Control Reconfiguration of Dynamical Systems for Improved Performance via Reverse-engineering and Forward-engineering

This paper presents a control reconfiguration approach to improve the performance of two classes of dynamical systems. Motivated by recent research on re-engineering cyber-physical systems, we propose a three-step control retrofit procedure. First, we reverse-engineer a dynamical system to dig out an optimization problem it actually solves. Second, we forward-engineer the system by applying a corresponding faster algorithm to solve this optimization problem. Finally, by comparing the original and accelerated dynamics, we obtain the implementation of the redesigned part (i.e., the extra dynamics). As a result, the convergence rate/speed or transient behavior of the given system can be improved while the system control structure maintains. Three practical applications in the two different classes of target systems, including consensus in multi-agent systems, Internet congestion control and distributed proportional-integral (PI) control, show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.Comment: 27 pages, 8 figure

Shaping nanoparticle fingerprints at the interface of cholesteric droplets

The ordering of nanoparticles into predetermined configurations is of importance to the design of advanced technologies. In this work, we moderate the surface anchoring against the bulk elasticity of liquid crystals to dynamically shape nanoparticle assemblies at a fluid interface. By tuning the degree of nanoparticle hydrophobicity with surfactants that alter the molecular anchoring of liquid crystals, we pattern nanoparticles at the interface of cholesteric liquid crystal emulsions. Adjusting the particle hydrophobicity more finely further modifies the rigidity of assemblies. We establish that patterns are tunable by varying both surfactant and chiral dopant concentrations. Since particle assembly occurs at the interface with the desired structures exposed to the surrounding phase, we demonstrate that particles can be readily crosslinked and manipulated, forming structures that retain their shape under external perturbations. This study establishes the templating of nanomaterials into reconfigurable arrangements. Interfacial assembly is tempered by elastic patterns that arise from the geometric frustration of confined cholesterics. This work serves as a basis for creating materials with chemical heterogeneity and with linear, periodic structures, essential for optical and energy applications.Comment: 16 pages with 5 figures, 4 page supplementary with 5 supplementary figure

Efficacy of combined glucocorticoid and hyperbaric oxygen therapy against delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning, and its effect on expression of immune-associated cytokines

Purpose: To study the efficacy of glucocorticoid combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP), and its effect on the expression of immune-associated cytokines.Methods: A total of 102 DEACMP patients in PLA General Hospital, Haidian, China were divided into two groups of 51 patients each, namely, observation group (glucocorticoid + hyperbaric oxygen therapy), and control group (hyperbaric oxygen only). The clinical data for each group was retrospectively analyzed. Clinical efficacy, improvement time, hospitalization time, cognitive function, activities associated with daily living, changes in immunity-associated cytokines, and incidence of adverse reactions were compared for the two groups.Results: Following treatment, the time taken for improvement, duration of hospitalization, cognitive function, daily living activity and total effectiveness in the observation group were significantly higher than those for the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, the levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF- β1), interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in the observation group were significantly greater than for the corresponding control group levels (p <0.05). There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (p > 0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that a combination therapy of glucocorticoid and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of DEACMP is more eutherapeutic in the improvement of cognitive function and activities of daily living in DEACMP patients than hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The mechanism of this combination therapy may be related to the improvement in immunity-related cytokine levels.Keywords: Glucocorticoid, Hyperbaric oxygen, Delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning, Efficacy, Immunit

Experience in nursing hydronephrosis with infection during pregnancy

目的  探讨妊娠合并肾积水伴感染患者的护理要点。方法  本组选取自2014年6月—2015年2月于徐州医学院附属医院住院的20例妊娠合并肾积水伴感染的患者，通过及早进行经尿道膀胱输尿管支架管置入术，并给予密切观察病情变化、预防感染及并发症、配合心理护理以及液体疗法。结果  20例患者全部顺利置入输尿管双J管，术中和术后无明显并发症，经抗炎治疗后所有患者48h内体温恢复正常，腰痛症状消失。胎儿出生后无畸形、智力障碍及先天性疾病报告。结论  根据妊娠期肾积水伴感染的特点进行早期护理干预、监测孕妇及胎儿情况并做好术前心理护理、完善术前准备；术中密切监测患者生命体征；术后做好并发症护理、完善出院指导对提高治愈率、促进患者早日康复有重要意义。Objective: To investigate the nursing points of hydronephrosis with infection during pregnancy. Methods: 20 cases of hydronephrosis with infection during pregnancy from June 2014 to January 2015 received bladder transurethral ureteral stent implantation. Close observation of the disease changes together with psychological care and fluid therapy was given for prevention of infection and complications. Results: Ureteral double J tubes were successfully implanted in 20 patients. No significant complications were detected during and after surgery. After anti-inflammatory treatment, body temperature and lumbago of all patients returned to normal within 48 h. No fetal malformations, mental retardation and congenital diseases were reported. Conclusion: Early nursing intervention for pregnant women and fetus should be performed according to characteristics of gestational hydronephrosis with infection during pregnancy, and monitor the situation, make the preoperative psychological nursing, and improve the preoperative preparation. Close intraoperative monitoring of vital signs of patients is essential. Postoperative nursing care of the complications and improvement of the discharge guidance are important to increase the cure rate and to promote the recovery of the patients

Closure properties for second-order λ-Hadamard product of a class of meromorphic Janowski function

In this paper, we define second-order $\lambda$-Hadamard product of a class of meromorphic Janowski function and study the closure properties of the above product