Dynamic Surface Intelligent Robust Control of Nonlinear Systems With Fixed-Time Sliding-Mode Observer.

The high tracking control precision and fast finite-time convergence for nonlinear systems is a significant challenge due to complex nonlinearity and unknown disturbances. To address this challenge, a dynamic surface intelligent robust control strategy with fixed-time sliding-mode observer (DSIRC-SMO) is proposed to improve the tracking control performance in a finite time. First, adaptive fuzzy neural network based on a predictor (P-AFNN) is designed to imitate the complex nonlinearity. In particular, the weight adaptive law is formulated by utilizing the prediction error information, which improves the accuracy of approximating the nonlinear system. Second, the fixed-time sliding-mode observer (SMO) is integrated into the dynamic surface control technique to deal with unknown disturbances and modeling errors in a fixed time. This integration allows for timely updates the dynamic surface using observation information, thereby enhancing the system's anti-interference capability. Then, the fixed-time convergence of SMO is proven. Third, the proposed DSIRC-SMO can be effectively implemented and the finite-time convergence of DSIRC-SMO is proven in detail based on the fixed-time convergence of SMO. Finally, numerical simulation and actual wastewater treatment processes simulation are conducted to validate the effectiveness of DSIRC-SMO.

Pd/Cu Dual Metal-Catalyzed Regioselective [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Malononitriles with Alkynes to Densely Substituted Pyridines.

Transition metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of nitriles and two alkynes is an efficient method for assembling pyridines. However, examples employing palladium catalysis have rarely been disclosed, and the processes of reactivity and selectivity remain unclear. We report here a palladium/copper dual metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of diynyl-tethered malononitriles and terminal alkynes to synthesize densely substituted pyridines. This method features a good substrate scope, synthetically useful yields, and perfect regioselectivity. The derivatization of the pyridine products demonstrates the potential application of this method in synthesizing heterocycles and as ligands in photocatalysis. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction undergoes aza-oxidative cycloaddition of Pd(0) with nitrile and alkyne, followed by alkyne insertion and reductive elimination. The presence of copper is crucial to its reactivity and regioselectivity.

Data-Driven Tube-Based Robust Predictive Control for Constrained Wastewater Treatment Process.

The wastewater treatment process (WWTP) is characterized by unknown nonlinearity and external disturbances, which complicates the tracking control of dissolved oxygen concentration (DOC) within operational constraints. To address this issue, a data-driven tube-based robust predictive control (DTRPC) strategy is proposed to achieve stable tracking control of DOC and satisfy the system constraints. First, a tube-based robust predictive control (TRPC) strategy is designed to deal with system constraints and external disturbances. Specifically, a nominal controller is designed to ensure that the nominal output accurately tracks the set-point under tightened constraints, while an auxiliary feedback controller is designed to suppress disturbances and restore the nominal performance of the disturbed WWTP. Second, two fuzzy neural network identifiers are employed to provide accurate predictive outputs for the control process, overcoming the challenges of modeling the WWTP with strong nonlinearity and unknown dynamics. Third, the generalized multiplier method is utilized to solve the constrained optimization problem to obtain the nominal control law, and the gradient descent algorithm is used to obtain the auxiliary control law. The implementation of this composite controller ensures the satisfaction of the system constraints and the effective suppression of disturbances. Finally, the feasibility and stability of the proposed DTRPC strategy are guaranteed through rigorous theoretical analysis, and its effectiveness is demonstrated through the simulations on the benchmark simulation model No.1.

Optimization of Extraction Conditions from Gac Fruit and Utilization of Peel-Derived Biochar for Crystal Violet Dye Removal.

Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) is a prominent source of carotenoids, renowned for its exceptional concentration of these compounds. This study focuses on optimizing the extraction of active components from the aril of gac fruit by evaluating the effects of extraction temperature, solid-liquid ratio, and extraction time. The primary objective is to maximize the yield of gac oil while assessing its antioxidant capacity. To analyze the kinetics of the solid-liquid extraction process, both first-order and second-order kinetic models were employed, with the second-order model providing the best fit for the experimental data. In addition, the potential of gac fruit peel as a precursor for biochar production was investigated through carbonization. The resultant biochars were evaluated for their efficacy in adsorbing crystal violet (CV) dye from aqueous solutions. The adsorption efficiency of the biochars was found to be dependent on the carbonization temperature, with the highest efficiency observed for BCMC550 (91.72%), followed by BCM450 (81.35%), BCMC350 (78.35%), and BCMC250 (54.43%). The adsorption isotherm data conformed well to the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating monolayer adsorption behavior. Moreover, the adsorption kinetics were best described by the pseudo-second-order model. These findings underscore the potential of gac fruit and its byproducts for diverse industrial and environmental applications, highlighting the dual benefits of optimizing gac oil extraction and utilizing the peel for effective dye removal.

Robust Model Free Adaptive Predictive Control for Wastewater Treatment Process With Packet Dropouts.

External disturbances and packet dropouts will lead to poor control performance for the wastewater treatment process (WWTP). To address this issue, a robust model-free adaptive predictive control (RMFAPC) strategy with a packet dropout compensation mechanism (PDCM) is proposed for WWTP. First, a dynamic linearization approach (DLA), relying only on perturbed process data, is employed to approximate the system dynamics. Second, a predictive control strategy is introduced to avoid a short-sighted control decision, and an extended state observer (ESO) is used to attenuate the disturbance effectively. Furthermore, a PDCM strategy is designed to handle the packet dropout problem, and the stability of RMFAPC is rigorously analyzed. Finally, the correctness and effectiveness of RMFAPC are verified through extensive simulations. The simulation results indicate that RMFAPC can significantly reduce IAE by 0.0223 and 0.1976 in two scenarios, regardless of whether the expected value remains constant or varies. This comparison to MFAPC demonstrates the superior robustness of RMFAPC against disturbances. The ablation experiment on PDCM further confirms its capability in handling the packet dropout problem.

Prognosis of pediatric BCP-ALL with IKZF1 deletions and impact of intensive chemotherapy: Results of SCCLG-2016 study.

BACKGROUND: IKZF1 deletion (IKZF1del) is associated with poor prognosis in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). But the prognosis of IKZF1del combined with other prognostic stratification factors remains unclear. Whether intensified treatment improves BCP-ALL prognosis has not been determined. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 1291 pediatric patients diagnosed with BCP-ALL and treated with the South China Children's Leukemia 2016 protocol. Patients were stratified based on IKZF1 status for comparison of characteristics and outcome. Additionally, IKZF1del patients were further divided based on chemotherapy intensity for outcome assessments. RESULTS: The BCP-ALL pediatric patients with IKZF1del in south China showed poorer early response. Notably, the DFS and OS for IKZF1del patients were markedly lower than IKZF1wt group (3-year DFS: 88.7% [95% CI: 83.4%-94.0%] vs. 93.5% [95% CI: 92.0%-94.9%], P = .021; 3-year OS: 90.7% [95% CI: 85.8% to 95.6%] vs. 96.1% [95% CI: 95% to 97.2%, P = .003]), with a concurrent increase in 3-year TRM (6.4% [95% CI: 2.3%-10.5%] vs. 2.9% [95% CI: 1.9%-3.8%], P = .025). However, the 3-year CIR was comparable between the two groups (5.7% [95% CI: 1.8%-9.5%] vs. 3.7% [95% CI: 2.6%-4.7%], P = .138). Subgroup analyses reveal no factor significantly influenced the prognosis of the IKZF1del cohort. Noteworthy, intensive chemotherapy improved DFS from 85.7% ± 4.1% to 94.1% ± 0.7% in IKZF1del group (P = .084). Particularly in BCR::ABL positive subgroup, the 3-year DFS was remarkably improved from 53.6% ± 20.1% with non-intensive chemotherapy to 100% with intensive chemotherapy (P = .026). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric BCP-ALL patients with IKZF1del in South China manifest poor outcomes without independent prognostic significance. While no factor substantially alters the prognosis in the IKZF1del group. Intensified chemotherapy may reduce relapse rates and improve DFS in patients with IKZF1del subset, particularly in IKZFdel patients with BCR::ABL positive.

From Quaternary Carbon to Tertiary C(sp3)-Si and C(sp3)-Ge Bonds: Decyanative Coupling of Malononitriles with Chlorosilanes and Chlorogermanes Enabled by Ni/Ti Dual Catalysis.

Transition-metal-catalyzed C-Si/Ge cross-coupling offers promising avenues for the synthesis of organosilanes/organogermanes, yet it is fraught with long-standing challenges. A Ni/Ti-catalyzed strategy is reported here, allowing the use of disubstituted malononitriles as tertiary C(sp3) coupling partners to couple with chlorosilanes and chlorogermanes, respectively. This method enables the catalytic cleavage of the C(sp3)-CN bond of the quaternary carbon followed by the formation of C(sp3)-Si/C(sp3)-Ge bonds from ubiquitously available starting materials. The efficiency and generality are showcased by a broad scope for both of the coupling partners, therefore holding the potential to synthesize structurally diverse quaternary organosilanes and organogermanes that were difficult to access previously.

Sampled-Data H∞ Dynamic Output-Feedback Control for NCSs With Successive Packet Losses and Stochastic Sampling.

The problem of sampled-data H∞ dynamic output-feedback control for networked control systems with successive packet losses (SPLs) and stochastic sampling is investigated in this article. The aim of using sampled-data control techniques is to alleviate network congestion. SPLs that occur in the sensor-to-controller (S-C) and controller-to-actuator (C-A) channels are modeled using a packet loss model. Additionally, it is assumed that stochastic sampling follows a Bernoulli distribution. A model is established to capture the stochastic characteristics of both the SPL model and stochastic sampling. This model is crucial as it allows us to determine the probability distribution of the sampling interval between successive update instants, which is essential for stability analysis. An exponential mean-square stability condition for the constructed equivalent discrete-time stochastic system, which also guarantees the prescribed H∞ performance, is established by incorporating probability theory. The desired controller is designed using a step-by-step synthesis approach, which may offer lower design conservatism compared to some existing methods. Finally, our designed approach using a networked F-404 engine system model is validated and its merits relative to existing results are discussed. The proposed method is finally validated by employing a networked model of the F-404 engine system. Furthermore, the advantages of our method are presented in comparison to previous results.

A Novel Set-Based Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization for Wastewater Treatment Process Effluent Scheduling.

With the escalating severity of environmental pollution caused by effluent, the wastewater treatment process (WWTP) has gained significant attention. The wastewater treatment efficiency and effluent quality are significantly impacted by effluent scheduling that adjusts the hydraulic retention time. However, the sequential batch and continuous nature of the effluent pose challenges, resulting in complex scheduling models with strong constraints that are difficult to tackle using existing scheduling methods. To optimize maximum completion time and effluent quality simultaneously, this article proposes a restructured set-based discrete particle swarm optimization (RS-DPSO) algorithm to address the WWTP effluent scheduling problem (WWTP-ESP). First, an effective encoding and decoding method is designed to effectively map solutions to feasible schedules using temporal and spatial information. Second, a restructured set-based discrete particle swarm algorithm is introduced to enhance the searching ability in discrete solution space via restructuring the solution set. Third, a constraint handling strategy based on violation degree ranking is designed to reduce the waste of computational resources. Fourth, a Sobel filter based local search is proposed to guide particle search direction to enhance search efficiency ability. The RS-DPSO provides a novel method for solving WWTP-ESP problems with complex discrete solution space. The comparative experiments indicate that the novel designs are effective and the proposed algorithm has superior performance over existing algorithms in solving the WWTP-ESP.

Dipeptide-catalysed Michael reaction under physiological conditions: Examination of potential bioorthogonality.

Reactions for drug synthesis under cell-like conditions or even inside living cells can potentially be used e.g., to minimize toxic side effects, to maximize bioactive compound efficacy and/or to address drug delivery problems. Those reactions should be bioorthogonal to enable the generation of drug-like compounds with sufficiently good yields. In the known bioorthogonal Michael reactions, using thiols and phosphines as nucleophiles (e.g., in CS and CP bond formation reactions) is very common. No bioorthogonal Michael addition with a carbon nucleophile is known yet. Therefore, the development of such a reaction might be interesting for future drug discovery research. In this work, the metal-free Michael addition between cyclohexanone and various trans-ß-nitrostyrenes (CC bond formation reaction), catalysed by a dipeptide salt H-Pro-Phe-O-Na+, was investigated for the first time in the presence of glutathione (GSH) and in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). We demonstrated that with electron-withdrawing substituents on the aromatic ring and in ß-position of the trans-ß-nitrostyrene yields up to 64% can be obtained under physiological conditions, indicating a potential bioorthogonality of the studied Michael reaction. In addition, the selected Michael products demonstrated activity against human ovarian cancer cells A2780. This study opens up a new vista for forming bioactive compounds via CC bond formation Michael reactions under physiological (cell-like) conditions.

Des-Arg(9) bradykinin as a causal metabolite for autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions can greatly enhance the developmental trajectory of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the etiology of ASD is not completely understood. The presence of confounding factors from environment and genetics has increased the difficulty of the identification of diagnostic biomarkers for ASD. AIM: To estimate and interpret the causal relationship between ASD and metabolite profile, taking into consideration both genetic and environmental influences. METHODS: A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted using summarized data from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) including a metabolite GWAS dataset covering 453 metabolites from 7824 European and an ASD GWAS dataset comprising 18381 ASD cases and 27969 healthy controls. Metabolites in plasma were set as exposures with ASD as the main outcome. The causal relationships were estimated using the inverse variant weight (IVW) algorithm. We also performed leave-one-out sensitivity tests to validate the robustness of the results. Based on the drafted metabolites, enrichment analysis was conducted to interpret the association via constructing a protein-protein interaction network with multi-scale evidence from databases including Infinome, SwissTargetPrediction, STRING, and Metascape. RESULTS: Des-Arg(9)-bradykinin was identified as a causal metabolite that increases the risk of ASD (ß = 0.262, SE = 0.064, PIVW = 4.64 × 10-5). The association was robust, with no significant heterogeneity among instrument variables (PMR Egger = 0.663, PIVW = 0.906) and no evidence of pleiotropy (P = 0.949). Neuroinflammation and the response to stimulus were suggested as potential biological processes mediating the association between Des-Arg(9) bradykinin and ASD. CONCLUSION: Through the application of MR, this study provides practical insights into the potential causal association between plasma metabolites and ASD. These findings offer perspectives for the discovery of diagnostic or predictive biomarkers to support clinical practice in treating ASD.

Coexistence of ETV6-RUNX1 and MLL aberration among pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: case reports and a literature review.

Background: It is known that ETV6-RUNX1 is usually related to favorable prognosis, but MLL aberration has been associated with poor prognosis among pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, the outcome of coexistence of ETV6-RUNX1 and MLL aberration in pediatric ALL patients is unknown. Herein, we report 4 cases of the coexistence of ETV6-RUNX1 and MLL-partial tandem duplications (MLL-PTD) in pediatric ALL patients and show the favorable outcome, which was never reported before. Case Description: The frequency of coexistence of ETV6-RUNX1 and MLL aberration at our children's medical center was calculated as 0.98% (4/410). All of them were ETV6/RUNX1-positive cases that exhibited MLL-PTD, and the 10-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were both 75%. With the following keywords of "ETV6-RUNX1", "MLL", "children" and "acute lymphoblastic leukemia", a literature search of coexistence of ETV6-RUNX1 and MLL aberration was conducted in the database of PubMed, and 4 articles were retrieved finally, involving 16 cases of children. Among the 16 cases of pediatric ALL, the age ranged from 2 to 7 years old, including 9 males and 7 females and the white blood cell (WBC) count was (2.66-68.6)×109/L. In terms of fusion genes, they all had positive ETV6/RUNX1. Among them, MLL deletion was exhibited among 8 ETV6/RUNX1-positive patients, and 2 cases of der(21) duplication. MLL allelic deletions were shown among the remaining ETV6/RUNX1-positive patients. All patients showed a favorable outcome. Conclusions: The results of our analysis primarily provide compelling evidence that cases with an MLL-PTD or other types of MLL aberration are in fact a distinct subentry among ETV6-RUNX1 B-cell ALL (B-ALL).

The key constituents underlying the combined toxicity of eight cosmetic contaminants towards Vibrio qinghaiensis.

Cosmetic additives (ADDs) and packaging plasticizers (PLAs) probably present potential risks and dangers to the environment and human body as emerging pollutants. To investigate their potential risks and dangers, five ADDs including methyl paraben (MET), ethyl paraben (ETH), propyl paraben (PRO), butyl-hydroxy anisole (BHA), and salicylic acid (SAL), as well as three PLAs including bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS) and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) were selected as research objects, and ten mixture rays (R1-R10) composed of the eight components were designed by the uniform design ray (UD-Ray) method. The toxicities of the eight cosmetic pollutants and their eight-component mixture system towards Vibrio qinghaiensis sp.-Q67 (Q67) were systematically determined by the time-dependent microplate toxicity analysis (t-MTA) method. The three-dimensional (3D) surface of deviation from the concentration addition model (dCA) was utilized to qualitatively and quantitatively analyse the toxicity interaction of the mixtures and the correlation between toxicity interaction and the components' concentration ratios. Finally, eight individual pollutants and representative rays with significant inhibitory and interactive effects were selected to analyse DNA and soluble proteolysis as well as the microstructure and morphology of Q67 after treatment with single chemicals and their mixtures. The results showed that the eight cosmetic pollutants had conspicuous concentration-dependent toxicity and acute toxicity, and none of them, except BPS, BPA and ETH, had time-dependent toxicity. All rays had time/concentration-dependent toxicity and acute toxicity. At the same time, the toxicity interaction of these mixture rays was predominantly antagonism and the strongest antagonism appeared at high concentrations at 12 h. Nevertheless, the components' concentration ratio (pi) was the decisive factor for the type of mixture interaction. The correlation analysis revealed a significant positive linear correlation between mixture toxicity and pETH and pBPA, which indicated that ETH and BPA were the key components of the toxic effects. However, there was a significant negative linear correlation between the antagonism intensity and pBPA and pTBEP, which demonstrated that BPA and TBEP were the key components of the antagonism intensity. Pollutants and their mixtures can also damage cellular structures, and mixtures can exacerbate the dissolution of DNA and soluble proteins.

Reductive Aza-Pauson-Khand Reaction of Nitriles.

γ-Lactams are valuable heterocycles in synthetic chemistry and drug development. Here, we report a reductive aza-Pauson-Khand reaction (aza-PKR) of an alkyne, a nitrile, and Co2(CO)8. A wide array of bicyclic α,ß-unsaturated γ-lactams containing two adjacent stereocenters, including an all-carbon quaternary center, from alkyne-tethered malononitriles are efficiently accessed in high diastereoselectivity. Preliminary mechanistic investigations by experiments and DFT calculations reveal that the reaction undergoes an aza-PKR process followed by a in situ reduction. The reducing reagent generated in situ from water also provides a practical tool for deuterium incorporation into the γ-position of lactams using D2O as the deuterium source. This study represents a new mode for [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition that enables the direct use of nitrile in aza-heterocycle synthesis.

Outcome and prognostic factors of CBF pediatric AML patients with t(8;21) differ from patients with inv(16).

PURPOSE: To explore the outcome and prognostic factors between inv(16) and t(8;21) disrupt core binding factor (CBF) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS: The clinical characteristic, probability of achieving complete remission (CR), overall survival (OS) and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) were compared between inv(16) and (8;21). RESULTS: The CR rate was 95.2%, 10-year OS was 84.4% and CIR was 29.4%. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with t(8;21) had significant lower 10-year OS and CIR than patients with inv(16). Unexpectedly, there was a trend for pediatric AML receiving five courses cytarabine to have a lower CIR than four courses cytarabine (19.8% vs 29.3%, P = 0.06). Among the cohort of no-gemtuzumab ozogamicin(GO) treatment, inv (16) patients showed a similar 10-year OS (78.9% vs 83.5%; P = 0.69) and an inferior outcome on 10-year CIR (58.6% vs 28.9%, P = 0.01) than those patients with t(8;21). In contrast, inv (16) and t(8;21) patients receiving GO treatment had comparable OS (OS: 90.5% vs. 86.5%, P = 0.66) as well as CIR (40.4% vs. 21.4%, P = 0.13). CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that more cumulative cytarabine exposure could improve the outcome of childhood patients with t(8;21), while GO treatment was beneficial to the pediatric patients with inv(16).

Effects of early intermittent maternal separation on behavior, physiological, and growth performance in piglets.

In pig production, the management of piglets by batch lactation due to the increase in litter sizes of sows may result in intermittent early neonatal maternal separation (NMS). We speculated that NMS may affect the piglets cognitive growth performance and health. To determine the extent of the effect, 12 litters of crossbred piglets (Large White × Duroc × Min-pig) were used in this trial. Piglets in the control (Con) group (n = 6) were given a standard feeding method during lactation. Piglets in the experimental group (n = 6) were subjected to the NMS model, in which sows were led out of the enclosure with food every day (8:00-11:00 and 13:00-16:00) starting from postnatal day (PND) 7. During the separation, the piglets were supplemented with milk. All experimental piglets were weaned on PND 35. The piglets were observed for aggression, play, mutual sniffing, and exploratory behavior on PNDs 7, 8, 21, 22, 34, 35, 38, 39, 51, 52, 64, and 65. Physiological indicators, namely serum adrenaline, cortisol, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured on PNDs 35, 38, and 65, while piglet growth performance was evaluated during suckling and 1 month after weaning. The results showed that aggressive behavior in the MS group was significantly higher than that in the Con group (P < 0.05). Playful and mutual sniffing behaviors in the MS group were significantly lower than those in the Con group except for PNDs 38 and 39 (P < 0.05). Active exploratory behavior in the MS group was significantly higher than that in the Con group on PNDs 7 and 8, and PNDs 21 and 22 (P < 0.05). The frequency of belly-nosing behavior was significantly higher in the MS group than that in the Con group except for PNDs 64 and 65 (P < 0.05). Compared with the Con group, epinephrine, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations on PNDs 35, 38, and 65 were significantly increased in the MS group (P < 0.01), while IL-4 concentration was significantly decreased (PND 35: P < 0.05; PNDs 38 and 65: P < 0.01). Compared with the Con group, the piglet diarrhea rate in the MS group during suckling was significantly increased (P < 0.01), the weaning weight was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and it had no significant effect on the body weight at the end of the trial (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the early intermittent NMS created stress and affected the growth performance of piglets during suckling. However, the growth rate was improved by compensatory measures during late weaning.

Although management methods, such as split-suckling and foster care, in pig production can improve piglet survival rates, these methods inevitably lead to neonatal maternal separation which is an early stress on the body, and can have serious negative effects on the body. In this experiment, we investigated the effect level of neonatal maternal separation on behavior, physiology, and growth performance of piglets. The study found that early intermittent maternal separation leads to anxiety and behavioral changes in piglets, negatively affecting diarrhea rates and weaning weights in suckling piglets, but the effects on growth performance in lactating piglets can be ameliorated during the nursing period.

Colorimetric Detection of Acenaphthene and Naphthalene Using Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a class of chemicals that occur naturally. They generally demonstrate a high degree of critical toxicity towards humans. Acenaphthene and naphthalene contain compounds that are commonly found in the environment as compared to other PAHs. Consequently, a reliable method of detecting PAHs is crucial for the monitoring of water quality. A colorimetric method based on sodium nitrite-functionalized gold nanoparticles was developed in this study for acenaphthene and naphthalene detection. Different functionalized parameters are determined for the optimization of assay conditions. A linear relationship was found in the analyte concentration range of 0.1-10 ppm with the limit of detection for acenaphthene and naphthalene being 0.046 ppm and 0.0015 ppm, respectively, under the optimized assay conditions. The method's recovery rate for actual samples falls within the range of 98.4-103.0%. In selective and anti-interference tests, the presence of cations and anions has minimal impact on the detection of the analyte. The colorimetric detection method proposed in this study effectively determines the presence of the analyte in real water samples and has a high recovery rate.

Supramolecular Recognition of Cytidine Phosphate in Nucleotides and RNA Sequences.

Supramolecular recognition of nucleotides would enable manipulating crucial biochemical pathways like transcription and translation directly and with high precision. Therefore, it offers great promise in medicinal applications, not least in treating cancer or viral infections. This work presents a universal supramolecular approach to target nucleoside phosphates in nucleotides and RNA. The artificial active site in new receptors simultaneously realizes several binding and sensing mechanisms: encapsulation of a nucleobase via dispersion and hydrogen bonding interactions, recognition of the phosphate residue, and a self-reporting feature-"turn-on" fluorescence. Key to the high selectivity is the conscious separation of phosphate- and nucleobase-binding sites by introducing specific spacers in the receptor structure. We have tuned the spacers to achieve high binding affinity and selectivity for cytidine 5' triphosphate coupled to a record 60-fold fluorescence enhancement. The resulting structures are also the first functional models of poly(rC)-binding protein coordinating specifically to C-rich RNA oligomers, e.g., the 5'-AUCCC(C/U) sequence present in poliovirus type 1 and the human transcriptome. The receptors bind to RNA in human ovarian cells A2780, causing strong cytotoxicity at 800 nM. The performance, self-reporting property, and tunability of our approach open up a promising and unique avenue for sequence-specific RNA binding in cells by using low-molecular-weight artificial receptors.

Chidamide as maintenance after chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 27 children with T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia: A real-world prospective study.

Background: The long-term overall survival of children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is limited to approximately 80-85% because of a high incidence of relapse after achieving remission with intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Novel treatment strategies inducing long-term remission are needed to improve the outcome. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) have been reported to be effective in a series of T-ALL cases. Preclinical studies suggested that T-ALL cells are sensitive to Chidamide, which is a selective HDACi. Methods: This preliminary clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Chidamide in combination with chemotherapy or post-HSCT for children with T-ALL at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg weight of patient twice per week for at least 6 months. Results: In total, 27 children with a mean age of 7.88 years were included. The high-risk proportion was 66.7%. After a median follow-up period of 37.8 months (9.5-67.9 months), the overall survival and event-free survival in the patients treated with Chidamide were 94.1 and 95.2%, respectively. All patients except two maintained persistent remission with <0.01% blast cells in minimal residual disease. Conclusion: The combination therapy with Chidamide in a case series of T-ALL shows the promising clinical efficacy and good safety in children. Clinical trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2000030357.

Multiobjective Integrated Optimal Control for Nonlinear Systems.

The multiobjective optimal control method optimizes the performance indexes of nonlinear systems to obtain setpoints, and designs a controller to track the setpoints. However, the stepwise optimal control method that independently analyzes the optimization process may obtain unfeasible and difficult to track setpoints, which will reduce the operation and control performance of the systems. To solve this problem, a multiobjective integrated optimal control (MIOC) strategy is proposed for nonlinear systems in this article. The main contributions of MIOC are threefold. First, in the framework of multiobjective model predictive control, an integrated control structure with a comprehensive cost function and a collaborative optimization algorithm is designed to achieve the coordinate optimal control. Second, for the time inconformity of setpoints and control laws caused by the characteristic of tracking control, the different prediction horizons are designed for the comprehensive cost function. Then, the collaborative optimization algorithm is proposed for the comprehensive cost function to achieve the integrated solution of setpoints and control laws to enhance the operation and control performance of nonlinear systems. Third, the stability and control performance analysis of MIOC is provided. Finally, the proposed MIOC method is applied for a nonlinear system to demonstrate its effectiveness.