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Currently, quantum neural networks (QNNs) have achieved some success in image classification due to their strong computational capabilities. However, as the number of layers in QNNs increases, the training process becomes complex and the accuracy tends to be low, resulting in poor network stability. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a shallow hybrid quantum-classical convolutional neural network (SHQCNN) model. Specifically, the SHQCNN model is built on an enhanced variational quantum method that is effective for image classification. In the input layer, the model uses a kernel coding method to make data easier to distinguish. In the hidden layer, a variational quantum circuit is designed to reduce the depth and complexity of the network. The output layer uses a mini-batch gradient descent algorithm for parameter training, which improves learning speed by performing weight updates more frequently. The SHQCNN model can achieve high stability and accuracy in image classification, which effectively solves the issue of gradient disappearance caused by too many layers in the network. Its feasibility and practicality are verified by comparing it with the classical neural network (CNN) model. Its generalization and stability as well as its noise immunity are verified on various datasets with different amounts of noise. The experimental results show the superior performance of the proposed SHQCNN model. For example, compared with CNN, its accuracy rate is improved by 6.66%, reaching 99.58%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure and texture evolution of tantalum (Ta) during annealing were studied in this work, in addition to simulating and analyzing of the grain boundary motions and their interactions using molecular dynamics simulations (MD). The results showed that the evolution of the recrystallized texture in the surface region of Ta is different from that in the core region. Coincident site lattice (CSL) is significantly related to the grain orientation and thus directly affects the recrystallization texture. MD results showed that the grain boundary mobility rate is higher at low angle grain boundaries (LAGB), which implied that the mobility rate is influenced by the tilt angle. Lower mobility rate of high angle grain boundary (HAGB) possibly caused by a large number of stabilized Σ3 grain boundaries (GBs) between them. It is shown that the inhomogeneous distribution of the recrystallization texture during the annealing process can be possibly attributed to the presence of a large number of Σ3 GBs. • The variation of low-Σ CSL GBs with annealing temperature is similar to the {111} orientation, and the high-Σ CSL GBs change similarly to the {001} orientation. • The formation of {111} texture is mainly controlled by Σ3 and Σ5 GB. • Σ3 GBs of large and stable exist, and even other GBs tend to change towards Σ3 GBs, leading to an increase in the {111} recrystallization texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of aerospace technology, the demand for a longer service life of Au-Ag-Cu alloy as conductive slip rings is increasing. Therefore, it is important to improve the hardness of the alloys in order to prolong their service life. Deformation-aging can improve the hardness of many alloys. The effect of the deformation-aging process of Au-20Ag-10Cu (wt%) alloy was investigated on the microstructure and properties, which characterized by DSC(Differential Scanning Calorimeter), XRD(X-ray Diffraction), EBSD(Electron Backscatter Diffraction), TEM(Transmission Electron Microscope) characterization techniques, microhardness and electrical conductivity testing methods. The results indicated that the microhardness increases and the conductivity decreases gradually with the increase of deformation rate. As the aging time increasing, the content of face-centered tetragonal AuCu I ordered phase increases, and thus the hardness increases gradually. The maximum hardness value of 307.44 HV was obtained after undergoing 70 % deformation and then aged at 300 ℃ for 16 h with the electrical conductivity values of 8.40 MS·m−1. This result indicated that both higher hardness and higher electrical conductivity of Au-20Ag-10Cu (wt%) alloy could be obtained, which ensures the requirements in the field of electrical contact materials. • The alloy with 70 % deformation rate and aged at 300 ℃ for 16 h had the maximized hardness value. • The transformation process of the matrix phase into the ordered phase can be significantly facilitated by increasing the aging time. • After aging at 300 ℃, the coherent boundary of {100} α 0 //{100}AuCu Ⅰ occurred because of the small lattice mismatch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the privacy-preserving average consensus problem for the general continuous-time multiagent network systems (MANSs) with time delay via the event-triggered communication scheme. In order to avoid disclosing the initial states of the network agents and at the same time achieve the agents’ consensus for MANSs with time delay, a novel consensus control algorithm based on a new privacy-preserving approach is proposed. The new privacy-preserving approach is that we construct an output mask to make agents’ internal states indiscernible by others, which is different from the existing privacy-preserving methods adding random noises to the update law of agents’ states. Compared with the existing privacy-preserving methods, our approach makes all agents in MANSs exactly converge to the average value of initial states instead of its mean square value. Based on the proposed algorithm, we carry out the detailed theoretical consensus analysis of the network agents, from which, it is shown that the upper bound of the communication time delay between neighbors’ agents can be estimated approximately. Moreover, the Zeno-behavior of event-triggered time sequences for each agent is excluded. Finally, two simulation examples are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of our theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper investigates the distributed optimal consensus problem by designing the multi-agent communication systems, where each agent has local access to its own strongly convex utility function. Here, we design two distributed consensus-based optimization algorithms to tackle the optimization problem of multi-agent systems. One is the second-order optimization consensus algorithm, and another is the third-order algorithm. Moreover, the two algorithms can ensure that all agents achieve consensus at a common state which minimizes the sum of the objective function under the assumption that interaction graph is strongly connected and detailed balanced. For each of the proposed algorithms, it can be found that the equilibrium point of the algorithm is the optimal point and it is proved to be asymptotically stable under given conditions. Finally, the performance of the proposed algorithms are verified by two simulations based on an IEEE 14-bus test system and an IEEE 57-bus test system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the finite-time event-triggered synchronization problem of the reaction–diffusion complex networks (RDCNs) with Dirichlet boundary conditions. A novel nonlinear event-triggered controller is developed, which is based on the random sampled-data. Under the proposed controller, it is found that the Zeno behavior is naturally excluded and the finite-time synchronization of RDCNs is guaranteed. Moreover, by utilizing Lyapunov functional method and the inequality techniques, the finite-time synchronization condition of the RDCNs is derived as well as the finite time is calculated. Finally, numerical simulation results are provided to demonstrate the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In semiconductor integrated circuits, the orientation dependence of the stored energy and texture distribution uniformity of sputtering tantalum targets are critical to the properties of the deposited films which block the diffusion of Cu atoms into the storage cell Si. In this paper, the effect of heating rate on the recrystallization behavior was investigated with the aid of a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). In addition, the texture and stored energy of deformed tantalum targets with different heat treatments along the thickness direction were characterized using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The results show that the initial temperature of recrystallization rises but the temperature range reduces with the increase of the heating rates. The stored energy of deformed tantalum targets presents various orientation dependencies in different thickness layers. During the heating process, the stored energy difference among the grains with different orientations decreases, but the maximum difference of stored energy in different thicknesses increases inversely. The content of {101} oriented grains increases as the temperature increases, while the content changes of {111} and {001} present a waveform with an opposite trend. • The orientation dependence of the stored energy varies in different layers. • The content of {111} and {001} grains with heating changes in a waveform. • Growth mechanisms of differently oriented sub-grains are different. • {001} recrystallized grains nucleate at grain boundaries of {111} deformed matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the event‐triggered gradient‐based algorithm for a distributed optimisation problem of multi‐agent system subject to state consensus constraint over directed networks, where each agent has local access to its own strongly convex utility function. A novel gradient‐based optimisation consensus algorithm is proposed to solve the optimisation consensus problem, where the event‐triggered strategy based on sample‐data is employed. In contrast to previous optimisation consensus work, their algorithm guarantees that the equilibrium point of the multi‐agent systems is optimal solution, and it uses the constant step‐size in the optimisation term. Under the algorithm, it can be proved that there exists a certain vector established with the optimal solution is the system equilibrium point and also the consensus point. Moreover, the sufficient condition on optimisation consensus for multi‐agent systems is derived. Finally, a numerical simulation example is given to illustrate the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the synchronization problem of the reaction–diffusion complex networks (RDCNs) with Dirichlet boundary conditions is considered, where the data is sampled randomly. An event-triggered controller based on the sampled data is proposed, which can reduce the number of controller and the communication load. Under this strategy, the synchronization problem of the diffusion complex network is equivalently converted to the stability of a of reaction–diffusion complex dynamical systems with time delay. By using the matrix inequality technique and Lyapunov method, the synchronization conditions of the RDCNs are derived, which are dependent on the diffusion term. Moreover, it is found the proposed control strategy can get rid of the Zeno behavior naturally. Finally, a numerical example is given to verify the obtained results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the optimal control of uncertain nonlinear systems with external disturbance via adaptive dynamic programming, where two kinds of controllers are introduced and event-driven strategy is used to update the controllers as well as the network weights. One controller is constrained-input, and another is used to offset the external disturbance. Three kinds of neural networks (identifier network, critic network and actor network) are used to approximate the uncertain dynamics, the optimal value, control inputs and external disturbance, respectively. To the best knowledge of the authors, the advantage of this paper is that almost all the existing systems about optimal control via adaptive dynamic programming can be considered as special cases of this system, where the external disturbance is considered. By designing appropriate parameters, the uncertain nonlinear system is asymptotically stable with the event-driven controller. And, under the given learning rates of neural networks, the system state and the estimation error of neural networks are proved to be uniform ultimate boundedness (UUB) via adaptive dynamic programming. Finally, numerical simulation results are presented to verify the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, by considering the development of antivirus software always lags behind the emergence of new virus and the point-to-group information propagation mode, a new computer virus model with point to group and discontinuous anti-virus strategy is presented. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first computer virus model that takes into account the effect of discontinuous anti-virus strategy. The dynamic properties of this model are investigated comprehensively. Specifically, it is found that in the case that the equilibrium is asymptotically stable, the convergence to the equilibrium can actually be achieved in finite time, and the time can be estimated in terms of the model parameters, the initial number of the uninfected computer and latent computer and the initial anti-virus strength, which means the virus in the network can be controlled or eliminated in finite time by increasing the anti-virus strength. Finally, two illustrative examples are also given to support the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns the synchronization problem of complex networks with the random switching topologies. By modeling the switching of network topologies as a Markov process, a novel event-triggered synchronization strategy is proposed. Unlike the existing strategies, the event detection of this strategy only works at the network topology switching time instant, which can significantly decrease the communication frequency between nodes and save the network resources. Under this strategy, the synchronization problem of complex network is equivalently converted to the stability of a class of Markovian jump systems with a time-varying delay. By using the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method and the weak infinitesimal operation, a sufficient condition for the mean square synchronization of the complex networks subject to Markovian switching topologies is established. Finally, a numerical simulation example is provided to demonstrate the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Myeloid-derived suppressor cells ( MDSC) can be induced or expanded in tumor-bearing mice and cancer patients. The frequency of MDSC denoted here as Lin−/low CD33+ HLA-DR− was investigated in hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) patients. The clinical relevance of MDSC and patients' characteristics were examined. Also, MDSC-related immune regulatory pathways in these patients were discussed. Methods The quantity of MDSC was tested in peripheral blood of patients with HCC ( n = 63) and healthy donors ( n = 56). The expressions of interferon ( IFN)-γ, vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF), cyclooxygenase ( COX)-2, matrix metalloproteinase ( MMP)-13, nitric oxide synthase ( NOS)-2 and arginase ( ARG)-1 were analyzed. Co-culturing with anti- CD3/ CD28-stimulated T lymphocytes was used to determine the suppressive effect of MDSC on the T lymphocytes. Results Patients with treatment-naive HCC had an increased subpopulation of Lin−/low CD33+ HLA-DR− cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMC) with characteristics of MDSC and associated to the stage ( P = 0.0004). Patients with splenomegaly had a higher frequency of circulating MDSC. Also, COX-2, MMP-13 and VEGF were expressed differently associated with the alteration of MDSC. Conclusion Our study provides evidence showing an increased population of Lin−/low CD33+ HLA-DR− MDSC in the peripheral blood of HCC patients. Our data also suggest that MMP-13 and COX-2 in PBMC may play a new important role companied with MDSC in HCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents evidence for the presence of the functional site oriT on the Streptococcal plasmid pIP501 by DNA sequence analysis. Mobilization assays to test oriT functions; Mapping of the nick site within the oriT region; Analysis of the open reading frames (ORF1) function.

Regenerative cooling is of great significance to secure the thermal structure and promote the flight Mach number range of the SCRamjet. Interconnection structure (ICS) plays a key role in improving the coolant flow distribution and heat sink utilization. In this work, the flow and heat transfer behaviors of the hydrocarbon fuel in parallel regenerative cooling channels with ICS are numerically investigated. The ICS improves the flow distribution and alleviates the local heat transfer deterioration. The influences of ICS configuration mainly consist of two aspects: (a). inter-channel pressure communication; (b). transverse mass transfer. The maximum wall temperature falls by 117.48 K/6.96% with the ICS introduced. Different sizes and positions of ICS are also studied. ICS with too small size cannot provide enough space for pressure communication and transverse mass transfer. While ICS with too large size leads to local heat transfer deterioration. The optimal Ф value to achieve the lowest heated wall temperature is Ф = 5 in this work. Regarding the position of ICS, it affects the local heat transfer deterioration through flow distribution and thermal load distribution. Ps = 50% (ICS locates at the middle of the heated section) presents the optimal cooling effect in this work. At last, the ICS configurations are universal to different heat flux distributions. The maximum wall temperature (Case qf2) decreases by 137.72 K/8.15% compared with Case C1 (without ICS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder associated with multiple metabolic disturbance, including defective glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. The altered metabolites caused by the related metabolic disturbance may affect ovarian follicles, which can be reflected in follicular fluid composition. The aim of this study is to investigate follicular fluid metabolic profiles in women with PCOS using an advanced sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment-ion spectra (SWATH) mass spectrometry. Materials and methods: Nineteen women with PCOS and twenty-one healthy controls undergoing IVF/ET were recruited, and their follicular fluid samples were collected for metabolomic study. Follicular fluid metabolic profiles, including steroid hormones, free fatty acids, bioactive lipids, and amino acids were analyzed using the principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares to latent structure-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model. Results: Levels of free fatty acids, 3-hydroxynonanoyl carnitine and eicosapentaenoic acid were significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas those of bioactive lipids, lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPC) (16:0), phytosphingosine, LysoPC (14:0) and LysoPC (18:0) were significantly decreased in women with PCOS (P < 0.05). Additionally, levels of steroid hormone deoxycorticosterone and two amino acids, phenylalanine and leucine were higher in the PCOS patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Women with PCOS display unique metabolic profiles in their follicular fluid, and this data may provide us with important biochemical information and metabolic signatures that enable a better understanding of the pathogenesis of PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Soybean protein isolation (SPI) and thiourea were coated on PA66 fabrics surface. • The LOI value of PA66 fabric was increased to 25.5 from 20.5 by the coating. • The damaged char length of the coated fabric sample was reduced to only 4 cm. • SPI acted in both gas phase and condensed phase during the combustion of the fabric. It has been a big challenge to produce sustainable environmental-friendly flame- retardant synthetic textiles for many years. In this work, soybean protein isolation in association with thiourea was coated on the surface of fibers through a simple pad-dry process in order to prepare flame retardant polyamide 66 (PA66) fabric with reduced environmental hazard and fire risk. The chemical components and the morphology of the treated fabric surface were analyzed by a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and a scanning electron microscopy respectively. The flammability evaluation by limiting oxygen index (LOI) and vertical burning tests indicated that the LOI value was increased from 20.5–25.5, the damaged char length was reduced to only 4 cm, and the dripping phenomenon was eliminated for the coated PA66 fabric sample by the presence of protein/thiourea. It was demonstrated that the deposited protein/thiourea combination coating significantly improved the fire hazard resistance through affecting the thermal degradation pathway of PA66 fabric. It was proposed that oxygen and flammable gases in the gas phase be diluted by the released H 2 S, NH 3 , H 2 O gases, and compact char formation be promoted by the formed unsaturated double bonds (such as -C = N) during the burning process of PA66-SPI-thiourea samples. It was suggested the sustainable bio-based SPI could be an effective alternative to conventional flame retardants used in textile finishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional tillage refers to the tillage process, especially the spring and autumn plowing process in which all the soil surface layer is disturbed, generally tilling approximately 20 cm deep. Conventional tillage is still widely used in sloping land, which leads to serious soil erosion and land degradation. The effect of tillage on soil erosion is defined by Tillage factor (T) in the model. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of conventional tillage on soil erosion and to calculate the value of the conventional tillage Factor T. The values of the conventional tillage factor (T value) were calculated for different soil and water conservation zones in China by collecting published literature and plot measurements from unpublished monitoring sites. The results showed that (1) the tillage factors of conventional tillage in China ranged from 0.27 to 0.55, with the largest being the North earth-stony region, the smallest being the Qinghai-Tibet plateau region, and the other six regions, namely, the Northeastern mollisol, the Northern wind erosion, the Northwest Loess Plateau, the South red soil, the Southwestern purple soil and the Southwestern karst region, were 0.34, 0.28, 0.53, 0.37, 0.35 and 0.29, respectively. In the regional soil erosion evaluation, the values can be taken by each of the eight main erosion type regions. (2) In the water erosion area except for the northeast, there is an obvious north south difference in the distribution of the T value, showing a decreasing trend from north to south. In practical use, the T value of the corresponding latitude area can be determined according to the Equation T = 0.2351φ- 0.02225, where φ is the latitude (°). (3) The T values of contour tillage, no-till, and monopoly tillage measures are significantly lower than the T values of conventional tillage, which have significant soil and water conservation benefits. The study initially determined the conventional tillage T values for each water conservation subzone, which can provide basic parameters for soil loss prediction on sloping land. • The t values of 8 subzones are calculated, which can be used in the actual survey. • A formula for calculating t-values is proposed, which can be used for unmeasured areas. • Conventional tillage can reduce soil loss and must be assigned a reasonable value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. We reveal the relationship between progesterone level in follicular fluid and oocyte quality based on sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment-ion spectra (SWATH™), a powerful high-resolution mass spectrometric data independent acquisition technique. Method. Follicular fluid samples were collected from 22 subjects (the level of progesterone > 1.5 ng/mL) of progesterone group, as well as from 22 subjects (the level of progesterone < 1.5 ng/mL) of control group, and analyzed using UPLC-Q-TOF. All methods were performed in accordance with ISO 9001:2008. Novel SWATH acquisition mode on an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid triple quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (with resolving power 20,000–40,000) was investigated for the analysis of human follicular fluid. The principal component variable grouping detects intersample variable correlation and groups variables with similar profiles which simplifies interpretation and highlights related ions and fragments. It can also extract product ion spectra from the data collected by fragmenting a wide precursor ion window. Results. Follicular fluid from the two groups differed with respect to five metabolites. Follicular fluid from the progesterone group contained elevated levels of 8-hydroxyguanosine and 4-hydroxynonenal and reduced levels of ATP, estradiol, and L-carnitine. The increased progesterone level on the day of HCG injection could negatively impact oocyte quality, thus reducing the pregnancy rate of IVF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the fact that the deposition reactions for electroless Ni–W–P coatings depend on the participation of H 2 PO 2 − , we developed a competitive deposition process that H 2 PO 2 − was controllably assigned to W, P and Ni deposition by the concentration ratio of dual-complexant composed of sodium citrate (NaCit) and lactic acid (Lac), namely NaCit/Lac ratio, and NiSO 4 concentration in plating bath. The impact of the ratio and NiSO 4 concentration on the deposition rate, composition, microstructure, microhardness, adhesion, corrosion resistance and wear resistance of coating was studied. The results indicate that both factors affect W codeposition through changing the deposition rate of Ni. The bath at NaCit/Lac ratio of 1:1 and NiSO 4 concentration of 30–40 g/L accelerates W deposition and Ni deposition, but decelerates P deposition, and thus incorporates more W (6.97–7.02 wt.%) but less P (4.87–5.03 wt.%) in coating. Furthermore, the crystalline structure, nodular morphology, microhardness and adhesion of coating also depend on both factors. The coating plated at different NaCit/Lac ratios and NiSO 4 concentrations demonstrates various corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The immersion behavior of two different hydroxyapatite (HA) powders before and after sintering was investigated by soaking them in simulated body fluid (SBF) for various periods. The results showed that the mechanism of formation of bone-like apatite on the two HA powders was different due to their different phase composition. Moreover, after being sintered at a proper elevated temperature, the bioactivity of HA powders was increased. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We prepared various porous structures on magnesium substrates by microarc oxidation (MAO) pretreatment in different solutions, and then controllably deposited electroless nickel (EN) layers on them under identical plating conditions. The results indicate that the microstructures, electrical and electrochemical properties of EN layers are highly dependent on the porous surface. Thin layer including tiny nickel granule is deposited on NaF-solution-pretreated substrates, but thick layer, consisting of typical nickel nodule, is formed on substrates oxidized in Na2SiO3 solution, while excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance are obtained. Whereas, the reticular-structured layers with wormlike nickel as well as high thickness and resistivity are area-selectively deposited on the substrate pretreated in Na3PO4 solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Effective stream power was used to predict D c with good performance. • Stream power was the optimal parameter for predicting D c for purple soil. • Linear equation stream power was the optimal model for predicting D c for purple soil. • Power equation flow discharge and slope model was useful for predicting D c of purple soil. In process-based erosion models, soil detachment capacity (D c) is a pivotal parameter that is typically estimated by hydraulic parameters. Purple soil in Earth-Rocky Mountain Area of Southwest China is a unique soil resource with characteristics including fast physical weathering, soft texture, and rich nutrient reserves. However, the prediction accuracy of D c and its relationship with certain hydraulic parameters remains poorly understood for purple soil, which is defined as an Entisol in the US Soil Taxonomy system. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between D c of shallow overland flow and hydraulic parameters to establish an accurate model for purple soil. A series of 825 flume experiments were conducted in a 12 m × 0.3 m hydraulic flume. Flow discharge was 8.33 × 10−3 to 41.67 × 10−3 m2 s−1, slope gradient was 8.7% to 39.1%, and rill length was 0.5 m to 10 m. Results showed that flow discharge and slope, stream power, and effective stream power were effective predictors of D c. However, flow depth, flow velocity, shear stress and unit stream power were relatively poor predictors. Stream power was the optimal parameter for predicting the D c of shallow overland flow. Flow discharge, slope and effective stream power were also useful parameters for predicting D c. Linear equation between D c and stream power was the optimal model for predicting D c , which was recommended when flow depth and flow velocity data were available; however, power equation among D c , flow discharge and slope also showed good performance in predicting D c , which was recommended when only flow discharge and slope data were available. The results of this study provide theoretical guidance for predicting sediment yield in Earth-Rocky Mountain Area of Southwest China as well as a decision-making basis for controlling soil and water loss in Earth-Rocky Mountain Area of Southwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]