Event-Triggered Reduced-Order Filtering for Continuous Semi-Markov Jump Systems With Imperfect Measurements.

This article conducts the issue of event-triggered reduced-order filtering for continuous-time semi-Markov jump systems with imperfect measurements as well as randomly occurring uncertainties (ROUs). Specifically, the sojourn-time-dependent transition probability matrix (TPM) is presumed to be polytopic and a quantizer is introduced to quantize output signals aiming to reflect the reality. Both ROUs and sensor failures are generated by individual random variables belonging to be mutually independent Bernoulli-distributed white sequences. First, sufficient conditions for the existence of the event-triggered reduced-order filter are obtained by utilizing the dissipativity-based technique to ensure the asymptotical stability with a strictly dissipative performance of the filtering error system. The time-varying TPM is then fractionalized, which enhances the results as stated. Furthermore, the required reduced-order filter parameters are obtained by introducing slack symmetric matrix as well as cone complementarity linearization algorithm. The effectiveness of the suggested event-triggered reduced-order filter design method is shown through simulation results.

Spatially resolved niche and tumor microenvironmental alterations in gastric cancer peritoneal metastases.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Peritoneal metastasis (PM) in gastric cancer (GC) is associated with poor prognosis and significant morbidity. We sought to understand the genomic, transcriptomic, and tumor microenvironment (TME) features that contribute to peritoneal organotropism in GC. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive multi-omic analysis of 548 samples from 326 patients, including primary tumors, matched normal tissues, peritoneal metastases, and adjacent-normal peritoneal tissues. We employed whole exome sequencing, whole transcriptome sequencing, and digital spatial profiling to investigate molecular alterations, gene expression patterns, and TME characteristics associated with PM. RESULTS: Our analysis identified specific genomic alterations in primary tumors, including mutations in ELF3, CDH1, and PIGR, and TME signatures, such as stromal infiltration and M2 macrophage enrichment, associated with increased risk of PM. We observed distinct transcriptional programs and immune compositions in GCPM compared to liver metastases, highlighting the importance of the TME in transcoelomic metastasis. We found differential expression of therapeutic targets between primary tumors and PM, with lower CLDN18.2 and FGFR2b expression in PM. We unravel the roles of the TME in niche reprogramming within the peritoneum, and provide evidence of pre-metastatic niche conditioning even in early GC without clinical PM. These findings were further validated using a humanized mouse model, which demonstrated niche remodeling in the peritoneum during transcoelomic metastasis. CONCLUSION: Our study provides a comprehensive molecular characterization of GCPM and unveils key biological principles underlying transcoelomic metastasis. The identified predictive markers, therapeutic targets, and TME alterations offer potential avenues for targeted interventions and improved patient outcomes.

ADP-Based Decentralized Load Frequency Control Schemes to Multiarea Asynchronous Markov Jumping Power Systems With Experience Replay.

This article investigates the problem of robust decentralized load frequency control (LFC) in multiarea interconnection power systems, in the presence of the external disturbances and stochastic abrupt variations, such as component failures and different load demands. To capture the different operating conditions of the load in the multiarea power systems, a Markov superposition technique is skillfully employed to model the system's component matrices. To solve the Nash equilibrium solution of the zero-sum differential game problem, an improved online adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) algorithm based on the experience replay technique (ERT) is developed, which addresses the nonlinear coupling difficulties encountered in solving the game algebraic Riccati equations (Game AREs). The proposed algorithm weakens the condition that traditional policy iteration online solutions of zero-sum games require an initial stabilizing control policy pair, and considers the fact that only the transition probability matrix is known, while the prior knowledge of the dynamics is completely unknown. The algorithm is used to obtain both a minimum LFC and maximum disturbance policy for a given disturbance rejection level. Additionally, a safer LFC controller of the power systems with the Markov jumping parameters is designed. The stability and convergence of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated. Finally, the effectiveness and good performance of the proposed design method are validated using a two-area four-mode simulation example.

The immunomodulatory role of paracrine signalling factor VSIG4 in peritoneal metastases.

Peritoneal metastasis (PM), the regional progression of intra-abdominal malignancies, is a common sequelae of colorectal cancer (CRC). Immunotherapy is slated to be effective in generating long-lasting anti-tumour response as it utilizes the specificity and memory of the immune system. In the tumour microenvironment, tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) are posited to create an anti-inflammatory pro-tumorigenic environment. In this paper, we aimed to identify immunomodulatory factors associated with colorectal PM (CPM). A publicly available colorectal single cell database (GSE183916) was analysed to identify possible immunological markers that are associated with the activation of macrophages in cancers. Immunohistochemical analysis for V-set and immunoglobin containing domain 4 (VSIG4) expression was performed on tumour microarrays (TMAs) of tumours of colorectal origin (n = 211). Expression of VSIG4 in cell-free ascites obtained from CPM patients (n = 39) was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CD163-positive TAMs cluster expression was extracted from a publicly available single cell database and evaluated for the top 100 genes. From these macrophage-expressed genes, VSIG4, a membrane protein produced by the M2 macrophages, mediates the up-regulation of anti-inflammatory and down-regulation of pro-inflammatory macrophages, contributing to an overall anti-inflammatory state. CRC TMA IHC staining showed that low expression of VSIG4 in stromal tissues of primary CRC are associated with poor prognosis (p = 0.0226). CPM ascites also contained varying concentrations of VSIG4, which points to a possible role of VSIG4 in the ascites. The contribution of VSIG4 to CPM development can be further evaluated for its potential as an immunotherapeutic agent.

Transcriptomic convergence despite genomic divergence drive field cancerization in synchronous squamous tumors.

Introduction: Field cancerization is suggested to arise from imbalanced differentiation in individual basal progenitor cells leading to clonal expansion of mutant cells that eventually replace the epithelium, although without evidence. Methods: We performed deep sequencing analyses to characterize the genomic and transcriptomic landscapes of field change in two patients with synchronous aerodigestive tract tumors. Results: Our data support the emergence of numerous genetic alterations in cancer-associated genes but refutes the hypothesis that founder mutation(s) underpin this phenomenon. Mutational signature analysis identified defective homologous recombination as a common underlying mutational process unique to synchronous tumors. Discussion: Our analyses suggest a common etiologic factor defined by mutational signatures and/or transcriptomic convergence, which could provide a therapeutic opportunity.

Impact of Online Video Game-Based Dichoptic Training on Binocular Vision Rehabilitation in Post-surgical Patients with Intermittent Exotropia.

INTRODUCTION: Dichoptic training has emerged as a promising rehabilitation approach for improving binocular visual function in patients with strabismus. A prospective observational study design was employed to assess the effectiveness of online video game-based dichoptic training in rehabilitating binocular visual function in patients who had undergone an operation for intermittent exotropia. METHODS: A total of 64 patients who had undergone an operation for intermittent exotropia were recruited and divided into the training group and the control group based on whether they would receive the dichoptic training. The dichoptic training was conducted for 3 months in the training group and the control group would not accept any form of orthoptic therapy. Assessments of binocular visual functions and deviation were conducted at baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-nine participants in the training group (mean 9.69 ± 2.66 years old) and 26 participants in the control group (mean 8.41 ± 2.64 years old) completed follow-up. At both 3- and 6-month follow-ups, the training group showed superior distance stereopsis compared to the control group, with near stereopsis only showing significant difference at the 6-month follow-up. Additionally, the training group exhibited significantly less distance exo-deviation drift than the control group at these times, and no significant difference was observed in near exo-deviation drift between the groups. The control group had a significantly higher rate of suboptimal surgical outcomes at both the 3- and 6-month follow-up. However, no significant differences were observed in simultaneous perception and fusion functions between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Online video game-based dichoptic training has the potential to become a novel postoperative rehabilitation strategy for patients with intermittent exotropia.

Sustainable building materials-recycled aggregate and concrete: a systematic review of properties, modification techniques, and environmental impacts.

Resource utilization of construction and demolition (C&D) waste has great potential to significantly reduce the consumption of natural resources and improve the environment. Meanwhile, establishing a sound policy system and reducing production are the key ways to solve the problem of C&D waste. Numerous studies on C&D waste, recycled concrete aggregate (RA), and recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) have been reported in the literature, with few systematic summaries. From a global perspective, this paper assessed the current situation of C&D waste and the countermeasure of several major economies. Then, this paper systematically introduces the composition structure and characteristics of RA. Modification techniques from macro and micro perspectives of RA and its effect on RAC were also presented. Paper also reviews the environmental impacts of RA and RAC. The results showed that bonded mortar was the most significant defect of RA than natural aggregate (NA). Thus, RA weakened RAC's microstructure, workability, mechanical properties, and durability. The research on the modification of RA mainly focused on removing bonded mortar and enhancing bonded mortar containing physical or chemical methods. Enhancing bonded mortar was a more effective method than removing bonded mortar. Carbonation and microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation were highly efficient and environmentally friendly for RA modification. Research progress in quantifying the environmental impacts associated with concrete from waste materials through the LCA methodology is presented. Suggestions and an outlook were given on the critical issues facing RA and RAC. We expect that this work can provide more technical support for C&D waste utilization.

Antimony precipitation and removal by antimony hyper resistant strain Achromobacter sp. 25-M.

Microbes have been confirmed to play key role in biogeochemistry of antimony. However, the impact of indigenous bacteria (from active mines) on the behavior of dissolved antimony remained poorly understood. In current study, the hyper antimony-resistant strain, Achromobacter sp. 25-M, isolated from the world largest antimony deposit, Xikuangshan antimony deposit, was evaluated for its role in dissolved Sb(V) and Sb(III) precipitation and removal. Despite of the high resistance to Sb(III) (up to 50 mM), the facultative alkaliphile, 25-M was not capable of Sb(III) oxidation. Meanwhile 25-M can produce high amount of exopolymeric substance (EPS) with the presence of Sb, which prompted us to investigate the potential role of EPS in the precipitation and removal of Sb. To this end, 2 mM of Sb(III) and Sb(V) were added into the experimental systems with and without 25-M to discern the interaction mechanism between microbe and antimony. After 96 hrs' incubation, 88% [1.73 mM (210 mg/L)] of dissolved Sb(V) and 80% [1.57 mM (190 mg/L)] of dissolved Sb(III) were removed. X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of valentinite (Sb2O3) in Sb(III) amended system and a solitary Sb(V) mineral mopungite [NaSb(OH)6] in Sb(V) amended group with microbes. Conversely, no precipitate was detected in abiotic systems. Morphologically valentinite was bowtie and mopungite was pseudo-cubic as indicated by scanning electronic microscopy. EPS was subjected to fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. FT-IR analysis suggested that -OH and -COO groups were responsible for the complexation and ligand exchange with Sb(III) and Sb(V), respectively. Additionally, the C-H group and N-H group could be involved in π-π interaction and chelation with Sb species. All these interactions between Sb and functional groups in EPS may subsequently favore the formation of valentinite and mopungite. Collectively, current results suggested that EPS play fundamental role in bioprecipitation of Sb, which offered a new strategy in Sb bioremediation.

Modification and application of sports rehabilitation materials based on conjugated materials.

Existing elastic band materials for sports rehabilitation equipment have some deficiencies in strength, flexibility and durability, and need to be further improved. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to modify elastic bands using a conjugated material, carbon nanotubes, to improve the strength, flexibility and durability of elastic bands. In this paper, conjugated carbon nanotubes were prepared, and their elastic bands were strengthened and toughened by solvent, dispersant and functionalizer respectively under tensile testing machine and scanning electron microscope. Then the application effect of elastic band modified by conjugated materials in exercise rehabilitation was analyzed experimentally. The experimental results show that the strength of the elastic bands modified with carbon nanotubes is in the optimal range for sports rehabilitation, and the elongation at break of the test elastic band toughness index was also higher than that before modification, all of which were more than 90%. The recovery time of the elastic band after modification was long; the elastic retention rate was high, and the deformation was not easy. The satisfaction rate of different grades of elastic bands after modification was particularly high, which was not less than 95%. The research and application of elastic band modification based on conjugated material carbon nanotubes is very important for training and treatment in sports rehabilitation, which can provide better support and stability.

Intracellular delivery of nitric oxide enhances the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells for myocardial infarction.

Cell therapy by autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a clinically acceptable strategy for treating various diseases. Unfortunately, the therapeutic efficacy is largely affected by the low quality of MSCs collected from patients. Here, we showed that the gene expression of MSCs from patients with diabetes was differentially regulated compared to that of MSCs from healthy controls. Then, MSCs were genetically engineered to catalyze an NO prodrug to release NO intracellularly. Compared to extracellular NO conversion, intracellular NO delivery effectively prolonged survival and enhanced the paracrine function of MSCs, as demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo assays. The enhanced therapeutic efficacy of engineered MSCs combined with intracellular NO delivery was further confirmed in mouse and rat models of myocardial infarction, and a clinically relevant cell administration paradigm through secondary thoracotomy has been attempted.

Activating Organic Electrode via Trace Dissolved Organic Molecules.

Organic electrode materials have gained attention for their tunable structures and sustainability, but their low electronic conductivity requires the use of large amounts of carbon additives (30 wt %) and low mass loadings (<2 mg cm-2) in electrodes. Here, we synthesize dibenzo[b,i]phenazine-5,7,12,14-tetrone (DPT) as a cathode active material for an aqueous Zn battery and find that Zn2+ storage dominates the cathode reaction. This battery demonstrates high capacity (367 mAh g-1), high-rate performance, and superlong life (12000 cycles). Remarkably, despite DPT's insulative nature, even with a high mass loading (10 mg cm-2) and only 10 wt % carbon additives, the DPT-based cathode exhibits promising performance due to trace dissolved discharge product (DPTx-). During discharge, the DPT is reduced to trace amounts of dissolved DPTx- at the cathode surface, which in turn reduces the remaining solid DPT as a redox mediator. Furthermore, dissolution-redeposition results in the reduction of DPT size and the formation of pores, further activating the electrode.

Effects of Cha-Cha Dance Training on Physical-Fitness-Related Indicators of Hearing-Impaired Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: The physical fitness (PF) of hearing-impaired students has always been an international research hotspot since hearing-impaired students have difficulty in social interactions such as exercise or fitness programs. Sports interventions are proven to improve the fitness levels of hearing-impaired students; however, few studies evaluating the influence of Cha-cha (a type of Dance sport) training on the PF levels of hearing-impaired students have been conducted. (2) Purpose: This study aimed to intervene in hearing-impaired children through 12 weeks of Cha-cha dance training, evaluating its effects on their PF-related indicators, thus providing a scientific experimental basis for hearing-impaired children to participate in dance exercises effectively. (3) Methods: Thirty students with hearing impairment were randomly divided into two groups, and there was no difference in PF indicators between the two groups. The Cha-cha dance training group (CTG, n = 15) regularly participated in 90-min Cha-cha dance classes five times a week and the intervention lasted a total of 12 weeks, while the control group (CONG, n = 15) lived a normal life (including school physical education classes). Related indicators of PF were measured before and after the intervention, and a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed. (4) Results: After training, the standing long jump (CONG: 1.556 ± 0.256 vs. CTG: 1.784 ± 0.328, p = 0.0136, ES = 0.8081), sit-and-reach (CONG: 21.467 ± 4.539 vs. CTG: 25.416 ± 5.048, p = 0.0328, ES = 0.8528), sit-ups (CONG: 13.867 ± 4.912 vs. CTG: 27.867 ± 6.833, p < 0.0001, ES = 2.4677) and jump rope (CONG: 52.467 ± 29.691 vs. CTG: 68.600 ± 21.320, p = 0.0067, ES = 0.6547) scores showed significant differences. (5) Conclusions: After 12 weeks of Cha-cha dance training for hearing-impaired students, the PF level of hearing-impaired students in lower-body strength, flexibility, core strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance were effectively improved; however, there was no significant change in body shape, upper-body strength, vital capacity, and speed ability.

Water table level controls methanogenic and methanotrophic communities and methane emissions in a Sphagnum-dominated peatland.

Peatlands are important sources of the greenhouse gas methane emissions equipoised by methanogens and methanotrophs. However, knowledge about how microbial functional groups associated with methane production and oxidation respond to water table fluctuations has been limited to date. Here, methane-related microbial communities and the potentials of methane production and oxidation were determined along sectioned peat layers in a subalpine peatland across four Sphagnum-dominated sites with different water table levels. Methane fluxes were also monitored at these sites. The results showed that mcrA gene copies for methanogens were the highest in the 10- to 15-cm peat layer, which was also characterized by the maximum potential methane production (24.53 ± 1.83 nmol/g/h). Copy numbers of the pmoA gene for type Ia and Ib methanotrophs were enriched in the 0-5 cm peat layer with the highest potential methane oxidation (43.09 ± 3.44 nmol/g/h). For the type II methanotrophs, the pmoA gene copies were higher in the 10- to 15-cm peat layer. Hydrogenotrophic methanogens and type II methanotrophs dominated the methane functional groups. Deterministic process contributed more to methanogenic and methanotrophic community assemblages in comparison with stochastic process. The level of water table significantly shaped methanogenic and methanotrophic community structures and regulated methane fluxes. Compared with vascular plants, Sphagnum mosses significantly reduced the methane emissions in peatlands. Collectively, these findings enhance a comprehensive understanding of the effect of the water table level on methane functional groups, with consequential implications for reducing methane emissions within peatland ecosystems.IMPORTANCEThe water table level is recognized as a critical factor in regulating methane emissions, which are largely dependent on the balance of methanogens and methanotrophs. Previous studies on peat methane emissions have been mostly focused on spatial-temporal variations and the relationship with meteorological conditions. However, the role of the water table level in methane emissions remains unknown. In this work, four representative microhabitats along a water table gradient in a Sphagnum-dominated peatland were sampled to gain an insight into methane functional communities and methane emissions as affected by the water table level. The changes in methane-related microbial community structure and assembly were used to characterize the response to the water table level. This study improves the understanding of the changes in methane-related microbial communities and methane emissions with water table levels in peatlands.