Discovery of novel cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors by a multi-stage virtual screening.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. It effectively lowers the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and increases the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the human plasma. This study identified novel and highly potent CETP inhibitors using virtual screening techniques. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed the binding patterns of these inhibitors, with the top 50 compounds selected according to their predicted binding affinity. Protein-ligand interaction analyses were performed, leading to the selection of 26 compounds for further evaluation. A CETP inhibition assay confirmed the inhibitory activities of the selected compounds. The results of the MD simulations revealed the structural stability of the protein-ligand complexes, with the binding site remaining significantly unchanged, indicating that the five compounds (AK-968/40709303, AG-690/11820117, AO-081/41378586, AK-968/12713193, and AN-465/14952302) identified have the potential as active CETP inhibitors and are promising leads for drug development.

Molten-Salt Electrochemical-Assisted Synthesis of the CeO2-OV@GC Composite-Supported Pt Clusters with a Pt-O-Ce Structure for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Highly active and robust Pt-based electrocatalysts for an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are of crucial significance for the development of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Herein, the high-loading and well-dispersive Pt clusters on graphitic carbon-supported CeO2 with abundant oxygen vacancies (PtAC/CeO2-OV@GC) were successfully fabricated by a molten-salt electrochemical-assisted method. The bonding of Pt with the highly electronegative O induces charge redistribution through the Pt-O-Ce structure, thus reducing the adsorption energies of oxygen-containing species. Such a PtAC/CeO2-OV@GC electrocatalyst exhibits a greatly enhanced ORR performance with a mass activity of 0.41 ± 0.02 A·mg-1Pt at 0.9 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode, which is 2.7 times the value of a commercial Pt/C catalyst and shows negligible activity decay after 20000 cycles of accelerated degradation tests. It is anticipated that this work will provide enlightening guidance on the controllable synthesis and rational design of high-performance Pt-based electrocatalysts for PEMFCs.

Phylogenomic analyses revealed widely occurring hybridization events across Elsholtzieae (Lamiaceae).

Obtaining a robust phylogeny proves challenging due to the intricate evolutionary history of species, where processes such as hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting can introduce conflicting signals, thereby complicating phylogenetic inference. In this study, we conducted comprehensive sampling of Elsholtzieae, with a particular focus on its largest genus, Elsholtzia. We utilized 503 nuclear loci and complete plastome sequences obtained from 99 whole-genome sequencing datasets to elucidate the interspecific relationships within the Elsholtzieae. Additionally, we explored various sources of conflicts between gene trees and species trees. Fully supported backbone phylogenies were recovered, and the monophyly of Elsholtzia and Keiskea was rejected. Significant gene tree heterogeneity was observed at numerous nodes, particularly regarding the placement of Vuhuangia and the E. densa clade. Further investigations into potential causes of this discordance revealed that incomplete lineage sorting (ILS), coupled with both ancient and recent hybridization events, has given rise to substantial gene tree discordance. Several species, represented by multiple samples, exhibited a closer association with geographical distribution rather than following a strictly monophyletic pattern in plastid trees, suggesting significant chloroplast capture within Elsholtzieae and providing evidence of hybridization. In conclusion, this study provides phylogenomic insights to untangle taxonomic problems in the tribe Elsholtzieae, especially the genus Elsholtzia.

CT data analysis of catheter morphology and displacement in peritoneal dialysis: an exploratory study.

PURPOSE: Catheter displacement is a common complication of peritoneal dialysis. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between catheter morphology and displacement by analyzing CT data, providing a scientific basis for optimizing catheter morphology within abdominal wall layers. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 94 patients. The parameters for analyzing catheter morphology were defined based on six key points identified from CT images. The covariates considered in the analysis included demographics, primary disease, body size, peritoneal dialysis method, and total weekly urea clearance index. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 1056 ± 480 days, only the angle of the intramuscular part (IM angle) of the catheter significantly correlated with the time to first catheter displacement according to the multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.039, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.058, p < 0.01). When the cut-off value of IM angle was 39.4 ∘ , the area under receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting catheter displacement was 0.791 (95% CI 0.701-0.881, p < 0.01), with a sensitivity and specificity of 82.9% and 66.0%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the catheter survival rate was significantly higher in the group with an IM angle < 39.4 ∘ than in the group with an IM angle > 39.4 ∘ (log-rank χ 2 =19.479, p < 0.01). None of the catheter morphology parameters were significantly correlated with technique survival in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between catheter morphology and catheter displacement. An IM angle > 39.4 ∘ is an independent risk factor for catheter displacement, while the position and angle of the subcutaneous part are not correlated with catheter displacement.

Mechanistic insights into the parental co-exposure of T-2 toxin and epoxiconazole on the F1 generation of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Mycotoxins and pesticides frequently coexist in agricultural commodities on a global scale. The potential transgenerational consequences induced by these substances pose a significant threat to human health. However, there is a lack of data concerning the effects of co-contamination by these chemicals in the F1 generation following parental exposure. This investigation delved into the mixture effects of T-2 toxin (T-2) and epoxiconazole (EPO) on the offspring of zebrafish (Danio rerio). The findings revealed that exposure across generations to a combination of T-2 and EPO resulted in toxicity in the larvae of the F1 generation. This was demonstrated by a significant increase in the levels or activities of malondialdehyde (MDA), thyroxine (T4), Caspase3, and cas9, along with a decrease in the levels of cyp19a, ERα, and ERß. These outcomes suggested that cross-generational exposure to T-2 and EPO in D. rerio disrupted oxidative balance, induced cell apoptosis, and affected the endocrine system. Moreover, these effects were magnified when the F1 generation was continuously exposed to these compounds. Notably, these adverse effects could persist in subsequent generations without additional exposure. This study underscored the potential dangers associated with the simultaneous presence of T-2 and EPO on the development of fish offspring and the resulting environmental hazards to aquatic ecosystems. These findings emphasized the significant health risks posed by cross-generational exposure and highlighted the need for additional legislative measures to address these concerns.

[Short term follow-up of femoral neck dynamic cross screw system and threaded cannulated screw in the treatment of vertically unstable femoral neck fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the clinical effects of femoral neck dynamic cross screw system (FNS) and cannulated screws(CS) in the treatment of vertically unstable femoral neck fractures. METHODS: The clinical data and short-term follow-up results of 40 patients with vertically unstable femoral neck fractures admitted from July 2020 to August 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different internal fixation methods, 40 patients were divided into two groups, 20 cases in FNS group included 11 males and 9 females with a median of 58.5(50.3, 62.5) years old, and 20 in CS group included 9 males and 11 females with a median of 52.0(40.5, 58.0) years old. The operation time, knife edge length, blood loss and treatment cost of two gruops were observed and compared. The postoperative fracture healing and internal fixation were evaluated with X-ray imaging data, and the femoral neck shortening of the affected side was measured. The incidence of thigh irritation, the time of partial weight bearing and full weight bearing, early necrosis of femoral head, reoperation revision and Harris scores were compared between two groups. RESULTS: FNS group was followed up for 18.0(15.0, 19.0) months, CS group for 17.0(15.0, 18.8) months. There was no significant difference in operation time, incision length and blood loss between two groups(P>0.05). The cost of diagnosis and treatment in FNS group was higher than that in CS group(P<0.001). In FNS group, there was no irritation sign of the affected side thigh, while in CS group, there were 6 cases with discomfort or irritation sign of the lateral thigh(P<0.05). The average time of partial weight bearing activity in CS group was later than that in FNS group(P<0.05); However, there was no significant difference in the activity time of complete weight bearing between two groups(P=0.011>0.05). At the last follow-up, the shortened length of the affected femoral neck in CS group was greater than that in FNS group(P<0.05). There was no early necrosis of femoral head and reoperation in both groups. There was no significant difference in Harris score between two groups 12 months after operation(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: FNS treatment of vertically unstable femoral neck fractures can significantly reduce the incidence of lateral thigh irritation sign, and effectively reduce the postoperative shortening rate of vertically unstable femoral neck fractures, which can provide a relatively stable anti rotation force and anti cutting force, so that patients can go to the ground relatively early, which is conducive to the recovery of the affected hip joint function after surgery. It is a new option for the surgical treatment of vertically unstable femoral neck fractures. However, due to the high cost of treatment, In clinical practice, appropriate surgical treatment is selected according to the actual situation.

[Clinical Multi-features Analysis of Cystic Lung Adenocarcinoma 
and Construction of Invasive Risk Prediction Model].

BACKGROUND: Cystic lung cancer, a special type of lung cancer, has been paid more and more attention. The most common pathological type of cystic lung cancer is adenocarcinoma. The invasiveness of cystic lung adenocarcinoma is vital for the selection of clinical treatment and prognosis. The aim of this study is to analyze the multiple clinical features of cystic lung adenocarcinoma, explore the independent risk factors of its invasiveness, and establish a risk prediction model. METHODS: A total of 129 cases of cystic lung adenocarcinoma admitted to the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2021 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into pre-invasive group [atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA)] and invasive group [invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC)] according to pathological findings. There were 47 cases in the pre-invasive group, including 19 males and 28 females, with an average age of (51.23±14.96) years. There were 82 cases in the invasive group, including 60 males and 22 females, with an average age of (61.27±11.74) years. Multiple clinical features of the two groups were collected, including baseline data, imaging data and tumor markers. Univariate analysis, LASSO regression and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to screen out the independent risk factors of the invasiveness of cystic lung adenocarcinoma, and the risk prediction model was established. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, age, gender, smoking history, history of emphysema, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), number of cystic airspaces, lesion diameter, cystic cavity diameter, nodule diameter, solid components diameter, cyst wall nodule, smoothness of cyst wall, shape of cystic airspace, lobulation, short burr sign, pleural retraction, vascular penetration and bronchial penetration were statistically different between the pre-invasive group and invasive groups (P<0.05). The above variables were processed by LASSO regression dimensionality reduction and screened as follows: age, gender, smoking history, NSE, number of cystic airspaces, lesion diameter, cystic cavity diameter, cyst wall nodule, smoothness of cyst wall and lobulation. Then the above variables were included in multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Cyst wall nodule (P=0.035) and lobulation (P=0.001) were found to be independent risk factors for the invasiveness of cystic lung adenocarcinoma (P<0.05). The prediction model was established as follows: P=e^x/(1+e^x), x=-7.927+1.476* cyst wall nodule+2.407* lobulation, and area under the curve (AUC) was 0.950. CONCLUSIONS: Cyst wall nodule and lobulation are independent risk factors for the invasiveness of cystic lung adenocarcinoma, which have certain guiding significance for the prediction of the invasiveness of cystic lung adenocarcinoma.

Risk factors and their association network for young adults' suicidality: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the intricate influences of risk factors contributing to suicide among young individuals remains a challenge. The current study employed interpretable machine learning and network analysis to unravel critical suicide-associated factors in Chinese university students. METHODS: A total of 68,071 students were recruited between Sep 2016 and Sep 2020 in China. Students reported their lifetime experiences with suicidal thoughts and behaviors, categorized as suicide ideation (SI), suicide plan (SP), and suicide attempt (SA). We assessed 36 suicide-associated factors including psychopathology, family environment, life events, and stigma. Local interpretations were provided using Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) interaction values, while a mixed graphical model facilitated a global understanding of their interplay. RESULTS: Local explanations based on SHAP interaction values suggested that psychoticism and depression severity emerged as pivotal factors for SI, while paranoid ideation strongly correlated with SP and SA. In addition, childhood neglect significantly predicted SA. Regarding the mixed graphical model, a hierarchical structure emerged, suggesting that family factors preceded proximal psychopathological factors, with abuse and neglect retaining unique effects. Centrality indices derived from the network highlighted the importance of subjective socioeconomic status and education in connecting various risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The proximity of psychopathological factors to suicidality underscores their significance. The global structures of the network suggested that co-occurring factors influence suicidal behavior in a hierarchical manner. Therefore, prospective prevention strategies should take into account the hierarchical structure and unique trajectories of factors.

Imaging of annulus-formation interface using reverse time migration based on ultrasonic pitch-catch measurements: Case studies from an experimental well and a field well.

Cased-hole logging using ultrasonic pitch-catch modality is a proven technique for cement bond evaluation in cased holes. However, complex measuring environments such as tool and casing eccentering makes it difficult to precisely separate and pick the third interface echoes from full ultrasonic Lamb waves, leading to ambiguous identification of annulus-formation interface. To overcome this problem, we propose an improved cased-hole reverse time migration approach for ultrasonic pitch-catch measurements to image the annulus-formation interface. The missing ultrasonic Lamb waveforms between far and near receivers due to insufficient spatial sampling are reconstructed based on the optimized theoretical phase velocity of zero-order anti-symmetric Lamb mode waves. Additionally, we apply the hybrid illumination imaging condition to mitigate the imaging noises around the true reflectors and sources. Data examples from a physical experimental well and a field well demonstrate that the proposed approach is an effective method for characterizing the annulus-formation interface without requiring precise knowledge of the velocity distribution in the region behind the casing. Furthermore, test on an experimental well has indicated that the method has the potential to detect the absence of cement in the annulus medium.

Multimodal analysis of cfDNA methylomes for early detecting esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions.

Detecting early-stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and precancerous lesions is critical for improving survival. Here, we conduct whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) on 460 cfDNA samples from patients with non-metastatic ESCC or precancerous lesions and matched healthy controls. We develop an expanded multimodal analysis (EMMA) framework to simultaneously identify cfDNA methylation, copy number variants (CNVs), and fragmentation markers in cfDNA WGBS data. cfDNA methylation markers are the earliest and most sensitive, detectable in 70% of ESCCs and 50% of precancerous lesions, and associated with molecular subtypes and tumor microenvironments. CNVs and fragmentation features show high specificity but are linked to late-stage disease. EMMA significantly improves detection rates, increasing AUCs from 0.90 to 0.99, and detects 87% of ESCCs and 62% of precancerous lesions with >95% specificity in validation cohorts. Our findings demonstrate the potential of multimodal analysis of cfDNA methylome for early detection and monitoring of molecular characteristics in ESCC.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of Chinese patients diagnosed with chronic enteropathy associated with SLCO2A1 gene.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic enteropathy associated with SLCO2A1 gene is a rare intestinal disease caused by loss-of-function SLCO2A1 mutations, with clinical and genetic characteristics remaining largely unknown, especially in Chinese patients. This study aims to reveal clinical and genetic features of Chinese CEAS patients, highlighting the previously unreported or unemphasized characteristics. METHODS: We enrolled 12 Chinese patients with chronic enteropathy associated with SLCO2A1 gene admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022. Clinical and genetic data of these patients were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: 58.3% of patients were male, who also had primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, whereas female patients did not have primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Apart from common symptoms associated with anemia and hypoalbuminemia, abdominal pain, ileus, diarrhea, and hematochezia were present. 4 of the 5 female patients had early-onset amenorrhea, though the causal relationship remained to be clarified. Endoscopy and computed tomography enterography revealed that lesions can occur in any part of the digestive tract, most commonly in the ileum. Pathology showed multiple superficial ulcers with adjacent vascular dilatation, and loss of SLCO2A1 expression, particularly in gastrointestinal vascular endothelial cells. Genetic analysis confirmed SLCO2A1 mutations in all patients and identified 11 new SLCO2A1 variants for CEAS. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports new clinical, pathological, and genetic findings in 12 Chinese patients with chronic enteropathy associated with SLCO2A1 gene. This study provides insights into the pathogenesis of this disease. However, studies with larger sample sizes and more in-depth mechanism research are still required.

Numerical Investigation on the Structural Behavior of a Short-Span Cable-Stayed Bridge with Steel and CFRP Hybrid Cables.

In this paper, a thorough investigation is presented on the static and dynamic behaviors of a short-span cable-stayed bridge (CSB) incorporating steel and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) hybrid cables. The study focuses on the world's largest span and China's first highway, CFRP CSB. The performance of the CSB was compared using numerical simulations under four different cable patterns: steel cables, CFRP cables, and steel, and two types of hybrid cables with different structural arrangements. The results indicate that the use of the use of CFRP cables in the long cable region in the short-span CSB project investigated in this study offers improved performance in terms of stability, seismic response, and reduced displacements. In comparison to CFRP cables, hybrid cables have demonstrated a reduction of 12% in the maximum vertical displacement of the main girder. On the other hand, the hybrid cables result in reduced maximum internal forces and longitudinal and lateral displacements of the main girders and towers compared to steel cables. The difference in the arrangement of CFRP cables in the long cable region or short cable region is not obvious under dead loads, but significant differences still exist between the CFRP cable bridges in the short cable region and the long cable region in terms of live load effects, temperature effects, and dynamic characteristics.

Nanoplatform based on carbon nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin enhances apoptosis by generating reactive oxygen species for effective cancer therapy.

At present, due to its wide application and relatively low cost, chemotherapy remains a clinically important cancer treatment option; however, a number of chemotherapeutic drugs have important limitations, such as lack of specificity, high toxicity and side effects, and multi-drug resistance. The emergence of nanocarriers has removed numerous clinical application limitations of certain antitumor chemotherapy drugs and has been widely used in the treatment of tumors with nanodrugs. The present study used carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) as a nanocarrier for doxorubicin (DOX) to form the novel nanomedicine delivery system (CNPs@DOX)was demonstrated by UV-vis and fluorescence spectrophotometry, ζ potential and TEM characterization experiments. The results confirmed the successful preparation of CNPs@DOX nanoparticles with a particle size of 96±17 nm, a wide range of absorption and a negatively charged surface. Furthermore, CNPs@DOX produced more reactive oxygen species and induced apoptosis, and thus exhibited higher cytotoxicity than DOX, which is a small molecule anticancer drug without a nanocarrier delivery system.. The present study provides a strategy for the treatment of tumors with nanomedicine.

Role of umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells in skin rejuvenation.

Aging is the main cause of many degenerative diseases. The skin is the largest and the most intuitive organ that reflects the aging of the body. Under the interaction of endogenous and exogenous factors, there are cumulative changes in the structure, function, and appearance of the skin, which are characterized by decreased synthesis of collagen and elastin, increased wrinkles, relaxation, pigmentation, and other aging characteristics. skin aging is inevitable, but it can be delayed. The successful isolation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in 1991 has greatly promoted the progress of cell therapy in human diseases. The International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) points out that the MSC is a kind of pluripotent progenitor cells that have self-renewal ability (limited) in vitro and the potential for mesenchymal cell differentiation. This review mainly introduces the role of perinatal umbilical cord-derived MSC(UC-MSC) in the field of skin rejuvenation. An in-depth and systematic understanding of the mechanism of UC-MSCs against skin aging is of great significance for the early realization of the clinical transformation of UC-MSCs. This paper summarized the characteristics of skin aging and summarized the mechanism of UC-MSCs in skin rejuvenation reported in recent years. In order to provide a reference for further research of UC-MSCs to delay skin aging.

Biogenic volatile organic compounds in forest therapy base: A source of air pollutants or a healthcare function?

Air pollution poses a significant threat to public health, while biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) play a crucial role in both aspects. However, the unclear relationship between BVOCs and air pollutants in the under-canopy space limits the accuracy of air pollution control and the exploitation of forest healthcare functions. To clarify the variation of BVOCs in forest therapy bases, and their impacts on ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at nose height, total VOCs (TVOCs) in the forest were collected during typical sunny days, while air pollutants and meteorological factors were observed simultaneously. The results showed that the branch-level emissions of P. tabuliformis were dominated by healthcare-effective monoterpenoids, with only α-pinene having relative air concentrations of over 5 % in forest air samples. The correlation between concentrations of under-canopy TVOCs and emission rates of BVOCs from P. tabuliformis was weak (p > 0.09) in all seasons. However, the correlation between concentrations of TVOCs and the concentrations of O3 and PM2.5 showed clear seasonal differences. In spring, TVOCs only showed a significant negative correlation with PM2.5 in the forest (p < 0.01). In summer and autumn, TVOCs were significantly negatively correlated with both O3 (p < 0.001) and PM2.5 (p < 0.01). Specifically, the negative linear relationships were more pronounced for O3 and oxygenated VOCs in autumn (R2 = 0.40, p < 0.001) than for other relationships. The relationship between air pollutant concentrations inside and outside the forest also showed significant seasonal differences, generally characterized by a weaker correlation between them during seasons of strong emissions. Therefore, BVOCs in coniferous forests are health functions as they can provide healthcare effects and mitigate the concentration of air pollutants in the forest, and the establishment of forest therapy bases in rural areas with low NOx can be a sensible approach to promote good health, well-being, and sustainable development.

Biochar addition promotes soil organic carbon sequestration dominantly contributed by macro-aggregates in agricultural ecosystems of China.

Soil aggregates play pivotal roles in soil organic carbon (SOC) preservation and climate change. Biochar has been widely applied in agricultural ecosystems to improve soil physicochemical properties. However, the underlying mechanisms of SOC sequestration by soil aggregation with biochar addition are not well understood at a large scale. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of 2335 pairwise data from 45 studies to explore how soil aggregation sequestrated SOC after biochar addition in agricultural ecosystems of China. Biochar addition markedly enhanced the proportions of macro-aggregates and aggregate stability, and the production of organic binding agents positively facilitated the formation of macro-aggregates and aggregate stability. Soil aggregate-associated organic carbon (OC) indicated a significantly increasement by biochar addition, which was attributed to direct and indirect inputs of OC from biochar and organic residues, respectively. Biochar stimulated SOC sequestration dominantly contributed by macro-aggregates, and it could be interpreted by a greater improvement in proportions and OC protection of macro-aggregates. Furthermore, the SOC sequestration of soil aggregation with biochar addition was regulated by climate conditions (mean annual temperature and precipitation), biochar attributes (biochar C/N ratio and pH), experimental practices (biochar addition level and duration), and agronomic managements (land type, cropping intensity, fertilization condition, and crop type). Collectively, our synthetic analysis emphasized that biochar promoted the SOC sequestration by improving soil aggregation in agricultural ecosystems of China.

Advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy and its applications in zeolite chemistry.

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy (ssNMR) can provide details about the structure, host-guest/guest-guest interactions and dynamic behavior of materials at atomic length scales. A crucial use of ssNMR is for the characterization of zeolite catalysts that are extensively employed in industrial catalytic processes. This review aims to spotlight the recent advancements in ssNMR spectroscopy and its application to zeolite chemistry. We first review the current ssNMR methods and techniques that are relevant to characterize zeolite catalysts, including advanced multinuclear and multidimensional experiments, in situ NMR techniques and hyperpolarization methods. Of these, the methodology development on half-integer quadrupolar nuclei is emphasized, which represent about two-thirds of stable NMR-active nuclei and are widely present in catalytic materials. Subsequently, we introduce the recent progress in understanding zeolite chemistry with the aid of these ssNMR methods and techniques, with a specific focus on the investigation of zeolite framework structures, zeolite crystallization mechanisms, surface active/acidic sites, host-guest/guest-guest interactions, and catalytic reaction mechanisms.

Image Fusion Method Based on Snake Visual Imaging Mechanism and PCNN.

The process of image fusion is the process of enriching an image and improving the image's quality, so as to facilitate the subsequent image processing and analysis. With the increasing importance of image fusion technology, the fusion of infrared and visible images has received extensive attention. In today's deep learning environment, deep learning is widely used in the field of image fusion. However, in some applications, it is not possible to obtain a large amount of training data. Because some special organs of snakes can receive and process infrared information and visible information, the fusion method of infrared and visible light to simulate the visual mechanism of snakes came into being. Therefore, this paper takes into account the perspective of visual bionics to achieve image fusion; such methods do not need to obtain a significant amount of training data. However, most of the fusion methods for simulating snakes face the problem of unclear details, so this paper combines this method with a pulse coupled neural network (PCNN). By studying two receptive field models of retinal nerve cells, six dual-mode cell imaging mechanisms of rattlesnakes and their mathematical models and the PCNN model, an improved fusion method of infrared and visible images was proposed. For the proposed fusion method, eleven groups of source images were used, and three non-reference image quality evaluation indexes were compared with seven other fusion methods. The experimental results show that the improved algorithm proposed in this paper is better overall than the comparison method for the three evaluation indexes.

Direct Measurement of Dissolved Gas Using a Tapered Single-Mode Silica Fiber.

Dissolved gases in the aquatic environment are critical to understanding the population of aquatic organisms and the ocean. Currently, laser absorption techniques based on membrane separation technology have made great strides in dissolved gas detection. However, the prolonged water-gas separation time of permeable membranes remains a key obstacle to the efficiency of dissolved gas analysis. To mitigate these limitations, we demonstrated direct measurement of dissolved gas using the evanescent-wave absorption spectroscopy of a tapered silica micro-fiber. It enhanced the analysis efficiency of dissolved gases without water-gas separation or sample preparation. The feasibility of this sensor for direct measurement of dissolved gases was verified by taking the detection of dissolved ammonia as an example. With a sensing length of 5 mm and a consumption of ~50 µL, this sensor achieves a system response time of ~11 min and a minimum detection limit (MDL) of 0.015%. Possible strategies are discussed for further performance improvement in in-situ applications requiring fast and highly sensitive dissolved gas sensing.