Matrix Riccati Equations in Optimal Control

In this paper, the matrix Riccati equation is considered. There is no general way for solving the matrix Riccati equation despite the many fields to which it applies. While scalar Riccati equation has been studied thoroughly, matrix Riccati equation of which scalar Riccati equations is a particular case, is much less investigated. This article proposes a change of variable that allows to find explicit solution of the Matrix Riccati equation. We then apply this solution to Optimal Control.

Dual Instinct and Structural Theories: DSM-5-TR

The genetic based Dual Instinct Theory is determined by evolutionary history. Aggression is required for survival and sex for propagation of species. Aggressive and sexual drive derivatives with their corresponding defence mechanisms are combined with biologically based stages of infant/child development and the functional entity of Structural Theory. This model of human nature is the applied to the diagnostic categories of DSM-5-TR. Objectives: To follow the innate Dual Instinct Theory from life to death and through Artificial Intelligence;connect it with biological stages of development of the Structural Theory and illustrate its manifestations in DSM-5-TR classifications. Method: Review of selected published literature. Applying the principle of focus and cognition of informed clinical observation of innate drive derivatives in conjunction with The Structural Theory. Both theories are functional entities with no structures involved. Sigmund Freud’s biologically based stages of development;oral, anal, genital pubic, adult, and geriatric along with a variety of unconscious, automatic, and persistent defense mechanisms are selectively folded into diagnosis listed in the manual.

E-cigarettes and arterial health:A review of the link between vaping and atherosclerosis progression

Recent studies have suggested an evolving understanding of the association be-tween vaping,specifically electronic cigarette(e-cigarette)use,and the progre-ssion of atherosclerosis,a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease.Des-pite the prevailing perception of vaping as a safer alternative to traditional toba-cco smoking,accumulating evidence suggests that the aerosols emitted by e-cigarettes contain harmful constituents that may promote endothelial dysfunction,oxidative stress,inflammation,and dyslipidemia—key mechanisms implicated in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.While past research,including experimental studies and clinical investigations,has shed light on the potential cardiovascular risks associated with vaping,gaps in knowledge persist.Future research endeavors should focus on interpreting the long-term effects of vaping on atherosclerosis development and progression,exploring the impact of different e-cigarette formu-lations and user demographics,and identifying effective strategies for mitigating the cardiovascular consequences of vaping.By identifying and addressing these research gaps,we can enhance our understanding of the cardiovascular implica-tions of vaping and inform evidence-based interventions and policies to safe-guard public health.Core Tip:E-cigarette use has been linked to various cardiovascular risks,including the progression of atherosclerosis.Despite the perception of vaping as a safer alternative to smoking,evidence suggests that e-cigarette aerosols contain harmful substances that contribute to endothelial dysfunction,oxidative stress,inflammation,and dyslipidemia.These mechanisms are crucial in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.This review explores multiple facets of e-cigarettes and arterial health,focusing on the connection between vaping and atherosclerosis progression.It presents up-to-date evidence on pathophysiology and significant clinical implications,the impact of various constituents,and discusses contemporary public health strategies.

Psychiatric Sequelae of Chronic Pruritic Dermatoses

This comprehensive review investigates the significant psychological impact and profound psychological comorbidities found in individuals suffering from chronic pruritic dermatoses, including atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, and prurigo nodularis. Highlighting the complex, reciprocal relationship between pruritus and psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, this paper elucidates the comprehensive impact of dermatological disorders on the skin in addition to the far-reaching effects on an individual’s psychological well-being. By evaluating the efficacy of integrated psychodermatological interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, pharmacological treatments, and innovative telepsychiatry and digital health solutions, this review aims to lay the foundation for a more holistic approach to treatment of concurrent dermatological and psychiatric conditions. Future research endeavors should delve deeper into the mechanistic foundation of the pruritus-psychiatry interface, the refinement of tailored treatment strategies, and the evaluation of long-term patient outcomes. In doing so, this review seeks to contribute to the optimization of patient care and well-being, underscoring the pivotal role of addressing both dermatological and psychological needs in achieving comprehensive health outcomes.

The Impact of Psychosocial Influences on Chronic Wound Healing

This comprehensive review explores the intricate dynamics between psychosocial factors and chronic wound healing processes, specifically focusing on prevalent conditions such as pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and venous leg ulcers. By examining the roles of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this paper illuminates how these factors intricately influence wound healing dynamics, including mechanisms of pain perception and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, we evaluate the effectiveness of integrated biopsychosocial interventions, which encompass a holistic approach to wound care, thereby enhancing healing outcomes for dermatology patients. Future studies should focus on investigating the specific psychosocial determinants that significantly influence wound healing, exploring novel therapeutic strategies, and implementing personalized interventions to meet the unique needs of each patient. Such endeavors hold promise in advancing the fields of psychodermatology and wound management, fostering a deeper understanding and application of psychosocial considerations in dermatological care.

Immunotherapy in Cutaneous Oncology: Revolutionizing Treatment Approaches

Background: Cutaneous oncology encompasses a broad range of skin malignancies, including melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), all of which pose significant global health challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that melanoma incidence has increased by approximately 50% over the past three decades. While SCC and BCC are generally less aggressive than melanoma, they contribute significantly to the overall burden of skin cancer due to their high prevalence. Traditional treatment modalities for these malignancies, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, have shown limitations in achieving durable responses and minimizing systemic toxicity. As a result, there is an increasing need for more effective and less toxic treatment options. Immunotherapeutic strategies have emerged as a promising avenue in oncology, with the potential to revolutionize treatment approaches for cutaneous malignancies. Objectives: This literature review aims to undertake an in-depth examination of immunotherapeutic strategies for melanoma, SCC, and BCC. Specifically, the review focuses on the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapies, and emerging immunotherapies, assessing their impact on treatment outcomes, survival rates, and patient quality of life. Methods: A literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The search terms included “cutaneous oncology”, “immunotherapy”, “immune checkpoint inhibitors”, “adoptive cell therapy”, “melanoma”, “cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma”, and “basal cell carcinoma”. Peer-reviewed articles published in the last 10 years that reported clinical outcomes from immunotherapy-based treatments for cutaneous malignancies were included. The studies were reviewed and analyzed based on their reported clinical outcomes, including survival rates, adverse events, and quality of life metrics. Results: Our review identified significant advancements in immunotherapeutic strategies for cutaneous oncology. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, demonstrated improved overall survival rates, particularly in melanoma patients. In addition, adoptive cell therapies, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies, showed promise in managing both cutaneous SCC and BCC, with reported reductions in tumor burden and durable responses. Emerging immunotherapies, such as cancer vaccines and oncolytic viruses, are in early clinical trials but exhibit potential in enhancing antitumor immunity and expanding treatment options. Conclusions: Immunotherapeutic strategies represent a critical advancement in the management of cutaneous malignancies, offering improved outcomes compared to traditional therapies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies are already reshaping clinical practice, while emerging immunotherapies provide exciting avenues for future research. These therapies not only enhance survival rates but also reduce systemic toxicities, representing a transformative approach to treating skin cancer. Further research and clinical trials are needed to refine these strategies and expand their applicability to a broader patient population.

Electrocardiographic changes in Emphysema

Chronic obstructive lung disease(COPD),predominantly emphysema,causes several thoracic anatomical and hemodynamic changes which may cause changes in various electrocardiographic parameters.A 12-lead electrocardiogram(ECG),which is often a part of routine evaluation in most clinical settings,may serve as a useful screening modality for diagnosis of COPD or emphysema.Our current article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the electrocardiographic changes encountered in COPD/emphysema utilizing published PubMed and Medline literature database.Several important ECG changes are present in COPD/emphysema and may serve as a good diagnostic tool.Verticalization of Pvector,changes in QRS duration,pattern recognition of precordial R-wave progression and axial shifts can be considered some of the most valuable markers among other changes.In conclusion,12-lead surface electrocardiogram can serve as a valuable tool for the diagnosis of COPD and/or emphysema.An appropriate knowledge of these ECG changes can not only help in the diagnosis but can also immensely help in an appropriate clinical management of these patients.

Near Term Hybrid Quantum Computing Solution to the Matrix Riccati Equations

The well-known Riccati differential equations play a key role in many fields,including problems in protein folding,control and stabilization,stochastic control,and cybersecurity(risk analysis and malware propaga-tion).Quantum computer algorithms have the potential to implement faster approximate solutions to the Riccati equations compared with strictly classical algorithms.While systems with many qubits are still under development,there is significant interest in developing algorithms for near-term quantum computers to determine their accuracy and limitations.In this paper,we propose a hybrid quantum-classical algorithm,the Matrix Riccati Solver(MRS).This approach uses a transformation of variables to turn a set of nonlinear differential equation into a set of approximate linear differential equations(i.e.,second order non-constant coefficients)which can in turn be solved using a version of the Harrow-Hassidim-Lloyd(HHL)quantum algorithm for the case of Hermitian matrices.We implement this approach using the Qiskit language and compute near-term results using a 4 qubit IBM Q System quantum computer.Comparisons with classical results and areas for future research are discussed.

Refinement of saliva microRNA biomarkers for sports-related concussion

Background:Recognizing sport-related concussion(SRC)is challenging and relies heavily on subjective symptom reports.An objective,biological marker could improve recognition and understanding of SRC.There is emerging evidence that salivary micro-ribonucleic acids(miRNAs)may serve as biomarkers of concussion;however,it remains unclear whether concussion-related miRNAs are impacted by exercise.We sought to determine whether40 miRNAs previously implicated in concussion pathophysiology were affected by participation in a variety of contact and non-contact sports.Our goal was to refine a miRNA-based tool capable of identifying athletes with SRC without the confounding effects of exercise.Methods:This case-control study harmonized data from concussed and non-concussed athletes recruited across 10 sites.Levels of salivary miRNAs within 455 samples from 314 individuals were measured with RNA sequencing.Within-subjects testing was used to identify and exclude miRNAs that changed with either(a)a single episode of exercise(166 samples from 83 individuals)or(b)season-long participation in contact sports(212 samples from 106 individuals).The miRNAs that were not impacted by exercise were interrogated for SRC diagnostic utility using logistic regression(172 samples from 75 concussed and 97 non-concussed individuals).Results:Two miRNAs(miR-532-5p and miR-182-5p)decreased(adjusted p<0.05)after a single episode of exercise,and 1 miRNA(miR-4510)increased only after contact sports participation.Twenty-three miRNAs changed at the end of a contact sports season.Two of these miRNAs(miR-26b-3p and miR-29c-3p)were associated(R>0.50;adjusted p<0.05)with the number of head impacts sustained in a single football practice.Among the 15 miRNAs not confounded by exercise or season-long contact sports participation,11 demonstrated a significant difference(adjusted p<0.05)between concussed and non-concussed participants,and 6 displayed moderate ability(area under curve>0.70)to identify concussion.A single ratio(miR-27a-5p/miR-30a-3p)displayed the highest accuracy(AUC=0.810,sensitivity=82.4%,specificity=73.3%)for differentiating concussed and non-concussed participants.Accuracy did not differ between participants with SRC and non-SRC(z=0.5,p=0.60).Conclusion:Salivary miRNA levels may accurately identify SRC when not confounded by exercise.Refinement of this approach in a large cohort of athletes could eventually lead to a non-invasive,sideline adjunct for SRC assessment.

An arthropod community beyond the dry limit of plant life

Water availability,which enables plant growth and animal activity,regulates dryland ecosystem function.In hyper-arid ecosystems,rain cannot support vascular plant growth.Therefore,hyper-arid vegetation is restricted to the lower topography,where runoff accumulates.Typically,food resources originating from areas of dense vegetation are dispersed across the desert floor,enabling animal life in areas lacking vascular plant growth.However,certain regions,such as the hyper-arid upper topography,may be devoid of plant-derived food resources.The present study examined arthropod activity in the upper topography of a hyper-arid desert,in comparison with arthropod activity in the lower topography.Pitfall traps were utilized to compare arthropod activity along unvegetated ridges with activity in parallel,vegetated riverbeds.Surprisingly,the study revealed dense arthropod communities in the barren upper topography.Arthropods collected in the upper topography represented 26%of total arthropod abundance.In addition,the overlap between arthropod identity in the ridges and wadis(i.e.,riverbeds)was low,and certain arthropods were strongly affiliated with the ridges.The upper topographic communities included high numbers of silverfish(Zygentoma:Lepismatidae),malachite beetles(Psiloderes),and predatory mites(Acari:Anystidae),and these arthropods were present at various life stages.It remains unclear how arthropod communities can persist in the unvegetated upper topography of the hyper-arid study area.These results raise the possibility that other food sources,independent from vascular plants,may play a significant role in the life history of hyper-arid arthropods.

Effects of Methadone Exposure during Development on Avian Brain and Blood Cells

Maintenance with methadone is standard treatment for opioid-addicted patients, including pregnant women. Cellular effects of methadone exposure during development are investigated by using an avian model, which is free of confounding maternal variables. In the first study, which explored dose by duration interactions, methadone was administered at one of two doses (0.458 mg/kg or 1.75 mg/kg) for one of three durations of exposure: late in development (Incubation Days 12 to 19), middle to late (Days 9 to 19), or early to late (Days 5 to 19). In the second study, 1.00 mg/kg of methadone was administered from days 8 to 18 and compared with controls (0.00 mg/kg). Brain tissue and blood samples were harvested for all dose conditions from the two studies. Increased methadone exposure was associated with subependymal anomalies, subependymal hemorrhaging, edema, monocytic infiltration, an increase in disintegrating red blood cells, an increase in white blood cells, and a decrease in neurons. Significant differences in variance for cell counts by condition were observed. Exposed specimens had significantly more thrombocytes (t = - 2.66, p < 0.05). The anomalies suggest that methadone exposure may be harmful to develop organisms at the cellular level.

Evolutionary modifications of Astyanax larval prey capture (LPC) in a dark environment

Feeding strategies of an organism depend on the multimodal sensory processing that most efficiently integrates available visual,chemosensory,and/or mechanoreceptive cues as part of their environmental adaptation.The blind cavefish morph of Astyanax mexicanus has developed sensory-dependent behaviors to find food more efficiently than their eyed,surface-morph counterparts while in darkness.In the absence of light,adult cavefish have evolved enhanced behaviors,such as vibration attraction behavior(VAB),and changes in feeding angle.Here,we identified evolved differences in cavefish larval prey capture(LPC)behavior.In the dark,LPC is more efficient in cavefish than in surface fish.Furthermore,different cave populations express laterality in their LPC and strike towards prey preferentially located on their left or right sides.This suggests the occurrence,to some extent,of divergent LPC evolution among cave populations.While LPC can be triggered exclusively by a vibration stimulus in both surface and cavefish,we provide evidence that LPC is,at least partially,a multimodal sensory process different from adult VAB.We also found that a lack of food may exacerbate the laterality of LPC.Thus,we proposed a mathematical model for explaining laterality based on a balance between:(1)enlarged range of foraging field(behavioral or perceptive)due to asymmetry,(2)food abundance,and(3)disadvantages caused by laterality(unequal lateral hydrodynamic resistance when swimming,allocation of resources for the brain and receptors,and predator escape).

Influence of Hot Spring Phages on Community Carbon Metabolism: Win, Lose or Draw?

Abundant virus-like particles were concentrated from large-volume samples from two hot springs. Both addition of viral concentrates and addition of samples induced by addition of mitomycin-C changed patterns of carbon source utilization by hot spring microbial communities. Specific effects of the two treatments depended upon both temperature and incubation period. Increased metabolic capability with greater exposure to free phages, consistent with the view that phages are major lateral transporters of metabolic genes, was observed most clearly in microbes incubated at a temperature lower than that encountered in situ. On the other hand, decreases in the diversity of utilizable C sources upon exposure to phages may have been due to lytic activity in which susceptible bacterial populations were differentially reduced by infective viruses, consistent with the “killing the winner” hypothesis. Treatment of cultures with MC-treated culture extracts, assumed to increase exposure to excised prophages, resulted in higher average metabolic rates after 18 h, but lower rates after 48 h of incubation. With incubation at in situ temperature, this same treatment led to an initial increase in the number of readily utilized C sources, followed by a decrease in community metabolic diversity relative to controls in samples from both hot springs. Thus, treatments designed to increase the interaction between hot spring microbes and either free or newly-excised phages had observable time- and temperature-dependent effects on community metabolism, demonstrating an important, yet complex, ecological role for phages in hot spring waters.

Analysis of Freely Swimming C. elegans Using Laser Diffraction

Soil and aquatic multicellular microorganisms play a critical role in the nutrient-cycling and organismal ecology of soil and aquatic ecosystems. These organisms live and behave in a complex three-dimensional environment. Most studies of microorganismal behavior, in contrast, have been conducted using microscope-based approaches, which limit the movement and behavior to a narrow, nearly two-dimensional focal field. We report on a novel analytical approach that provides real-time analysis of freely swimming C elegans without dependence on microscope-based equipment. This approach consists of tracking the temporal periodicity of diffraction patterns generated by directing laser light onto nematodes in a cuvette. We measured oscillation frequencies for freely swimming nematodes in cuvettes of different sizes to provide different physical constraints on their swimming. We compared these frequencies with those obtained for nematodes swimming within a small droplet of water on a microscope slide, a strategy used by microscope-based locomotion analysis systems. We collected data from diffraction patterns using two methods: video analysis and real time data acquisition using a fast photodiode. Swimming frequencies of nematodes in a droplet of ionic solution on a microscope slide was confirmed to be 2.00 Hz with a variance of 0.05 Hz for the video analysis method and 0.03 Hz for the real time data acquisition using a photodiode;this result agrees with previously published estimates using microscope-based analytical techniques. We find the swimming frequency of unconstrained worms within larger cuvettes to be 2.37 Hz with a variance of 0.02 Hz. As the cuvette size decreased, so did the oscillation frequency, indicating a change in locomotion when physical constraints are introduced.

Neurological Foundation of Unconscious and Higher Thinking Processes and the Dynamic Variability of Clinical Presentations

This article reviews selected neuroscientific and psychoanalytic writings with a focus on dynamic variability, unconscious processes and their presence in clinical venues. Two objects are pursued. First is the development of neuron circuity, leading up to higher thought processes and thinking. Second is to elucidate the neuron circuitry of unconscious processes. The goal is to describe the stated objectives and the theme of variability represented in clinical presentations and venues.

Reproductive seasonality of Astyanax mexicanus cavefish

DEAR EDITOR,The characiform fish Astyanax is a well-studied model system for understanding evolutionary development and genomics in cave biology.Nonetheless,considerable gaps remain in our understanding of its field ecology.Here,we conducted a fouryear field study and found that while cavefish spawned yearround,reproductive peaks occurred in January to February.

Costs of glucosinolates in <i>Brassica rapa</i>: Are they context dependent?

Models predicting optimal levels of plant defense against herbivores typically include two assumptions: 1) defense is both beneficial and costly;and 2) the relationship between costs and benefits of a defense is consistent across environments. However, the expression of costs and benefits of defense may be environmentally dependent. We examined lines of Brassica rapa, previously divergently selected for the defensive trait foliar glucosinolate content. In one set of experiments (Experiment #1), plants were grown in herbivore-free and herbivore-present environments to investigate the costs and benefits of this defense. In a second set of experiments (Experiment #2), plants were grown at two nutrient levels and two temperatures to examine the environmental context of costs of defense. In Experiment #1, increased levels of damage resulted in decreased flower production and plants from high glucosinolate lines received less damage than those from low glucosinolate lines, suggesting a benefit of this defense. In this experiment no cost of defense was detected. In Experiment #2, nutrients had a significant positive effect on flower production at 23°C, but not at 32°C. No significant effects of glucosinolate line nor interaction between nutrient environment and glucosinolate line were detected at 23°C, suggesting that no cost of defense occurred at this lower temperature. Similarly, no significant nutrient environment by glucosenolate line interaction was detected at 32°C. However, a significant effect of glucosinolate line was observed suggesting that at 32°C costs were incurred, but nutrient environment had no mitigating effect. While results from Experiment #1 suggested that defense was beneficial, but not costly, results from Experiment #2 suggested that costs of defense were temperature dependent. For species occupying broad geographic ranges, these findings of temperature-dependent costs are especially insightful with regard to the evolution of defense because differing geographic populations are likely to experience differing temperature environments.

Live <i>C. elegans</i>Diffraction at a Single Point

Using coherent light, we analyze the temporal diffraction at a single point from real-time living C. elegans locomotion in three-dimensional space. We describe the frequency spectrum of single swimming nematodes in an optical cuvette at a single sampling point in the far-field diffraction pattern. An analytical expression of the double slit is used to model the frequency spectra of nematodes as oscillating segments. The frequency spectrum in the diffraction pattern expands discretely and linearly as a multiple of the fundamental frequency with increasing distance from the central maximum. The frequency spectrum of a worm at a single point in the frequency spectrum contains all the frequencies involved in the locomotion and is used to characterize and compare nematodes. The occurrence of resonant frequencies in the dynamic diffraction pattern increases with the distance from the central maximum. The regular spacing of the resonant frequencies is used to identify characteristic swimming frequencies.

The Riccati Equation, Differential Transform, Rational Solutions and Applications

In this article, the Riccati Equation is considered. Various techniques of finding analytical solutions are explored. Those techniques consist mainly of making a change of variable or the use of Differential Transform. It is shown that the nonconstant rational functions whose numerator and denominator are of degree 1, cannot be solutions to the Riccati equation. Two applications of the Riccati equation are discussed. The first one deals with Quantum Mechanics and the second one deal with Physics.

Laplace Transform, Non-Constant Coefficients Differential Equations and Applications to Riccati Equation

In this paper, the Laplace Transform is used to find explicit solutions of a fam-ily of second order Differential Equations with non-constant coefficients. For some of these equations, it is possible to find the solutions using standard tech-niques of solving Ordinary Differential Equations. For others, it seems to be very difficult indeed impossible to find explicit solutions using traditional methods. The Laplace transform could be an alternative way. An application on solving a Riccati Equation is given. Recall that the Riccati Equation is a non-linear differential equation that arises in many topics of Quantum Me-chanics and Physics.