Artificial intelligence-driven radiomics study in cancer:the role of feature engineering and modeling

Modern medicine is reliant on various medical imaging technologies for non-invasively observing patients’anatomy.However,the interpretation of medical images can be highly subjective and dependent on the expertise of clinicians.Moreover,some potentially useful quantitative information in medical images,especially that which is not visible to the naked eye,is often ignored during clinical practice.In contrast,radiomics performs high-throughput feature extraction from medical images,which enables quantitative analysis of medical images and prediction of various clinical endpoints.Studies have reported that radiomics exhibits promising performance in diagnosis and predicting treatment responses and prognosis,demonstrating its potential to be a non-invasive auxiliary tool for personalized medicine.However,radiomics remains in a developmental phase as numerous technical challenges have yet to be solved,especially in feature engineering and statistical modeling.In this review,we introduce the current utility of radiomics by summarizing research on its application in the diagnosis,prognosis,and prediction of treatment responses in patients with cancer.We focus on machine learning approaches,for feature extraction and selection during feature engineering and for imbalanced datasets and multi-modality fusion during statistical modeling.Furthermore,we introduce the stability,reproducibility,and interpretability of features,and the generalizability and interpretability of models.Finally,we offer possible solutions to current challenges in radiomics research.

Exploring a novel class tryptophan hydroxylase 1 inhibitor derived from Sambucus williamsii Hance for the osteoporosis treatment

Objective:Gut-derived serotonin strongly inhibits bone formation by inhibiting osteoblast proliferation.Our previous study demonstrated that the lignan-rich fraction prepared from Sambucus willimasii Hance,a folk herbal medicine used to treat bone fractures and joint diseases in China,exerted bone-protective effects,and its actions were modulated by suppressing the synthesis of gut-derived serotonin via the inhibition of intestinal tryptophan hydroxylase 1(TPH-1).However,there is no direct evidence for the action of lignans on TPH-1.This study aimed to verify the direct action of lignans on the TPH-1 and its influence on serotonin synthesis and bone properties.Methods:Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance were performed to determine the affinities of lignans to TPH-1.The cell viability and the protein activity and expression of TPH-1 were measured in RBL2H3 cells.The serum serotonin level and bone mineral density upon lignan treatment in ovariectomized mice were determined.Result:The lignans showed high binding scores and binding affinities to TPH-1,inhibited the activity and protein expression of TPH-1,suppressed the serum serotonin levels in ovariectomized mice as well as promoted bone mineral density.Conclusion:This is the first study to report that lignans are novel TPH-1 inhibitors and that these lignans could be potential agents for the management of serotonin-related diseases,including osteoporosis.

Broadband all-fiber optical phase modulator based on photo-thermal effect in a gas-filled hollow-core fiber

We report broadband all-fiber optical phase modulation based on the photo-thermal effect in a gas-filled hollow-core fiber.The phase modulation dynamics are studied by multi-physics simulation.A phase modulator is fabricated using a 5.6-cm-long anti-resonant hollow-core fiber with pure acetylene filling.It has a half-wave optical power of 289 mW at 100 kHz and an average insertion loss 0.6 dB over a broad wavelength range from 1450 to 1650 nm.The rise and fall time constants are 3.5 and 3.7μs,respectively,2–3 orders of magnitude better than the previously reported microfiber-based photo-thermal phase modulators.The gas-filled hollow-core waveguide configuration is promising for optical phase modulation from ultraviolet to mid-infrared which is challenging to achieve with solid optical fibers.

Rational Design of Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskite Ferrites as Air Electrode for Highly Active and Durable Reversible Protonic Ceramic Cells

Reversible protonic ceramic cells(RePCCs)hold promise for efficient energy storage,but their practicality is hindered by a lack of high-performance air electrode materials.Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite Sr_(3)Fe_(2)O_(7−δ)(SF)exhibits superior proton uptake and rapid ionic conduction,boosting activity.However,excessive proton uptake during RePCC operation degrades SF’s crystal structure,impacting durability.This study introduces a novel A/B-sites co-substitution strategy for modifying air electrodes,incorporating Sr-deficiency and Nb-substitution to create Sr_(2.8)Fe_(1.8)Nb_(0.2)O_(7−δ)(D-SFN).Nb stabilizes SF’s crystal,curbing excessive phase formation,and Sr-deficiency boosts oxygen vacancy concentration,optimizing oxygen transport.The D-SFN electrode demonstrates outstanding activity and durability,achieving a peak power density of 596 mW cm^(−2)in fuel cell mode and a current density of−1.19 A cm^(−2)in electrolysis mode at 1.3 V,650℃,with excellent cycling durability.This approach holds the potential for advancing robust and efficient air electrodes in RePCCs for renewable energy storage.

路堑过渡段对高速列车气动荷载的影响:基于IDDES方法

当高速列车在横风条件下通过路堑过渡段时,列车的气动荷载将发生显著变化。本文基于改进的延迟分离涡湍流模型建立了列车-路基-风的三维空气动力学耦合模型,重点探讨了路堑深度对列车气动载荷变化和气动性能恶化的影响,揭示了相应的列车周围流场的演化机制。结果表明:当路堑深度为6 m时,头车所受的气动冲击能量最高。在列车完全驶入下一运行场景后,随着路堑深度的增大,来流对列车气动荷载的影响减弱,相应的波动幅度降低。头车气动载荷的突变幅值与风速近似满足线性正相关关系。

A Review of the Application of Additive Manufacturing in Prosthetic and Orthotic Clinics from a Biomechanical Perspective

Prostheses and orthoses are common assistive devices to meet the biomechanical needs of people with physical disabilities.The traditional fabrication approach for prostheses or orthoses is a materialwasting,time-consuming,and labor-intensive process.Additive manufacturing(AM)technology has advantages that can solve these problems.Many trials have been conducted in fabricating prostheses and orthoses.However,there is still a gap between the hype and the expected realities of AM in prosthetic and orthotic clinics.One of the key challenges is the lack of a systematic framework of integrated technologies with the AM procedure;another challenge is the need to design a prosthetic or orthotic product that can meet the requirements of both comfort and function.This study reviews the current state of application of AM technologies in prosthesis and orthosis fabrication,and discusses optimal design using computational methods and biomechanical evaluations of product performance.A systematic framework of the AM procedure is proposed,which covers the scanning of affected body parts through to the final designed adaptable product.A cycle of optimal design and biomechanical evaluation of products using finite-element analysis is included in the framework.A mature framework of the AM procedure and sufficient evidence that the resulting products show satisfactory biomechanical performance will promote the application of AM in prosthetic and orthotic clinics.

Hemodynamic Shear Stress Regulates the Survival of Circulating Tumour Cells Through Piezo1-Actomyosin-Mediated YAP/TAZ Nuclear Translocation

It is critical to combat tumor metastasis by eradicating disseminated tumor cells in any step during the metastasis process.After entering the blood circulation system,tumor cells are in suspension and experience considerable levels of fluid shear stress.However,the influence of hemodynamic shear stress on the survival of CTCs and the underlying mechanotransduction mechanisms remain unclear.This study shows that fluid shear stress can eliminate the majority of CTCs and the viability of suspended tumor cells depends on the stress magnitude,indicating that tumor cells can sense and respond to fluid shear stress.Mechanistically,the expression of Piezo1 but not Piezo2 is greatly upregulated in suspended tumor cells after shear stress treatment.Inhibiting/activating Piezo1 increases/decreases the viability of suspended tumor cells in shear flow,which depends on Piezo1-mediated calcium entry.These findings suggest that Piezo1 may be the major mechanosensor by which suspended tumor cells sense fluid shear stress.As the downstream effector of Piezo1,actomyosin in tumor cells is significantly activated under increasing shear stress.Its activity influences the survival of CTCs in shear flow and rescues the effects of Piezo1 on tumor cell survival,suggesting that hemodynamic shear stress regulates the survival of CTCs through Piezo1 mediated actomyosin activity.Importantly,fluid shear stress considerably up-regulates YAP/TAZ activity of suspended tumor cells and promotes their nuclear translocation in a magnitude-dependent manner.Inhibiting YAP/TAZ enhances the viability of suspended tumor cells in shear stress,while activating their activity decreases tumor cell survival,suggesting that YAP/TAZ activation promotes the apoptosis of suspended tumor cells,which is different from the findings that YAP/TAZ facilitates the survival of adherent cells to shear flow.Further,blocking the nuclear import of YAP/TAZ inactivates the sensation of suspended tumor cells to fluid shear flow and attenuates the dependence of tumor cell survival on different magnitudes of hemodynamic shear stress.The influence of Piezo1-actomyosin pathway on suspended tumor cells can be rescued by YAP/TAZ activity,suggesting that Piezo1-mediated signaling induces tumor cell apoptosis via nuclear translocation of YAP/TAZ.In addition,fluid shear stress can also activate the expressions of LATS1/2 and MST1/2 in Hippo pathway through Piezo1,which is known to inhibit YAP/TAZ activity.Silencing/activating LATS1/2 or MST1/2 inhibits/enhances the viability of CTCs under shear stress,the effects of which can be further rescued by YAP/TAZ.These findings suggest that the responses of suspended tumor cells to hemodynamic shear stress are partially mediated by Hippo signaling.After nuclear translocation,YAP/TAZ directly bind p73/PUMA,which further promotes the transcription of pro-apoptotic genes and induces the apoptosis of suspended tumor cells.In summary,these findings show that hemodynamic shear stress considerably influences the survival of CTCs in blood circulation.We have identified the calcium channel Piezo1 as a novel mechanosensor for the response of CTCs to fluid shear stress.Hemodynamic shear stress induces the apoptosis of suspended tumor cells through Piezo1-actomyosin-YAP/TAZ-p73/PUMA signaling,which is different from the mechanotranduction mechanisms for tumor cells in adherent.Therefore,this study has unveiled the novel mechanosensor of suspended CTCs in response to fluid shear stress and the subsequent mechanisms and identified Piezo1 and YAP/TAZ as the potential therapeutic targets,through which CTCs may be effectively eradicated in the vasculature to prohibit tumor metastasis.

On the role of sliding friction effect in nonlinear tri-hybrid vibration-based energy harvesting

This work aims to develop an experimental investigation into the effectiveness of the sliding-mode approach for hybrid vibration-based energy harvesting.A proposed sliding-mode triboelectric-electromagnetic-piezoelectric energy harvesting model involves a cantilever beam with a tip mass exposed to magnetic and frictional forces.The experimental findings indicate that the system can achieve its peak inter-well oscillation output within a low-frequency range of 4 Hz–6 Hz.Friction has a lesser impact on the open-circuit voltage output at an excitation acceleration of 1.5g compared with 1g.The distribution of tri-stability changes with the presence of friction.This model provides a deeper understanding of the influence of the dry friction coefficient(0.2–0.5) on the interactive behaviors of different generator units.

Rapid testing methods for food contaminants and toxicants

Food safety is one of the major concerns in every country regardless of the economic and social development. The frequent occurrence of food scandals in the world has led the Chinese government to implement several strategies to fortify the food supply system to a high food safety standard. This relies heavily on laboratory testing services but conventional methods for detection of food contaminants and toxicants are limited by sophisticated sample preparation procedures, long analysis time, large instruments and professional personnel to meet the increasing demands. In this review, we have incorporated most of the current and potential rapid detection methods for many notorious food contaminants and toxicants including microbial agents, toxic ions, pesticides, veterinary drugs and preservatives, as well as detection of genetically modified food genes and adulterated edible oil. Development of rapid, accurate, easy-to-use and affordable testing methods could urge food handlers and the public to actively screen for food contaminants and toxicants instead of passively relying on monitoring by the government examination facility. This review also provides several recommendations including how to encourage the public to engage in the food safety management system and provide optimal education and financial assistance that may improve the current Chinese food safety control system.

Neuromorphic vision sensors: Principle, progress and perspectives

Conventional frame-based image sensors suffer greatly from high energy consumption and latency.Mimicking neurobiological structures and functionalities of the retina provides a promising way to build a neuromorphic vision sensor with highly efficient image processing.In this review article,we will start with a brief introduction to explain the working mechanism and the challenges of conventional frame-based image sensors,and introduce the structure and functions of biological retina.In the main section,we will overview recent developments in neuromorphic vision sensors,including the silicon retina based on conventional Si CMOS digital technologies,and the neuromorphic vision sensors with the implementation of emerging devices.Finally,we will provide a brief outline of the prospects and outlook for the development of this field.

Ground-based/UAV-LiDAR data fusion for quantitative structure modeling and tree parameter retrieval in subtropical planted forest

Light detection and ranging(LiDAR)has contributed immensely to forest mapping and 3D tree modelling.From the perspective of data acquisition,the integration of LiDAR data from different platforms would enrich forest information at the tree and plot levels.This research develops a general framework to integrate ground-based and UAV-LiDAR(ULS)data to better estimate tree parameters based on quantitative structure modelling(QSM).This is accomplished in three sequential steps.First,the ground-based/ULS LiDAR data were co-registered based on the local density peaks of the clustered canopy.Next,redundancy and noise were removed for the ground-based/ULS LiDAR data fusion.Finally,tree modeling and biophysical parameter retrieval were based on QSM.Experiments were performed for Backpack/Handheld/UAV-based multi-platform mobile LiDAR data of a subtropical forest,including poplar and dawn redwood species.Generally,ground-based/ULS LiDAR data fusion outperforms ground-based LiDAR with respect to tree parameter estimation compared to field data.The fusion-derived tree height,tree volume,and crown volume significantly improved by up to 9.01%,5.28%,and 18.61%,respectively,in terms of rRMSE.By contrast,the diameter at breast height(DBH)is the parameter that has the least benefits from fusion,and rRMSE remains approximately the same,because stems are already well sampled from ground data.Additionally,particularly for dense forests,the fusion-derived tree parameters were improved compared to those derived from ground-based LiDAR.Ground-based LiDAR can potentially be used to estimate tree parameters in low-stand-density forests,whereby the improvement owing to fusion is not significant.

Tin oxide(SnO_2) as effective electron selective layer material in hybrid organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite solar cells

The emergence of hybrid organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite solar cells （PSCs） causes a break through in the solar technology recently due to its fabrication processes. The dramatic enhancenlent in in 2009 to the recent certified record PCE of 22.7% superior optoelectronic properties and the low-cost power conversion efficiency （PCE） of PSCs flom 3.8% ndicates huge potential of PSCs for future high efficiency and large scale photovoltaic manufacturing. The electron selective layer （ESL） plays an important role in electron extraction and hole blocking function in PSCs, and there have been great interest in developing efficient ESL materials. Recently, tin oxide （SnO2） as an ESL has attracted significant research attentions owing to its low temperature preparation processes as well as yielding high PCE and good stability of PSCs. In this perspective article, we focus on the development progress of SnO2 as an ESL m PSCs, and discuss the strategies for preparing SnO2 to achieve PSCs with high efficiency, less hysteresis and good device stability.

Nanomorphology in A–D–A type small molecular acceptors-based bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells

Recent developments in acceptor–donor–acceptor(A–D–A) type non-fullerene acceptors have led to substantial improvements in bulk-heterojunction polymer solar cells efficiency. The device performance strongly depends on photoactive layer morphology, as the molecular packing, donor–acceptor interface and phase separation significantly affect the charge-transfer states and charge carrier dynamics. In this review, we start with a brief introduction of the techniques most effectively utilized to characterize multiphase morphology. Then, we summarize recent progress in A–D–A type acceptors, with the emphasis on understanding the molecular structure–morphology–performance relationships. Finally, an outlook on correlating morphological characteristics with photovoltage losses is presented for further improving device performance.

In-depth understanding of ionic liquid assisted perovskite film formation mechanism for two-step perovskite photovoltaics

Ionic liquids(ILs)have been widely applied in the one-step fabrication of perovskite with noticeable enhancement in the device performance.However,in-depth mechanism of ionic-liquid-assisted perovskite film formation is not well understood for also important two-step perovskite fabrication method,with better control of crystallization behavior.In this work,we introduced ionic liquid methylammonium formate(MAFa)into organic salt to produce perovskite film via a two-step method.Systematic investigations on the influence of MAFa on the perovskite thin film formation mechanism were performed.Ionic liquid is shown to assist lowering the perovskite formation enthalpy upon the density functional theory(DFT)calculation,leading to an accelerated crystallization process evidenced by in-situ UV-Vis absorption measurement.A gradient up-down distribution of ionic liquid has been confirmed by timeof-flight SIMS.Importantly,besides the surface passivation,we found the HCOO-can diffuse into the perovskite crystals to fill up the halide vacancies,resulting in significant reduction of trap states.Uniform perovskite films with significantly larger grains and less defect density were prepared with the help of MAFa IL,and the corresponding device efficiency over 23%was obtained by two-step process with remarkably improved stability.This research work provides an efficient strategy to tune the morphology and opto-electronic properties of perovskite materials via ionic-liquid-assisted two-step fabrication method,which is beneficial for upscaling and application of perovskite photovoltaics.

Scalable van der Waals graphene films for electro-optical regulation and thermal camouflage

Graphene exhibits enormous advantages in mid-infrared(MIR)regulation because of the active control,precise regulation,and large modulation depth.Such graphene films are prepared via chemical vapor deposition(CVD)or reduction,which cannot realize large-scale production and limit the applications.Graphene films with van der Waals(vdW)structure enable excellent mechanical and electrical performance for flexible electrodes and electronics and might be a candidate for MIR regulation.However,current techniques for preparing vdW graphene films require binder or solution assistance,resulting in chemical residues and performance degradation.Here,a new strategy for preparing large-area vdW graphene films by simple mechanical adhesion without any additives was proposed.By selecting the carriers and substrates with proper fracture energies,graphene nanosheets can be transferred from one polymer to another with a layer-by-layer structure.The obtained graphene films possess desired thickness and comparable electrical conductivity(92.8±4.6 ohm sq–1)with those by chemical vapor deposition.They are of high compactness even for ions to intercalate reversibly,which exhibit excellent electrochemical activity and electro-optical regulation capability,effectively suppressing 90%thermal radiation.This strategy can be extended to prepare high-performance vdW graphene films on various polymer substrates and used for sustainable and smart electro-optical applications.

Novel anti-AD dimeric leads:from relieving symptoms to modifying diseases via multi-targets

Alzheimer disease(AD) has now become the most common brain disorder among the older population. In addition, the currently existing therapeutics only offer temporary symptomatic relieves. Therefore, further research and development of more efficacious and disease-modifying agents for the prevention, treatment and restoration of AD will have tremendous value from both scientific, and economic standpoints. Over the past few years, our series of studies have identified several highly promising anti-AD dimeric leads, with disease-modifying potentials. In this presentation, the latest progress on the neuroprotective and disease modifying effects and the underlying mechanisms of those candidates will be comprehensively illustrated and discussed.

Multiple methoxy-substituted hole transporter for inverted perovskite solar cells

Inverted organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells(i-PSC)with low temperature processed interlayers and weak hysteresis behaviors have shown great potential for commercialization[1-5].However,their relatively lower power conversion efficiency(PCE)and inferior reproducibility than conventional PSCs limit further developments.These problems are largely determined by the hole transporting layer(HTL)and the quality of the upper perovskite film[6-8];in particular,the latter is considerably influenced by the surface property of the underlying HTL.

Charge transport and quantum confinement in MoS2 dual-gated transistors

Semiconductive two dimensional(2D)materials have attracted significant research attention due to their rich band structures and promising potential for next-generation electrical devices.In this work,we investigate the MoS2 field-effect transistors(FETs)with a dual-gated(DG)architecture,which consists of symmetrical thickness for back gate(BG)and top gate(TG)dielectric.The thickness-dependent charge transport in our DG-MoS2 device is revealed by a four-terminal electrical measurement which excludes the contact influence,and the TCAD simulation is also applied to explain the experimental data.Our results indicate that the impact of quantum confinement effect plays an important role in the charge transport in the MoS2 channel,as it confines charge carriers in the center of the channel,which reduces the scattering and boosts the mobility compared to the single gating case.Furthermore,temperature-dependent transfer curves reveal that multi-layer MoS2 DG-FET is in the phonon-limited transport regime,while single layer MoS2 shows typical Coulomb impurity limited regime.

Direct synthesis of L10-FePt nanopartides from single-source bimetallic complex and their electrocatalytic applications in oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions

L10-FePt nan oparticles(NPs)with high chemical ordering represent effective electrocatalysts to reduce the cost and enhance theircatalytic performanee in fuel cells.A molecular strategy of preparing highly ordered FePt NPs was used by direct pyrolysis of a Fe,Pt-containing bimetallic complex.The resultant L10-FePt NPs had very high crystallinity as reflected by the obvious diffractionpatterns,clear lattice fringes and characteristic X-ray diffraction peaks,etc.Besides,the strong ferromagnetism with room temperaturecoercivity of 27 kOe further confirmed the face-centered tetrag on al(fet)phase in good agreement with the ordered nano structures.TheFePt NPs can be used as electrocatalysts to catalyze oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)in an O2·saturated 0.1 M HClO4 solution andhydrogen evolution reaction(HER)in the 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte with much better performance than commercial Pt/C,and showedquite high stability after 10,000 cycles.The strategy utilizing orga no metallic precursors to prepare metal alloy NPs was dem on strated tobe a reliable approach for improving the catalytic efficiency in fuel cells.

The interaction effects of rocker angle and apex location in rocker shoe design on foot biomechanics and Achilles tendon loading

The influences of rocker shoes on foot biomechanics were controversial because the interaction between two design factors—rocker angle and apex location,was usually omitted.This study investigated the interaction effects of rocker angle and apex location on plantar foot pressure,metatarsophalangeal/ankle angle,and Achilles tendon force during walking.Ten participants performed walking trials under six rocker shoe conditions:2 rocker angles(mild and severe)×3 apex locations(distal,standard,and proximal),wherein the plantar foot pressure was measured and the movement data were processed by musculoskeletal modeling to report joint angle and Achilles tendon force.A two-way ANOVA repeated measures was used for statistics.Significant interaction effects were reported in examinations of forefoot pressure,midfoot pressure,and metatarsophalangeal dorsiflexion.The standard apex significantly reduced peak forefoot and midfoot pressures(p=0.008–0.034,Hedges'g=0.75–0.84),which was further decreased by a severe rocker angle(p=0.006,Hedges'g=0.51–0.81).Moving the apex proximally reduced Achilles tendon forces(p<0.001,Hedges'g=0.80)and facilitated both metatarsophalangeal dorsiflexion and ankle plantarflexion during push-off(p=0.003–0.006,Hedges'g=0.03–0.82).Rocker angle seemed to have fewer effects on ankle joint angle and Achilles tendon force.We concluded that apex location was likely the dominant design factor of the rocker sole in influencing foot biomechanics,yet its interactions with rocker angle should be considered.The configuration of the two features could be varied to possess different therapeutic merits and adapt to specific application purposes.