A Hyperspectral Image Classification Method Based on the Nonlocal Attention Mechanism of a Multiscale Convolutional Neural Network.

Recently, convolution neural networks have been widely used in hyperspectral image classification and have achieved excellent performance. However, the fixed convolution kernel receptive field often leads to incomplete feature extraction, and the high redundancy of spectral information leads to difficulties in spectral feature extraction. To solve these problems, we propose a nonlocal attention mechanism of a 2D-3D hybrid CNN (2-3D-NL CNN), which includes an inception block and a nonlocal attention module. The inception block uses convolution kernels of different sizes to equip the network with multiscale receptive fields to extract the multiscale spatial features of ground objects. The nonlocal attention module enables the network to obtain a more comprehensive receptive field in the spatial and spectral dimensions while suppressing the information redundancy of the spectral dimension, making the extraction of spectral features easier. Experiments on two hyperspectral datasets, Pavia University and Salians, validate the effectiveness of the inception block and the nonlocal attention module. The results show that our model achieves an overall classification accuracy of 99.81% and 99.42% on the two datasets, respectively, which is higher than the accuracy of the existing model.

Perioperative circulating tumor DNA as a potential prognostic marker for operable stage I to IIIA non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a noninvasive biomarker for dynamically monitoring tumors. However, published data on perioperative ctDNA in patients with operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are currently limited. METHODS: This prospective study recruited 123 patients with resectable stage I to IIIA NSCLC. Preoperative and postoperative plasma samples and tumor tissue samples were subjected to next-generation sequencing with a panel of 425 cancer-related genes. Peripheral blood samples were collected before surgery, postoperatively within 1 month, and every 3 to 6 months for up to 3 years. RESULTS: After 4 exclusions, 119 eligible patients were enrolled from June 2016 to February 2019. Presurgical ctDNA was detectable in 29 of 117 patients (24.8%) and was associated with inferior recurrence-free survival (RFS; hazard ratio [HR], 2.42; 95% CI, 1.11-5.27; P = .022) and inferior overall survival (OS; HR, 5.54; 95% CI, 1.01-30.35; P = .026). Similarly, ctDNA was detected in 12 of 116 first postsurgical samples (10.3%) and was associated with shorter RFS (HR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.22-7.58; P = .012). During surveillance after surgery, longitudinal ctDNA-positive patients (37 of 119; 31.1%) had significantly shorter RFS (HR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.59-7.55; P < .001) and significantly shorter OS (HR, 9.99; 95% CI, 1.17-85.78; P = .010) in comparison with longitudinal ctDNA-negative patients. Serial ctDNA detection preceded radiologic disease recurrence by a median lead time of 8.71 months. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that perioperative ctDNA analyses can predict recurrence and survival, and serial ctDNA analyses can identify disease recurrence/metastasis earlier than routine radiologic imaging in patients with resectable NSCLC. LAY SUMMARY: The utility of serial circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) monitoring for predicting disease recurrence and survival for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been well characterized. The detection of ctDNA before and after surgery is associated with the identification of a high risk of disease recurrence and long-term patient outcomes for resectable NSCLC. Perioperative ctDNA analyses identify disease recurrence earlier than routine radiologic imaging. ctDNA analyses can detect minimal residual disease for resectable NSCLC and thus can facilitate early intervention.

Spectra of Self-Similar Measures.

This paper is devoted to the characterization of spectrum candidates with a new tree structure to be the spectra of a spectral self-similar measure µN,D generated by the finite integer digit set D and the compression ratio N-1. The tree structure is introduced with the language of symbolic space and widens the field of spectrum candidates. The spectrum candidate considered by Laba and Wang is a set with a special tree structure. After showing a new criterion for the spectrum candidate with a tree structure to be a spectrum of µN,D, three sufficient and necessary conditions for the spectrum candidate with a tree structure to be a spectrum of µN,D were obtained. This result extends the conclusion of Laba and Wang. As an application, an example of spectrum candidate Λ(N,B) with the tree structure associated with a self-similar measure is given. By our results, we obtain that Λ(N,B) is a spectrum of the self-similar measure. However, neither the method of Laba and Wang nor that of Strichartz is applicable to the set Λ(N,B).

Ice- and MOF-templated porous carbonaceous monoliths for adsorptive removal of dyes in water with easy recycling.

Various nanoporous particles, nanofibers have been employed for adsorptive removal of dyes from wastewater. However, these nanomaterials are difficult in separation from solution, generally by centrifugation or filtration. These processes are tedious and will limit the upscale applications. Herein, a hierarchically porous carbon monolith has been fabricated on grounds of ice and metal organic framework (MOF) templating method. The prepared carbonaceous monolith exhibited abundant ice-templated macropores, MOF-templated micropores and mesopores, and a high BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) special surface area (530 m2 g-1). The monolith achieved an MB (methylene blue) adsorption capacity of 95.82 mg g-1 (10 mg adsorbent/5 mL aqueous dye solution) and a theoretic maximum value of 179.86 mg g-1 by the Langmuir model. Compared with MB, the adsorption capacity for MO (methyl orange) was lower. Several adsorption kinetics and isotherms models were used for analysis of adsorptive data, and the results demonstrated the adsorption of MB and MO on the porous carbon monolith is a spontaneous endothermic physisorption process, which was mainly controlled by electrostatic reaction. Importantly, the monolith could be easily picked up using tweezers and used for recycling tests. After four cycles, the 94% of the initial adsorption capacity for MB can be retained.

Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging to assist the linear stapler closure of the pharynx during total laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to present a novel technique for stapler-assisted laryngectomy under direct visualization using a videoendoscope with narrow-band imaging (NBI-endoscopy). METHODS: A case series of five consecutive patients were treated with stapler-assisted total laryngectomy from December 2014 to March 2016. The technique involved monitoring the stapler closure of laryngopharyngeal cavity under NBI-endoscopic vision, triple checking of neo-pharynx cavity by an endoscopic view inside and transillumination verification outside, air leakage test, and guiding the insertion of feeding tube under direct visualization. The main evaluation of this study was pharyngocutaneous fistula, surgical margin, and oral feeding time. RESULTS: All the patients healed well without a pharyngocutaneous fistula. The mean of surgical time, oral feeding, and hospitalization time were 40 min, 6 days, and 8 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a technique simple to learn and associated with decreased complication rates, which could be safe and efficient for stapler-assisted laryngectomy.

Short-Term Efficacy of the Transnasal-Transoral Approach to Endoscopic Nasopharyngectomy for Nasopharyngeal Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Nasopharyngeal adenocarcinomas (NPACs) are rare malignant tumors. The treatment of NPACs is usually surgery with resection of normal nasal passage tissues.We introduced an innovative double endoscopic surgery for NPACs patients and evaluated the clinical efficacy of this approach. METHODS: The clinical data of 4 NPACs patients who underwent radical endoscopic nasopharyngectomy using a combined transnasal and transoral approach were analyzed to determine the efficacy of this surgery. The endpoints were en bloc resection and relief of clinical symptoms. RESULTS: All surgeries were successfully performed without any severe postoperative complications or death. Postoperative MRI revealed that en bloc resection was achieved for all patients with NPACs, and they had high quality of life without postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The transnasal-transoral approach to endoscopic nasopharyngectomy for nasopharyngeal adenocarcinoma is safe and effective.

Synthesis and Characterization of Iron Phthalocyanine Supported on Graphene Oxide and Catalysis of Adrenaline.

Iron tetranitro-phthalocyanine was synthesized by the reaction of 4-nitrophthalimide with FeCl3, and was then modified by γ-(trimethoxysilyl)propane-1-thiol to prepare functionalized iron phthalocyanine. A graphene oxide/iron phthalocyanine composite was then prepared, comprising functionalized iron phthalocyanine supported on the surface of graphene oxide via covalent bonds. All these complexes were characterized by infrared spectra (IR), X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) and Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The catalytic properties of the graphene oxide/iron phthalocyanine composite for catalyzing adrenaline oxidation were evaluated by measuring the absorbance intensity at the characteristic peak of the oxidation product. A fiberoptic adrenaline sensor based on a graphene oxide/iron phthalocyanine composite catalyst and fluorescence quenching was fabricated and studied. The relationship between the concentrations of dissolved oxygen and adrenaline was investigated by measuring the phase delay φ. The results showed that the graphene oxide/iron phthalocyanine composite can effectively catalyze adrenaline oxidization, and the optimal conditions are pH = 8.0, T = 30 °C, and mGO-FePc = 4.0 mg/mL; moreover, concentrations of adrenaline can be detected in the range from 1.8×10-6 to 9.2×10-5 mol/L with a sensor response time of 4 min.

Two novel mixed-ligand complexes containing organosulfonate ligands.

The structures reported herein, viz. bis(4-aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonato-kappaO)bis(4,5-diazafluoren-9-one-kappa(2)N,N')copper(II), [Cu(C(10)H(8)NO(3)S)(2)(C(11)H(6)N(2)O)(2)], (I), and poly[[[diaquacadmium(II)]-bis(mu-4-aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonato)-kappa(2)O:N;kappa(2)N:O] dihydrate], {[Cd(C(10)H(8)NO(3)S)(2)(H(2)O)(2)].2H(2)O}(n), (II), are rare examples of sulfonate-containing complexes where the anion does not fulfill a passive charge-balancing role, but takes an active part in coordination as a monodentate and/or bridging ligand. Monomeric complex (I) possesses a crystallographic inversion center at the Cu(II) atom, and the asymmetric unit contains one-half of a Cu atom, one complete 4-aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonate (ans) ligand and one 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one (DAFO) ligand. The Cu(II) atom has an elongated distorted octahedral coordination geometry formed by two O atoms from two monodentate ans ligands and by four N atoms from two DAFO molecules. Complex (II) is polymeric and its crystal structure is built up by one-dimensional chains and solvent water molecules. Here also the cation (a Cd(II) atom) lies on a crystallographic inversion center and adopts a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. Each ans anion serves as a bridging ligand linking two Cd(II) atoms into one-dimensional infinite chains along the [010] direction, with each Cd(II) center coordinated by four ans ligands via O and N atoms and by two aqua ligands. In both structures, there are significant pi-pi stacking interactions between adjacent ligands and hydrogen bonds contribute to the formation of two- and three-dimensional networks.

In vitro studying corrosion behavior of porous titanium coating in dynamic electrolyte.

Porous titanium (PT) is considered as a promising biomaterials for orthopedic implants. Besides biocompatibility and mechanical properties, corrosion resistance in physiological environment is the other important factor affecting the long stability of an implant. In order to investigate the corrosion behavior of porous titanium implants in a dynamic physiological environment, a dynamic circle system was designed in this study. Then a titanium-based implant with PT coating was fabricated by plasma spraying. The corrosion resistance of PT samples in flowing 0.9% NaCl solution was evaluated by electrochemical measurements. Commercial pure solid titanium (ST) disc was used as a control. The studies of potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) show that the pores in the PT play a negetive part in corrosion resistance and the flowing electrolyte can increase the corrosive rate of all titanium samples. The results suggest that pore design of titanium implants should pay attention to the effect of dynamic process of a physiological environment on the corrosion behavior of implants.

The endoparasitoid, Cotesia vestalis, regulates host physiology by reprogramming the neuropeptide transcriptional network.

Endoparasitoids develop inside another insect by regulating host immunity and development via maternal factors injected into hosts during oviposition. Prior results have provided insights into parasitism-induced immunosuppression, including the neuropeptide accumulation in parasitized insects. Nonetheless, our understanding of neuropeptide influence on host development and behavior is not yet complete. We posed the hypothesis that parasitization alters expression of genes encoding pro-neuropeptides and used larvae of Plutella xylostella and its endoparasitoid, Cotesia vestalis to test our hypothesis. We prepared transcriptomes from the larval P. xylostella brain-CC-CA complex and identified transcripts encoding 19 neuropeptides. All corresponding cDNAs were confirmed by RACE. Our results demonstrate that parasitism significantly down-regulated, or delayed, expression of genes encoding pro-neuropeptides within 48 h post-parasitization. Changing expression of these genes may account for the previously reported decreased feeding behavior, reduced growth rates and aborted development in the host larvae. In effect, parasitization may operate at the molecular level within the CNS to create global changes in larval host biology. The significance of our finding is that, in addition to the known effects on immunity, parasitoids influence host pro-neuropeptide gene transcription. This finding reveals a new mechanism operating in host-parasitoid relationships to the advantage of the parasitoid.

Synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic investigation of a novel phenylhydrazone Schiff base with solvatochromism.

A novel Schiff base of 4,5-diazafluorene-9-p-nitrophenylhydrazone (DAFND) has been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of DAFND and its analogue 4,5-diazafluorene-9-phenylhydrazone (DAFPD) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. X-ray analyses reveal that DAFPD comprise of a nonplanar molecule and all atoms of DAFND are essentially coplanar. The color of DAFND changes from brown to blue when heated, so called thermochromism and the spectroscopic properties of the two compounds are investigated by electronic absorption spectra, showing DAFND possess solvatochromism, while DAFPD does not have thermochromic and solvatochromic properties. The lambda(max) of DAFND within various pure solvents are different ranging from 370 nm in toluene to 614 nm in pyridine. The imaginable mechanisms of thermochromism and solvatochromism are proposed.

Diaquabis(ethylenediamine)cadmium(II) bis(4-aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonate) dihydrate.

In the title compound, [Cd(C2H8N2)2(H2O)2](C10H8NO3S)2.2H2O, the CdII atom, located on an inversion centre, has a distorted octahedral coordination geometry formed by two ethylenediamine and two water molecules. 4-aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonate acts as a counter-ion to balance the charge, and two antiparallel anions showing strong pi-pi stacking interactions are linked by paired N-H...O(sulfonate) hydrogen bonds into an isolated R2(2)(16) dimer. The crystal structure is stabilized by the pi-pi stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds.

Poly[tetraaquadi-mu3-malonato-calcium(II)zinc(II)].

The title complex, [CaZn(C3H2O4)2(H2O)4]n, is a two-dimensional polymer and consists of CaO8 and ZnO6 polyhedra linked together by malonate ligands. The Ca(II) cation, lying on a twofold axis, is coordinated by two water molecules and six malonate O atoms. The Zn(II) cation, which lies on an inversion center in an octahedral environment, is coordinated by four malonate O atoms in an equatorial arrangement and two water molecules in axial positions. The Zn-O and Ca-O bond lengths are in the ranges 2.0445 (12)-2.1346 (16) and 2.3831 (13)-2.6630 (13) angstroms, respectively. The structure comprises alternating layers along the [101] plane, the shortest Zn...Zn distance being 6.8172 (8) angstroms. The whole three-dimensional structure is maintained and stabilized by the presence of hydrogen bonds.