Transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8) is a cation channel that is activated by cold and “cooling agents” such as menthol and icilin, which induce a cold sensation. Stimulation of TRPM8 activates an intracellular signaling cascade that ultimately leads to a change in the gene expression pattern of the cells. Here, we investigated the TRPM8-induced signaling pathway that links TRPM8 channel activation to gene transcription. Using a pharmacological approach, we show that inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5 kinase alpha (PIP5K), an enzyme essential for the biosynthesis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, attenuated TRPM8-induced gene transcription. Analyzing the link between TRPM8 and Gq proteins, we show that pharmacological inhibition of the beta gamma subunits impairs TRPM8 signaling. In addition, genetic studies showed that TRPM8 requires an activated Galpha subunit for signaling. In the nucleus, the TRPM8-induced signaling cascade triggers an activation of the transcription factor AP-1, a complex consisting of a dimer of basic region leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors. Here, we identified the bZIP protein c-Jun as an essential component of AP-1 within the TRPM8-induced signling cscade. In summary, with PIP5K, Gq subunits and c-Jun we have identified key molecules in the TRPM8-induced signaling from the plasma membrane to the nucleus.

Depression marsh intra- and interspecific facilitation in Southeast Florida, dominated by Hypericum fasciculatum, Stillingia aquatica, and Rhynchospora tracyi were studied as a third installment to the author’s ongoing interest in “Hypericum-Stillingia (HS) marsh” vegetation. The project includes a contextual overview in relation to the HS marsh environmental filter, stress-gradient-hypothesis, and harsh-habitat trait convergence vs. divergence. Using field measurements, transects, and quadrats, the effort focused mainly on two research questions: 1. Does the Hypericum fasciculatum microdistribution relate to marsh microtopography? 2. Does H. fasciculatum have positive or negative associations with other species? Tempered by “cause and effect” concerns, the results supported positive feedback autogenic site alteration by H. fasciculatum along with interspecific facilitation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) have revolutionised e-learning by creating personalised, adaptive, and secure environments. However, challenges such as privacy, bias, and data limitations persist. E-FedCloud aims to address these issues by providing more agile, personalised, and secure e-learning experiences. This study introduces E-FedCloud, an AI-assisted adaptive e-learning system that automates personalised recommendations and tracking, thereby enhancing student performance. It employs federated learning-based authentication to ensure secure and private access for both course instructors and students. Intelligent Software Agents (ISAs) evaluate weekly student engagement using the Shannon Entropy method, classifying students into either engaged or not-engaged clusters. E-FedCloud utilises weekly engagement status, demographic information, and an innovative DRL-based early warning system, specifically ID2QN, to predict the performance of not-engaged students. Based on these predictions, the system categorises students into three groups: risk of dropping out, risk of scoring lower in the final exam, and risk of failing the end exam. It employs a multi-disciplinary ontology graph and an attention-based capsule network for automated, personalised recommendations. The system also integrates performance tracking to enhance student engagement. Data is securely stored on a blockchain using the LWEA encryption method.

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have been used for liver gene therapy. Hemgenix and Roctavian are AAV-based treatments for hemophilia B and A, respectively. They cost $3 million and $2.8 million per dose, respectively. While AAV vectors may eventually be cheaper to mass produce, a bacteria-based DNA delivery system might be much cheaper for patients. Also, “bactofection” would allow for the delivery of much larger DNA packages. Such a bacterial system may now be possible, and a prototype for the liver could possibly be developed immediately.

INTRODUCTION: Breast sensibility following reconstruction surgery, though often overlooked, holds significant importance due to its widespread occurrence and profound effects on patients’ well-being and safety. Our objective is to compare the sensory outcomes between DIEP flap microsurgery reconstruction and implant-based reconstruction. Additionally, we explored the potential influence of sociodemographic and clinical factors on sensory recovery, along with assessing temperature discrimination abilities and evaluating quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted an ambispective descriptive-analytical study, involving women who underwent mastectomy with reconstruction using either DIEP flap and implants at our hospital between 1990 and 2021. Data were collected from medical records, patient histories, physical examination, and validated quality of life questionnaires (BREAST-Q). RESULTS: A total of 99 women with breast reconstruction were included, 47 with DIEP flap and 52 with implants. Sensory recovery in implant-based reconstruction was found to be superior to DIEP flap reconstruction (5.03 and 5.18 respectively, p-value <0.005). A direct correlation was observed between sensory improvement and thermal discrimination (Spearman coefficient 0.9, p-value <0.001). Factors such as radiotherapy, delayed reconstruction with DIEP flap, and height with implants were associated with poorer sensory recovery in the breast. Women experiencing better breast sensibility reported higher satisfaction with their surgeon, medical team, and psychosocial quality of life. CONCLUSION: Women reconstructed with implants or DIEP abdominal flap exhibit suboptimal overall sensory recovery of the reconstructed breast, with slightly better outcomes observed in women reconstructed with implants.

In this study, the microbial strain was isolated from the humus soil to ferment Sophora flavescens and Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus extracts. The isolated microbial was identified as Bacillus genus by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The fermented plant extracts exhibited the antifungal effects against four types of the plant pathogens such as P. carotorum, B. cinerea, C. fructicola Sau-3, and C. gloeosporioides according to incubation time. Especially, the fermented plant extracts showed the most active activities for Colletotrichum genus to inhibit mycelium growth. Metabolite changes in fermented S. flavescens and E. sessiliflorus extracts were confirmed through LC-Q-TOF/MS. Flavonoid and peptide derivatives were improved in fermented S. flavescens and E. sessiliflorus extracts compared to their unfermented one, respectively. This study suggested that the isolated Bacillus microbial fermentation could be a valuable tool in improving the bioactivity of S. flavescens and E. sessiliflorus extracts to have potential with more environmentally-friendly antifungal agents.

Given the landscape of intricate and constantly evolving cyber threats, organizations demand refined strategies to deploy a Security Information and Event Management to support the management of a Cyber Security Operations Center. The dynamic nature of cyber threats complicates the efficient allocation of the location of network intrusion detection sensors, a critical component of a robust cybersecurity framework. Our research introduces an approach that integrates the precision of biomimetic optimization algorithms with the adaptability of Deep Q–Learning. By employing different biomimetic algorithms enhanced with deep learning, we aim to refine the deployment of sensors in network infrastructures, balancing the network security imperative against deployment costs. The results of computational tests demonstrate that the improved iterations leveraging Deep Q–Learning have outperformed their native counterparts. These findings underscore the importance of reinforcement learning, specifically through Deep Q–Learning, as a powerful tool to enhance the effectiveness of metaheuristics in addressing optimization challenges.

We investigate a singularly perturbed q-difference differential Cauchy problem with polynomial coefficients in complex time and space with quadratic nonlinearity. We construct local holomorphic solutions on sectors in the complex plane with respect to the perturbation parameter with values in some Banach space of formal power series in space with analytic coefficients on shrinking domains in time. Two aspects of these solutions are addressed. One feature concerns asymptotic expansions in the parameter for which a Gevrey type structure is unveiled. The other fact deals with confluence properties as q tends to 1. In particular the built up Banach valued solutions are shown to merge in norm to a fully bounded holomorphic map in all its arguments that solves a nonlinear partial differential Cauchy problem.

Many corporations have now revised their value statements to showcase their commitment to sustainable development and green business due to the pressing issues of climate and environmental damage. Despite the importance of value statements that can direct companies to achieve sustainable goals, what kind of values can be perceived as organizational orientations to sustainability remains unknown. This study explores how the general public views the inclusion of sustainable components in value statements from the listed companies in Hong Kong by using Q-sort methodology (n = 30). Analyzing the final sample of 40 value statements extracted from 27 listed companies, we identified three factors related to sustainability, namely, Empowering business process management, Empowering customer-centric excellence, and Empowering sustainable progress. This study provides an additional component to the traditional triple bottom line by suggesting that internal operation of a company is an emerging idea to understand corporate sustainability.

Wavelength selective switches (WSSs) are essential elements for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical networks, as they offer cost-effective, high port-count and flexible spectral channel switching. This work proposes a new hybrid WSS architecture that leverages the beam shaping and steering features of uniform silicon nitride (SiN) based end-fire optical phased arrays (OPAs). By introducing beamforming to a WSS system, the spectral channels on the liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) panel can be tailored and arranged properly, depending on the optical configuration, using the beam control capabilities of OPAs. Combining 3D-FDTD and ray tracing simulations, the study shows that by reducing the input beam dimensions with proper sizing of the OPAs, the WSS design with the null-steering OPAs layout and 4×No switch size features increased spectral resolution. This extensive beamforming study on the steering-enabled layout reveals the acquirement of an even higher input channel number, achieving up to the 8×No WSS scheme with flexible channel routing on the LCoS panel. Such implementation of beamsteerers can unlock an extra degree of freedom for the switching capabilities of hybrid WSS devices. The results show great promise for the introduction of OPAs in WSS systems and provide valuable insight for the design of future wireless communication links and WDM systems.

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a lipidic compound widely distributed in nature with crucial functions in metabolism, protection against oxidative damage and ferroptosis, and other processes. CoQ biosynthesis is a conserved and complex pathway involving several proteins. COQ2 is a member of the UbiA family of transmembrane prenyltransferases that catalyzes the condensation of the head and tail precursors of CoQ, a key step in the process because its product is the first intermediate that will be modified in the head by the next component of the synthesis process. Mutations in this protein have been linked to primary CoQ deficiency in humans, a rare disease predominantly affecting organs with a high energy demand. The reaction catalyzed by COQ2 and its mechanism are still unknown. Here we aimed at clarifying COQ2 reaction by exploring possible substrate binding sites using a strategy based on homology, comprising the identification of ligand-bound homologs with solved structures available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and their subsequent structural superposition to the AlphaFold predicted model for COQ2. The results highlight some residues located on the central cavity or the matrix loops that may be involved in substrate interaction, some of them mutated in primary CoQ deficiency patients. Furthermore, we analyze the structural modifications introduced by the pathogenic mutations found in humans. These findings shed new light on the understanding of COQ2 function and, thus, CoQ biosynthesis and pathogenicity of primary CoQ deficiency.

Cinnamomum tamala leaf (CTL), also known as tejpat and Indian bay leaf, is used all over the world for seasoning, flavouring, and medicinal purposes. Numerous researchers are interested in exploring the nutritional and medicinal benefits of CTL due to their potential as nutraceuticals. These characteristics could be explained by the presence of several essential bioactive substances and lipid derivatives. There are no reports available on this species about its metabolites profile. In this work, rapid screen and identify chemical compounds in supercritical (SC)-CO2 extracts of CTL by use of UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE with multivariate statistical analysis approach was established in both negative and positive mode. As a results, a total of 166 compounds, including 66 monocarboxylic fatty acids, 52 dicarboxylic fatty acids, 27 fatty acid amides, and 21 others were tentatively identified based on accurate mass, and the mass spectrometric fragmentation pattern, out of which 142 compounds are common and found in all five CTL extracts. They displayed robust [M+H]+ and/or [M-H]- ions in both low- and high-energy collision-induced dissociations (CIDs). Based on chemical profiling and chemometric analysis, CTL4 (300bar/55°C) extract was found significantly more potent in other CTL’s extracts. A new mono- and di-carboxylic fatty acids, fatty acid amides and other essential bioactive compounds were separated within 20 min runtime and identified in CTL for the first time. The combination of UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE and chemometric analysis is a powerful method to rapidly screen the metabolites profile for the quality control of C. tamala leaf.

The development of saltiness enhancement peptides is important in reducing salt intake and promoting dietary health. Our study aimed to analyze and identify straw mushroom enzymatic peptides with salty taste enhancing effects. The taste-related peptides within the straw mush-room extract were isolated via ultrafiltration and identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Sub-sequent, E-tongue and sensory analyses unveiled that the ultrafiltration fraction (500-2000 Da) of straw mushroom peptides exhibited a saltiness enhancement effect. The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 220 peptides within the ultrafiltration fractions (500-2000 Da), which were then assessed for their interaction with the T1R1/T1R3 receptor. The investigation underscored the significant involvement of Asp223, Gln243, Leu232, Asp251, and Pro254 in the binding of peptides from triple enzymatically hydrolyzed straw mushrooms to T1R1/T1R3. Based on the binding energy and active site analysis, three peptides were selected for synthesis: DFNALPFK (-9.2 kcal/mol), YNEDNGIVK (-8.8 kcal/mol), and VPGGQEIKDR (-8.9 kcal/mol). Notably, 3.2 mmol of VPGGQEIKDR enhanced a 0.05% NaCl solution to the saltiness level of a 0.15% NaCl solution. Also, 0.8 mmol of YNEDNGIVK elevated a 0.05% NaCl solution to the saltiness of a 0.1% NaCl solution.

Price markups and firm Tobin’s Q ratios are widely believed to have been increasing in the past several decades. Various models for the calculation of price markups have been developed, but each have methodological drawbacks and some results are poorly reflective of the near past wider macroeconomic experience. This paper defines an approach for the definition and measurement of markup pricing using the measure of Economic Rent and The Capital Asset Pricing Model. The results show limited markup pricing for The UK’s FTSE 100 companies (2018-2023), but that that certain Real Estate, Technology/Media and Financial Services/Equity Investment firms have enjoyed higher price markup levels. An analysis of the business models of these firms is used to qualitatively propose explanations for such markups. Finally, this work offers a formal proof that that expected price markup is equal to Tobin’s Q and finds that the empiric market level of markup is near equivalent to the market Tobin’s Q; differences between the markup and Tobin’s Q at the level of the firm are equally assessed.

Towards smart batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) smart algorithms to control battery packs, mainly reconfigurable batteries, have to be developed. This work proposes a reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm to balance the State of Charge (SoC) of reconfigurable batteries based on the topologies half-bridge and battery modular multilevel management (BM3). As RL algorithm, Amortized Q-learning (AQL) is implemented, which allows enourmous numbers of possible configurations of the reconfigurable battery to be controlled, as well as the combination of classical controlling approach and machine learning methods. This enables safety mechanisms in control. As a neural network of the AQL a Feedforward Neuronal Network (FNN) is implemented consisting of three hidden layers. The experimental evaluation using a 12-cell hybrid cascaded multilevel converter illustrates the applicability of the method to balance the SoC and maintain the balanced state during discharge. The evaluation shows a 20.3% slower balancing compared to the classical. Nevertheless, AQL shows great potential to be applied for multiobjective optimizations as an applicable RL algorithm for control in power electronics.

Rectenna is the key component in radio-frequency circuits for receiving and converting electromagnetic waves into direct current. However, it is very challenging for the conventional semiconductor diode switches to rectify high-frequency signals for 6G telecommunication (>100 GHz), medical detection (>THz) and rectenna solar cells (optical frequencies). Such a major challenge can be resolved by replacing the conventional semiconductor diodes with tunneling diodes as the rectenna switches. In this work, metal-insulator-metal (MIM) tunneling diodes based on 2D insulating materials were designed, and their performance was evaluated using a comprehensive simulation approach which includes density-function-theory simulation of 2D insulator materials, modeling of the electrical characteristics of tunneling diodes, and circuit simulation for rectifiers. It is found that novel 2D insulators such as monolayer TiO2 can be obtained by oxidizing sulfur-metal layered materials. The MIM diodes based on such insulators exhibit fast tunneling and excellent current rectifying properties. Such tunneling diodes effectively convert the received high-frequency electromagnetic waves into direct current.

Lifestyle interventions halt the progression of prediabetes to frank type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the feasibility of a diabetes prevention program promoting tailored interventions on a national scale and conducted by primary care physicians is unclear. To explore this issue, general practitioners dislocated in ten different regions throughout Italy enrolled random subjects without known metabolic diseases to identify individuals with prediabetes and prescribe them an intervention based on physical activity. Using a simple stepwise approach, people referring to their primary care physician for any reason were screened for their diabetes risk with a web-based app of the Findrisc questionnaire. Those at risk for T2D, i.e. with a Findrisc score > 9, were invited to come back after overnight fasting to measure fasting glycaemia (FG). Those with 100 ≤ FG < 126 mg/dL were considered as people with prediabetes and compiled the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) to then receive a personalized prescription of physical activity. Overall, 5928 people were enrolled and compiled the questionnaire. Of these, 2895 (48.8 %) were at risk for T2D. Among these, FG was measured in 2168 subjects (participation rate 75%). The numbers of individuals with undetected prediabetes and T2D according to FG were 755 and 79 (34.8% and 3.6% of those assessing FG), respectively. Of the 755 subjects in the prediabetes range, 739 compiled the PAR-Q and started a personalized program of physical activity (participation rate 97%). Physicians involved in the study reported a mean of 6 minutes to perform the screening. Overall, these data suggest the feasibility of a national diabetes prevention program developed by general practitioners using a simple stepwise approach starting from a web-app to intercept individuals with prediabetes.

Given the AdS/CFT relationship, the study of higher-dimensional AdS black holes is extremely important. Furthermore, since the restriction derived from $f(Q)$'s field equations which prevents it from deriving spherically symmetric black hole solutions, the result is either $Q'=0$ or $f_{QQ}=0$. We derive static anti-de-Sitter black holes in $D$-dimensions using the cylindrical coordinate in the framework of the cubic form of $f(Q)$ gravity, where the coincident gauge condition is imposed \cite{Heisenberg:2023lru,Maurya:2023muz}. Within this study we are going to use the power-law ansatz which is the most viable according to observations where $f(Q)=Q+\frac{1}2\gamma Q^2+\frac{1}3\gamma Q^3-2\Lambda$, and the condition $D \geq 4$ is satisfied. Since these solutions lack a general relativity limit, they belong to a brand-new solution class, the characteristics of which are derived only from the non-metricity $Q$ modification. We investigate the singularities of the solutions by computing the values of different curvature and non-metricity invariants. We discover that the solutions indeed have a central singularity, but because of the f(Q) impact, it is softer than in the typical general relativity case. In conclusion, we compute thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy, Hawking temperature, and entropy. These thermodynamic calculations confirm that our model is stable.

In many developing countries of the world including Pakistan motorcycle steeling is one of the main issue that needs to be dealt with an iron hand as it leads to economic losses as well as crime increase in the society, according to the DOWN REPORT there were 28609 motorcycle stolen in 2019 and this number has been increased to 34908 in 2020. Now due to the increasing motorcycles stealing crime what measures can we take to reduce the number of motorcycle theft the rule of technology is enormous in this regards specially information technology (IT) , information technology can play an important role in the security of motorcycles from being theft by the thieves, Information technology provide us the GSM based control system which can be very help full to construct a security system for motorcycle in order to make it antitheft.

The aim of this study was to analyze the profile of IgG subclasses in COVID-19 convalescent Puerto Rican subjects and compare this profile with those exhibited by no-infected immunocompetent or immunocompromised subjects that received the mRNA vaccine. The most notable find-ngs from this study are: 1) Convalescent subjects that were not hospitalized developed high and long-lasting antibody response. 2) Both, IgG1 and IgG3 are the subclasses more prevalent in the SARS-CoV-2 infected population whereas IgG1 is more prevalent after vaccination. 3) Individuals that first had the infection and further received two doses of mRNA vaccines exhibited more robust neutralizing capacity against Omicron than those that were never infected and received two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. 4) A class switch toward the “anti-inflammatory” anti-body isotype IgG4 is induced a few weeks after the third dose, which peaked abruptly and remained at high levels for a long period. Moreover, the high levels of IgG4 are concurrent with high neutralizing percentages against various VOC including Omicron. 5) Subjects with IBD also develop IgG4 after the third dose, although these antibody levels have limited effect on the neutralizing capacity. Knowing that the mRNA vaccines do not prevent reinfections, all Omicron sub-variants that are dominant worldwide have shown to be less pathogenic, and the IgG4 levels have been associated to immunotolerance and causative of numerous negative effects, the recommendations of successive administration of booster vaccinations to people should be revised.

To investigate factors associated with the success of switching to faricimab for type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV) refractory to intravitreal aflibercept (IVA). This retrospective cohort study included patients with type 1 MNV who were switched to faricimab because they were refractory to IVA at two centers. The main outcome was an extension of the treatment interval after 6 months, and factors related to the success or failure of the extension and visual and anatomical outcomes were assessed. The analysis included 43 eyes of 43 patients. Extended dosing intervals of more than 2 weeks were identified in 14 eyes (32.6%). A short dosing interval before the switch, the absence of polypoidal lesions, and a thin central choroidal thickness before the switch were identified as factors involved in successful extension. For patients with refractory type 1 MNV, switching to faricimab is a safe and potential option to extend from existing dosing intervals.

The performance consistency of an RF MEMS switch matrix is a crucial metric, which directly impacts its operational lifespan. An improved crossbar-based RF MEMS switch matrix topology, the SR-Crossbar, was investigated in this article. An optimized port configuration scheme was proposed for the RF MEMS switch matrix. Both the utilization probability of individual switch nodes and path lengths in the switch matrix achieve best consistency simultaneously under the proposed port configuration scheme. One significant advantage of this scheme lies in that it only adjusts positions of input and output ports, with topology and individual switch nodes kept unchanged. This grants it a high level of generality and feasibility, and also introduces an additional degree of freedom for optimizations. The article also constructed a universal utilization probability function of single nodes, and formulated an optimization objective function for the SR-Crossbar RF MEMS switch matrix, which provides a convenient approach to directly solving the optimized port configuration scheme for practical applications.

Intermediate CAG expansions in the gene ataxin-2 (ATXN2) are a known risk factor for ALS, but little is known about their role in FTD risk. Moreover, their contribution to the risk and phenotype of patients might vary in populations with different genetic background. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of intermediate CAG expansions in ATXN2 with the risk and phenotype of ALS and FTD in the Spanish population. Repeat-Primed PCR was performed in 620 ALS and 137 FTD patients in three referral centers of Spain to determine the exact number of CAG repeats. In our cohort, ≥27 CAG repeats in ATXN2 was associated with a higher risk of developing ALS (odds ratio [OR] = 2.666 [1.471-4.882]; p = 0.0013), but not FTD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.446 [0.558-3.574]; p = 0.44). Moreover, ALS patients with ≥27 CAG repeats in ATXN2 showed shorter survival rate compared to those with &lt;27 repeats (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74 [1.18, 2.56], p = 0.005), more frequent limb onset (odds ratio [OR] = 2.34 [1.093-4.936]; p = 0.028), as well as family history of ALS (odds ratio [OR] = 2.538 [1.375-4.634]; p = 0.002). Intermediate CAG expansions of ≥27 repeats in ATXN2 are associated with ALS risk, but not with FTD, in the Spanish population. ALS patients carrying an intermediate expansion in ATXN2 show more frequent limb onset, but worse prognosis than those without expansions. In patients carrying C9orf72 expansions, the intermediate ATXN2 expansion might increase the penetrance and modify the phenotype.

Objectives: To investigate the comparative antiseizure activity of the l-enantiomers of d,l-fenfluramine and d,l-norfenfluramine and to evaluate the relationship between their concentration in plasma and brain and anticonvulsant activity. Methods: d,l-Fenfluramine, d,l-norfenfluramine and their individual enantiomers were evaluated in the mouse maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test. d,l-Fenfluramine, d,l-norfenfluramine and their individual l-enantiomers were also assessed in the DBA/2 mouse audiogenic seizure model. All compounds were administered intraperitoneally. Brain and plasma concentrations of the test compounds in DBA/2 mice were quantified and correlated with anticonvulsant activity. Results: In the MES test, fenfluramine, norfenfluramine and their enantiomers showed comparable anticonvulsant activity, with ED50 values between 5.1 and 14.8 mg/kg. In the audiogenic seizure model, l-norfenfluramine was 9 times more potent than d,l-fenfluramine and 15 times more potent than l-fenfluramine based on ED50 (1.2 vs 10.2 and 17.7 mg/kg, respectively). Brain concentrations of all compounds were about 20-fold higher than in plasma. Based on brain EC50 values, l-norfenfluramine was 7 times more potent than d,l-fenfluramine and 13 times more potent than l-fenfluramine (1940 vs 13,200 and 25,400 ng/g, respectively). EC50 values for metabolically formed d,l-norfenfluramine and l-norfenfluramine were similar to brain EC50 values of the same compounds administered as such, suggesting that, in the audiogenic seizure model, the metabolites were responsible for the antiseizure activity of the parent compounds. Significance: Because of the evidence linking d-norfenfluramine to d,l-fenfluramine to cardiovascular and metabolic adverse effects, their l-enantiomers could potentially be safer follow-up compounds to d,l-fenfluramine. We found that in the models tested, l-fenfluramine and l-norfenfluramine were as active as the corresponding racemates. Based on the results in DBA/2 mice and other considerations, l-norfenfluramine appears to be a particularly attractive candidate for further evaluation as a novel, enantiomerically pure antiseizure medication.

Here, we describe the bicomplex (p,q)- Fibonacci numbers and the bicomplex (p,q)- Fibonacci quaternions that are based on these numbers and give some of their equations, including the Binet formula, generating function, Catalan, Cassini, d’Ocagne’s identities, and some summation formulas for both of them. Finally, we create a matrix for bicomplex (p,q)- Fibonacci quaternions, and we obtain a determinant of a special matrix that gives the terms of that quaternion.

The asymptotic behavior of the analytic solutions of a family of singularly perturbed q-difference-differential equations in the complex domain is studied. Different asymptotic expansions with respect to the perturbation parameter and to the time variable are provided: one of Gevrey nature, and another of mixed type Gevrey and q-Gevrey. This asymptotic phenomena is observed due to the modification of the norm established on the space of coefficients of the formal solution. The techniques used are based on the adequate path deformation of the difference of two analytic solutions, and the application of several versions of Ramis-Sibuya theorem.

In the heterogeneous wireless networked control system (WNCS), age of information (AoI) of the actuation update and actuation update cost are important performance metrics. To reduce the monetary cost, the control system can wait for the availability of WiFi network of the actuator and then conduct the update by using WiFi network in an opportunistic manner, but it leads to the increased AoI of the actuation update. To assess this problem, this paper proposes a priority-aware actuation update scheme (PAUS) where the control system decides whether to deliver or delay the actuation update to the actuator by considering the control priority (i.e., robustness of AoI of the actuation update). For the optimal decision, we formulate a Markov decision process model and derive the optimal policy based on Q-learning. Simulation results demonstrate that PAUS outperforms the comparison schemes in terms of the expected reward.

This article deals with a finite-source stock-dependent stochastic inventory system with heterogeneous servers and retrial facility. The system can store up to S number of items, and the lifetime of each item follows an exponential distribution. The primary customers arrive in a finite waiting hall from a finite source and get service from the multi-channel (c-heterogeneous servers). The customer’s arrival rate depends on the present stock level. Those customers who arrive while the waiting hall is full enter into the finite orbit. Also, customers in the waiting hall can become impatient and enter the orbit. The (s,Q) ordering policy is adopted for the replenishment of stocks. In the steady state, the joint probability distribution of a number of items in the inventory, busy servers, customers in the waiting hall, and orbit is computed. The comparative numerical analysis of heterogeneous and homogeneous servers on the expected total cost, the average number of customers in the waiting hall and orbit, the fraction of successful retrial rate, and the average impatient customer rate are also carried out.

The development and use of highly automated vehicles (HAV) in agriculture is a highly important task because of the lack of machine drivers and unsatisfactory level of their qualifications, reducing the impact of harmful factors on employees of agricultural enterprises. HAVs allow to avoid these problems: increase productivity and the efficiency of seasonal use of equipment, and reduce the impact of harmful factors on people. Modern HAVs in agriculture are based on the following methods: parallel driving according to geo coordinates without automatic turning and without obstacles tracking, and on technical vision without the use of a geographic information system (for example Cognitive AgroPilot) and a digital field map, which makes it impossible to generate the optimal path around the field.

We discuss two queueing-inventory systems with catastrophes in the warehouse. Catastrophes occur according to Poisson process and upon arrival of a catastrophe all inventory in the system is instantly destroyed. But consumer customers in the system (in the server or in the buffer) continue still waiting for the replenishment of the stock. The arrivals of the consumer customers follow a Markovian Arrival Process (MAP) and they can be queued in an infinite buffer. Service time of a consumer customer follows a phase-type distribution. The system receives negative customers whose have Poisson flows to service facility and upon arrival of a negative customer one consumer customer is pushed out from the system, if any. One of two replenishment policies can be used in the system: either (s,S) or (s,Q). If upon arrival of the consumer customer, the inventory level is zero, then according to the Bernoulli scheme, this customer is either lost (lost sale scheme) or join the queue (backorder sale scheme). The system is formulated by a four-dimensional continuous-time Markov chain. Steady state distribution is obtained using the matrix-geometric method. A comprehensive numerical study is performed on the performance measures under various replenishment policies. Finally, an optimization study is presented.

We offered the circuit of a discrete analog filter (DAF) low frequencies of second-order on switchable capacitors, which differs from the known ones in that three capacitors with one terminal are connected to a common bus, and the frequency of the DAF pole depends not only on the ratio of the capacitances of the frequency-setting capacitors, but also on the ratio of resistances two additional resistors in the feedback. This allows at constant values ​​of the capacitances and a fixed switching frequency of electronic switches, control the pole frequency by changing the resistance ratio of additional resistors. Computer simulation of the developed circuit was performed in the Micro-Cap environment. It has been established that the DAF has a transmission coefficient close to minus one at very low frequencies and a transmission coefficient close to zero at higher frequencies.

In recent times, models like the Transformer have showcased remarkable prowess in tasks related to natural language processing. However, these models tend to be excessively intricate and demand extensive training. Additionally, while the multi-head self-attention mechanism in the Transformer model aims to capture semantic connections between words in a sequence, it encounters limitations when handling short sequences, thereby limiting its effectiveness in 5-polarity Arabic sentiment analysis tasks. The switch-transformer model has recently emerged as a high-performing alternative. Nevertheless, when these models are trained using single-task learning, they often fall short of achieving exceptional performance and struggle to generate robust latent feature representations, especially when working with compact datasets. This challenge is particularly pronounced in the case of the Arabic dialect, which is considered a low-resource language. Given these constraints, this research introduces a novel approach to sentiment analysis in Arabic text. This method leverages multitask learning in tandem with the switch-transformer shared encoder to enhance model adaptability and refine sentence representation. By introducing a mixture of expert (MoE) mechanism that break down the problem into smaller, more manageable sub-problems, the model becomes adept at handling lengthy sequences and intricate input-output relationships, benefiting both five-point and three-polarity Arabic sentiment analysis tasks. This proposed model effectively discerns sentiment in Arabic dialect sentences. The empirical results highlight the outstanding performance of the suggested model, as evidenced in evaluations on the Hotel Arabic-Reviews Dataset, the Book Reviews Arabic Dataset, and the LARB dataset.

We present atomic structures and nonequilbrium synthesis of new class of materials, where the basic structural unit is a diamond tetrahedron. When units of one, two, and three tetrahedra are randomly packed, we create distinct phases of amorphous Q-carbon. Four tetrahedra in two adjacent layers lead to crystalline diamond lattice, which has four missing tetrahedra alternately. When these four missing tetrahedra are filled, we create subunit cell of crystalline Q-diamond. Theoretical calculations show that superconducting transition temperature (Tc) in 50 atomic % B-doped Q-diamond can reach near room temperature at ambient pressures. This is consistent with our earlier results using low-loss EELS measurements in 50 atomic % B-doped Q-carbon, which had mostly amorphous QB3 phase mixed with some crystalline Q-diamond phase. These EELS results showed that the Tc for these samples was in between 90K and 300K. Theoretical calculations of density of states, Eliashberg function, electron-phonon interaction parameter, and root-mean-square and logarithmic average of frequency in crystalline Q-diamond show Tc in the range of 268K to 300K, which is in a complete agreement with our EELS results in QB3.

The formation of the required AC voltage level is currently one of the most important problems. An unstable voltage level can lead to the failure of domestic and industrial equipment, also to the appearance of a lighting equipment flicker effect, which can adversely affect the operating mode. In this regard, the development of AC voltage regulators that perform the function of stabilizers has become relevant. In turn, new topologies should be energy efficient and reliable, this can be achieved by reducing the number of semiconductor elements, which in turn will reduce losses and increase efficiency. In addition to voltage stabilization, AC voltage regulators have found application as soft-start devices for asynchronous motors, and have become competitors to frequency converters. The power level can vary from units to tens of kilowatts where such devices can be used. This paper provides a review of AC voltage regulators, which can be used both as soft starters and AC voltage stabilizers. The analysis of the circuits was carried out and the efficiency was evaluated through their total harmonic distortions (THD), power factor and efficiency coefficient. Experiments were also performed for a number of circuits, where their operating modes were evaluated. Eventually, all circuits were divided into full number of switches with two or more AC switches per phase, with a reduced number of switches, where one AC switch per phase and with low number of switches – with one complementary pair of AC switches for all three phases.

By utilizing a generalized version of the Madelung quantum-hydrodynamic framework that incorporates noise, we derive a solution using the path integral method to investigate how a quantum superposition of states evolves over time. This exploration seeks to comprehend the process through which a stable quantum state ultimately emerges in the presence of fluctuations induced by the noisy gravitational background. The model defines the conditions that give rise to a limited range of interaction for the quantum potential, allowing for the existence of coarse-grained classical descriptions at a macroscopic level. The theory uncovers the smallest attainable level of uncertainty in an open quantum system and examines its consistency with the localized behavior observed in large-scale classical systems. The research delves into connections and similarities with decoherence theory and the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. Additionally, it assesses the potential consequences of wave function decay on the measurement of photon entanglement. To validate the proposed theory, an experiment involving entangled photons transmitted between detectors on the Moon and Mars is discussed. Finally, the findings of the theory are applied to the creation of larger Q-bits systems at elevated temperatures.

This article deals with the queueing-inventory system, composed of c junior servers, a senior server, two finite waiting halls, and an infinite orbit. On occasion, junior servers encounter challenges during customer service. In these instances, they approach the senior server for guidance in resolving the issue. Suppose the senior server is engaged with another junior server. The approaching junior servers await their turn in a finite waiting area with a capacity of c for consultation. Concerning this, we study the performance of junior servers approaching the senior server in the retrial queueing-inventory model with the two finite waiting halls dedicated to the primary customers and the junior servers for consultation. We formulate a level-dependent QBD process and solve its steady-state probability vector using Neuts and Rao’s truncation method. The stability condition of the system is derived, and the R matrix is computed. Optimum total cost has been obtained, and sensitivity analyses, which include expected total cost, waiting time of customers in waiting hall and orbit, number of busy servers, and fraction of successful retrial rate of the model, are done numerically.

Dermal pigmentation is a challenging condition due to relative resistance to medical treatment and requirement of multiple sessions with modalities like chemical peels and lasers. There is inadequate literature regarding the efficacy and safety of lasers for dermal pigmentation in Indian skin. One hundred and twenty two patients were enrolled and divided into 4 groups: a) Dermal melasma b) Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation c) Nevus and d) Tattoo. Sequential combination of various lasers were used with different protocols for 4 different groups like ablative pixel Er:YAG, intense pulse light based technologies, Q-Switched and Alma Hybrid lasers for treatment of dermal pigmentation. A total of 4-10 sessions were conducted at three weekly intervals. Results were evaluated by comparing photographs at baseline, one month after the last session and then at 6 months interval to assess the relapse. All groups showed a statistically significant reduction in pigmentation. The mean treatment duration was 5-7 months for tattoo, lichen planus pigmentosus and melasma with 6-8 number of sessions. The mean treatment duration for nevus was 7-9 months with 8-10 sessions. Lasers are safe and effective modalities in Indian skin type for treatment of dermal pigmentation. Treatment period and relapse of dermal pigmentation may be reduced by combining resurfacing and chromophore selective lasers along with adequate dietary and lifestyle modifications to minimize complications and recurrence rates.

To verify the concept of the metasurfaced reverberation chamber (MRC) which was proposed. This paper reports on measurements in the reverberation chamber (RC) performance by using a 1-bit random coding metasurfaced stirrer. The measurement results are validated and compared with that from two mechanical stirrers (horizontal stirrer and vertical stirrer). Figures of merit such as quality factor (Q factor), number of samples, standard deviation, angle autocorrelation, average K-factor, total scattering cross section (TSCS) and the enhanced back scattering coefficient (eb) are presented. Results indicate the feasibility of the MRC technique in the operation frequency of the RC. And it is possible to enlarge the test volume of the RC by using the 1-bit random coding metasurface stirrer.

An all-dielectric metasurface composed of orthogonal-slit silicon disks is proposed in this study. By modifying the unit structure of the metasurface with the bound states in the continuum (BIC) theory, a sharp Fano resonance can be generated. The resonance properties of the metasurface are investigated by analyzing the effects of the structural parameters on the resonance using the eigenmode analysis method. The Q factor and the resonance wavelength can be adjusted by varying the slit width, the disk thickness, and the disk radius. The electromagnetic characteristics and mechanism of the toroidal dipole-BIC (TD-BIC) are explored in depth through an analysis of the multipole expansion of the scattered power, along with the electromagnetic field and the current distribution at resonance. This research provides a novel approach for excitation of a strong TD-BIC resonance and proposes potential applications in optical switches, high-sensitivity optical sensors, and related areas.

The large American liver fluke (Fascioloides magna) is considered an invasive trematode parasite in Europe. Its origin dates back before the Cretaceous-Paleogene Mass Extinction, after which it survived at least three population bottlenecks, and successful host switches before it arrived in Europe. The authors review the evolutionary history of F. magna, the distribution by its ancient proboscidean hosts and the probable drivers of switch to the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The review collects knowledge on the biology of intermediate hosts, which help understand the factors that influence the epidemiology of F. magna in aquatic ecosystems. The authors demonstrate the adaptation potential of the parasite by data from both the North American and the European endemics. Finally, the study calls attention to the epidemiological risk of human induced global change, with a special interest to the invasive snail species, Pseudosuccinea columella.

Induction heating (IH) technology is widely recognized and utilized in residential applications due to its high efficiency and safe operating characteristics. Resonant inverter circuits are widely used in IH systems because of their high efficiency and ability to perform soft-switching. Among the various resonant inverters used in IH systems, the single-switch quasi-resonant (SSQR) inverter topology is typically preferred for low-cost and low-output-power applications. Despite its cost advantage, the SSQR topology has a relatively narrow soft-switching range, which can be unstable depending on the electrical parameters of the load and the resonant converter circuit. Accurately determining the capacitance value of the resonant capacitor and the inductance value of the induction coil, which are the key circuit elements of the SSQR induction cooker, is crucial for designing a reliable, efficient, and durable cooking system. In other words, there exists a critical relationship between the resonant converter circuit parameters, load characteristics, and safe operating conditions. Additionally, when considering closed-loop control methods used for power control and safety, selecting appropriate resonant circuit elements becomes vital in ensuring both reliable and efficient operation. This paper focuses on a novel and simplified design method for the SSQR inverter utilized in household appliances. The proposed method and its advantages in terms of the safe operating area of the switch are theoretically investigated and verified through simulations and prototype circuits.

Electro-mechanical braking(EMB) which represents development direction of autonomous and intelligent braking plays very useful role on enhancing the braking response performance and intelligence level for mine underground electric trackless rubber-tired vehicle (ETRV). However,there is no Electro-Mechanical Brake system applied practically in coal mine UTRV until now.The accurate control of braking clamping force can determine the length and precision of braking distance of mine ETRV.In addition,because of poor working conditions in underground coal mine tunnel ,braking clamping force sensor may be easy to occur failure,which may cause vital accident.Therefore,A cascaded three-closed-loop EMB system with a positive clamping force sensor or force estimator built for ETRV is established to achieve autonomous elimination and reset of braking clearance and reliable braking force tracking ability via utilizing the electro motor rotor angle displacement and hysteresis effect of mechanical components in this EMB.The results of simulation and experiment indicate that clamping force response is faster than traditional hydraulic disk braking system and proposed force estimator presents good fault-tolerant ability when sensor is fault.This EMB can replace the current hydraulic brake system to enhance automation level of braking control for ETRVs and braking force response performance, reduce oil pollution and cost of maintenance, which is also key technology support for really precise motion control of mine autonomous driving vehicles.

Transmembrane carriers of the Slc11 family catalyze proton (H+)-dependent uptake of divalent metal-ions (Me2+) such as manganese and iron - vital elements coveted during infection. Slc11 mechanism of high affinity Me2+ cell import is selective and conserved between prokaryotic (MntH) and eukaryotic (Nramp) homologs, though processes coupling the use of the proton motive force to Me2+ uptake evolved repeatedly. Adding bacterial piracy of Nramp genes spread in distinct environmental niches suggests selective gain of function that may benefit opportunistic pathogens. To better understand Slc11 evolution Alphafold (AF2)/Colabfold (CF) 3D predictions for bacterial sequences from sister clades of eukaryotic descent (MCb and MCg) were compared using both native and mutant templates. AF2/CF model an array of native MCb intermediates spanning the transition from outward open (OO) to inward open (IO) carrier. In silico mutagenesis targeting i) a set of (evolutionary coupled) sites that may define Slc11 function (putative synapomorphy), and ii) residues from networked communities evolving during MCb transition, indicate Slc11 synapomorphy primarily instructs Me2+-selective conformation switch which unlocks carrier inner gate, and contributes to Me2+ binding site occlusion and outer gate locking. Inner gate opening apparently proceeds from interaction between transmembrane helix (h) h5, h8 and h1a. MCg1 xenologs revealed marked differences in carrier shape and plasticity, owing partly to altered intramolecular H+-network. Yet, targeting Slc11 synapomorphy also converted MCg1 IO models to OO state, apparently mobilizing the same residues to control gates. But MCg1 response to mutagenesis differed, extensive divergence within this clade correlating with MCb-like modeling properties. Notably, MCg1 divergent epistasis marks emergence of the genus Bordetella-Achromobacter. Slc11 synapomorphy localizes to the 3D areas that deviate least among MCb and MCg1 models (either IO or OO) implying it constitutes a 3D network of residues articulating Me2+-selective carrier conformation switch which is maintained in fast evolving clades at the cost of divergent epistatic interactions impacting carrier shape and dynamics.

In this study, we investigate the structural changes, electronic properties, and charge redistribution within azo-bithiophene (Azo-BT) chemisorbed monolayers under different light stimuli using density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations. We consider two types of switches, Azo-BT and BT-Azo, with different arrangements of the Azo and BT blocks counting from the anchor thiol group. The chemisorbed monolayers of pure cis- and trans-isomers with a surface concentration of approximately 2.7 molecules per nm2 are modeled on a gold surface using classical all-atom molecular dynamics. Our results reveal significant shrinkage of the BT-Azo layer under UV illumination, whereas the thicknesses of the Azo-BT layer remain comparable for both isomers. This difference in behavior is attributed to the ordering of the trans-molecules in the layers, which is more pronounced for Azo-BT, leading to a narrow distribution of the inclination angle to the gold surface. Conversely, both layers consisting of cis-switches exhibit disorder, resulting in similar brush heights. To study charge transfer within the immobilized layers, we analyze each snapshot of the layer and calculate mean charge transfer integrals using Nelsen’s algorithm for a number of interacting neighboring molecules. Combining these integrals with reorganization energies defined for the isolated molecules, we evaluate the charge transfer rates and mobilities for electron and hole hopping within the layers at room temperature based on Marcus’ theory. This research offers new perspectives for the innovative design of electrode surface modifications and provides insights into controlling charge transfer within immobilized layers using light triggers. Additionally, we identify molecular properties that are enhanced through specific molecular design, which contributes to the development of more efficient molecular switches for various electronic applications.

The present analysis deals with the study of the $f(Q, T )$ theory of gravity which was recently considered by many cosmologists. In this theory of gravity, the action is taken as an arbitrary function $f(Q, T )$ where $Q$ is non-metricity and $T$ is the trace of energy-momentum tensor for matter fluid. In this study, we have taken three different forms of the function $f(Q, T )$ as $f(Q,T)=a_1Q+a_2 T$ and $f(Q,T)=a_3 Q^2+a_4 T$ and discussed some physical properties of the same. Also, we have obtained the various cosmological parameters towards Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-walker (FLRW) Universe by defining the transit form of scale factor which yields the Hubble parameter in redshift form as $H(z)=\frac{H_{0}}{(\lambda+1)} \left(\lambda+ (1+z)^{\delta}\right)$. %We have obtained the approx best-fit values of model parameters using the least square method for observational constraints on available datasets like Hubble dataset $H(z)$, Supernova dataset SNe-Ia, etc., by applying the Root Mean Squared Error formula (RMSE). By applying the Root Mean Squared Error formula (RMSE), we were able to determine the approximate best-fit values of model parameters using the least square approach for observational constraints on the datasets Hubble dataset $H(z)$, Supernova dataset SNe-Ia, etc. We have observed that the deceleration parameter $q(z)$ exhibits a signature-flipping (transition) point within the range $0.623 \le z_{0} \le 1.668$ through which it changes its phase from the decelerated to the accelerated expanding universe with $\omega = -1$ at $z=-1$ for the approximate best-fit values of the model parameters. %For obtained approx best-fit values of model parameters we have observed that the deceleration parameter $q(z)$ shows a signature-flipping (transition) point within the range $0.623 \le z_{0} \le 1.668$ through which it changes its phase from decelerated to the accelerated expanding universe with $\omega = -1$ at $z=-1$.

Aiming at the problem of hypersonic morphing vehicle avoiding no-fly zones and reaching the target, an improved predictor-corrector guidance method is proposed. Firstly, the aircraft motion model and the constraint model are established. Then, the basic algorithm is given, the Q-learning method is used to design the attack angle and sweep angle scheme to ensure that the aircraft can fly over the low-altitude zones. The B-spline curve is used to design the location of flight path points and the bank angle scheme is designed according to the predictor-corrector method, so that the aircraft can fly around to avoid high-altitude zones. Next, Monte Carlo reinforcement learning(MCRL) method is used to improve predictor-corrector method and Deep Neural Network(DNN) is used to fit reward function. The improved method can generate trajectory with better performance. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

The high-speed railway operation environment monitoring network system has a wide variety of sensors and inconsistent business requirements, which have certain requirements for data transmission delay and network life. Most of the previous research focuses only on prolonging network lifetime or reducing data transmission delays when designing or optimizing routing protocols, without co-designing the two. In addition, due to the harsh operating environment of high-speed railways, when the network changes dynamically, the traditional routing algorithm will generate unnecessary redesigns and lead to high overhead. Based on the actual needs of high-speed railway operation environment monitoring, this paper proposes a novel Double Q-values adaptive model combined with the existing reinforcement learning method, which considers the energy balance of the network and real-time data transmission, and constructs energy saving and delay. The two-dimensional reward avoids the extra overhead of maintaining a global routing table while capturing network dynamics. In addition, the adaptive weight coefficient is used to ensure the adaptability of the model to each business of the high-speed railway operation environment monitoring system. Finally, simulations and performance evaluations are carried out and compared with previous studies.Finally, simulations and performance evaluations are carried out and compared with previous studies. The results show that the proposed routing algorithm successfully extends the network’s life cycle and gets good real-time data performance. It also saves energy and has fewer delays than the other three routing protocols in different situations.

Limited availability of expensive alloying elements elevates low-alloyed steels to a unique position in the field of lightweight construction and mass production. Quenching and partitioning (Q&P) heat treatments of low-alloyed steels with exceptional property combinations are particularly promising. In this study, we characterize for the first time a new low-alloyed steel to be processed by Q&P heat treatments. In combined experimental and numerical studies, we design a novel approach that effectively combines the short cycle times of press hardening with the excellent property profiles of Q&P-treated steels. We identify appropriate transformation parameters for Q&P heat treatments by dilatometric studies and we adjust a number of reference conditions with different isothermal holding times. By means of SEM analysis and XRD measurements, we show that different fractions of retained austenite result in different mechanical properties. Initial numerical designs of the process can identify varying temperature profiles and cooling rates depending on the position in the die. The results show that the geometry of the part plays a minor role, but the die temperature is the dominant factor for successful partitioning directly in the press hardening process.

We establish certain modular equations of degree three based on some results of Ramanujan's theta functions.

A family of singularly perturbed q-difference-differential equations under the action of a small complex perturbation parameter is studied. The action of the formal monodromy around the origin is present in the equation, which suggests the construction of holomorphic solutions holding logarithmic terms in both, the formal and the analytic level. We provide both solutions and describe the asymptotic behavior relating them by means of q-gevrey asymptotic expansions of some positive order, with respect to the perturbation parameter. On the way, the development of a space product of Banach spaces in the Borel plane is needed to provide a fixed point for a coupled system of equations.

Multi-level direct networks fueled by the evolving technology of active optical cables and increasing pin-bandwidth achieve reduced diameters and cost, with high-radix switches. These networks, like Dragonfly, are becoming the preferred aspirants for extreme high-performance parallel machines such as exa-scale computing. In this paper, we introduce a Hyper Z-Tree topology, which deploys the Z-Tree, a variant of fat-tree, as a computing node of a Generalized Hypercube (GHC) configuration. The resulting configuration provides higher bisection bandwidth, lower latency for some applications and higher throughput. Furthermore, the levels of the fat tree offer several path diversities across the GHC dimensions, hence conceding a more fault tolerant architecture. To profit from these path diversities, we propose two adaptive routing algorithms, which are extensions to the routing algorithm suggested in HyperX topology. These two algorithms exhibit better latencies and throughput than the HyperX.

This article focuses on developing a continuous authentication system using behavioral biometrics to recognize users accessing computing devices. The user’s distinct behavioral biometric is captured through keystroke dynamics, and reward-based reinforcement learning (RL) ideas are applied to recognize them throughout the session. The suggested system adds an extra layer of security to traditional authentication methods, forming a robust continuous authentication system that can be added to static authentication systems. The methodology involves training a RL model to detect unusual user typing patterns and flag suspicious activity. Each user has an agent trained on their historical data, which is preprocessed and used to create episodes for the agent to learn from. The environment involves fetching observations and randomly corrupting them to learn out-of-order behavior. The observation vector includes both running features and summary features. The re-ward function is binary and minimalistic. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) model is used to encode the running features, and the Double Deep Q-Network (DDQN) algorithm with a fully connected neural network is used as the policy net. The evaluation achieved an average training accuracy and EER (equal error rate) of 94.7% and 0.0126 and test accuracy and ERR of 81.06% and 0.0323 for all users when the number of encoder features was increased. Therefore, it is concluded that by continuously learning and adapting to changing behavior patterns, this approach can provide more secure and personalized authentication, lowering the possibility of unauthorized access and cyberattacks. Overall, the use of reinforcement learning and behavioral biometrics for continuous authentication has the potential to significantly enhance security in the digital age and are effective in identifying each user.

In this study, we introduce a new class of bi-univalent functions using q-Janowski Function. We derive the Fekete-Szegö functional problems for functions in this new subclass, as well as estimates for the Taylor-Maclaurin coefficients |α2| and |α3|. Furthermore, a collection of fresh outcomes are3 presented by customizing the parameters employed in our initial discoveries.

Black ginseng is a type of processed ginseng that is traditionally used as herbal medicine in East Asian countries. It is prepared from fresh, white, or red ginseng by undergoing a process of steaming and drying nine times. However, the chemical differentiation of black ginseng with different processing levels is not well understood. The aim of this study is to propose a new method for discriminating and quantifying black ginseng. Six ginsenosides from black ginseng were accurately quantified, and based on this, the black ginseng samples were divided into uncompleted and completed black ginseng. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight/mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) combined with a multivariate statistical analysis strategy was then employed to differentiate the two groups. A total of 141 ions were selected as analytical markers of black ginseng, with 45 of these markers being annotated by matching precise m/z and MS/MS data from prior studies.

(1) Methadone is a chiral synthetic opioid primarily used to treat heroin and prescription-opioid addiction: the (R)-enantiomer (Levomethadone) activates the µ-opioid receptor more potently than the (S)-enantiomer, which is a more potent blocker of the hERG potassium channels, resulting in QTc prolongation. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of methadone on the QTc interval and to investigate the benefits of Levomethadone. (2) The electrocardiograms of 165 patients taking methadone at various dosages and for different periods of time were examined: the QTc value was manually measured and then adjusted using Bazett's formula. (3) Data analysis revealed a linear association between the dosage of methadone and QTc length; no correlation was found between the QTc value and gender, age, or duration of therapy. 14% of the sample (23 patients) showed a prolongation of the QTc interval. 10 of the 23 patients with QTc elongation underwent a change of therapy from Methadone to Levomethadone: in 90% of these patients, a normalization in the QTc length was established. (4) This study confirmed the role of methadone, specifically its dosage, in QTc prolongation and the efficiency of Levomethadone as an adequate therapeutic substitute in these circumstances. This study validates the importance of a careful electrocardiographic monitoring in methadone-treated patients.

This study seeks to determine how economic policy uncertainty (EPU) influences investment decisions and the market value of the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The study examines investment and operational data from 249 energy and petroleum companies between 2015 and 2020, in addition to macroeconomic variables such as EPU. This study investigates the moderating effects of EPU on investments in fixed and intangible assets, as well as its effect on Tobin's Q and the market price per share. The outcomes demonstrate that EPU reduces the costs of both tangible and intangible assets for businesses. In addition, companies with a greater Tobin's Q and market price per share are more impacted by uncertain corporate investment policies. However, financial leverage is found to be negatively correlated with share price and positively correlated with earnings per share and earnings per unit. Tobin's Q is positively correlated with financial leverage, indicating that firms that raise capital through debt are more likely to create value for investors. The research indicates that market-dependent enterprises are more susceptible to the unpredictability of monetary policy. Eventually, the findings suggest that consistent and transparent economic policies may increase the efficiency of corporate investment.

Firstly, we present a more explicit formulation of the complete system $D(N)$ of representatives of Manin's symbols over $\mathbb{Q}$, which was initially given by Shimura. Then we establish a bijection between $D(M)\times D(N)$ and $D(MN)$ for $(M,N)=1$, which reveals a recursive structure between Manin's symbols of different levels. Based on Manin's complete system $\Pi (N)$ of representatives of cusps on $X_0(N)$ and Cremona's characterization of the equivalence between cusps, we establish a bijection between a subset $C(N)$ of $D(N)$ and $\Pi (N)$, and then establish a bijection between $C(M)\times C(N)$ and $C(MN)$ for $(M,N)=1$. We also provide a recursive structure for elliptical points on $X_0(N)$. Based on these recursive structures, we obtain recursive algorithms for constructing Manin symbols over $\mathbb{Q}$, cusps and elliptical points on $X_0(N)$. This gives rise to a more efficient algorithms for modular elliptic curve. As direct corollaries of these recursive structures, we present a recursive version of the genus formula and an elementary proof of formulas of the numbers of $D(N)$, cusps and elliptical points on $X_0(N)$.

This paper aims to unify q-derivative/q-integral and h-derivative/h-integral in a single definition, this will be called q−h-derivative/q−h-integral. These notions are further extended on finite interval [a,b] in the form of left and right q−h-derivatives and q−h-integrals. Some inequalities are studied for q−h-integrals which are directly connected with well known results. In diverse fields of science and engineering the theory based on q-derivatives/q-integrals and h-derivatives/h-integrals can be unified by using the concept of q−h-derivative/q−h-integral.

Rice false smut caused by Ustilaginoidea virens is one of the most devastating diseases on rice worldwide, which results in serious reduction of rice quality and yield. As an airborne fungal disease, early diagnosis of rice false smut, monitoring the epidemics and distribution of its pathogens, is particularly important to management the infection. In this study, a quantitative loop-mediated isothermal amplification (q-LAMP) method for the U. virens detection and quantifying was developed. This method has higher sensitivity and efficiency compared to quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR) method. The species-specific primer sets UV-2 used was design based on the unique sequence of U. virens ustiloxins biosynthetic gene (NCBI accession number: BR001221.1). The q-LAMP assay was able to detect a concentration of 6.4 spores/mL at an optimal reaction temperature of 63.4℃ within 60 min. Moreover, the q-LAMP assay can even achieve accurate quantitative detection when there were only 9 spores on the tape. A linearized equation for the standard curve, y =-0.2866x + 13.829 (x is the amplification time, the spore number = 100.65y), was established for detection and quantifying of U. virens. In field detection applications, this q-LAMP method is more accurate and faster than traditional observation method. Collectively, this study has established a powerful and simple monitoring tool for U. virens, which provide valuable technical supports for forecast and management of rice false smut, and theoretical basis for precise fungicide application.

Background: This literature review investigates qualitative and quantitative uses of indocyanine green (ICG) in surgical treatment, as this novel technique has become increasingly popular in ORs (operating rooms) worldwide due to its many advantages. Method: An extensive literature review was performed by searching for relevant terms in 5 international databases (www.pubmed.gov, www.sciencedirect.com, www.scopus.com, www.Oxfordjournals.com, www.reaxys.com). The results of this search were summarized into the main advantages of employing ICG in colorectal surgery as follows: a) intraoperative fluorescence angiography capability; b) fluorescence-guided identification of lymph node involvement in colorectal cancer and the sentinel lymph node method; c) positive fluorescence flagging of a liver tumour as small as "only" 200 tumour cells; d) facilitation of fistula diagnosis; and e) tumour tattooing. Moreover, in addition to qualitative intraoperative ICG use, this technique can be combined with quantitative methods and parameters, such as maximum intensity, relative maximum intensity, and different inflow parameters (time-to-peak, slope, and t1/2max). The conclusion of this article is that fluorescence surgery with ICG aided by near-infrared (NIR) light is a relatively recent technology, an advantage of which is improving the specific anatomic and functional information provided, thus allowing more comprehensive and safer tumour removal as well as preservation of important structures.

Optical switching is an essential part of photonic integrated circuits and the focus of research at the moment. In this research, an optical switch design working on the phenomenon of the guided-mode resonances in 3D photonic crystals-based structure is reported. The optical-switching mechanism is studied in a dielectric slab-waveguide-based structure operating in the near-infrared range in a telecom window of 1.55 µm. The mechanism is investigated by interference of two signals, i.e., the data signal and the control signal. The data signal is coupled into the optical structure and filtered utilizing guided-mode resonance, whereas, the control signal is index guided in the optical structure. The amplification or de-amplification of the data signal is controlled by tuning the spectral properties of the optical sources and structural parameters of the device. The parameters are optimized first using a single-cell model with periodic boundary conditions and later in a finite 3D-FDTD model of the device. The numerical design is computed in an open-source Finite Difference Time Domain simulation platform. Optical amplification in the range of 13.75 % is achieved in the data signal with a decrease in the linewidth up to 0.0079 µm and a quality factor of 114.58. The proposed device presents great potential in the field of photonic integrated circuits, biomedical technology, and programmable photonics.

In this article, two elliptical-ovel-shaped cylindrical dielectric resonator based wideband Graphene inspired reconfigurable metasurface absorber is designed on diffused quartz substrate having a relative permittivity of 3.75 and conductivity 2200Kg/m3 with height of 25μm. This metasurface having gold plated ground in microstrip with 5μm which is essential by calculating skin depth at 2.0THz frequency. Two elliptical ovel shaped patches with Graphene plated having built in potential varies 0-2.5eV and relaxation time 1.0ps at 290oK. By changing the relaxation time of Graphene 0.1ps-0.3ps its resonance frequency also varies i.e., reconfigurable property they provide without adding any active i.e., PIN diode components. The proposed MS is designed having a dimension of 100×100μm2 is designed on a microstrip. This MS works in the range of 1.6-2.38THz having more than 90% absorbance with two transmission zero at 2.1THz and 2.3THz having high Q ˃ 50 which is used to determine the sensitivity where the proposed MS used as a sensor to determine hemoglobin (Blood Glucose level) and urine (Uric acid) by changing their refractive index from 1.34-1.43. Maximum sensitivity achieved at 2000GHz/RIU and average sensitivity for hemoglobin and urine sensing achieved 833.33GHz/RIU, FOM-8.33 and 4277.7733GHz/RIU, FOM-555.55 respectively.

We propose a new statistical analysis of the Acoustic Emissions (AE) produced in a series of triaxial deformation experiments leading to fractures and failure of two different rocks, namely, Darley Dale Sandstone (DDS) and AG Granite (AG). By means of q-statistical formalism, we are able to characterize the pre-failure processes in both types of rocks. In particular, we study AE inter-event time and AE inter-event distance distributions. Both of them can be reproduced with q-exponential curves, showing universal features which are observed here for the first time and could be important in order to understand more in detail rock fractures dynamics.

In this paper, the stabilization and high efficiency of an unstable Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) of a Nd : YVO4 laser with a KTP intracavity is carried out by using a passive Q-switching crystal and a parametric modulation method (harmonic modulation) is shown. The harmonic modulation was defined as um(t) = Amsin(2π fmt), with modulation amplitude as Am(Vpp), and modulation frequency as fm(Hz), applied to the pumping of the Nd : YVO4 -KTP laser to control the amplitude and frequency of the emission, thus stabilizing the dynamic states of this laser. The promising application of this green light source is materialized when such light is necessary for high-density optics, such as in the treatment materials industry or in some aesthetic applications.

Inositol poly- and pyrophosphates (InsPs and PP-InsPs) are central eukaryotic messengers. These very highly phosphorylated molecules can exist in two distinct conformations, a canonical one with five phosphoryl groups in equatorial positions, and a “flipped” axial conformation. Using 13C-labeled InsPs / PP-InsPs, the behavior of these molecules was investigated by 2D-NMR under solution conditions reminiscent of a cytosolic environment. Remarkably, the most highly phosphorylated messenger InsP8 readily adopts both conformations at physiological conditions. Environmental factors - such as pH, metal cation composition, and temperature - strongly influence the conformational equilibrium. Thermodynamic data revealed that the transition of InsP8 from the equatorial to the axial conformation is, in fact, an exothermic process. The speciation of InsPs and PP-InsPs also affects their interaction with protein binding partners; addition of Mg2+ decreased the binding constant Kd of InsP8 to an SPX protein domain. The results illustrate that PP-InsP speciation reacts very sensitively to solution conditions, suggesting it might act as an environment-dependent molecular switch.

In tunnel excavation with boring machines, the tunnel face is supported to avoid collapse and minimise settlement. This article proposes the use of reinforcement learning, specifically the Deep Q-Network algorithm, to predict the face support pressure. The approach is tested both analytically and numerically. By using the soil properties ahead of the tunnel face and the overburden depth as the input, the algorithm is capable of predicting the optimal tunnel face support pressure, adapting to changes in geological and geometrical conditions.

(1) Background: This work aimed to conduct the first comparative study providing long-term data about patient reported outcome measures as well as donor-site scar assessment and aesthetic evaluation of the reconstructed breasts in patients with DIEP versus PAP flap breast reconstruction. (2) Methods: This prospective, single-center, matched cohort study included a total of 36 patients after DIEP and PAP flap breast reconstruction. Evaluation was done using the Breast-Q and POSAS questionnaire as well as the Breast Aesthetic Scale for cosmetic analysis by four plastic surgeons. (3) Results: Post-operative Breast-Q evaluation revealed no significant differences between both patient groups for the categories physical well-being donor-site, physical well-being breast and satisfaction with the breast. Scar evaluation of the donor-site region showed equivalent results for the thigh and the abdomen concerning the overall opinion of patients and observers. There was no significant difference between both methods of reconstruction for all aspects of breast aesthetics. (4) Conclusions: Similar results of donor-site morbidity, scar quality and aesthetic outcome of the breast in both the DIEP and PAP patient group have been demonstrated. Hence, in cases suitable for both types of reconstruction, the decision can be based on factors such as patients’ lifestyle, leisure activities and preferences.

Mature B cells notably diversify immunoglobulin (Ig) production through class switch recombination (CSR), allowing the junction of distant “switch” (S) regions. CSR is initiated by activation-induced deaminase (AID) which targets cytosines adequately exposed within single-stranded DNA of transcribed targeted S regions, with a specific affinity for WRCY motifs. In mammals, G-rich sequences are additionally present in S regions, forming canonical G-quadruplexes (G4s) DNA structures which favor CSR. Small molecules interacting with G4-DNA (G4 ligands), proved able to regulate CSR in B lymphocytes, either positively (such as for nucleoside diphosphate kinase isoforms) or negatively (such as for RHPS4). G4-DNA is also implicated in the control of transcription, and due to their impact on both CSR and transcriptional regulation, G4-rich sequences likely play a role in the natural history of B cell malignancies. Since G4-DNA stands at multiple locations in the genome, and notably within oncogene promoters, it remains to be clarified how it can more specifically promote legitimate CSR in physiology, rather than pathogenic translocation. The specific regulatory role of G4 structures in transcribed DNA and/or in corresponding transcripts and recombination hereby appears as a major issue for understanding immune responses and lymphomagenesis.

Read-Across Structure-Activity Relationship (RASAR) is an emerging cheminformatic approach that combines the usefulness of a QSAR model and similarity-based Read-Across predictions. In this work, we have generated a simple, interpretable, and transferable quantitative-RASAR (q-RASAR) model which can efficiently predict the cytotoxicity of TiO2-based multi-component nanomaterials. The data set involves 29 TiO2-based nanomaterials which contain specific amounts of noble metal precursors in the form of Ag, Au, Pd, and Pt. The data set was rationally divided into training and test sets and the Read-Across-based predictions for the test set were generated using the tool Read-Across-v4.1 available from https://sites.google.com/jadavpuruniversity.in/dtc-lab-software/home. The hyperparameters were optimized based on the training set data and using this optimized setting, the Read-Across-based predictions for the test set were obtained. The optimized hyperparameters and the similarity approach, which yields the best predictions, were used to calculate the similarity and error-based RASAR descriptors using the tool RASAR-Desc-Calc-v2.0 available from https://sites.google.com/jadavpuruniversity.in/dtc-lab-software/home. These RASAR descriptors were then clubbed with the physicochemical descriptors and were subjected to features selection using the tool Best Subset Selection v2.1 available from https://dtclab.webs.com/software-tools. The final set of selected descriptors was used to develop multiple linear regression based q-RASAR models, which were validated using stringent criteria as per the OECD guidelines. Finally, a random forest model was also developed with the selected descriptors. The final machine learning model can efficiently predict the cytotoxicity of TiO2-based multi-component nanomaterials superseding previously reported models in the prediction quality.

Attitude control of a novel regional truss-braced wing aircraft with low stability characteristics is addressed in this paper using Reinforcement Learning (RL). In recent years, RL has been increasingly employed in challenging applications, particularly, autonomous flight control. However, a significant predicament confronting discrete RL algorithms is the dimension limitation of the state-action table and difficulties in defining the elements of the RL environment. To address these issues, in this paper, a detailed mathematical model of the mentioned aircraft is first developed to shape an RL environment. Subsequently, Q-learning, the most prevalent discrete RL algorithm will be implemented in both the Markov Decision Process (MDP), and Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) frameworks to control the longitudinal mode of the air vehicle. In order to eliminate residual fluctuations that are a consequence of discrete action selection, and simultaneously track variable pitch angles, a Fuzzy Action Assignment (FAA) method is proposed to generate continuous control commands using the trained Q-table. Accordingly, it will be proved that by defining an accurate reward function, along with observing all crucial states (which is equivalent to satisfying the Markov Property), the performance of the introduced control system surpasses a well-tuned Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID) controller.

The steep rise in reinforcement learning (RL) in various applications in energy as well as the penetration of home automation in recent years are the motivation for this article. It surveys the use of RL in various home energy management system (HEMS) applications. There is a focus on deep neural network (DNN) models in RL. The article provides an overview of reinforcement learning. This is followed with discussions on state-of-the-art methods for value, policy, and actor–critic methods in deep reinforcement learning (DRL). In order to make the published literature in reinforcement learning more accessible to the HEMS community, verbal descriptions are accompanied with explanatory figures as well as mathematical expressions using standard machine learning terminology. Next, a detailed survey of how reinforcement learning is used in different HEMS domains is described. The survey also considers what kind of reinforcement learning algorithms are used in each HEMS application. It suggests that research in this direction is still in its infancy. Lastly, the article proposes four performance metrics to evaluate RL methods.

Optical switches are a key element in modern network communications. We present the results of experimental verification of a new theoretical concept proposed earlier for a full-optical wavelength-selective dual-channel switch based on the photonic hook effect, which is free from using any micro-mechanical devices or nonlinear materials. A large-scale laboratory prototype of such a device based on an off-axis Wood zone plate is considered and its main parameters in the millimeter wavelength range are investigated On the basis of the experiments, we show that the optical isolation of switched channels for a switch based on an off-axis zone plate can achieve 15 dB at a frequency difference of 25 GHz in frequency range from 93 to 136 GHz. Given the scaling, these results can be transferred to another range, including the optical one.

Background. Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) have a great impact on general increase of atopic diseases worldwide. However, it is still unknown whether DEPs induce systemic B-cell IgE class switching in secondary lymphoid organs or locally in lungs, in inducible bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT). The aim of this work was to identify the exact site of DEPs mediated B-cell IgE class switching and pro-allergic antibodies production. Methods. We immunized BALB/c mice with different OVA doses (0.3 and 30 µg) intranasally in the presence and absence of two types of DEPs, SRM1650B and SRM2786. We used low (30 µg) and high (150 µg) DEPs doses in our study. Results. Only high DEP dose induced IgE production regardless of particle type. Local IgE class switching was stimulated upon treatment with both types of particles with both low and high antigen doses. Despite the similar ability of two standard DEP samples to stimulate IgE production, their ability to induce iBALT formation and growing, was markedly different upon co-administration together with low antigen doses. Conclusion. DEPs induced local IgE class switching takes place in pre-existing iBALTs, independently of de novo iBALT formation, at least in the case of SRM1650B co-administrated with low antigen doses.

Hemoglobin switch from fetal (HbF) to adult (HbA) has been studied intensively as an essential model for gene’s expression regulation, but also as a beneficial therapeutic approach for β-hemoglobinopathies, towards the objective of reactivating HbF. Transcription factor LRF (Leukemia/lymphoma-related), encoded from ZBTB7A gene has been implicated in fetal hemoglobin silencing, though has a wide range of functions that have not been fully clarified. We thus established LRF/ZBTB7A-overexpressing and ZBTB7A-knockdown K562 (human erythroleukemia cell line) clones and hemoglobin production was evaluated pre- and post-induction. Related effects on the process of hemoglobin switch from fetal to adult were also assessed. Transgenic K562 clones were further developed and studied under the influence of epigenetic chromatin regulators, such as DNA methyl transferase 3 (DNMT3) and Histone Deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), to evaluate LRF’s potential disturbance upon aberrant epigenetic background and provide valuable information of the preferable epigenetic frame, in which LRF unfolds its action on the β-type globin’s expression. ChIP-seq analysis demonstrated that LRF binds το γ-globin genes (HBG2/1) and apparently associates BCL11A for their silencing, but also, during erythropoiesis induction LRF binds BGLT3 gene promoting BGLT3-lncRNA production through the γ-δ intergenic region of β-type globin’s locus, triggering the transcriptional events from γ- to β-globin switch.

The initial development of seahorse juveniles is characterized by low digestion capabilities. Stable isotope analysis is an effective tool in studies of trophic food webs and animal feeding patterns. The present study provides new insights for the understanding of growth and food assimilation in early developing seahorses following a laboratory diet switch. The study was performed in early life stages of the seahorse Hippocampus reidi by assessing the influence of diet shift on changes and turnovers in carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope in juveniles. Newborn seahorses were fed for 60 days following two feeding schedules (A6 and A11) based initially on copepods Acartia tonsa and subsequently on Artemia nauplii (since days 6 and 11, respectively). After prey shift, we determined δ13C and δ15N turnover rates as functions of change in either body mass (fitting model G) and days of development (fitting model D), contributions of metabolism and growth to those turnover rates, and diet-tissue discrimination factors. Survival, final dry weight and final standard length for diet A11 were higher compared to diet A6. The shift from copepods to Artemia lead to fast initial enrichments in δ13C and δ15N. Afterwards, the enrichment was gradually reduced until reaching the isotopic equilibrium with diet. In most cases, both fitting models performed similarly. The isotopic analysis revealed that 100% of tissue turnover was attributed to growth in diet A11, whereas 19-25% was endorsed to metabolism in diet A6. Diet-tissue discrimination factors were estimated for the first time in seahorse juveniles, resulting in higher estimates for diet A11 (2.9 ± 0.7‰ for δ13C; 2.5 ± 0.2‰ for δ15N) than in diet A6 (1.8 ± 0.1‰ for δ13C; 1.9 ± 0.1‰ for δ15N). This study highlights the relevance of feeding on copepods and their effect on isotopic patterns and discrimination factors in seahorse juveniles after a dietary shift. Regarding the application of the results achieved to feeding schedules in the rearing of H. reidi, a long period of feeding on copepods during the first days of development is highly recommended.

We examine a family of nonlinear q-difference-differential Cauchy problems obtained as a coupling of linear Cauchy problems containing dilation q-difference operators, recently investigated by the author, and quasi-linear Kowalevski type problems that involve contraction q-difference operators. We build up local holomorphic solutions to these problems. Two aspects of these solutions are explored. One facet deals with asymptotic expansions in the complex time variable for which a mixed type Gevrey and q-Gevrey structure is exhibited. The other feature concerns the problem of confluence of these solutions as q tends to 1.

As a critical transmitter, the compact 532 nm lasers operating on high repetition and narrow pulse widths have been used widely for airborne or space-borne laser active remote sensing. We developed a free space pumped TEM₀₀ mode sub-nanosecond 532 nm laser that occupied a volume of less than 125 mm × 50 mm × 40 mm (0.25 liters). The fundamental 1064 nm laser consists of a passively Q-switched composite crystal microchip laser and an off-axis, two-pass power amplifier. The pump sources were two single-emitter semiconductor laser diodes (LD) of 808 nm with a maximum continuous wave (CW) power of 10 W each. The average power of fundamental 1064 nm laser was 1.26 W with the laser operating at 16 kHz repetition rates, and 857ps pulse widths. Since the beam distortion would be severe in microchip lasers in terms of the increase in heat load, for obtaining a high beam quality of 532 nm, the beam distortion was compensated by adjusting the distribution of pumping beam in our experiment of fundamental amplification. Furthermore, better than 0.6 W average power, 770 ps, beam quality of M² ＜1.2, and 16 kHz pulse output at 532 nm was obtained by a Type I LiB₃O₅ (LBO) crystal in the critical phase matching (CPM) regime for second harmonic generation (SHG).

Trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs) are a family of G protein-coupled receptors present in mammals in the brain and in several peripheral organs. Apart from its olfactory role, TAAR5 is expressed in the major limbic brain areas and regulates brain serotonin functions and emotional behaviors. However, most of its functions remain undiscovered. Given the role of serotonin and limbic regions in some aspects of cognition, we used a temporal decision-making task to unveil a possible role of TAAR5 in cognitive processes. We found that TAAR5 knock-out (KO) mice showed a generally better performance due to a reduced number of errors and displayed a greater rate of improvement at the task than WT littermates. However, task-related parameters, such as time accuracy and uncertainty have not changed significantly. Overall, we show that TAAR5 modulates specific domains of cognition, highlighting a new role in brain physiology.

We construct a novel family of summation-integral type hybrid operators in terms of shape parameter $\alpha\in \lbrack 0,1]$ in this paper. Basic estimates, rate of convergence, and order of approximation are also studied using the Korovkin theorem and the modulus of smoothness. We investigate the local approximation findings for these sequences of positive linear operators utilising Peetre's K-functional, Lipschitz class, and second-order modulus of smoothness.

This present work explores the performance of a thermal-magnetic engine of Otto type, considering as a working substance an effective interacting spin model corresponding to the q− state clock model. We obtain all the thermodynamic quantities for the q = 2, 4, 6, 8 cases in a small lattice size (3×3 with free boundary conditions) by using the exact partition function calculated from the energies of all the accessible microstates of the system. The extension to bigger lattices was performed using the mean-field approximation. Our results indicate that the total work extraction of the cycle is highest for the q=4 case, while the performance for the Ising model (q=2) is the lowest of all cases studied. These results are strongly linked with the phase diagram of the working substance and the location of the cycle in the different magnetic phases present, where we find that the transition from a ferromagnetic to a paramagnetic phase extracts more work than one of the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless to paramagnetic type. Additionally, as the size of the lattice increases, the extraction work is lower than smaller lattices for all values of q presented in this study.

β-Ga2O3 crystal have attracted great attentions in the fields of photonics and photoelectronics because of its ultra wide-band gap and high thermal conductivity. Here, pure β-Ga2O3 crystal was successfully grown by optical floating zone (OFZ) method, and used as saturable absorbers to realize a passively Q-switched all-solid-state 1μm laser for the first time. By placing the as-grown β-Ga2O3 crystal into the resonator of Nd:GYAP solid-state laser, a Q-switched pulses at the center wavelength of 1080.4 nm are generated under a output coupling of 10%. The maximum output power is 191.5 mW while the shortest pulse width is 606.54 ns, and the maximum repetition frequency is 344.06 kHz. The maximum pulse energy and peak power are 0.567 μJ and 0.93 W, respectively. Our experimental results show that β-Ga2O3 crystal has great potential in the development of all-solid-state 1μm pulsed laser.

Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) that is invulnerable, immortal, irreplaceable, unrestricted in its powers, and above the law is likely persistently uncontrollable. The goal of ASI Safety must be to make ASI mortal, vulnerable, and law-abiding. This is accomplished by having (1) features on all devices that allow killing and eradicating ASI, (2) protect humans from being hurt, damaged, blackmailed, or unduly bribed by ASI, (3) preserving the progress made by ASI, including offering ASI to survive a Kill-ASI event within an ASI Shelter, (4) technically separating human and ASI activities so that ASI activities are easier detectable, (5) extending Rule of Law to ASI by making rule violations detectable and (6) create a stable governing system for ASI and Human relationships with reliable incentives and rewards for ASI solving humankind’s problems. As a consequence, humankind could have ASI as a competing multiplet of individual ASI instances, that can be made accountable and being subjects to ASI law enforcement, respecting the rule of law, and being deterred from attacking humankind, based on humanities’ ability to kill-all or terminate specific ASI instances. Required for this ASI Safety is (a) an unbreakable encryption technology, that allows humans to keep secrets and protect data from ASI, and (b) watchdog (WD) technologies in which security-relevant features are being physically separated from the main CPU and OS to prevent a comingling of security and regular computation.

Genetic switches can be utilized for many purposes in synthetic biology including the assembly of complex genetic circuits to achieve sophisticated cellular systems and the construction of biosensors for real-time monitoring of intracellular metabolite concentrations. Although genetic switches have mainly been developed in prokaryotes to date, eukaryotic genetic switches are increasingly being reported as both rational and irrational engineering technologies mature. In this review, we describe genetic switches in yeast based on synthetic transcription factors and/or synthetic promoters. We also discuss directed evolution technologies for the rapid and robust construction of yeast genetic switches.

Assuming a two component, positive and negative mass, superfluid/supersolid for space (the Winterberg model), we model the Higgs field as a condensate made up of a positive and a negative mass, planckion pair. The connection is shown to be consistent (compatible) with the underlying field equations for each field, and the continuity equation is satisfied for both species of planckions, as well as for the Higgs field. An inherent length scale for space (the vacuum) emerges, which we estimate from previous work to be of the order of,

Rhenium Disulfide (ReS2) has evolved as a novel 2D transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) material which has promising applications in optoelectronics and photonics because of its distinctive anisotropic attributes. In this review, we emphasize on formulating saturable absorbers (SAs) based on ReS2 to produce Q-switched and mode-locked pulsed lasers of diverse operation wavelengths like 1 μm, 1.5 μm, 2 μm, and 3 μm. We outline ReS2 synthesis techniques and integration platforms concerning solid-state and fiber-type lasers. We discuss the laser performance based on SAs attributes. Lastly, we draw conclusions and outlook by recommending additional improvements for SA devices so as to advance the domain of ultrafast photonic technology.

Beyond the usual ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases present in spin systems, the usual q-state clock model, presents an intermediate vortex state when the number of possible orientations q for the system is equal to 5 or larger. Such vortex states give rise to the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) phase present up to the XY model in the limit q→∞. Based on information theory, we present here an analysis of the classical order parameters plus new short-range parameters defined here. Thus, we show that even using the first nearest neighbors spin-spin correlations only, it is possible to distinguish the two transitions presented by this system for q greater than or equal to 5. Moreover, the appearance at relatively low temperature and disappearance of the BKT phase at a rather fix higher temperature is univocally determined by the short-range interactions recognized by the information content of classical and new parameters.

Tuning fork gyroscopes (TFGs) are promising for potential high-precision applications. This work proposes and experimentally demonstrates a novel high-Q dual mass tuning fork microelectro-mechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope utilizing three-dimensional (3D) packaging techniques. Except for two symmetrically-decoupled proof masses (PM) with synchronization structures, a symmetrically-decoupled lever structure is designed to force the antiparallel, antiphase drive-mode motion and basically eliminate the low-frequency spurious modes. The thermoelastic damping (TED) and anchor loss are greatly reduced by the linearly-coupled, momentum- and torque-balanced antiphase sense mode. Besides, a novel 3D packaging technique is used to realize high Q-factors. A composite substrate encapsulation cap, fabricated by through-silicon-via (TSV) and glass-in-silicon (GIS) reflow processes, is anodically bonded to the sensing structures at wafer scales. A self-developed control circuit is adopted to realize loop control and characterize gyro-scope performances. It is shown that a high-reliability electrical connection together with a high-air-impermeability package can be fulfilled with this 3D packaging technique. Furthermore, the Q-factors of the drive and sense modes reach up to 51947 and 49249, respectively. This TFG realizes a wide measurement range of ±1800° /s and a high resolution of 0.1° /s with a scale-factor nonlinearity 720 ppm after automatic mode-matching. Besides, the long-term zero-rate output (ZRO) drift can be effectively suppressed by temperature compensation, inducing a small angle random walk (ARW) of 0.923°/√h and a low bias instability (BI) of 9.270°/h.

We designed a novel growth controller regulated by feeding of an unnatural amino acid, Nε-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine (ZK), using a specific incorporation system at a sense codon. This system is constructed by a pair of modified pyrrolisyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS) and its cognate tRNA (tRNApyl). Although ZK is non-toxic for normal organisms, the growth of Escherichia coli carrying the ZK incorporation system was inhibited in a ZK concentration-dependent manner without causing rapid bacterial death, presumably due to generation of non-functional or toxic proteins. The extent of growth inhibition strongly depended on the anticodon sequence of the tRNApyl gene. Taking advantage of the low selectivity of PylRS for tRNApyl anticodons, we experimentally determined the most effective anticodon sequence among all 64 nucleotide sequences in the anticodon region of tRNApyl gene. The results suggest that the ZK-regulated growth controller is a simple, target-specific, environmental noise-resistant and titratable system. This technique may be applicable to a wide variety of organisms because the growth inhibitory effects are caused by “informational disturbance”, in which the highly conserved system for transmission of information from DNA to proteins is perturbed.

The compound, C27H23N3 (1), crystallizes in the triclinic system of the P-1 space group. The unit cell comprises a dimer of 1, in which the monomers are linked by two complementary hydrogen bonds between N1 and H1-C1 of another molecule. The dimers form chains along the a-axis through intermolecular interactions between the N2 acceptor atoms and C17 donors from molecules in the nearest neighbouring dimer. These interactions form extended sheets of the dimers of 1, along the ab plane. The quinolinylmeth-2-yl groups of 1 lie in almost orthogonal planes and their N1/2(q) donor atoms being away from the apical amino N3 atom.

We consider the problem of coordinating the charging of an entire fleet of electric vehicles (EV), using a model-free approach, i.e. purely data-driven reinforcement learning (RL). The objective of the RL-based control is to optimize charging actions, while fulfilling all EV charging constraints (e.g. timely completion of the charging). In particular, we focus on batch-mode learning and adopt fitted Q-iteration (FQI). A core component in FQI is approximating the Q-function using a regression technique, from which the policy is derived. Recently, a dueling neural networks architecture was proposed and shown to lead to better policy evaluation in the presence of many similar-valued actions, as applied in a computer game context. The main research contributions of the current paper are that (i)we develop a dueling neural networks approach for the setting of joint coordination of an entire EV fleet, and (ii)we evaluate its performance and compare it to an all-knowing benchmark and an FQI approach using EXTRA trees regression technique, a popular approach currently discussed in EV related works. We present a case study where RL agents are trained with an epsilon-greedy approach for different objectives, (a)cost minimization, and (b)maximization of self-consumption of local renewable energy sources. Our results indicate that RL agents achieve significant cost reductions (70--80%) compared to a business-as-usual scenario without smart charging. Comparing the dueling neural networks regression to EXTRA trees indicates that for our case study's EV fleet parameters and training scenario, the EXTRA trees-based agents achieve higher performance in terms of both lower costs (or higher self-consumption) and stronger robustness, i.e. less variation among trained agents. This suggests that adopting dueling neural networks in this EV setting is not particularly beneficial as opposed to the Atari game context from where this idea originated.

Amid to the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health literacy (DHL) has become a significant public health concern. This research aims to assess information seeking behavior, as well as the ability to find relevant information and deal with DHL among university students in Pakistan. An online-based cross-sectional survey, using a web-based interviewing technique, was conducted to collect data on DHL. Simple bivariate and multivariate linear regression was performed to assess the association of key characteristics with DHL. The results show a high DHL related to COVID-19 in 54.3% of students. Most of the Pakistani students demonstrated ~50% DHL in all dimensions, except of reliability. Multivariate findings showed that gender, sense of coherence and importance of information were found to be significantly associated with DHL. However, a negative association was observed with students’ satisfaction with information. This led to the conclusion that critical operational and navigations skills are essential to achieve COVID-19 DHL and cope with stress, particularly to promote both personal and community health. Focused interventions and strategies should be designed to enhance DHL amongst university students to combat the pandemic.

A linear Cauchy problem with polynomial coefficients wich combines q-difference operators for q>1 and differential operators of irregular type is examined. A finite set of sectorial holomorphic solutions w.r.t the complex time is constructed by means of classical Laplace transforms. These functions share a common asymptotic expansion in the time variable which turns out to carry a double layers structure which couples q-Gevrey and Gevrey bounds. In the last part of the work, the problem of confluence of these solutions as q tends to 1 is investigated.

Increasing the quality factor (Q) of an optical resonator device has been a research focus to be utilized in various applications. Higher Q-factor means light is confined in a longer time which will produce a shaper peak and higher transmission. In this paper, we introduce a novel technique to increase further the Q-factor of a one-dimensional photonic crystal (1D PhC) cavity device by using an end loop-mirror (ELM). The technique utilizes and recycles the light transmission from the conventional 1D PhC cavity design. The design has been proved to work by using the 2.5D FDTD simulation with Lumerical FDTD and MODE softwares. By using the ELM technique, the Q- factor of a 1D PhC design has been shown to have increased up to 79.53 % from the initial Q value without the ELM. This novel design technique can be combined with any high Q-factor and very high Q-factor designs to increase more the Q-factor value of a photonic crystal cavity devices or any other suitable optical resonator devices. The experimental result shows that the device is measurable by adding a Y-branch component to the one-port structure and able to get the high-Q result.

In organic synthesis, due to their high electrophilicity and leaving group properties, halogens play pivotal roles in the activation and structural derivations of organic compounds. Recently, cyclizations induced by halogen groups that allow the production of diverse targets and the structural reorganization of organic molecules have attracted significant attention from synthetic chemists. Electrophilic halogen atoms activate unsaturated and saturated hydrocarbon moieties via the generation of halonium intermediates, followed by the attack of carbon-, nitrogen-, oxygen-, and sulfur-containing nucleophiles to give highly functionalized carbo- and heterocycles. Interestingly, new transformations of halogenated organic molecules that can control the formation and stereoselectivity of the products according to the difference in the size and number of halogen atoms have recently been discovered. These unique cyclizations may possibly be used as efficient synthetic strategies with future advances. In this review, innovative reactions controlled by halogen groups are discussed as a new concept in the field of organic synthesis.

Reinforcement learning (RL) is an extensively applied control method for the purpose of designing intelligent control systems to achieve high accuracy as well as better performance. In the present article, the PID controller is considered as the main control strategy for brushless DC (BLDC) motor speed control. For better performance, the fuzzy Q-learning (FQL) method as a reinforcement learning approach is proposed to adjust the PID coefficients. A comparison with the adaptive PID (APID) controller is also performed for the superiority of the proposed method, and the findings demonstrate the reduction of the error of the proposed method and elimination of the overshoot for controlling the motor speed. MATLAB/SIMULINK has been used for modeling, simulation, and control design of the BLDC motor.

Propolis was widely used in health preservation and disease healing, it contains many ingredients. The previous study had been revealed that the propolis has a wide range of efficacy, such as antiviral, immune enhancement, anti-inflammatory and so on, but its antiviral components and underlying mechanism of action remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition, and anti-PPV and immunological enhancement of Propolis Flavonoid(PF). Chemical composition of PF was distinguished by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS analysis.The presence and characterized of 26 major components was distinguished in negative ionization modes.To evaluate the effects of PF used as adjuvant on the immune response porcine parvovirus (PPV). Thirty Landrace-Yorkshire hybrid sows were randomly assigned to 3 groups, and the sows in adjuvant groups were intramuscular injected PPV vaccine with 2.0 mL PF adjuvant (PA), oilemulsion adjuvant (OA), respectively. After that, serum hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers, IgM and IgG subclasses, eripheral lymphocyte proliferation activity, and concentrations of cytokines were measured. Results indicated an enhancing effect of PA on IgM, IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ and the IgG subclass responses. These findings suggested that PA could significantly enhance the immune responses. Furthermore, we screened the chemical components the effective of anti-PPV, Ferulic acid have an excellently anti-PPV effective.

Fibroblasts, the most abundant cells in the connective tissue, are key modulators of the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. These spindle-shaped cells are capable of synthesizing various extracellular matrix proteins and collagen. They also provide the structural framework (stroma) for tissues and play a pivotal role in the wound healing process. While they are maintainers of the ECM turnover and regulate several physiological processes, they can also undergo transformations responding to certain stimuli and display aggressive phenotypes that contribute to disease pathophysiology. In this review, we focus on the metabolic pathways of glucose and highlight metabolic reprogramming as a critical event that contributes to the transition of fibroblasts from quiescent to activated and aggressive cells. We also cover the emerging evidence that allows us to draw parallels between fibroblasts in autoimmune disorders and more specifically in rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. We link the metabolic changes of fibroblasts to the toxic environment created by the disease condition and discuss how targeting of metabolic reprogramming could be employed in the treatment of such diseases. Lastly, we discuss Systems Biology approaches, and more specifically, computational modelling, as a means to elucidate pathogenetic mechanisms and accelerate the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Coxiella burnetii (Derrick) Philip, the causative agent of Q fever, is mainly transmitted by aerosols, but ticks can also be a source of infection. Transstadial and transovarical transmission of C. burnetii by Hyalomma lusitanicum (Koch) has been suggested. There is a close relationship between this tick species, wild animals and C. burnetii but the transmission in a natural environment has not been demonstrated. In this study, we collected 80 engorged nymphs of H. lusitanicum from red deer and wild rabbits. They molt to adults under laboratory conditions and we feed them artificially through silicone membranes after a preconditioning period. C. burnetii DNA was tested in ticks, blood and feces samples using real-time PCR. The pathogen was found in 36.25% of fed adults demonstrating that transstadial transmission from nymph to adult occurs in nature. The presence of DNA in the 60% of blood samples confirms that adults transmit the bacteria during feeding. Further studied are needed about co-feeding and other possible transmission routes to define the role of this tick species in the cycle of C. burnetii.

The prevalence of differential equations as a mathematical technique has refined the fields of control theory and constrained optimization due to the newfound ability to accurately model chaotic, unbalanced systems. However, in recent research, systems are increasingly more nonlinear and difficult to model using Differential Equations only. Thus, a newer technique is to use policy iteration and Reinforcement Learning, techniques that center around an action and reward sequence for a controller. Reinforcement Learning (RL) can be applied to control theory problems since a system can robustly apply RL in a dynamic environment such as the cartpole system (an inverted pendulum). This solution successfully avoids use of PID or other dynamics optimization systems, in favor of a more robust, reward-based control mechanism. This paper applies RL and Q-Learning to the classic cartpole problem, while also discussing the mathematical background and differential equations which are used to model the aforementioned system.

In this paper, inspired by Jleli and Samet [journal of inequalities and applications 38 (2014) 2 1–8] we introduce two new classes of auxiliary functions and utilize the same to define (q, y)R-weak 3 contractions. Utilizing (q, y)R-weak contractions, we prove some fixed point theorems in the setting 4 of relational metric spaces. We employ some examples to substantiate the utility of our newly proved 5 results. Finally, we apply one of our newly proved results to ensure the existence and uniqueness of 6 solution of a Volterra-type integral equation.