Structural control of magnetic nanoparticles for positive nuclear magnetic resonance imaging

In addition to the tens of millions of medical doses consumed annually around the world,a vast number of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)contrast agents are being deployed in MRI research and development,offering precise diagnostic information,targeting capabilities,and analyte sensing.Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles(SPIONs)are notable among these agents,providing effective and versatile MRI applications while also being heavy-metal-free,bioconjugatable,and theranostic.We designed and implemented a novel two-pronged computational and experimental strategy to meet the demand for the efficient and rigorous development of SPION-based MRI agents.Our MATLAB-based modeling simulation and magnetic characterization revealed that extremely small maghemite SPIONs in the 1-3 nm range possess significantly reduced transversal relaxation rates(R_(2))and are therefore preferred for positive(T_(1)-weighted)MRI.Moreover,X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption fine structure analyses demonstrated that the diffraction pattern and radial distribution function of our SPIONs matched those of the targeted maghemite crystals.In addition,simulations of the X-ray near-edge structure spectra indicated that our synthesized SPIONs,even at 1 nm,maintained a spherical structure.Furthermore,in vitro and in vivo MRI investigations showed that our 1-nm SPIONs effectively highlighted whole-body blood vessels and major organs in mice and could be cleared through the kidney route to minimize potential post-imaging side effects.Overall,our innovative approach enabled a swift discovery of the desired SPION structure,followed by targeted synthesis,synchrotron radiation spectroscopic studies,and MRI evaluations.The efficient and rigorous development of our high-performance SPIONs can set the stage for a computational and experimental platform for the development of future MRI agents.

Vibration Control of the Rail Grinding Vehicle with Abrasive Belt Based on Structural Optimization and Lightweight Design

As a new grinding and maintenance technology,rail belt grinding shows significant advantages in many applications The dynamic characteristics of the rail belt grinding vehicle largely determines its grinding performance and service life.In order to explore the vibration control method of the rail grinding vehicle with abrasive belt,the vibration response changes in structural optimization and lightweight design are respectively analyzed through transient response and random vibration simulations in this paper.Firstly,the transient response simulation analysis of the rail grinding vehicle with abrasive belt is carried out under operating conditions and non-operating conditions.Secondly,the vibration control of the grinding vehicle is implemented by setting vibration isolation elements,optimizing the structure,and increasing damping.Thirdly,in order to further explore the dynamic characteristics of the rail grinding vehicle,the random vibration simulation analysis of the grinding vehicle is carried out under the condition of the horizontal irregularity of the American AAR6 track.Finally,by replacing the Q235 steel frame material with 7075 aluminum alloy and LA43M magnesium alloy,both vibration control and lightweight design can be achieved simultaneously.The results of transient dynamic response analysis show that the acceleration of most positions in the two working conditions exceeds the standard value in GB/T 17426-1998 standard.By optimizing the structure of the grinding vehicle in three ways,the average vibration acceleration of the whole car is reduced by about 55.1%from 15.6 m/s^(2) to 7.0 m/s^(2).The results of random vibration analysis show that the grinding vehicle with Q235 steel frame does not meet the safety conditions of 3σ.By changing frame material,the maximum vibration stress of the vehicle can be reduced from 240.7 MPa to 160.0 MPa and the weight of the grinding vehicle is reduced by about 21.7%from 1500 kg to 1175 kg.The modal analysis results indicate that the vibration control of the grinding vehicle can be realized by optimizing the structure and replacing the materials with lower stiffness under the premise of ensuring the overall strength.The study provides the basis for the development of lightweight,diversified and efficient rail grinding equipment.

Failure evaluation and control factor analysis of slope block instability along traffic corridor in Southeastern Tibet

The instability of slope blocks occurred frequently along traffic corridor in Southeastern Tibet(TCST),which was primarily controlled by the rock mass structures.A rapid method evaluating the control effects of rock mass structures was proposed through field statistics of the slopes and rock mass structures along TCST,which combined the stereographic projection method,modified M-JCS model,and limit equilibrium theory.The instabilities of slope blocks along TCST were then evaluated rapidly,and the different control factors of instability were analyzed.Results showed that the probabilities of toppling(5.31%),planar(16.15%),and wedge(35.37%)failure of slope blocks along TCST increased sequentially.These instability modes were respectively controlled by the anti-dip joint,the joint parallel to slope surface with a dip angle smaller than the slope angle(singlejoint),and two groups of joints inclined out of the slope(double-joints).Regarding the control effects on slope block instability,the stabilization ability of doublejoints(72.7%),anti-dip joint(67.4%),and single-joint(57.6%)decreased sequentially,resulting in different probabilities of slope block instability.Additionally,nearby regional faults significantly influenced the joints,leading to spatial heterogeneity and segmental clustering in the stabilization ability provided by joints to the slope blocks.Consequently,the stability of slope blocks gradually weakened as they approached the fault zones.This paper can provide guidance and assistance for investigating the development characteristics of rock mass structures and the stability of slope blocks.

Main controlling factor and mechanism of gas-in-place content of the Lower Cambrian shale from different sedimentary facies in the western Hubei area, South China

The Lower Cambrian shale gas in the western Hubei area,South China has a great resource prospect,but the gas-in-place(GIP)content in different sedimentary facies varies widely,and the relevant mechanism has been not well understood.In the present study,two sets of the Lower Cambrian shale samples from the Wells YD4 and YD5 in the western Hubei area,representing the deep-water shelf facies and shallowwater platform facies,respectively,were investigated on the differences of pore types,pore structure and methane adsorption capacity between them,and the main controlling factor and mechanism of their methane adsorption capacities and GIP contents were discussed.The results show that the organic matter(OM)pores in the YD4 shale samples are dominant,while the inorganic mineral(IM)pores in the YD5 shale samples are primary,with underdeveloped OM pores.The pore specific surface area(SSA)and pore volume(PV)of the YD4 shale samples are mainly from micropores and mesopores,respectively,while those of the YD5 shale samples are mainly from micropores and macropores,respectively.The methane adsorption capacity of the YD4 shale samples is significantly higher than that of the YD5 shale samples,with a maximum absolute adsorption capacity of 3.13 cm^(3)/g and 1.31 cm^(3)/g in average,respectively.Compared with the shallow-water platform shale,the deep-water shelf shale has a higher TOC content,a better kerogen type and more developed OM pores,which is the main mechanism for its higher adsorption capacity.The GIP content models based on two samples with a similar TOC content selected respectively from the Wells YD4 and YD5 further indicate that the GIP content of the deep-water shelf shale is mainly 34 m^(3)/t within a depth range of 1000—4000 m,with shale gas exploration and development potential,while the shallow-water platform shale has normally a GIP content of<1 m^(3)/t,with little shale gas potential.Considering the geological and geochemical conditions of shale gas formation and preservation,the deep-water shelf facies is the most favorable target for the Lower Cambrian shale gas exploration and development in the western Hubei area,South China.

Structural Controls Analysis and Its Correlation with Geothermal Occurrence at Barrier Volcanic Complex (BVC), Turkana, Kenya

Geothermal is a clean energy source that is freely available in the subsurface. The exploitation of this vital resource needs intensive exploration in order to identify and quantify its occurrence. The three parameters considered when assessing the viability of a geothermal system include;heat source, fractures and fluids. Geological structures are important in transportation of fluids to and from the heat source aiding in recharge of the geothermal system and enhancing productivity. Remote sensing method was applied in mapping the structures at Barrier Volcanic Complex (BVC) by using hill shading technique which utilized four illumination angles of the sun (azimuth) i.e. 45°, 90°, 150°, and 315°, constant elevation of 45° and exaggeration of 10. The data used was Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) Satellite Imagery. ArcGIS Software was used for lineaments delineation and density mapping, PCI Geomatica was used to generate major faults, while Georose and Rockworks 17 were used to generate the rose diagrams. Geological structural analysis was done by delineating lineaments, determining the density distribution of lineaments and finally determining the structural trends of lineaments. The generated major faults in the area and the location of the occurrence of surface manifestations were compared with the generated lineaments. A total of 260 lineaments were generated whereby at 45° there was a total of 60 lineaments, at 90° 95 lineaments, at 150° 61 lineaments, and at 315° 44 lineaments. The results of structural analysis in the area as shown by the rose diagrams indicate an NNE-SSW and N-S trending of structures. In conclusion, the study area is highly fractured as indicated by the presence of numerous lineaments. These lineaments provide good recharge to the geothermal system and enhance the geothermal reservoir in the area.

Input Structure Design for Structural Controllability of Complex Networks

This paper addresses the problem of the input design of large-scale complex networks.Two types of network components,redundant inaccessible strongly connected component(RISCC)and intermittent inaccessible strongly connected component(IISCC)are defined,and a subnetwork called a driver network is developed.Based on these,an efficient method is proposed to find the minimum number of controlled nodes to achieve structural complete controllability of a network,in the case that each input can act on multiple state nodes.The range of the number of input nodes to achieve minimal control,and the configuration method(the connection between the input nodes and the controlled nodes)are presented.All possible input solutions can be obtained by this method.Moreover,we give an example and some experiments on real-world networks to illustrate the effectiveness of the method.

An effective strategy of constructing multi-metallic oxides of ZnO/ CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C microflowers for improved supercapacitive performance

In this work,a new ZnO/CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C metal oxides composite is prepared by cost-effective hydrothermal method coupled with annealing process under N_(2) atmosphere.Notably,the oxidation-defect annealing environment is conducive to both morphology and component of the composite,which flower-like ZnO/CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C is obtained.Benefited from good chemical stability of ZnO,high energy capacity of CoNiO_(2) and CoO and good conductivity of C,the as-prepared sample shows promising electrochemical behavior,including the specific capacity of 1435 C·g^(-1) at 1 A·g^(-1),capacity retention of 87.3%at 20 A·g^(-1),and cycling stability of 90.5%for 3000 cycles at 5 A·g^(-1),respectively.Furthermore,the prepared ZnO/CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C/NF//AC aqueous hybrid supercapacitors device delivers the best specific energy of 55.9 W·h·kg^(-1) at 850 W·kg^(-1).The results reflect that the as-prepared ZnO/CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C microflowers are considered as high performance electrode materials for supercapacitor,and the strategy mentioned in this paper is benefit to prepare mixed metal oxides composite for energy conversion and storage.

Unified Control Theory from PID to ACPID

To address the challenge of achieving unified control across diverse nonlinear systems, a comprehensive control theory spanning from PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) to ACPID (Auto-Coupling PID) has been proposed. The primary concept is to unify all intricate factors, including internal dynamics and external bounded disturbance, into a single total disturbance. This enables the mapping of various nonlinear systems onto a linear disturbance system. Based on the theory of PID control and the characteristic equation of a critically damping system, Zeng’s stabilization rules (ZSR) and an ACPID control force based on a single speed factor have been designed. ACPID control theory is both simple and practical, with significant scientific significance and application value in the field of control engineering.

Identification of time-varying system and energy-based optimization of adaptive control in seismically excited structure

The combination of structural health monitoring and vibration control is of great importance to provide components of smart structures.While synthetic algorithms have been proposed,adaptive control that is compatible with changing conditions still needs to be used,and time-varying systems are required to be simultaneously estimated with the application of adaptive control.In this research,the identification of structural time-varying dynamic characteristics and optimized simple adaptive control are integrated.First,reduced variations of physical parameters are estimated online using the multiple forgetting factor recursive least squares(MFRLS)method.Then,the energy from the structural vibration is simultaneously specified to optimize the control force with the identified parameters to be operational.Optimization is also performed based on the probability density function of the energy under the seismic excitation at any time.Finally,the optimal control force is obtained by the simple adaptive control(SAC)algorithm and energy coefficient.A numerical example and benchmark structure are employed to investigate the efficiency of the proposed approach.The simulation results revealed the effectiveness of the integrated online identification and optimal adaptive control in systems.

Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control Platoon Fleet Formation Model Considering Efficiency and Stability

In the existing formation model,vehicles in the same lane or adjacent lane are regarded as the structure,and the driving behavior of vehicles is studied from the perspectives of safety,speed consistency,and stability,and the speed control model is proposed from the perspective of vehicles themselves,to obtain a stable fleet with the same distance and speed.However,in this process,the initial condition of the vehicle,the traffic flow environment,and the efficiency of the fleet formation are less considered.Therefore,based on summarizing the existing fleet building model,this paper puts forward the rapid construction model and algorithm of a cooperative adaptive cruise control platoon fleet.One of the important goals of forming a team is to enter the team with the smoothest trajectory in the shortest time.Therefore,this chapter studies the trajectory optimization of the vehicle formation process from the perspective of vehicle dynamics.

Geological characteristics and models of fault-foldfracture body in deep tight sandstone of the second member of Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in Xinchang structural belt of Sichuan Basin,SW China

In the second member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation(T_(3)x_(2))in the Xinchang area,western Sichuan Basin,only a low percent of reserves has been recovered,and the geological model of gas reservoir sweet spot remains unclear.Based on a large number of core,field outcrop,test and logging-seismic data,the T_(3)x_(2) gas reservoir in the Xinchang area is examined.The concept of fault-fold-fracture body(FFFB)is proposed,and its types are recognized.The main factors controlling fracture development are identified,and the geological models of FFFB are established.FFFB refers to faults,folds and associated fractures reservoirs.According to the characteristics and genesis,FFFBs can be divided into three types:fault-fracture body,fold-fracture body,and fault-fold body.In the hanging wall of the fault,the closer to the fault,the more developed the effective fractures;the greater the fold amplitude and the closer to the fold hinge plane,the more developed the effective fractures.Two types of geological models of FFFB are established:fault-fold fracture,and matrix storage and permeability.The former can be divided into two subtypes:network fracture,and single structural fracture,and the later can be divided into three subtypes:bedding fracture,low permeability pore,and extremely low permeability pore.The process for evaluating favorable FFFB zones was formed to define favorable development targets and support the well deployment for purpose of high production.The study results provide a reference for the exploration and development of deep tight sandstone oil and gas reservoirs in China.

Analysis of cut vertex in the control of complex networks

The control of complex networks is affected by their structural characteristic. As a type of key nodes in a network structure, cut vertexes are essential for network connectivity because their removal will disconnect the network. Despite their fundamental importance, the influence of the cut vertexes on network control is still uncertain. Here, we reveal the relationship between the cut vertexes and the driver nodes, and find that the driver nodes tend to avoid the cut vertexes.However, driving cut vertexes reduce the energy required for controlling complex networks, since cut vertexes are located near the middle of the control chains. By employing three different node failure strategies, we investigate the impact of cut vertexes failure on the energy required. The results show that cut vertex failures markedly increase the control energy because the cut vertexes are larger-degree nodes. Our results deepen the understanding of the structural characteristic in network control.

Comparison of large deformation failure control method in a deep gob-side roadway: A theoretical analysis and field investigation

Under the dual influence of the mining disturbance of the previous working face and the advanced mining of the working face,the roadway is prone to large deformation,failure,and rockburst.Roadway stabilization has always significantly influenced deep mining safety.In this article we used the research background of the large deformation failure roadway of Fa-er Coal Mine in Guizhou Province of China to propose two control methods:bolt-cable-mesh+concrete blocks+directional energy-gathering blasting(BCM-CBDE method)and 1st Generation-Negative Poisson’s Ratio(1G NPR)cable+directional energy-gathering blasting+dynamic pressure stage support(πgirder+single hydraulic prop+retractable U steel)(NPR-DEDP method).Meantime,we compared the validity of the large deformation failure control method in a deep gob-side roadway based on theoretical analysis,numerical simulations,and field experiments.The results show that directional energy-gathering blasting can weaken the pressure acting on the concrete blocks.However,the vertical stress of the surrounding rock of the roadway is still concentrated in the entity coal side and the concrete blocks,showing a’bimodal’distribution.BCM-CBDE method cannot effectively control the stability of the roadway.NPR-DEDP method removed the concrete blocks.It shows using the 1G NPR cable with periodic slipping-sticking characteristics can adapt to repeated mining disturbances.The peak value of the vertical stress of the roadway is reduced and transferred to the deep part of the surrounding rock mass,which promotes the collapse of the gangue in the goaf and fills the goaf.The pressure of the roadway roof is reduced,and the gob-side roadway is fundamentally protected.Meantime,the dynamic pressure stage support method withπgirder+single hydraulic prop+retractable U steel as the core effectively protects the roadway from dynamic pressure impact when the main roof is periodically broken.After the on-site implementation of NPR-DEDP method,the deformation of the roadway is reduced by more than 45%,and the deformation rate is reduced by more than 50%.

Control strategies and experimental verifications of the electromagnetic mass damper system for structural vibration control

The electromagnetic mass damper （EMD） control system, as an innovative active control system to reduce structural vibration, offers many advantages over traditional active mass driver/damper （AMD） control systems. In this paper, studies of several EMD control strategies and bench-scale shaking table tests of a two-story model structure are described. First, two structural models corresponding to uncontrolled and Zeroed cases are developed, and parameters of these models are validated through sinusoidal sweep tests to provide a basis for establishing an accurate mathematical model for further studies. Then, a simplified control strategy for the EMD system based on the pole assignment control algorithm is proposed. Moreover, ideal pole locations are derived and validated through a series of shaking table tests. Finally, three benchmark earthquake ground motions and sinusoidal sweep waves are imposed onto the structure to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of using this type of innovative active control system for structural vibration control. In addition, the robustness of the EMD system is examined. The test results show that the EMD system is an effective and robust system for the control of structural vibrations.

Simulation for the Controlling Factors of Structural Deformation in the Southern Margin of the Junggar Basin

According to the differences of structural deformation characteristics, the southern margin of the Junggar basin can be divided into two segments from east to west. Arcnate thrust-and-fold belts that protrude to the north are developed in the eastern segment. There are three rows of en echelon thrust-and-fold belts in the western segment. Thrust and fold structures of basement-involved styles are developed in the first row, and decollement fold structures are formed from the second row to the third row. In order to study the factors controlling the deformation of structures, sand-box experiments have been devised to simulate the evolution of plane and profile deformation. The planar simulation results indicate that the orthogonal compression coming from Bogeda Mountain and the oblique compression with an angle of 75° between the stress and the boundary originating from North Tianshan were responsible for the deformation differences between the eastern part and the western part. The Miquan-Uriimqi fault in the basement is the pre-existing condition for generating fragments from east to west. The profile simulation results show that the main factors controlling the deformation in the eastern part are related to the decollement of Jurassic coal beds alone, while those controlling the deformation in the western segment are related to both the Jurassic coal beds and the Eogene clay beds. The total amount of shortening from the Yaomoshan anticline to the Gumudi anticline in the eastern part is -19.57 km as estimated from the simulation results, and the shortening rate is about 36.46%; that from the Qingshuihe anticline to the Anjihai anticline in the western part is -22.01 km as estimated by the simulation results, with a shortening rate of about 32.48%. These estimated values obtained from the model results are very close to the values calculated by means of the balanced cross section.

Theoretical and experimental research on a new system of semi-active structural control with variable stiffness and damping

In this paper,a new system of semi active structural control with active variable stiffness and damping (AVSD) is suggested.This new system amplifies the structural displacement to dissipate more energy,and in turn,effectively reduces the structural response in the case of relatively small story drifts,which occur during earthquakes.A predictive instantaneous optimal control algorithm is established for a SDOF structure equipped with an AVSD system Comparative shaking table tests of a 1/4 scale single story structural model with a full scale control device have been conducted.From the experimental and analytical results,it is shown that when compared to structures without control or with the active variable stiffness control alone, the suggested system exhibits higher efficiency in controlling the structural response,requires less energy input,operates with higher reliability,and can be manufactured at a lower cost and used in a wider range of engineering applications.

Feedforward Variable Structural Proportional-Integral-Derivative for Temperature Control of Polymerase Chain Reaction

To track the rapidly changing temperature profiles of thermal cycling of polymerase chain reaction （PCR） accurately, an innovative feedforward variable structural proportional-integral-derivative （FVSPID） controller was developed. Based on the step response test data of the heat block, a reduced first order model was estabfished at different operating points. Based on the reduced model, the FVSPID controller combined a feedforward path with the variable structural proportional-integral-derivative （PID） control. The modified feedforward action provided directly the optimal predictive power for the desired setpoint to speed up the dynamic response. To cooperate with the feedforward action, a variable structural PID was applied, where the P mode was used in the case of the largest errors to speed up response, whereas the PD mode was used in the case of larger errors to suppress overshoot, and finally the PID mode was applied for small error conditions to eliminate the steady state offset. Experimental results illustrated that compared to the conventional PID controller, the FVSPID controller can not only reduce the time taken to complete a standard PCR protocol, but also improve the accuracy of gene amplification.

Evaluation of Three Harvest Control Rules for Bigeye Tuna(Thunnus obesus) Fisheries in the Indian Ocean

The stock of Bigeye tuna(Thunnus obesus) in the Indian Ocean supports an important international fishery and is considered to be fully exploited. The responsible management agency, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission(IOTC), does not have an explicit management decision-making framework in place to prevent over-fishing. In this study, we evaluated three harvest control rules, i) constant fishing mortality(CF), from 0.2 to 0.6, ii) constant catch(CC), from 60000 to 140000 t, and iii) constant escapement(CE), from 0.3 to 0.7. The population dynamics simulated by the operating model was based on the most recent stock assessment using Stock Synthesis version Ⅲ(SS3). Three simulation scenarios(low, medium and high productivity) were designed to cover possible uncertainty in the stock assessment and biological parameters. Performances of three harvest control rules were compared on the basis of three management objectives(over 3, 10 and 25 years): i) the probability of maintaining spawning stock biomass above a level that can sustain maximum sustainable yield(MSY) on average, ii) the probability of achieving average catches between 0.8 MSY and 1.0 MSY, and iii) inter-annual variability in catches. The constant escapement strategy(CE=0.5), constant fishing mortality strategy(F=0.4) and constant catch(CC=80000) were the most rational among the respective management scenarios. It is concluded that the short-term annual catch is suggested at 80000 t, and the potential total allowable catch for a stable yield could be set at 120000 t once the stock had recovered successfully. All the strategies considered in this study to achieve a ‘tolerable' balance between resource conservation and utilization have been based around the management objectives of the IOTC.

Structural failure mechanism and strengthening method of fracture plugging zone for lost circulation control in deep naturally fractured reservoirs

Focused on the lost circulation control in deep naturally fractured reservoirs, the multiscale structure of fracture plugging zone is proposed based on the theory of granular matter mechanics, and the structural failure pattern of plugging zone is developed to reveal the plugging zone failure mechanisms in deep, high temperature, high pressure, and high in-situ stress environment. Based on the fracture plugging zone strength model, key performance parameters are determined for the optimal selection of loss control material(LCM). Laboratory fracture plugging experiments with new LCM are carried out to evaluate the effect of the key performance parameters of LCM on fracture plugging quality. LCM selection strategy for fractured reservoirs is developed. The results show that the force chain formed by LCMs determines the pressure stabilization of macro-scale fracture plugging zone. Friction failure and shear failure are the two major failure patterns of fracture plugging zone. The strength of force chain depends on the performance of micro-scale LCM, and the LCM key performance parameters include particle size distribution, fiber aspect ratio, friction coefficient, compressive strength, soluble ability and high temperature resistance. Results of lab experiments and field test show that lost circulation control quality can be effectively improved with the optimal material selection based on the extracted key performance parameters of LCMs.

The Mechanism of Structural Control of Ore Formation and Geochemical Characteristics in the Massive Sulfide Deposits of the Wushan Copper Ore Field,Jiangxi

The ore-controlling mechanism of the bedding fault system in the massive sulfide deposits of the Wushancopper orefield may be generalized as the control of ore deposition by optimum surface in an ore-formingstructural trap. The mechanism has three major features: (1) timing of mineralization; (2) positioning of hostformation; and (3) dependence of ore-controlling structure on properties of rocks. The 'optimum surface' is adivisional structural plane which marks obvious difference in physical, chemical and mechanical properties andis favorable for mineralization. It is also a unity of structures. lithofacies and orebodies. The structural and geochemical characteristics of the ore deposits indicate the migration trend of the ma-jor characteristic clements in the ore-controlling fault belt: elements with a small radius (Si, Fe, Mg and Al)moved towards and concentrated at the center of the belt while large-radius ones (Ca, K and Na) were remotefrom the center.