In this paper, formation tracking control problems for second-order multi-agent systems（MASs） with time-varying delays are studied, specifically those where the position and velocity of followers are designed to for...In this paper, formation tracking control problems for second-order multi-agent systems（MASs） with time-varying delays are studied, specifically those where the position and velocity of followers are designed to form a time-varying formation while tracking those of the leader. A neighboring relative state information based formation tracking protocol with an unknown gain matrix and time-varying delays is presented. The formation tracking problems are then transformed into asymptotically stable problems. Based on the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional approach, conditions sufficient for second-order MASs with time-varying delays to realize formation tracking are examined. An approach to obtain the unknown gain matrix is given and, since neighboring relative velocity information is difficult to measure in practical applications, a formation tracking protocol with time-varying delays using only neighboring relative position information is introduced. The proposed results can be used on target enclosing problems for MASs with second-order dynamics and time-varying delays. An application for target enclosing by multiple unmanned aerial vehicles（UAVs） is given to demonstrate the feasibility of theoretical results.展开更多
Accounting for the missile autopilot as second-order dynamics, an observer-based guidance law is designed based on the dynamic surface control method. Some first-order low-pass filters are introduced into the design p...Accounting for the missile autopilot as second-order dynamics, an observer-based guidance law is designed based on the dynamic surface control method. Some first-order low-pass filters are introduced into the design process to avoid the occurrence of high-order derivatives of the line of sight angle in the expression of guidance law such that it can be implemented in practical applications. The proposed guidance law is effective in compensating the bad influence of the autopilot lag on guidance accuracy. In the simulations of intercepting non maneuvering targets, targets with step acceleration, and targets with sinusoidal acceleration respectively, the guidance law is compared with the adaptive sliding mode guidance law in the presence of missile autopilot lag. The simulation results show that the proposed guidance law is able to guide a missile to accurately intercept a maneuvering target, even if it escapes in a great and fast maneuver and the autopilot has a relatively large lag.展开更多
In this paper, a three level characteristic difference scheme is proposed for the model of age structured population with history dependent mortality and natality. It is proved that the scheme is second order converge...In this paper, a three level characteristic difference scheme is proposed for the model of age structured population with history dependent mortality and natality. It is proved that the scheme is second order convergent in the discrete l ∞ norm.展开更多
A method for correlating thermal light over a wide spectral range is proposed.A multi-wavelength pseudothermal source,prepared by projecting laser beams of multiple wavelengths(650 nm,635 nm,532 nm,and 473 nm)onto a m...A method for correlating thermal light over a wide spectral range is proposed.A multi-wavelength pseudothermal source,prepared by projecting laser beams of multiple wavelengths(650 nm,635 nm,532 nm,and 473 nm)onto a moving thin ground glass plate,is employed in a double-slit interference experiment.The ground glass plate induces random phase differences between light beams of different wavelengths passing through it.This initial random phase difference significantly influences the high-order intensity correlation functions of multi-wavelength thermal beams.Experimentally,second-order correlated interference patterns,including subwavelength interference,of pseudothermal beams with different wavelengths are observed in the intensity correlation measurements.This method facilitates applications of correlated thermal photons in quantum information processing and quantum imaging.展开更多
Discriminative region localization and efficient feature encoding are crucial for fine-grained object recognition.However,existing data augmentation methods struggle to accurately locate discriminative regions in comp...Discriminative region localization and efficient feature encoding are crucial for fine-grained object recognition.However,existing data augmentation methods struggle to accurately locate discriminative regions in complex backgrounds,small target objects,and limited training data,leading to poor recognition.Fine-grained images exhibit“small inter-class differences,”and while second-order feature encoding enhances discrimination,it often requires dual Convolutional Neural Networks(CNN),increasing training time and complexity.This study proposes a model integrating discriminative region localization and efficient second-order feature encoding.By ranking feature map channels via a fully connected layer,it selects high-importance channels to generate an enhanced map,accurately locating discriminative regions.Cropping and erasing augmentations further refine recognition.To improve efficiency,a novel second-order feature encoding module generates an attention map from the fourth convolutional group of Residual Network 50 layers(ResNet-50)and multiplies it with features from the fifth group,producing second-order features while reducing dimensionality and training time.Experiments on Caltech-University of California,San Diego Birds-200-2011(CUB-200-2011),Stanford Car,and Fine-Grained Visual Classification of Aircraft(FGVC Aircraft)datasets show state-of-the-art accuracy of 88.9%,94.7%,and 93.3%,respectively.展开更多
The migration mechanisms of ore-forming fluids have long been a focus in the field of ore deposit studies.Calcite is ubiquitously present in various types of rocks in the lithosphere,and the underlying mechanisms of i...The migration mechanisms of ore-forming fluids have long been a focus in the field of ore deposit studies.Calcite is ubiquitously present in various types of rocks in the lithosphere,and the underlying mechanisms of its influence on fluid migration are of crucial importance.While previous studies have revealed that salinity changes can modulate fluid migration,the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.We employ molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate how salinity variations in ore-forming fluids modulate the adsorption onto calcite nanopore walls,thereby revealing the microscopic mechanisms governing ore fluid transport through calcite nano-fractures.The results show that the adsorption energy Eint of the solution on the calcite surface increased from -14,948.84±182.48 kcal/mol to -12,144.08±118.2 kcal/mol as salinity increased,which is conducive to the long-range transport of the fluid in the calcite nanopore.展开更多
The equilibrium dynamics and nonlinear rheology of unentangled polymer blends remain inadequately understood,especially regarding the influence of short-chain matrix length N_(S) on the structure and rheological behav...The equilibrium dynamics and nonlinear rheology of unentangled polymer blends remain inadequately understood,especially regarding the influence of short-chain matrix length N_(S) on the structure and rheological behavior of dispersed long chains.Using molecular dynamics simulations based on the Kremer-Grest model,we systematically explore the N_(S)-dependence of static conformations,equilibrium dynamics,and nonlinear shear responses in unentangled long-chain/short-chain polymer blends.Our results demonstrate a decoupling between the static and dynamic sensitivity to N_(S):while the static chain size,R_g,follows Flory theory with slight swelling at small N_(S) due to incomplete excluded volume screening,the diffusion coefficient,D,and the relaxation time,τ_(0),exhibit a strong,non-monotonic N_(S)-dependence,transitioning from monomeric friction dominance at small N_(S) to collective segmental rearrangement at large N_(S).Additionally,we observe partial decoupling between the viscous and normal stress responses:while the zero-shear viscosity,η,is strongly N_(S)-dependent,the first and second normal stress coefficients,Ψ_(1) and Ψ_(2),collapse onto universal curves when scaled by the dimensionless shear rate,γτ_(0),suggesting a common mechanism of orientation and stretching.Under shear,long chains compress in the vorticity direction λ_(z)~Wi^(-0.2),which reduces collision frequency and contributes to shear thinning,while the scaling of weaker orientation resistance m_(G)~Wi^(0.35)reflects hydrodynamic screening by the short-chain matrix.These findings highlight the limitations of single-chain models and emphasize the necessity of considering N_(S)-dependent matrix dynamics and flow-induced structural changes in understanding the rheology of unentangled polymer blends.展开更多
In response to the increasing demand for hadron therapy facilities,significant efforts have been directed toward enhancing the performance of high-gradient and high-transmission injectors for light ion beams.For carbo...In response to the increasing demand for hadron therapy facilities,significant efforts have been directed toward enhancing the performance of high-gradient and high-transmission injectors for light ion beams.For carbon ion irradiations,which offer greater radiobiological efficiency in tumor treatment,recent research has focused on developing high-production sources of fully stripped C^(6+)ions and highly compact,high-frequency RFQ cavities.This study explores the design possibilities of a carbon ion acceleration section using 750 MHz Interdigital H-mode Drift Tube Linacs(IH-DTLs)as a high-efficiency solution for accelerating ions in the 5-10 MeV per nucleon energy range.A particle-tracking routine based on the TRAVEL code was developed to design the acceleration line through a tailored KONUS-type configuration.Three design solutions were proposed and compared,exploring different alternatives regarding the use of a MEBT to match the output beam phase space of the RFQ to the optics of the line,as well as varying considerations for magnetic systems to focus the beam.Additionally,the compatibility of the proposed solutions with the existing design of the carbon ion bent-linac for hadron therapy was assessed.展开更多
THE mechanical response and deformation mechanisms of pure nickel under nanoindentation were systematically investigated using molecular dynamics(MD)simulations,with a particular focus on the novel interplay between c...THE mechanical response and deformation mechanisms of pure nickel under nanoindentation were systematically investigated using molecular dynamics(MD)simulations,with a particular focus on the novel interplay between crystallographic orientation,grain boundary(GB)proximity,and pore characteristics(size/location).This study compares single-crystal nickel models along[100],[110],and[111]orientations with equiaxed polycrystalline models containing 0,1,and 2.5 nm pores in surface and subsurface configurations.Our results reveal that crystallographic anisotropy manifests as a 24.4%higher elastic modulus and 22.2%greater hardness in[111]-oriented single crystals compared to[100].Pore-GB synergistic effects are found to dominate the deformation behavior:2.5 nm subsurface pores reduce hardness by 25.2%through stress concentration and dislocation annihilation at GBs,whereas surface pores enable mechanical recovery via accelerated dislocation generation post-collapse.Additionally,size-dependent deformation regimes were identified,with 1 nm pores inducing negligible perturbation due to rapid atomic rearrangement,in contrast with persistent softening in 2.5 nm pores.These findings establish atomic-scale design principles for defect engineering in nickel-based aerospace components,demonstrating how crystallographic orientation,pore configuration,and GB interactions collectively govern nanoindentation behavior.展开更多
In this study,we perform particle-resolved simulations of settling spheroidal particles,considering oblate and prolate spheroids and spheres,and investigate the shape effect on the particle dynamics in suspensions wit...In this study,we perform particle-resolved simulations of settling spheroidal particles,considering oblate and prolate spheroids and spheres,and investigate the shape effect on the particle dynamics in suspensions with volume fraction 1%and 5%.We first examine the single-point statistics of the translational and rotational motion of the settling particles.The horizontal velocity has a symmetrical distribution with standard deviation dependent on the particle shape.The greater horizontal velocity fluctuations of the non-spherical particles,compared to that of spheres,are attributed to the horizontal drift of settling spheroids with oblique orientations induced by the fluid-particle and particle-particle interactions.The fluctuation of particle vertical velocity,instead,is skewed under the effect of wake-induced hydrodynamic interactions.Further,we explore the particle pair statistics,which demonstrate the formation of column-like particle micro-structures for the lowest volume fraction considered.This clustering is more pronounced for spheroidal particles than spheres,due to the stronger attractions among vertically-aligned settling spheroids.Moreover,the particle pair statistics are directly related to the collision rate among the dispersed particles.The local accumulation of oblate/prolate spheroids serves as the major mechanism to promote the particle-particle collisions in dilute suspensions.展开更多
Industrial robot dynamics lay the foundation for high-precision and high-speed control, and accurate identification of dynamic parameters is essential for precise dynamic calculations. The choice of friction models is...Industrial robot dynamics lay the foundation for high-precision and high-speed control, and accurate identification of dynamic parameters is essential for precise dynamic calculations. The choice of friction models is a critical component in the identification of industrial robot dynamics. Traditional static friction models struggle to capture the hysteresis effects caused by robot joint elasticity and clearances, leading to large torque prediction errors when the joint velocity crosses zero. Due to the presence of hysteresis effects, the joint velocity crosses zero in the forward direction, and the reverse direction will have different friction patterns. Although the hysteresis effects can be modeled as an ordinary differential equation(ODE), it is difficult to determine the ODE structure that achieves both generalization and accuracy to describe the hysteresis effects of the friction model. To address this issue, we propose the neural hysteresis friction(NHF), which uses neural ODE to model the hysteresis effects in a data-driven manner, thereby mitigating the current inadequacies in the study of dynamic friction characteristics. The experiments on a real 6-axis industrial robot demonstrate that our proposed method can accurately model the friction dynamics during directional switching and outperform other modeling methods. Velocity tracking control experiments show that NHF can effectively reduce tracking errors when the velocity crosses zero.展开更多
Mitochondria are central regulators of cellular energy metabolism,redox balance,and survival,and their dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative,cardiovascular,and metabolic diseases,as well as aging.Beyond its rol...Mitochondria are central regulators of cellular energy metabolism,redox balance,and survival,and their dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative,cardiovascular,and metabolic diseases,as well as aging.Beyond its role as a circadian hormone,melatonin is now recognized as a key modulator of mitochondrial physiology.This review provides an overview of the mechanisms by which melatonin can preserve mitochondrial function through multifaceted mechanisms.Experimental evidence shows that melatonin enhances the activity of electron transport chain(ETC)complexes,stabilizes the mitochondrial membrane potential(Δψ),and prevents cardiolipin(CL)peroxidation,thereby limiting permeability transition pore(mPTP)opening and cytochrome c release.Through its direct radical scavenging capacity and the upregulation of mitochondrial antioxidant defenses,melatonin protects against oxidative stress(OS)and preserves mitochondrial DNA integrity.Melatonin also regulates mitochondrial dynamics by promoting fusion,restraining excessive fission,and supporting quality control mechanisms such as mitophagy,unfolded protein response(UPR),and proteostasis.Moreover,melatonin influences mitochondrial biogenesis and intercellular communication through tunneling nanotubes(TNTs)and mitokine signaling.Thus,melatonin may represent a promising multifaceted therapeutic strategy for preserving mitochondrial homeostasis in a range of pathological conditions,including neurodegeneration and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.However,a significant translational gap still remains between the promising preclinical data and the established clinical practice.Therefore,the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the mechanisms through which melatonin modulates mitochondrial function and to discuss its potential therapeutic implications in neurodegenerative,cardiovascular,and metabolic diseases.展开更多
Photo-assisted lithium–sulfur batteries(PALSBs)offer an eco-friendly solution to address the issue of sluggish reaction kinetics of conventional LSBs.However,designing an efficient photoelectrode for practical implem...Photo-assisted lithium–sulfur batteries(PALSBs)offer an eco-friendly solution to address the issue of sluggish reaction kinetics of conventional LSBs.However,designing an efficient photoelectrode for practical implementation remains a significant challenge.Herein,we construct a free-standing polymer–inorganic hybrid photoelectrode with a direct Z-scheme heterostructure to develop high-efficiency PALSBs.Specifically,polypyrrole(PPy)is in situ vapor-phase polymerized on the surface of N-doped TiO_(2) nanorods supported on carbon cloth(N-TiO_(2)/CC),thereby forming a well-defined p–n heterojunction.This architecture efficiently facilitates the carrier separation of photo-generated electron–hole pairs and significantly enhances carrier transport by creating a built-in electric field.Thus,the PPy@N-TiO_(2)/CC can simultaneously act as a photocatalyst and an electrocatalyst to accelerate the reduction and evolution of sulfur,enabling ultrafast sulfur redox dynamics,as convincingly validated by both theoretical simulations and experimental results.Consequently,the PPy@N-TiO_(2)/CC PALSB achieves a high discharge capacity of 1653 mAh g^(−1),reaching 98.7%of the theoretical value.Furthermore,5 h of photo-charging without external voltage enables the PALSB to deliver a discharge capacity of 333 mAh g^(−1),achieving dual-mode energy harvesting capabilities.This work successfully integrates solar energy conversion and storage within a rechargeable battery system,providing a promising strategy for sustainable energy storage technologies.展开更多
The von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor(VHL)has been extensively used to develop degraders targeting numerous proteins of interest.However,studies on the rational design of VHL-proteolysis-targeting chimeras(PROTACs)re...The von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor(VHL)has been extensively used to develop degraders targeting numerous proteins of interest.However,studies on the rational design of VHL-proteolysis-targeting chimeras(PROTACs)remain scarce.This study aimed to develop strategies to investigate VHL-recruiting PROTACs connecting with varying attachment sites on VHL ligands,which could be utilized for KRAS^(G12C) degraders development and expanded to additional targets.We developed a molecular dynamics(MD)-based strategy to explore the stability of ternary complexes induced by KRAS^(G12C) PROTACs with four distinct attachment sites of VH032.We found a potent degrader namely YN14-H,linked to hydroxyl group on VH032 benzene ring,exhibited the most superior ability of inducing ternary complexes,reflected by the lowest dissociation constant(Kd)for ternary complex induction and the highest AlphaScreen(AS)-based interaction.YN14-H inhibited cell growth with low nanomolar half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC_(50))and half maximal degradation concentration(DC_(50))values as well as>98%of maximum degradation(D_(max))in NCI-H358 and MIA PaCa-2 cells harboring KRAS^(G12C)-mutation.Mechanistically,YN14-H significantly induced apoptosis and inhibited the migratory capacity.Notably,YN14-H demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties and excellent antitumor activity in vivo.Furthermore,bromodomain-containing protein 7(BRD7)and Bruton tyrosine kinase(BTK)degraders attached to distinct sites on VH032 further verified the rationality and universality of our MD-based strategies.Our findings demonstrated that YN14-H could serve as a promising candidate for the treatment of tumors with KRAS^(G12C)-mutation and present a strategy for the rational design of VHL-recruiting PROTACs that target additional proteins at distinct attachment sites.展开更多
This study uses all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the dislocation propagation, stress transmission, and mechanical properties in poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibers under uniaxial tension. Th...This study uses all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the dislocation propagation, stress transmission, and mechanical properties in poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibers under uniaxial tension. The results indicate that the dislocation propagates and the stress transfers not only along the fiber axis but also between adjacent molecular chains through hydrogen bonds, demonstrating their influence on the yield behavior. As the degree of polymerization increases, breakage of covalent bonds and interchain slippage contribute to the yield of fibers together. This work provides theoretical guidance for the design and manufacturing of high-performance fibers.展开更多
In Chin.Phys.B 34114704(2025),Eq.(7)and the associated unit notation were incorrect.The correct ones are present here.Since Eq.(7)is an in-built expression in the simulation package,the correction is purely typographi...In Chin.Phys.B 34114704(2025),Eq.(7)and the associated unit notation were incorrect.The correct ones are present here.Since Eq.(7)is an in-built expression in the simulation package,the correction is purely typographical and does not affect the simulation procedure,numerical results,or the conclusions.展开更多
The airflow mechanics in adult nasal airways,whether healthy or abnormal,are extensively studied and investigated,but the flow mechanics in child nasal airways remain underexplored.This study investigates the airflow ...The airflow mechanics in adult nasal airways,whether healthy or abnormal,are extensively studied and investigated,but the flow mechanics in child nasal airways remain underexplored.This study investigates the airflow mechanics in the child’s nasal upper airway with adenoid hypertrophy,with an adenoid nasopharyngeal ratio(AN of 0.9),under cyclic inhalation and exhalation.An inlet respiratory cycle with three different flow rates(3.2 L/min calm breathing,8.6 L/min normal breathing,and 19.3 L/min intensive breathing)was simulated by using the computational fluid dynamics approach.To better capture the interaction between airflow and the flexible airway tissue,fluid-structure interaction analysis was performed at the normal breathing rate.Comparing the airflow dynamics during inhalation and exhalation,the pressure drops,nasal resistance,and wall shear stress show significant differences in the nasopharyngeal region for all different flow rates.This observation suggests that the inertial effect associated with the transient flow is important during exhalation and inhalation.Furthermore,the considerable temporal variation in flow rate distribution across a specific cross-section of the nasal airway highlights the critical role of transient data in virtual surgery planning and data for clinical decisions.展开更多
Compared to the well-studied two-dimensional(2D)ferroelectricity,the appearance of 2D antiferroelectricity is much rarer,where local dipoles from the nonequivalent sublattices within 2D monolayers are oppositely orien...Compared to the well-studied two-dimensional(2D)ferroelectricity,the appearance of 2D antiferroelectricity is much rarer,where local dipoles from the nonequivalent sublattices within 2D monolayers are oppositely oriented.Using NbOCl_(2) monolayer with competing ferroelectric(FE)and antiferroelectric(AFE)phases as a 2D material platform,we demonstrate the emergence of intrinsic antiferroelectricity in NbOCl_(2) monolayer under experimentally accessible shear strain,along with new functionality associated with electric field-induced AFE-to-FE phase transition.Specifically,the complex configuration space accommodating FE and AFE phases,polarization switching kinetics,and finite temperature thermodynamic properties of 2D NbOCl_(2) are all accurately predicted by large-scale molecular dynamics simulations based on deep learning interatomic potential model.Moreover,room temperature stable antiferroelectricity with low polarization switching barrier and one-dimensional collinear polarization arrangement is predicted in shear-deformed NbOCl_(2) monolayer.The transition from AFE to FE phase in 2D NbOCl_(2) can be triggered by a low critical electric field,leading to a double polarization–electric(P–E)loop with small hysteresis.A new type of optoelectronic device composed of AFE-NbOCl_(2) is proposed,enabling electric“writing”and nonlinear optical“reading”logical operation with fast operation speed and low power consumption.展开更多
Mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a critical factor in the etiology of various neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and Rett syndrome. Alt...Mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a critical factor in the etiology of various neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and Rett syndrome. Although these conditions differ in clinical presentation, they share fundamental pathological features that may stem from abnormal mitochondrial dynamics and impaired autophagic clearance, which contribute to redox imbalance and oxidative stress in neurons. This review aimed to elucidate the relationship between mitochondrial dynamics dysfunction and neurodevelopmental disorders. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that undergo continuous fusion and fission to meet the substantial energy demands of neural cells. Dysregulation of these processes, as observed in certain neurodevelopmental disorders, causes accumulation of damaged mitochondria, exacerbating oxidative damage and impairing neuronal function. The phosphatase and tensin homolog-induced putative kinase 1/E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase pathway is crucial for mitophagy, the process of selectively removing malfunctioning mitochondria. Mutations in genes encoding mitochondrial fusion proteins have been identified in autism spectrum disorders, linking disruptions in the fusion-fission equilibrium to neurodevelopmental impairments. Additionally, animal models of Rett syndrome have shown pronounced defects in mitophagy, reinforcing the notion that mitochondrial quality control is indispensable for neuronal health. Clinical studies have highlighted the importance of mitochondrial disturbances in neurodevelopmental disorders. In autism spectrum disorders, elevated oxidative stress markers and mitochondrial DNA deletions indicate compromised mitochondrial function. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has also been associated with cognitive deficits linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Moreover, induced pluripotent stem cell models derived from patients with Rett syndrome have shown impaired mitochondrial dynamics and heightened vulnerability to oxidative injury, suggesting the role of defective mitochondrial homeostasis in these disorders. From a translational standpoint, multiple therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial pathways show promise. Interventions aimed at preserving normal fusion-fission cycles or enhancing mitophagy can reduce oxidative damage by limiting the accumulation of defective mitochondria. Pharmacological modulation of mitochondrial permeability and upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha, an essential regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, may also ameliorate cellular energy deficits. Identifying early biomarkers of mitochondrial impairment is crucial for precision medicine, since it can help clinicians tailor interventions to individual patient profiles and improve prognoses. Furthermore, integrating mitochondria-focused strategies with established therapies, such as antioxidants or behavioral interventions, may enhance treatment efficacy and yield better clinical outcomes. Leveraging these pathways could open avenues for regenerative strategies, given the influence of mitochondria on neuronal repair and plasticity. In conclusion, this review indicates mitochondrial homeostasis as a unifying therapeutic axis within neurodevelopmental pathophysiology. Disruptions in mitochondrial dynamics and autophagic clearance converge on oxidative stress, and researchers should prioritize validating these interventions in clinical settings to advance precision medicine and enhance outcomes for individuals affected by neurodevelopmental disorders.展开更多
This paper proposes second-order consensus protocols and gives a measure of the robustness of the protocols to the time-delays existing in the dynamics of agents with second-order dynamics. By employing a frequency do...This paper proposes second-order consensus protocols and gives a measure of the robustness of the protocols to the time-delays existing in the dynamics of agents with second-order dynamics. By employing a frequency domain method, it is proven that the information states achieve second-order consensus asymptotically for appropriate time-delay if the topology of the network is connected. Particularly, a nonconservative upper bound on the fixed time-delay that can be tolerated is found. The consensus protocols are distributed in the sense that each agent only needs information from its neighboring agents, which makes the proposed protocols scalable. It reduces the complexity of connections among agents significantly. Simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results for second-order consensus in networks in the presence of time-delays existing in the dynamics of agents.展开更多
基金co-supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 61333011, 91216304 and 61121003)
文摘In this paper, formation tracking control problems for second-order multi-agent systems（MASs） with time-varying delays are studied, specifically those where the position and velocity of followers are designed to form a time-varying formation while tracking those of the leader. A neighboring relative state information based formation tracking protocol with an unknown gain matrix and time-varying delays is presented. The formation tracking problems are then transformed into asymptotically stable problems. Based on the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional approach, conditions sufficient for second-order MASs with time-varying delays to realize formation tracking are examined. An approach to obtain the unknown gain matrix is given and, since neighboring relative velocity information is difficult to measure in practical applications, a formation tracking protocol with time-varying delays using only neighboring relative position information is introduced. The proposed results can be used on target enclosing problems for MASs with second-order dynamics and time-varying delays. An application for target enclosing by multiple unmanned aerial vehicles（UAVs） is given to demonstrate the feasibility of theoretical results.
基金Sponsored by the Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.61174203)the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University(Grant No.NCET-08-0153)the Aviation Science Foundation of China(Grant No.20110177002)
文摘Accounting for the missile autopilot as second-order dynamics, an observer-based guidance law is designed based on the dynamic surface control method. Some first-order low-pass filters are introduced into the design process to avoid the occurrence of high-order derivatives of the line of sight angle in the expression of guidance law such that it can be implemented in practical applications. The proposed guidance law is effective in compensating the bad influence of the autopilot lag on guidance accuracy. In the simulations of intercepting non maneuvering targets, targets with step acceleration, and targets with sinusoidal acceleration respectively, the guidance law is compared with the adaptive sliding mode guidance law in the presence of missile autopilot lag. The simulation results show that the proposed guidance law is able to guide a missile to accurately intercept a maneuvering target, even if it escapes in a great and fast maneuver and the autopilot has a relatively large lag.
文摘In this paper, a three level characteristic difference scheme is proposed for the model of age structured population with history dependent mortality and natality. It is proved that the scheme is second order convergent in the discrete l ∞ norm.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.62105278 and 11674273)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(Grant No.ZR2023MA015)。
文摘A method for correlating thermal light over a wide spectral range is proposed.A multi-wavelength pseudothermal source,prepared by projecting laser beams of multiple wavelengths(650 nm,635 nm,532 nm,and 473 nm)onto a moving thin ground glass plate,is employed in a double-slit interference experiment.The ground glass plate induces random phase differences between light beams of different wavelengths passing through it.This initial random phase difference significantly influences the high-order intensity correlation functions of multi-wavelength thermal beams.Experimentally,second-order correlated interference patterns,including subwavelength interference,of pseudothermal beams with different wavelengths are observed in the intensity correlation measurements.This method facilitates applications of correlated thermal photons in quantum information processing and quantum imaging.
基金supported,in part,by the National Nature Science Foundation of China under Grant 62272236,62376128 and 62306139the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province under Grant BK20201136,BK20191401.
文摘Discriminative region localization and efficient feature encoding are crucial for fine-grained object recognition.However,existing data augmentation methods struggle to accurately locate discriminative regions in complex backgrounds,small target objects,and limited training data,leading to poor recognition.Fine-grained images exhibit“small inter-class differences,”and while second-order feature encoding enhances discrimination,it often requires dual Convolutional Neural Networks(CNN),increasing training time and complexity.This study proposes a model integrating discriminative region localization and efficient second-order feature encoding.By ranking feature map channels via a fully connected layer,it selects high-importance channels to generate an enhanced map,accurately locating discriminative regions.Cropping and erasing augmentations further refine recognition.To improve efficiency,a novel second-order feature encoding module generates an attention map from the fourth convolutional group of Residual Network 50 layers(ResNet-50)and multiplies it with features from the fifth group,producing second-order features while reducing dimensionality and training time.Experiments on Caltech-University of California,San Diego Birds-200-2011(CUB-200-2011),Stanford Car,and Fine-Grained Visual Classification of Aircraft(FGVC Aircraft)datasets show state-of-the-art accuracy of 88.9%,94.7%,and 93.3%,respectively.
基金financed jointly by the National Major Science and Technology Special Project on Deep Earth Exploration(2024ZD1001701-5)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42472127,42172086)+2 种基金the Yunnan Major Project of Basic Research(202401BN070001-002)Yunnan Mineral Resources Prediction and Evaluation Engineering Research Center(2011)Innovation Team Program of Kunming University of Science and Technology,Yunnan Province。
文摘The migration mechanisms of ore-forming fluids have long been a focus in the field of ore deposit studies.Calcite is ubiquitously present in various types of rocks in the lithosphere,and the underlying mechanisms of its influence on fluid migration are of crucial importance.While previous studies have revealed that salinity changes can modulate fluid migration,the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.We employ molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate how salinity variations in ore-forming fluids modulate the adsorption onto calcite nanopore walls,thereby revealing the microscopic mechanisms governing ore fluid transport through calcite nano-fractures.The results show that the adsorption energy Eint of the solution on the calcite surface increased from -14,948.84±182.48 kcal/mol to -12,144.08±118.2 kcal/mol as salinity increased,which is conducive to the long-range transport of the fluid in the calcite nanopore.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22341304,22303100 and 12205270)the National Key R&D Program of China(Nos.2023YFA1008800 and 2020YFA0713601)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDC0180303)。
文摘The equilibrium dynamics and nonlinear rheology of unentangled polymer blends remain inadequately understood,especially regarding the influence of short-chain matrix length N_(S) on the structure and rheological behavior of dispersed long chains.Using molecular dynamics simulations based on the Kremer-Grest model,we systematically explore the N_(S)-dependence of static conformations,equilibrium dynamics,and nonlinear shear responses in unentangled long-chain/short-chain polymer blends.Our results demonstrate a decoupling between the static and dynamic sensitivity to N_(S):while the static chain size,R_g,follows Flory theory with slight swelling at small N_(S) due to incomplete excluded volume screening,the diffusion coefficient,D,and the relaxation time,τ_(0),exhibit a strong,non-monotonic N_(S)-dependence,transitioning from monomeric friction dominance at small N_(S) to collective segmental rearrangement at large N_(S).Additionally,we observe partial decoupling between the viscous and normal stress responses:while the zero-shear viscosity,η,is strongly N_(S)-dependent,the first and second normal stress coefficients,Ψ_(1) and Ψ_(2),collapse onto universal curves when scaled by the dimensionless shear rate,γτ_(0),suggesting a common mechanism of orientation and stretching.Under shear,long chains compress in the vorticity direction λ_(z)~Wi^(-0.2),which reduces collision frequency and contributes to shear thinning,while the scaling of weaker orientation resistance m_(G)~Wi^(0.35)reflects hydrodynamic screening by the short-chain matrix.These findings highlight the limitations of single-chain models and emphasize the necessity of considering N_(S)-dependent matrix dynamics and flow-induced structural changes in understanding the rheology of unentangled polymer blends.
基金Project co-funded by European Union in the context of the precommercial public procurement of RD services managed by CDTI E.P.Eco-funded by the European Regional Development Fund(ERDF)as part of the project for the development of a Compact Linear Accelerator for Hadrontherapy,Exp.CPP 03/2023 AB(DCCPI/OCPI)。
文摘In response to the increasing demand for hadron therapy facilities,significant efforts have been directed toward enhancing the performance of high-gradient and high-transmission injectors for light ion beams.For carbon ion irradiations,which offer greater radiobiological efficiency in tumor treatment,recent research has focused on developing high-production sources of fully stripped C^(6+)ions and highly compact,high-frequency RFQ cavities.This study explores the design possibilities of a carbon ion acceleration section using 750 MHz Interdigital H-mode Drift Tube Linacs(IH-DTLs)as a high-efficiency solution for accelerating ions in the 5-10 MeV per nucleon energy range.A particle-tracking routine based on the TRAVEL code was developed to design the acceleration line through a tailored KONUS-type configuration.Three design solutions were proposed and compared,exploring different alternatives regarding the use of a MEBT to match the output beam phase space of the RFQ to the optics of the line,as well as varying considerations for magnetic systems to focus the beam.Additionally,the compatibility of the proposed solutions with the existing design of the carbon ion bent-linac for hadron therapy was assessed.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12462006)Beijing Institute of Structure and Environment Engineering Joint Innovation Fund(No.BQJJ202414).
文摘THE mechanical response and deformation mechanisms of pure nickel under nanoindentation were systematically investigated using molecular dynamics(MD)simulations,with a particular focus on the novel interplay between crystallographic orientation,grain boundary(GB)proximity,and pore characteristics(size/location).This study compares single-crystal nickel models along[100],[110],and[111]orientations with equiaxed polycrystalline models containing 0,1,and 2.5 nm pores in surface and subsurface configurations.Our results reveal that crystallographic anisotropy manifests as a 24.4%higher elastic modulus and 22.2%greater hardness in[111]-oriented single crystals compared to[100].Pore-GB synergistic effects are found to dominate the deformation behavior:2.5 nm subsurface pores reduce hardness by 25.2%through stress concentration and dislocation annihilation at GBs,whereas surface pores enable mechanical recovery via accelerated dislocation generation post-collapse.Additionally,size-dependent deformation regimes were identified,with 1 nm pores inducing negligible perturbation due to rapid atomic rearrangement,in contrast with persistent softening in 2.5 nm pores.These findings establish atomic-scale design principles for defect engineering in nickel-based aerospace components,demonstrating how crystallographic orientation,pore configuration,and GB interactions collectively govern nanoindentation behavior.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.92252104,12388101,and 12472224).
文摘In this study,we perform particle-resolved simulations of settling spheroidal particles,considering oblate and prolate spheroids and spheres,and investigate the shape effect on the particle dynamics in suspensions with volume fraction 1%and 5%.We first examine the single-point statistics of the translational and rotational motion of the settling particles.The horizontal velocity has a symmetrical distribution with standard deviation dependent on the particle shape.The greater horizontal velocity fluctuations of the non-spherical particles,compared to that of spheres,are attributed to the horizontal drift of settling spheroids with oblique orientations induced by the fluid-particle and particle-particle interactions.The fluctuation of particle vertical velocity,instead,is skewed under the effect of wake-induced hydrodynamic interactions.Further,we explore the particle pair statistics,which demonstrate the formation of column-like particle micro-structures for the lowest volume fraction considered.This clustering is more pronounced for spheroidal particles than spheres,due to the stronger attractions among vertically-aligned settling spheroids.Moreover,the particle pair statistics are directly related to the collision rate among the dispersed particles.The local accumulation of oblate/prolate spheroids serves as the major mechanism to promote the particle-particle collisions in dilute suspensions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.52188102)。
文摘Industrial robot dynamics lay the foundation for high-precision and high-speed control, and accurate identification of dynamic parameters is essential for precise dynamic calculations. The choice of friction models is a critical component in the identification of industrial robot dynamics. Traditional static friction models struggle to capture the hysteresis effects caused by robot joint elasticity and clearances, leading to large torque prediction errors when the joint velocity crosses zero. Due to the presence of hysteresis effects, the joint velocity crosses zero in the forward direction, and the reverse direction will have different friction patterns. Although the hysteresis effects can be modeled as an ordinary differential equation(ODE), it is difficult to determine the ODE structure that achieves both generalization and accuracy to describe the hysteresis effects of the friction model. To address this issue, we propose the neural hysteresis friction(NHF), which uses neural ODE to model the hysteresis effects in a data-driven manner, thereby mitigating the current inadequacies in the study of dynamic friction characteristics. The experiments on a real 6-axis industrial robot demonstrate that our proposed method can accurately model the friction dynamics during directional switching and outperform other modeling methods. Velocity tracking control experiments show that NHF can effectively reduce tracking errors when the velocity crosses zero.
文摘Mitochondria are central regulators of cellular energy metabolism,redox balance,and survival,and their dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative,cardiovascular,and metabolic diseases,as well as aging.Beyond its role as a circadian hormone,melatonin is now recognized as a key modulator of mitochondrial physiology.This review provides an overview of the mechanisms by which melatonin can preserve mitochondrial function through multifaceted mechanisms.Experimental evidence shows that melatonin enhances the activity of electron transport chain(ETC)complexes,stabilizes the mitochondrial membrane potential(Δψ),and prevents cardiolipin(CL)peroxidation,thereby limiting permeability transition pore(mPTP)opening and cytochrome c release.Through its direct radical scavenging capacity and the upregulation of mitochondrial antioxidant defenses,melatonin protects against oxidative stress(OS)and preserves mitochondrial DNA integrity.Melatonin also regulates mitochondrial dynamics by promoting fusion,restraining excessive fission,and supporting quality control mechanisms such as mitophagy,unfolded protein response(UPR),and proteostasis.Moreover,melatonin influences mitochondrial biogenesis and intercellular communication through tunneling nanotubes(TNTs)and mitokine signaling.Thus,melatonin may represent a promising multifaceted therapeutic strategy for preserving mitochondrial homeostasis in a range of pathological conditions,including neurodegeneration and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.However,a significant translational gap still remains between the promising preclinical data and the established clinical practice.Therefore,the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the mechanisms through which melatonin modulates mitochondrial function and to discuss its potential therapeutic implications in neurodegenerative,cardiovascular,and metabolic diseases.
基金the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22109127)the Chinese Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2021M702666)+2 种基金the Research Fund of the State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing (NPU),China (Grant No.2023-TS-02)The financial support from the Youth Project of"Shaanxi High-level Talents Introduction Plan"the Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education) are also sincerely appreciated
文摘Photo-assisted lithium–sulfur batteries(PALSBs)offer an eco-friendly solution to address the issue of sluggish reaction kinetics of conventional LSBs.However,designing an efficient photoelectrode for practical implementation remains a significant challenge.Herein,we construct a free-standing polymer–inorganic hybrid photoelectrode with a direct Z-scheme heterostructure to develop high-efficiency PALSBs.Specifically,polypyrrole(PPy)is in situ vapor-phase polymerized on the surface of N-doped TiO_(2) nanorods supported on carbon cloth(N-TiO_(2)/CC),thereby forming a well-defined p–n heterojunction.This architecture efficiently facilitates the carrier separation of photo-generated electron–hole pairs and significantly enhances carrier transport by creating a built-in electric field.Thus,the PPy@N-TiO_(2)/CC can simultaneously act as a photocatalyst and an electrocatalyst to accelerate the reduction and evolution of sulfur,enabling ultrafast sulfur redox dynamics,as convincingly validated by both theoretical simulations and experimental results.Consequently,the PPy@N-TiO_(2)/CC PALSB achieves a high discharge capacity of 1653 mAh g^(−1),reaching 98.7%of the theoretical value.Furthermore,5 h of photo-charging without external voltage enables the PALSB to deliver a discharge capacity of 333 mAh g^(−1),achieving dual-mode energy harvesting capabilities.This work successfully integrates solar energy conversion and storage within a rechargeable battery system,providing a promising strategy for sustainable energy storage technologies.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82404417)State Key Laboratory of National Security Specially Needed Medicines Program(No.LTMC2022Zz006).
文摘The von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor(VHL)has been extensively used to develop degraders targeting numerous proteins of interest.However,studies on the rational design of VHL-proteolysis-targeting chimeras(PROTACs)remain scarce.This study aimed to develop strategies to investigate VHL-recruiting PROTACs connecting with varying attachment sites on VHL ligands,which could be utilized for KRAS^(G12C) degraders development and expanded to additional targets.We developed a molecular dynamics(MD)-based strategy to explore the stability of ternary complexes induced by KRAS^(G12C) PROTACs with four distinct attachment sites of VH032.We found a potent degrader namely YN14-H,linked to hydroxyl group on VH032 benzene ring,exhibited the most superior ability of inducing ternary complexes,reflected by the lowest dissociation constant(Kd)for ternary complex induction and the highest AlphaScreen(AS)-based interaction.YN14-H inhibited cell growth with low nanomolar half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC_(50))and half maximal degradation concentration(DC_(50))values as well as>98%of maximum degradation(D_(max))in NCI-H358 and MIA PaCa-2 cells harboring KRAS^(G12C)-mutation.Mechanistically,YN14-H significantly induced apoptosis and inhibited the migratory capacity.Notably,YN14-H demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties and excellent antitumor activity in vivo.Furthermore,bromodomain-containing protein 7(BRD7)and Bruton tyrosine kinase(BTK)degraders attached to distinct sites on VH032 further verified the rationality and universality of our MD-based strategies.Our findings demonstrated that YN14-H could serve as a promising candidate for the treatment of tumors with KRAS^(G12C)-mutation and present a strategy for the rational design of VHL-recruiting PROTACs that target additional proteins at distinct attachment sites.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22473105 and 22341302).
文摘This study uses all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the dislocation propagation, stress transmission, and mechanical properties in poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibers under uniaxial tension. The results indicate that the dislocation propagates and the stress transfers not only along the fiber axis but also between adjacent molecular chains through hydrogen bonds, demonstrating their influence on the yield behavior. As the degree of polymerization increases, breakage of covalent bonds and interchain slippage contribute to the yield of fibers together. This work provides theoretical guidance for the design and manufacturing of high-performance fibers.
文摘In Chin.Phys.B 34114704(2025),Eq.(7)and the associated unit notation were incorrect.The correct ones are present here.Since Eq.(7)is an in-built expression in the simulation package,the correction is purely typographical and does not affect the simulation procedure,numerical results,or the conclusions.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2022YFF0707601).
文摘The airflow mechanics in adult nasal airways,whether healthy or abnormal,are extensively studied and investigated,but the flow mechanics in child nasal airways remain underexplored.This study investigates the airflow mechanics in the child’s nasal upper airway with adenoid hypertrophy,with an adenoid nasopharyngeal ratio(AN of 0.9),under cyclic inhalation and exhalation.An inlet respiratory cycle with three different flow rates(3.2 L/min calm breathing,8.6 L/min normal breathing,and 19.3 L/min intensive breathing)was simulated by using the computational fluid dynamics approach.To better capture the interaction between airflow and the flexible airway tissue,fluid-structure interaction analysis was performed at the normal breathing rate.Comparing the airflow dynamics during inhalation and exhalation,the pressure drops,nasal resistance,and wall shear stress show significant differences in the nasopharyngeal region for all different flow rates.This observation suggests that the inertial effect associated with the transient flow is important during exhalation and inhalation.Furthermore,the considerable temporal variation in flow rate distribution across a specific cross-section of the nasal airway highlights the critical role of transient data in virtual surgery planning and data for clinical decisions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.11574244 for G.Y.G.)the XJTU Research Fund for AI Science (Grant No.2025YXYC011 for G.Y.G.)the Hong Kong Global STEM Professorship Scheme (for X.C.Z.)。
文摘Compared to the well-studied two-dimensional(2D)ferroelectricity,the appearance of 2D antiferroelectricity is much rarer,where local dipoles from the nonequivalent sublattices within 2D monolayers are oppositely oriented.Using NbOCl_(2) monolayer with competing ferroelectric(FE)and antiferroelectric(AFE)phases as a 2D material platform,we demonstrate the emergence of intrinsic antiferroelectricity in NbOCl_(2) monolayer under experimentally accessible shear strain,along with new functionality associated with electric field-induced AFE-to-FE phase transition.Specifically,the complex configuration space accommodating FE and AFE phases,polarization switching kinetics,and finite temperature thermodynamic properties of 2D NbOCl_(2) are all accurately predicted by large-scale molecular dynamics simulations based on deep learning interatomic potential model.Moreover,room temperature stable antiferroelectricity with low polarization switching barrier and one-dimensional collinear polarization arrangement is predicted in shear-deformed NbOCl_(2) monolayer.The transition from AFE to FE phase in 2D NbOCl_(2) can be triggered by a low critical electric field,leading to a double polarization–electric(P–E)loop with small hysteresis.A new type of optoelectronic device composed of AFE-NbOCl_(2) is proposed,enabling electric“writing”and nonlinear optical“reading”logical operation with fast operation speed and low power consumption.
文摘Mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a critical factor in the etiology of various neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and Rett syndrome. Although these conditions differ in clinical presentation, they share fundamental pathological features that may stem from abnormal mitochondrial dynamics and impaired autophagic clearance, which contribute to redox imbalance and oxidative stress in neurons. This review aimed to elucidate the relationship between mitochondrial dynamics dysfunction and neurodevelopmental disorders. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that undergo continuous fusion and fission to meet the substantial energy demands of neural cells. Dysregulation of these processes, as observed in certain neurodevelopmental disorders, causes accumulation of damaged mitochondria, exacerbating oxidative damage and impairing neuronal function. The phosphatase and tensin homolog-induced putative kinase 1/E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase pathway is crucial for mitophagy, the process of selectively removing malfunctioning mitochondria. Mutations in genes encoding mitochondrial fusion proteins have been identified in autism spectrum disorders, linking disruptions in the fusion-fission equilibrium to neurodevelopmental impairments. Additionally, animal models of Rett syndrome have shown pronounced defects in mitophagy, reinforcing the notion that mitochondrial quality control is indispensable for neuronal health. Clinical studies have highlighted the importance of mitochondrial disturbances in neurodevelopmental disorders. In autism spectrum disorders, elevated oxidative stress markers and mitochondrial DNA deletions indicate compromised mitochondrial function. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has also been associated with cognitive deficits linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Moreover, induced pluripotent stem cell models derived from patients with Rett syndrome have shown impaired mitochondrial dynamics and heightened vulnerability to oxidative injury, suggesting the role of defective mitochondrial homeostasis in these disorders. From a translational standpoint, multiple therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial pathways show promise. Interventions aimed at preserving normal fusion-fission cycles or enhancing mitophagy can reduce oxidative damage by limiting the accumulation of defective mitochondria. Pharmacological modulation of mitochondrial permeability and upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha, an essential regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, may also ameliorate cellular energy deficits. Identifying early biomarkers of mitochondrial impairment is crucial for precision medicine, since it can help clinicians tailor interventions to individual patient profiles and improve prognoses. Furthermore, integrating mitochondria-focused strategies with established therapies, such as antioxidants or behavioral interventions, may enhance treatment efficacy and yield better clinical outcomes. Leveraging these pathways could open avenues for regenerative strategies, given the influence of mitochondria on neuronal repair and plasticity. In conclusion, this review indicates mitochondrial homeostasis as a unifying therapeutic axis within neurodevelopmental pathophysiology. Disruptions in mitochondrial dynamics and autophagic clearance converge on oxidative stress, and researchers should prioritize validating these interventions in clinical settings to advance precision medicine and enhance outcomes for individuals affected by neurodevelopmental disorders.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (60574088, 60274014)
文摘This paper proposes second-order consensus protocols and gives a measure of the robustness of the protocols to the time-delays existing in the dynamics of agents with second-order dynamics. By employing a frequency domain method, it is proven that the information states achieve second-order consensus asymptotically for appropriate time-delay if the topology of the network is connected. Particularly, a nonconservative upper bound on the fixed time-delay that can be tolerated is found. The consensus protocols are distributed in the sense that each agent only needs information from its neighboring agents, which makes the proposed protocols scalable. It reduces the complexity of connections among agents significantly. Simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results for second-order consensus in networks in the presence of time-delays existing in the dynamics of agents.
