In this article, a novel Lyapunov-based event-trigger mechanism is proposed to reduce the computation cost of model predictive control (MPC) algorithm for discrete-time nonlinear input-affine safety-critical systems. Unlike conventional approaches that require continuous error monitoring, the proposed mechanism leverages the predictive capability of MPC to determine triggering instants directly based on the evolution of the closed-loop Lyapunov function. Safety and stability are enforced by incorporating control barrier functions (CBFs) and control Lyapunov functions (CLFs) as constraints within the MPC optimization. Furthermore, the recursive feasibility of the proposed event-triggered MPC algorithm is rigorously analyzed, with special attention to the potential infeasibility caused by hard CBF constraints. Input-to-state practical stability (ISpS) of the resulting closed-loop system is also established. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed event-triggered CBF-CLF-MPC algorithm effectively eliminates unnecessary controller updates, reducing computational consumption while maintaining tracking performance comparable to that of a conventional time-triggered MPC algorithm.
Sampling jitter, i.e., random deviations in the time instants when samples are taken, causes frequency-dependent noise that reduces the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This paper generalizes the concept of jitter to magnetoencephalography (MEG) sensor arrays that spatially sample the quasistatic magnetic field due to brain activity. It is shown that spatial jitter, i.e., random deviations in the MEG sensor positions, causes spatial-frequency-dependent noise in the vector spherical harmonics domain that reduces the attainable SNR and spatial resolution in MEG. Similarly, the paper also considers noise due to random sensor orientation errors ('orientation jitter') and errors due to field integration by the finite-sized sensors ('aperture error'). The analysis in this paper shows that on-scalp MEG measurements taken closer to the head are more resistant to spatial and orientation jitter at high spatial frequencies than off-scalp measurements taken further away. On the other hand, on-scalp measurements are affected more by aperture errors than off-scalp measurements. The paper also provides new insights to the effect of sensor noise on the spatial resolution of on- and off-scalp sensor arrays using a novel normalization of the vector spherical harmonics. The paper also simulates spatial-jitter phenomena with realistic sensor arrays based on optically pumped magnetometers and superconducting quantum interference device sensors. This analysis shows that spatial jitter reduces SNR and affects how the measurements should be regularized in order to maximize SNR.
This paper presents a novel approach to address the leader-following output consensus problem in linear multi-agent systems using a reset Model Predictive Control (MPC)-based dynamic output feedback controller. The proposed method integrates continuous and discrete dynamics within a hybrid control framework, ensuring Zeno-free behavior and superior transient performance. The controller design process involves two key steps: First, the D-stability approach is employed to configure the gain matrices of the dynamic output feedback controller without reset, positioning the base closed-loop poles within a predefined region aligned with control objectives. The D-stability conditions are formulated as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), providing a systematic foundation for controller design. Second, at each reset instant, determined using the zero-crossing detection approach, an optimization problem based on a model predictive strategy is solved to obtain the optimal after-reset values of the controller states by minimizing a quadratic cost function. This comprehensive approach achieves leader-following output consensus with improved transient performance, and networked implementation capabilities. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through theoretical analysis and simulation results, highlighting significant advantages over traditional methods.
Catalytic methods for synthesizing highly substituted olefins are crucial for fine chemical and polymer production, yet alkene insertion systems featuring two highly competitive directing effects often scramble the outcome, and strategies to distinguish these effects remain underdeveloped. Here, we present a straightforward chemodivergent and regioselective cross-hydroalkenylation of acrylates and vinylarenes, enabling intermolecular access to distinct conjugated olefin isomers that were previously inaccessible from those abundant substrate classes directly. Our investigations reveal that divergence arises from two sequential, redox-neutral insertion steps, which overcome intrinsic boundaries imposed by a common olefin intermediate formation, oxidative addition, or isomerization. Unlike tactics that rely on varying prefunctionalized substrate pairs, our (NHC)Ni(II)-directed method exploits catalyst-controlled responses to polarized olefin hydrometallation and carbometallation. The green synthesis has instant utility in drug synthesis and in the preparation of electron-deficient, branched allylic centers with up to 97% e.e. This strategy also extends to vinylBpin and vinylsiloxanes, significantly expanding the scope of divergent olefin synthesis.
Background: Corticosteroid injections provide short-term relief for chronic subacromial bursitis but are associated with high recurrence rates. This study investigates the efficacy of a mobile health-supported home-based resistance exercise program compared with exercise education in patients with chronic recurrent subacromial bursitis after ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections. Methods: Participants with chronic subacromial bursitis were assigned via computer-generated block randomization to either an intervention group receiving ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections followed by a 12-week home-based exercise program (50 min strengthening and resistance/session, 5 days per week) supported via instant messaging applications, or a control group receiving the same injection followed by printed educational materials covering the same exercise protocol. Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores and active pain-free range of motion (ROM) were evaluated by a blinded assessor at weeks 4 and 12. Between-group comparisons were analyzed using two-way ANOVA after confirming normality and homoscedasticity. Results: Fifty-three patients (mean age: 55.6 ± 10.5 years; 47.2% female) were randomized to the intervention (n = 27) or control (n = 26) groups. Significant interaction effects were identified for SPADI (p = 0.040) and ROM (abduction: p = 0.036/ flexion: p = 0.032). Post hoc analysis revealed that the intervention group exhibited a significantly greater reduction in SPADI scores (p = 0.007, d = 0.72) and greater increase in abduction ROM (p = 0.004, d = 0.84) at 12 weeks; both gains surpassed the MCID. Conclusions: A mobile health-supported home-based resistance exercise program can significantly extend the benefits of corticosteroid injections in patients with chronic subacromial bursitis. Trial Registration: NCT06220643, registered 14 December 2023.
Postoperative peritoneal adhesion (PPA) is a pathological fibrous connection that forms between peritoneal surfaces after abdominal surgery, often resulting in infertility, intestinal obstruction, and increased difficulty during secondary operations. Despite numerous biomaterial-based strategies for adhesion prevention, their efficacy remains limited. To address this challenge, we synthesized N,N-dimethylaminopropylamine-conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA-DMAPA), reporting the first preparation of this conjugate. This polyampholyte rapidly forms a hydrogel under physiological conditions via reversible electrostatic intra- and intermolecular interactions between the tertiary amines of DMAPA and the unreacted carboxyl groups of HA, exhibiting pH-dependent gelation and degradation. The HA-DMAPA hydrogel demonstrated mechanical stability near its isoelectric point (pH 5-5.5) and accelerated degradation at physiological pH 7.4, indicating its potential as an inflammation-responsive polyampholyte. The material showed excellent injectability and instant self-healing due to strong shear-thinning properties, along with minimal cytotoxicity, reduced cell adhesion, enzymatic degradability, and remarkable hemocompatibility despite amine modification. In vivo, HA-DMAPA effectively reduced severe postoperative peritoneal adhesions in both rat cecum abrasion and partial hepatectomy models. Overall, this newly developed polyampholyte hydrogel derived from functionalized hyaluronan is simple, safe, and highly practical for surgical use, offering a promising strategy for preventing severe adhesions that remain challenging to manage in clinical practice.
The growing interest in sustainable sources of bioactive compounds has led to the exploration of underutilized edible plants such as Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion). In this study, Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (DIC) was investigated as a pretreatment to enhance the extractability of antioxidant compounds from dandelion leaves and roots, processed and analyzed separately, considering their distinct biochemical composition and potential applications. DIC treatments were applied at various steam pressures (0.1-0.4 MPa), times (5-90 s), and cycles (5), and a response surface methodology was used to optimize extraction conditions. Most favorable DIC pretreatment conditions (0.25 MPa, 20 s) resulted in a 265% increase in Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and a significant improvement in antioxidant activity (up to 44% in the DPPH assay). Multicycle DIC treatments enhanced compound availability in root tissues (0.4 MPa, 20 s, 5 cycles), resulting in an almost threefold increase in TPC. These results demonstrate the potential of DIC pretreatment as a green and efficient approach for improving phenolic extractability from wild edible plants such as dandelion, supporting their valorization as functional food ingredients.
A general mechanism to maintain epithelial integrity during tissue movements is to couple adhesion strength with mechanical force. Mechanosensitive proteins are recruited to cell-cell contacts to reinforce membrane-cortex linkage in response to elevated tension. However, how protein recruitment achieves necessary speed and precision to match the instant nature of force remains unknown. Here we identify a direct "edge-to-vertex" transport mechanism that couples the flow of the adhesion protein Canoe/Afadin to pulsatile actomyosin dynamics, ensuring that adhesion is reinforced precisely where and when force is applied. Genetically, this mechanosensitive transport is gated by kinase-independent activities of Mbt/PAK. In its absence, Canoe/Afadin forms aberrant elliptical condensates at cell edges, becoming unresponsive to mechanical cues. Remarkably, these condensates are dissolved by a simple, physiological increase in temperature, which restores directional protein flow and rescues adhesion-bypassing the genetic requirement of Mbt/PAK. Lastly, we demonstrate that transport efficiency is governed by cortical mobility threshold, fine-tuned through Canoe/Afadin condensation. These results identify a force-coupled transport strategy to ensure adhesion-tension coupling with spatial and temporal precision in living tissues.
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Most noncommunicable disease patients who continue smoking are chronic users with no intention to quit. This multicentre randomised controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of brief motivational interviewing (MI) delivered using mobile instant messaging on smoking abstinence in this population. Overall, 728 adults were recruited and randomised (1:1) to the intervention or control group. Intervention group received a face-to-face brief MI session followed by instant messaging-delivered brief MI for 6 months. Control group received a face-to-face health advice consultation and a self-help booklet. Follow-ups were conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome was biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 12 months, defined as self-reported abstinence from smoking in the last 7 days confirmed by exhaled carbon monoxide <4 ppm and saliva cotinine <15 ng/mL. At 12 months, 4.1% of participants in the intervention group met the primary outcome, compared with 1.4% in the control group (rate ratio [RR], 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-8.17; P = 0.03). Secondary outcomes were also significantly higher in the intervention group, including validated abstinence at 6 months (4.7% vs 1.4%; RR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.27-9.12; P = 0.02) and intention to quit at both 3 months (30.8% vs 18.9%; RR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.25-2.13; P < 0.001) and 6 months (33.7% vs 24.1%; RR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.10-1.79; P = 0.01). The intervention could be easily integrated into existing smoking cessation services, effectively motivating individuals who had no intention of quitting to quit-addressing one of the major challenges in tobacco control.
The development of noninvasive cancer diagnosis approaches may provide convenient, remote, painless diagnosis, instant healthcare, and postoperative follow-up. Label-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is becoming a powerful approach for the detection of various potential biomarkers in cancer diagnosis; it avoids focusing on one or several specific targets, thus it may achieve the comprehensive and accurate diagnosis of cancer. In this work, a compact nano-superlattice is constructed as a label-free SERS substrate for the Raman analysis of urine samples from healthy people and lung cancer (LC) patients before and after surgery for the noninvasive diagnosis and postoperative monitoring of LC. Multiple chemometric methods, including principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) are applied for the classification of SERS spectra obtained from different samples. LDA and OPLS-DA outperform PCA to discriminate lung cancer preoperative patients from postoperative and healthy persons with higher efficiency. The high accuracy based on LDA and OPLS-DA is evaluated by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, demonstrating AUC values of 0.926 and 0.986 for LDA and OPLS-DA, respectively. In addition, the noninvasive SERS analysis of urine samples shows significant superiority for LC diagnosis over typical clinical biomarker tests such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) testing in serum. These results demonstrate that label-free SERS associated with multivariate analysis is a promising tool for the noninvasive diagnosis and postoperative monitoring of LC patients.
This study investigated examinations for diabetes complications and associated factors during the COVID-19 epidemic in Korea. We used data from the 2021 Korea Community Health Survey (n = 28 477). Overall, 42.7% underwent fundus examination, and 51.7% underwent microalbuminuria examination. Factors associated with increased rates of fundus examination were increased physical activity due to COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.16, 95% CI [1.02, 1.32]), decreased consumption of instant food (OR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.03, 1.41]), decreased alcohol drinking frequency (OR = 1.24, 95% CI [1.01, 1.53]), concern about COVID-19 infection (OR = 1.11, 95% CI [1.02, 1.20]), and COVID-19 vaccination experience (OR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.07, 1.34]). Factors associated with increased rates of microalbuminuria examination were decreased consumption of instant food decreased due to COVID-19 (OR = 1.16, 95% CI [1.00, 1.36]) and concern about criticism due to infection with COVID-19 (OR = 1.10, 95% CI [1.00, 1.20]). These results may be useful in planning for the management of chronic diseases during future periods of increased hospital workload.
Complex I (NADH:quinone oxidoreductase, CI) is central to cellular aerobic energy metabolism. The L-shaped structure of CI is unique, where the hydrophilic arm is responsible for the electron transfer function and the membrane arm operates proton pumping. These two functional sites are spatially far apart yet functionally connected. This basic core subunit architecture is highly conserved from bacterial to mammalian CI. Here, to gain detailed mechanistic insight into the role of the membrane subunit ND2 in the coupling mechanism, we mutated several highly conserved residues in the middle of the membrane axis of NuoN, the E. coli CI homolog of ND2. To more precisely investigate the consequences of mutational effects on highly conserved residues, we purified each mutant CI and compared the mutational effects on electron transfer and proton pumping activity using our instant membrane reconstitution method with E. coli double knockout (DKO) membrane vesicles lacking both CI and alternative NADH dehydrogenase (NDH-2). Thre results were corroborated by conventional proteoliposome reconstitution experiments. We found that Lys247 and Lys395 are absolutely essential for both electron transfer and proton pumping activities, while about 50% reduction of NADH oxidase activity but no reduction in proton pumping activity was observed in Lys217, and no significant decrease was detected in Glu133. Furthermore, unexpectedly, we were able to purify an NuoN knockout (ΔNuoN) mutant, which contained stoichiometric peripheral subunits NuoB, NuoCD, NuoE, NuoF, NuoG, and NuoI; and a substoichiometric amount of NuoH and a reduced amount of quinone. However, surprisingly, this isolated ΔNuoN CI showed CI activities (~30% of the WT) after being reconstituted into DKO membranes but not into proteoliposomes. Later, we confirmed by blue native PAGE that the wild-type CI was partially formed from ΔNuoN CI by recruiting its missing membrane subunits that existed in DKO membranes. Our data strongly suggest that ND2/NuoN plays an essential role in the coupling mechanism in CI. CI is the entry respiratory chain enzyme and is central to cellular energy metabolism. Two highly conserved lysine residues in the center of the antiporter-like membrane subunit ND2 are essential for the coupling mechanism between electron transfer and proton translocation.
As a National Centre for Pectus Surgery, our department receives referrals from across England. To strengthen perioperative support for patients undergoing the Nuss procedure in the RESTORE Trial (August 2024-May 2025), individual WhatsApp groups were introduced, reflecting growing evidence of the value of text-based communication in surgical care. Fifty-two groups were established, each averaging 6.7 members, including patients, relatives, secretarial, and research staff. These groups facilitated direct communication with the clinical team. All conversations were anonymised prior to analysis. Groups averaged an exchange of 67 messages: 20 from clinicians, 19 from patients, and 17 from family or friends. Patients initiated 28% of conversations and family members 20%, most often regarding pain management. Clinicians shared an average of 7.2 images per group, and patients shared 4, typically related to wounds or chest appearance. Mean clinician response time was 94 min, with daily message averages of 2 from clinicians, 2.5 from patients, and 1.6 from family. All patients reported satisfaction and would recommend this communication method. Instant messaging provided an effective, responsive, and low-burden means of enhancing perioperative care and reassurance for Nuss patients.
Digital tools are increasingly used to support recruitment and retention of participants in paediatric research, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the extent of the evidence supporting this method in paediatric populations has yet to be evaluated. This scoping review aimed to review the literature on digital tools for recruitment and/or retention of participants in paediatric research, including emerging evidence following the pandemic. A scoping review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. We included peer-reviewed quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies evaluating a digital tool for recruitment or retention in paediatric research in any patient population aged <13 years. Records were identified from systematic database searches with a librarian (EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL), limited to English, from 2013 onwards (last search 03/07/2024), and manual searches. Records were screened and extracted independently in duplicate. The data were charted and narratively summarised. Sixty-one out of 4988 records were included. Most evaluations used an observational design; only 5 (8%) involved a randomised experiment. The host studies were mostly aiming to recruit children aged 5-12 years (n = 42; 69%), with a predominantly health promotion (n = 18; 30%), developmental (n = 12; 20%), or oncology (n = 9; 15%) focus. Most studies used multi-component digital interventions for recruitment (n = 39/53; 74%) or retention (n = 17/31; 55%). Social media (n = 33/52; 62%) and websites (n = 19/53; 36%) were most commonly used for recruitment, whereas text/instant messaging (n = 17/31; 55%) and email (n = 11/31; 36%) were the most common retention strategies. The estimates of recruitment and retention rates, and reach per digital tool varied widely between studies. Strategies in underserved populations reflected those used most commonly overall. Multi-component digital strategies were found to support a high rate of retention (84.1-90.7%) during pandemic restrictions. This scoping review highlights the broad array of digital tools that have been used to support recruitment and retention in studies of infants and children, including in subgroups of underserved populations and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most evaluations were observational and examined multi-component digital interventions. The lack of studies with a robust analytical design in the literature signals a need for further high-quality, randomised, within-study evaluations following standardised reporting criteria. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) at https://osf.io/ybfhr/. Registered on July 5 2024.
Varietal characteristics significantly influence the quality of glutinous rice and its products; however, comprehensive studies on its cooking and processing properties remain limited. This research systematically evaluated the impact of varietal differences on these qualities, providing guidance for the industrial production and processing of glutinous rice. Seven widely cultivated varieties were selected to evaluate the physicochemical properties, processing performance, and eating quality. Key findings reveal that WK (Wanken) excels in water-binding capacity, exhibits a distinct protein composition, and possesses a compact texture. ZK (Zhongke) demonstrates superior thermodynamic properties, exceptional gel consistency, and strong anti-retrogradation ability, making it ideal for instant food processing. WL (Wuliang) achieves peak viscosity and high thermal stability, while ZZ (Zhennuo) exhibits optimal flavor quality. The innovation of this study lies in elucidating the functional relationships between multi-scale parameters-such as water mobility, protein fraction distribution, thermal properties, and volatile flavor compounds-and specific quality traits, thereby providing a theoretical basis for precision breeding and process-cultivar alignment.
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Equitable healthcare access for mobile, informally employed populations remains elusive in many developing contexts. We examine the impact of the first phase of China's cross-regional instant reimbursement (CRIR) reform-a province-level reform-on enrollment in health insurance and healthcare utilization. Informed by a theoretical model, we implement a triple-differences design leveraging CRIR's staggered rollout to identify causal effects. Results show that CRIR substantially increased local UEBMI enrollment (by 8%) and healthcare visits (by 14%), while reducing out-of-pocket spending (by 22%). These gains stem from lower administrative frictions and strengthened financial protection. Low-income, less-educated, and more informally employed migrants benefit the most, underscoring the reform's role in promoting inclusive development. Our findings highlight the importance of portable social insurance in improving healthcare access for mobile populations and offer insights for similar reforms in other developing settings.
Instant messaging applications are an integral part of everyday life, facilitating communication in various settings, including work and healthcare. This systematic review aims to analyze the healthcare contexts in which these applications are most commonly used (i.e., work organization, education, communication among healthcare personnel, communication with patients), with a particular focus on privacy issues raised by the handling of sensitive data on these platforms and how, or if, these issues are addressed. Following a systematic literature review process conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the articles were examined with the goal of extracting the aforementioned information. The results reveal that the majority of studies (82.6%) adopt commercial solutions to improve communication in medical field, with most of them using WhatsApp as the primary communication channel. Although the studies acknowledge the privacy risks introduced by these applications, the description of how such risks are mitigated or addressed is rarely reported in detail; what is consistently highlighted instead is the practical lack of clarity in existing regulations about the pratical applicability.
Non-fried buckwheat instant noodles are known to be low-fat and low-glycemic-index products but suffer from poor dough processing and poor rehydration. The study aims to improve the rehydration and flavor of non-fried buckwheat noodles by co-fermenting yeast and lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus). Non-fried buckwheat instant noodles were evaluated for rehydration, cooking tolerance, texture, digestibility, microstructure, and volatile aroma compounds. Co-fermentation significantly reduced rehydrating time by 15.20% from 342 to 290 s. With mixed culture, the sample with 1% yeast and 0.075% lactic acid bacteria provided excellent cooking tolerance and a good rehydration rate. It also had a low expected glycemic index (45.96-50.74) in digestion assays. The scanning electron microscope showed uniformly distributed pores and a dense gluten network with 1% yeast addition. Electronic nose data indicated that the groups of samples had similar odor characteristics. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, combined with principal component analysis and optimal aroma response values, suggested that key aroma compounds (trans-2-nonenal, decanal, 2-pentylfuran, and geranyl acetone) contributed to the unique flavor of non-fried buckwheat noodles. The co-fermentation with yeast and lactic acid bacteria improved the gluten network and quality of non-buckwheat noodles, particularly enriching their volatile compounds. The optimal formulation was 1% yeast with 0.75% lactic acid bacteria. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Compound bacteria fermentation improved the quality of buckwheat instant noodles. Rehydration time was shortened due to the formation of a porous structure. More volatile flavor substances were produced during fermentation. The eGI value was held in 45.96-50.74.