Preprocessing method for underwater time-gated SPAD-array-based images utilizing Retinex and BM3D.

Underwater optical imaging is affected by light absorption and backscattering in water, thus yielding low signal-to-noise ratios and limited imaging ranges. This study proposes an image preprocessing method for underwater, time-gated, single-photon avalanche diode (TG-SPAD)-array-based images according to the Retinex theory, and a block-matching and 3D filtering (BM3D) algorithm to address uneven illumination and complex noise issues in small-diameter, light beam, underwater imaging. Specifically, images undergo rapid illumination correction in combination with time-domain transformation.

Glucosamine induces hepatic FGF21 expression by activating the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K axis and driving PGC-1α activity.

Glucosamine (GlcN) is a common supplement used to alleviate osteoarthritis, but it may dysregulate glucose tolerance and induce insulin resistance, thereby increasing metabolic burden. The liver is a vital organ that modulates the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway in response to growth and metabolism. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hepatokine involved in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism.

The Influence of Interlocking Effects in Conjugated Polymers Synthesized by Aldol Polycondensation on Field-Effect Transistor Properties and Morphology.

The environmental and economic drawbacks of traditional palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions in the synthesis of conjugated polymers have prompted the exploration of green alternatives. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a series of ladder-type conjugated polymers via aldol and Knoevenagel condensation reactions, which use simple acid or base catalysts and produce only water as a byproduct. We explore the interlocking effect of the backbone and study its role in enhancing the backbone planarity, charge transport, and morphology.

Atypical absorption response to the trans-thylakoid electric field in the acidothermophilic red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae and Galdieria partita.

An absorption change responding to the change in the trans-thylakoid electric field (Δψ), also known as the electrochromic shift (ECS) signal, is widely used to probe multiple photosynthetic processes. The ECS signals either display a linear response of absorption changes to Δψ, independent of the trans-thylakoid electric field preexisting before actinic light (ψ), or a quadratic response, dependent on ψ. In the acidothermophilic red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae and Galdieria partita, the absorption changes induced by single turnover saturating light flashes were affected by external pH.

Incorporation of cerium oxide nanoparticles into the micro-arc oxidation layer promotes bone formation and achieves structural integrity in magnesium orthopedic implants.

Biodegradable metals offer significant advantages by reducing the need for additional surgeries following bone fixation. These materials, with their optimal mechanical and degradable properties, also mitigate stress-shielding effects while promoting biological processes essential for healing. This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of ZK60 magnesium alloy coated with a micro-arc oxidative layer incorporated with cerium oxide nanoparticles in orthopedic implants.

Circadian rhythms and breast cancer: from molecular level to therapeutic advancements.

Background And Objectives: Circadian rhythms, the endogenous biological clocks that govern physiological processes, have emerged as pivotal regulators in the development and progression of breast cancer. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate interplay between circadian disruption and breast tumorigenesis from multifaceted perspectives, encompassing biological rhythms, circadian gene regulation, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and genetic polymorphisms.

Methods And Results: Epidemiological evidence underscores the profound impact of external factors, such as night shift work, jet lag, dietary patterns, and exercise routines, on breast cancer risk and progression through the perturbation of circadian homeostasis.

Glucosamine inhibits myoblast proliferation and differentiation, and stimulates myotube atrophy through distinct signal pathways.

Glucosamine (GlcN) is one of the dietary supplements used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Endogenously, GlcN is synthesized from glucose through the hexosamine pathway. In addition to ameliorating arthritis, several biological functions of GlcN have been reported, including insulin resistance in skeletal muscle.

Gold as a Promising Electrode Material for LiNbO-on-Insulator (LNOI) SH-SAW Resonators: An Experimental Study.

The need for wideband radio frequency front ends (RFFEs) with next-generation wireless protocols highlights the importance of electromechanical coupling [Formula: see text]. The hetero acoustic layered (HAL) surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator with aluminum (Al) electrodes has shown superior performance compared to conventional SAW devices. Despite gold (Au) having excellent conductivity and stable properties, its high acoustic absorption and low phase velocity have made it less favorable for electrodes.

Fixation technique of biodegradable magnesium alloy suture anchor in the rotator cuff repair of the shoulder in a goat model: a technical note.

Background: Shoulder disorders, particularly rotator cuff tears, are prevalent musculoskeletal conditions related to aging. Although the widely used suture anchor technique provides strong mechanical support to the tendon, it is associated with a risk of postoperative tendon retearing. The conventionally used titanium alloys can affect the interpretation of magnetic resonance imaging.

Influence of Spin Coating and Dip Coating with Gelatin/Hydroxyapatite for Bioresorbable Mg Alloy Orthopedic Implants: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Suitable biomechanical properties, good biocompatibility, and osteoconductivity of a degradable magnesium (Mg) alloy make it a potential material for orthopedic implants. The main limitation of Mg is its high corrosion rate in the human body. Surface modification is necessary to improve the Mg corrosion resistance.

Functional and structural properties of cardiotoxin isomers produced by blocking negatively charged groups.

In this study, we investigated the functional roles of Asp40, Asp57, and C-terminal Asn60 in Naja atra cardiotoxin 3 (CTX3) structure and function by modifying these three carboxyl groups with semicarbazide. The conjugation of the carboxyl groups with semicarbazide produced two conformational isomers whose gross and fine structures were different from those of CTX3. The blocking of the carboxyl groups increased the structural flexibility of CTX3 in response to trifluoroethanol-induced effect.

The effects of ultrasonic agitation on supercritical CO copper electroplating.

Applying ultrasound to the electroplating process can improve mechanical properties and surface roughness of the coating. Supercritical electroplating process can refine grain to improve the surface roughness and hardness. However, so far there is no research combining the above two processes to explore its effect on the coating.

Who Is Using Outdoor Fitness Equipment and How? The Case of Xihu Park.

Outdoor fitness equipment (OFE) placed in public parks has the potential to encourage physical activity. However, little is known about OFE users and use patterns. This study employed onsite and video observations of OFE usage to describe user characteristics and patterns in Xihu Park.

Perceptual quality-regulable video coding system with region-based rate control scheme.

In this paper, we discuss a region-based perceptual quality-regulable H.264 video encoder system that we developed. The ability to adjust the quality of specific regions of a source video to a predefined level of quality is an essential technique for region-based video applications.