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This article investigates state feedback design for achieving almost-sure robust stabilization of randomly switched linear systems whose subsystems are uncontrollable and whose models are subject to nonlinear modeling errors due to, for example, linearization. Complex systems are often uncontrollable under a fixed configuration from a single control input. However, when control actions can be used sequentially and collaboratively through different system configurations, stabilization can be potentially achieved. This design problem encounters some fundamental issues that must be resolved, involving mostly suitable coordinated implementations of state decomposition, feedback pole-placement design, usage of stochastic information on the switching process, coupling of controllable and uncontrollable substates, subsystem interactions, and modeling errors. The common state feedback on controllable substates can lead to unstable closed-loop systems, due to substate coupling. A modified control algorithm is introduced that decouples substates and designs feedback gains simultaneously. Further complications arise when subsystem interaction destabilizes the system. Some structural conditions are shown to be essential for achieving almost-sure stabilization. A design procedure that integrates feedback gain selection and switching information is introduced to achieve almost-sure stability for the closed-loop system. Robustness of the design procedure is established. Examples and simulation case studies are presented to illustrate the main algorithms and stabilization properties.

Garlic is famous for its unique flavor and health benefits. An effective means of authenticating garlic's origin is through the implementation of the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) scheme. However, the prevalence of fraudulent behavior raises concerns regarding the reliability of this system. In this study, garlic samples from six distinct production areas (G1: Cangshan garlic, G2: Qixian garlic, G3: Dali single clove garlic, G4: Jinxiang garlic, G5: Yongnian garlic, and G6: Badong garlic) underwent analysis using HS-GC-IMS. A total of 26 VOCs were detected in the samples. The differences in VOCs among the different garlic samples were visually presented in a two-dimensional topographic map and fingerprint map. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were employed to demonstrate the capacity of the HS-GC-IMS method for effectively distinguishing garlic samples from different geographical sources. Further screening based on the p-value and VIP score threshold identified 12 different aroma substances, which can be utilized for the identification of garlic from different producing areas. The fusion of HS-GC-IMS with multivariate statistical analysis proved to be a rapid, intuitive, and efficient approach for identifying and categorizing garlic VOCs, offering a novel strategy for ascertaining garlic origin and ensuring quality control.

This article investigates the problem of joint continuous and discrete state estimation of randomly switched linear systems in which subsystems may not be observable. Estimation of both continuous state and discrete sequence simultaneously based on the same output observations is a challenging task that is inherently nonlinear and often infinite dimensional. This article presents necessary and sufficient conditions when joint estimation is possible without using a probing input. When such conditions are not satisfied, a suitably designed input must be used to achieve the goal of jointly detecting the subsystem and estimating the internal state. This article employs certain structures of randomly switched linear systems to develop algorithms that use finite-dimensional estimators for continuous states and sampled data for detecting the discrete states. The convergence analysis shows that this framework can achieve convergence. Examples and simulation case studies are presented to illustrate the main results of this article. The findings of this article can be used to form a supporting foundation for robust control.

In this article, we model a hybrid system by using a hybrid machine consisting of an automaton and a set of continuous-variable subsystems. We investigate the problem of determining the (current) discrete state of the hybrid system. Extending the terminologies in discrete-event systems, a hybrid system is detectable if its discrete state can be uniquely determined. We derive conditions for a hybrid system to be detectable. If a hybrid system is detectable, we determine its current discrete state using a two-level approach. At the discrete-event level, we construct a discrete-event observer to obtain a discrete state estimate that consists of all possible discrete states that the hybrid system may be in. At the continuous-variable level, a set of continuous-variable observers are constructed, if necessary, to uniquely determine the discrete state. An example of a dc microgrid is used to illustrate the theoretical results.

Fluorine is an essential element in the human body, which participates in the process of cell metabolism and dual effects on bone tissue and tooth enamel. Insufficient and excessive fluoride intake can lead to various diseases. Due to the special chemical properties of fluorine, there are great challenges in detection of fluoride ions. The main route of human intake of fluoride is through drinking water and food, so it is necessary to develop a convenient and efficient method for detecting fluoride ions, which is of great significance for evaluating fluoride pollution in the environment. In this paper, a reactive fluorescent probe SCC for detection of fluoride ions was designed and synthesized based on carbazole ring, which performed the characteristics of high selectivity, rapidity, and high sensitivity in the detection of fluoride ions. The detection limit was 25.9 nM, and it could be used to detect fluoride ions in aqueous systems.

Most of the previous TMDC-photon coupling devices were mainly based on A exciton due to its high oscillator strength and large exciton binding energy. Less effort has been focused on the modulation of the emission of B exciton and Rydberg states in TMDCs, especially in monolayer WS2. Here, we demonstrate that the photoluminescence (PL) emission of WS2-microcavity coupling devices can be tailored in a broad visible wavelength range (490 nm–720 nm). In contrast to the intrinsic PL emission of monolayer WS2, 25-fold enhanced B exciton emission and significant PL emission from the 2s Rydberg state can be observed. From the transient absorption (TA) measurements, the strongly coupled hybrid states based on B exciton can be remarkably fingerprinted. Furthermore, the strongly enhanced PL emission from the coupled B exciton has been demonstrated due to the strongly increased lower polariton (LP) state population and the internal conversion pathway being blocked in the strong coupling regime. Besides, the remarkable PL emission from the 2s Rydberg state is also revealed and confirmed by the additional ground state bleaching signal in TA spectra. These physical mechanisms about tailoring the PL emission in low dimensional TMDCs can provide significant references for constructing highly efficient optoelectronic devices.

This paper proposes a deep learning approach to overcome the impacts of communication failures on the performance and convergence rate of the distributed optimal frequency control (DOFC) for power systems. Novel features of the proposed framework are fourfold. First, the nonlinear model of the DOFC is developed to consider for nonlinearities of power flows. Second, the long short-term memory (LSTM) algorithm is used for dynamic model estimation during communication failures. Next, the LSTM-based DOFC method is introduced to cope with the impact of communication failures on the performance of the distributed control strategy. Finally, we prove the convergence of LSTM-DOFC and show that the algorithm has superior performance compared to the linearized prediction methods, such as autoregressive-moving-average models. Simulations on two real-world power systems are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.

This paper analyzes the system-level state of health (SOH) and its dependence on the SOHs of its component battery modules. Due to stochastic natures of battery aging processes and their dependence on charge/discharge rate and depth, operating temperature, and environment conditions, capacities of battery modules decay unevenly and randomly. Based on estimated SOHs of battery modules during battery operation, we analyze how the SOH of the entire system deteriorates when battery modules age and become increasingly diverse in their capacities. A rigorous mathematical analysis of system-level capacity utilization is conducted. It is shown that for large battery strings with uniformly distributed capacities, the average string capacity approaches the minimum, implying an asymptotically near worst-case capacity utility without reorganization. It is demonstrated that the overall battery usable capacities can be more efficiently utilized to achieve extended operational ranges by using battery reconfiguration. An optimal regrouping algorithm is introduced. Analysis methods, simulation examples, and a case study using real-world battery data are presented.

Ruminants are important for global food security but emit the greenhouse gas methane. Rumen microorganisms break down complex carbohydrates to produce volatile fatty acids and molecular hydrogen. This hydrogen is mainly converted into methane by archaea, but can also be used by hydrogenotrophic acetogenic and respiratory bacteria to produce useful metabolites. A better mechanistic understanding is needed on how dietary carbohydrates influence hydrogen metabolism and methanogenesis. We profiled the composition, metabolic pathways, and activities of rumen microbiota in 24 beef cattle adapted to either fiber-rich or starch-rich diets. The fiber-rich diet selected for fibrolytic bacteria and methanogens resulting in increased fiber utilization, while the starch-rich diet selected for amylolytic bacteria and lactate utilizers, allowing the maintenance of a healthy rumen and decreasing methane production (p?

This study aims to evaluate the effects of β-glucan-based superabsorbent hydrogel (βCHY) on wheat starch digestibility and elucidate the underlying mechanism. The results revealed that the incorporation of βCHY led to a significant reduction in rapidly digestible starch content of wheat starch from 71% to 44%, while concurrently increasing the levels of slowly digestible starch and resistant starch in a dose-dependent manner. From a mechanistic perspective, incorporating βCHY into wheat starch notably affected their pasting behavior and influenced the rheological properties and gel strength of resulting gels. Moreover, the addition of βCHY increased the relative crystallinity, short-range ordered degree (R1047/1024), molecular order (the full width at half maximum at 480 cm−1), and thermal stability of the starch, suggesting the formation of a more stable and ordered structure. Furthermore, the wheat starch-βCHY gel complexes exhibited large, discrete layered structures with thicker layer walls, accompanied by interspersed filament-like structures. These structural alterations may collectively contribute to the reduced digestibility of wheat starch. These findings confirmed the positive effects of βCHY on the starch digestibility, offering valuable insights into the development of innovative starch-based foods with slow digestion characteristics.

ABSTRACTLow-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 8 (LRP8) is involved in the development of multiple tumors, including lung cancer. However, the exact mechanism by which LRP8 exerts its oncogenic role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains elusive. Hence, in this study, we aimed to unravel the expression and role of LRP8 in the progression of NSCLC. We used online bioinformatics databases to identify the expression of LRP8 in multiple types of lung cancer. We validated LRP8 expression in NSCLC cell lines and tissues by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The functions of LRP8 in NSCLC carcinogenesis and progression were determined using in vitroand in vivosystems. The Wnt pathway activator LiCl was further used to validate the regulatory role of LRP8 in Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We demonstrated that LRP8 was markedly overexpressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines, and its overexpression significantly correlated with poor clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. Moreover, LRP8 depletion suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitroand impeded tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, LPR8 knockdown elicited tumor-suppressive functions by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which was partially reversed by LiCl. Hence, our study revealed that LRP8 facilitates NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and thus LRP8 could be a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Optimization methods in cyber-physical systems do not involve parameter uncertainties in most existing literature. This paper considers adaptive optimization problems in which searching for optimal solutions and identifying unknown parameters must be performed simultaneously. Due to the dual roles of the input signals on achieving optimization and providing persistent excitation for identification, a fundamental conflict arises. In this paper, a method of adding a small deterministic periodic dither signal to the input is deployed to resolve this conflict and provide sufficient excitation for estimating the unknown parameters. The designing principle of the dither is discussed. Under dithered inputs, the authors show that simultaneous convergence of parameter estimation and optimization can be achieved. Convergence properties and convergence rates of parameter estimation and optimization variable updates are presented under the scenarios of uncertainty-free observations and systems with noisy observation and unmodeled components. The fundamental relationships and trade-off among updating step sizes, dither magnitudes, parameter estimation errors, optimization accuracy, and convergence rates are further investigated.

A new fluorescent probe (PAC) based on phenothiazine was designed and synthesized for the detection of hydrazine (N2H4), which uses methyl cyanoacetate as the recognition group and phenothiazine as the fluorescent chromophore. The Stoke shift of probe PAC at the presence of hydrazine reached to 120 nm and the detection limit of probe PAC performed as 6.7 ppb. PAC had AIE properties and provided with the functions of naked-eye recognition. The DFT and TD-DFT calculations exhibited that the probes of PAC performed good responses to hydrazine. In addition, cell imaging showed that the probe PAC effectively recognized the hydrazine in HepG2 cells and stained the cells green.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the ancient and most accepted alternative medicinal systems in the world for the treatment of health ailments. World Health Organization recognizes TCM as one of the primary healthcare practices followed across the globe. TCM utilizes a holistic approach for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers. The tumor microenvironment (TME) surrounds cancer cells and plays pivotal roles in tumor development, growth, progression, and therapy resistance. TME is a hypoxic and acidic environment that includes immune cells, pericytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, various cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular matrix components. Targeting TME using targeted drug delivery and nanoparticles is an attractive strategy for the treatment of solid tumors and recently has received significant research attention under precise medicine concept. TME plays a pivotal role in the overall survival and metastasis of a tumor by stimulating cell proliferation, preventing the tumor clearance by the immune cells, enhancing the oncogenic potential of the cancer cells, and promoting tumor invasion. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-associated deaths affecting millions of individuals worldwide each year. TCM herbs contain several bioactive phytoconstituents with a broad range of biological, physiological, and immunological effects on the system. Several TCM herbs and their monomers have shown inhibitory effects in HCC by controlling the TME. This study reviews the fundamentals and applications of targeting strategies for immunosuppressing TME to treat cancers. This study focuses on TME targeting strategies using TCM herbs and the molecular mechanisms of several TCM herbs and their monomers on controlling TME.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane vesicles (MVs) playing important roles in various cellular and molecular functions in cell-to-cell signaling and transmitting molecular signals to adjacent as well as distant cells. The preserved cell membrane characteristics in MVs derived from live cells, give them great potential in biological applications. EVs are nanoscale particulates secreted from living cells and play crucial roles in several important cellular functions both in physiological and pathological states. EVs are the main elements in intercellular communication in which they serve as carriers for various endogenous cargo molecules, such as RNAs, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. High tissue tropism capacity that can be conveniently mediated by surface molecules, such as integrins and glycans, is a unique feature of EVs that makes them interesting candidates for targeted drug delivery systems. The cell-derived giant MVs have been exploited as vehicles for delivery of various anticancer agents and imaging probes and for implementing combinational phototherapy for targeted cancer treatment. Giant MVs can efficiently encapsulate therapeutic drugs and deliver them to target cells through the membrane fusion process to synergize photodynamic/photothermal treatment under light exposure. EVs can load diagnostic or therapeutic agents using different encapsulation or conjugation methods. Moreover, to prolong the blood circulation and enhance the targeting of the loaded agents, a variety of modification strategies can be exploited. This paper reviews the EVs-based drug delivery strategies in cancer therapy. Biological, pharmacokinetics and physicochemical characteristics, isolation techniques, engineering, and drug loading strategies of EVs are discussed. The recent preclinical and clinical progresses in applications of EVs and oncolytic virus therapy based on EVs, the clinical challenges and perspectives are discussed.

ABSTRACTBone defects or fractures generally heal in the absence of major interventions due to the high regenerative capacity of bone tissue. However, in situations of severe/large bone defects, these orchestrated regeneration mechanisms are impaired. With advances in modern medicine, natural and synthetic bio-scaffolds from bioceramics and polymers that support bone growth have emerged and gained intense research interest. In particular, scaffolds that recapitulate the molecular cues of extracellular signals, particularly growth factors, offer potential as therapeutic bone biomaterials. The current challenges for these therapies include the ability to engineer materials that mimic the biological and mechanical properties of the real bone tissue matrix, whilst simultaneously supporting bone vascularization. In this review, we discuss the very recent innovative strategies in bone biomaterial technology, including those of endogenous biomaterials and cell/drug delivery systems that promote bone regeneration. We present our understanding of their current value and efficacy, and the future perspectives for bone regenerative medicine.

Food waste is a sustainable and carbon-neutral source of organic compounds, and thus developing an efficient approach for conversion of food waste into chemicals and fuels is one of the most promising ways to contribute to sustainable development. Herein, a facile and rapid method for hydrothermal conversion of food waste with complex components and high water content into formate, which is regarded as an excellent hydrogen storage carrier and as fuel cell material recently, is proposed for the first time. The results showed not only that purified starch and cellulose, which are the major compositions of food waste, but also the real components of food waste, as well as simulated food waste, could be converted efficiently to formate with high yields of 40–78%. Also, it was found that there was no significant disturbance between different components in formate production. This study may provide a promising method for the energy valorization of high water content and complex organic municipal waste.

The Mg-xGd-2.6Nd-0.5Zn-0.5Zr (x=0, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0, wt.%) alloys were prepared by gravity casting and then T6 treatment. Microstructures of the alloy were observed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Results show that the as-cast alloys contained network Mg3Gd phases, blocky and needle-like Mg12(Nd, Gd) phases. The α(Zr) particle inclusions in the α(Mg) matrix are also observed. Content of the secondary phases decreases as Gd content increases. Tensile test results show that the tensile and yield strengths of all the alloys increase as Gd content increases under the as-cast and T6 conditions, but the elongation exhibits the opposite trend. The blocky Mg12(Nd,Gd) phases appear and act as crack initiator and deteriorates the experimental alloys’ ductility with the increase of Gd content, especially as Gd content increases to 6.0wt.%, so the Mg-6.0Gd-2.6Nd-0.5Zn-0.5Zr alloy has the lowest elongation value compared to the other alloys studied. After T6 treatment, the Mg-4.5Gd-2.6Nd-0.5Zn-0.5Zr alloy exhibits the optimal mechanical properties both at room temperature and 250 °C.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) on the maintenance of limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) stemness and restoration of ocular surface. To determine the suitable concentration of SPARC for LESC culture, the marker expression, mitogenic effect, and holoclone‐forming capacity of LESCs treated with different concentrations of SPARC were analyzed. To investigate the mechanism of SPARC's action on the preservation of LESCs stemness, the phosphorylation of related signaling pathways was evaluated by Western blotting. A corneal wound model was established to verify the function of SPARC in ocular surface repair. Consecutive subculturing, colony‐forming efficiency, immunofluorescence, and 5‐ethynyl‐2‐deoxyuridine incorporation assays indicated that 1 μg/mL SPARC was a suitable concentration to stimulate LESC proliferation and preserve their proliferative potential. Compared with a control group, 1 μg/mL SPARC effectively increased the expression of ABCG‐2, Bmi‐1, and Ki67, while decreasing that of CK3/12. The mitogenic effect of SPARC on LESCs was found to be mediated by the phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38‐MAPK signaling pathways, whereas the inhibitors of JNK and p38 MAPK reduced the marker expression and mitogenic capacity of LESCs. In a corneal injury model, SPARC facilitated corneal epithelial wound healing and promoted the proliferation of p63α‐positive cells both in the limbus and in the epithelial healing front. SPARC promotes proliferation while suppressing spontaneous differentiation of LESCs through JNK and p38‐MAPK signaling pathways, suggesting that SPARC is a promising factor for the improvement of LESCs culture in vitro and in vivo. When cultured in medium containing1μg/mL secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) in vitro, limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) showed a greater proliferative and clonogenic capacity and a higher expression of LESCs marker through c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase/p38 MAPK signal pathway. In corneal wounding model, exogenous SPARC accelerated corneal epithelial wound healing and promoted the proliferation of p63α‐positive cells both in limbus and in epithelial healing front.

•Expounding the expression, immunoinfiltration and prognostic significance of CHSTs in gastric cancer.•Constructing a prognostic nomogram with CHST14 as a key molecule in gastric cancer.•CHST14 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration and EMT through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

•The significance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from different sources in gut health was discussed.•EVs contribute to maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier integrity, modulating immune responses, and shaping gut microbiota.•Challenges in EV isolation and purification, size diversity, and cargo loading were highlighted.•Further exploration is needed for the targeted delivery, stability, and reproducibility of EVs.

The short shelf-life of shrimp due to microbial activity and protein spoilage poses a threaten for preservation. In this study, the preservation effect of slightly acid electrolysed water (SAEW) combined with grape seed extract (GSE) was investigated. The combined treatment effectively inhibited the growth of spoilage bacteria including Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Shewanella, and Enterobacteriaceae, which accounted for shrimp spoilage. Besides, the combination efficiently preserved the shrimp colour during storage. To further elucidate the preservative mechanism, the proteomic analysis was conducted, a total of 47 different abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified and quantified. Among these, the combination treatment was most effective in maintaining the main structural proteins presented in myofibrillar protein of shrimp including myosin heavy chain, myosin light chain, actin, and projectin, which was verified by the least changes in texture and protein morphology in combination treated shrimp after storage. These results provided proteomics insight for the preservative mechanism of combined usage of SAEW and GSE.

This paper is devoted to numerically solving a class of optimal stopping problems for stochastic hybrid systems involving both continuous states and discrete events. The motivation for solving this class of problems stems from quickest event detection problems of stochastic hybrid systems in broad application domains. We solve the optimal stopping problems numerically by constructing feasible algorithms using Markov chain approximation techniques. The key tasks we undertake include designing and constructing discrete-time Markov chains that are locally consistent with switching diffusions, proving the convergence of suitably scaled sequences, and obtaining convergence for the cost and value functions. Finally, numerical results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the algorithms.

Ethylenediamine (EDA)-functionalized nano-Fe3O4magnetic particle (EDA@nFe3O4) was first synthesized by solvothermal method, followed by condensation with 3 kinds of salicylaldehydes, and coordinated with Fe(III) ion to obtain 3 kinds of Fe(III)-Salen (salicylaldehydoethylenediamine)-grafted Fe3O4magnetic composites (nFe3O4@Fe(III)Salen). The nFe3O4@Fe(III)Salen composites were characterized by elementary analyzer, X-ray diffractometer, FTIR, ultraviolet Vis DRS, XPS, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The results showed that the nFe3O4@ Fe(III)Salen composites had an average size of ~200 nm, with the saturation magnetization intensity of 20.3–24.8 emu/g. The nFe3O4@Fe(III)Salen can be used as heterogeneous catalyst for the degradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) viaFenton-like reaction under visible light. Radical-trapping experimental results indicated that the •OH radicals were the dominant active oxidizing species in the photoreaction process. The results showed that the highest degradation efficiency to 2,4,6- TCP was found when the nonsubstituted Fe(III)-Salen-grafted composite, nFe3O4@Fe(III)Salen, was used as catalyst. Further degradation studies indicated that at pH 4.0–7.0, with the usage amount of nFe3O4@Fe(III)Salen above 0.8 g/L and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration at 8.16–40.8 mmol/L, the degradation of 2,4,6-TCP with initial concentration less than 50.0 mg/L (253.2 mg/L) can reach almost 100% under the nFe3O4@Fe(III)Salen/H2O2/vis system within 5 min, which showed a wider pH range than that of normal Fenton system. nFe3O4@Fe(III)Salencan be reused after regeneration for at least 5 times (with degradation percentage of 2,4,6-TCP over 95%). It is a potential effective and reusable material for catalytic degradation of 2,4,6-TCP.

The current research of state of charge (SoC) online estimation of lithium-ion battery (LiB) in electric vehicles (EVs) mainly focuses on adopting or improving of battery models and estimation filters. However, little attention has been paid to the accuracy of various open circuit voltage (OCV) models for correcting the SoC with aid of the ampere-hour counting method. This paper presents a comprehensive comparison study on eighteen OCV models which cover the majority of models used in literature. The low-current OCV tests are conducted on the typical commercial LiFePO4/graphite (LFP) and LiNiMnCoO2/graphite (NMC) cells to obtain the experimental OCV-SoC curves at different ambient temperature and aging stages. With selected OCV and SoC points from experimental OCV-SoC curves, the parameters of each OCV model are determined by curve fitting toolbox of MATLAB 2013. Then the fitting OCV-SoC curves based on diversified OCV models are also obtained. The indicator of root-mean-square error (RMSE) between the experimental data and fitted data is selected to evaluate the adaptabilities of these OCV models for their main features, advantages, and limitations. The sensitivities of OCV models to ambient temperatures, aging stages, numbers of data points, and SoC regions are studied for both NMC and LFP cells. Furthermore, the influences of these models on SoC estimation are discussed. Through a comprehensive comparison and analysis on OCV models, some recommendations in selecting OCV models for both NMC and LFP cells are given.

Rhizoma corydalisand Radix Angelicae Dahurica(Yuanhu–Baizhi) herbal medicine pair has been used for thousands of years and has been reported to be potentially active in recent cancer therapy. But the exact active components or fractions remain unclear. In this study, a new comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-decorated MCF7-cell membrane chromatography (CMC)/capcell-C18 column/time-of-flight mass spectrometry system was established for screening potential active components and clarifying the active fraction of Yuanhu–Baizhi pair. APTES was modified on the surface of silica, which can provide an amino group to covalently link cell membrane fragments with the help of glutaraldehyde in order to improve the stability and column life span of the MCF7 CMC column. The comprehensive 2D MCF7-CMC system showed good separation and identification abilities. Our screen results showed that the retention components are mainly from the alkaloids in Yuanhu (12 compounds) and the coumarins (10 compounds) in Baizhi, revealing the active fractions of Yuanhu–Baizhi herbal medicine pair. Oxoglaucine, protopine, berberine, osthole, isopimpinellin and palmitic acid were selected as typical components to test the effects on cell proliferation and their IC50were calculated as 38.17 μM, 29.45 μM, 45.42 μM, 132.7 μM, 156.8 μM and 90.5 μM respectively. Cell apoptosis assay showed that the drug efficacy was obtained mainly through inducing cell apoptosis. Furthermore, a synergistic assay results demonstrated that oxoglaucine (representative of alkaloids from Yuanhu) and isopimpinellin (representative of coumarins from Baizhi) showed significant synergistic efficacy with GFT, indicating that these components may act on other membrane receptors. The proposed 2D CMC system could also be equipped with other cells for further applications. Besides, the follow-up in-vitro experimental strategy using cell proliferation assay, cell apoptosis assay and synergistic assay proved to be a practical way to confirm the active fractions of herbal medicine.

Brainstem metastases offer a unique challenge in cancer treatment, yet stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has proven to be an effective modality in treating these tumors. This report discusses the clinical outcomes of patients with brainstem metastases treated at Indiana University with Gamma Knife (GK) radiosurgery from 2008 to 2016. 19 brainstem metastases from 14 patients who had follow-up brain imaging were identified. Median tumor volume was 0.04 cc (range: 0.01–2.0 cc). Median prescribed dose was 17.5 Gy to the 50% isodose line (range: 14–22 Gy). Median survival after GK SRS treatment to brainstem lesion was 17.2 months (range: 2.8–45.6 months). The experience at Indiana University confirms the safety and efficacy of range of GK SRS prescription doses (14–22 Gy) to brainstem metastases.

Brainstem metastases offer a unique challenge in cancer treatment, yet stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has proven to be an effective modality in treating these tumors. This report discusses the clinical outcomes of patients with brainstem metastases treated at Indiana University with Gamma Knife (GK) radiosurgery from 2008 to 2016. 19 brainstem metastases from 14 patients who had follow-up brain imaging were identified. Median tumor volume was 0.04 cc (range: 0.01–2.0 cc). Median prescribed dose was 17.5 Gy to the 50 isodose line (range: 14–22 Gy). Median survival after GK SRS treatment to brainstem lesion was 17.2 months (range: 2.8–45.6 months). The experience at Indiana University confirms the safety and efficacy of range of GK SRS prescription doses (14–22 Gy) to brainstem metastases.

An ethylenediamine (EDA)-functionalized Fe3O4magnetic nanochain (EDA@nFe3O4) was synthesized by one-pot solvothermal method. The EDA@nFe3O4was characterized by elementary analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Its application for adsorption and degradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) was investigated. The results show that the EDA@nFe3O4has an average size of ~150 nm, and self-assembled to be a nanochain, with the saturation magnetization intensity of 46.8 emu/g. The adsorption capacity of EDA@nFe3O4is found to be 902.5 mg/g when the initial concentration of 2,4,6-TCP at 1,000 mg/L. The adsorption processes fit the Freundlich isotherms well. The adsorption processes reach the equilibrium within 5 min and the kinetic data are well fitted to the pseudo-second-order model. The post-adsorbed material was added to Fe3+–H2O2system. In situ degradation of 2,4,6-TCP via Fenton-like reaction under visible light can be realized. The results indicate that at pH 3.0–8.0, the degradation of 2,4,6-TCP with loading concentration at 6.20–122.2 mg/g can be reached to almost 100% within 5 min. EDA@nFe3O4can be reused after regeneration. It is a potential effective and reusable material for adsorption and degradation of 2,4,6-TCP.

We have previously developed a new process of highly efficient conversion of CO2and water into formic acid with metallic Zn without the addition of catalyst, however, its mechanism is not clear, particularly in the catalytic role of Zn/ZnO interface. Herein, the autocatalytic role of Zn/ZnO interface formed in situ during the reduction of CO2into formic acid with Zn in water was studied by combining high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques and experimental data. The electron microscope results show that possible defects or dislocations formed on Zn/ZnO interface, in which plays a key role for ZnH−formation. Further XPS analyses indicate that oxygen vacancies on Zn/ZnO interface increased at short reaction times (less than 10min). These analyses and experimental results suggest that a highly efficient and rapid conversion of CO2and water into formic acid should involve an autocatalytic role of the Zn/ZnO interface formed in situ, particularly at the beginning of the reaction.

This paper treats the problem of existence of a controller for networked-timed discrete-event systems. The results are new and useful for any networked discrete-event system for which it is important that time be explicitly considered in the model. We assume that a controller (supervisor) communicates with the system to be controlled via a shared communication network. Delays and losses in communication systems and their impacts on control are investigated. Under the assumption that the delays and losses are bounded, we derive a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a controller. The condition is expressed as network T-controllability and network T-observability, which are defined in this paper. We apply the results to power distribution network management, and illustrate the application using a 33-node (bus) test system, where the objective is to ensure that the total substation transformer power stays within prespecified safety limits.