Maximum Exposure Research Articles

Metal‐Organic Gels of Tris‐tetrazole‐tri‐amido Molecule with Co(II) and Ni(II) as Effective Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Effect of Metal Ion, Porosity and Morphology on the Catalytic Activity of MOGs

AbstractDevelopment of efficient and low cost electrocatalysts has been an important area of research in the field of materials chemistry. In this regard metal‐organic gels (MOGs) are one of the promising materials and they are being utilized for various materials applications including energy conversion and storage. Electrochemical applications of the MOGs are still in its infancy and further studies are required for exploration of structure‐property correlation that is crucial for targeted and efficient materials design. Herein we report multi stimuli responsive MOGs containing a tris‐tetrazole‐tri‐amido based organic ligand. The self‐assembly of the threefold symmetric ligand with Co(II)/Ni(II) acetates results in the MOGs with distinct morphological and structural characteristics, regardless of containing the same organic ligand. These MOGs were synthesized by direct mixing of the precursors under ambient conditions. The xerogels of these MOGs (Co‐MOG′ and Ni‐MOG′) exhibit excellent OER performance as the Co‐MOG′ and Ni‐MOG′ shows the overpotential of 312 mV and 418 mV at 10 mA/cm2 in an alkaline electrolyte. Electrocatalytic performance of the xerogels were correlated to their structural features like distinct morphology and porosity of the material that facilitates the mass transfer and maximum exposure to the electrochemical active sites. Importantly, this work demonstrates the functional application of MOGs as electrocatalysts for OER and the effect of metal ion, porosity and morphology on their overall performance.

New Deformity Outline on the Breast Radiation Therapy for diminishing Absorbed Dose Ratio

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in women. After tumor mass surgery, radiation therapy is regularly taken into account the gold standard for the treatment. Kilo to Mega voltage photons have been suggested due to their characteristic depth dose build-up regime, reducing the dose to the breast skin to a fraction of the maximum dose exposure. During treatment, mean glandular dose is commonly used as a criterion for identifying radiation risks. Here, two outlines in cubic-rectangular (CR) and cylindrical- taper (CT) outlines were modelled together with corresponding assumptions using Monte-Carlo simulation and the recorded absorbed dose ratio (ADR) values were compared via defined a positron source by 511 keV energy. The results showed that the amounts of absorption and scattering cross-sections next to the ADR amount decreased as the height of the CR outline decreased. The average dose ratio amount in the CR outline was reduced by about 96% compared to that in the CT outline. By increasing the positron source distance from the nipple, the ADR amounts decreased for both outlines. The amount of accumulated dose ratio decreased harshly in the CR outline rather than in the CT outline. This study can be useful to examine breast tissue deformity in treatment planning.

Single Mo Atoms Stabilized on High-Entropy Perovskite Oxide: A Frontier for Aerobic Oxidative Desulfurization.

The design and preparation of catalysts with both excellent stability and maximum exposure of catalytic active sites is highly desirable; however, it remains challenging in heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, a entropy-stabilized single-site Mo catalyst via a high-entropy perovskite oxide LaMn0.2Fe0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Cu0.2O3 (HEPO) with abundant mesoporous structures was initiated by a sacrificial-template strategy. The presence of electrostatic interaction between graphene oxide and metal precursors effectively inhibits the agglomeration of precursor nanoparticles in a high-temperature calcination process, thereby endowing the atomically dispersed Mo6+ coordinated with four O atoms on the defective sites of HEPO. The unique structure of single-site Mo atoms' random distribution with an atomic scale greatly enriches the oxygen vacancy and increases surface exposure of the catalytic active sites on the Mo/HEPO-SAC catalyst. As a result, the obtained Mo/HEPO-SAC exhibits robust recycling stability and ultra-high oxidation activity (turnover frequency = 3.28 × 10-2) for the catalytic removal of dibenzothiophene (DBT) with air as the oxidant, which represents the top level and is strikingly higher than the state-of-the-art oxidation desulfurization catalysts reported previously under the same or similar reaction conditions. Therefore, the finding here for the first time expands the application of single-atom Mo-supported HEPO materials into the field of ultra-deep oxidative desulfurization.

Triangular nanosheet arrays of O-doped Co/Fe disulfides as highly efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction

The development of inexpensive and efficient electrocatalysts is of significance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) involved in water splitting. In this work, we report triangular nanosheet arrays of O-doped Co/Fe disulfides (labelled O-(CoFe)S2-x-y, in which x is the Fe concentration and y is the sulfurization temperature) grown on carbon cloth (CC). With the Co-MOF as precursor, Fe was introduced by ligand exchange, and O-doped metal sulfides were achieved via calcination followed by sulfurization. An optimized sample of CC@O-CoFeS-0.025–500 exhibited an outstanding electrocatalytic HER performance, and it showed strong durability (≥ 24 h) and a very low overpotential of 105 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 (η10 = 105 mV) in 0.5 M H2SO4. The interspaces-rich nanosheet array morphology of O-CoFeS-0.025–500 enabled maximum exposure of the electrocatalytically active sites. O doping effectively modulated the electronic structure, promoted charge redistribution of the catalyst and significantly increased the intrinsic catalytic activity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that the Co atoms in pure CoS2 were the catalytically active sites, and the Gibbs free energy for hydrogen adsorption (ΔGH*) was 0.38 eV. Most notably, Fe/O codoping changed the active sites of O-CoFeS-0.025–500 from Co to S with a markedly reduced ΔGH* of 0.22 eV at the S sites. This work provides a novel perspective for designing outstanding electrocatalysts through element doping to realize highly effective water splitting and produce hydrogen.

Electronic and Surface Modifications of Ni–Co–Fe Oxides: A Catalyst with Maximum Exposure of Fe Active Sites for Water Electrolysis

Electronic and Surface Modifications of Ni–Co–Fe Oxides: A Catalyst with Maximum Exposure of Fe Active Sites for Water Electrolysis

The Safe Use of 125I-Seeds as a Localization Technique in Breast Cancer during Pregnancy

Introduction: Some aspects of the treatment protocol for breast cancer during pregnancy (PrBC) have not been thoroughly studied. This study provides clarity regarding the safety of the use of 125I-seeds as a localization technique for breast-conserving surgery in patients with PrBC. Methods: To calculate the exposure to the fetus of one 125I-seed implanted in a breast tumor, we developed a model accounting for the decaying 125I-source, time to surgery, and the declining distance between the 125I-seed and the fetus. The primary outcome was the maximum cumulative fetal dose of radiation at consecutive gestational ages (GA). Results: The cumulative fetal dose remains below 1 mSv if a single 125I-seed is implanted at a GA of 26 weeks. After a GA of 26 weeks, the fetal dose can be at a maximum of 11.6 mSv. If surgery takes place within two weeks of implantation from a GA of 26 weeks, and one week above a GA of 32 weeks, the dose remains below 1 mSv. Conclusion: The use of 125I-seeds is safe in PrBC. The maximum fetal exposure remains well below the threshold of 100 mSv, and therefore, does not lead to an increased risk of fetal tissue damage. Still, we propose keeping the fetal dose as low as possible, preferably below 1 mSv.

Report on Existing Fireproof Construction Guidelines for Dwellings against Wildfires

This work presents a state-of-the-art review of existing fireproof construction guidelines for dwellings against wildfires. The most important wildfire-proof construction guidelines and codes for dwellings are presented, and these are later associated with existing fire engineering chapters associated with building codes. It was concluded that the variability in this subject is very high, and the approach to classifying the thermal effects in construction still lags behind scientific consensus. Moreover, the constructive requirements depend severally on the country’s building code when assessing the fireproof requirements for wildfire. Moreover, the thermal actions of wildfires in dwellings are presented and compared with classical ISO-834 standard fire curves, in which the maximum equivalent fire exposure time can range from 2 to 4 h depending on the country’s code. The key contributions of this work consist of (i) thoroughly disseminating codes and guidelines to promote scientific discussion in order to advance the wildfire fireproof standards dedicated to WUI; (ii) emphasizing the void in current codes in order to promote conversation between future researchers.

Super-Low-Dose Functional and Molecular Photoacoustic Microscopy.

Photoacoustic microscopy can image many biological molecules and nano-agents in vivo via low-scattering ultrasonic sensing. Insufficient sensitivity is a long-standing obstacle for imaging low-absorbing chromophores with less photobleaching or toxicity, reduced perturbation to delicate organs, and more choices of low-power lasers. Here, the photoacoustic probe design is collaboratively optimized and a spectral-spatial filter is implemented. A multi-spectral super-low-dose photoacoustic microscopy (SLD-PAM) is presented that improves the sensitivity by ≈33 times. SLD-PAM can visualize microvessels and quantify oxygen saturation in vivo with ≈1% of the maximum permissible exposure, dramatically reducing potential phototoxicity or perturbation to normal tissue function, especially in imaging of delicate tissues, such as the eye and the brain. Capitalizing on the high sensitivity, direct imaging of deoxyhemoglobin concentration is achieved without spectral unmixing, avoiding wavelength-dependent errors and computational noises. With reduced laser power, SLD-PAM can reduce photobleaching by ≈85%. It isalso demonstrated that SLD-PAM achieves similar molecular imaging quality using 80% fewer contrast agents. Therefore, SLD-PAM enables the use of a broader range of low-absorbing nano-agents, small molecules, and genetically encoded biomarkers, as well as more types of low-power light sources in wide spectra. It isbelieved that SLD-PAM offers a powerful tool for anatomical, functional, and molecular imaging.

Special Issue: Manipulating the Microbiome with CRISPR

The CRISPR JournalVol. 6, No. 3 Call for PapersFree AccessSpecial Issue: Manipulating the Microbiome with CRISPRDeadline for Manuscript Submission: September 30, 2023Guest Editors: Brady Cress and Rodolphe BarrangouGuest Editors: Brady CressInnovative Genomics Institute, UC Berkeley, USA.Search for more papers by this author and Rodolphe BarrangouNC State University, Raleigh, NC, USASearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:1 Jun 2023https://doi.org/10.1089/crispr.2023.29159.cfp2AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail The advent of CRISPR-based technologies has revolutionized our ability to edit the genomes of organisms across the tree of life. Originating from bacteria and archaea as adaptive immune systems, CRISPR-Cas molecular machines provide opportunities to manipulate the microbiome and the virome composition and function. A rapidly mounting body of literature is highlighting the importance of the microbiome for human, livestock, crop, and environmental health and sustainability.The CRISPR Journal is proud to announce a new special issue—Manipulating the Microbiome with CRISPR—to be published in early 2024. We invite researchers to submit articles on original research on any aspect of CRISPR biology; genome editing technologies; and their applications in bacteria, archaea, fungi, and phages. We will also consider guest commentaries and review articles.Specific topics may include (but are not confined to): - Advanced CRISPR-Cas systems for precise manipulation of the microbiome- CRISPR biology and functions in native hosts- Computational and experimental approaches to decipher dynamics between bacteria, viruses, and other mobile genetic elements- Delivery and deployment of CRISPR technologies in archaea, bacteria, and phages- Application of CRISPR tools to edit commensal and pathogenic fungi and mycoviruses- New CRISPR-based microbial functional genomics approaches- CRISPR-enabled microbial molecular recordingArticles will receive prompt peer review and accepted articles will be published online (epub) ahead of print. Please refer to our Instructions for Authors at www.crisprjournal.com before submitting your article. Presubmission inquiries may be sent to The CRISPR Journal (editorial@crisprjournal.com) or to the guest editors directly. This special issue will be published in early 2024; the deadline for submissions is September 30, 2023.The CRISPR Journal is spearheaded by a distinguished editorial board including Jennifer Doudna, Emmanuelle Charpentier, George Church, and Virgis Siksnys, and a diverse and inclusive set of CRISPR pioneers across the globe. Advantages of publishing in The CRISPR Journal include:- Rapid, high-quality peer review, and editorial oversight- Fast electronic submission- Maximum exposure: accessible in 170 countries worldwide- High visibility: International press and social media outreach- Open Access options available- Index in PubMed and MedlineVisit the Instructions for Authors:www.crisprjournal.comSubmit your paper for peer review online:https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/CRISPRFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 6Issue 3Jun 2023 InformationCopyright 2023, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishersTo cite this article:Guest Editors: Brady Cress and Rodolphe Barrangou.Special Issue: Manipulating the Microbiome with CRISPR.The CRISPR Journal.Jun 2023.185-185.http://doi.org/10.1089/crispr.2023.29159.cfp2Published in Volume: 6 Issue 3: June 1, 2023PDF download

Reducing energy poverty, carbon footprint, human health risk and achieving the sustainable development goals, by use of solar lamps at Indian Sundarbans

Energy poverty is one of the major hindrances in achieving the UN SDG goals. This article highlights a socio-environmental interventions at the Indian Sundarban where 1220 families received solar lamps in 2017 towards achieving the global target of SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). A survey on 1000 beneficiaries and human health risk assessment revealed that the interventions have played a significant role in addressing the issue of energy poverty and helped to achieve SDG-3. Health risk assessment infers that maximum exposure (high flame kerosene wick lighting) of PM2.5, would have resulted in very high Hazard Quotient (HQ) 32, 60 and 136 for adult (≥ 20 years), children (1-5 years), and infant (≤ 1 year) respectively. Cost benefit analysis revealed that each beneficiary was saving 2.61€ per month on kerosene usage and as a result, within approximately nine months the cost of the solar lamp can be recovered. The use of solar lamps has resulted in reduced emission equivalent of around 803 kg of CO2/person/year.

Maximum Exposure Evaluation for MIMO Based on Optimization Algorithm

IEC/IEEE FDIS 63195-2 requires the maximum exposure evaluation to determine if the product meets the radiation limit requirements specified by ICNIRP. The miniaturization and integration of millimeter wave antennas make it possible to deploy antenna arrays supporting Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology in mobile terminals, which brings challenges to traditional exposure compliance testing. This is caused by the complex electromagnetic environment generated around the equipment by beam focusing technology and the difficulty in determining the maximum exposure of electromagnetic exposure dose by traditional measurement methods. However, mathematical model-based evaluation methods may produce overly conservative results, limiting the maximum allowable transmit power of 5G devices and resulting in wasted system performance. In this study, we take advantage of the optimization algorithm in searching for globally optimal solutions under multivariate constraints, and its search strategy is improved to evaluate the largest exposure of millimeter wave MIMO antenna arrays in the target region.

First-in-human study of ZG19018, targeting KRAS G12C, as monotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors.

e15127 Background: ZG19018 tablet is a selective KRAS G12C inhibitor that inhibits the activation of KRAS G12C and multiple downstream signaling pathways. It showed very promising anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies. Here we report the preliminary results from a phase 1 dose escalation study that assessed the tolerability, safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of ZG19018 in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors. Methods: This is an open-label, multi-center study in pts with KRAS G12C mutated solid tumors and progressed following prior standard therapies. The study consisted of a rapid dose-escalation phase for the low-dose groups (50 mg qd and 150 mg qd, orally) and a standard 3+3 design phase for the high-dose groups (300 mg qd, 300 mg bid and 450 mg bid, orally). The first treatment cycle (21 days) was defined as the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) assessment period. Patients could continue to receive ZG19018 until one of the treatment discontinuation criteria was met. Tumor response was assessed by the investigator per RECIST1.1 criteria. Pharmacokinetics profiles were also assessed in all pts. Results: As of January 31st, 2023, 14 pts (8 males and 6 females) completed the DLT assessments, with a median age of 65 years. Of them, 11 (78.6%) were non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pts, 2 (14.3%) with colorectal cancer (CRC), and 1 (7.1%) with cervical cancer (CESC); 12 pts (85.7%) had received ≥ 1 line of stand therapies and 2 pts (14.3%) had received ≥ 3 lines. The dose group of 450 mg bid was determined as the maximally administered dose, where 2 pts experienced a DLT (grade 3 γ-GGT elevation and grade 3 ALT elevation, respectively), therefore an additional dose group of 400 mg bid has been added and is currently undergoing. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 13 pts (92.9%), most frequent in nausea (42.9%), diarrhea (42.9%), vomiting (35.7%), AST elevation (35.7%), γ-GGT elevation (35.7%), ALT elevation (28.6%), hypertriglyceridemia (28.6%), blood creatine phosphokinase MB elevation (21.4%) and ALP elevation (21.4%). No SAE was reported. In 12 pts evaluated for the best overall responses, 2 (16.7%) had PR (1 NSCLC, 1 CRC), 6 (50%) had SD (4 NSCLC, 1 CRC，1 CESC) and 4 (33.3%) had PD (4 NSCLC). The maximum drug exposure of ZG19018 is 8 months in 1 patient with colorectal cancer who is SD and remaining in the study. The Cmax and AUC0-t increased from 50 mg qd to 450 mg bid approximately in dose proportion. Conclusions: ZG19018 is tolerable and demonstrates a good safety under the dose level of 450 mg bid. It also demonstrates preliminary antitumor effects in pts with solid tumors, with reasonable PK profiles. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR20220296 .

Max-Min SINR Optimization for RIS-Aided Uplink Communications With Green Constraints

Smart radio environments aided by reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) have attracted much research attention recently. We propose a joint optimization strategy for beamforming (BF), RIS phases, and power allocation to maximize the minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) of an uplink RIS-aided communication system. The users are subject to constraints on their transmit power. We derive a closed-form expression for the BF vectors and a geometric programming-based solution for power allocation. We propose two solutions for optimizing the phase shifts at the RIS, one based on the matrix lifting method and one using an approximation for the minimum function. We also propose a heuristic algorithm for optimizing quantized phase shift values. The proposed algorithms are of practical interest for systems with constraints on the maximum allowable electromagnetic field exposure. For instance, considering 16-element RIS, 4-antenna base station, and 2 users, numerical results show that the proposed algorithm achieves a gain close to 300% in terms of minimum SINR compared to a scheme with random RIS phases.

Microplastic pollution in table salt and sugar: Occurrence, qualification and quantification and risk assessment

Microplastics (MPs) have recently been observed in many products and environmental samples, ranging from drinking water to food products. In this study, the contamination of several popular brands of Iranian table salts and sugars by MPs was investigated. By using an optical and staining stereomicroscopic method the samples were counted. Results showed MPs were detected in all samples of salts and sugars. The average amounts of MPs in different brands of salt and sugar observed were 55.2 ± 43.7 MP/kg and 57.7 ± 20.6 particles/kg, respectively. Based on Nile red staining the average microplastics in salts and sugars were 151.3 ± 61.8 and 226 ± 99.5 particles/kg. Most MPs were present in the shape of fragments (78.57 % and 95.8 %), while only a few were in the fiber shape (21.43 % and 4.1 %) in salts and sugars, respectively. The qualifying of plastic particles was conducted with Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were identified as the most likely polymers. The maximum annual exposure of MPs was approximately 15,540 and 23,660 particles/kg/bw/year for adults and 3552 and 5408 particles/kg/bw/year for children through salts and sugars, respectively. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that MPs can enter the food chain through additives (such as heavy metals, toxic organic matter and pathogens), and can affect human health.

Evaluation of workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica in road construction industries in Alberta.

Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is common for several occupations in construction, not only because of its presence in many handling materials but also in processes such as grinding and sawing. This study investigated workplace exposure to RCS as quartz in industries and occupations within road construction in Alberta through the RCS monitoring database provided by the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association (ARHCA) between 2007 and 2016. Descriptive statistics were calculated for exposure-related variables, and mixed model analysis was performed to determine factors affecting the exposure levels. Results showed that the highest exposed workers were in the sand and gravel industry (GM = 45μg/m3). For worker occupations, geometric means ranged from 78μg/m3 for crusher operators to 10μg/m3 for concrete truck operators. The maximum exposure severity was 33.3 times the occupational exposure limit (OEL) for the sand and gravel and 31 times the OEL for tower operators. The results also showed the effect of seasonal variability on RCS exposure levels. The heterogeneous exposure results indicated significant room for improvement and that controls should focus more on the activity performed than the occupation to lower exposure to RCS levels in industries.

Cu surface doped TiO2: Constructing Cu single-atoms active sites and broadening the photo-response range for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production

Photocatalysts loaded with suitable metal single atoms (SAs) have high catalytic activity due to the maximum exposure, which have excellent potential for photocatalytic hydrogen production. However, it cannot regulate the bandgap of support if the metal SAs are only exposed on the surface. Herein, combining the high activity of SAs with the bandgap regulation of doping, we proposed a metal surface doping strategy to construct Cu single-atoms TiO2 (CuSAs-TiO2). The surface anchored Cu atoms can effectively capture photogenerated electrons to reduce H intermediates, while the underneath doped Cu atoms can reduce the bandgap of TiO2 to broaden the photo-response range and improve the photoelectric response rate. Under the irradiation of light with wavelengths of 365, 385 and 420 nm, the apparent quantum efficiencies are all zero for pure TiO2, while that of the optimal CuSAs-TiO2 are 6.03%, 0.84% and 0.04%, respectively. Theoretical simulation is consistent with the experiments, and the interaction between the underneath doped Cu and the surface anchored Cu can improve the adsorption–desorption equilibrium of H intermediates and optimize hydrogen evolution kinetics. This work provides a feasible strategy for designing visible light-responsive single-atoms photocatalysts by combining the advantages of metal SAs and doping.

UV-A Radiation: Safe Human Exposure and Antibacterial Activity.

UV radiation is used for sterilization but has adverse health effects in humans. UV-A radiation has lower antimicrobial effect than UV-B and UV-C but constitutes a lower health risk, opening up the possibility to sanitize environments with human presence in controlled exposure conditions. We investigated this possibility by identifying safe exposure conditions to a UV-A lamp along with efficient sanitization of the environment. The human exposure limits were calculated following the guidelines provided by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and the International Commission on Illumination. Antibacterial activity was evaluated on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The maximum human exposure duration has been identified at different irradiation distance and angle, increasing with the increase of both parameters. Bactericidal activity was observed in all microorganisms and was higher with higher exposure time and at lower distance from the source. Noteworthily, in equal conditions of radiant exposure, the exposure time impacts on the bactericidal activity more than the distance from the source. The modulation of factors such as distance from the source, exposure time and irradiation angle can enable effective antibacterial activity and human safety. Prolonged direct irradiation of the surfaces associated with indirect human exposure represents the condition of greater efficacy and safety.

Internal Acoustic Meatus Localization During Anterior Petrosectomy: A Novel Technique

Anterior petrosectomy demands localization of the internal auditory canal (IAC) for safe bone drilling and maximum exposure. Various techniques have been described in the literature, each with shortcomings. We propose a new technique to localize the internal acoustic meatus (IAM) using more consistent anatomical landmarks. The study was done in three phases. In phase-I (radiological), computed tomography scan heads of fifty patients (100 sides) were analyzed. Arcuate eminence-Greater Superficial Petrosal Nerve bifurcation angle(Garcia-Ibanez technique), Arcuate eminence-IAC angle(Fisch technique) and a new angle formed between foramen ovale (FO) and foramen spinosum (FS) line, and FS and IAM line (FO-FS-IAM angle) was measured. The mean, standard deviation, and variance were calculated. In phase-II (cadaveric), the FO-FS-IAM angle was measured on five (10 sides) dry skulls. In phase-III (clinical), the IAM was localized using the FO-FS-IAM angle in 13 patients. The mean angle between arcuate eminence and Greater Superficial Petrosal Nerve (Garcia-Ibanez technique) was 126.20±11.63°(range 106-156) with a variance of 135.20. The mean bifurcation angle was 63±5.81°(range 53-78). By the Fisch technique, the mean arcuate-IAM angle was 73.5±11.70°(range 51-105) with a variance of 137.18. By our technique, the mean FO-FS-IAM angle was 94.72±5.89°(range 84-108). The variance was 34.73. The mean FO-FS-IAM angle on dry skulls was identical (95±1.97°) to our radiological measurements. This angle was reproduced reliably in clinical cases for localizing the IAM during anterior petrosectomy. The FO-FS-IAM angle variance was much lower than the analogous angles measured by Garcia-Ibanez and Fisch techniques, making it a more reliable and effective tool for localizing the IAM.

De-Noising of Photoacoustic Microscopy Images by Attentive Generative Adversarial Network.

As a hybrid imaging technology, photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) imaging suffers from noise due to the maximum permissible exposure of laser intensity, attenuation of ultrasound in the tissue, and the inherent noise of the transducer. De-noising is an image processing method to reduce noise, and PAM image quality can be recovered. However, previous de-noising techniques usually heavily rely on manually selected parameters, resulting in unsatisfactory and slow de-noising performance for different noisy images, which greatly hinders practical and clinical applications. In this work, we propose a deep learning-based method to remove noise from PAM images without manual selection of settings for different noisy images. An attention enhanced generative adversarial network is used to extract image features and adaptively remove various levels of Gaussian, Poisson, and Rayleigh noise. The proposed method is demonstrated on both synthetic and real datasets, including phantom (leaf veins) and in vivo (mouse ear blood vessels and zebrafish pigment) experiments. In the in vivo experiments using synthetic datasets, our method achieves the improvement of 6.53 dB and 0.26 in peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity metrics, respectively. The results show that compared with previous PAM de-noising methods, our method exhibits good performance in recovering images qualitatively and quantitatively. In addition, the de-noising processing speed of 0.016 s is achieved for an image with 256×256 pixels, which has the potential for real-time applications. Our approach is effective and practical for the de-noising of PAM images.

Investigation of Dielectric and Energy Storage Performance of (1-x)BaTiO3-xBi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3 Ceramic for Possible MLCC Application

The dielectric and energy-storage performance of (1-x)BaTiO3(BT)-xBi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3(BZN) [0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15] materials are presented in this manuscript for potential multilayer ceramic capacitor application. The solid-state reaction method is adapted for the preparation of the ceramics. X-ray diffraction patterns of the ceramics reveal the formation of pure perovskite pseudo-cubic structure with space group P m −3 m. Temperature and frequency-dependent dielectric behavior are analyzed to understand the change in dielectric performance with the rise in BZN concentration. The degree of diffuseness in the phase transition has been analyzed by using the modified Curie-Weiss Law. The temperature Coefficient of Capacitance (TCC) has been calculated to analyze the thermal stability of the material. The P-E hysteresis loop measurement has been carried out at different applied fields and found that 0.15 mol% of BT-BZN can withstand maximum electric field exposure without undergoing any electrical breakdown. The energy storage efficiency is calculated for all the compositions and maximum efficiency is obtained for x = 0.15. The frequency-dependent P-E hysteresis is carried out and frequency stability of polarization is obtained for 0.85BT-0.15 BZN ceramic.