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The identification of the dynamic coefficients is the key to realize accurate simulation of dynamic milling process. To enlarge the scope of dynamic simulation without ignoring edge force, an improved method is presented to calculate milling force coefficients. In this method, linear approximation of average milling force is integrated with multiple linear regressions by supposing that milling force coefficients are time invariant for small variation of feed rate. Therefore, both the shear coefficients and the edge coefficients can be calculated simultaneously. A comparison of simulated milling force with and without the edge force is illustrated and the result shows that the accuracy is higher if the edge force coefficients are considered. This method casts new light on fast and accurate simulation of the dynamic milling force in real industrial environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, Al2O3–Si3N4/ZrO2–Al2O3 laminated composites were fabricated by tape casting and hot press sintering, and the relationships between the process, microstructure, and mechanical properties of Al2O3–Si3N4/ZrO2–Al2O3 laminated composites were determined. The SiAlON phase was found in the Al2O3–Si3N4 layer, and liquid-phase sintering was proposed. Nano-scratch tests were carried out to investigate the interface bonding strength of the laminates. The distribution of residual stresses, generated due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion between the different layers, was estimated according to lamination theory and confirmed using Vickers indentation. When the sintering temperature was 1550°C, the sintered laminated ceramics had good mechanical properties, with a maximum strength and toughness of 413MPa and 6.2MPam1/2, respectively. The main toughness mechanics of laminated composites was residual stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Because of the potential applications of lanthanide-doped nanocrystals in display devices, optical communication, solid-state lasers, catalysis, and biological labeling, the controlled synthesis of these new nanomaterials has sparked considerable interest. Nanosized phosphorescent or optoelectronic devices usually exhibit novel properties, depending on their structures, shapes, and sizes, such as tunable wavelengths, rapid responses, and high efficiencies. Thus, the development of facile synthetic methods towards high-quality lanthanide-doped nanocrystals with uniform size and shape appears to be of key importance both for the exploration of their materials properties and for potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: NaYF4:Eu/Sr nanocrystals were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Tunable photoluminescence of the NaYF4:Eu nanocrystals was successfully achieved by codoping with Sr2+ ions. With increasing Sr2+ concentration, not only the X-ray diffraction peaks of the nanocrystals become broader, but also the positions of them shift toward larger lattice parameters. Eu3+ and Eu2+ have been found to coexist in an NaYF4:Eu/Sr. The Eu3+/Eu2+ emission intensity ratio changed with the Sr2+ concentration and excitation wavelength. More interestingly, the spectral configurations of Eu2+ and Eu3+ also varied with the excitation wavelength, indicating that the nanocrystals have multiple luminescence centers or emitting states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Eu3+-doped SnO2 nanoparticles with high surface area were generated within the template of the cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB) micelle assembly by surfactant-mediated method from the hydrous tin chloride (SnCl4·5H2O) and europium chloride (EuCl3·6H2O). The as-synthesized product was amorphous and transformed into crystalline calcined at 500°C for 2h. DSC-TGA, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to examine the morphology and microstructure of the final products. The results showed that the Eu3+-doped SnO2 nanoparticles with diameter of 3–7nm were obtained. The influences of the molar ratios of Eu3+ and CTAB on the room temperature photoluminescence (RTPL) properties of Eu3+-doped SnO2 nanoparticles were investigated. The results showed that the contents of Eu3+ and CTAB had a great influence on the crystallite sizes and RTPL properties of Eu3+:SnO2 nanoparticles. The maximum of the RTPL intensity can be observed at the molar ratio 5.0% Eu3+ and 10.0% CTAB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new and simple method to directly synthesize stable and crystalline pure phase CeO2 nanoparticles has been developed using cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB) and cerium chloride (CeCl3) at room temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra, Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), electron diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy were used to examine the morphology and microstructure to find out the cause. The results indicate that the as-synthesized powders are nanocrystalline CeO2 with the cubic fluorite structure. TEM reveals that the as-synthesized CeO2 sample consists of crystalline particles of 4–6nm, which are weakly aggregated. Room-temperature photoluminescence properties were investigated under the excitation of 325nm. The samples exhibit the emission peaks of room-temperature photoluminescence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a rare variant of fibrosarcoma, described initially by Meis-Kindblom et al. in 1995 (Meis-Kindblom JM, Kindblom L-G, Enzinger FM. Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma: a variant of fibrosarcoma simulating carcinoma. Am J Surg Pathol. 1995;19:979–993): more than 80 cases have been documented clinicopathologically since. Bone is a rare primary site for SEF, with only 2 cases so far reported. This paper documents the detailed clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of a case occurring in the pubic bone of a 57-year-old diabetic woman presenting with a history of pain and compromised mobility involving her hip. Radiology revealed a destructive lesion in the right pubic bone. The lesion was resected, and 7 months postoperatively it recurred. The patient died following metastases to multiple bony sites and liver, some 4 years after the onset of symptoms. Histologically, the tumor was consistent with SEF, although it showed some anomalous immunostaining, which, however, is typical of the tumor (for example, for S-100 protein and epithelial membrane antigen). By electron microscopy, some rough endoplasmic reticulum was present, but also tonofibrils and desmosomes. The overall features were of an SEF with the ultrastructural but incomplete immunohistochemical evidence for divergent epithelial differentiation. The differential diagnosis of this tumor is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: One-dimensional BaSiF6:Yb3+(20%)/Tm3+(1.2%) nanorods were synthesized by a facile microemulsion method for the first time. X-ray topographic analysis found that the nanorods have a pure rhombohedral structure. Under 980nm excitation, bright-blue upconversion luminescence was presented in the nanorods, indicating that BaSiF6 is a new host material for producing desirable upconversion luminescence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cubic and hexagonal NaYF4:Ln3+ (Ln=Eu and Yb/Tm) microcrystals were separately synthesized by an EDTA-assisted solvothermal method. Under 393-nm excitation, the emission spectra of NaYF4:Eu3+ microcrystals show the characteristic Eu3+ emissions. In the excitation spectra of the 610-nm emission, the 7F0 → 5D3 is dominant for the cubic microcrystals, while the 7F0 → 5L6 is dominant for the hexagonal sample. In addition, unusually strong ultraviolet emissions (1I6 → 3H6, 1I6 → 3F4, and 1D2 → 3H6) were observed in the hexagonal NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ microcrystals under 980-nm excitation. In comparison with a cubic sample having the same chemical compositions, the hexagonal microcrystals had a markedly enhanced ability of emitting ultraviolet up-conversion luminescence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of structurally simple N-nitrophenyl benzamide derivatives have been developed as chemosensors toward cyanide in aqueous environment by taking advantage of the cyanide''s strong affinity toward the acyl carbonyl carbon. The high selectivity of these compounds toward CN− makes it a practical system for monitoring CN− concentrations in aqueous samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Epithelioid sarcoma is an uncommon but well-described malignancy, which is found predominantly in the soft tissues of the young and middle-aged, and which pursues an indolent to aggressive course. It shows a degree of both mesenchymal and epithelial differentiation. Myofibroblastic differentiation has been recorded in epithelioid sarcoma for some time, the evidence being based mainly on the presence of smooth-muscle-type myofilaments and, more recently, on α-smooth-muscle actin and muscle-specific actin immunostaining. Myofibroblastic differentiation based on the stricter criterion of the fibronectin fibril/fibronexus junction has not so far been demonstrated except for a single atypical case with spindle-cell morphology and a cytokeratin-negative immunophenotype. The authors describe a conventional epithelioid sarcoma showing myofibroblastic differentiation based on the presence of fibronectin fibrils and fibronexus junctions. The patient was a 35-year-old Chinese male with a tumor that initially developed on his left forefinger: it recurred, then metastasised first to the left arm and eventually to the scalp. Histologically, the tumors had the typical features of epithelioid sarcoma: by immunohistochemistry, cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, and vimentin were positive. By electron microscopy, rough endoplasmic reticulum, intermediate filaments, peripheral myofilaments, and fibronexus junctions were observed. This is the first epithelioid sarcoma of conventional histological type to show myofibroblastic differentiation on the basis of the more stringent criterion of the fibronexus. The findings are discussed in relation to the unusually varied differentiation reported for this tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: YF3:Yb3+(20%)/Tm3+(2%) octahedral nanocrystals were synthesized by a microemulsion method with NH4HF2. Pumped with a 980-nm diode laser, the nanocrystals emitted weak blue and intense ultraviolet light. Especially, unusual 3P2 → 3H6 (∼265nm) and 3P2 → 3F4 (∼309nm) emissions, coming from a five-photon excitation process, were observed. The emissions from 1D2 and 1I6 were much stronger than those from 1G4 and 3H4. The upconversion mechanism was discussed in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The upconversion luminescent properties of YF3:Yb3+(20%)/Tm3+(1%) nanobundles with different sizes (240–500nm in length) were studied under 980-nm excitation. Ultraviolet (1I6 → 3F4/3H6 and 1D2 → 3H6), blue (1D2 → 3F4 and 1G4 → 3H6), red (1D2 → 3H4, 1G4 → 3F4, and 3F3 → 3H6), and near infrared (3H4 → 3H6) emissions were observed. The results indicated that the relative intensity of the ultraviolet to the blue as well as the blue to the near infrared increased with decreasing the size of nanobundles. Especially, the position of the dominant red emission peak varied with the size of nanobundles. As the length of nanobundles increased to 500nm, unusual 3F3 → 3H6 transition was observed, which was theoretically explained considering the decrease of the nonradiative transition rate of 3F3 → 3H4. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • DFT and AIMD were combined to study the Ti 2 AlC oxidation mechanism. • Surface energy of different Ti 2 AlC (0001) surfaces was calculated. • The adsorption configuration and electronic structure were analyzed. • The dynamics process of O 2 dissociation and adsorption was investigated by AIMD. • The PDOS changing process during AIMD simulation was analyzed. Ti 2 AlC oxidation mechanism was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD). DFT results showed that the most stable adsorption site was HCP hollow sites, followed by FCC. O atom gained electrons, while Al atom lost electrons through the hybridisation of O-p and Al-s/p orbitals. AIMD results show that O 2 molecule gradually dissociated into O atoms at 1273 K and formed Al-Ti mixed oxide film. The hybridisation between O-p and Al-s/p orbitals formed Al-O bond, while the hybridisation of O-p and Ti-d orbitals formed Ti-O bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a collision avoidance guidance and control (CAGC) scheme for fully autonomous unmanned surface vehicle (USV) according to the guidance, navigation and control (GNC) architecture is studied. The CAGC scheme is divided into guidance layer and control layer. To avoid the possibility of collision in tracking guidance, the proposed guidance layer needs remove the tracking guidance and realize the direct guidance to the control layer, which is designed according to the theory of finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) with control ability. Next, to balance the contradiction between calculation and guidance accuracy, the methods of delay compensation and control set normal distribution are designed. In addition, in the control layer, the vector propulsion USV as the control object is non-minimum phase system because of its small size and significant sway thrust, so the virtual control point is used to solve this system, and the relationship between virtual control point and vessel speed is determined by zero-dynamics stability analysis. And the control layer adopts adaptive sliding mode control theory to resist the influence of strong disturbances. Finally, simulation results are provided to illustrate the efficacy of the CAGC scheme. [Display omitted] • A novel collision avoidance guidance and control scheme without tracking guidance method is obtained by the collision avoidance control algorithm, which can directly provide feasible guidance trajectory in dynamics for control layer. • The methods of delay compensation and control set normal distribution are used to balance the calculation amount and guidance accuracy in collision avoidance guidance algorithm. • A trajectory tracking control method based on virtual control point suitable for vector propulsion USV is proposed under the condition of strong disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pumped with a 980-nm diode laser, violet/ultraviolet upconversion fluorescence was presented in Y0.83Yb0.15Er0.02F3 nanocrystals. Observed emissions at 318nm and 379nm were affirmed coming from a four-photon excitation process. In comparison with a bulk sample having the same chemical compositions, the nanocrystals had a markedly enhanced ability of emitting violet/ultraviolet upconversion fluorescence. By employing Tm3+ ions as structural probes in the samples, we found that the enhancement could be attributed to the decrease of Judd–Ofelt parameter Ω 2. A model for revealing the four-photon excitation process was proposed based on spectral analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• High-strength Ti 2 AlNb sheet was fabricated by hot packed rolling the spark-plasma-sintered pre-alloyed powders. • Extreme high tensile strength of 1532 MPa without any post heat treatment was obtained after two rolling passes. • The micro-sized O and nano-sized O phases contributed to the high tensile strength of the sheet. In this work, we fabricated high-strength Ti 2 AlNb sheets by hot packed rolling the spark-plasma-sintered pre-alloyed powders at the B2 + O phase field. We rolled the sheets with three different schemes, namely, sheet A (thickness reductions of 42% + 42%), sheet B (30% + 30% + 30%), and sheet C (30% + 21% + 21% + 21%). Results showed that the spheroidizing of the O phase occurred during the multiple rolling processes, and sheet C consisted of only spherical O phases. The mechanical property tests showed that Ti 2 AlNb sheets with tensile strengths higher than 1400 MPa could be obtained without any post heat treatment. Both micro-sized O and nano-sized O phases contributed to the excellent mechanical properties of the sheets. The multiple rolling processes resulted in slight decreases in tensile strength but an increase in ductility. All sheets showed brittle fracture mode with reduction of area smaller than 5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanostructured Cu coatings were electrodeposited with different vibration, such as vibration-free, agitation and ultrasonic.Ultrasonic could help to refine grains and optimize the comprehensive performance of the coating. The effect of vibration on the thermal stability of pure Cu coatings was investigated with the coatings annealing at 450 °C, 500 °C and 550 °C. Both agitation and ultrasonic can suppress the nanograins coarsening and the effect of ultrasonic was more excellent. Ultrasonic can not only increase the content of nanotwins and triple junctions but also induce the relaxation of GBs. Therefore, the ultrasonic deposited nanograins in the low-energy state exhibit superior thermal stability. The mechanisms of the thermal stability in the electrodeposited coatings were studied from thermodynamics and dynamics. By comparing dislocation density, stacking faults energy and grain boundaries energy, it was proved that the driving force of grain growth in the ultrasonic deposited coating was lowest. Both the methods of isothermal measurements and Kissinger showed that the ultrasonic could increase the activation energy of grain growth to inhibit grain boundary mobility. • The ultrasonic deposited nanograins annealed at 550 °C for 3600 s only grew from 29.4 nm to 178.7 nm. • Ultrasonic cavitation promoted the formation of nanotwins and relaxation of GBs. • Ultrasonic reduced driving force of grain growth and GBs mobility effectively by analysis of thermodynamics and dynamics. • Electrodeposition combining with ultrasonic provided an important route to stabilize nanomaterials without alloying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: YF3:Eu3+ nanobundles were synthesized by a facile microemulsion method. Analysis of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscopy reveals that each nanobundle consists of numerous nanowhiskers with a mean length of ∼500nm and a mean diameter of ∼2nm. Under 393-nm excitation, the luminescence was dominated by 5D0 → 7F1 transition, indicating the inversion symmetry of Eu3+ site. The luminescence intensity increased with increasing Eu3+ concentration, up to about 30mol%, and then decreased abruptly. The peak positions and spectral shapes of emissions were independent of Eu3+ concentration. Finally, the critical distance of energy transfer was calculated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rolling element bearing faults are among the main causes of breakdown of rotating machines and its condition monitoring based on vibration signal has been used extensively. For obtaining more accurate time–frequency spectrum estimation, time-varying autoregressive method based on Kalman smoothing algorithm is utilized to realize parametric modeling of non-stationary signal so as to obtain high resolution time–frequency spectrum. Singular value decomposition (SVD) method is adopted to obtain the first left and right singular vectors of time–frequency spectrum. And by down sampling and preprocessing, these singular vectors are taken as feature vectors of time–frequency spectrum. Moreover, radial basis function (RBF) neural network is adopted to realize the automated classification. By classification of rolling element bearing in four kinds of different status, the results show that algorithm mentioned above can realize the automated and accurate diagnosis of bearing fault. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rectal/anorectal malignant melanomas are highly aggressive tumors with a poor prognosis and low 5-year survival rate. They are also very rare. Of the well-known histological variants of malignant melanoma, the small cell subtype is also very uncommon; consequently, small cell anorectal malignant melanoma is an exceedingly rare occurrence. In this article, the authors provide a detailed clinicopathological description of small cell malignant melanoma of the rectum, documenting clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features, to add to the sparse references on this tumor in the literature. The patient was a 53-year-old woman with a mass 2 cm from the anus, which was surgically removed. In histological sections, the tumor was a small cell malignant melanoma, with a tumor cell diameter of 7.6±1.0 µm, and a range of 5.5-10.7 µm (N = 100). Tumor cells were positive for S-100 protein and HMB-45 and contained sparse but unambiguous type II melanosomes. This article is one of the few detailed clinicopathological documentations of a small cell malignant melanoma of the rectum (anorectum) and the first to have the diagnosis confirmed ultrastructurally by the identification of melanosomes. The present case adds to the 3 mainly or entirely small cell anorectal malignant melanomas described in the literature. There are also at least 12 other cases with less well-defined numbers of small tumor cells or with small cells admixed with other cell morphologies. Documentation of these unusual morphological variants is important for identifying any distinctive outcome they might exhibit compared with conventional malignant melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics, job stress, and cognitive and affective conflict faced by Chinese top managers and how this conflict is resolved over multiple rounds of conflict situations. Design/methodology/approach — A questionnaire was designed and submitted to Chinese top managers of firms located in Sichuan Province, PRC. Besides Likert-type questions concerning demographic characteristics, job stress, and both types of conflict, contextual anchorage method was used to let top managers rank the conflict resolution styles they would prefer for solving a given situation of conflict. Findings — Data were submitted to hierarchical regression analysis. It was found that age is in negative relation with job stress and that the higher the education level of top managers, the more cognitive conflict they will experience. In turn, the more cognitive conflict, the more affective conflict will be experienced. In addition, it was found that job stress is in positive association with cognitive conflict. Finally and most importantly, the findings indicated that Chinese top managers are inclined to using integrating to handle conflict. This seems to be generally inconsistent with traditional Chinese culture. Originality/value — The paper accounted for respective calls that proposed to focus on the antecedent conditions of cognitive and affective conflict. Therefore, a framework containing important antecedent factors of conflict was proposed. As a first attempt, it integrated the relationship between job stress and conflict. Most importantly, and also as a first attempt, however, this study sought to identify the conflict resolution styles Chinese top managers applied over multiple rounds of conflict situations, whereas findings additionally differentiate between affective and cognitive types of conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tape casting and hot-press sintering are used to fabricate an Al2O3/3Y-TZP laminated composite. The as-prepared material is deep drawn at high temperature to research its superplastic formability. It is found that the microstructure of the material sintered at 1550°C is fine and no significant residual porosity was detected from SEM observations at the interfaces between the two types of layers. The superplastic forming experiment shows that, when the strain rate is constant, temperature has a great influence on the superplasticity of the Al2O3/3Y-TZP laminated composite. A hat-like part with the greatest deform height is obtained at 1500°C. The processing will be less effective at higher or lower temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This review addresses the issue of surface segregation in bimetallic alloy nanoparticles, which are relevant to heterogeneous catalysis, in particular for electro-catalysts of fuel cells. We describe and discuss a theoretical approach to predicting surface segregation in such nanoparticles by using the modified embedded atom method and Monte Carlo simulations. In this manner it is possible to systematically explore the behavior of such nanoparticles as a function of component metals, composition, and particle size, among other variables. We chose to compare Pt75Ni25, Pt75Re25, and Pt80Mo20 alloys as example systems for this discussion, due to the importance of Pt in catalytic processes and its high-cost. It is assumed that the equilibrium nanoparticles of these alloys have a cubo-octahedral shape, the face-centered cubic lattice, and sizes ranging from 2.5nm to 5.0nm. By investigating the segregation of Pt atoms to the surfaces of the nanoparticles, we draw the following conclusions from our simulations at T =600K. (1) Pt75Ni25 nanoparticles form a surface-sandwich structure in which the Pt atoms are strongly enriched in the outermost and third layers while the Ni atoms are enriched in the second layer. In particular, a nearly pure Pt outermost surface layer can be achieved in those nanoparticles. (2) Equilibrium Pt75Re25 nanoparticles adopt a core–shell structure: a nearly pure Pt shell surrounding a more uniform Pt–Re core. (3) In Pt80Mo20 nanoparticles, the facets are fully occupied by Pt atoms, the Mo atoms only appear at the edges and vertices, and the Pt and Mo atoms arrange themselves in an alternating sequence along the edges and vertices. Our simulations quantitatively agree with previous experimental and theoretical results for the extended surfaces of Pt–Ni, Pt–Re, and Pt–Mo alloys. We further discuss the reasons for the different types of surface segregation found in the different alloys, and some of their implications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to investigate the superplasticity of ceramic/ceramic laminated composite under tensile stress, the superplastic deep-drawing process was simulated by FEM. The results shown that, the strain and stress conditions of laminated composite, made by ceramic with different superplastic formability, are better than that of monolithic ceramic. Consequently, the material may exhibit high superplasticity. To testify this, some experiments were carried out. Tape casting and hot-press sintering are used to fabricate Al2O3/3Y-TZP laminated composite. As-received material is deep-drawing at high temperature to research its superplasticity. The results shown that, when suitable strain rate and forming temperature were used, the as-received material has excellent superplasticity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Ti x VNbMoTa refractory high-entropy alloys with ultra-fine grains were fabricated by MA and SPS. • The mechanical alloying time of the milling powders with high Ti content was extended by the severe agglomeration. • The fluctuation of yield strengths is attributed to the changes of strengthening effect. Ti x VNbMoTa refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) were fabricated by mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) based on classic VNbMoTaW RHEA. The effect of Ti content on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the Ti x VNbMoTa RHEAs were systematically investigated. The results showed that the milling powders with more Ti content were agglomerated severely in the early stage of the MA process, leading to the extension of mechanical alloying time. The mechanically alloyed powders in all groups exhibited single body-centered-cubic (BCC) phase after the MA process. The sintered alloys were consisted of ultra-fine matrix and precipitation phase. The grain sizes of the matrix and precipitation phases, as well as the volume fraction of the precipitation phases were increased with the increase of Ti content. The MA and SPS processes and the replacement of Ti not only greatly reduce the densities, but also significantly improved the ductility, strength and specific strength of the alloys. The yield strengths were decreased first and then increased with the increase of Ti content in the Ti x VNbMoTa RHEAs, which is mainly attributed to the weakened effect of grain boundary strengthening, and the enhanced effect of the substitution solid solution strengthening and the interstitial solid solution strengthening. The rapidly increased sizes and volume fractions of the precipitated phases in Ti1.5 and Ti2 destroyed the continuity of matrix and the coordination of deformation, resulting in the decrease of ductility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Into the scaling relations of TM-N 3 (N 4)/graphene toward ENRR, candidates are proposed and limitations are clarified. [Display omitted] • ENRR potential evaluated for 58 types of SACs on nitrogen-doped graphene. • Scaling relations exist in protonation steps related to N 2 H and NH 2. • 2D-volcanic plot established between *N 2 to *N 2 H and *NH 2 to *NH 3. • 6 candidates identified where V-N 4 /graphene shows best ENRR activity and stability. In this study, we performed the first-principles density functional theory calculations to systematically predict the activity of fifty-eight types of different single atom electrocatalysts on nitrogen doped graphene for electrochemical ammonia synthesis. Two strong linear relations were revealed among the reaction energies on these single atom structures, including positive correlation between the adsorption energy of N 2 H and the free energy change for *N 2 transition to *N 2 H, as well as negative correlation between the adsorption energy of NH 2 and the free energy change for *NH 2 transition to *NH 3. Using the developed scaling relations and some additional factors including nitrogen adsorption, hydrogen evolution reaction, water adsorption, ammonia desorption and structure stability, we have computationally identified six candidate structures as promising active sites for ammonia synthesis. Especially, V-N 4 /graphene was predicted to exhibit the best stability, the highest activity with the limiting potential of −0.71 V, and suppression of hydrogen evolution reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to elaborate on the mechanism by which workplace ostracism influences turnover intention through exploring the sequential mediation effects of emotional labour and nurse-patient relationship. Using a sample of 379 nurses collected from a time-lag survey in a tertiary public hospital in China, we applied structural equation modelling techniques to test our hypothesized model. Our findings revealed that workplace ostracism positively influenced surface acting and deep acting. Workplace ostracism influenced turnover intention through the sequential mediation of surface acting and nurse-patient relationship. The findings of this study imply that nurses should receive education and training in emotional management skills to deal with workplace ostracism. Besides, fostering positive nurse-patient relationships may help reduce nurses' turnover intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, wave inversion is innovatively applied to the path following control of unmanned ship for the first time. At the same time, the performance constraint problem and input saturation of the control system are considered, and the model uncertainty problem of the system is solved by improving the RBF algorithm. Firstly, the system identification method is used to obtain the wave information in real time and quickly based on the ship motion response under the current sea condition, and the disturbance compensation is carried out in the unmanned ship control system. Secondly, in order to ensure the safety and stability of the unmanned ship during navigation, the performance constraints of the unmanned ship path following control system are carried out. In addition, considering the external disturbance and model uncertainty, the RBF neural network control algorithm based on the predictor estimation error is designed, which greatly improves the transient performance of the controller. Finally, the stability analysis and simulation comparison test verify the correctness and feasibility of the proposed control strategy. • For the first time, the method of wave inversion is applied to the path following control of unmanned ships. • Considering the presence of wave disturbance compensation, model uncertainty, and input saturation, a pre-set performance function was introduced to design a guidance rate with performance constraints. • Through the scaling method, the real-time obtained wave parameter information is innovatively used as the real wave interference to act on the unmanned ship in the form of a mathematical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the problem of finite-time path following for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) with ocean currents compensation and input saturation, and proposes a finite-time integral sliding mode path following control strategy using a finite-time predictor line-of-sight with ocean currents compensators (FTPLOS-OCCs). In the guidance module, a FTPLOS-OCCs guidance law is presented to eliminate the sideslip angle and unknown ocean currents, compensating for ocean current disturbances at the kinematics level. Then, the adaptive finite-time integral sliding mode control (AFTISMC) laws are developed to achieve path following for USVs in the control module, and the lumped disturbance is solved by combining RBF neural network with adaptive update law, simplifies the complexity of neural network. Meanwhile, a finite-time improved auxiliary dynamic system with nth-order smoothly switching function (FTIADS-nOSSF) is developed to solve the input saturation problem of controller at the dynamic level. Theoretical analysis indicates that the system is global finite-time uniformly ultimately bounded, and path following errors converge to a small neighborhood of the origin within a finite time. Finally, the effectiveness of the control scheme is verified through comparative simulations. • A FTPLOS-OCCs guidance law deals with the position error converging to the origin in a finite time, also estimates the sideslip angle and unknown ocean current. • The global finite-time adaptive integral sliding mode control (GFTAISMC) laws achieve path following in a finite time, simplify the complexity of neural network, and have a excellent control effect. • A FTIADS-nOSSF solves input saturation of controller, and all errors have faster convergence speed in a finite time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction Materials and Methods Results Conclusions We investigated the relationship of circulating TSP‐1 mRNA and miR‐194 with diabetic kidney disease’s degree.We enrolled 167 hospitalized type 2 diabetes patients in the endocrinology department. Patients were split into three groups according to urinary microalbumin: A, B and C. The control group comprised healthy outpatients (n = 163). The quantities of microribonucleic acid (miR)‐194 and thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in the participants’ circulation were measured using a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Circulating TSP‐1 mRNA (P = 0.024) and miR‐194 (P = 0.029) expressions significantly increased in type 2 diabetes patients. Circulating TSP‐1 mRNA (P = 0.040) and miR‐194 (P = 0.007) expression levels differed significantly among the three groups; circulating TSP‐1 mRNA expression increased with urinary microalbumin. However, miR‐194 declined in group B and increased in group C. Circulating TSP‐1 mRNA was positively correlated with cystatin‐c (r = 0.281; P = 0.021) and microalbumin/creatinine ratio (UmALB/Cr; r = 0.317; P = 0.009); miR‐194 was positively correlated with UmALB/Cr (r = 0.405; P = 0.003). Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis showed cystatin‐c (β = 0.578; P = 0.021) and UmALB/Cr (β = 0.001; P = 0.009) as independent factors for TSP‐1 mRNA; UmALB/Cr (β = 0.005; P = 0.028) as an independent factor for miR194. Areas under the curve for circulating TSP‐1 mRNA and miR194 were 0.756 (95% confidence interval 0.620–0.893; sensitivity 0.69 and specificity 0.71, P < 0.01) and 0.584 (95% confidence interval 0.421–0.748; sensitivity 0.54 and specificity 0.52, P < 0.01), respectively.Circulating TSP‐1 mRNA and miR‐194 expressions significantly increased in type 2 diabetes patients. The microalbumin group had lower levels of miR‐194 (a risk factor that is valuable for type 2 diabetes kidney disease evaluation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of gating system in artificial channels is a cutting-edge research direction in understanding biological process and application sensing. Here, by mimicking the gating system, we report a device that easily synthesized single-glass micropipettes functionalized by three-dimensional (3D) DNA network, which triggers the gating mechanism for the detection of biomolecules. Based on this strategy, the gating mechanism shows that single-glass micropipette assembled 3D DNA network is in the "OFF" state, and after collapsing in the presence of ATP, they are in the "ON" state, at which point they exhibit asymmetric response times. In the "ON" process of the gating mechanism, the ascorbic acid phosphate (AAP) can be encapsulated by a 3D DNA network and released in the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which initiates a catalyzed cascade reaction under the influence of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Ultimately, the detection of ALP can be responded to form the fluorescence signal generated by terephthalic acid that has captured hydroxyl radicals, which has a detection range of 0–250 mU/mL and a limit of detection of 50 mU/mL. This work provides a brand-new way and application direction for research of gating mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hot deformation behaviors of an ultrafine-grained MoNbTaTiV refractory high entropy alloy (RHEA) fabricated by powder metallurgy (P/M) were investigated using isothermal compression tests in the deformation temperature range of 1100 °C ~ 1300 °C and the strain rate range of 0.0005 s−1–0.5 s−1. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques were used to analyze the effect of the deformation temperatures and the strain rates on the flow stress behaviors and microstructural evolution during hot deformation. The results showed that the flow stresses exhibit typical dynamic recrystallization (DRX) characteristics, but show work hardening characteristics at 1100 °C and 0.5 s−1 deformation conditions and at 1200 °C and 0.5 s−1 deformation conditions. With increasing deformation temperature and decreasing strain rate, the maximum compressive stresses were dramatically decreased, and the average grain sizes also slowly increased. The limited growth of grains was due to the sluggish diffusion effect of high entropy alloys (HEAs) and the pinning effect of the ultrafine precipitated phases. The dominant DRX process gradually changed from discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) to continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) with increasing deformation temperature and decreasing strain rate. Both of these DRX processes were promoted by the ultrafine precipitated phases. The dominant deformation mechanism at low deformation temperature and high strain rate was grain deformation. Grain boundary gliding became the dominant deformation mechanism at higher deformation temperature and lower strain rate, but it was inhibited to some extent by grain growth and the ultrafine precipitated phases distributed at grain boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method of spectrum segmentation based on FSWT and PSO is proposed. • The improved PSO is proposed to obtain accurate frequency band boundaries. • Proposed method can obtain the sensitive features of the early failure. • Solved the problem of early failure samples being submerged. In the process of bearing degradation assessment, problems such as modal aliasing and early failure samples being submerged by normal samples are the main factors that limit the performance of the assessment method. A method is proposed for bearing performance degradation assessment. In this method, optimized empirical wavelet transform (EWT) is used to decompose bearing vibration signal, and the sub-components containing fault information are extracted using frequency-sliced wavelet transform and improved particle swarm algorithm. The STFT envelope spectrum of the bearing fault component is input to the convolutional neural network to extract sensitive features. The fuzzy C-means model is used to degradation assessment, which is constructed by the sensitive features of bearing fault-free stage. The result show that the optimal EWT effectively solves the problem of early failure samples being overwhelmed by normal samples. The proposed method have greater sensitivity and stability than original EWT in extracting fault information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Establishing a typical test architecture for regional integrated energy system with P2G and CHP technology. • Proposal of an event-triggered mechanism for fast systematic responding with low complexity. • Presenting a comfort-oriented online optimization algorithm for RIES based on Lyapunov Optimization. • The control strategy may satisfy the benefits for both the RIES and end-users. Regional Integrated Energy System (RIES) provides an inspiring perspective for constructing the future-oriented Energy Internet. However, the integration of heterogeneous energy system increases the complexity of critical power infrastructures, which limits the feasibility of energy management in real practice. To mitigate this issue, we propose an online optimization strategy for RIES with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) loads in this paper. Specifically, a stochastic problem is formulated to minimize the economic cost with the consideration of power to gas and combined heat and power techniques. In addition, considering the changes of specific events. i.e., essential load, electricity price, queue length of renewable energy sources (RES) and comfort level of end-users, an event-triggered mechanism is established to enable automatic execution of scheduling signals. Without relying on a priori knowledge, we use the Lyapunov optimization method to control energy queue of HVAC and the system stability in real time. The feasibility of the proposed online energy flow control algorithm has been validated by the theoretical deduction. The numeral simulation based on real-world traces demonstrates that the proposed method maximizes the economic profit by incenting the load transferring during peak period of electricity price and effectively improves the utilization ratio of RES. Moreover, this method can ensure the end-user's comfort while dramatically reducing the dispatching frequency of HVAC with the event-triggered mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel "spark plasma sintering (SPS) of pre-alloyed powder followed by a hot packed rolling" method is proposed to fabricate the Ti 2 AlNb sheet. Ti 2 AlNb sheets with high tensile strength and good ductility are obtained without any post heat treatment. Ti 2 AlNb compact is first prepared by SPS of the pre-alloyed powders. The compact sintered at 1060 °C consists of only B2 phases with an average grain size of 25.88 μm. No α 2 phase forms after rolled at 1030 °C and the B2 grain size increases by increasing the rolling passes because of the fast grain growth of B 2 grains. Numerous ultrafine O phases precipitated inside the B 2 matrix after cooled in air, and they contribute to the excellent strength and ductility of the sheets. The mechanical property tests showed that the sheets rolled by 2 passes (thickness reduction: 42% + 42%) and 4 passes (30% + 21% + 21% + 21%) had the maximum tensile strength of 1239.03 MPa and the maximum elongation of 9.49%, respectively. All the rolled sheets presented ductile fracture mode with numerous dimples on the fracture surface. • A novel "SPS of pre-alloyed powder followed by hot packed rolling" method is proposed to fabricate Ti 2 AlNb sheet. • Ti 2 AlNb sheets with high strength and good ductility can be obtained without any post heat treatment. • The nano-sized O phases precipitated from B 2 matrix contribute to the excellent properties of the sheets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates a novel robust path following control scheme for unmanned surface vehicle (USV) with unknown dynamics, currents and actuator saturation. In the guidance loop, an improved predictor line-of-sight (PLOS) guidance law is presented, which is used in any parametric paths. In the control loop, we propose a yaw rate controller and a surge speed controller using trajectory linearization control (TLC) technology, finite-time nonlinear tracking differentiator (FTNTD), minimal learning parameter (MLP) technique and auxiliary system. The advantages of the developed scheme are that, first, the proposed PLOS provides the estimates of unknown sideslip angle and currents; second, the introduced TLC has a concise structure and strong robustness, and enhanced TLC only needs two parameters to be adjusted. A MLP technique is constructed to approximate lumped unknown dynamics, where the norm of all the weights is estimated instead of estimating each element to reduce computational burden. A FTNTD is concurrently used to achieve satisfactory differential and filter performance. Subsequently, a smooth auxiliary system is applied to handle input saturation constraint on actuator. Theoretical analysis illuminates that the system is semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUBB). The effectiveness of the developed scheme is verified by simulation comparison and the error quantification performance. • A fuzzy predictor line-of-sight (FPLOS) guidance law is developed to calculate the desired heading angle and identify the unknown sideslip angle and ocean currents. • An enhanced trajectory linearization control (TLC) technology is first used to design a path following controller based on three-degrees-of-freedom model for underactuated USV, which only needs two parameters to be adjusted. • A finite-time nonlinear tracking differentiator (FTNTD) is concurrently introduced to achieve satisfactory differential and filter performance. • A minimal learning parameter (MLP) technique is constructed to approximate lumped unknown dynamics, where the adaptive law uses single parameter instead of all weights online learning to reduce computational burdens. • An auxiliary dynamic system that is governed by smooth switching function is developed to compensate for the saturation constraint on actuator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new and original course keeping control strategy for an unmanned surface vehicle in the presence of modeling error, external disturbance and input saturation. The trajectory linearization control method is used as the basic algorithm to design the course keeping strategy, and the radial basis function neural network and disturbance observer are used to compensate modeling error and external disturbance respectively to enhance the robustness of the control system. Moreover, a robust term is used to compensate various compensation errors to further improve the robustness of the system. In addition, hyperbolic tangent function and Nussbaum function are hired to deal with the potential input saturation problem, and the neural shunting model is adopted to avoid the computational explosion caused by the derivation of virtual control law. Taking the above facts into account will help to further realize engineering practice. Finally, the control strategy proposed in this paper is compared with the classical proportional–integral–derivative control strategy. The simulation results show that the course control results of the proposed control strategy are more robust than proportional–integral–derivative control, regardless of whether the external disturbance is weak or strong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic information such as the position and velocity of the target detected by marine radar is frequently susceptible to external measurement white noise generated by the oscillations of an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and target. Although the Sage–Husa adaptive Kalman filter (SHAKF) has been applied to the target tracking field, the precision and stability of SHAKF remain to be improved. In this paper, a square root Sage–Husa adaptive robust Kalman filter (SR-SHARKF) algorithm together with the constant jerk model is proposed, which can not only solve the problem of filtering divergence triggered by numerical rounding errors, inaccurate system mathematics, and noise statistical models, but also improve the filtering accuracy. First, a novel square root decomposition method is proposed in the SR-SHARKF algorithm for decomposing the covariance matrix of SHAKF to assure its non-negative definiteness. After that, a three-segment approach is adopted to balance the observed and predicted states by evaluating the adaptive scale factor. Finally, the unbiased and the biased noise estimators are integrated while the interval scope of the measurement noise is constrained to jointly evaluate the measurement and observation noise for better adaptability and reliability. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in eliminating white noise triggered by the USV and target oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autonomous collision avoidance technology provides an intelligent method for unmanned surface vehicles' (USVs) safe and efficient navigation. In this paper, the USV collision avoidance problem under the constraint of the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea (COLREGs) was studied. Here, a reinforcement learning collision avoidance (RLCA) algorithm is proposed that complies with USV maneuverability. Notably, the reinforcement learning agent does not require any prior knowledge about USV collision avoidance from humans to learn collision avoidance motions well. The double-DQN method was used to reduce the overestimation of the action-value function. A dueling network architecture was adopted to clearly distinguish the difference between a great state and an excellent action. Aiming at the problem of agent exploration, a method based on the characteristics of USV collision avoidance, the category-based exploration method, can improve the exploration ability of the USV. Because a large number of turning behaviors in the early steps may affect the training, a method to discard some of the transitions was designed, which can improve the effectiveness of the algorithm. A finite Markov decision process (MDP) that conforms to the USVs' maneuverability and COLREGs was used for the agent training. The RLCA algorithm was tested in a marine simulation environment in many different USV encounters, which showed a higher average reward. The RLCA algorithm bridged the divide between USV navigation status information and collision avoidance behavior, resulting in successfully planning a safe and economical path to the terminal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relation between the elastic modulus and the diameter (D) of ZnO nanowires was elucidated using a model with the calculated ZnO surface stresses as input. We predict for ZnO nanowires due to surface stress effect: (1) when D>20 nm, the elastic modulus would be lower than the bulk modulus and decrease with the decreasing diameter, (2) when 20 nm>D>2 nm, the nanowires with a longer length and a wurtzite crystal structure could be mechanically unstable, and (3) when D<2 nm, the elastic modulus would be higher than that of the bulk value and increase with a decrease in nanowire diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic structures of Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 were computed and related to the thermoelectric properties of Bi2Te3\Sb2Te3 superlattices. The authors found that the similarity of the electronic structure of the two materials permits the Bi2Te3\Sb2Te3 superlattices inherit high band edge degeneracy, and thus have high electrical conductivity. From the calculated effective mass along the superlattice growth direction, we infer that presence of more Sb2Te3 than Bi2Te3 in the superlattice leads to a smaller effective mass and enhanced carrier mobility. Furthermore, our results suggest that external tensile strain parallel to the interface may further improve the thermoelectric performance of the Bi2Te3\Sb2Te3 superlattices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focused on the microstructure, morphology and thermal stability of a MoNbTaTiV refractory high-entropy alloy synthesized by mechanical alloying. The mechanically alloyed powder with a uniform chemical distribution and an average grain size of less than 15 nm was obtained after 40 h milling process. With a refinement of the grain size and an increase of the lattice strain, the milled powder transformed from large and inhomogeneous to refined and homogeneous. The mechanically alloyed powder exhibited excellent thermal stability at 1200 °C. • MoNbTaTiV refractory high-entropy alloy was synthesized by mechanical alloying. • The alloyed powder presented a uniform chemical distribution and an average grain size of less than 15 nm. • The alloyed powder exhibited refinement and homogeneous size distribution. • The alloyed powder maintained bcc phase and nanoscale grain size at 1200 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies a refined path following control of unmanned ships based on real-time wave compensation. This technology mainly inverts the wave information of the ship in the current sea state and compensates in the unmanned control system in real time to achieve better control effects. Firstly, the system identification method is used to obtain the wave information in the current sea state in real-time and quickly based on the ship's motion response. Secondly, the wave interference is modeled by the obtained wave parameters, and the real-time wave interference is applied to the unmanned ship as a mathematical model. In addition, an adaptive path following controller is designed by the backstepping method, and an error disturbance observer is designed for observation compensation for the error of wave inversion and model uncertainty. Finally, the correctness and feasibility of the method are proved by simulation. • A real-time and fast wave inversion method is proposed. • For the first time, wave inversion is applied to the path following control of unmanned ships. • Combined with the path following control of the unmanned ship, the actual navigation effect is simulated, and the controller is designed to achieve better control effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2.5D C f /SiC composite has been a key heat-resistant ceramic matrix composite (CMC) in aerospace field due to the special structure characteristics. Against the existing research almost focus on 'ablation behavior' in laser processing of CMC, this paper put forward the 'ablation evolution behavior' for the first time, and reveals the 'ablation evolution behavior' in micro-hole machining of 2.5D C f /SiC composites with millisecond laser. The results show that 0° fiber experiences the ablation evolution from filiform connection, flat ellipse, needle-like to convex structure. And the 90° fiber suffers the ablation evolution from cylindrical structure, lotus lead shape, bud-shape to closed shape. The core of the 90° fibers undergoes the topography structures from cylindrical protrusion, spherical protrusion to needle-like. Except for the honeycomb structure studied in existing research, four new recast layer structures, named transverse strip, longitudinal strip, shell structure, and multi-layer structure are found and analyzed. Further, the mechanism analysis reveals that the recast layer contains both oxidized characteristics and highly carbonized characteristics. In addition, the microstructural analysis shows that three types of particle topography adhere to the recast layer, that are spherical micro-protrusion (20–48 μm), bubble particles (5–15 μm), and sub-micron particles (<1 μm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition-edge sensor (TES) as a type of low-temperature superconducting detector offers superior sensitivity due to its low thermal noise. In this work, we present a prototype TES bolometer designed for cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization measurements. This TES is made of aluminum doped with a low concentration of manganese (2000 ppm by atomic percentage), and is deposited on the SiNx membrane which connects to the silicon substrate via narrow legs. In order to calculate its electrothermal parameters we have performed dark characterizations, which include measuring voltage-current (IV) curve at different bath temperatures, square-wave time response at various bias voltages, and noise level. This TES bolometer shows a noise equivalent power (NEP) of about 5 × 10 - 17 W/ Hz , which meets the requirement of CMB observation. However, its saturation power is smaller and time constant is larger than what are expected. We have analyzed the reasons and will make corresponding improvements in our future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cholestasis liver disease belongs to jaundice. Yinchenzhufu decoction (YCZFD) is a classic formula used for treating jaundice. This study was aimed to investigate the potential mechanism and effective components of YCZFD in chronic cholestatic liver injury (CCLI). A chronic cholestatic mouse model induced by 3, 5-diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-dihydroxychollidine was used to investigate the effect of YCZFD. Then, metabolomics was used to investigate the metabolites influenced by YCZFD. Serum and liver bile acid (BA) levels were measured using liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadruple mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and the gene and protein expressions of BA transporters and metabolic enzymes were detected. Additionally, the pharmacokinetics of multiple components of YCZFD was explored to clarify the potential effective components. The effects of absorbed components of YCZFD on BA metabolism and transporter function, inflammation, and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) activation were analyzed using sandwich cultured rat hepatocytes, AML12 cells, and dual-luciferase receptor systems, respectively. YCZFD decreased the liver damage in chronic cholestatic mice. Serum metabolomics results indicated that the main pathways influenced by YCZFD involved primary BA biosynthesis and arachidonic acid metabolism. YCZFD upregulated the expression of FXR, PXR, and BA efflux transporters and the metabolic enzymes of liver tissues, promoting BA excretion and metabolism in cholestatic mice. Additionally, YCZFD downregulated the expression of genes and proteins of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway and decreased liver inflammation. The pharmacokinetic study indicated that multiple components showed different pharmacokinetic properties. Among the absorbed components of YCZFD, multiple components activated the transcription of FXR and PXR, regulated BA transporters and metabolic enzyme function, and reduced the gene expression of TLR4 and NF-κB1. YCZFD can ameliorate CCLI by promoting the excretion and metabolism of BAs and inhibiting inflammation via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. The multiple components of YCZFD could act on BA homeostasis regulation and anti-inflammation, exhibiting a combined effect against CCLI. [Display omitted] • YCZFD exhibits a profound protection on chronic cholestatic liver injury. • Metabolomics reveals that YCZFD regulates bile acid and inflammation pathway. • Pharmacokinetics shows multiple potential effective components of YCZFD. • Cytology suggested that multiple components exhibiting a combined effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the problem of poor performance of multi-sensor fusion algorithm in linear systems with time-varying noise and outliers, a modified federated Student's t-based variational robust adaptive Kalman filter (MFSTVRAKF) is proposed in this article. In this algorithm, an improved Student's t-based variational robust adaptive Kalman filter (ISTVRAKF) is developed for adaptively mitigating the effects of time-varying noise and outliers of each local sensor, which improves the estimation accuracy of the algorithm. It reorganizes and derives a simplified variational filter to approximate the prior distribution of the measurement noise covariance via the Student's t distribution to eliminate outliers. Subsequently, an adaptive factor is introduced into ISTVRAKF for adjusting the weights of prediction and measurement to further exclude outliers. Moreover, a modified adaptive information sharing factor is devised to adjust the multi-sensor fusion weights in accordance with the performance of local filter, which improves the fusion accuracy of the MFSTVRAKF algorithm. Simulations exhibit that the proposed algorithm is capable of resisting the effects of time-varying noise and outliers and achieving higher accuracy compared to other filtering algorithms and fusion algorithms. • A modified federated Student's t-based variational robust adaptive Kalman filter (MFSTVRAKF) is proposed for multi-sensor information fusion. • A simplified variational filter is reorganized to model the measurement noise covariance via the Student's t-distribution to eliminate outliers. • The adaptive factor is introduced into the filter to adaptively adjust the weights of predictions and measurements to further weaken the effect of outliers. • A modified adaptive information sharing factor is proposed to adjust the fusion weights according to the error covariance matrix and the adaptive factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the efficiency of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) collision avoidance can yield a significant impact, as it can result in safer navigation and lower energy consumption. This paper introduces a robust approach employing deep reinforcement learning theory to facilitate informed collision avoidance decisions within intricate maritime environments. The restrictions on USV maneuverability and international regulations for preventing collisions at sea are studied and quantified, particularly focusing on the shape and size changes of the ship's domain caused by USV speed. Based on the deep Q network, an improved methodology is designed, incorporating a noisy network, prioritized experience replay, dueling neural network architecture, and double Q learning, resulting in a highly efficient sampling, exploration, and learning process. To curtail computational expenses associated with USVs, a novel dynamic area restriction technique is proposed. Furthermore, an innovative USV state clipping method is introduced to mitigate training complexities. By utilizing the Unity platform, a virtual environment characterized by complexity and stochasticity is constructed for training and testing the collision avoidance of USVs This novel approach surpasses the performance of the pre-improvement algorithm across multiple collision avoidance effectiveness indicators and performance metrics. • We propose a novel collision avoidance method using deep reinforcement learning. • We consider COLREGs, maneuverability, and ship domain's impact on training. • The prioritized experience replay is applied to improve the availability of each sample. • The noisy network is designed to improve exploration efficiency. • The USV state clipping and dynamic area restriction are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A triangular-shaped flat plastic substrate probe was prepared for direct electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI–MS) for analysis of untreated chemical and biological samples including liquids (Met-Arg-Phe-Ala peptide, reserpine, and dodecyl aldehyde), solids (biological samples, traditional Chinese medicine), and powders (roasted coffee, rhizoma coptidis, lotus plumule, and Schisandra sphenanthera). Quantitative analysis of reserpine in water yielded a detection limit of 1 ng mL−1, dynamic response range within 1–500 ng mL−1, and linearity of signal response ˃0.9925. Compared to the conventional capillary ESI, this plastic probe ESI offers lower cost of analysis (US $0.0056 per probe), higher sensitivity, lower sample consumption, longer signal duration (>6 min), better reproducibility, signal stability, and higher speed of analysis (<10 s per sample, including sample loading). Overall, the results indicate the potential of ESI–MS based on flat plastic probes as a versatile method for simple, sensitive, and stable analysis of untreated biological sample analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]