bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroenteric cysts of the brain-comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hingwala Divyata R , Radhakrishnan Neelima , Kesavadas Chandrasekharan , Thomas Bejoy , Kapilamoorthy Tirur Raman , Radhakrishnan Vishnupuri V
Published: August 2013

Neuroenteric cysts are developmental cysts that should be differentiated from other, more common non-neoplastic cysts as well as cystic neoplasms. While these lesions may have varied imaging findings, T1 hyperintense prepontine lesion due to mucinous/proteinaceous content is characteristic. Location and imaging characteristics aid in formulating the correct diagnosis of neuroepithelial/neuroenteric cysts. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has the specific finding of N-Acetyl Aspartate (NAA)-like peak at 2.02 ppm which is not seen in other cystic lesions. In this study, we aim to discuss the imaging findings of these lesions on conventional and advanced MRI findings and provide radiologic-pathologic correlation. We also briefly describe the pathogenesis, embryology and radiological differential diagnoses of these cysts.
Modelling and interpreting the isotopic composition of water vapour in convective updrafts
Authors: Bolot M. , Legras B. , Moyer E. J.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The isotopic compositions of water vapour and its condensates have long been used as tracers of the global hydrological cycle, but may also be useful for understanding processes within individual convective clouds. We review here the representation of processes that alter water isotopic compositions during processing of air in convective updrafts and present a unified model for water vapour isotopic evolution within undiluted deep convective cores, with a special focus on the out-of-equilibrium conditions of mixed-phase zones where metastable liquid water and ice coexist. We use our model to show that a combination of water isotopologue measurements can constrain critical convective parameters, including degree of supersaturation, supercooled water content and glaciation temperature. Important isotopic processes in updrafts include kinetic effects that are a consequence of diffusive growth or decay of cloud particles within a supersaturated or subsaturated environment; isotopic re-equilibration between vapour and supercooled droplets, which buffers isotopic distillation; and differing mechanisms of glaciation (droplet freezing vs. the Wegener–Bergeron–Findeisen process). As all of these processes are related to updraft strength, particle size distribution and the retention of supercooled water, isotopic measurements can serve as a probe of in-cloud conditions of importance to convective processes. We study the sensitivity of the profile of water vapour isotopic composition to differing model assumptions and show how measurements of isotopic composition at cloud base and cloud top alone may be sufficient to retrieve key cloud parameters.
Influence of anthropogenic aerosols on the Asian monsoon: a case study using the WRF-Chem model
Authors: Jiang X. , Barth M. C. , Wiedinmyer C. , Massie S. T.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Aerosols, in particular those related to anthropogenic activities, including black carbon, organic carbon, and sulfate aerosols, have been found to affect the Asian monsoon through direct and indirect aerosol radiative forcing. In this work, we use the coupled regional Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) to understand how aerosol changes from local emission sources could modulate the Asian monsoon precipitation through aerosol direct and indirect radiative effects. Our modeling results with the consideration of the local emissions show an improvement in simulated monsoon precipitation, when compared to reanalysis data and satellite observations. Aerosols generally induce a reduction in pre-monsoon and monsoon precipitation in East Asia. Over the Indian region, local anthropogenic emissions tend to reduce precipitation in the source regions while slightly increasing precipitation outside of the emission source regions. The increase in precipitation corresponds to a decrease in the cloud base level or lifting condensation level. Analysis of vertical cloud properties suggests that the increased cloud droplet number and prolonged cloud lifetime/reduced precipitation efficiency due to the local aerosol emissions are responsible for the precipitation reduction over East Asia. Aerosols from local emissions also play a very important role in the simulated surface temperature, radiation, and monsoon circulations.
UAV-BASED PHOTOGRAMMETRIC POINT CLOUDS – TREE STEM MAPPING IN OPEN STANDS IN COMPARISON TO TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNER POINT CLOUDS
Authors: Fritz A. , Kattenborn T. , Koch B.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. In both ecology and forestry, there is a high demand for structural information of forest stands. Forest structures, due to their heterogeneity and density, are often difficult to assess. Hence, a variety of technologies are being applied to account for this "difficult to come by" information. Common techniques are aerial images or ground- and airborne-Lidar. In the present study we evaluate the potential use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a platform for tree stem detection in open stands. A flight campaign over a test site near Freiburg, Germany covering a target area of 120 × 75 [m2] was conducted. The dominant tree species of the site is oak (quercus robur) with almost no understory growth. Over 1000 images with a tilt angle of 45° were shot. The flight pattern applied consisted of two antipodal staggered flight routes at a height of 55 [m] above the ground. We used a Panasonic G3 consumer camera equipped with a 14–42 [mm] standard lens and a 16.6 megapixel sensor. The data collection took place in leaf-off state in April 2013. The area was prepared with artificial ground control points for transformation of the structure-from-motion (SFM) point cloud into real world coordinates. After processing, the results were compared with a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) point cloud of the same area. In the 0.9 [ha] test area, 102 individual trees above 7 [cm] diameter at breast height were located on in the TLS-cloud. We chose the software CMVS/PMVS-2 since its algorithms are developed with focus on dense reconstruction. The processing chain for the UAV-acquired images consists of six steps: a. cleaning the data: removing of blurry, under- or over exposed and off-site images; b. applying the SIFT operator [Lowe, 2004]; c. image matching; d. bundle adjustment; e. clustering; and f. dense reconstruction. In total, 73 stems were considered as reconstructed and located within one meter of the reference trees. In general stems were far less accurate and complete as in the TLS-point cloud. Only few stems were considered to be fully reconstructed. From the comparison of reconstruction achievement with respect to height above ground, we can state that reconstruction accuracy decreased in the crown layer of the stand. In addition we were cutting 50 [cm] slices in z-direction and applied a robust cylinder fit to the stem slices. Radii of the TLS-cloud and the SFM-cloud surprisingly correlated well with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of r = 0.696. This first study showed promising results for UAV-based forest structure modelling. Yet, there is a demand for additional research with regard to vegetation stages, flight pattern, processing setup and the utilisation of spectral information.
JOINT PROCESSING OF UAV IMAGERY AND TERRESTRIAL MOBILE MAPPING SYSTEM DATA FOR VERY HIGH RESOLUTION CITY MODELING
Authors: Gruen A. , Huang X. , Qin R. , Du T. , Fang W. , Boavida J. , Oliveira A.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Both unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology and Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS) are important techniques for surveying and mapping. In recent years, the UAV technology has seen tremendous interest, both in the mapping community and in many other fields of application. Carrying off-the shelf digital cameras, the UAV can collect high quality aerial optical images for city modeling using photogrammetric techniques. In addition, a MMS can acquire high density point clouds of ground objects along the roads. The UAV, if operated in an aerial mode, has difficulties in acquiring information of ground objects under the trees and along façades of buildings. On the contrary, the MMS collects accurate point clouds of objects from the ground, together with stereo images, but it suffers from system errors due to loss of GPS signals, and also lacks the information of the roofs. Therefore, both technologies are complementary. This paper focuses on the integration of UAV images, MMS point cloud data and terrestrial images to build very high resolution 3D city models. The work we will show is a practical modeling project of the National University of Singapore (NUS) campus, which includes buildings, some of them very high, roads and other man-made objects, dense tropical vegetation and DTM. This is an intermediate report. We present work in progress.
DHAKSHA,THE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM IN ITS NEW AVATAR-AUTOMATED AERIAL INSPECTION OF INDIA'S TALLEST TOWER
Authors: Kumar K. S. , Mohamed Rasheed A. , Krishna Kumar R. , Giridharan M. ,   Ganesh
Published: August 2013

Abstract. DHAKSHA, the unmanned aircraft system (UAS), developed after several years of research by Division of Avionics, Department of Aerospace Engineering, MIT Campus of Anna University has recently proved its capabilities during May 2012 Technology demonstration called UAVforge organised by Defence Research Project Agency, Department of Defence, USA. Team Dhaksha with its most stable design outperformed all the other contestants competing against some of the best engineers from prestigi ous institutions across the globe like Middlesex University from UK, NTU and NUS from Singapore, Tudelft Technical University, Netherlands and other UAV industry participants in the world's toughest UAV challenge. This has opened up an opportunity for Indian UAVs making a presence in the international scenario as well. In furtherance to the above effort at Fort Stewart military base at Georgia,USA, with suitable payloads, the Dhaksha team deployed the UAV in a religious temple festival during November 2012 at Thiruvannamalai District for Tamil Nadu Police to avail the instant aerial imagery services over the crowd of 10 lakhs pilgrims and also about the investigation of the structural strength of the India's tallest structure, the 300 m RCC tower during January 2013. The developed system consists of a custom-built Rotary Wing model with on-board navigation, guidance and control systems (NGC) and ground control station (GCS), for mission planning, remote access, manual overrides and imagery related computations. The mission is to fulfill the competition requirements by using an UAS capable of providing complete solution for the stated problem. In this work the effort to produce multirotor unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for civilian applications at the MIT, Avionics Laboratory is presented
SOME ASPECTS IN HEIGHT MEASUREMENT BY UAV PHOTOGRAMMETRY
Authors: Matsuoka R. , Nagusa I. , Yasuhara H. , Mori M. , Katayama T. , Yachi N. , Hasui A. , Katakuse M. , Atagi T.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. We conducted an experiment to investigate the feasibility of the deformation measurement of a large-scale solar power plant on reclaimed land by UAV photogrammetry. Two teams engaged in the experiment at first. One, which is called Team-A, carried out orientation of images following the procedure of conventional aerial photogrammetry. The other, which is called Team-C, executed that in the manner of close range photogrammetry. The RMSE in height measurement by Team-A was 121.5 mm, while that by Team-C was 8.7 mm. This paper reports an analysis conducted in order to investigate the cause of the large difference in height measurement accuracy between Team-A and Team-C. In the analysis the third team, which is called Team-S, conducts supplementary orientation by using the images utilized by Team-A in the same manner as Team-C did. The RMSE in height measurement by Team-S is 19.1 mm. Our investigation focuses on the difference of the arrangement of points utilized in the orientation. Team-A selected pass points and tie points on image automatically by Intergraph’s ImageStation Automatic Triangulation (ISAT) software, while Team-C and Team-S selected points to be utilized in orientation manually so that selected points are distributed uniformly in the experiment area. From the results of the analysis we conclude that the sets of tie points along a straight line on a plane that were selected automatically by the ISAT would bring the low accuracy in height measurement by Team-A.
ACCURACY COMPARISON OF DIGITAL SURFACE MODELS CREATED BY UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS IMAGERY AND TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNER
Authors: Naumann M. , Geist M. , Bill R. , Niemeyer F. , Grenzdörffer G.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The main focus of the paper is a comparative study in which we have investigated, whether automatically generated digital surface models (DSM) obtained from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) imagery are comparable with DSM obtained from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). The research is conducted at a pilot dike for coastal engineering. The effort and the achievable accuracy of both DSMs are compared. The error budgets of these two methods are investigated and the models obtained in each case compared against each other.
MARTIAN SWARM EXPLORATION AND MAPPING USING LASER SLAM
Authors: Nowak S. , Krüger T. , Matthaei J. , Bestmann U.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. In order to explore planet Mars in detail and search for extra-terrestrial life the observation from orbit is not sufficient. To realize complex exploration tasks the use of automatic operating robots with a robust fault-tolerant method of navigation, independent of any infrastructure is a possibility. This work includes a concept of rotary-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) for Martian exploration in a swarm. Besides the scenario of Martian surrounding, with a small number of distinctive landmarks, the challenge consists of a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) concept using laser data of all swarm members.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE VISUALIZATION OF UAS SENSOR AND IMAGE DATA WITH RASTER MAPS AND TOPOGRAPHY IN 3D
Authors: Stødle D. , Borch N. T. , Storvold R.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The large amounts of data collected during a typical flight with an unmanned aerial vehicle creates challenges for rapid analysis and inspection. A single two-hour flight can collect about 7200 images if the camera captures at 1 Hz, yielding about 20 GB of data. Additional instruments and sensors all add to the size and complexity of the dataset generated by a flight. Efficient visualization of data is one way to deal with the resulting complexity. This paper presents Norut Geo Viz, a system for visualizing data from unmanned aerial vehicles both in realtime and after landing in 3D on a virtual globe. The system has been developed from the ground up to provide control and customizability of the resulting visualization. The architecture, design and implementation of the system is presented, as well as experiences using the system for visualization in the field during flight campaigns conducted by Norut.
VOLCANIC ENVIRONMENTS MONITORING BY DRONES MUD VOLCANO CASE STUDY
Authors: Amici S. , Turci M. , Giulietti F. , Giammanco S. , Buongiorno M. F. , La Spina A. , Spampinato L.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Volcanic activity has often affected human life both at large and at small scale. For example, the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption caused severe economic damage at continental scale due to its strong effect on air traffic. At a local scale, ash fall and lava flow emission can cause harm and disruption. Understanding precursory signals to volcanic eruptions is still an open and tricky challenge: seismic tremor and gas emissions, for example, are related to upcoming eruptive activity but the mechanisms are not yet completely understood. Furthermore, information related to gases emission mostly comes from the summit crater area of a volcano, which is usually hard to investigate with required accuracy. Although many regulation problems are still on the discussion table, an increasing interest in the application of cutting-edge technology like unmanned flying systems is growing up. In this sense, INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia) started to investigate the possibility to use unmanned air vehicles for volcanic environment application already in 2004. A flight both in visual- and radio-controlled mode was carried out on Stromboli volcano as feasibility test. In this work we present the preliminary results of a test performed by INGV in collaboration with the University of Bologna (aerospace division) by using a multi-rotor aircraft in a hexacopter configuration. Thermal camera observations and flying tests have been realised over a mud volcano located on its SW flank of Mt. Etna and whose activity proved to be related to early stages of magma accumulation within the volcano.
Insuring catastrophes and the role of governments
Authors: Boyer M. M. , Nyce C. M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. In this paper we model the cost of providing insurance coverage against natural and man-made hazards. We propose an insurance market model that explains (1) the use of reinsurance to help finance the cost of catastrophic events and (2) the implicit (or explicit) presence of government entities acting as (re)insurers of last resort. Using an economic model, we show how insurance programmes should be designed to cover the losses due to a possible catastrophic natural hazard. Our results show that the optimal structure of a reinsurance programme minimizes the cost of offering insurance protection. We also show how government intervention can reduce the cost of insurance against natural catastrophes and increase policyholders' welfare. Our paper therefore offers public policy implications as to the role and presence of government as an insurer of last resort and the minimum insurance premium necessary to cover the cost of catastrophic events.
Evaluation of a Miniature Microscope Objective Designed for Fluorescence Array Microscopy Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: McCall Brian , Olsen Randall J. , Nelles Nicole J. , Williams Dawn L. , Jackson Kevin , Richards-Kortum Rebecca , Graviss Edward A. , Tkaczyk Tomasz S.
Published: August 2013

Context.—A prototype miniature objective that was designed for a point-of-care diagnostic array microscope for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and previously fabricated and presented in a proof of concept is evaluated for its effectiveness in detecting acid-fast bacteria.

Objective.—To evaluate the ability of the microscope to resolve submicron features and details in the image of acid-fast microorganisms stained with a fluorescent dye, and to evaluate the accuracy of clinical diagnoses made with digital images acquired with the objective.

Design.—The lens prescription data for the microscope design are presented. A test platform is built by combining parts of a standard microscope, a prototype objective, and a digital single-lens reflex camera. Counts of acid-fast bacteria made with the prototype objective are compared to counts obtained with a standard microscope over matched fields of view. Two sets of 20 smears, positive and negative, are diagnosed by 2 pathologists as sputum smear positive or sputum smear negative, using both a standard clinical microscope and the prototype objective under evaluation. The results are compared to a reference diagnosis of the same sample.

Results.—More bacteria are counted in matched fields of view in digital images taken with the prototype objective than with the standard clinical microscope. All diagnostic results are found to be highly concordant.

Conclusions.—An array microscope built with this miniature lens design will be able to detect M tuberculosis with high sensitivity and specificity.
The Biden Administration’s Push to Lower Drug Prices Through March-In Rights
Authors: Aaron Daniel G. , Anderson J. Jonas
Published: July 2024

This Viewpoint explores a 2023 Biden administration proposal for US agencies to use their march-in rights and the impact this proposed framework could have on drug prices.
International Medical Graduates and the Physician Workforce
Authors: McElvaney Oliver J. , McMahon Graham T.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Physician shortages and the geographic maldistribution of general and specialist physicians impair health care delivery and worsen health inequity in the US. International medical graduates (IMGs) represent a potential solution given their ready supply.

Observations

Despite extensive clinical experience, evidence of competence, and willingness to practice in underserved communities, IMGs experience multiple barriers to entry in the US, including the immigration process, the pathways available for certification and licensing, and institutional reluctance to consider non–US-trained candidates. International medical graduates applying to postgraduate training programs compare favorably with US-trained candidates in terms of clinical experience, prior formal postgraduate training, and research, but have higher application withdrawal rates and significantly lower residency and fellowship match rates, a disparity that may be exacerbated by the recent elimination of objective performance metrics, such as the US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score. Once legally in the US, IMGs encounter additional obstacles to board eligibility, research funding, and career progression.

Conclusions and Relevance

International medical graduates offer a viable and available solution to bridge the domestic physician supply gap, while improving workforce diversity and meaningfully addressing the public health implications of geographic maldistribution of general and specialist physicians, without disrupting existing physician stature and salaries. The US remains unable to integrate IMGs until systematic policy changes at the national level are implemented.
Neuroimaging-Guided Music Interventions for Infants in NICU
Authors: Papatzikis Efthymios
Published: July 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the use of neuroimaging to tailor music-based protocols among infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Mental Health of Transgender Youth Following Gender Identity Milestones by Level of Family Support
Authors: Campbell Travis , Mann Samuel , Rodgers Yana van der Meulen , Tran Nathaniel M.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Transgender youth are at an elevated risk for adverse mental health outcomes compared with their cisgender peers. Identifying opportunities for intervention is a priority.

Objective

To estimate differences in the association between gender identity milestones and mental health outcomes among transgender youth, stratified by level of family support.

Design, Settings, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study compares changes in mental health outcomes among transgender youth who initiate gender identity milestones compared with those who initiate the same milestones 1 year later, stratified by level of family support, using the 2015 US Transgender Survey. The analytic samples included 18 303 transgender adults aged 18 and older who had initiated at least 1 gender identity milestone between ages 4 and 18 years.

Exposure

Four gender identity milestones: feeling one’s gender was different, thinking of oneself as transgender, telling another that one is transgender, and living full-time in one’s gender identity, stratified by 3 levels of family support: supportive, neutral, and adverse.

Main Outcomes

Age at first suicide attempt and at running away.

Results

Study participants included 18 303 transgender adults (10 288 [56.2%] assigned female at birth; 14 777 [80.7%] White). Initiating a gender identity milestone was associated with a higher risk of suicide attempt and running away from home among transgender youth. This finding was driven by children who live in unsupportive families. For example, thinking of oneself as transgender was associated with a meaningful increase in the overall probability of attempting suicide among those in either adverse families (estimate = 1.75 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.47-3.03) or neutral families (estimate = 1.39 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.72-2.05). Among youth living with supportive families, there were no statistically significant associations between gender identity milestones and adverse mental health outcomes and 95% CIs generally ruled out any meaningful associations.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that without a supportive family environment, gender identity development increases the risk of transgender youth attempting suicide or running away from home. Social services and community resources to establish supportive relationships between transgender children and their parents are essential.
TET3 Contributes to Exercise‐Induced Functional Axon Regeneration and Visual Restoration
Authors: Fang Si , Ji Yunxiang , Shen Yilan , Yang Simin , Zhang Hongli , Xin Wenfeng , Shi Weidong , Chen Wei
Published: July 2024

Axons have intrinsically poor regenerative capacity in the mature central nervous system (CNS), leading to permanent neurological impairments in individuals. There is growing evidence that exercise is a powerful physiological intervention that can obviously enhance cell rejuvenate capacity, but its molecular mechanisms that mediate the axonal regenerative benefits remain largely unclear. Using the eye as the CNS model, here it is first indicated that placing mice in an exercise stimulation environment induced DNA methylation patterns and transcriptomes of retinal ganglion cell, promoted axon regeneration after injury, and reversed vision loss in aged mice. These beneficial effects are dependent on the DNA demethylases TET3‐mediated epigenetic effects, which increased the expression of genes associated with the regenerative growth programs, such as STAT3, Wnt5a, Klf6. Exercise training also shows with the improved mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction in retinas and optic nerves via TET3. Collectively, these results suggested that the increased regenerative capacity induced by enhancing physical activity is mediated through epigenetic reprogramming in mouse model of optic nerve injury and in aged mouse. Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying exercise‐dependent neuronal plasticity led to the identification of novel targets for ameliorating pathologies associated with etiologically diverse diseases.
Forming Limits Prediction of Laminated SUS430/Al1050/SUS430 Composites and the Effect of Component Properties on Mechanical Performance
Authors: Li Xin , Liu Chunguo , Zhang Mingzhe
Published: July 2024

In this study, a constitutive model applied to predict the tensile properties and fracture behavior of well‐bonded multilayered metal composites is extended. The equivalent single‐layer model, as a convenient method, is introduced into finite‐element simulations by combining it with an improved Xue–Wierzbicki damage plasticity model that considers material anisotropy. The steel use stainless (SUS) 430/Al1050/SUS430 laminated sheet fabricated by cold rolling is selected as the research material. The quasistatic uniaxial tests and Nakazima tests are operated to verify the accuracy of the proposed method. The mean errors in tensile stress and fracture forming limit strains are 2% and 3%, respectively. A load‐sharing mixture rule is proposed to assess the effects of the volume fraction, strength coefficient, and hardening exponent of the constituent materials on the mechanical properties of the laminates. In the results, it is indicated that the laminate exhibits sufficient elongation and remains markedly enhanced in tensile strength, reaching 470 Mpa when the ductile Al layer is combined with the higher strength and hardenability steel layer. In this research, it is aimed to clarify the formability characteristics in laminated composites for optimal sheet configuration design and development.
Controllable Double‐Emulsion Droplet Manipulation Actuated by a Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Yu Mingyu , Xie Zhijie , Hou Likai , Liu Jiuqing , Zhang Kailiang
Published: July 2024

Electrically controlled droplet manipulation is attractive for lots of applications ranging from material synthesis and drug delivery. However, the present techniques using bulky and expensive power supplies to generate high‐voltage electrical signals are easy to cause electrode electrolysis, bubble formation in buffer solution, and are incapable for point‐of‐care testing. Herein, a novel and portable electrical method for self‐powered emulsion droplet core coalescence and release based on triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is presented. The electrical signal with a 2.25 kV open‐voltage and a 35 µA short‐circuit current can be conveniently generated via frictional electrification effect, and the harmful electrochemical reaction in solutions can be avoided. The high transient pulse voltage and stable sinusoidal signal between two electrodes in microfluidic device can generate a strong electric field, which causes apparent Maxwell electrical stresses at droplet interfaces and subsequently promotes the core coalescence and release of double‐emulsions. By adjusting the voltage magnitude, the core coalescence and release behaviors of double‐emulsion droplets can be controllably achieved, followed by the synthesis copper‐based metal–organic framework (Cu‐MOF) nanoparticles. Thus, this portable, effective and self‐powered droplet manipulation technique can be attractive for those droplet‐based applications.
In Situ Assembly of Metal‐Organic Coordination Polymer Layers Enables Highly Reversible Zn Anodes with a Long Cycle Life of over 6900 h
Authors: Shen Tianyu , Fang Miaojie , Lv Taoyuze , Wu Hongbo , Sheng Ouwei , Yang Tao , Dong Chang , Ji Haojie , Zhang Erpan , Zhang Xiaoyang , Zhang Chaofeng , Zheng Rongkun , Zhang Jian , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: July 2024

Zn anodes in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries chronically suffer from pernicious side reactions and ineluctable dendrite growth, resulting in inadequate reversibility and suboptimal Coulombic efficiency (CE) and impeding commercialization. Herein, a multifunctional metal–organic coordination polymer layer (FAZ) is constructed on the zinc anode surface (FAZ@Zn) utilizing a simple self‐assembly strategy. The zincophilic FAZ interfacial layer with a high Zn2+ transfer number and low nucleation barrier effectively facilitates the de‐solvation process, supports the rapid transport of zinc ions, and contributes to the preferential growth of Zn (002) crystal planes, enabling dendrite‐free Zn deposition. Furthermore, the FAZ layer, as an interfacial pH regulating layer, effectively inhibits the direct contact between Zn and active water molecules, lowering the severity of side reactions. Consequently, the FAZ@Zn anode furnishes an eminent cycle stability over 6900 h, with a low polarization voltage at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mA h cm−2 and a boosted CE of 99.88% over 4100 cycles. More encouragingly, when coupled with Na2V6O16·3H2O, the FAZ@Zn anode enables the full cell to deliver satisfactory rate performance and a 97% capacity retention over 1600 cycles. This work provides a simple strategy for the effective preparation of highly reversible zinc anodes for high‐performance aqueous zinc‐ion batteries.
Multi‐Interfacial Heterostructure Design of Carbon Fiber/Silicone Rubber‐Oriented Composites for Microwave Absorption and Thermal Management
Authors: Liu Yijie , Zhou Jintang , Ning Zuolong , Huang Hexia , Cheng Zhenyu , Duan Lvtong , Wang Yucheng , Tao Xuewei , Liu Peijiang , Ma Yao , Yao Zhengjun
Published: July 2024

In order to ensure the operation and longevity of electronic devices, the design of multifunctional composites integrating microwave absorption (MA) and thermal conduction has become the key to solving the problem. However, the superior MA properties and thermal conductivity are usually incompatible in the blend system. In this study, a modified carbon fiber/silicone rubber‐oriented structure is designed based on the multiscale design concept of heterostructures with multiple interfaces. The forward deposition‐reverse growth mechanism is utilized at the microscopic level to construct multi‐interfacial heterogeneous structures on the surface of 1D carbon fibers (CFs). The magneto‐electric coupling network of the multi‐interfacial heterostructure induces interfacial polarization and enhances MA properties and heat transfer. Subsequently, the structural design of the modified CFs is carried out on a macroscopic scale using the ice template method. The directionally aligned modified CFs/silicone rubber aerogel composites are obtained by backfilling with silicone rubber (SR). The samples achieved an effective absorption bandwidth of 4.41 GHz and a maximum reflection loss of −42.29 dB with ultra‐thin thickness (1.3 mm). The thermal conductivity of the sample is improved to 200% compared to pure silicone rubber. The composites with directional alignment have promising applications in lightweight and flexible electronic packaging.
Systemic Administration of Neurotransmitter‐Derived Lipidoids‐PROTACs‐DNA Nanocomplex Promotes Tau Clearance and Cognitive Recovery for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy
Authors: Gong Baofeng , Zhang Weicong , Cong Wei , Gu Yuankai , Ji Wenbo , Yin Tong , Zhou Honglei , Hu Honggang , Zhuang Jianhua , Luo Yi , Liu Yan , Gao Jie , Yin You
Published: July 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses a significant burden on the economy and healthcare systems worldwide. Although the pathophysiology of AD remains debatable, its progression is strongly correlated with the accumulation of tau aggregates. Therefore, tau clearance from brain lesions can be a promising strategy for AD therapy. To achieve this, the present study combined proteolysis‐targeting chimera (PROTAC), a novel protein‐degradation technique that mediates degradation of target proteins via the ubiquitin‐proteasome system, and a neurotransmitter‐derived lipidoid (NT‐lipidoid) nanoparticle delivery system with high blood‐brain barrier‐penetration activity, to generate a novel nanomedicine named NPD. Peptide 1, a cationic tau‐targeting PROTAC is loaded onto the positively charged nanoparticles using DNA‐intercalation technology. The resulting nanomedicine displayed good encapsulation efficiency, serum stability, drug release profile, and blood‐brain barrier‐penetration capability. Furthermore, NPD potently induced tau clearance in both cultured neuronal cells and the brains of AD mice. Moreover, intravenous injection of NPD led to a significant improvement in the cognitive function of the AD mice, without any remarkable abnormalities, thereby supporting its clinical development. Collectively, the novel nanomedicine developed in this study may serve as an innovative strategy for AD therapy, since it effectively and specifically induces tau protein clearance in brain lesions, which in turn enhances cognition.
Giant Room‐Temperature Topological Hall Effect in a Square‐Net Ferromagnet LaMn2Ge2
Authors: Roychowdhury Subhajit , Yanda Premakumar , Samanta Kartik , Yi Changjiang , Yao Mengyu , Orlandi Fabio , Manuel Pascal , Khalyavin Dmitry , Valle Enrico Giuseppe Della , Constantinou Procopios , Strocov Vladimir N. , Vergniory Maia G. , Shekhar Chandra , Felser Claudia
Published: July 2024

A topological magnetic material showcases a multitude of intriguing properties resulting from the compelling interplay between topology and magnetism. These include notable phenomena such as a large anomalous Nernst effect (ANE), an anomalous Hall effect (AHE), and a topological Hall effect (THE). In most cases, topological transport phenomena are prevalent at temperatures considerably lower than room temperature, presenting a challenge for practical applications. However, the noncollinear ferromagnetic (FM) LaMn2Ge2, characterized by a Mn square‐net lattice and a notably high Curie temperature (TC) of approximately 325 K, defies this trend as a topological semimetal. This work observes a giant topological Hall resistivity, , of ≈4.5 µΩ cm at room temperature when the angle between the applied field and the c‐axis is 75°, which is significantly higher than state‐of‐the‐art materials with noncoplanar spin structures. The single crystal neutron diffraction measurements agree with an incommensurate conical magnetic structure as the ground state. This observation suggests the enhanced spin chirality resulting from the noncoplanar spin configuration when the applied field is away from the magnetic easy axis as the origin of a large contribution to the observed THE. The findings unequivocally demonstrate that the FM LaMn2Ge2 holds great promise as a potential topological semimetal for spintronic applications even at room temperature.
2D Reconfigurable Memory Device Enabled by Defect Engineering for Multifunctional Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Xia Yunpeng , Lin Ning , Zha Jiajia , Huang Haoxin , Zhang Yiwen , Liu Handa , Tong Jinyi , Xu Songcen , Yang Peng , Wang Huide , Zheng Long , Zhang Zhuomin , Yang Zhengbao , Chen Ye , Chan Hau Ping , Wang Zhongrui , Tan Chaoliang
Published: July 2024

In this era of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things, emerging new computing paradigms such as in‐sensor and in‐memory computing call for both structurally simple and multifunctional memory devices. Although emerging two‐dimensional (2D) memory devices provide promising solutions, the most reported devices either suffer from single functionalities or structural complexity. Here, this work reports a reconfigurable memory device (RMD) based on MoS2/CuInP2S6 heterostructure, which integrates the defect engineering‐enabled interlayer defects and the ferroelectric polarization in CuInP2S6, to realize a simplified structure device for all‐in‐one sensing, memory and computing. The plasma treatment‐induced defect engineering of the CuInP2S6 nanosheet effectively increases the interlayer defect density, which significantly enhances the charge‐trapping ability in synergy with ferroelectric properties. The reported device not only can serve as a non‐volatile electronic memory device, but also can be reconfigured into optoelectronic memory mode or synaptic mode after controlling the ferroelectric polarization states in CuInP2S6. When operated in optoelectronic memory mode, the all‐in‐one RMD could diagnose ophthalmic disease by segmenting vasculature within biological retinas. On the other hand, operating as an optoelectronic synapse, this work showcases in‐sensor reservoir computing for gesture recognition with high energy efficiency.
Effect of APOE ɛ4 Status on Brain Amyloid‐β and Cognitive Function in Amnestic and Nonamnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A [18F] Florbetapir PET‐CT Study
Authors: Wang Mengjie , Zhang Zhengwei , Wang Ying , Huang Lin , Huang Qi , Ren Shuhua , Qian Luojun , Ni Ruiqing , Guo Qihao , Guan Yihui , Xie Fang
Published: July 2024

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is recognized as a predementia syndrome caused by multiple etiologies and nonmemory symptoms in MCI have recently gained increasing attention. However, the pattern of Aβ deposition and the effect of APOE (apolipoprotein E, APOE) ε4 on cognitive impairment in amnestic MCI (aMCI) and nonamnestic MCI (naMCI) patients has not been demonstrated. In this work, the amyloid‐β (Aβ) load by [18F]florbetapir PET imaging and cognitive performance is compared by comprehensive neuropsychological scales in participants with different MCI types or different APOE ε4 carriage status. According to the Aβ positivity and results of voxel‐wise analysis, higher Aβ loads are observed in aMCI patients than naMCI patients, especially aMCI patients with APOE ε4. Additionally, it is observed that memory domain Z scores show a strong negative correlation with global florbetapir SUVR in the aMCI group (r = – 0.352, p < 0.001) but not in the naMCI group (r = –0.016, p = 0.924). Moreover, this correlation is independent of APOE e4 carriage status. This study aims to identify high‐risk groups at an early stage of AD(Alzheimer's Disease, AD) through cognitive performance and APOE ε4 carrier status, which can be important for guiding clinical intervention trials.
Morphological Brain Networks of White Matter: Mapping, Evaluation, Characterization, and Application
Authors: Li Junle , Jin Suhui , Li Zhen , Zeng Xiangli , Yang Yuping , Luo Zhenzhen , Xu Xiaoyu , Cui Zaixu , Liu Yaou , Wang Jinhui
Published: July 2024

Although white matter (WM) accounts for nearly half of adult brain, its wiring diagram is largely unknown. Here, an approach is developed to construct WM networks by estimating interregional morphological similarity based on structural magnetic resonance imaging. It is found that morphological WM networks showed nontrivial topology, presented good‐to‐excellent test‐retest reliability, accounted for phenotypic interindividual differences in cognition, and are under genetic control. Through integration with multimodal and multiscale data, it is further showed that morphological WM networks are able to predict the patterns of hamodynamic coherence, metabolic synchronization, gene co‐expression, and chemoarchitectonic covariance, and associated with structural connectivity. Moreover, the prediction followed WM functional connectomic hierarchy for the hamodynamic coherence, is related to genes enriched in the forebrain neuron development and differentiation for the gene co‐expression, and is associated with serotonergic system‐related receptors and transporters for the chemoarchitectonic covariance. Finally, applying this approach to multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, it is found that both diseases exhibited morphological dysconnectivity, which are correlated with clinical variables of patients and are able to diagnose and differentiate the diseases. Altogether, these findings indicate that morphological WM networks provide a reliable and biologically meaningful means to explore WM architecture in health and disease.
An Ultrasensitive Biosensor for Probing Subcellular Distribution and Mitochondrial Transport of l‐2‐Hydroxyglutarate
Authors: Kang Zhaoqi , Hou Shuang , Gao Kaiyu , Liu Yidong , Zhang Ning , Fang Zhiqing , Zhang Wen , Xu Xianzhi , Xu Rong , Lü Chuanjuan , Ma Cuiqing , Xu Ping , Gao Chao
Published: July 2024

l‐2‐Hydroxyglutarate (l‐2‐HG) is a functionally compartmentalized metabolite involved in various physiological processes. However, its subcellular distribution and mitochondrial transport remain unclear owing to technical limitations. In the present study, an ultrasensitive l‐2‐HG biosensor, sfLHGFRH, composed of circularly permuted yellow fluorescent protein and l‐2‐HG‐specific transcriptional regulator, is developed. The ability of sfLHGFRH to be used for analyzing l‐2‐HG metabolism is first determined in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293FT) and macrophages. Then, the subcellular distribution of l‐2‐HG in HEK293FT cells and the lower abundance of mitochondrial l‐2‐HG are identified by the sfLHGFRH‐supported spatiotemporal l‐2‐HG monitoring. Finally, the role of the l‐glutamate transporter SLC1A1 in mitochondrial l‐2‐HG uptake is elucidated using sfLHGFRH. Based on the design of sfLHGFRH, another highly sensitive biosensor with a low limit of detection, sfLHGFRL, is developed for the point‐of‐care diagnosis of l‐2‐HG‐related diseases. The accumulation of l‐2‐HG in the urine of patients with kidney cancer is determined using the sfLHGFRL biosensor.
Interstitial Defect Modulation Promotes Thermoelectric Properties of p‐Type HfNiSn
Authors: Ai Xin , Xue Wenhua , Giebeler Lars , Pérez Nicolás , Lei Binghua , Zhang Yue , Zhang Qihao , Nielsch Kornelius , Wang Yumei , He Ran
Published: July 2024

The n‐type MNiSn (M = Ti, Zr, or Hf) half‐Heusler compounds are reported as promising medium‐ and high‐temperature thermoelectric materials; however, their p‐type counterparts have suffered from poor performance due to the in‐gap state caused by Ni occupying the tetrahedral interstitials. Inspired by recent findings that thermoelectric performance can be enhanced without substantially increasing compositional or structural complexity, the study attempts to manipulate the Ni interstitial defects by altering the stoichiometric composition. The results show that when HfNiSn is prepared by a non‐equilibrium method, the intrinsic Ni defects are effectively suppressed by simply reducing the nominal Ni content. The suppression of Ni defects not only leads to a larger bandgap, but also attenuates carrier scattering to achieve higher mobility. After further optimization of the carrier concentration, the p‐type HfNi0.85Co0.05Sn achieves a maximum power factor of 3100 µW m−1 K−2 at 773 K and a peak zT of ≈0.7 at 973 K, both of which are superior to that of the state‐of‐the‐art p‐type MNiSn. The results demonstrate that the off‐stoichiometric ratio is effective in decoupling electron‐phonon transports of thermoelectric materials with massive intrinsic defects, and also contribute to understanding the role of defect modulation in optimizing thermoelectric properties.
Winter wheat source‐sink relationships under various planting modes, complementary irrigation, and planting densities
Authors: Dai Yulong , Liao Zhenqi , Pei Shengzhao , Zhang Fucang , Li Zhijun , Fan Junliang , Cui Yuanlai
Published: July 2024

Various agronomic practices can affect the processes of aboveground dry matter accumulation (source) and grain filling (sink), resulting in yield differences. Improved source‐sink relationships can facilitate the production and accumulation of assimilates to increase the productivity of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A two‐season field experiment was undertaken on winter wheat during 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. In a split‐split‐plot design with three replicates (randomized blocks), we compared two planting modes (ridge‐furrow planting with plastic mulching [RFPM]; traditional flat planting [TF]), two complementary irrigation levels (I30+30: 30+30 mm; I0: no irrigation), and three planting densities (D1, D2, and D3: 240, 360, and 480 plants m−2). The results showed that RFPMI30+30 significantly increased maximum yield by 28.5% compared with TFI0. Although D3 increased the number of effective spikes per unit area and duration of grain filling compared to D2, it reduced the number of grains per spike, 1000‐grain weight, and average filling rate. Compared to TF and I0, RFPM and I30+30 improved the sink/source ratio by 5.3% and 6.5%, respectively. Grain yield peaked at D2 in the RFPM and at D3 in the TF. Medium planting density (D2) and complementary irrigation (I30+30) during the wintering and reviving periods under RFPM can achieve better source‐sink balance relationships and the maximum grain yield of winter wheat. Overall, we believe that in most cases, wheat yields are source‐limited and can be improved by ridge‐furrow planting with plastic mulching, complementary irrigation, and planting density regulation.
Simple Data Transformations for Mitigating the Syntactic Similarity to Improve Sentence Embeddings at Supervised Contrastive Learning
Authors: Kim Minji , Cho Whanhee , Kim Soohyeong , Choi Yong Suk
Published: July 2024

Contrastive learning of sentence representations has achieved great improvements in several natural language processing tasks. However, the supervised contrastive learning model trained on the natural language inference (NLI) dataset is insufficient to elucidate the semantics of sentences since it is prone to make a prediction based on heuristics. Herein, by using the ParsEVAL and the word overlap metric, it is shown that sentence pairs in the NLI dataset have strong syntactic similarity and propose a framework to compensate for this problem in two aspects. 1) Apply simple syntactic transformations to the hypothesis and 2) expand the objective to SupCon Loss to leverage variants of sentences. The method is evaluated on semantic textual similarity (STS) tasks and transfer tasks. The proposed methods improve the performance of the BERT‐based baseline in STS Benchmark and SICK Relatedness by 1.48% and 2.2%. Furthermore, the model achieves 82.65% on the HANS benchmark dataset, to the best of our knowledge, which is a state‐of‐the‐art performance demonstrating that our approach is effective in grasping semantics without heuristics in the NLI dataset at supervised contrastive learning. The code is available at https://github.com/whnhch/Break-the-Similarity.