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The distributed optimization algorithms using consensus control are proposed for solving multi-agent optimization problems. The multi-agent optimization problem has discrete and continuous decision variables to minimize the sum of local cost functions with local and global constraints. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer programming problem. In this study, we propose two distributed optimization algorithms to solve the problem. A feasible solution is obtained by solving the continuous optimization problem using an existing distributed optimization method with consensus control and solving the discrete optimization problem by fixing 0-1 variables. In the proposed method 1, all possible combinations of a binary variables are searched. Since all combinations are searched, the exact optimal solution can be obtained. However, it is difficult to apply to large-scale problems. In the proposed method 2, we derive the solution of binary variables by using Lagrangian decomposition and coordination approach. The proposed method 2 can provide approximate solutions for more complex problems within a practical computation time. These methods are successfully implemented to obtain near-optimal solutions in a distributed environment for supply chain planning problems for multiple companies and multi-agent unit commitment problem. The number of information exchanges in the two proposed methods is evaluated. The information exchange for these methods can significantly reduce the data exchange compared with the conventional centralized optimization method. Computational experiments for the multi-agent unit commitment problems and supply chain planning problems for multiple companies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

During the cutting process, it is crucial to replace cutting tools at the right time to meet machining accuracy requirements. However, determining tool life relies on the unsystematic tacit knowledge of skilled engineers. Moreover, the increasing variety of cutting tools needed to accommodate the trend towards small quantities of various products has made it even more challenging to determine tool life. This study aimed to address this issue by developing a system that could accurately determine when to replace ball end-mills without requiring the judgment of skilled engineers. The results of the study showed that anomaly detection methods can be applied to images of worn tools to determine tool life accurately. By converting current value data during cutting into images and using image classification methods, it is possible to classify tools according to their wear conditions, such as new, early wear, end stage of wear, and end of tool life. The study also showed that constructing a multimodal judgment system using both tool appearance image abnormality detection and current value data image classification resulted in a 98% judgment accuracy rate for tools that had reached the end of their service life, with a correct answer rate of over 90%.

Abstract Aim This pilot examined the effect of online peer support on mental health problems among individuals with post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐2019 (PASC). Methods A single‐arm pre‐post design of online peer‐support design consisting of eight sessions of 1 h per week with three to six participants and two facilitators per group was performed. Participants were recruited from online communities, social media, and medical clinics for the PASC between May and August 2023. The degrees of depression, anxiety, loneliness, social withdrawal, and self‐esteem were measured pre‐ and post‐intervention. Participants' statements during the sessions were analyzed using thematic analyses. Results Of the 18 participants, three dropped out of the interventions, and 17 (including two participants who dropped out) completed the pre‐ and post‐intervention questionnaires. Depression severity significantly decreased in the paired t‐test and linear mixed model. The following interactions were extracted: conveying the same feelings, dealing with difficulties, showing empathy, enhancing the atmosphere, and adapting to suit health conditions. Impressions extracted from participating in the interventions included feelings of emotional support, a sense of bonding, changes in perspective, changes in behaviors or new actions through participation, inadequacy during sessions, and adverse effects associated with participation. Conclusion Online peer support may be helpful in treating depression in individuals with PASC.

RationaleMG53’s known function in facilitating tissue repair and anti-inflammation has broad applications to regenerative medicine. There is controversy regarding MG53’s role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus.ObjectiveThis study aims to address this controversy – whether MG53’s myokine function contributes to inhibition of insulin signaling in muscle, heart, and liver tissues.Study designWe determined the binding affinity of the recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) to the insulin receptor extracellular domain (IR-ECD) and found low affinity of interaction with Kd (>480 nM). Using cultured C2C12 myotubes and HepG2 cells, we found no effect of rhMG53 on insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation (p-Akt). We performed in vivo assay with C57BL/6J mice subjected to insulin stimulation (1 U/kg, intraperitoneal injection) and observed no effect of rhMG53 on insulin-stimulated p-Akt in muscle, heart and liver tissues.ConclusionOverall, our data suggest that rhMG53 can bind to the IR-ECD, however has a low likelihood of a physiologic role, as the Kd for binding is ~10,000 higher than the physiologic level of MG53 present in the serum of rodents and humans (~10 pM). Our findings question the notion proposed by Xiao and colleagues – whether targeting circulating MG53 opens a new therapeutic avenue for type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Background Flow diversion (FD) has emerged as an effective treatment option for intracranial aneurysms. However, there is limited evidence regarding its safety and efficacy specifically for distal and small‐artery aneurysms of the posterior circulation. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of FD for aneurysms arising from the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, anterior inferior cerebellar artery, superior cerebellar artery, and the P2 and P3 segments of the posterior cerebral artery. Methods This is a subanalysis of the Post‐FD (Posterior Circulation Aneurysms Treated With Flow Diversion) registry, highlighting distal aneurysms in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, anterior inferior cerebellar artery, superior cerebellar artery, and the P2 and P3 segments of the posterior cerebral artery treated with FD. Aneurysm characteristics and patient outcomes were described for the total series, and a more focused analysis comparing fusiform/dissecting versus saccular aneurysms was performed. The primary treatment outcome was complete aneurysm occlusion (Raymond–Roy class 1). Primary safety outcome was major ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke following FD. Secondary outcomes included functional outcome, aneurysm retreatment, and in‐stent stenosis. Results Overall, 36 patients with 36 aneurysms were treated with FD, with a median age of 60.0 years (interquartile range [IQR], 52.8—65.3 years). Of those, 13 were fusiform/dissecting, while 23 were saccular aneurysms. Complete occlusion was achieved in 78.1% for all aneurysms at a median follow‐up of 14.0 months (IQR, 9.3–48.6 months). There was a nonsignificant trend in rates of complete occlusion between fusiform/dissecting (91.7%) and saccular aneurysms (70%; P = 0.151). Major stroke was reported in 2 cases (5.6%) and in‐stent stenosis in 4 (11.1%), and retreatment was required for 4 aneurysms (11.4%) There was no difference in rates of major stroke, in‐stent stenosis, or retreatment between fusiform/dissecting and saccular aneurysms. Conclusion This study suggests the safety and feasibility of FD for distal aneurysms of the posterior circulation, particularly fusiform/dissecting aneurysms. Further larger‐scale studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Introduction: Accelerating smoking cessation, particularly among young adults, is a national priority for decreasing tobacco-related disease. Healthcare providers play a critical role in delivering tobacco treatment interventions to this population. This study examined associations of demographic and tobacco use characteristics with young adults’ self-reported past-year clinical encounters to identify opportunities to facilitate cessation. Methods: We conducted cross-sectional, secondary analyses on a sample of 831 young adults aged 18–34 participating in the first wave of the National Young Adult Health Survey (NYAHS 2018–2019). Demographic and tobacco use characteristics were participants’ sex, age, race, current cigarette use, and current other tobacco use. Clinical encounter outcomes were past-year self-report of (1) seeing a clinician, (2) being asked about tobacco use, and among those currently smoking, (3) being advised to quit smoking. Results: After adjustment for covariates, women (vs. men) had 2.16 times greater odds of reporting seeing a clinician, while Non-White (vs. White) young adults and those currently (vs. never) smoking had 69% and 47% lower odds. Women and those currently smoking had 2.98 and 2.66 times greater odds, respectively, of being asked about tobacco use. Among those who currently smoked, being not confident (vs. confident) about quitting smoking was associated with 69% lower odds of being advised to quit; those who reported moderate (vs. low) nicotine dependence had 3.11 times higher odds of being advised to quit. Conclusions: Sex, racial, and smoking status differences in young adults’ clinical encounter outcomes suggest multiple opportunities for future smoking prevention and cessation intervention efforts.

Background: Limited data exists on upfront combination therapy for portopulmonary hypertension. We evaluated the clinical efficacy, long-term outcomes, and safety of upfront combination therapy in patients with portopulmonary hypertension. Methods: We performed a retrospective, single-center cohort study involving a final analysis of 33 consecutive patients diagnosed with portopulmonary hypertension who were taking pulmonary arterial hypertension-specific medication. We compared hemodynamic parameters, risk profiles, composite clinical worsening events, and safety between monotherapy (n = 23) and upfront combination therapy (n = 10). Results: Twenty-seven patients (82 %) were classified into the Child–Pugh A stage. The change ratios of pulmonary vascular resistance (−32 % vs. −57 %, P = 0.006) were significantly better with upfront combination therapy. Upfront combination therapy also showed significant improvement in risk profiles. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the composite event-free rate was significantly lower in patients who received upfront combination therapy than in those who received monotherapy (P = 0.016), although no statistical differences were observed in all-cause death. In the univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, upfront combination therapy was a factor for decreasing composite clinical worsening outcomes (hazard ratio 0.190, 95 % confidence interval 0.042–0.854; P = 0.030). No significant hepatic impairments were observed over 2 years of follow-up in the upfront combination group. Conclusions: In patients with portopulmonary hypertension, upfront combination therapy significantly improved symptoms and short-term hemodynamics, and reduced long-term clinical worsening events without serious adverse effects. This study's findings suggest that patients with portopulmonary hypertension presenting with mild hepatic impairment benefit from upfront combination therapy.

We report the results of our investigation of agarose gel electrophoresis and hybridization of mercaptopropionic-acid-capped quantum dots (MPA-capped QDs) conjugated with short single-stranded DNA, as part of a study of closely spaced linear QD chains. The electrophoresis results suggest that migration speed and separation resolution depend on the amount of MPA on the QD surface. The QDs separated by electrophoresis according to DNA valence, i.e., the amount of DNA per particle, were used as building blocks for the synthesis of linear QD oligomers.