Western Michigan University

Abstract This paper presents a general approach to solve multi-client space logistics path optimization problems in the case of low-thrust propulsion. The methodology accounts for key time-dependent factors, including secular J 2 and drag perturbations, eclipse propulsion constraints, and servicer fuel mass depletion. A low-thrust transfer strategy, consisting of three phases (thrust-coast-thrust), is employed, utilizing a drift orbit to correct the difference in Right Ascension of the Ascending Node. The drift orbit parameters are optimized by using a nonlinear programming algorithm to minimize the fuel cost associated with the transfer while satisfying a maximum time of flight constraint. An optimization is conducted for all possible transfers between the satellites of a dataset on a two-dimensional discrete grid of initial servicer mass and departure time. This procedure creates two four-variable arrays representing the cost of each possible visitation in terms of fuel consumption and time of flight. The arrays are then interpolated to efficiently solve a general path optimization problem by using a genetic algorithm. Two test cases are analyzed for datasets consisting of 12 and 20 satellites in low Earth orbit, respectively. The first addresses an optimal open tour problem where the servicer must visit all satellites once while minimizing total fuel consumption. The second addresses an on-orbit refueling problem where the servicer must refuel as many satellites as possible. The mission scenario is generalized to consider a priority index associated with each client; servicing time and fuel mass constraints are also taken into account.

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for acute hamstring injuries, with attention to return-to-play (RTP) time, reinjury rates and adverse events. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool; certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Databases included Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Elsevier and Cochrane Central searched through March 2025. RCTs comparing PRP to control treatments for acute hamstring injuries were included. Non-randomised and chronic tendinopathy studies were excluded. Six RCTs (n=277) were included. PRP reduced RTP time versus control (mean difference -8.6 days; 21.4 vs 30.0 days; 95% CI -3.04 to -0.03; p=0.045), though heterogeneity was high (I²=94.1%). Reinjury (15% vs 16%; p=0.722) and adverse event rates (1% vs 0%; p=0.687) did not differ. Certainty of evidence was rated as low to moderate due to risk of bias and imprecision. PRP may shorten RTP in acute hamstring injuries, especially when image-guided. Reinjury risk appears unchanged. Further trials are needed to confirm these findings and standardise biological use in muscle injuries. CRD420251109346.

Human motion capture is crucial for various fields, but traditional optical systems (OMC) are costly and restrictive. Monocular video-based methods offer accessibility, yet face accuracy challenges, especially in dynamic sports like tennis. This study validates Capture4D, a novel Transformer-based monocular system, for capturing a wide range of tennis strokes. We developed a universal biomechanical analysis framework (K0-K5) applicable to twelve fundamental stroke types. To demonstrate the system's capabilities, this paper focused on a detailed validation using the tennis serve as a representative example. We conducted experiments with 9 high-level tennis players, and motion data were simultaneously captured using Capture4D (single RGB camera) and OMC Qualisys (gold standard). Accuracy was evaluated by comparing 3D joint coordinates and joint angles using Normalized Mean Per Joint Position Error (NMPJPE), RMSE, and MAE. The results demonstrated that Capture4D effectively captured the tennis player's motion, with average NMPJPE for tennis serves ranging from 69.5 mm to 88.3 mm, within the acceptable range (70-130 mm) for coaching purposes. Compared to OMC, Capture4D demonstrated comparable joint angle trajectories, with advantages in operational convenience, cost-effectiveness, and wider applicability. It offered an approximately 50% reduction in setup time and 80% cost savings. Capture4D presents a valid and practical monocular motion capture solution for coaching tennis and other broader applications in sports. While slightly less precise than OMC, its accuracy is acceptable for many use cases in coaching and teaching. It offers significant advantages in convenience and cost, paving the way for accessible motion analysis in diverse environments like outdoor settings and multi-person scenarios, in which OMC is not possible to be used. This technology holds promise for democratizing motion capture in sports training and coaching/teaching.

Mn‐ and Fe‐based layered oxides are candidates for sodium‐ion battery cathodes due to their high specific capacity and raw material abundance. However, rapid capacity degradation due to irreversible phase transitions during electrochemical cycling is a major challenge. In this study, we explore anionic substitution with A = F − , Cl − , and Br − of Na 0.66 Fe 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 2−x A x (with x < 0.2), both experimentally and through density functional theory calculations. We demonstrate that substitution with Cl − /Br − is challenged by their larger ionic radii compared to oxygen ions, following the classical Goldschmidt rule. Yet, we reveal the successful aliovalent F − for O 2− substitution with a solubility limit at x = 0.035, determined by quantitative phase analysis from powder X‐ray diffraction (P XRD), Rietveld refinement, and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, galvanostatic electrochemical cycling tests on x = 0.02 mol F‐substituted cathodes showed 15% higher capacity retention after 75 cycles, when compared with the unsubstituted material. Using in situ XRD, we show that the incorporation of F − alters the kinetics of the P2‐P`2 transformation in the low voltage range in favor of the P2 phase. This highlights low‐level F‐substituted P2‐type layered oxides as promising candidates for resource‐efficient, high‐capacity cathodes in sodium‐ion batteries.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by synovial hyperplasia, persistent inflammation, and joint destruction. Targeted inhibition of intracellular signaling pathways, such as JAK-STAT, has improved RA treatment outcomes, though safety and selectivity remain as concerns. Brepocitinib, a dual TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor, has shown clinical efficacy in the management of autoimmune diseases, yet its mechanistic impact on synoviocytes remains underexplored. To investigate the molecular and functional effects of brepocitinib on MH7A and RA-FLS synoviocytes, a key effector cell type in RA pathogenesis. MH7A and RA-FLS cells were treated with brepocitinib (0.5 µM, 1 µM, and 5 µM) for 24 hours. Cell viability was assessed. Western blotting was used to examine phosphorylation of TYK2, JAK1, STAT1/3, and apoptotic markers (BAX, BCL-2, caspase-3). Quantitative PCR and ELISA were performed to evaluate mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Wound healing assays measured synoviocyte migration. Brepocitinib maintained ≥ 85% cell viability across all doses, compared with ~20% viability in doxorubicin-treated controls. At 5 µM, phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT3 was suppressed by > 80%, while TYK2 and STAT1 inhibition reached ~70%. IL-6 and TNF-α transcripts were reduced by > 80% and IFN-γ by ~70%, with corresponding decreases in secreted cytokines (IL-6: 100 pg/mL to 20 pg/mL; TNF-α: 150 pg/mL to 15 pg/mL; IFN-γ: 41 pg/mL to 11 pg/mL). Brepocitinib shifted the BAX/BCL-2 ratio fourfold in favor of apoptosis and increased cleaved caspase-3 levels to ~80% of maximal response. Functionally, it reduced wound closure from ~75% in controls to ~20% at 5 µM, confirming potent inhibition of synoviocyte migration. Brepocitinib exerts multi-faceted effects on RA synoviocytes by simultaneously inhibiting inflammatory signaling, suppressing cytokine expression, restoring apoptotic sensitivity, and reducing migratory potential. These findings provide mechanistic support for brepocitinib as a targeted therapeutic agent in RA.

Hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES) is a rare primary immunodeficiency marked by elevated IgE levels, recurrent skin and pulmonary infections, and immune dysregulation. While typically diagnosed in childhood, adult presentations can occur, often complicated by structural lung disease, opportunistic infections, and malignancies. We report a 37-year-old female with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-deficient HIES, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in remission, rituximab-induced hypogammaglobulinemia, and recurrent infections, who presented with acute-on-chronic dyspnea. Imaging revealed a large cavitary lesion in the left upper lobe. Despite 30 days of appropriate antibiotics targeting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and gram-negative organisms, her respiratory status deteriorated, necessitating intubation. Subsequent bronchoalveolar lavage and serum galactomannan testing confirmed invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) as the etiology of her deterioration, prompting combination antifungal therapy. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis in immunocompromised patients with worsening respiratory symptoms despite antibiotics. Early consideration and testing for fungal infections in high-risk populations can prevent diagnostic delay and improve outcomes.