.3%/75.0%, 87.5%/54.2%, 87.5%/65.6%, and 89.3%/65.0%, respectively.The USEML model, incorporating clinical factors, ultrasound factors, and radiomic features, demonstrated efficient performance in distinguishing PMA from WT in the parotid gland.This study developed a machine learning model for preoperative diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumor in the parotid gland based on clinical, ultrasound, and radiomic features. Furthermore, it outperformed physicians in an external validation dataset, indicating its potential for clinical application.• Differentiating pleomorphic adenoma (PMA) and Warthin tumor (WT) affects management decisions and is currently done by invasive biopsy.• Integration of US-radiomic, clinical, and ultrasound findings in a machine learning model results in improved diagnostic accuracy.• The ultrasound-based ensemble machine learning (USEML) model consistently outperforms physicians, suggesting its potential applicability in clinical settings.Methods: The preoperative classification of pleomorphic adenomas (PMA) and Warthin tumors (WT) in the parotid gland plays an essential role in determining therapeutic strategies. This study aims to develop and validate an ultrasound-based ensemble machine learning (USEML) model, employing nonradiative and noninvasive features to differentiate PMA from WT.A total of 203 patients with histologically confirmed PMA or WT who underwent parotidectomy from two centers were enrolled. Clinical factors, ultrasound (US) features, and radiomic features were extracted to develop three types of machine learning model: clinical models, US models, and USEML models. The diagnostic performance of the USEML model, as well as that of physicians based on experience, was evaluated and validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in internal and external validation cohorts. DeLong’s test was used for comparisons of AUCs. SHAP values were also utilized to explain the classification model.The USEML model achieved the highest AUC of 0.891 (95% CI, 0.774–0.961), surpassing the AUCs of both the US (0.847; 95% CI, 0.720–0.932) and clinical (0.814; 95% CI, 0.682–0.908) models. The USEML model also outperformed physicians in both internal and external validation datasets (both p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of the USEML model and physician experience were 89.3%/75.0%, 87.5%/54.2%, 87.5%/65.6%, and 89.3%/65.0%, respectively.The USEML model, incorporating clinical factors, ultrasound factors, and radiomic features, demonstrated efficient performance in distinguishing PMA from WT in the parotid gland.This study developed a machine learning model for preoperative diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumor in the parotid gland based on clinical, ultrasound, and radiomic features. Furthermore, it outperformed physicians in an external validation dataset, indicating its potential for clinical application.• Differentiating pleomorphic adenoma (PMA) and Warthin tumor (WT) affects management decisions and is currently done by invasive biopsy.• Integration of US-radiomic, clinical, and ultrasound findings in a machine learning model results in improved diagnostic accuracy.• The ultrasound-based ensemble machine learning (USEML) model consistently outperforms physicians, suggesting its potential applicability in clinical settings.Results: The preoperative classification of pleomorphic adenomas (PMA) and Warthin tumors (WT) in the parotid gland plays an essential role in determining therapeutic strategies. This study aims to develop and validate an ultrasound-based ensemble machine learning (USEML) model, employing nonradiative and noninvasive features to differentiate PMA from WT.A total of 203 patients with histologically confirmed PMA or WT who underwent parotidectomy from two centers were enrolled. Clinical factors, ultrasound (US) features, and radiomic features were extracted to develop three types of machine learning model: clinical models, US models, and USEML models. The diagnostic performance of the USEML model, as well as that of physicians based on experience, was evaluated and validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in internal and external validation cohorts. DeLong’s test was used for comparisons of AUCs. SHAP values were also utilized to explain the classification model.The USEML model achieved the highest AUC of 0.891 (95% CI, 0.774–0.961), surpassing the AUCs of both the US (0.847; 95% CI, 0.720–0.932) and clinical (0.814; 95% CI, 0.682–0.908) models. The USEML model also outperformed physicians in both internal and external validation datasets (both p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of the USEML model and physician experience were 89.3%/75.0%, 87.5%/54.2%, 87.5%/65.6%, and 89.3%/65.0%, respectively.The USEML model, incorporating clinical factors, ultrasound factors, and radiomic features, demonstrated efficient performance in distinguishing PMA from WT in the parotid gland.This study developed a machine learning model for preoperative diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumor in the parotid gland based on clinical, ultrasound, and radiomic features. Furthermore, it outperformed physicians in an external validation dataset, indicating its potential for clinical application.• Differentiating pleomorphic adenoma (PMA) and Warthin tumor (WT) affects management decisions and is currently done by invasive biopsy.• Integration of US-radiomic, clinical, and ultrasound findings in a machine learning model results in improved diagnostic accuracy.• The ultrasound-based ensemble machine learning (USEML) model consistently outperforms physicians, suggesting its potential applicability in clinical settings.Conclusions: The preoperative classification of pleomorphic adenomas (PMA) and Warthin tumors (WT) in the parotid gland plays an essential role in determining therapeutic strategies. This study aims to develop and validate an ultrasound-based ensemble machine learning (USEML) model, employing nonradiative and noninvasive features to differentiate PMA from WT.A total of 203 patients with histologically confirmed PMA or WT who underwent parotidectomy from two centers were enrolled. Clinical factors, ultrasound (US) features, and radiomic features were extracted to develop three types of machine learning model: clinical models, US models, and USEML models. The diagnostic performance of the USEML model, as well as that of physicians based on experience, was evaluated and validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in internal and external validation cohorts. DeLong’s test was used for comparisons of AUCs. SHAP values were also utilized to explain the classification model.The USEML model achieved the highest AUC of 0.891 (95% CI, 0.774–0.961), surpassing the AUCs of both the US (0.847; 95% CI, 0.720–0.932) and clinical (0.814; 95% CI, 0.682–0.908) models. The USEML model also outperformed physicians in both internal and external validation datasets (both p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of the USEML model and physician experience were 89.3%/75.0%, 87.5%/54.2%, 87.5%/65.6%, and 89.3%/65.0%, respectively.The USEML model, incorporating clinical factors, ultrasound factors, and radiomic features, demonstrated efficient performance in distinguishing PMA from WT in the parotid gland.This study developed a machine learning model for preoperative diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumor in the parotid gland based on clinical, ultrasound, and radiomic features. Furthermore, it outperformed physicians in an external validation dataset, indicating its potential for clinical application.• Differentiating pleomorphic adenoma (PMA) and Warthin tumor (WT) affects management decisions and is currently done by invasive biopsy.• Integration of US-radiomic, clinical, and ultrasound findings in a machine learning model results in improved diagnostic accuracy.• The ultrasound-based ensemble machine learning (USEML) model consistently outperforms physicians, suggesting its potential applicability in clinical settings.Clinical relevance statement: The preoperative classification of pleomorphic adenomas (PMA) and Warthin tumors (WT) in the parotid gland plays an essential role in determining therapeutic strategies. This study aims to develop and validate an ultrasound-based ensemble machine learning (USEML) model, employing nonradiative and noninvasive features to differentiate PMA from WT.A total of 203 patients with histologically confirmed PMA or WT who underwent parotidectomy from two centers were enrolled. Clinical factors, ultrasound (US) features, and radiomic features were extracted to develop three types of machine learning model: clinical models, US models, and USEML models. The diagnostic performance of the USEML model, as well as that of physicians based on experience, was evaluated and validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in internal and external validation cohorts. DeLong’s test was used for comparisons of AUCs. SHAP values were also utilized to explain the classification model.The USEML model achieved the highest AUC of 0.891 (95% CI, 0.774–0.961), surpassing the AUCs of both the US (0.847; 95% CI, 0.720–0.932) and clinical (0.814; 95% CI, 0.682–0.908) models. The USEML model also outperformed physicians in both internal and external validation datasets (both p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of the USEML model and physician experience were 89.3%/75.0%, 87.5%/54.2%, 87.5%/65.6%, and 89.3%/65.0%, respectively.The USEML model, incorporating clinical factors, ultrasound factors, and radiomic features, demonstrated efficient performance in distinguishing PMA from WT in the parotid gland.This study developed a machine learning model for preoperative diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumor in the parotid gland based on clinical, ultrasound, and radiomic features. Furthermore, it outperformed physicians in an external validation dataset, indicating its potential for clinical application.• Differentiating pleomorphic adenoma (PMA) and Warthin tumor (WT) affects management decisions and is currently done by invasive biopsy.• Integration of US-radiomic, clinical, and ultrasound findings in a machine learning model results in improved diagnostic accuracy.• The ultrasound-based ensemble machine learning (USEML) model consistently outperforms physicians, suggesting its potential applicability in clinical settings.Key Points: The preoperative classification of pleomorphic adenomas (PMA) and Warthin tumors (WT) in the parotid gland plays an essential role in determining therapeutic strategies. This study aims to develop and validate an ultrasound-based ensemble machine learning (USEML) model, employing nonradiative and noninvasive features to differentiate PMA from WT.A total of 203 patients with histologically confirmed PMA or WT who underwent parotidectomy from two centers were enrolled. Clinical factors, ultrasound (US) features, and radiomic features were extracted to develop three types of machine learning model: clinical models, US models, and USEML models. The diagnostic performance of the USEML model, as well as that of physicians based on experience, was evaluated and validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in internal and external validation cohorts. DeLong’s test was used for comparisons of AUCs. SHAP values were also utilized to explain the classification model.The USEML model achieved the highest AUC of 0.891 (95% CI, 0.774–0.961), surpassing the AUCs of both the US (0.847; 95% CI, 0.720–0.932) and clinical (0.814; 95% CI, 0.682–0.908) models. The USEML model also outperformed physicians in both internal and external validation datasets (both p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of the USEML model and physician experience were 89.3%/75.0%, 87.5%/54.2%, 87.5%/65.6%, and 89.3%/65.0%, respectively.The USEML model, incorporating clinical factors, ultrasound factors, and radiomic features, demonstrated efficient performance in distinguishing PMA from WT in the parotid gland.This study developed a machine learning model for preoperative diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumor in the parotid gland based on clinical, ultrasound, and radiomic features. Furthermore, it outperformed physicians in an external validation dataset, indicating its potential for clinical application.• Differentiating pleomorphic adenoma (PMA) and Warthin tumor (WT) affects management decisions and is currently done by invasive biopsy.• Integration of US-radiomic, clinical, and ultrasound findings in a machine learning model results in improved diagnostic accuracy.• The ultrasound-based ensemble machine learning (USEML) model consistently outperforms physicians, suggesting its potential applicability in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finite Element Method (FEM) and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method are effective methods to study the interaction between marine structures and sea ice. However, both FEM and SPH methods have their own shortcomings in numerical simulations. There are mesh distortions and disappearance in FEM, and tensile instability, difficulty in applying boundary conditions, and low computational efficiency in SPH. Thus, to make up those problems, it is essential to develop a new numerical method. In the present study, the FEM–SPH adaptive method was applied in the numerical simulation of icebreaking, which could convert finite elements into SPH particles based on given conditions. Numerical models of cone and icebreaker interactions with level ice were established. Then, numerical simulation results were compared with empirical formula and model test results. In addition, the effects of cone angle and ice strength were analyzed. It was demonstrated that this algorithm could accurately predict the icebreaking resistance, which is the most concerned parameter in practice. Simultaneously, it could effectively simulate the accumulation process of ice rubbles. Thus, the FEM–SPH adaptive method is considered to be an effective way to simulate the interaction between marine structures and sea ice, and has great potential in the numerical simulation of icebreaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are deemed to have great prospects in the next generation advanced energy storage systems and have been considered in recent years. However, the majority of substrates with both high electronic conductivity and full coverage of adsorption-catalysis synergy are difficult to achieve. Herein, nitrogen functionalized porous carbon nanofibers assembled with nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NFO/NCFs) are successfully prepared by electrospinning combined with hydrothermal treatment, which were applied to current collector containing Li 2 S 6 catholyte and binder-free for Li-S batteries. With its abundant active sites, the NFO/NCFs have a vital role in the adsorption and catalysis of the polysulfides, which further accelerate the redox kinetics. Consequently, Li 2 S 6 catholyte impregnated NFO/NCFs electrode (sulfur loading: 5.09 mg cm−2) exhibits the first discharge capacity of 997 mAh g−1 and maintains at 637 mAh g−1 after 350 cycles at 0.2C, which is superior cycling performance than NCFs. Even at 10.2 mg cm−2 sulfur loading, the composite electrode shows a high area capacity of 8.35 mAh cm−2 at 0.1C and retains 6.01 mAh cm−2 after 150 cycles. The results suggest the multifunction NFO/NCFs that anchor effectively and catalysis are beneficial to realize the goal of the large-scale application for Li-S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we carried out an amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay (AlphaLISA) to detect sulfonamides (SAs) antibiotic residues in plasma, milk, pork, chicken, and fish. The SAs AlphaLISA method can detect 13 SAs with half‐inhibitory concentration (IC50) 2.11–29.77 ng/ml. The detection level of those SAs was 0.3–41.12 ng/ml in matrices, which satisfied the maximum residue limit (MRL) of the European Union, United States, and China. Our recoveries are in the range of 88% to 116.8% with a coefficient of variation less than 9.3% for different spiked food samples. We observed a good correlation between the AlphaLISA and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) with blood samples from injected rabbits. The established AlphaLISA method provided a no‐washing, rapid, high‐throughput screening tool for SAs in food quality control, which is suitable for small‐volume samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the wet-towing transportation of an FPSO with elastomeric-supporting topside modules. In the study, an approximation method is utilized to calculate the wet-towing resistance in the design sea state for determining the wet-towing configuration. Meanwhile, the study successfully achieves to simulate the hydrodynamic responses and structural interactions synchronously for the complex wet-towing system. This numerical method is applied to the feasibility analysis of the wet-towing configuration in the design sea state, which indicates that the mean wet-towing resistance, peak towline tension, and dynamic responses of the FPSO are all within the design scope, proving that the wet-towing configuration is feasible. A parameter sensitivity analysis is performed for the wet-towing transportation, which reveals that the increase in towing speed and severity of sea state results in larger towing resistance. Extending the towline length has a significant dampening effect on both peak towline tension and its fluctuation during extreme sea state. The excursions of wind, wave, and current incident directions from the towing route can lead to the offsets of the FPSO, so an auxiliary tug is necessary to keep the FPSO in the planned route, and the wet tow in head sea is recommended. • The numerical method of wet-towing transportation is verified to be applicable by model test. • The approximation method of towing resistance calculation is proved to be accurate through numerical simulation. • The method introduced to determine the wet-towing configuration for the FPSO turns out to be feasible. • The hydrodynamic responses and structural interactions are simulated synchronously for the wet tow of the FPSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study an improved solvent evaporation method to prepare poly (lactic acid) (PLA) microspheres via foam-transfer. Since the foaming process and its transfer were critical to the improved method, they have been studied. Additionally, the delivery capability of foams was studied as a function of the oil/water ratio, the stirring rate, the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and ethanol (EtOH) in the aqueous phase (ω PVA, ω EtOH). It was found that foaming varied during the preparation process and it influenced the properties of PLA microspheres. When the oil/water ratio (w/w) ≥ 3:10, stirring rate ≥ 600 r/min, ω PVA ≥ 1 wt%, and ω EtOH = 0 wt%, solvent evaporation was able to produce enough foams for foam-transfer, which helped to deliver more than 89 wt% PLA microspheres to the receiving vessel. However, ω PVA ≤ 0.3 wt% and ω EtOH = 20 wt% were unfavorable for maintaining the spherical shape of PLA microspheres and caused the aggregation. The methodology was further used to prepare azoxystrobin-loaded PLA microspheres successfully with a high encapsulation efficiency of 86.54%. This work is meaningful since it enables an efficient and continuous route to prepare functional biodegradable polymer microspheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructural evolution and phase transformation mechanism in 18Cr2Ni4WA carburized steel during high‐temperature tempering is investigated using a thermodynamic model. The experimental results demonstrate that the retained austenite in the matrix decreases from the surface to the core, and martensite transform from acicular to lath‐type. Furthermore, the hardness distribution of the carburized layer increase initially, and then decrease. Based on thermodynamic calculations, the driving forces for the decomposition of martensite decomposition and nucleation of cementite in martensite are larger than those for the decomposition of austenite during tempering. Furthermore, cementite preferentially precipitate in martensite. The driving force for the overall phase transformation of the decomposition of the retained austenite is negative, and the driving force for the nucleation of cementite in the low‐carbon retained austenite is positive, indicating that cementite can nucleate only in high‐carbon retained austenite. The low‐carbon retained austenite transform into secondary martensite on cooling after the tempering process while the driving force gradually increase. The decomposition of the initial quenched martensite during the tempering process leads to a decrease in the overall hardness of the carburized layer. The secondary martensite obtained from the retained austenite contribute to the increase in the surface hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiogenic shock is the most severe form of acute heart failure. The aim of the current study was to investigate correlations between diagnostic parameters and the estimated ejection fraction in patients with cardiogenic shock. A total of 2,445 patients with acute myocardial infarction were subjected to coronary angiograms and standard 2D transthoracic echocardiography. Information for culprit vessel(s) and mitral regurgitation were collected. The Spearman's correlation test was used to assess the correlation between diagnostic parameters and estimated ejection fractions at a 95% confidence level. The angiographically-derived numbers of culprit vessels had a significant correlation with mitral regurgitation (r=0.907; P=0.034). The echocardiographically-derived mitral regurgitation was significantly correlated with the numbers of culprit vessels (r=0.896; P=0.04). Positive correlation was established between angiographically- and echocardiographically-measured left ventricular ejection fraction (r=0.356; P=0.045). The numbers of culprit vessels (P=0.058) and mitral regurgitation (r=0.99; P=0.001) were similar for angiography and echocardiography. Echocardiography- and angiography-derived results were correlated with the estimated ejection fractions of patients with cardiogenic shock. However, there is a substantial difference in the procedures of the two operational techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equal-height-difference passive heat removal system (EHDPHRS) utilizes the ocean environment as an infinite heat sink that can better suit ocean nuclear power plants (ONPPs). However, a structure with an equal-height-difference can easily cause reverse flow of subcooled water, leading to serious condensation-induced water hammer (CIWH). In this paper, a fully visual experimental facility with same geometric characteristics as the EHDPHRS was established with the aim of studying the CIWH phenomenon. First, two kinds of CIWH modes were observed by the results of the visual experiment, namely the intermittent CIWH and the continuous CIWH. The typical feature of the intermittent CIWH is that the single-phase natural circulation occurs intermittently. Then, the converging-diverging structure (CDS) was designed to avoid the CIWH events in the EHDPHRS. The effectiveness of CIWH prevention was evaluated employing the velocity field, which was obtained by the PIV experimental system. It was found that the CDS can effectively inhibit the further reverse flow of subcooled water and thus eliminate the triggering mechanism of CIWH events. Finally, a dimensionless number was used to balance CIWH prevention and natural circulation capacity. It was shown that when the dimensionless number is in the range of 0.67–0.80, the CDS can eliminate the CIWH events while ensuring the natural circulation capacity. • A fully visualized experimental device is built to study the CIWH phenomenon in the EHDPHRS. • Two types of CIWH modes are determined by combining visual image with thermal–hydraulic parameters. • Typical characteristics of intermittent CIWH is the intermittent occurrence of the single-phase natural circulation. • The CDS is designed to avoid the CIWH events and experimental verifications are carried out. • CDS effectively inhibits the further reverse flow of subcooled water and eliminate the CIWH formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a combination of hesitant fuzzy sets with rough sets, this study develops a single-granulation hesitant fuzzy rough set model from the perspective of granular computing. In the multi-granulation framework, we propose two types of multi-granulation rough set model, called the optimistic multi-granulation hesitant fuzzy rough sets and pessimistic multi-granulation hesitant fuzzy rough sets. In the models, the multi-granulation hesitant fuzzy lower and upper approximations are defined based on multiple hesitant fuzzy tolerance relations. The relationships among the single-granulation hesitant fuzzy rough sets, optimistic multi-granulation hesitant fuzzy rough sets and pessimistic multi-granulation hesitant fuzzy rough sets are also investigated. Finally, we develop an approximation reduction approach of multi-granulation hesitant fuzzy rough sets to eliminate redundant hesitant fuzzy granulations with a detailed example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Nucleotide coordinated lanthanides forms nanoparticles, hydrogels and nanofibers useful for biosensor, enzyme encapsulation and drug delivery applications, while nucleic acids can use lanthanides as cofactors for catalysis, luminescent probes and can detect lanthanide ions. Highlights • Comprehensive review of nucleotide and DNA coordinated lanthanides. • From fundamental coordination chemistry to applications in materials science, biochemistry and bioanalytical chemistry. • Lanthanide ions act as luminescent probes, enzyme cofactors and building blocks for nanomaterials. Abstract Lanthanides are very important for their unique catalytic, optical and magnetic properties. Various ligands have been synthesized to coordinate with lanthanides so that their properties can be better controlled enabling various analytical, materials and biomedical applications. DNA is an anionic polymer made of four types of nucleotides. With high stability, low cost, programmability, and molecular recognition and catalytic functions, DNA has become a very popular material in the past few decades. In recent years, both nucleotides and DNA have been explored as ligands for lanthanides. In this article, fundamental interactions between nucleotides and DNA with lanthanides are reviewed in terms of binding sites and thermodynamics. Further, coordination polymers formed by mixing nucleotides and lanthanides are discussed, which can form nanoparticles, fibers and hydrogels with applications for enzyme encapsulation, imaging and biosensors. DNA sequences have been screened to bind lanthanides and to sensitize luminescence of both Tb3+ and Eu3+. Lanthanides at millimolar concentrations can also serve as nuclease mimics to cleave both RNA and DNA. In addition, in vitro selections have resulted in a suite of new DNAzymes for site-specific RNA and DNA cleavage at much lower lanthanide concentrations. Overall, nucleotides and DNA are unique ligands for lanthanides and future work will likely be focused on understanding of fundamental coordination structures, rational design of advanced coordination materials, and expanding the range of DNA catalytic reactions that can be assisted by lanthanides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The transient flow characteristics in the EHDPHRS are studied by experiment. • The formation mechanisms of flow mode are found out by thermal-hydraulic parameters. • The CIWH events are the severe two-phase natural circulation flow instability in the EHDPHRS. • Occurrence position of the CIWH events affects the two-phase natural circulation ability. The equal-height-difference passive heat removal system (EHDPHRS) utilizes the ocean as the heat sink for infinite heat dissipation and has broad application prospects in ocean nuclear power plants. However, the equal height difference between the heat source and heat sink is susceptible to severe flow instability. In this study, a fully visualized experimental facility was constructed to analyze the transient flow characteristics in the EHDPHRS. The experimental results revealed three typical two-phase natural circulation flow modes in the EHDPHRS. The formation mechanism of each flow mode was analyzed using thermal–hydraulic parameters. The results revealed that the flow mode is determined by the steam–water direct contact condensation and reverse flow of subcooled water, and both factors promote each other. Moreover, condensation-induced water hammer (CIWH) was found to be the most severe flow instability in the EHDPHRS. CIWH events can lead to violent pressure peaks and reduce the natural circulation capacity. In addition, when the occurrence position of CIWH events is concentrated at the pipe outlet, the influence of CIWH events on the two-phase natural circulation flow capacity gradually decreases. These research results aid in the optimal design of the EHDPHRS and prevention and control of CIWH events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSea areas with an average water depth of 5-15 m in the East China Sea are mostly muddy soft-foundation seabed. The wind power infrastructure built on them must fully consider the mechanical properties of marine soft clay during design process. In this study, monotonic and cyclic tests were conducted to study the strength characteristics of soft clay at various strain rates, cyclic stresses and initial effective vertical stresses using a simple shear apparatus. The test results showed that, as the strain rate increased, the peak shear stress of the samples under different confining pressures increased. However, the failure lines of the effective stress path of samples under different strain rates and vertical stresses are uniform. Compared to the traditional cyclic failure criteria, the failure criterion based on the inflection point of double amplitude strain can reflect the deformation characteristics of the specimen more accurately. The peak shear strength obtained from the monotonic tests was used to normalize the cyclic stress. Subsequently, the relationship between the number of failure cycles and normalized cyclic stress level of the soft clay specimens was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dual hesitant fuzzy soft set is a generalized soft set by combining the dual hesitant fuzzy set and the soft set. Rough set theory is a powerful mathematical tool for dealing with uncertainty. Using a rough set theory, this paper develops a rough set approach to dual hesitant fuzzy soft set based on decision making problems. Firstly, by employing a dual hesitant fuzzy compatible relation, a new rough set model, called dual hesitant fuzzy compatible rough set, is first proposed, and some fundamental properties of this model are further examined. Then the concepts of roughness measure and approximate precision of a crisp set in dual hesitant fuzzy compatible approximation space are introduced and their basic properties are discussed. Furthermore, we present a rough set approach to dual hesitant fuzzy soft set based on decision making. Meanwhile, an example is provided to show the validity of this approach in dual hesitant fuzzy soft set based on decision making problems. Finally, by comparing the novel method with the decision making method based on intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets, we point out some advantages of the novel method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we establish a systematic framework for the study of hesitant fuzzy compatible rough sets by a constructive approach. In the constructive approach, we introduce the concept of lower and upper hesitant fuzzy compatible rough approximation operators and also investigate some properties of this model. Then the concepts of roughness measure and approximate precision of a crisp set in hesitant fuzzy compatible approximation space are proposed and their basic properties are further discussed. Based on the hesitant fuzzy compatible rough sets, a novel decision-making approach to hesitant fuzzy soft sets is established. Meanwhile, a practical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method. Finally, by comparing the novel method with the decision making method based on fuzzy soft sets, we point out some advantages of the novel method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ice resistance of icebreaker navigating in ice area is the main reference index for the ship design and the selection of the main engine. Researchers gradually use the numerical simulation method to study ice resistance and its influencing factors because of the development of computer technology. But there are few studies on the effect of sea ice flexural strength on ice resistance in the numerical simulation. In this study, a method was proposed to simulate the change of sea ice flexural strength numerically by changing the parameters of the sea ice material model, so as to realize the influence analysis on ice resistance. Firstly, the material model that can realize the simulation of the icebreaker running ahead in level ice was determined. Then, the parameters of the material model affecting the flexural strength numerically were determined. Taking the material model adopted in this paper as an example, the parameters were plastic failure strain, Young's modulus, and compressive yield strength. Finally, the value criterion of influence parameters was put forward in the given design space and applied to the numerical simulation of the icebreaker running ahead in level ice. It was demonstrated that the method could realize the influence of sea ice flexural strength on ice resistance in the numerical simulation. This study is a new attempt in the numerical simulation of the icebreaker running ahead in level ice and it can help ship designers to analyze the navigation performance of icebreakers in different ice areas. • A new method was proposed to simulate the change of sea ice flexural strength numerically by changing the parameters of the sea ice material model, so as to realize the influence analysis on ice resistance. • The influence parameters that can be changed to numerically alter the flexural strength of the sea ice material model were determined by the four-point bending numerical model of the ice beam. • The influence parameter selection criteria for sea ice material models with different flexural strengths was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has developed a method to produce porous polymeric microspheres in a foam phase. And, the foam phase was a mixture of polymer, organic solvent, porogen and emulsion stabilizer. The process was comprised of a series of constant steps homogenization of the materials, growth of the foam phase and collection of the products. The growth of the foam phase was the key which combined mechanical agitation, solvent evaporation and oil droplets development under increasing temperature. The method has been seen time-saving, high yield and continuous process and it could be useful for industrial production of porous polymer microspheres in a continuous process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core oils' properties are significant for the microencapsulation process. 12 representative single componential core oils with different chemical structures, logP, solubility, interfacial tension (IFT) and viscosity were specially selected to fabricate melamine-formaldehyde (MF) microcapsules. Afterward, the effect of core oils' properties on the performance of microcapsules was investigated. It was found that the morphology, the average particle sizes (7.83 µm∼27.06 µm), the encapsulation efficiencies (47.35 ± 3%∼92.86 ± 4%), zeta potentials (−52.37 ± 2.97 mV∼−65.03 ± 0.79 mV) and the rupture forces (0.28 ± 0.20mN∼0.82 ± 0.3mN) of microcapsules were influenced by core oils' properties. Further comprehensive analysis indicated that logP≥ 1.66 and the solubility≥ 0.055 mL3/g were the premises for the successful encapsulation processes. Moreover, by increasing logP, IFT and viscosity, the size of microcapsules increased; as microcapsules size increased, the release rate decreased; the high IFT and the solubility increased the encapsulation efficiency of microcapsules; the mechanical property was influenced by logP. This work provided to use logP as the criterion to predict the encapsulation work, which hasn't been studied before; and the correlations between microcapsules' various performances and core oils' properties were initially established. This work was meaningful since logP was used as a clear criterion to select core oils for encapsulation work and core oils' properties were used to predict the application performances of microcapsules. [Display omitted] • Melamine-formaldehyde (MF) microcapsules with 12 core oils were prepared. • LogP was the critical factor to determine whether core oil can be encapsulated. • Solubility between core oil and MF resin can affect microencapsulation performance. • Physical properties of core oils corresponded to the performance of microcapsules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difference frequency wave drift force may excite large resonant responses for a moored FPSO in horizontal motions, so the moored FPSO responds in both low frequency motion and wave frequency motion generally. In this study, the parameter sensitivity analysis is carried out to investigate the motion response characteristics of a spread moored FPSO in the bidirectional sea state comprised of wind sea and swell. The effects of water depth, loading condition, existence of mooring system, numerical method, sea state type, significant wave height and wave direction on the motion responses are studied in numerical simulation. The research shows that the wave frequency motion responses of FPSO are dominated by swell, and the low frequency motion responses are contributed from both wind sea and swell in the bidirectional sea state. The motion responses are proved to be affected indistinctively by the change of loading condition. The change of water depth affects the motion responses in some degrees. The responses of FPSO in roll can be enlarged by the spread mooring system, and the enlargement becomes more significant if the spread mooring system is arranged in deep water with large pretension force for the mooring lines. • A validation study is conducted to verify the numerical method of the hydrodynamic calculations for FPSO. • The low frequency responses of FPSO in surge and sway increase remarkably with the decrease of water depth. • The existence of spread mooring system affects the motion responses of FPSO in roll, especially in deep water. • The wave frequency motion responses are dominated by swell while the low frequency ones are contributed from wind sea and swell. • The horizontal motions are resulted from the coupling of low frequency drift motions and wave frequency oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The offshore elastomeric supporting style via steel reinforced elastomeric bearing pads (SREBPs) has been in use gradually. In this study, the elastomeric supporting style used for the interfaces between topsides and stools is adopted by a spread mooring FPSO to analyze the responses of SREBPs and evaluate the applicability. Firstly, the motion responses of target FPSO are numerically simulated to check if the mooring system is safe. Then, the hydrodynamic responses are taken as the boundary conditions of hull for the multibody dynamic simulations. In the simulation, a compression spring model is proposed to equivalently replace the SREBPs. The stiffness of equivalent compression springs is obtained by linear fitting of the stiffness data from finite element analysis of SREBPs. Finally, the multibody numerical results show that the SREBPs can reach into yield state, but if there are assistant devices helping to limit the deformations, the SREBPs would work well. The largest deformations of SREBPs are observed to be sensitive to the hydrodynamic responses, so the SREBPs can still reach into yield state in extreme case. In that condition, it is recommended to bond the topsides to the stools and the numerical results confirm that it is available. • A validation study is conducted to verify the numerical method of the hydrodynamic calculations for FPSO. • The finite element method is consistent with model test in the stiffness calculations. • The stiffness of elastomeric bearing pad is linearized in a small range of deformations in design. • A compression spring model is proposed to equivalently replace the steel reinforced elastomeric bearing pads. • The viscous damping of equivalent compression springs is equivalently transformed into Rayleigh damping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equal-height-difference passive heat removal system (EHDPHRS) via natural circulation driving and utilizes ocean as infinite heat sink for heat dissipation, showing broad application prospect in ocean nuclear power field; but the heat removal pipe normally encounters the reverse flow of cool seawater into the pipe, leading to operation instability and even condensation-induced water hammer. In this study, the integration of volume of fluid model and condensation model based on surface renewal theory is used to simulate the reverse flow characteristics in the heat removal pipe under single-and two-phase natural circulation conditions. The interfacial heat and mass transfer are calculated by user-defined functions (UDF). The numerical results reveal that the buoyancy force (F b) and condensation driving force (F Δ P ) both accelerate the reverse flow, while the inertial force (F i) restrains the reverse flow; the reverse flow length presents monotonous decrease with increasing the flow velocity under single-phase conditions and parabolic-like trend for two-phase flow. A prediction correlation for the reverse flow length is developed using dimensionless Reynolds number, Grashof number and vapor volume fraction, covering single- and two-phase conditions. The predicted reverse flow length by the correlation agrees with 94% of the results within deviations of ± 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of transient flow behaviors of gas-liquid two-phase flow under ocean conditions is vital to the application of gas-liquid transport in ocean engineering area. In this paper, the gas-liquid two-phase flow numerical model of rolling horizontal pipe is established based on CFD code combined with user-defined functions (UDF). The three-dimensional rolling flow fields are simulated using the volume of fluid (VOF) model, RNG k − ε turbulence model and additional inertia force method. First, the simulation results are compared with the experimental data, which revealed a reasonable agreement. Then, the variation in transient flow behaviors by horizontal pipe (L = 2.0 m, D = 0.035 m) with varying rolling conditions (θ m = 2 ° - 6 ° , T = 0.5–4.0 s) and flow velocities (j G = 0.1–10.0 m/s, j L = 0.1–0.5 m/s) are investigated. The results showed that the rolling motion caused agglomeration of dispersed bubbles and gas slugs into a continuous gas column, increased the cross-sectional void fraction significantly. The variation of additional inertial force and pressure drop increased with the increase of rolling angle and the decrease of the rolling period. Compared with the rolling angle, the transient flow behaviors are more sensitive to the rolling period. In addition, as the initial gas volume fraction increased, the effects of rolling motion on the transient flow behaviors decreased gradually. These qualitative conclusions may serve as a reference for gas-liquid transport simulations under rolling conditions. • A numerical model of gas-liquid two-phase flow under rolling condition is developed. • The rolling motion increased the cross-sectional void fraction significantly. • Pressure drop increases with increasing rolling angle and decreasing rolling period. • The transient flow behaviors of two-phase flow are more sensitive to rolling period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The retention and adhesion of melamine formaldehyde (MF) microcapsules on a model fabric surface in aqueous solution were investigated using a customised flow chamber technique and atomic force microscopy (AFM). A cellulose film was employed as a model fabric surface. Modification of the cellulose with chitosan was found to increase the retention and adhesion of microcapsules on the model fabric surface. The AFM force-displacement data reveal that bridging forces resulting from the extension of cellulose chains dominate the adhesion between the microcapsule and the unmodified cellulose film, whereas electrostatic attraction helps the microcapsules adhere to the chitosan-modified cellulose film. The correlation between results obtained using these two complementary techniques suggests that the flow chamber device can be potentially used for rapid screening of the effect of chemical modification on the adhesion of microparticles to surfaces, reducing the time required to achieve an optimal formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eulerian–Eulerian two-fluid model (TFM) in combination with the kinetic theory of granular flow (KTGF) and the Johnson and Jackson boundary condition is widely used to simulate multiphase flows in engineering. However, this model requires the calibration of several parameters. One of these parameters is the specularity coefficient, which characterizes the particle–wall collisions. Thus far, research on this parameter has been lacking in the field of slurry flow simulations. In this study, the integration of TFM with KTGF and the Johnson and Jackson boundary condition is used to simulate the transportation of sand–water slurry in horizontal pipes. The effects of different specularity coefficient values on the predicted solids wall shear stress, velocity, and concentration are analyzed. It is found that the solids wall shear stress increases with the specularity coefficient and is more sensitive to the smaller specularity coefficient. As the specularity coefficient increases, the profiles of the solids velocity and concentration are rotated clockwise, shifting the maximum velocity point to a higher vertical location and producing a plumper solids concentration profile. These qualitative conclusions may be used as a reference for the specularity coefficient tuning process in the field of slurry transport simulations. • The wall shear stress of the solid phase is more sensitive to the smaller specularity coefficient. • A larger specularity coefficient provides a less symmetrical solids axial velocity profile. • A larger specularity coefficient distributes the particles more homogeneously. • An increasing specularity coefficient rotates the profiles of the solids axial velocity and concentration clockwise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Icebreaking vessels will probably be collided by sea ice from different directions when they are moored or dynamically positioned. It may form serious ice rubble accumulations and cause large ice loads. In the present study, numerical models on an icebreaking vessel that interacted with level ice at different ice drift angles were established based on the FEM-SPH adaptive method to simulate the above situations. The effects of ice drift angle and speed were investigated. The primary goal of this study is to expound on the reasons for the formation of ice rubble accumulation and the influence of different parameters through motion analysis of SPH particles. It was demonstrated that the ice rubble motion is the direct reason for the related phenomena, while the ice drift angle and speed are the fundamental reasons. The ice drift angle has a decisive effect on ice rubble accumulation and icebreaking force. When the heading angle is 90°, the force in the ship width direction reaches the maximum value and the value is 2.22 MN, which is much higher than that of 0° example. Vessels need to change the position of collision with the sea ice to avoid this situation. The research in this paper is a good supplement to the model test. It is helpful to further understand and analyze the interaction between moored or dynamically positioned icebreaking ships and level ice. • Ice rubble accumulation was simulated by FEM-SPH adaptive method. • The reasons for the ice rubble accumulation were presented and analyzed. • The effects of ice drift angles and ship speeds on ice rubble accumulation were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanocrystalline Mg2Si with high purity, homogeneous composition and uniform particle size was successfully synthesized by a facile hydrogen-driven chemical reaction at below 500°C. The as-prepared Mg2Si exhibited an improved Li-ion storage ability as anode material for Li-ion batteries as it delivered an initial capacity of about 1095mAh/g at 100mA/g. The discharge capacity stayed at 406mAh/g after 60cycles, which is much better than that of the commercial Mg2Si anode and previously reported Mg2Si anode synthesized by mechanical alloying. The proof-of-concept synthesis technique presented in this work should be valuable for the preparation of other intermetallic compounds with difference of melting point between the constituent elements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Knowledge of the diurnally varying land surface wind speed probability distribution is essential for surface flux estimation and wind power management. Global observations indicate that the surface wind speed probability density function (PDF) is characterized by a Weibull-like PDF during the day and a nighttime PDF with considerably greater skewness. Consideration of long-term tower observations at Cabauw, the Netherlands, indicates that this nighttime skewness is a shallow feature connected to the formation of a stably stratified nocturnal boundary layer. The observed diurnally varying vertical structure of the leading three climatological moments of near-surface wind speed (mean, standard deviation, and skewness) and the wind power density at the Cabauw site can be successfully simulated using the single-column version of the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis (CCCma) fourth-generation atmospheric general circulation model (CanAM4) with a new semiempirical diagnostic turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) scheme representing downgradient turbulent transfer processes for cloud-free conditions. This model also includes a simple stochastic representation of intermittent turbulence at the boundary layer inversion. It is found that the mean and the standard deviation of wind speed are most influenced by large-scale 'weather' variability, while the shape of the PDF is influenced by the intermittent mixing process. This effect is quantitatively dependent on the asymptotic flux Richardson number, which determines the Prandtl number in stable flows. High vertical resolution near the land surface is also necessary for realistic simulation of the observed fine vertical structure of wind speed distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer is a common tumor of the digestive system, which can occur in any part of the stomach. Kallikrein 6 (KLK6) is a trypsin-like serine protease and has been found to be involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor invasion and nervous system plasticity. Our previous study reported that KLK6 suppressed HGC-27 gastric cancer cell growth by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition; however, the mechanism of action underlying the effect of KLK6 still remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect and the underlying mechanism of KLK6 on stem cell-like properties and metabolism in gastric carcinoma cells. The HGC-27 cell line was transfected with KLK6 overexpression (OV-KLK6) and interference (short hairpin-KLK6) vectors, then the transfection efficiency was confirmed using western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The percentage of CD133+ and CD44+ cells was detected using flow cytometry, while the protein expression levels of the stem-associated genes, Nanog, Oct-4, SOX2 and Notch1, the metabolic markers, hexokinase (HK)1, HK2, GLUT1, and the proteins within the PI3K signaling pathway, phosphorylated (p)-PI3K, p-AKT and p-mTOR, were determined using western blot analysis. Biochemical kits were used to measure ATP production, lactic acid content and glucose uptake. A tumorigenicity assay was performed with nude mice to detect gastric tumor volume, and the protein expression level of Oct-4, Nanog, HK1, HK2 and GLUT1, and the mRNA expression level of KLK6 was also determined in gastric tumor tissues of mice. Compared with that in the control group, KLK6 protein and mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in the four sh-RNA groups (P<0.05). Among them, sh-RNA-3 induced the lowest KLK6 expression and was used to silence KLK6 in subsequent experiments. Compared with that in the control and negative control groups, the percentage of CD133+ and CD44+ cells, the protein expression level of Oct-4, Nanog, HK1, HK2, GLUT1, p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-mTOR, and ATP content, lactic acid production, glucose uptake and gastric tumor volume were significantly decreased by sh-KLK6 (P<0.05), whereas KLK6 overexpression induced the opposite effect (P<0.05). In conclusion, KLK6 modulated stemness properties and cell metabolic profile in gastric carcinoma cells and the mechanism may be associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ZFO/NCFs act as self-standing electrode under high sulfur loading. • ZFO as efficient chemical anchor to adsorb polysulfides and inhibit shuttle effect. • ZFO as polysulfides conversion catalyst to accelerate the redox kinetics. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is regarded as a hotspot in the research field of next-generation energy storage with a theoretical specific capacity of 1675 mAh g−1 and an energy density of 2600 Wh g−1. However, the short cycle life and poor lithium transport kinetics are restricted its real-world applications. Hence, the combination of electrospinning technology and subsequent hydrothermal method acts as an effective strategy to synthesize the ultrafine zinc ferrite nanoparticles decorated on nitrogen functionalized porous carbon nanofibers (ZFO/NCFs). Three-dimensional ZFO/NCFs act as self-standing electrode for Li-S batteries. The presence of ZFO nanoparticles is beneficial for adsorbing lithium polysulfides and inhibiting the shuttle effect. Additionally, ZFO nanoparticles exhibit an excellent catalytic effect of the polysulfides conversion in redox reactions. As a result, the cell of ZFO/NCFs delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 1100.8 mAh g−1 and after 300 cycles the discharge capacity reaches 789.7 mAh g−1 (coulombic efficiency: average 98.7%) at 0.2 C under 5.75 mg sulfur loading. Moreover, the initial capacity of ZFO/NCFs is 10.23 mAh and remains 7.21 mAh at 12.15 mg sulfur loading after 120 cycles. Hence, ZFO/NCFs contribute to adsorption and catalysis, which shows a promising exploration for the design of cathode materials of Li-S batteries. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specularity coefficient is an important input parameter in the Johnson and Jackson boundary conditions. Thus far, research on this parameter has been lacking in the field of slurry flow simulations. In this study, the integration of the Eulerian–Eulerian two-fluid model with kinetic theory of granular flow and Johnson and Jackson boundary conditions is used to simulate the transportation of sand–water slurry in horizontal pipelines. A range of flow conditions, including high and low velocities, high and low concentrations, coarse and fine particles, and large and small pipes, is considered to study the effect of the specularity coefficient on the predicted hydraulic gradient. Then, the simulation results are compared with previous experimental measurements to determine the appropriate values of the specularity coefficient. The hydraulic gradient is found to be positively correlated with the specularity coefficient; in addition, it is more sensitive to the specularity coefficient when the specularity coefficient is less than 0.1. The appropriate value of the specularity coefficient decreases with the flow velocity and increases with the solid volume fraction. In the range of flow conditions considered, the findings may be used as a reference for future simulations in the research field of slurry transport. • The hydraulic gradient is positively correlated with the specularity coefficient. • The hydraulic gradient is more sensitive to the smaller specularity coefficient. • The appropriate value of the specularity coefficient decreases with flow velocity and increases with solids concentration. • Particle and pipe diameters have a combined impact on the appropriate value of the specularity coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the photophysical and photosensitive properties of Elsinochrome A (EA), another member of perylenequinone photosensitizers derived via artificially biological synthesis, were studied by taking hypocrellin A (HA) and hypocrellin B (HB) as the references. It was found that the quantum yield of singlet oxygen produced via the photosensitization of EA was 0.98 with HB (0.84) as a reference. Furthermore, the semiquinone anion could be produced via photosensitization of EA in oxygen-free solution. Besides, taking advantage of nanosecond time-resolved spectral technique, the transient triplet absorption spectra and the lifetime of EA in cyclohexane were determined by the use of the ground-state depletion method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 6-naphthylmethyl substituted S-alkylated dihydroalkoxybenzyloxopyrimidine (S-DABO) analogues with a β-carbonyl group on the C-2 side chain were synthesized. All of the new compounds were evaluated for their anti-HIV activities in MT-4 cells. The most active compound, 5-isopropyl-2-[(4′-methoxyphenylcarbonyl-methyl)thio]-6-(1-naphthylmethyl)pyrimidin- 4(3H)-one showed activity against HIV-1 and against the double mutated strain of HIV(Y181C and K103N) in the micromolar range. Furthermore, some of the compounds are active against both HIV-1 and HIV-2 in cell culture. In view of the fact that the loss of antiviral activity of these compounds when tested against S0561945 was much less pronounced than the loss of activity of typical NNRTIs, it is concluded that some of the compounds might interfere with another target or act on reverse transcriptase in a different way than the typical NNRTIs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The introduction of a β-carbonyl group to the C-2 side chain of S-DABO led to the finding of a series of novel potent anti-HIV agent. Some derivatives proved to be highly effective in inhibiting HIV-1 replication at nanomolar concentrations. Furthermore, the novel S-DABOs differ from the classical NNRTIs in that some compounds are active against both HIV-1 and HIV-2. They might interfere with another target or at least act on RT in a different way as compared to typical NNRTIs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • CFONC/Li 2 S 6 as binder free electrode for Li-S battery with high sulfur loading. • CFONC as efficient electrocatalyst to facilitate the kinetics of redox reaction. • CFO accelerates homogeneous deposition of Li 2 S on the surface of substrate. • CFONC inhibits the shuttle of polysulfides and thus protects the lithium anode. Lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries have been paid more attention to meet the demand of high capacity energy storage. However, most substrates applied to electrodes, which have both high conductivity and full coverage of adsorption-catalysis synergies, are difficult to achieve. Herein, the combination of electrospinning and hydrothermal method is developed to fabricate the composite membrane of ferri-based spinel CoFe 2 O 4 (CFO) loaded nitrogen doped carbon nanofibers (CFONC) applied to positive current collector with Li 2 S 6 catholyte and binder-free of Li-S batteries. Benefiting from the improved catalytic performances in redox reaction of lithium polysulfides due to the abundant active sites which originate from CFO, the CFONC composite with S loading of 4.74 mg exhibits an initial specific discharge capacity of 1096 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and a high specific discharge capacity of 681 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles with a capacity decay as small as 0.076% per cycle. Even with S loading of 7.11 mg, the cell of CFONC delivers a high initial capacity of 6.1 mAh and maintains 4.8 mAh after 300 cycles. The results show that the efficient chemical anchoring polysulfides and catalyzing redox reaction by multifunctional CFONC composites is a feasible strategy for the large-scale application of lithium sulfur batteries with high performance in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6), a member of the kallikrein-related peptidase family, is involved in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells and is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of KLK6 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells and to determine the underlying mechanism of its actions. The expression of KLK6 was measured in metastatic gastric cancer cells using western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, and KLK6 was overexpressed or inhibited in HGC-27 cells using plasmid transfection. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT were also evaluated using Cell Counting Kit 8, Transwell and western blot analysis, respectively. In addition, a mouse xenograft model was constructed by injection of HGC-27 cells. The xenograft was treated with KLK6 interference or overexpression plasmids to study the in vivo effects of KLK6 on tumor development. The results demonstrated that KLK6 was highly expressed in HGC-27 cells and that KLK6 inhibition attenuated cell proliferation, migration and invasion and prevented gastric cancer tumor development. In addition, KLK6 inhibition reduced the expression of epithelial cell adhesion molecule and vimentin, reduced the phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 and upregulated epithelial-cadherin expression. In conclusion, KLK6 inhibition suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo through the inhibition of EMT. These findings indicate that KLK6 a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D-ordered catalyst electrodes have been recognized as one effective strategy to reach high current density operation for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications. Gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) with platinum nanowire arrays in-situ grown on gas diffusion layer (GDL) surface is an important contribution in this area, but the performance is highly dependent on the GDL surface properties. In this study, the GDLs available in the market are systematically investigated, with a focus on the influence of the GDL surface properties on the in-situ growth of Pt nanowire arrays to fabricate GDEs as cathodes for PEMFCs. The experimental results indicate that mesopores especially micropores play a key role. They enable a hydrophilic surface for the isopropanol pretreated GDL, facilitating the in-situ growth of Pt nanowires to form a uniform array with a large electrochemical surface area (ECSA), finally leading to a high-power density. With Freudenberg H24CX483 carbon paper GDL, the highest power density of 0.9 W cm−2 is achieved. The understanding achieved here could be further used to develop novel GDLs for fabricating the next generation of electrodes for large current density operations. [Display omitted] • The surface wet ability of GDLs plays a critical role to fabricate Pt nanowire array electrodes. • Mesopores especially micropores leading to hydrophilic surface after isopropanol treatment. • Uniformly distributed nanowire arrays enable large ECSA finally a high power density. • Freudenberg H24CX483 carbon paper GDL shows the best property for this application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, by integrating the q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (q-ROFS) with the N-soft set, we first propose a q-rung orthopair fuzzy N-soft set (q-ROFNSS). Based on the q-ROFNSS, we explore the q-rung orthopair fuzzy N-soft weighted average (q-ROFNSWA) operator and q-rung orthopair fuzzy N-soft weighted geometric (q-ROFNSWG) operator, and investigate some properties of the q-ROFNSWG operator and q-ROFNSWG operator including idempotency, monotonicity and boundedness. Finally, two kinds of multiple-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) methods based on q-rung orthopair fuzzy N-soft aggregation operators are established. In addition, a practical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness and correctness of the new decision-making approaches. Through comparison with existing methods, the advantages of our method are also elaborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, vacuum low-pressure carburizing heat treatments were carried out on 18Cr2Ni4WA case-carburized alloy steel. The evolution and phase transformation mechanism of the microstructure of the carburized layer during low-temperature tempering and its effect on the surface hardness were studied. The results showed that the carburized layer of the 18Cr2Ni4WA steel was composed of a large quantity of martensite and retained austenite. The type of martensite matrix changed from acicular martensite to lath martensite from the surface to the core. The hardness of the carburized layer gradually decreased as the carbon content decreased. A thermodynamic model was used to show that the low-carbon retained austenite was easier to transform into martensite at lower temperatures, since the high-carbon retained austenite was more thermally stable than the low-carbon retained austenite. The mechanical stability—not the thermal stability—of the retained austenite in the carburized layer dominated after carburizing and quenching, and cryogenic treatment had a limited effect on promoting the martensite formation. During low-temperature tempering, the solid-solution carbon content of the martensite decreased, the compressive stress on the retained austenite was reduced and the mechanical stability of the retained austenite decreased. Therefore, during cooling after low-temperature tempering, the low-carbon retained austenite transformed into martensite, whereas the high-carbon retained austenite still remained in the microstructure. The changes in the martensite matrix hardness had a far greater effect than the transformation of the retained austenite to martensite on the case hardness of the carburized layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The model test is important in the design and analysis of floating offshore wind turbines. However, the rotor thrust generated by the scaled model blades will be far less than the Froude-scaled value in the wave basin test, which has a significant effect on motion responses of floating offshore wind turbines. Thus, in order to improve the reliability of model tests, it is essential to simulate the rotor thrust accurately based on the aerodynamic similarity. In the present study, four parametric models were developed to define the geometry of model blades and they were integrated separately into the optimization model to reach the design criteria. Considering the weight control, the model blade defined by high-order design method was tested. It was demonstrated that the deviation between the experimental and numerical model blades under the rated condition was very small (only 3.16%). Under the same condition, the model blade with aerodynamic similarity could improve the rotor thrust by 106.33% compared with the Froude-scaled model blade. Simultaneously, high-order redesign method can significantly reduce the blade weight. Thus, the high-order redesign method is considered to be an effective way to eliminate the scale effect in the model tests of floating offshore wind turbines. • High-order redesign method to eliminate the scaling effect in the model test of floating offshore wind turbines. • A new method to obtain model blades with the lightest weight considering aerodynamic similarity. • Model test was conducted to test the rotor thrust of redesigned model blades. • A good correlation with experimental data and numerical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquid modification for carbon-supported platinum (Pt/C) electrocatalysts to enhance their oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity has been well recognized. However, the research has only been reported on the low-Pt-loading Pt/C electrocatalysts, e.g., 20 wt%, while in practical applications, usually high-Pt-loading Pt/C electrocatalysts of 45–60 wt% are used. In this work, ionic liquid modification is systematically investigated for a Pt/C electrocatalyst with 60 wt% Pt loading for its ORR activity in the cathode in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Various adsorption amounts are studied on the catalyst surface. Different modification behavior is found. Mechanism exploration shows that the adsorption of ionic liquid mainly happens on the Pt electrocatalyst surface and in the micropores of the carbon support. The highest fuel cell power performance is achieved at an ionic liquid loading of 7 wt%, which is much higher than the 3 wt% reported for the low-Pt-loading Pt/C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a Na+-binding aptamer was reported to be embedded in a few RNA-cleaving DNAzymes, including NaA43, Ce13d, and NaH1. The Na+ aptamer consists of multiple GG stretches, which is a prerequisite for the formation of G-quadruplex (G4) structures. These DNAzymes require Na+ for activity but show no activity in the presence of K+ or other metal ions. Given that DNA can selectively bind K+ by forming a G4 structure, this work aims to answer whether this Na+ aptamer also uses a G4 to bind Na+. Through comparative ThT fluorescence spectrometry studies, while a control G4 DNA exhibited notable fluorescence enhancement up to 5 mM K+ with a Kd of 0.28 ± 0.06 mM, the Ce13d DNAzyme fluorescence was negligibly perturbed with similar concentrations of K+. Opposed to this, Ce13d displayed specific remarkable fluorescence decrease with low millimolar concentrations of Na+. NMR experiments at two different pH values suggest that Ce13d adopts a significantly different conformation or equilibrium of conformations in the presence of Na+ versus K+ and has a more stable structure in the presence of Na+. Additionally, absence of characteristic G4 peaks in one-dimensional 1H NMR suggest that G4 is not responsible for the Na+ binding. This hypothesis is confirmed by the absence of characteristic peaks in the CD spectra of this sequence. Therefore, we concluded that the aptamer must be selective for Na+ and that it binds Na+ using a structural element that does not contain G4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulation of microcapsules with high mechanical strength holds great significance for their application in high-pressure scenarios. In this study, polyurea (PU) was employed as the shell material to encapsulate perfume oil through interfacial polymerization. Subsequently, a systematic assessment of mechanical strength was conducted. The results indicated that the protective colloid, triethylenediamine (TEDA) concentration, core/shell ratio (perfume oil to polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate (PAPI)), and reaction temperature, significantly influenced the mechanical strength of PU microcapsules. Notably, employing a concentration of 1.5 wt% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), 0.5 wt% TEDA, a core/shell ratio of 10:1, and a reaction temperature of 70 °C resulted in PU microcapsules boasting an average rupture force of 1.92 ± 0.22 mN and a Young's modulus of 0.0195 ± 0.0013 GPa. Impressively, when contrasted with melamine-formaldehyde microcapsules, those with PU shells exhibited markedly enhanced mechanical properties. [Display omitted] • PU-Lily oil microcapsules were successfully synthesized through interfacial polymerization. • A comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical properties of PU microcapsules was conducted. • PU microcapsules exhibited higher mechanical strength compared to previous works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]