Minimization Method Research Articles

Double-Factor Tensor Cascaded-Rank Decomposition for Hyperspectral Image Denoising

Hyperspectral image (HSIs) denoising is a preprocessing step that plays a crucial role in many applications used in Earth observation missions. Low-rank tensor representation can be utilized to restore mixed-noise HSIs, such as those affected by mixed Gaussian, impulse, stripe, and deadline noises. Although there is a considerable body of research on spatial and spectral prior knowledge concerning subspace, the correlation between the spectral continuity and the nonlocal sparsity of the spectral and spatial factors is not yet fully understood. To address this deficiency, in the present study, we determined the correlation between these factors using a cascaded technique, and we describe in this paper the double-factor tensor cascaded-rank (DFTCR) minimization method that was used. The information existing in the nonlocal sparsity property of the spatial factor was employed to promote a geometrical feature representation, and a tensor cascaded-rank minimization approach was introduced as a nonlocal self-similarity to promote restoration quality. The continuity between the difference and nonlocal gradient sparsity constraints of the spectral factor was also introduced to learn the basis. Furthermore, to estimate the solutions of the proposed model, we developed an algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). The performance of the DFTCR method was tested by a comparison with eleven established denoising methods for HSIs. The results showed that the proposed DFTCR method exhibited superior performance in the removal of mixed noise from HSIs.

Comparing the Effects of Oral and Vaginal Evening Primrose Capsules with Concurrent Labor Induction and Exclusive Labor Induction on Bishop Score and Some Labor Outcomes: A Triple-Blind Clinical Trial

Background: Cervical ripening and achieving a favorable Bishop score are crucial for a successful delivery. When the cervix is not adequately ripe, exclusive labor induction might not succeed. Therefore, there is a need to identify safe concurrent interventions to improve the Bishop score. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of oral (capsule) and vaginal evening primrose oil, in conjunction with labor induction, on the Bishop score and various labor outcomes in pregnant women. Methods: This randomized, triple-blind clinical trial was conducted on 170 pregnant women admitted to terminate their pregnancies at Niknafs Maternity hospital in Rafsanjan, Iran, in 2020. The subjects were randomly allocated to 2 intervention groups: the oral evening primrose oil group (n = 57) and the vaginal evening primrose oil group (n = 56). A control group (n = 57) received oxytocin induction alone. Group assignment was performed using the minimization method. The first intervention group received two oral evening primrose 1 000 mg capsules; however, the second group received two 1 000 mg vaginal capsules, both in conjunction with labor induction using 10 units of oxytocin per 1 000 cc of Ringer’s serum. The data were collected using a checklist with three parts: The mother’s demographic characteristics, obstetric characteristics, and childbirth details. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, median, and standard deviation (SD), were employed. Statistical analyses included one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent t-tests (the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test for non-parametric tests), and the chi-square test. Results: Two hours after induction, the mean Bishop scores in the oral, vaginal, and control groups were 5.47 ± 1.67, 6.28 ± 1.91, and 4.09 ± 1.61, respectively (P < 0.001). Four hours after induction, the respective scores were 7.63 ± 1.59, 8.00 ± 1.20, and 5.18 ± 1.97 (P < 0.001). The vaginal group had significantly higher Bishop scores. Furthermore, the duration of the first and second phases of labor was significantly shorter in the vaginal group than in the oral and control groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Vaginal evening primrose oil was significantly more effective than oral capsules and induction with oxytocin alone in terms of the Bishop score and most labor outcomes.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Minimal Invasive Methods Versus Conventional Methods for Caries Removal in Primary Molars.

Evaluating the efficacy of two "minimal invasive methods"of caries removal (Brix 3000/ceramic bur) in comparison with the conventional method in the management of dental caries in primary molars. Materials and methods: A sum of 60 teeth from children ranging from four to nineyears old of both sexes were selected for this study and randomly assigned to three groups: Group I (Brix 3000), Group II (ceramic bur), and Group III (diamond bur), with 20 teeth per group. Regarding the efficacy of caries removal, the Brix 3000 group had significantly the lowest efficacy, while the ceramic bur and diamond bur groups were significantly the highest without significant differences between the ceramic and diamond groups. Regarding caries removal time, the Brix 3000 group was significantly the highest, while the diamond bur group was significantly the lowest, and the ceramic bur group was intermediate between them. Regarding pain perception, the Brix 3000 and ceramic bur groups were significantly the lowest, with insignificant differences between them, while the diamond bur group was significantly the highest. Ceramic bur is an excellent alternative treatment for caries removal in children in comparison with conventional methods and CMCR. Brix 3000®, despite being less painful in comparison with drilling methods, has lower efficacy and efficiency.

A Screw Fixation Technique for Calcaneus Fractures: Simplifying Three-dimensional Thinking and Minimal Invasive Surgery

Calcaneus fractures are usually seen in the same pattern of injury, which is characterized by 4 fracture fragments and causes 4 deformities. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide for the minimal invasive screw fixation method using minimal invasive sinus tarsi incision for calcaneus fractures. The importance of three-dimensional thinking in understanding fracture patterns is emphasized, with suggestions for utilizing computerized tomography scans. The step-by-step surgical procedure is outlined, including reduction maneuvers, fluoroscopic control, and 4 essential x-ray views for accurate assessment. Therefore, it is aimed to identify the proper screw placements for the typical calcaneus fracture fragments. The article concludes by summarizing the presented surgical steps, emphasizing the simplicity and reproducibility of the techniques, and emphasizing the crucial role of three-dimensional thinking in managing calcaneus fractures. Level of Evidence: Level 4, expert opinion.

Energy-efficient BS sleeping, user association, and resource allocation in full-duplex ultra-dense networks

Full-duplex ultra-dense network (FD-UDN) is a promising technology in 5G mobile networks for handling the increase in network capacity. However, interference management and energy efficiency are two of the most important challenges that must be addressed. With the small base stations (SBSs) densification, employing sleeping strategy coupled with resource management becomes an effective approach to manage interference and power consumption in FD-UDN. To the best of our knowledge, this aspect has not been addressed in previous work. To this end, we develop a framework to optimize the BS sleeping and resource management with the aim of maximizing energy efficiency and maintaining the quality of service (QoS) requirements of users. The problem is formulated as a non-convex mixed-integer non-linear programming problem, which is difficult to handle. Employing the Dinkelbach method, the objective function of the problem is converted to an equivalent parametric subtractive form. Then, the problem is decoupled into two sub-problems: user association and resource allocation, as well as BSs on/off switching. The former is solved using the iterative reweighted lq-norm minimization (IRM) method, and the latter is solved using the Lagrangian dual method and the constrained concave-convex procedure (CCCP). The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method is more effective than traditional ones in simultaneously improving the EE, reducing power consumption, and keeping fewer SBSs active, especially in high network loads.

Modeling of physical and chemical processes in the synthesis of foam glass of various modifications: phase analysis and prediction of properties

To achieve effective thermal insulation of enclosing structures, it is necessary to increase the resistance to heat transfer through the use of advanced thermal insulation materials. A promising heat-insulating material is foam glass, which has a low thermal conductivity, high mechanical strength, frost resistance and low density. The physical properties of foam glass are determined by the structure of its macro- and microstructure, which depend on the temperature regime of synthesis and composition components. In the work, the choice of the optimal compositions of foam glass for correct comparison was carried out, a physicochemical model was developed, the qualitative and quantitative phase composition of foam glass samples was determined using the method of X-ray phase analysis to verify the results obtained. Based on the performed calculations of the composition of phases and components that are formed during the synthesis of various modifications of foam glass, the possible phases were determined using physicochemical models and methods for minimizing thermodynamic potentials. These methods make it possible to determine the equilibrium composition of a heterogeneous system and the thermodynamic parameters of processes. The reliability of the model is confirmed by the results of X-ray phase analysis, which showed the presence of phases obtained by calculation. The scientific novelty of the study lies in determining the features of the formation of crystalline phases during the synthesis of foam glass, taking into account the temperature-time conditions and composition. The study showed that the formation of the mineral composition of foam glass in the considered modifications is significantly affected by Na2B4O7∙10H2O and natural chalk. Additionally, microimpurities affect the formation of new aluminosilicate phases and the redistribution of the main chemical elements between the mineral components of foam glass. This also leads to changes in the density and composition of amorphous phases. An efficient model has been developed using the Gibbs isobaric-isothermal potential minimization method, numerical values of the number of probable phases and components formed during the synthesis of foam glass material have been obtained.

Image cartoon-texture decomposition by a generalized non-convex low-rank minimization method

Image cartoon-texture decomposition is an important problem in image processing. In recent years, by exploiting low-rank priors of images, low-rank minimization methods have been widely adopted for image cartoon-texture decomposition. Since matrix rank minimization is an NP-hard problem, the convex nuclear norm is often used as a substitute for the matrix’s rank to realize the low-rank minimization methods. In this paper, we utilize a generalized non-convex surrogate of the matrix rank function to develop a novel low-rank minimization model for image cartoon-texture decomposition. We design a proximal alternating algorithm to solve the non-convex model and further demonstrate the global convergence of the algorithm. Numerical experiments illustrate that the proposed method can show much better performances than the existing state-of-the-art methods for image cartoon-texture decomposition.

The Descent–Ascent Algorithm for DC Programming

We introduce a bundle method for the unconstrained minimization of nonsmooth difference-of-convex (DC) functions, and it is based on the calculation of a special type of descent direction called descent–ascent direction. The algorithm only requires evaluations of the minuend component function at each iterate, and it can be considered as a parsimonious bundle method as accumulation of information takes place only in case the descent–ascent direction does not provide a sufficient decrease. No line search is performed, and proximity control is pursued independent of whether the decrease in the objective function is achieved. Termination of the algorithm at a point satisfying a weak criticality condition is proved, and numerical results on a set of benchmark DC problems are reported. History: Accepted by Antonio Frangioni, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms – Continuous. Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0142 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0142 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .

Thermodynamic performance comparison of a SOFC system integrated with steam reforming and dry reforming by utilizing different fuels

This work investigates the thermodynamic analysis of syngas production from several fuels by steam reforming or dry reforming for SOFC-integrated systems. Four commonly used fuels are considered: methanol and glycerol (alcohols), methane, and diesel (hydrocarbons). The integrated system is modeled on Aspen Plus using the Gibbs free energy minimization method and a generic electrochemical model to assess the effect of critical parameters on system performance. The results indicate a carbon-free zone within the reformer, and alcohols provide better resistance to carbon deposition than hydrocarbon fuels. Elevating the reforming temperature and STCR/CTCR increases the hydrogen concentration of syngas while also avoiding carbon deposits in the external reformer. Increasing the temperature and fuel utilization factor of SOFCs has been found to enhance electrical efficiency but at the expense of diminished thermal and total efficiency. For given operating conditions, the electrical efficiencies of methanol, glycerol, methane, and diesel are observed to be 47%, 46%, 51%, and 49% for the SR-SOFC system, and 45%, 42%, 42%, and 33% for the DR-SOFC system, respectively. The methane-SR-SOFC and methanol-DR-SOFC systems have the highest electrical efficiency, while diesel is unsuitable for the DR-SOFC system. This work can advise engineers to select the appropriate fuel types and reform technologies for SOFC-integrated systems.

Urine Sampling Protocol Recommendations for Reliable Determination of Total Urinary Luteinizing Hormone Immunoreactivity in the Pediatric Population.

This study investigates day-to-day variations in urinary luteinizing hormone (U-LH) concentrations in children, focusing on potential minimization or correction methods. 95 children and adolescents (51 boys, 44 girls, ages 5-17) provided daytime and evening urine samples for U-LH determinations over three consecutive days. No consistent day-to-day differences in U-LH levels were observed, although random variations, particularly in adolescents aged 13 or older, were noted. The net inter-assay CV% for U-LH changes over three days showed high variability, averaging 24.6% to 28.0% for boys and 21.6% to 27.3% for girls, independent of sex, collection time, or U-LH level. To reliably determine total urinary luteinizing hormone immunoreactivity in the pediatric population, it is advisable to collect multiple first-morning voided samples for at least three consecutive days as an interim solution, pending the development of a standardized protocol or correction method for varying urine composition. Strict adherence, especially for adolescents aged 13 or older, is vital.

Estimation of q for ℓq\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$\\ell _{q}$\\end{document}-minimization in signal recovery with tight frame

This study aims to reconstruct signals that are sparse with a tight frame from undersampled data by using the ℓq\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$\\ell _{q}$\\end{document}-minimization method. This problem can be cast as a ℓq\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$\\ell _{q}$\\end{document}-minimization problem with a tight frame subjected to an undersampled measurement with a known noise bound. We proved that if the measurement matrix satisfies the restricted isometry property with δ2s≤1/2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$\\delta _{2s}\\leq 1/2$\\end{document}, there exists a value q0\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$q_{0}$\\end{document} such that for any q∈(0,q0]\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$q\\in (0,q_{0}]$\\end{document}, any signal that is s-sparse with a tight frame can be robustly recovered to the true signal. We estimated q0\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$q_{0}$\\end{document} as q0=2/3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$q_{0} = 2/3$\\end{document} in the case of δ2s≤1/2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$\\delta _{2s}\\leq 1/2$\\end{document} and discussed that the value of q0\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$q_{0}$\\end{document} can be much higher. We also showed that when δ2s≤0.3317\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$\\delta _{2s}\\leq 0.3317$\\end{document}, for any q∈(0,1]\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$q\\in (0,1]$\\end{document}, robust recovery for signals via ℓq\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$\\ell _{q}$\\end{document}-minimization holds, which is consistent with the case of ℓq\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$\\ell _{q}$\\end{document}-minimization without a tight frame.

Effect of Collaborative Care on Fear of Disease Progression in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Fears about the future and uncertainty in multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect the patients’ adaptation and well-being. Objectives: This study investigated the effect of collaborative care on the fear of disease progression in MS patients. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, patients and their main caregivers were assigned into study groups (36 in the intervention and 43 in the control group) by randomized minimization method. For the intervention group, the collaborative care model was implemented in seven sessions over nine weeks. The data were collected using the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FOP Q-SF). Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk, chi-square, Fisher Exact, independent, and paired t-tests. Results: A near-significant difference was found between the groups after the intervention (P = 0.051). However, in intragroup comparisons, the FOP score significantly decreased in the intervention group (P = 0.001) and increased in the control group after the intervention (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Collaborative care could potentially be an effective strategy for managing FOP in patients with MS.

A Randomized, Single-Dose, Parallel-Controlled Phase 1 Clinical Comparison of an Omalizumab Biosimilar Candidate with Reference Omalizumab in Healthy Chinese Male Volunteers.

This study evaluated the bioequivalence of omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against immunoglobulin-E (IgE), with one of its biosimilar candidates. The study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled trial. A total of subjects who met the inclusion criteria and did not meet the exclusion criteria were dynamically randomly assigned to receive the test drug or the reference drug with a single subcutaneous injection of 150mg by the minimization method. The test group and the reference group had similar demographic characteristics and baseline characteristics of total IgE. The 90% confidence interval of the geometric average ratio of the area under the serum concentration-time curve from the time 0 to the time of last quantifiable concentration, the area under the serum concentration curve from time 0 to infinity, and the maximum observed serum concentration between the 2 groups were within 80%-125%, showing bioequivalence. The changing trend of total and free IgE in the 2 groups was similar after administration, proving the pharmacodynamic similarity. The 2 groups had no significant difference in the positive rate of antidrug antibodies, and the total positive rate of neutralizing antibodies was 0. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events and treatment-related adverse events were similar between the 2 groups, with no serious adverse events. This study shows that the test drug had similar pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and safety to the reference omalizumab in healthy male subjects.

A flow-directed minimal path sets method for success path planning and performance analysis

Emergency operation plans are indispensable elements for effective process safety management especially when unanticipated events occur under extreme situations. In the paper, a synthesis framework is proposed for the integration success path planning and performance analysis. Within the synthesis framework, success path planning is implemented through flow-directed signal tracing, renaming and reconstruction from a complete collection of Minimal Path Sets (MPSs) that are obtained using graph traversal search on GO-FLOW model diagram. The performance of success paths is then evaluated and prioritized according to the task complexity and probability calculation of MPSs for optimum action plans identification. Finally, an Auxiliary Feed Water System of Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR-AFWS) is taken as an example system to demonstrate the flow-directed MPSs search method for success path planning and performance analysis. It is concluded that the synthesis framework is capable of providing procedural guidance for emergency response and safety management with optimal success path planning under extreme situations.

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of solid-liquid phase change in the cavity of composite structures based on TPMS

Solid skeletons will play an important role in improving the thermal properties of phase change materials. For this reason, the efforts should be dedicated to studying the heat transfer characteristics of solid-liquid phase change with different structural skeletons. In this paper, the composite structures spliced with Gyroid and Diamond skeletons in the horizontal or vertical directions were established by using the Triply Periodic Minimal Surface method. A three-dimensional dimensionless lattice Boltzmann model of the phase change material (PCM) cavity with the spliced skeleton was developed by using the two-region model for solid-liquid phase change in the mushy zone. Based on the pore scale, the phase change heat transfer characteristics under the thermal conductivity ratio of the skeleton to PCM of 100 were analyzed in depth with constant temperature heating at the left wall surface. The results showed that the skeleton spliced in different directions has different effects on the temperature field and heat transfer characteristics of the phase change process. The (G + D)H spliced skeleton which was arranged by Gyroid and Diamond skeletons in the horizontal direction led to a faster melting rate of the PCM than the (D + G)H spliced skeleton which was arranged by Diamond and Gyroid skeletons. The promotion effect of a large porosity skeleton on the melting process of PCM was less than that of a small porosity skeleton. The dimensionless complete melting time for the cavity containing skeleton with porosity ε = 0.915 was increased by 35.7 % and 19.4 % compared to the cavities containing skeletons with porosity ε = 0.826 and 0.871, respectively. This study lays the foundation for the development and application of TPMS spliced skeletons in phase change heat storage and enhanced heat transfer technologies.

Generalized spin σ-SCF method.

We introduce a generalization of the σ-SCF method to approximate noncollinear spin ground and excited single-reference electronic states by minimizing the Hamiltonian variance. The new method is based on the σ-SCF method, originally proposed by Ye et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 147, 214104 (2017)], and provides a prescription to determine ground and excited noncollinear spin states on an equal footing. Our implementation was carried out utilizing an initial simulated annealing stage followed by a mean-field iterative self-consistent approach to simplify the cumbersome search introduced by generalizing the spin degrees of freedom. The simulated annealing stage ensures a broad exploration of the Hilbert space spanned by the generalized spin single-reference states with random complex element-wise rotations of the generalized density matrix elements in the simulated annealing stage. The mean-field iterative self-consistent stage employs an effective Fockian derived from the variance, which is utilized to converge tightly to the solutions. This process helps us to easily find complex spin structures, avoiding manipulating the initial guess. As proof-of-concept tests, we present results for Hn (n = 3-7) planar rings and polyhedral clusters with geometrical spin frustration. We show that most of these systems have noncollinear spin excited states that can be interpreted in terms of geometric spin frustration. These states are not directly targeted by energy minimization methods, which are meant to converge to the ground state. This stresses the capability of the σ-SCF methodology to find approximate noncollinear spin structures as mean-field excited states.

Precision Isolation of Circulating Leukemia Cells in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Patients Using a Novel Microfluidic Device and Its Clinical Applications

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) is a prevalent hematologic malignancy characterized by the malignant transformation of myeloid cells and their proliferation in the peripheral blood. The management of CML poses significant challenges, particularly in detecting and eradicating minimal residual disease, which is crucial for preventing relapse and improving survival outcomes. Traditional minimal residual disease detection methods, such as bone marrow aspiration, are invasive and have limitations which include the potential for sampling errors and false negatives. This study introduces a novel label-free microfluidic chip designed for the segregation and recovery of circulating leukemia cells, offering a non-invasive liquid biopsy approach with potential applications in precision medicine. Over July 2021 to October 2023, we recruited 56 CML patients across various disease stages and collected blood samples for analysis using our microfluidic device. The device demonstrated high efficacy in isolating circulating leukemia cells, with an optimal capture efficiency of 78% at a sample flow rate of 3 mL/h. Our results indicate that the microfluidic device can efficiently segregate and quantify circulating leukemia cells, providing a detailed understanding of CML progression and treatment response. The significant reduction in circulating leukemia cell counts in patients in complete remission highlights the device’s potential in monitoring treatment efficacy. Furthermore, the device’s sensitivity in detecting minimal residual disease could offer a more reliable prognostic tool for therapeutic decision-making in CML management.

Simulation of Interaction Processes of C20 Fullerene with Graphene

Graphene, a carbon sheet one atom thick, with carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb configuration, has a number of intriguing properties. Fullerenes are a promising material for creating electro-active elements in solar cells and active layers in thin-film organic transistors. A computer model of the C20 fullerene molecule was constructed using the energy minimization method with the second-generation Brenner potential (REBO). A computer model of "infinite" defect-free graphene was built, designed to consider the process of adsorption of a C20 fullerene molecule on its surface. To study adsorption process computer models of fullerene and "infinite" graphene were approached to the required distance with a different set of geometric arrangement of fullerene with respect to the graphene surface. It has been established that the adsorption of fullerene C20 on the surface of graphene can be carried out in three different ways, differing in the number of interacting fullerene and graphene atoms. The binding energies and adsorption lengths for C20 fullerene molecules adsorbed on the graphene surface in different ways are calculated. The way of adsorption corresponding to the highest binding energy and the shortest adsorption length was revealed.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activity of Di‐2‐pyridyl Ketone Aryl Hydrazone and Its Copper(II) Complex and the Interaction of Di‐2‐pyridyl Ketone Aryl Hydrazone with DNA Bases

AbstractThe development of antibiotic resistance has also increased the interest in hydrazones. In this paper, we describe the new aroyl hydrazone and its Cu(II) complex, which we synthesized. Aroyl hydrazone (HL) was prepared by the condensation reaction of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthoic hydrazide with di‐2‐pyridyl ketone. Ligand (HL) and its transition metal complexes [CuL2] (1), have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, UV‐Vis., 1H‐NMR, and LC–MS techniques. The molecular structure of HL, whose crystal structure could not be obtained, was elucidated by the DFT/B3LYP/6‐311+G(d, p) method. The optimized molecular structure, total energy, molecular orbital energy values, molecular electrostatic potential map, reactivity parameters, and interaction with DNA bases were investigated. Theoretical UV‐vis spectra of HL were obtained with TD‐DFT in different solvent environments. In addition, the ligand and its complex were examined for their antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms by using a minimal inhibitory concentration method (MIC). It was determined that the [CuL2] (1) complex was generally moderately active. It was also observed that the [CuL2] (1) complex was more active than the HL.

Multiagent Soft Actor-Critic Based Hybrid Motion Planner for Mobile Robots.

In this article, a novel hybrid multirobot motion planner that can be applied under no explicit communication and local observable conditions is presented. The planner is model-free and can realize the end-to-end mapping of multirobot state and observation information to final smooth and continuous trajectories. The planner is a front-end and back-end separated architecture. The design of the front-end collaborative waypoints searching module is based on the multiagent soft actor-critic (MASAC) algorithm under the centralized training with decentralized execution (CTDE) diagram. The design of the back-end trajectory optimization module is based on the minimal snap method with safety zone constraints. This module can output the final dynamic-feasible and executable trajectories. Finally, multigroup experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed motion planner.