Aiming at the optimal scheduling problem of virtual power plant ( VPP ) with multiple uncertainties on the source-load side, this paper proposes a two-stage stochastic robust optimal scheduling method considering the uncertainty of the source-load side. This method combines the characteristics of robust optimization and stochastic optimization to model the source-load uncertainty differentiation. The Wasserstein generative adversarial network with gradient penalty ( WGAN-GP ) is used to generate electric and thermal load scenarios, and then K-medoids clustering is used to obtain several typical scenarios. The min-max-min two-stage stochastic robust optimization model is constructed, and the column constraint generation ( C & CG ) algorithm and dual theory are used to solve the problem, and the scheduling scheme with the lowest operating cost in the worst scenario is obtained.

Single-crystal LiNi1-x-yCoxMnyO2 (NCM) cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries are usually synthesized from spherical hydroxide precursors obtained by co-precipitation. However, the co-precipitation process for the preparation of hydroxide precursors is compli-cated, takes a long time and generates a large amount of nitrogenous wastewater and exhaust gas (NH3), which is not friendly to the environment. In this paper, a pathway for the green and efficient synthesis of single-crystal LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) cathode is proposed. By simplifying the precursor preparation process and optimizing the lithiation sintering parameters, a single-crystal synthe-sis process without ammonia participation in the whole process and with shorter reaction time and simpler operation was achieved. The electrochemical test results show that the material has excellent electrochemical performance, with its first discharge specific capaci-ties of up to 154.27 mAh/g and 180.84 mAh/g in the voltage ranges of 2.8-4.3 V and 2.8-4.5 V at a current density of 1 C. The capacity retention rates of the material can reach up to 96.18% and 91.51% after 100 cycles. In addition, the material has good mechanical sta-bility, and the particles still maintain the intact single-crystal morphology after cycling.

The etiology of Tuberculosis (TB) is attributed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), posing a significant threat to human health. Upon infecting the host, M. tuberculosis establishes close interactions with host cells through direct contact facilitated by its cell wall. The genome of M. tuberculosis encodes a minimum of 99 lipoproteins, which serve diverse functions including participation in ABC system transport, cell wall metabolism, adhesion,cell invasion,signal transduction,among others.Despite limited functional investigations on a subset of lipoproteins, the majority of lipoproteins necessitate further exploration. This article provides an overview of the advancements in understanding the lipoproteins of M. tuberculosis.

Pain management has become a prominent global health concern, affecting not only over the aspects of daily existence but also upon the holistic physical well-being. Conventional pain mitigation methods have non-negligible limitations, such as the discomfort caused by needle injections and the low permeability of transdermal drug patches due to the skin barriers. Microneedle-based drug delivery is an emerging technique that utilizes microscopic needles to directly administer medication into the epidermis or dermis, offering the advantages of enhanced efficiency, rapid action, and minimally invasive delivery. Regarding to the analgesic therapy, microneedles are at the forefront, accelerating pain relief by localized delivery of analgesic substances directly to the site of discomfort. The targeted administration effectively reduces the broader dispersion of pharmacological agents within the circulatory system, thereby minimizing the occurrence of systemic adverse effects. This review focuses on the utilization of microneedle technology for both immediate and extended pain relief, its performance in clinical practice, and the prospects and challenges of microneedles in pain management therapy.

Articular cartilage injury is a significant concern within osteoarthritis (OA), and while traditional pharmacological treatments and surgical interventions have provided some relief in pain and promoted cartilage regeneration to a certain extent, long-term therapeutic outcomes remain suboptimal. The advancement of cartilage tissue engineering has introduced novel perspectives for cartilage regeneration. Hydrogel scaffolds, as crucial components in tissue functionality, have evolved from their initial role of physical coverage or single functionality to a current combination of diverse functionalities. This review comprehensively examines recent applications of functional hydrogels in cartilage regeneration. The article begins with fundamental knowledge, including treatments for cartilage defects and basic characteristics of hydrogels. Subsequently, in the context of cartilage tissue engineering, we explore five types of functional hydrogels, focusing on their unique physicochemical properties, substance delivery, and stimuli-responsive features for cartilage repair. The discussion covers their mechanisms of repair, classification, and drawbacks, and concludes with an overview of hydrogel development for cartilage repair based on bibliometric research. Clinical products related to hydrogels in this field will be summarized later. Finally, recommendations are provided on current challenges and future directions in developing functional hydrogels for cartilage regeneration.

At present, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases seriously threaten human life and health, and the development of nanodrug delivery systems has brought about a turnaround for traditional drug treatments, with nanoparticles being precisely targeted to improve bioavailability. In addition, surface modification of nanoparticles can prolong blood circulation time and enhance targeting ability. The application of cell membrane-coated nanoparticles further improves their biocompatibility and active targeting ability, providing new hope for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In recent years, various types of cell membrane biomimetic nanoparticles have gradually attracted increasing attention due to their unique advantages. However, the single-cell membrane has several limitations because a single functional property cannot fully meet the requirements of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease treatment. Hybrid cell membranes integrate the advantages of multiple biological membranes and have become an emerging research hotspot. This review summarizes the application of single-cell membrane biomimetic nanoparticles in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and discusses the advantages, challenges and future development of biomimetic nanoparticles. We propose that the fusion of multiple membranes may be a reasonable trend in the future to provide some ideas and directions for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Currently, an increasing number of studies about systemic laser photobiomodulation (FBM), have been highlighted in the literature; however, they differ in their application methods, which can be intravenous (intravascular laser irradiation of blood), or transdermally, (vascular photobiomodulation). This review aimed to compile all findings on these techniques and critically discuss their results. A search for articles was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 37 articles were selected. Of these, 19 studies discussed the use of systemic FBM with intravenous application, and 7 studies reported transcutaneous application. Regarding clinical studies, 28 studies addressed the application of the techniques in respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, and musculoskeletal conditions. For preclinical studies, 9 articles primarily discussed the application in pulmonary and musculoskeletal conditions. Despite the promising results, methodological limitations and variabilities in studies on systemic laser FBM prevent the categorical assertion of its efficacy.

This study presents a comprehensive multi-scale simulation approach to investigate the fatigue behaviour of AlSi10Mg alloy produced by the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) method. Fatigue crack initiation within the microstructure is modelled using the physically-based Tanaka-Mura equation, developed from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) data. The fatigue crack growth is analyzed using the NASGRO equation, allowing for a detailed simulation of both crack initiation and propagation. The total number of cycles for each stress amplitude is calculated by summing the cycles required for micro-crack initiation and long-crack propagation, resulting in the generation of fatigue life (S-N) curves. This simulation approach provides a thorough understanding of the material’s behaviour under cyclic loading, leveraging the microstructural insights obtained from experimental data.

In this study, the fatigue life of AlSi10Mg alloy produced by the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) method is investigated through an extensive experimental and methodological approach. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were conducted to examine the microstructural features of the material. Micropillar tests were performed to assess the deformation and slip movement of dislocation systems, as well as to evaluate the critical resolved shear stress (CRSS), which is a crucial parameter influencing the deformation and fatigue performance of metallic materials. The experimental findings provide essential insights into the microstructural characteristics and mechanical behaviour of AlSi10Mg, forming a robust foundation for subsequent computational studies. Finally, the methodology of the physically-based modelling approach is explained together with the experimental data extraction to develop such a modelling approach. The more thorough explanation and implementation of the physically-based modelling approach will be brought in part B.

This study presents a procedure based on constant amplitude (CA) fatigue data to predict the statistical fatigue lifetime of glass/orthopolyester composites subjected to repeated ordered and random two, three, and six sequences of block loadings. A numerical routine was developed to detect cycle-by-cycle the statistical strength degradation progression until failure, assuming that the strength at the end of a block cycle equals the strength at the start of the successive one and that the individual samples’ static strength, residual strength, and fatigue life share the same rank in their respective cumulative distribution function. Predictions conform to the statistically undetectable loading sequence effects and lightly overestimate the lifetimes of random and ordered high-to-low (1/100 cycles) repeated two-block loadings. The vanishing effect of the loading sequence when the block extents remain fixed, the block extent effects for a given three-block sequence, and the lifetimes of three-block loadings were fully predicted. The six-block sequence’s experimental lifetimes with different block loading orders and block extent fell within the predicted lifetimes’ cumulative distribution function. A reliable damage rule based on residual strength was proposed and compared to the Miner’s rule.

River plumes play an essential role in the transport of terrestrially derived materials (like nutrients, sediments, pollutants, etc.) into the coastal ocean. Quantifying the cross-shore transport in river plumes can help to better understand the contribution of river-borne substances to marine biogeochemical cycles and to parameterize these processes in global ocean models which are usually too coarse to resolve individual rivers. It is known that besides external factors (like runoff, latitude, wind, and tides), also internal estuarine processes like salt mixing affect the exchange flow between an estuary and the coastal ocean. A theoretical framework to separate the plume and the estuary mixing in isohaline coordinates is presented. An idealized coastal ocean model setup resolving the whole plume-estuary continuum is used to validate the theoretical relation and to study the link between the estuarine pre-conditioning and the cross-shore export of river water under different forcing scenarios. It is found that the most effective cross-shore transport of river water happens under moderately upwelling favorable wind conditions and weak tidal forcing. This scenario is characterized by relatively small estuarine mixing, strong stratification, and little interaction between the surface and bottom boundary layers such that a thin layer of buoyant river water can extend far into the ocean. We conclude that reduced estuarine mixing is indicative of an enhanced accumulation of fresh water near the shore, but is not directly related to the cross-shore transport in river plumes.

I reviewed the article “Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association between D-dimer and Rheumatic Diseases” and identified a significant problem with the high heterogeneity (I² = 86.1%) reported in the meta-analysis. The authors did not adequately investigate the sources of this heterogeneity, raising concerns about the reliability and applicability of the results. I recommend further analysis to identify and address sources of heterogeneity to improve the robustness and clinical relevance of the study.

Using an idealized model of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), we test whether changes in the statistical properties of an AMOC time series can reveal Critical Slowing Down (CSD) and serve as early warnings of an upcoming critical transition. We calculate CSD indicators for simulations across varying parameter regimes, investigating the system’s steady-state dynamical structure and its evolution under gradual climate forcing. We find that the modeled AMOC features bistability for relatively weak gyre salinity exchange, but no bistability when the gyres are sufficiently strong. However, CSD indicators consistently warn of a collapse across the parameter space, even when no bifurcations occur, thus raising false alarms. We argue that CSD should be applied cautiously in systems where the dynamical structure and physical response to forcing are not fully known (such as the AMOC), specifically where it is not a priori clear whether the system is in a multistable regime.

Monacolin K is a valuable secondary metabolite produced after a period of fermentation by Monascus purpureus; however, our current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of its synthesis remains incomplete. This study conducted functional analysis on the key transcription factor, comp54181_c0, that is involved in the synthesis of monacolin K in Monascus. Mutant strains with either knockout or overexpression of comp54181_c0 were constructed using CRISPR/Cas9. A comparison between the knockout and overexpression strains revealed changes in fungal morphology and growth, with a significant increase in the production of Monascus pigments and monacolin K when comp54181_c0 was absent. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR analysis revealed that comp54181_c0 significantly influenced the transcription of key genes related to monacolin K biosynthesis in Monascus. In conclusion, our study elucidates the crucial role of comp54181_c0 in Monascus, enriches our understanding of fungal secondary metabolite development and regulation, and provides a foundation for the development and regulation of Monascus and monacolin K production.

Background: Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a rare sarcomatous tumor that presents infrequently as an osseous lesion of the spine. To our knowledge, few case reports exists regarding primary lesions of the lumbar spine with only one report indicating thoracic spine as a primary site. Case Description: We present a case of a 32-year-old female presenting with primary osseous SEF with complaints of axial and right sided thoracic back pain for 4 months. Imaging of the thoracic spine revealed a mass at T5 with vertebra plana and central spinal cord compression at T5-T6 without significant expansion of mass to soft tissues or adjacent vertebral levels. We performed a T5 corpectomy with posterior spinal instrumented fusion from T3-T7. Pathologic and immunohistochemical studies confirmed diagnosis of SEF. 1 year follow-up revealed no recurrence of disease and significant pain relief without neurologic dysfunction. Conclusions: In light of the extent of the vertebral body involvement, the severity of cord compression, and the patients associated neurologic symptoms, a T5 corpectomy with T3-T7 posterior fusion was performed. Given the nature of the spine, complete resection of these tumors is usually impossible and adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy may be necessary for resolution of disease.

Diffuse Multifocal Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Alteplase Infusion:A Case Image ReportAbdallah Alwali1, Mohanad Faisal2 and Naveed Akhtar3Internal Medicine Resident, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar.Internal Medicine Fellow, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar.Neurology Senior Consultant, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar.Corresponding Author: Abdallah Alwali, aalwali@hamad.qa

Key Clinical MessageHyaline membrane disease (HMD) or respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) mainly affects premature neonates due to pulmonary surfactant deficiency. Early exogenous surfactant administration within the first two hours of life is the gold standard treatment, but complications such as post-surfactant slump can occur. We present a case of a 29-week gestational age male with very low birth weight (VLBW) who deteriorated at 21 days of life (DOL) due to late post-surfactant slump and pneumonia. After two additional doses of exogenous surfactant at 22 DOL, the patient showed significant improvements clinically and radiographically within hours of treatment, leading to successful recovery and extubation. This case suggests that late booster doses of surfactant can be effective beyond the typical two-hour window, warranting further research into its therapeutic potential and limitations in late-stage HMD.IntroductionHyaline membrane disease (HMD) occurs primarily in premature neonates and its incidence is inversely related to gestational age and birthweight. A decrease in pulmonary surfactant production or secretion leads to reduced pulmonary compliance, increased surface tension, alveolar instability, collapse of small airways at end-expiration and failure to attain adequate functional residual capacity (FRC) [1]. Nowadays, the administration of exogenous surfactant as early as possible, preferably within the first 2 hours of life, is the gold standard of care. Consequently, this improves oxygenation by matching alveolar ventilation and perfusion, decreasing the need of ventilatory support and improving mortality [2].Pulmonary surfactant is composed approximately of 90% lipids and 10% proteins which are secreted into the alveolar space by type II epithelial cells. The major constituents of it are dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), phosphatidyl glycerol, and the four surfactant specific proteins (surfactant protein A (SP-A), SP-B, SP-C and SP-D). These proteins are divided into two groups: SP-B and SP-C are two small hydrophobic proteins, while SP-A and SP-D are large hydrophilic proteins. The main function of surfactant is to lower the surface tension at the air/liquid interface within the alveoli of the lung leading to a decrease in the work of breathing and preventing alveolar collapse at end-expiration [3]. Merill et al. reported that infants requiring respiratory support after 1 week of life experienced transient episodes of dysfunctional surfactant associated with a deficiency in alveolar surfactant proteins, mainly SP-B and SP-C. SP-B gene expression is decreased by the inflammatory cytokines and mediators like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β), IL-1, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and activators of protein kinase C. Concentrations of SP-B content could also be decreased by accelerated degradation secondary to increased proteolytic activity or phagocytosis by nearby cells [4]. In another study by Keller et al. it was reported that late administration of exogenous surfactant increased SP-B levels and improved outcomes [5]. Interestingly, surfactant inactivation and secondary dysfunction may also occur with other conditions like meconium aspiration syndrome, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, neonatal pneumonia and pulmonary hemorrhage [6].Preterm neonates, born at <30 weeks of gestational age, mainly require respiratory support for several weeks in addition to exogenous surfactant administration. However, multiple complications may arise such as post surfactant slump (defined as respiratory failure after 6 days of life), pneumonia, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), pulmonary hemorrhage, pneumothorax and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), further exacerbating the disease in a vicious cycle [7]. BPD is a form of chronic lung disease that often develops in severe RDS. It’s mainly a consequence of alveolar collapse, due to surfactant deficiency, together with ventilator induced phasic over distention of the lung and oxygen injury. As a result, respiratory failure and death may occur due to rapid progression of the disease [8]. Recently, clinical trials depicted the crucial role of late surfactant administration in improving respiratory function when given within the first 2 weeks of life in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates (<1000g) [9-10]. In our case report, we demonstrated the potential use of exogenous surfactant beyond 3 weeks (22 DOL) in a very low birth weight (VLWB) neonate (1470g) with HMD. This case opens an exciting new avenue of study to better understand the underlying pathophysiological process of this disease and the therapeutic potential of exogenous surfactant as a standard treatment for HMD later in the disease course.Case History and ExaminationA preterm male neonate born at 29 weeks gestational age (GA) by C-section after maternal pre-eclampsia. He has a VLBW of 1,470g. The mother, 45 years old, G1P0A0, was on antihypertensives and received 4 doses of dexamethasone during the antenatal period. Initially, the baby was intubated and supported by mechanical ventilator with PEEP: 4cmH2O. Following the confirmation of HMD on chest X-ray, he received 2 doses of exogenous surfactant, Survanta (natural bovine pulmonary surfactant) 100mg phospholipids/kg (4ml/kg). He was treated with IV antibiotics for presumed sepsis for 7 days. The baby’s chest x-ray improved, showing clearing of HMD changes. We were able to decrease slowly the ventilator’s parameter at 15 DOL where FiO2 reached 30% with low pressures and these parameters were almost stable till the age of 20 days (Figure 1A). At 21 days, the baby’s condition deteriorated rapidly, requiring FiO2 >90%, PIP: 30cmH2O and PEEP: 7cmH2O. His C-reactive protein (CRP) was 6 mg/L, and his chest X-ray showed worsening extensive bilateral patches of consolidations with air bronchograms (Figure 1B and C).Methods (Differential Diagnosis, Investigation and Treatment)By 22 days, the baby was still in critical condition with multiple episodes of desaturation despite high ventilator parameters (FiO2 100%, PIP: 45cmH2O and PEEP: 8cmH2O), and CRP increased to 42.7 mg/L. The chest X-ray revealed extensive HMD changes with ground glass appearance and air bronchograms (Figure 1D). The prolonged ventilation, pneumonia and worsening X-ray results suggested an endogenous surfactant deficiency. To note, the baby was receiving IV Colistin (3mg/kg/day) and Amikacin (15mg /kg/dose every 36 hours) due to the presence of MDR Klebsiella pneumonia in the deep tracheal aspirate culture. Following consultation with an infectious disease specialist, Teicoplanin (16 mg/kg loading dose, followed by 8 mg/kg/day) was added to our treatment.Given the rapid deterioration, a decision was made to administer booster doses of exogenous surfactant. Survanta (4 ml/kg) was given via ET tube for 2 doses 7 hours apart. Following the first dose, significant improvement in HMD changes were noted on chest X-ray films after 2 hours (Figure 1E). After the second dose, the baby’s condition substantially improved, particularly in terms of desaturation episodes. Chest X-ray showed significant improvement and clearing of the HMD changes 5 hours after the second dose (Figure 1F). At that night, steroids and diuretics were initiated to complement the surfactant treatment and improve the respiratory function.Outcome and Follow-upThe day after surfactant administration, ventilator support was minimized, and FiO2 was reduced by more than 50% within 5 days. By 24 DOL, chest X-ray showed impressive improvement with the clearance of pulmonary infiltrates and granular opacities (Figure 1G). At 34 DOL, ventilator parameters were weaned, and the patient was placed on alternating mechanical ventilation modes (IMV and CPAP mode) for 2 weeks. At 48 DOL, the patient was extubated and placed in an oxygen hood (10 L/min). By 95 DOL, the patient was clinically stable without any ventilatory support, and X-rays showed complete resolution of lung opacities and HMD changes. The patient was discharged home with no significant complications.DiscussionSince its discovery in the 1950s, surfactant administration has become the first line treatment for HMD in preterm neonates. This has led to substantial decrease in mortality rates and improvement in respiratory outcomes [11]. Nowadays, it is well established that surfactant administration improves oxygenation through increasing lung compliance and matching alveolar ventilation/perfusion [12]. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the administration of natural exogenous surfactant within the first 48 hours of life for beractant (Survanta)/poractant alfa and 72 hours for calfactant [13]. Subsequently, treatment modalities were subdivided into prophylactic and rescue therapy. With prophylaxis, surfactant is administered within 10-30 mins after birth to infants at high risk of developing RDS, however, rescue therapy is given to infants with established RDS usually within the first 12 hours of life [14]. Compared to rescue therapy, randomized trials have shown that prophylactic treatment with surfactant decreased the risk of developing pneumothorax, pulmonary interstitial emphysema, and neonatal mortality [2]. In addition, when compared to a single dose, more evidence supports the use of multiple doses of rescue surfactant to decrease the risk of pneumothorax and improve survival [15].However, when it comes to the efficacy of surfactant therapy beyond the early neonatal period, studies are scarce. In one study, Bissinger et al. reported 3 cases of late surfactant administrations (range: 12-17 days of life) in extremely preterm (<27 weeks) ELBW (<1000g) neonates. Results showed that improvement in blood gas and ventilatory parameters were short-term and patients deteriorated thereafter [16]. Another retrospective cohort analysis studied the effect of repeat surfactant therapy, after 6 DOL, on postsurfactant slump in ELBW infants. Results also showed only transient improvement for 48 hours [17]. Recently, clinical trials depicted improvement in pulmonary morbidity at 1-year corrected age when late surfactant was given during the second week of life with no remarkable adverse effects [9-10]. Eventually, we considered a late trial of 2 doses of exogenous surfactant (beractant) in a very preterm neonate with a VLBW (1470g) beyond 3 weeks at 22 DOL. Our patient showed substantial improvement clinically and radiographically. He was then weaned off the respirator and discharged home with no significant complications. This report allows us to widen the therapeutic window for late surfactant administration especially beyond 3 weeks of life in VLBW neonates.In HMD, neonates with continuous respiratory support beyond 1 week were found to have abnormal surfactant function due to a deficiency in SP-B and SP-C [4-5]. Notably, dysfunctional surfactant was also noted in other diseases including meconium aspiration syndrome, pneumonia, persistent pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary hemorrhage where rescue surfactant was reported to improve outcomes [6]. More research is warranted here to delineate the mechanisms leading to SP-B deficiency in different disease states with hopes for developing targeted therapies to improve respiratory outcomes.In conclusion, our case report challenges the conventional practice of administering exogenous surfactant primarily within the first 48 hours of life in premature neonates with HMD. By presenting a successful late booster dose of surfactant at 22 days of life in a VLBW neonate, we highlight the potential therapeutic benefits of extending the window for surfactant administration beyond the early neonatal period. This unique case prompts further investigation into the efficacy and limitations of late exogenous surfactant interventions, particularly in the later stages of HMD.

In this paper, the prescribed-time fault-tolerant control for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) linear time-varying (LTV) systems is investigated. Both uncertain lexicographically fixed and non-lexicographically fixed LTV systems with precisely known models have been considered. By leveraging the special structure of controllable canonical form and employing the properties of the parametric Lyapunov equation, a global prescribed-time fault-tolerant controller is designed. By choosing a suitable Lyapunov-like function, it will be demonstrated that the state converges to zero within the designated time. In addition, the designed controller is bounded and maintains a linear, concise and smooth form. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the controller is verified through the simulation of the elliptical orbital rendezvous system.

Furuta pendulum system is a typical underactuated system with two degrees of freedom (DOF) and a control input. This paper studies the stabilization control problem for this mechanical system. And a new fixed-time control method is developed to solve the motion control problem. The method firstly divides the Furuta pendulum system into two subsystems and constructs a fixed-time first-level sliding surface for each subsystem. And then, a second-level sliding surface is designed and its fixed-time convergence guarantees the fixed-time stabilization of two first-level sliding surfaces at the origin. After that, we design a sliding mode controller to stabilize the second-level sliding surface within a fixed time. As a result, the fixed-time convergence characteristics of first-level sliding surfaces enable the stabilization control objective of the Furuta pendulum system to be achieved within a fixed time. Finally, numerical simulation examples are used to verify the effectiveness of our presented control method.

In this paper, a comprehensive investigation of a modified high gain boost converter that is controlled by a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is presented. With the fast-growing Electric Vehicle (EV) industry, there has been a rise in terminal voltages of battery packs from 12V to 48V / 72 V necessitating efficient charging methods. To charge such a vehicle with a photovoltaic source, conventional boost converters must function at a very high-duty cycle. To reduce the size of the component, frequency has to be increased resulting in complex control. An appropriate high-gain topology is tailored for the proposed application. MATLAB/Simulink is used to conduct open-loop and closed-loop simulation studies on the performance of a modified boost converter with a resistive load. The simulation studies showing the efficacy of the new alternative and control technique are validated by the experimental results. With fewer switches in this design, the findings show a higher voltage gain (22 V input stepped up to 54 V) and a higher output, which indicates a notable voltage rise (94 percent efficient at 25 percent duty cycle).

Objectives HCoV-HKU1 diversity and evolution was scarcely studied. We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) and analysis of HCoV-HKU1 genomes over five years. Methods NGS used Illumina technology on NovaSeq 6000 following whole genome PCR amplification by a in-house set of primers designed using Gemi and PrimalScheme. Genome assembly and analyses used CLC Genomics, Mafft, BioEdit, Nextstrain, Nextclade, MEGA and iTol bioinformatic tools. Spike molecular modelling and dynamics simulations used Molegro Molecular Viewer/Hyperchem. Results Twenty-eight PCR systems allowed obtaining 158 HCoV-HKU1 genomes including 69 and 89 of genotype A and B, respectively. Both genotypes co-circulated during the study period but one predominated each year. 1,683 amino acid substitutions including 80 in ≥10 genomes were detected in genotype A relatively to a 2004 reference. H512R in spike, first detected in 2009 and reported as involved in antibody neutralization, was found in all genotype A, almost always with V387I and K478N, and was predicted here to significantly improve cellular TMPRSS2 protein binding. 1,802 amino acid substitutions including 64 in ≥10 genomes were detected in genotype B relatively to a 2005 reference. Conclusion This study substantially expands the global set of HCoV-HKU1 genomes. Genomics with protein structural analyses contributed to our understanding of HCoV-HKU1 evolution.

The two most clinically important members of the flavivirus genus, Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) pose a significant public health challenge. They cause a range of diseases in humans, from hemorrhagic to neurological manifestations, leading to economic and social burden worldwide. Nevertheless, there are no approved antiviral drugs to treat these infections. Zafirlukast is an orally available Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug for the prophylaxis and treatment of chronic asthma. It is a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) with high selectivity of the cysteinyl leukotriene-1 receptor (CYSLTR1) that acts as immune modulator. Thus, we evaluated the antiviral potential of Zafirlukast against ZIKV and DENV in SK-N-SH cells. We showed that Zafirlukast exhibited potent antiviral activity against ZIKV, which could be linked to Zafirlukast’s immune blockade of TNF signaling pathways and its downstream signaling pathways such as MAPK and ERK1/2. In addition, our results showed that Zafirlukast also counteracts ZIKV-induced changes in key genes involved in cellular lipid metabolism. Thus, these findings highlight the translational potential of optimizing Zafirlukast as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of ZIKV and DENV.

Background: Revealing clinical manifestations and associations of COVID-19 before and after negative transition remains an area of significant uncertainty. The aim of this study is to investigate clinical characteristics observed during and after Omicron infection among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: From November 4, 2022 to January 15, 2023, HCWs in our hospital were enrolled to document clinical symptoms, prevention, and treatment for COVID-19 using structured questionnaire. Results: Out of the 1101 HCWs included, SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in 78.20% (861/1101) during observation period. Nucleic acid conversion took a median duration of 8 days. Forty-three symptoms were identified during SARS-CoV-2 infection (11 symptoms per individual). These symptoms can be further categorized into five groups: fever, upper respiratory tract, influenza, digestive, and systemic; all showing complex and diverse patterns. Following SARS-CoV-2 infection, a total of 19 symptoms were recorded including four newly emerged ones: reduced lung capacity, memory loss, lethargy and inattention. Importantly, we observed a significant association between gastrointestinal symptoms during the nucleic acid positive phase and subsequent neuropsychiatric manifestations after negative conversion. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations observed in HCWs during and after Omicron infection displayed intricate patterns, shedding new light on the complex interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and human.

Island ecosystems have emerged as vital model systems for evolutionary and speciation studies due to their unique environmental conditions and biodiversity. This study investigates the population divergence, hybridization dynamics, and evolutionary history of hybridizing golden-backed and red-backed Dinopium flameback woodpeckers on the island of Sri Lanka, providing insights into speciation processes within an island biogeographic context. Utilizing genomic analysis based on next-generation sequencing, we revealed that the Dinopium hybrid zone on this island is a complex three-way hybrid zone involving three genetically distinct populations: two cryptic populations of golden-backed D. benghalense in the north and one island-endemic red-backed population of D. psarodes in the south of Sri Lanka. Our findings indicate asymmetric introgressive hybridization, where alleles from the southern D. psarodes introgress into the northern D. benghalense genome while phenotype remains adapted to their respective northern arid and southern wet habitats. The discovery of two genetically distinct but phenotypically similar D. benghalense populations in northern Sri Lanka highlights the process of cryptic speciation within island ecosystems. These populations trace their ancestry back to a common ancestor, similar to the Indian form D. b. tehminae, which colonized Sri Lanka from mainland India during the late Pleistocene. Subsequent divergence within the island, driven by selection, isolation-by-distance, and genetic drift, led to the current three populations. Our findings provide evidence of cryptic speciation and within-island population divergence, highlighting the complexity of hybridization and speciation processes. These findings further emphasize the intricate nature of evolutionary dynamics in island ecosystems.