bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARITIVE STUDY OF TREE COUNTING ALGORITHMS IN DENSE AND SPARSE VEGETATIVE REGIONS
Authors: Khan S. , Gupta P. K.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Tree counting can be a challenging and time consuming task, especially if done manually. This study proposes and compares three different approaches for automatic detection and counting of trees in different vegetative regions. First approach is to mark extended minima’s, extended maxima’s along with morphological reconstruction operations on an image for delineation and tree crown segmentation. To separate two touching crowns, a marker controlled watershed algorithm is used. For second approach, the color segmentation method for tree identification is used. Starting with the conversion of an RGB image to HSV color space then filtering, enhancing and thresholding to isolate trees from non-trees elements followed by watershed algorithm to separate touching tree crowns. Third approach involves deep learning method for classification of tree and non-tree, using approximately 2268 positive and 1172 negative samples each. Each segment of an image is then classified and sliding window algorithm is used to locate each tree crown. Experimentation shows that the first approach is well suited for classification of trees is dense vegetation, whereas the second approach is more suitable for detecting trees in sparse vegetation. Deep learning classification accuracy lies in between these two approaches and gave an accuracy of 92% on validation data. The study shows that deep learning can be used as a quick and effective tool to ascertain the count of trees from airborne optical imagery.
ROAD NETWORK IDENTIFICATION AND EXTRACTION IN SATELLITE IMAGERY USING OTSU'S METHOD AND CONNECTED COMPONENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Yadav P. , Agrawal S.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. As the high resolution satellite images have become easily available, this has motivated researchers for searching advanced methods for object detection and extraction from satellite images. Roads are important curvilinear object as they are a used in urban planning, emergency response, route planning etc. Automatic road detection from satellite images has now become an important topic in photogrammetry with the advances in remote sensing technology. In this paper, a method for road detection and extraction of satellite images has been introduced. This method uses the concept of histogram equalization, Otsu's method of image segmentation, connected component analysis and morphological operations. The aim of this paper is to discover the potential of high resolution satellite images for detecting and extracting the road network in a robust manner.
Flood depth estimation by means of high-resolution SAR images and lidar data
Authors: Cian Fabio , Marconcini Mattia , Ceccato Pietro , Giupponi Carlo
Published: November 2018

Abstract. When floods hit inhabited areas, great losses are usually registered in terms of both impacts on people (i.e., fatalities and injuries) and economic impacts on urban areas, commercial and productive sites, infrastructures, and agriculture. To properly assess these, several parameters are needed, among which flood depth is one of the most important as it governs the models used to compute damages in economic terms. This paper presents a simple yet effective semiautomatic approach for deriving very precise inundation depth. First, precise flood extent is derived employing a change detection approach based on the normalized difference flood index computed from high-resolution synthetic aperture radar imagery. Second, by means of a high-resolution lidar digital elevation model, water surface elevation is estimated through a statistical analysis of terrain elevation along the boundary lines of the identified flooded areas. Experimental results and quality assessment are given for the flood that occurred in the Veneto region, northeastern Italy, in 2010. In particular, the method proved fast and robust and, compared to hydrodynamic models, it requires sensibly less input information.
Can Ratios Predict the Financial Performance in Banks: A Case of National Banks in United Arab Emirates (U.A.E)
Authors: Banerjee Arindam
Published: November 2018

A country’s banking sector plays a dominant and important role in its financial growth and economic progress. The prime objective of this research paper is aimed towards evaluating the performance of 12 selected banks in United Arab Emirates (UAE) through various financial ratios. The paper highlights the various financial parameters such as adequacy of risk based capital, credit growth, concentration of credit, non performing position of loans, liquidity gap analysis, liquidity ratios, return on assets, return on equity, net interest margin in analysing the financial performance of the selected banks. The analysis of ratio helps to develop an insight to the extent the various financial variable impact the profitability and the productivity of the selected National Commercial Banks in U.A.E. The purpose of this paper is to examine the future financial performance of selected U.A.E National commercial banks using three indicators; Internal–based performance measured by Return on Assets, Market-based performance measured by Tobin’s Q model (Price / Book value of Equity) and Economic–based performance measured by Economic Value add. The financial data has been adopted from the audited financial statements of the sampled banks for the period of 2014 till 2017. Statistical tools used in the study include multiple regression analysis that captures the impact of the individual size of the bank, the credit risk, efficiency in operations and the asset management on the financial performance followed by forecasting the Future Trend.
A Comparative Analysis of Contemporary Public Management Concepts in Thailand
Authors: Panyasiri Chaiyanant
Published: November 2018

The main purpose of this article is to explore the competing concepts and perspectives in modern Public Management literatures including: New Public Management (NPM), New Public Governance (NPG) and New Public Service (NPS) and to compare the viability of these concepts toward public sectors of Thailand. The method of study relies mostly on documentary research on influential academic writings from well-known Public Administration theorists. This article explores these modern PA concepts in terms of rationale, assumptions, discursive aspects, evolution and development, strengths and limitations, applicability and so on.The result of the study shows dimensional comparison between various contemporary public management perspectives, including NPM, NPG and NPS in their theoretical backgrounds, perspectives and solutions on public governance in Thailand. Based on the results of the study, to properly adopt these competing modern Public Management concepts, Thailand should pursue a “hybrid” style of public management consisting of all elements from those three modern PA perspectives namely, NPM, NPG and NPS, plus Thai national value of moral and professionalism. The key to the sustainability of Thailand is to retain traditional value that is proven to be relevant and supportive of the responsive and participating form of public governance and to keep up with the postmodernist characteristics of the 21st century.
Accounting Conservatism and Performance of Nigerian Consumer Goods Firms’: An Examination of the Role of Accruals
Authors: Ugwunta David Okelue , Ugwuanyi Boniface Uche
Published: November 2018

In this study the evidence over the existence and magnitude of the assumed negative relation between accounting conservatism and firm performance in Nigeria was examined. Data from the annual financial statements of firms under the Consumer Goods sectoral classification on the Nigerian Stock exchange was used. The hypotheses were tested using the panel least squares while assuming the fixed effects. Opposed to the assumed negative relation, findings from the study suggest that accounting conservatism has a positive but non-significant effect on firm performance. This implies that firms in the Nigerian Consumer Goods sector do not practice accounting conservatism and hence produce low financial reporting quality. This is given the absence of accruals quality achieved when the reported information reported is credible and free of error and bias, intentional or otherwise. The study recommends that firms in Nigeria should be penalised if reported information are found to incomplete and opaque not free of error and bias.
Laser Shock Peening Application as Alternative Method to Determine the Mechanical Properties of Aluminum
Authors: Abdulzahra Nargis Zamil , Abood Saad Naji
Published: November 2018

The structural, physical, and mechanical properties of laser-induced shock peening (LSP) of Aluminum before and after depositing films of different metals (Cu, In, and Al) were investigated. The deposition of single and double films was conducted, and the physical property (density), shockwave properties (shock pressure, particle velocity, and shock velocity), mechanical properties (stress, strain, Young's s modulus, and Hardness) were calculated, Young's s modulus measured of aluminum was measured by classical method (Tensile test ) and by LSP technique, and it was found that the measured using LSP is closer to the standard value than classical method .Single film Cu and sandwich Al / Cu deposited on Al substrate showed an enhancement in the mechanical properties rather than other films, while the deposited films of (In, In / Cu, and Al /In) on Al substrate revealed more strain and higher ductility than others.
Proboscis lateralis: A case report of a rare giant craniofacial teratoma in an infant
Authors: Al-Shaqsi Sultan , Al-Bulushi Taimoor , Al-Hinai Qasim
Published: November 2018

Teratomas can occur in almost any region of the body and are the most common extragonadal germ cell childhood tumors. However, craniofacial teratomas are rare. Craniofacial teratomas can present unique features and cause significant functional and aesthetic concerns. There are complex lesions that can have components intra-cranially and extra-cranially. Therefore, their management requires significant multi-stage multidisciplinary surgical procedures. Herein, we present a case of craniofacial teratoma in a child with the phenotype of proboscis lateralis that highlights some of the pertinent point of the diagnosis and management of congenital neonatal teratomas.
Analysis of gluteal subcutaneous and muscle thickness in infants and children for application to intramuscular injection, autologous fat grafting, and gluteal artery perforator flaps
Authors: Min Hyung Jun , Kim Yu Jin
Published: November 2018

Background To achieve improvements in intramuscular injection, autologous fat grafting, and gluteal artery perforator flaps in infants and children, the relationships of computed tomography (CT)-determined gluteal muscle thickness (MT) and subcutaneous tissue thickness (SCT) with age and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed.

Methods Gluteal SCT and MT at ventrogluteal (VG) and dorsogluteal (DG) sites were measured in a standardized manner in 350 patients aged 0 to 6 years who had visited a tertiary hospital and had undergone abdominopelvic CT between January 2005 and December 2016. Recorded measurements were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and stepwise multiple regression to identify the factors that were most closely related to MT and SCT.

Results Subcutaneous tissue at VG sites was thinner than at DG sites, but not significantly so in any age group. Muscles tended to be thinner at VG sites in 4 to 7-year-old, but thicker at VG sites in 1 to 3-year-old, though the differences were not significant. MT in the VG and DG regions was found to be related to age, and SCT in these regions to be related to age and BMI.

Conclusions The VG and DG sites should be considered as alternatives for intramuscular injection in infants and children when the anterolateral site is problematic. In addition, considering the gluteal MT and SCT of infants and children should help produce good results in autologous fat grafting and gluteal artery perforator flap harvesting.
Alteration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa respiration by 4-(1-adamantyl)-phenol derivative
Authors: Dudikova Daria M. , Vrynchanu Nina O. , Nosar Valentyna I.
Published: November 2018

Derivatives of 4-(1-adamantyl)-phenol are a promising class of antimicrobials affecting the structural integrity and functions of the bacterial cell membrane. The functioning of Pseudomonas aeruginosa respiratory chain and related system of oxidative phosphorylation was investigated before and after treatment with a derivative of 4-(1-adamantyl)-phenol (compound KVM-97). Oxygen consumption was measured polarographically with a Clark-type oxygen electrode. KVM-97 was tested at 0.5× and 1.0× MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration). Specific substrates of the respiratory chain (either 3.0 mM glutamate with 2.0 mM malonate or 3.0 mM succinate with 5.0 μM rotenone) were used. All reactions were stimulated by addition of ADP (0.2 mmol). It was found that at tested concentrations, KVM-97 inhibited the endogenous respiration and substrate oxidation in P. aeruginosa cells. The inhibiting effect was dose-dependent and more pronounced with succinate oxidation rather than glutamate oxidation. The respiratory control index value (RCI) in compound-treated cells was in average 1.5 times lower compared to the intact cells. The decrease in the RCI was related to changing the oxygen uptake rates in state 3 and state 4, which indicate the uncoupling of respiration and oxidative phosphorylation. The data obtained showed that 4-(1-adamantyl)-phenol derivative inhibits oxygen consumption and has uncoupling effects in P. aeruginosa cells.
Contribuições dos Quefazeres de Paulo Freire para a educação do campo hoje
Authors: Rocha Sheila de Fatima Mangoli , Ghiggi Gomercindo , Chaves Priscila Monteiro , Pereira Dirlei De Azambuja
Published: November 2018

É necessário buscar contribuições teórico-metodológicas para a prática docente em Freire para a concretização da educação popular do campo. A presente pesquisa teórico-bibliográfica objetiva problematizar os quefazeres da teoria freiriana frente às práticas pedagógicas, no que compete à busca por uma educação que possa contribuir com a construção de uma sociedade justa e igualitária, na medida em que atenda às necessidades das classes populares, tendo a realidade do campo como ponto de partida. Para tanto, três categorias de análise foram elegidas, são elas: formação humana, tema gerador e a conjugação entre saberes científicos e populares. Embora esse educador seja considerado um dos principais referenciais, ainda existe carência de estudos sistemáticos de suas contribuições em categorias que visem a favorecer o preenchimento de lacunas nas práticas educativas de desenvolvimento do campo. Por fim, faz-se necessário avigorar que a educação não seja meio de fuga do campo, mas de obtenção de melhoria das condições de vida; reivindicação de um projeto de formação aliado a um modelo de agricultura que não mate a dignidade do homem.
Cultura digital na escola: um estudo a partir dos relatórios de Políticas Públicas no Brasil
Authors: De Almeida Fernando José , De Almeida Siderly do Carmo Dahle , Fernandes Junior Alvaro Martins
Published: November 2018

A educação configura-se como protagonista nos programas de países que delinearam como meta valorizar a qualidade de vida de seus cidadãos. Esta conjuntura aponta para a iminência em se conseguir retorno célere, legítimo e efetivo para a interrupção de ciclos de pobreza e o estabelecimento de objetivos que promovam a liberdade, a harmonia e o progresso. Considerando-se o contexto das Políticas Públicas quanto ao uso de tecnologias nas escolas, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi perceber se a proposta pedagógica de inclusão digital já é uma realidade nacional. Para isso, realizou-se um estudo tendo por base 4 documentos oficiais. Dentre as questões levantadas, percebe-se que não há muita diferença quanto ao uso de TIC entre escolas públicas e privadas, além disso, o celular é apontado  como meio pelo qual mais se acessa a internet e que quando uma instituição enfatiza a cultura digital, assume a centralidade na formação de alunos mais autônomos.
Inclusão digital para mulheres em situação de vulnerabilidade social: a percepção dos formadores
Authors: Rosa Stela , Cerny Roseli Zen , Espíndola Marina Bazzo de
Published: November 2018

Este artigo se dedica a uma reflexão sobre a inclusão digital, por meio de processos formativos para mulheres em situação de vulnerabilidade social, alvo das políticas sociais de combate à pobreza. Para isso, analisa as percepções de docentes e servidores do Programa Mulheres Mil sobre a relação destas mulheres com a cultura digital. Os resultados apontam que os professores não identificam a existência de relações das mulheres-alvo do programa com as TIDC tampouco como sujeitos da cultura digital, reduzindo a inclusão digital ao repasse instrumental de conteúdos básicos de informática. Discutimos que, mesmo iniciantes no manejo do computador e internet, elas têm familiaridade com outras tecnologias, como o celular, principal instrumento de contato entre as estudantes e os agentes das políticas públicas, além de serem diretamente controladas pelos sistemas de monitoramento das exigências destas políticas ou das organizações de seus trabalhos. Como integrantes da sociedade atual, as mulheres do Programa Mulheres Mil têm o direito a compreender a cultura em que vivem para que possam interagir de forma crítica, sem que sejam apenas usuárias ou consumidoras inconscientes.
Spatial variation in allometric growth of invasive lionfish has management implications
Authors: Villaseñor-Derbez Juan Carlos , Fitzgerald Sean
Published: November 2018

Lionfish (Pterois volitans / miles) are an invasive species in the Western Atlantic and the Caribbean. Improving management of invasive lionfish populations requires accurate total biomass estimates, which depend on accurate estimates of allometric growth. Sedentary species like lionfish often exhibit high levels of spatial variation in life history characteristics. We review 17 published length-weight relationships for lionfish taken throughout their invasive range and found substantial regional differences in allometric growth parameters. The spatial pattern we observed is consistent with findings from other studies focusing on genetics or age-at-length. We show that the use of ex situ parameters can result in up to a threefold under- or overestimation of total weight, but using parameters from nearby regions reduces this error. These findings can have major implications for management in terms of predicting effects on local ecosystems, evaluating the effectiveness of removal programs, or estimating biomass available for harvest.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycythemia Vera
Authors: Tremblay Douglas , Kremyanskaya Marina , Mascarenhas John , Hoffman Ronald
Published: November 2024

Importance

Polycythemia vera (PV), a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by an increased red blood cell mass and increased risk of thrombosis, affects approximately 65 000 people in the US, with an annual incidence of 0.5 to 4.0 cases per 100 000 persons.

Observations

Erythrocytosis (hemoglobin >16.5 mg/dL in men or >16.0 mg/dL in women) is a required diagnostic criterion, although thrombocytosis (53%) and leukocytosis (49%) are common. Patients may have pruritus (33%), erythromelalgia (5.3%), transient visual changes (14%), and splenomegaly (36%) with abdominal discomfort. More than 95% of patients have a JAK2 gene variant, which helps distinguish PV from secondary causes of erythrocytosis, such as tobacco smoking or sleep apnea. Among 7 cohorts (1545 individuals), the median survival from diagnosis was 14.1 to 27.6 years. Prior to or at the time of PV diagnosis, arterial thrombosis occurred in 16% of patients and 7% had venous thrombotic events, which could involve unusual sites, such as splanchnic veins. PV is also associated with an increased bleeding risk, especially in patients with acquired von Willebrand disease, which can occur with extreme thrombocytosis (platelet count, ≥1000 × 109/L). All patients with PV should receive therapeutic phlebotomy (goal hematocrit, <45%) and low-dose aspirin (if no contraindications). Patients who are at higher risk of thrombosis include those aged 60 years or older or with a prior thrombosis. These patients and those with persistent PV symptoms may benefit from cytoreductive therapy with hydroxyurea or interferon to lower thrombosis risk and decrease symptoms. Ruxolitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor that can alleviate pruritus and decrease splenomegaly in patients who are intolerant of or resistant to hydroxyurea. About 12.7% of patients with PV develop myelofibrosis and 6.8% develop acute myeloid leukemia.

Conclusions and Relevance

PV is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by erythrocytosis and is almost universally associated with a JAK2 gene variant. PV is associated with an increased risk of arterial and venous thrombosis, hemorrhage, myelofibrosis, and acute myeloid leukemia. To decrease the risk of thrombosis, all patients with PV should be treated with aspirin and therapeutic phlebotomy to maintain a hematocrit of less than 45%. Cytoreductive therapies, such as hydroxyurea or interferon, are recommended for patients at high risk of thrombosis.
Semaglutide Eligibility Across All Current Indications for US Adults
Authors: Shi Ivy , Khan Sadiya S. , Yeh Robert W. , Ho Jennifer E. , Dahabreh Issa J. , Kazi Dhruv S.
Published: November 2024

This cross-sectional study uses National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to examine the number of US adults eligible for semaglutide across all current indications.
Correction Rates and Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized Adults With Severe Hyponatremia
Authors: Ayus Juan Carlos , Moritz Michael L. , Fuentes Nora Angélica , Mejia Jhonatan R. , Alfonso Juan Martín , Shin Saeha , Fralick Michael , Ciapponi Agustín
Published: November 2024

Importance

Hyponatremia treatment guidelines recommend limiting the correction of severe hyponatremia during the first 24 hours to prevent osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS). Recent evidence suggests that slower rates of correction are associated with increased mortality.

Objective

To evaluate the association of sodium correction rates with mortality among hospitalized adults with severe hyponatremia.

Data Sources

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, LILACS, Web of Science, CINAHL, and international congress proceedings for studies published between January 2013 and October 2023.

Study Selection

Comparative studies assessing rapid (≥8-10 mEq/L per 24 hours) vs slow (<8 or 6-10 mEq/L per 24 hours) and very slow (<4-6 mEq/L per 24 hours) correction of severe hyponatremia (serum sodium <120 mEq/L or <125 mEq/L plus severe symptoms) in hospitalized patients.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Pairs of reviewers (N.A.F., J.R.M., J.M.A., A.C.) independently reviewed studies, extracted data, and assessed each included study’s risk of bias using ROBINS-I. Cochrane methods, PRISMA reporting guidelines, and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach to rate the certainty of evidence were followed. Data were pooled using a random-effects model.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcomes were in-hospital and 30-day mortality, and secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS) and ODS.

Results

Sixteen cohort studies involving a total of 11 811 patients with severe hyponatremia were included (mean [SD] age, 68.22 [6.88] years; 56.7% female across 15 studies reporting sex). Moderate-certainty evidence showed that rapid correction was associated with 32 (odds ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.55-0.82) and 221 (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11-0.79) fewer in-hospital deaths per 1000 treated patients compared with slow and very slow correction, respectively. Low-certainty evidence suggested that rapid correction was associated with 61 (risk ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.45-0.67) and 134 (risk ratio, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.28-0.44) fewer deaths per 1000 treated patients at 30 days and with a reduction in LOS of 1.20 (95% CI, 0.51-1.89) and 3.09 (95% CI, 1.21-4.94) days, compared with slow and very slow correction, respectively. Rapid correction was not associated with a statistically significant increased risk of ODS.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, slow correction and very slow correction of severe hyponatremia were associated with an increased risk of mortality and hospital LOS compared to rapid correction.
Making teamwork work: enhancing teamwork and assessment in higher education
Authors: Francis Nigel , Pritchard Connie , Prytherch Zoe , Rutherford Stephen
Published: November 2024

The ability to work in teams is one of the most sought‐after graduate skills by employers. However, team‐based learning activities, and especially team‐based assessments, are commonly disliked (even actively avoided) by students. Team‐based assessments are often problematic for students, mostly due to logistical problems and interpersonal difficulties. These difficulties often lead to dissatisfaction with the process and poor satisfaction responses in quality assessments of their teaching. This review takes a four‐way approach to evaluate current approaches to team assessment aimed at enhancing student engagement, satisfaction and learning gain. Firstly, we identify why team‐based activity is so important to include in our overall pedagogy in Higher Education. Secondly, we examine evidence from the literature on students' reactions to team‐based activities (especially focusing on assessment) and the reasons for both positive and negative perceptions. The third focus is on identifying the root of the problem from a pedagogic perspective and highlighting the deficiencies in approaches to team‐based activities that might lead to negative student perceptions. Finally, we discuss examples from the literature of where team‐based learning and assessment activities have been successful. Approaches to team‐based activities need to be more proactive and supportive so that students understand the dynamics of teams, how to plan team‐based activities, and how to deal with interpersonal issues positively and productively. Team‐based learning is arguably the least well‐taught element of our curricula, yet it is important and straightforward to address.
Incremental clinical value of intraplaque neovascularization in predicting recurrent ischemic stroke
Authors: Cui Liuping , Liu Ran , Zhou Fubo , Tian Bing , Chen Ying , Xing Yingqi
Published: November 2024

Objective

Carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) detected by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a risk factor for recurrent ischemic stroke. However, it is still unclear whether IPN can be used to accurately identify patients with recurrent ischemic stroke in clinical practice. Herein, we investigated the clinical predictive value of IPN for recurrent ischemic stroke in a real‐world setting.

Methods

We enrolled 200 patients with ischemic stroke and atherosclerotic carotid stenosis who were followed up for 2 years. The endpoint was recurrent ischemic stroke. Cox regression and subgroup analyses were employed to assess whether treatment affected the relationship between IPN and recurrent ischemic stroke. The net classification index (NRI) and integrated discriminant improvement index (IDI) were used to validate the additional clinical value of IPN in identifying recurrent ischemic stroke.

Results

During the 2‐year follow‐up, 36 patients experienced recurrent ischemic stroke. Cox regression analyses showed that IPN (grade 2), hypoechoic plaque, high homocysteine levels, and smoking were independent risk factors for recurrent ischemic stroke. Additional IPN evaluation may increase the NRI (0.512; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.083–0.624) and IDI (0.151; 95% CI: 0.010–0.213) for identifying high‐risk patients with recurrent ischemic stroke. In addition, in the subgroup undergoing revascularization, the proportion of IPN (grade 2) was significantly higher in patients with recurrent ischemic stroke than in patients with nonrecurrent ischemic stroke (p = 0.001).

Interpretation

In clinical settings, IPN, assessed by CEUS, may provide additional clinical value for predicting recurrent ischemic stroke, helping to identify patients with ischemic stroke who require close follow‐up.
A Highly Potent Os@Au‐TPA Coordination Structure‐Based Sonosensitizer for Tumor Sono‐Immunotherapies
Authors: Xie Pengfei , Rong Xiao , Qin Xuelian , Li Min , Zuo Yan , Liu Bingjie , Cao Sujiao , Yang Jie , Qiu Li
Published: November 2024

Ultrasound (US) becomes an appealing modality for stimulating or amplifying immune responses during cancer therapy, which is also termed sono‐immunotherapy. However, the clinical prospect has not been fully realized due to the scarcity of efficient sonosensitizers. Herein, for the first time a novel Os‐doped Au‐tri(pyridin‐4‐yl) amine coordination structure (Os@Au‐TPA)‐based sonosensitizer is originally designed and synthesized for sono‐immunotherapy of breast‐metastasized tumors. Impressively, Os@Au‐TPA shows much higher US‐mediated 1O2‐producing activity than Au‐TPA as well as the other traditional sonosensitizers, for example, ≈41.6 folds to ce6, 19.5 times to Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), 12.0 to Indocyanine Green (ICG), and 11.1 to Iron phthalocyanine (Pc(Fe)). The Os@Au‐TPA can not only generate abundant ROS upon US irradiation to implement sonodynamic therapy (SDT), stimulating cell apoptosis and further immunogenic cell death, but can also generate O2 to alleviate hypoxia to promote the polarization of M2 to M1 macrophages to enhance tumor immunogenicity. As a result, when combined with PD‐L1 antibody, it remodels the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, achieves concurrent sonodynamic‐triggered immune activation, and eradicates both the original and distant‐metastasized tumors efficiently. This work not only provides a new strategy to construct potent sonosensitizers from pyridine‐metal coordination structures but also proves that sonosensitizers with high performance are crucial in boosting cancer sono‐immunotherapy.
Nanocellulose‐Based Interfacial Solar Evaporator: Integrating Sustainable Materials and Micro‐/Nano‐Architectures for Solar Desalination
Authors: Ko Youngsang , Lee Suji , Jang Jieun , Kwon Goomin , Lee Kangyun , Jeon Youngho , Lee Ajeong , Park Teahoon , Kim Jeonghun , You Jungmok
Published: November 2024

Clean‐water harvesting through solar interfacial evaporation technology has recently emerged as a strategy for resolving global water scarcity. In this study, rapid carbon‐dioxide‐laser‐induced carbonization and facile ice‐templating is employed to construct a cellulose‐based solar evaporator bearing a hybrid multi‐layer micro‐/nano‐architecture (i.e., a laser‐induced carbon (LC) nanostructure and a cellulose aerogel (CA) nano/microstructure). The LC exhibits a light‐absorbing/photothermal nanoporous carbon structure that offers high light absorption and multiple light scattering. Additionally, the CA exhibits numerous nanopores and unidirectional microchannels that facilitate rapid water transport via capillary action. This hybrid LC/CA micro‐/nano‐architecture enabled rapid vapor generation with an average water evaporation rate (ν) of 1.62 kg m−2 h−1 and an evaporation efficiency (η) of 66.6%. To further enhance the evaporation performance, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer is coated onto the side of the LC/CA evaporator to increase its floatability in the simulated water; ν and η of the PDMS‐coated LC/CA evaporator (LC/CA/PDMS) increased to 1.9 kg m−2 h−1 and 83.8%, respectively. Additionally, the LC/CA/PDMS evaporator exhibited a high ν value of 1.68 kg m−2 h−1 in simulated seawater, originating from excellent resistance to salt accumulation via its self‐cleaning ability. Furthermore, the solar evaporator exhibited scalability for fabrication as well as biodegradable properties.
Integration of Sensory Memory Process Display System for Gait Recognition
Authors: Sun Tao , Qi Meng , Li Qing‐Xiu , Li Hang‐Fei , Feng Zhi‐Peng , Xu Run‐Ze , Zhou You , Wen Yu , Li Gui‐Jun , Zhou Ye , Han Su‐Ting
Published: November 2024

Gait is among the most dependable, accurate, and secure methods of biometric identification. However, high power consumption and low computing capability are two major obstacles on wearable sensors‐based gait recognition system. In this work, an integrated system is reported combining a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), a memristor (Ag/HfOx/Pt), and perovskite‐based multicolor LEDs (PMCLED) for the visualization and recognition of foot patterns through signal‐on‐none and multi‐wavelength on‐device preprocessing. The flexible TENG acts as a sensory receptor, generating voltage based on the duration and intensity of pressure, which in turn promotes voltage‐triggered synaptic plasticity in the memristor. The PMCLED, with its threshold switching and multi‐wavelength emission characteristics, enables nonlinear filtering and amplification of the synaptic signal from the memristor, resulting in a simplified system design and reduced background noise. Additionally, the effectiveness of on‐device preprocessing is validated based on a 5 × 5 array of integrated devices and software‐built neural network for foot pattern visualization and recognition. The proposed system is able to recognize the on‐device preprocessed images with high accuracy, indicating great potentials in both healthcare monitoring and human‐machine interaction.
Covalent Organic Framework‐Enhanced Metal Halide Perovskites for Selective and Sensitive Gas Sensing
Authors: Ye Wen , Li Meng , Li Guixiang , Jiang Lihua , Tian Shun , Dong Shihong , Xu Qingfeng , Chen Dongyun , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Dyson Paul J. , Abate Antonio , Lu Jian‐Mei
Published: November 2024

Solution‐processed lead‐free halide perovskite gas sensors possess low gas detection limits, offering promising alternatives to traditional metal oxide chemiresistors. However, halide perovskite chemiresistors often suffer from poor selectivity and durability due to a lack of coordinatively unsaturated surface metal ions and their sensitivity to humidity. To address these issues, a general strategy is presented in which the Cs2PdBr6 perovskite surface is coated with covalent organic framework (COF) to provide hybrid sensor materials that are highly sensitive to specific gases and demonstrate excellent stability under real‐working conditions. The hybrid chemiresistors demonstrate high sensitivity and controllable selectivity toward NO2 or NH3 gases. Specifically, TAPB–PDA@Cs2PdBr6 achieves a detection limit of 10 ppb for NO2, the lowest value reported for a perovskite‐based gas sensor, maintaining its performance after continuous exposure to ambient air for several weeks. In contrast, COF‐5@Cs2PdBr6 shows high selectivity to NH3 and has a detection limit of 40 ppb. Structural and spectroscopic characterization combined with mechanistic studies provide molecular‐level insights into the outstanding properties of these new hybrid sensor materials, which set a new benchmark in the field, i.e., surpassing the selectivity and sensitivity of conventional halide perovskite sensors.
Size‐Tunable Boron Nanoreactors for Boron Neutron Capture Synergistic Chemodynamic Therapy of Tumor
Authors: Li Lin , Zhao Qian , Chen Zhiqing , Zhao Zican , Du Baojie , Wang Mixue , Bai Peirong , Wang Xiaozhe , Ren Xiaofeng , Li Liping , Zhang Ruiping
Published: November 2024

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) stands out as a noninvasive potential modality for invasive malignant tumors, with boron drugs playing a crucial role in its efficacy. Nevertheless, the development of boron drugs with biodegradability, as well as high permeability and retention effects, continues to present significant challenges. Here, we fabricate a size‐tunable boron nanoreactor (TBNR) via assembling boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) and Fe3+ for tumor BNCT and chemodynamic (CDT) synergistic treatment. The obtained TBNR with an appropriate size exhibits superior tumor accumulation and retention. Upon stimulation by the tumor microenvironment (TME), the contained Fe3+ undergo redox reactions with glutathione (GSH) to produce Fe2+ Fenton reagents, which in turn activate CDT function and simultaneously induce TBNR depolymerization. Subsequently, the released ultrasmall BNQDs exhibit intra‐deep penetration characteristic and are fully enriched at the tumor site. The in vivo experiments reveal that TBNR possesses excellent biocompatibility and superior synergistic anti‐tumor ability post neutron irradiation, resulting in significant shrinkage of subcutaneous 4T1 tumors. Moreover, the TBNR‐mediated BNCT has triggered an obvious immune response, which contributes to the long‐term suppression of tumors after neutron irradiation. To conclude, this study provides a new approach for constructing more efficient versatile nanocarriers for BNCT‐induced combination cancer therapies.
Boosting Tumor Accumulation of Phthalocyanine through Sialylation Engineering for Superior Cancer Phototherapy
Authors: Li Jian , Wang Tingting , Li Cijuan , Zhang Xun , Li Jingchao , Zhang Dongsheng , Zhang Yafei , Yang Jun , Su Xinhui , Liu Nian
Published: November 2024

Phthalocyanines (Pcs) are widely developed in cancer phototherapy due to their definite chemical structure and tunable photosensitivity. However, their in vivo application is hampered by low water solubility and non‐specific biodistribution. Here,a strategy of sialylation‐modulation is developed for the first time to highly improve the bioavailability of Pcs. The sialylated Pcs (ZnPc‐4SA) not only has good hydrophilicity, but also can self‐assemble into nanoparticles (ZnPc‐4SA NPs). These nanoformulations retain the excellent photophysical properties of Pcs, which in turn reflects excellent optoacoustic and phototherapeutic properties. Importantly, ZnPc‐4SA NPs exhibit boosted tumor accumulation due to the passive targeting and sialic acid‐mediated E‐selectin targeting. Besides, the phototoxicity of ZnPc‐4SA NPs can effectively trigger cell apoptosis and tumor elimination upon laser irradiation. Therefore, sialylation engineering strategy provides a new option for hydrophobic drugs modification with enhanced tumor theranostics.
Spintronic Pathways in a Nonconjugated Radical Polymer Glass
Authors: Tahir Hamas , Flores‐Hansen Carsten , Hsu Sheng‐Ning , Liang Zihao , Naga Jayant , Dilley Neil R. , Savoie Brett M. , Boudouris Bryan W.
Published: November 2024

Radical chemistries have attracted burgeoning attention due to their intriguing technological applications in organic electronics, optoelectronics, and magneto‐responsive systems. However, the potential of these magnetically active glassy polymers to transport spin‐selective currents has not been demonstrated. Here, the spin‐transport characteristics of the radical polymer poly(4‐glycidyloxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl) (PTEO) allow for sustained spin‐selective currents when incorporated into typical device geometries with magnetically polarized electrodes. Annealing thin films of PTEO above its glass transition temperature results in a giant magnetoresistance effect (i.e., an MR of ≈80%) at 4 K. Additionally, ferromagnetic resonance spin‐pumping results in a relatively large effective spin‐mixing conductance of 1.18 × 1019 m−2 at the NiFe/PTEO interface. Due to the large spin‐density and radical‐radical exchange interactions, there is effective propagation of pure spin currents through PTEO in the NiFe/PTEO/Pd multilayer devices. This results in the transport of spin current over long distances with a spin diffusion length of 90.4 nm. The spin diffusion length and spin mixing conductance values surpass those reported in inorganic and metallic systems and are comparable to conventional doped conjugated polymers. This is the first example of spin transport in a nonconjugated radical polymer, and these findings underscore the promising spin‐transporting potential of radical polymers.
Mesoporous Acridinium‐Based Covalent Organic Framework for Long‐lived Charge‐Separated Exciton Mediated Photocatalytic [4+2] Annulation
Authors: Nath Ipsita , Chakraborty Jeet , Rawat Kuber Singh , Ji Yanwei , Wang Rundong , Molkens Korneel , De Geyter Nathalie , Morent Rino , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Geiregat Pieter , Van Der Voort Pascal
Published: November 2024

Readily tuneable porosity and redox properties of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) result in highly customizable photocatalysts featuring extended electronic delocalization. However, fast charge recombination in COFs severely limits their photocatalytic activities. Herein a new mode of COF photocatalyst design strategy to introduce systematic trap states is programmed, which aids the formation and stabilization of long‐lived charge‐separated excitons. Installing cationic acridinium functionality in a pristine electron‐rich triphenylamine COF via postsynthetic modification resulted in a semiconducting photocatalytic donor–acceptor dyad network that performed rapid and efficient oxidative Diels‐Alder type [4+2] annulation of styrenes and alkynes to fused aromatic compounds under the atmospheric condition in good to excellent yields. Large mesopores of ≈4 nm diameter ensured efficient mass flow within the COF channel. It is confirmed that the catalytic performance of COF originates from the ultra‐stable charge‐separated excitons of 1.9 nm diameter with no apparent radiative charge‐recombination pathway, endorsing almost a million times better photo‐response and catalysis than the state‐of‐the‐art.
Generating High‐Fidelity Structured Light Fields Through an Ultrathin Multimode Fiber Using Phase Retrieval
Authors: Mouthaan Ralf , Christopher Peter J. , Dholakia Kishan , Gordon George S. D. , Wilkinson Timothy , Euser Tijmen G.
Published: November 2024

Light transmission through a multimode fiber (MMF) has gained major importance for imaging and manipulation. The majority of phase retrieval algorithms used for a MMF implicitly assume light propagation to be described by a unitary operation, yet the transmission matrix of a multimode fiber is inherently non‐unitary. It is demonstrated that this erroneous assumption can impede the performance of many commonly used MMF phase retrieval algorithms and demonstrate that the weighted Yang–Gu algorithm outperforms other phase retrieval algorithms in this scenario. Once accounted for, the non‐unitary property of the transmission matrix can be leveraged to generate intricate intensity and phase patterns at the output of the fiber, and shape specific output fields. This is experimentally demonstrated by generating Laguerre–Gaussian beams that carry orbital angular momentum, and by forming images in planes offset from the distal end of the fiber facet.
Enhancing Hydrophobicity in Mn4+‐Doped Organometallic Fluoride with High Quantum Efficiency through the Utilization of Trimethylsulfoxide Cation
Authors: Zhan Yuxin , Cai Peiqing , Li Boya , Pu Xipeng , Wang Guanghua , Zhang Jie , Liu Zugang
Published: November 2024

Mn4+‐doped red fluoride phosphors are crucial in white light illumination and display technologies due to their broad color gamut, high color purity, and cost‐effective production. This study introduces a novel Mn4+‐doped trimethylsulfoxonium hexafluorotitanate ((TMSO)2TiF6) organometallic fluoride phosphor. Crystallographic analysis via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals a cubic structure with space group Pa‐3. The synthesized material exhibits a characteristic Mn4+ narrow‐band red emission peak at 633 nm, with a photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) of 73%. Furthermore, compared to similar materials, this phosphor exhibits relatively better water resistance due to the introduction of TMSO+ cations, retaining 30% of its initial PL intensity after 72 hours of water immersion. In addition, the material exhibits anti‐Stokes emission by pumping the 2E Stokes sideband state directly, broadening its potential applications as luminescent cooling materials. The research results highlight the significant advantages of Mn4+‐doped phosphors, including high color purity, short excited state lifetimes, and relatively strong weather resistance. These findings provide a solid foundation and feasible pathway for the development of ultra‐wide color gamut displays with enhanced stability.
Deficiency of FABP7 Triggers Premature Neural Differentiation in Idiopathic Normocephalic Autism Organoids
Authors: Han Xiao , He Yuanlin , Wang Yuanhao , Hu Wenzhu , Chu Chu , Huang Lei , Hong Yuan , Han Lu , Zhang Xu , Gao Yao , Lin Yuan , Ma Hongxia , Shen Hongbing , Ke Xiaoyan , Liu Yan , Hu Zhibin
Published: November 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is caused by heterogeneous genetic and environmental factors, is characterized by diverse clinical phenotypes linked to distinct pathological mechanisms. ASD individuals with a shared clinical phenotype might contribute to revealing the molecular mechanism underlying ASD progression. Here, it is generated induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived cerebral organoids from normocephalic individuals with ASD in a prospective birth cohort with a shared clinical diagnosis. Multiple cell lines and time series scRNA‐seq combined with a histomorphological analysis revealed premature neural differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) and decreased expression of Fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7) in ASD organoids. It is subsequently revealed alterations in the phosphorylation levels of Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), which are downstream of FABP7, and the regulation of the FABP7/MEK pathway reversed improper neural differentiation in the ASD organoids. Moreover, both Fabp7‐knockdown and MEK2‐overexpressing mice exhibited repetitive stereotyped behaviors and social defects relevant to autism. This study reveals the role of the FABP7/MEK pathway in abnormal NSC differentiation in normocephalic individuals with ASD, which might provide a promising therapeutic target for ASD treatment.
Bioinspired Microhinged Actuators for Active Mechanism‐Based Metamaterials
Authors: Cao Zi‐Yi , Sai Huayang , Wang Weiwei , Yang Kai‐Cheng , Wang Linlin , Lv Pengyu , Duan Huiling , Huang Tian‐Yun
Published: November 2024

Mechanism‐based metamaterials, comprising rigid elements interconnected by flexible hinges, possess the potential to develop intelligent micromachines with programmable motility and morphology. However, the absence of efficient microactuators has constrained the ability to achieve multimodal locomotion and active shape‐morphing behaviors at the micro and nanoscale. In this study, inspiration from the flight mechanisms of tiny insects is drawn to develop a biomimetic microhinged actuator by integrating compliant mechanisms with soft hydrogel muscle. A Pseudo‐Rigid‐Body mechanical model is introduced to analyze structural deformation, demonstrating that this hydrogel‐based microactuator can undergo significant folding while maintaining high structural stiffness. Furthermore, multiple microhinged actuators are combined to facilitate folding in multiple degrees of freedom and arbitrary directions. Fabricated by a multi‐step four‐dimensional (4D) direct laser writing technique, the microhinged actuators are integrated into 2D and 3D metamaterials enabling programable shape morphing. Additionally, micro‐kirigami with photonic structures is demonstrated to show the pattern transforming actuated by the microhinges. This bioinspired design approach opens new avenues for the development of active mechanism‐based metamaterials capable of intricate shape‐morphing behaviors.