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To bridge the gap in as-built Building Information Model (BIM) creation between the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) community and the computer vision community, this paper presents an automated Scan-to-BIM framework for modeling both structural and nonstructural building components using a low-cost scanning data. The state-of-the-art instance-level semantic segmentation algorithm, SoftGroup, is adopted to classify individual building components. Detected wall segments are projected onto a two-dimensional (2D) XY grid, and an interest point detection algorithm, SuperPoint, is used to extract wall corner points. Subsequently, a series of refinement steps is proposed to generate the wall boundary. With optimized parameters, an intersection-over-union of 82.56% was achieved when tested on the benchmark Stanford Three-Dimensional (3D) Indoor Scene Data Set. Our results demonstrated the usability of the proposed wall boundary extraction to the incomplete and complex indoor scan data compared to an existing as-built modeling method. Instance-level segments and the refined wall boundary were combined to generate as-built BIM via parametric modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road markings are essential features to convey important information to various roadway users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Although mobile laser scanning (MLS) technology provides dense and spatially accurate data, automated identification of road markings remains a challenge. Although approaches have been developed to detect road markings from point clouds, prior studies have not thoroughly investigated road discretization and road marking clustering, which are essential for effective instance-level identification and management of road markings. To improve road discretization, our approach uses line segmentation to divide the trajectory of MLS data and fit circles to individual segments. By calculating the intersection between the road points and the circle's center for each trajectory segment, this method ensures no overlap occurs when discretizing roads with sharp turns. To improve road marking clustering, the discretized points are rasterized onto a two-dimensional (2D) image and clustered using connected component labeling. Individual markings are skeletonized to detect junctions and corners, which enables the separation of underclustered road markings. Overclustered road markings are then merged using a rule-based approach optimized with a traffic line manual. The proposed approach was evaluated through extensive experiments using 28 MLS data sets containing 2,340 road marking clusters with complex geometry and wear. Out of these, only 64 instances (2.7%) were falsely clustered, achieving a precision rate of 97.5% and a recall rate of 99.7%. Practical Applications: Efficient road maintenance and improved road safety rely heavily on the clear visibility of road markings, which guide diverse users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Traditional methods for inspecting these markings are often time-consuming and prone to human error. In this study, we use MLS technology to collect comprehensive and precise data on roadways. We have developed an automated technique that significantly enhances the identification and management of road markings. This method accurately rasterizes and segments roadway lidar data—even in areas with sharp turns—to apply advanced image processing for the recognition of individual markings, including those that are substantially worn or have complex geometries. This simplifies the geometric data in a GIS database such that each line object is more representative of how someone would manually digitize the marking. Tested on numerous data sets, our approach achieved an accuracy rate of over 97% in clustering individual road markings. The developed approach not only streamlines roadway maintenance but also offers potential benefits for intelligent transportation systems. It contributes to safer autonomous vehicle navigation and supports informed decision-making regarding road infrastructure, ultimately improving all road users' experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wavelength tunability of a general transmittance function (GTF) is investigated in a first‐order fibre multiwavelength filter based on a polarisation‐diversified fibre loop, which utilised a composite combination of wave retarders. The filter consists of a polarisation beam splitter, two equal‐length high birefringence fibre (HBF) segments, and two different sets of wave retarders with each set positioned before each HBF segment. Specifically, a combination of a set of dual quarter‐wave retarders (QWRs) and another set of a QWR and a half‐wave retarder is focused upon. By considering the effect of the four wave retarders and two HBF segments on the output polarisation state (OPS) of each element in the filter, the four wave retarder angles (WRAs) are identified that caused all polarisation states on the OPS trace of the second HBF move in the direction of wavelength decrease, resulting in a redshift of the GTF. 360 WRA sets are derived that enabled tuning the GTF by one free spectral range SR. For eight sets chosen from the WRA sets, inducing a wavelength shift of SR/8 for each set order, wavelength‐shifted spectra are calculated. Finally, this theoretical prediction is experimentally verified, confirming the wavelength tunability of the GTF of the filter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel class of o‐carboranyl luminophores, 2CB‐BuDABNA (1) and 3CB‐BuDABNA (2) is reported, in which o‐carborane moieties are incorporated at the periphery of the B,N‐doped multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) core. Both compounds maintain the inherent local emission characteristics of their MR‐emitting core, exhibiting intense MR‐TADF with high photoluminescence quantum yields in toluene and rigid states. In contrast, the presence of the dark lowest‐energy charge transfer state, induced by cage rotation in THF, is suggested to be responsible for emission quenching in a polar solvent. Despite the different arrangement of the cage on the DABNA core, both 1 and 2 show red‐shifted emissions compared to the parent compound BuDABNA (3). By utilizing 1 as the emitter, high‐efficiency blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are achieved with a remarkable maximum external quantum efficiency of 25%, representing the highest reported efficiency for OLEDs employing an o‐carboranyl luminophore as the emitter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the utilization of ion exchange membranes (IEMs) in salinity gradient energy harvesting, a technique that capitalizes on the salinity difference between seawater and freshwater to generate electricity, this study focuses on optimizing PVDF to Nafion ratios to create ultra-thin membranes. Specifically, our investigation aligns with applications such as reverse electrodialysis (RED), where IEMs facilitate selective ion transport across salinity gradients. We demonstrate that membranes with reduced Nafion content, particularly the 50:50 PVDF:Nafion blend, retain high permselectivity comparable to those with higher Nafion content. This challenges traditional understandings of membrane design, highlighting a balance between thinness and durability for energy efficiency. Voltage–current analyses reveal that, despite lower conductivity, the 50:50 blend shows superior short-circuit current density under salinity gradient conditions. This is attributed to effective ion diffusion facilitated by the blend's unique microstructure. These findings suggest that blended membranes are not only cost-effective but also exhibit enhanced performance for energy harvesting, making them promising candidates for sustainable energy solutions. Furthermore, these findings will pave the way for advances in membrane technology, offering new insights into the design and application of ion exchange membranes in renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In apple cultivation, the total nitrogen content is an important indicator of plant growth, fruit quality, and yield. Timely monitoring of growth becomes imperative, since an imbalance, either in deficiency or excess nitrogen, can result in physiological disorders, adversely impacting both the quantity and quality of fruit. Leaf nitrogen content can be determined using simple chlorophyll meters or destructive testing; however, these methods are time-consuming. However, by employing spectral imaging technology, it is possible to swiftly predict leaf nitrogen content. This study estimated the total nitrogen content in apple trees via hyperspectral imaging and machine learning-based regression analysis (partial least-squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression (SVR), and eXtreme gradient boosting regression (XGBoost). Additionally, to reduce computational costs and improve reproducibility, spectral binning was divided into three stages (4, 8, and 16 bins), and models were compared with a 2-binning estimation model. The analysis focused on green, red, red edge, and near-infrared (NIR) spectra, with 5–10 selected wavelengths, and the SVR-based prediction model showed a similar or greater performance to that of the full spectrum. At 4- and 8-binning, the selected wavelengths were similar to those at 2-binning, maintaining similar prediction model performance. However, at 16 bp, the performance of the prediction model decreased owing to spectral data loss, leading to a significant reduction in wavelengths for nitrogen content estimation. These results can support informed nitrogen fertilization decisions, enabling precise, real-time monitoring of nitrogen content for enhanced plant growth, fruit quality, and yield in apple trees. Additionally, the selected wavelengths can be considered in the development of new types of multispectral sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite the many advantages this type of equipment offers, there are still some major drawbacks. Linear cutting machine (LCM) cannot accurately simulate the true rock-cutting process as 1. it does not account for the circular path along which tunnel boring machine (TBM) disk cutters cut the tunnel face, 2. it does not accurately model the position of a disk cutter on the cutterhead, 3. it cannot perfectly replicate the rotational speed of a TBM. To enhance the knowledge of these issues and in order to mimic the real rock-cutting process, a new lab testing equipment was developed by Hyundai Engineering and Construction. Design/methodology/approach: A new testing machine called rotary cutting machine (RCM) is designed to simulate the excavation process of hard-rock TBMs and includes features such as TBM cutterhead, RPM simulation, constant normal force mode and constant penetration rate mode. Two sets of tests were conducted on Hwandeung granite using different disk cutter sizes to analyze the cutting forces in various excavation modes. The results are analyzed using statistical analysis and dimensional analysis. A new model is generated using dimensional analysis, and its results are compared against the results of actual cases. Findings: The effectiveness of the new RCM test was demonstrated in its ability to apply various modes of excavation. Initial analysis of chip size revealed that the thickness of the chips is largely dependent on the cutter spacing. Tests with varying RPM showed that an increase in RPM results in an increase in the normal force and rolling force. The cutting coefficient (CC) demonstrated a linear correlation with penetration. The optimal specific energy is achieved at an S/p ratio of around 15. However, a slightly lower S/p ratio can also be used in the design if the cutter specifications permit. A dimensional analysis was utilized to develop a new RCM model based on the results from approximately 1200 tests. The model's applicability was demonstrated through a comparison of TBM penetration data from 26 tunnel projects globally. Results indicated that the predicted penetration rates by the RCM test model were in good agreement with actual rates for the majority of cases. However, further investigation is necessary for softer rock types, which will be conducted in the future using concrete blocks. Originality/value: The originality of the research lies in the development of Hyundai Engineering and Construction's advanced full-scale laboratory rotary cutting machine (RCM), which accurately replicates the excavation process of hard-rock tunnel boring machines (TBMs). The study provides valuable insights into cutting forces, chip size, specific energy, RPM and excavation modes, enhancing understanding and decision-making in hard-rock excavation processes. The research also presents a new RCM model validated against TBM penetration data, demonstrating its practical applicability and predictive accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B,N‐doped multi‐resonance (MR) thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters are of significant interest for realizing the high efficiency and remarkable color purity of optoelectronic devices. Due to their moderate singlet‐triplet energy gap, managing triplet state (T1) energy is important to enhance the performance of these devices. Herein, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as pyrene and anthracene, are appended to the t‐DABNA structure, resulting in t‐DABNA‐PAH compounds, namely t‐DABNA‐pyr and t‐DABNA‐ant. Both compounds display sky‐blue fluorescence which lacks TADF characteristics while preserving high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and high color purity. The compounds possess low T1 energy (~2.0 eV), which is advantageous for suppressing the accumulation of undesirable long‐lived T1 excitons. Particularly, t‐DABNA‐pyr exhibits emissions with a narrow full width at half maximum (~33 nm) and a high PLQY (~100%) in both solution and rigid states. Theoretical studies further suggest that the low‐energy T1 state is localized at the PAH moiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The upper normoglycemic range has been proposed as a risk factor for degenerative rotator cuff tendon tear (RCT), and insulin resistance has been suggested as a risk factor for tendinopathy. However, no research has established their association with degenerative RCT in the general population. This study aimed to determine whether fasting glucose levels and insulin resistance are risk factors for degenerative RCT in the normoglycemic population and identify the risk range for fasting glucose. Methods: This study included 418 normoglycemic participants from a rural cohort. Participants completed questionnaires, physical exams, blood tests, and MRI evaluations of both shoulders. Insulin resistance was assessed using a triglyceride/high-density-lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ≥ 3.5. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between fasting glucose level, TG/HDL ≥ 3.5, and other factors and degenerative RCT. The study calculated the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to determine the more appropriate predicting value between the scale and categorical values of fasting glucose levels, and compared the AUCs using the DeLong method. Results: In the multivariable analyses, both scale and categorical values of fasting glucose levels, and TG/HDL ≥ 3.5 were significantly associated with degenerative RCT. Fasting glucose levels ≥ 90.5 mg/dL (OR: 3.87, 95% CI: 2.10–7.06) in scale value and 90–99 mg/dL (OR: 4.13, 95% CI: 2.87–8.12) in categorical value were significantly associated with degenerative RCT (P <.001). The AUC of the scale value of fasting glucose levels ≥ 90.5 mg/dL was 0.68. The AUC of the categorical value of fasting glucose levels of 90–99 mg/dL was 0.70. Because of the significantly larger AUC of the categorical value of fasting glucose levels of 90–99 mg/dL, those fasting glucose levels were determined to be independently associated with degenerative RCT (P <.001). Conclusions: High fasting glucose levels within the normal range may link to increase insulin resistance and risk of degenerative RCT. Normoglycemic levels of 90–99 mg/dL and insulin resistance may be risk factors for degenerative RCT. Level of evidence: Level III, prognostic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The upper normoglycemic range has been proposed as a risk factor for degenerative rotator cuff tendon tear (RCT), and insulin resistance has been suggested as a risk factor for tendinopathy. However, no research has established their association with degenerative RCT in the general population. This study aimed to determine whether fasting glucose levels and insulin resistance are risk factors for degenerative RCT in the normoglycemic population and identify the risk range for fasting glucose. Methods: This study included 418 normoglycemic participants from a rural cohort. Participants completed questionnaires, physical exams, blood tests, and MRI evaluations of both shoulders. Insulin resistance was assessed using a triglyceride/high-density-lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ≥ 3.5. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between fasting glucose level, TG/HDL ≥ 3.5, and other factors and degenerative RCT. The study calculated the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to determine the more appropriate predicting value between the scale and categorical values of fasting glucose levels, and compared the AUCs using the DeLong method. Results: In the multivariable analyses, both scale and categorical values of fasting glucose levels, and TG/HDL ≥ 3.5 were significantly associated with degenerative RCT. Fasting glucose levels ≥ 90.5 mg/dL (OR: 3.87, 95% CI: 2.10–7.06) in scale value and 90–99 mg/dL (OR: 4.13, 95% CI: 2.87–8.12) in categorical value were significantly associated with degenerative RCT (P <.001). The AUC of the scale value of fasting glucose levels ≥ 90.5 mg/dL was 0.68. The AUC of the categorical value of fasting glucose levels of 90–99 mg/dL was 0.70. Because of the significantly larger AUC of the categorical value of fasting glucose levels of 90–99 mg/dL, those fasting glucose levels were determined to be independently associated with degenerative RCT (P <.001). Conclusions: High fasting glucose levels within the normal range may link to increase insulin resistance and risk of degenerative RCT. Normoglycemic levels of 90–99 mg/dL and insulin resistance may be risk factors for degenerative RCT. Level of evidence: Level III, prognostic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to athletes' misuse of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) for performance improvement, the World Anti‐Doping Agency has designated rhGH as a prohibited substance. This study focuses on the development and improvement of a simple and fast rhGH detection method using a fluorescence‐incorporated antibody sensor "Quenchbody (Q‐body)" that activates upon antigen binding. Camelid‐derived nanobodies were used to produce stable Q‐bodies that withstand high temperatures and pH levels. Notably, pituitary human growth hormone (phGH) comprises two major isoforms, namely 22 and 20 kDa GH, which exist in a specific ratio, and the rhGH variant shares the same sequence as the 22 kDa GH isoform. Therefore, we aimed to discriminate rhGH abuse by analyzing its specific isoform ratio. Two nanobodies, NbPit (recognizing phGH) and NbRec (preferentially recognizing 22 kDa rhGH), were used to develop the Q‐bodies. Nanobody production in Escherichia coli involved the utilization of a vector containing 6xHis‐tag, and Q‐bodies were obtained using a maleimide‐thiol reaction between the N‐terminal of the cysteine tag and a fluorescent dye. The addition of tryptophan residue through antibody engineering resulted in increased fluorescence intensity (FI) (from 2.58‐fold to 3.04‐fold). The limit of detection (LOD) was determined using a fluorescence response, with TAMRA‐labeled NbRec successfully detecting 6.38 ng/ml of 22 kDa rhGH while unable to detect 20 kDa GH. However, ATTO520‐labeled NbPit detected 7.00 ng/ml of 20 kDa GH and 2.20 ng/ml 22 kDa rhGH. Q‐bodies successfully detected changes in the GH concentration ratio from 10 to 40 ng/ml in human serum within 10 min without requiring specialized equipment and kits. Overall, these findings have potential applications in the field of anti‐doping measures and can contribute to improved monitoring and enforcement of rhGH misuse, ultimately enhancing fairness and integrity in competitive sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the first chromosome-level genome assembly of Hanwoo, an indigenous Korean breed of Bos taurus taurus. This is the first genome assembly of Asian taurus breed. Also, we constructed a pangenome graph of 14 B. taurus genome assemblies. The contig N50 was over 55 Mb, the scaffold N50 was over 89 Mb and a genome completeness of 95.8%, as estimated by BUSCO using the mammalian set, indicated a high-quality assembly. 48.7% of the genome comprised various repetitive elements, including DNAs, tandem repeats, long interspersed nuclear elements, and simple repeats. A total of 27,314 protein-coding genes were identified, including 25,302 proteins with inferred gene names and 2,012 unknown proteins. The pangenome graph of 14 B. taurus autosomes revealed 528.47 Mb non-reference regions in total and 61.87 Mb Hanwoo-specific regions. Our Hanwoo assembly and pangenome graph provide valuable resources for studying B. taurus populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing multi‐resonance (MR) emitters that can simultaneously achieve narrowband emission and suppressed intermolecular interactions is challenging for realizing high color purity and stable blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Herein, a sterically shielded yet extremely rigid emitter based on a triptycene‐fused B,N core (Tp‐DABNA) is proposed to address the issue. Tp‐DABNA exhibits intense deep blue emissions with a narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) and a high horizontal transition dipole ratio, superior to the well‐known bulky emitter, t‐DABNA. The rigid MR skeleton of Tp‐DABNA suppresses structural relaxation in the excited state, with reduced contributions from the medium‐ and high‐frequency vibrational modes to spectral broadening. The hyperfluorescence (HF) film composed of a sensitizer and Tp‐DABNA shows reduced Dexter energy transfer compared to those of t‐DABNA and DABNA‐1. Notably, deep blue TADF‐OLEDs with the Tp‐DABNA emitter display higher external quantum efficiencies (EQEmax=24.8 %) and narrower FWHMs (≤26 nm) than t‐DABNA‐based OLEDs (EQEmax=19.8 %). The HF‐OLEDs based on the Tp‐DABNA emitter further demonstrate improved performance with an EQEmax of 28.7 % and mitigated efficiency roll‐offs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing multi‐resonance (MR) emitters that can simultaneously achieve narrowband emission and suppressed intermolecular interactions is challenging for realizing high color purity and stable blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Herein, a sterically shielded yet extremely rigid emitter based on a triptycene‐fused B,N core (Tp‐DABNA) is proposed to address the issue. Tp‐DABNA exhibits intense deep blue emissions with a narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) and a high horizontal transition dipole ratio, superior to the well‐known bulky emitter, t‐DABNA. The rigid MR skeleton of Tp‐DABNA suppresses structural relaxation in the excited state, with reduced contributions from the medium‐ and high‐frequency vibrational modes to spectral broadening. The hyperfluorescence (HF) film composed of a sensitizer and Tp‐DABNA shows reduced Dexter energy transfer compared to those of t‐DABNA and DABNA‐1. Notably, deep blue TADF‐OLEDs with the Tp‐DABNA emitter display higher external quantum efficiencies (EQEmax=24.8 %) and narrower FWHMs (≤26 nm) than t‐DABNA‐based OLEDs (EQEmax=19.8 %). The HF‐OLEDs based on the Tp‐DABNA emitter further demonstrate improved performance with an EQEmax of 28.7 % and mitigated efficiency roll‐offs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining the functionality of wastewater networks is critical to individual well-being, business continuity, public health, and safety. However, seismic damage and loss assessments of wastewater networks traditionally use fragility functions based on median repair rates without considering relevant sources of uncertainty and correlations of damage when estimating potential damage states and pipe repairs. This study presents a probabilistic methodology to incorporate modeling uncertainty (e.g. model parameter and model class uncertainty) and spatial correlations (e.g. spatial auto- and cross-correlation) of pipe repairs. The methodology was applied to a case study backbone system of a wastewater network in Portland, OR, using the expected hazard intensity maps for multiple deterministic earthquake scenarios, including a moment magnitude M6.8 Portland Hills Fault and M8.1, M8.4, M8.7, and M9.0 Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) events. As spatial-correlation models of pipeline damage were non-existent in the literature and local information on costs to repair the pipes was limited at the time of this study, correlation methods and repair costs were proposed to estimate lower and upper bounds of pipe damage and loss. The results show how the consideration of different levels of uncertainty and spatial correlation for pipe repair rate could lead to different probabilistic estimates of damage and loss at the system level of the wastewater network, even though the point estimates, such as the mean and median, remain essentially unaltered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Automotive sensors are essential to autonomous driving, which performs various functions to perceive the surrounding environment. Among the various functions of the automotive sensors, the estimation of vehicle orientation is considered significant in responding to unpredictable situations in a dynamic driving environment. In this article, we propose a method of estimating the vehicle orientation using a cascaded multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar system. The radar signal is collected by varying the orientation angle of the vehicle, and the point cloud data corresponding to the vehicle are extracted through signal preprocessing. Because the processed point cloud data are distributed along the axis of vehicle orientation, the orientation angle can be estimated by applying regression algorithms. We used the principal component analysis (PCA), decision tree, and convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms for regression and compared their performances. The comparison of various estimation methods showed that the proposed method of using the CNN framework can accurately estimate the orientation angle of a vehicle within a root mean square error (RMSE) of 4°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density functional theory calculations are conducted to examine the oxidation of CO on a single Co atom anchored on a two‐dimensional phosphorene monolayer (Co@Pn). The stability of the Co adatom on the Pn monolayer was revealed by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Three plausible pathways for CO oxidation over Co@Pn were explored: Langmuir–Hinshelwood (LH), Eley–Rideal (ER), and the recently proposed termolecular Eley–Rideal (TER) mechanisms. The TER pathway has a relatively lower energy barrier for the rate‐determining step (0.55) than those of the LH (0.81) and ER (0.70 eV) pathways. The efficiency of TER pathway can be interpreted by CO‐promoted O2 activation via the effective formation of a five‐membered ring composed of two CO and one O2 molecules. The results open a new avenue for developing phosphorene‐supported non‐noble transition metal single‐atom catalysts for various catalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By incorporating the heterogeneous combination of wave retarders, the authors demonstrated a continuously wavelength‐tunable passband‐flattened fibre multiwavelength filter comprised of a four‐port polarization beam splitter (PBS), two equal‐length polarization‐maintaining fibre (PMF) segments, one wave retarder combination (WRC) of dual quarter‐wave retarders (QWRs), and another WRC of a half‐wave retarder (HWR) and a QWR. The former WRC lies before the first PMF segment, and the latter one is located between the two PMF segments. From the theoretically derived filter transmittance, the authors found the orientation angle (OA) sets of the four wave retarders where the additional phase ϕ of the transmittance function could be continuously modified from 0° to 360°. For eight OA sets allowing ϕ to increase from 0° to 315° by 45°, the authors calculated the passband‐flattened transmission spectrum of the filter and confirmed its redshift by 0.1 nm per set. Then, this theoretical prediction was verified by the experimental implementation of the filter, which clearly indicates the continuous wavelength tuning capability of the proposed filter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synbiotics are feed supplements with the potential to promote health and productivity in pigs partly, through modulation of the intestinal microbiome. Our study used shotgun sequencing and 16S rRNA gene sequencing techniques to characterize the effect of a synbiotic containing three Lactobacillus species and a fructo-oligosaccharide on the proximal colonic microbiome of 4- to 7-month-old Korean native black gilts. With shotgun sequencing we constructed unique metagenome-assembled genomes of gut microbiota in Native Black Pig for the first time, which we then used for downstream analysis. Results showed that synbiotic treatment did not alter microbial diversity and evenness within the proximal colons, but altered composition of some members of the Lactobacillaceae, Enterococcaceae and Streptococcaceae families. Functional analysis of the shotgun sequence data revealed 8 clusters of orthologous groups (COGs) that were differentially represented in the proximal colonic microbiomes of synbiotic-treated Jeju black pigs relative to controls. In conclusion, our results show that administering this synbiotic causes changes in the functional capacity of the proximal colonic microbiome of the Korean native black pig. This study improves our understanding of the potential impact of synbiotics on the colonic microbiome of Korean native black pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed understanding of the dissociation of O2 molecules on metal surfaces induced by various excitation sources, electrons/holes, light, and localized surface plasmons, is crucial not only for controlling the reactivity of oxidation reactions but also for developing various oxidation catalysts. The necessity of mechanistic studies at the single‐molecule level is increasingly important for understanding interfacial interactions between O2 molecules and metal surfaces and to improve the reaction efficiency. We review single‐molecule studies of O2 dissociation on Ag(110) induced by various excitation sources using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). The comprehensive studies based on the STM and density functional theory calculations provide fundamental insights into the excitation pathway for the dissociation reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conventional minimally invasive surgery has a high recurrence rate, and nasal morbidity can occur if the scope of surgery is expanded to complete removal of maxillary sinus inverted papilloma. Objective: To analyze the efficacy of the endoscopic prelacrimal recess approach (EPLRA) for maxillary sinus inverted papilloma removal. Methods: Eighteen studies were included in this meta-analysis. Articles comparing the prelacrimal recess approach with conventional surgery (endoscopic surgery or the Caldwell–Luc operation) for inverted papilloma removal were included. Outcomes of interest included recurrence and postoperative morbidities. The methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Results: The recurrence rates of inverted papilloma, postoperative facial or gingival numbness, and alar collapse were 3.13% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32, 7.27), 9.02% (95% CI: 3.70, 20.39), and 3.39% (95% CI: 1.28, 8.68), respectively. The recurrence rate of inverted papilloma was significantly lower after the EPLRA than after conventional surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 0.2290; 95% CI: 0.0808, 0.6489). However, there were no significant differences between the procedures in the rates of facial or gingival numbness (OR = 0.4567; 95% CI: 0.1497, 1.3933), epistaxis (OR = 0.3150; 95% CI: 0.0471, 2.1044), or periorbital swelling (OR = 1.2405; 95% CI: 0.1205, 12.7731). Conclusions: The EPLRA can preserve the lacrimal system and is useful for maxillary sinus inverted papilloma removal due to a lower recurrence rate compared with conventional surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1967, as directed by the Oregon Beach Bill, the Oregon State Highway Department undertook a survey of the entire coast to delineate the shore zone boundary. Survey control points and photo control were established for an aerial survey that same year, but only hardcopy records currently exist. If the 1967 survey coordinates can be accurately updated, the aerial imagery can be processed in modern photogrammetric software to produce digital elevation models of the entire coast, which will enable volumetric coastal change analysis over a period of half a century. The goal of this study was to develop and test a procedure for combining historic and current horizontal traverse survey data to update the 2D control survey coordinates (with the intent to add leveling data and extend the procedures to obtain 3D coordinates in a later study). First, a custom workflow and algorithms were developed to convert the historical survey records to machine-readable format. GNSS data—both static postprocessed and real-time network (RTN)—were then acquired for recoverable marks. An adjustment of the traverse data constrained to RTN coordinates was compared against an independent adjustment of the static GNSS data performed in the National Geodetic Survey OPUS-Projects software. The results show that the methods can produce updated horizontal coordinates for the 1967 survey accurate to within two centimeters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of near-infrared autofluorescence-based identification in the identification of parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy. Methods: The clinical studies were retrieved from PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. The study protocol was registered on Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/um8rj/). The search period ranged from the date of each database's inception to May 2021. Cohort studies dealing with patients of whom parathyroid glands were detected by near-infrared autofluorescence and confirmed clinically or pathologically during thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy were included. Editorials, letters, "how-I-do-it" descriptions, other site head and neck tumors, and articles with lack of diagnostic identification data were excluded. True positive, true negative, false positive, and false negative were extracted. The QUDAS ver. 2 was used to evaluate the methodological quality. Results: Seventeen studies with 1198 participants were evaluated in this analysis. Near-infrared autofluorescence-based identification of parathyroid glands showed a diagnostic odds ratio of 228.8759 (95% confidence interval, 134.1099; 390.6063). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.967. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were 0.9693 (0.9491; 0.9816), 0.9248 (0.8885; 0.9499), 0.9517 (0.8981; 0.9778), and 0.9488 (0.9167; 0.9689), respectively. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare two autofluorescence detection methods, because there was high heterogeneity in the outcomes. The diagnostic accuracy was higher in probe-based detection than in image-based detection. Conclusions: Near-infrared autofluorescence-based identification is valuable for identifying the parathyroid glands of patients during thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracies of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence for identifying parathyroid glands during surgery and predicting the postoperative function. Methods: From six databases, 21 studies were finally included in the study. True‐positive, true‐negative, false‐positive, and false‐negative data were extracted for the analysis. The quality of each study was analyzed using the QUADAS‐2 tool. Results: The sensitivity of ICG‐based parathyroid gland identification was 0.9380 (95% CI [0.9003, 0.9621]). The diagnostic odds ratio for ICG‐based prediction of parathyroid gland function was 54.5652 [13.2059, 225.4570]. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.909. Fluorescence intensity‐based prediction presented higher diagnostic accuracy than that of score‐based prediction. The incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism was higher in the group with a zero ICG score compared to the high scored group. Conclusions: Identification of parathyroid gland and prediction of postoperative function using ICG are valuable to patients undergoing thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biomimetic aluminum oxide membrane having asymmetric channels with a minimum diameter of 20 nm, a maximum diameter of 80 nm, and a length of 5 µm was prepared using square pulse anodization. The membrane effectively permitted transfer of anions only and showed an ionic current rectification characteristic with a rectification ratio of 2.4. After the sulfonic acid group was introduced by surface modification, the membrane effectively permitted transfer of cations only and showed a rectification ratio of 2.7. This modulation of the ionic current rectification direction was consistent with the theoretical prediction through the numerical analysis of 2D models. These findings present a convenient method to control ion transport for the ion exchange membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By harnessing quarter-wave polarization transformation, we propose a polarization-independent wavelength-tunable flat-top fiber comb filter composed of a polarization beam splitter, two polarization-maintaining fiber segments of equal length, a set of a half-wave plate and a quarter-wave plate (QWP), and dual QWPs, the simplest polarization controller. Using the Jones calculus, we derived the polarization-independent filter transmittance and sought the possible loci of the orientation angles (OAs) of the four waveplates as the functions of the transmittance phase (ϕ). With these OA loci, flat-top transmission spectra were calculated for eight ϕ values from 0° to 315° (increment: 45°), which manifests the frequency tunability of the filter. This theoretical prediction was also experimentally verified by using a broadband light source and optical spectrum analyzer. Eight measured flat-top transmission spectra were spaced 0.1 nm apart in wavelength as predicted, and the wavelength-tuning linearity was high enough to exhibit an adjusted R2 value of ∼0.99925. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of planarized B,N‐diarylated dibenzoazaborine compounds (5a–5e) in which various functional groups are introduced into the B‐Ph and N‐Ph moieties of nonsubstituted dibenzoazaborine compound (I) were prepared. All compounds exhibit strong low‐energy absorptions at ca. 410–426 nm with a gradual red‐shift depending on the electron‐accepting property of the four substituents (4‐R = 4‐Ph < 4‐Pm < 4‐CNPh <4‐CN) on the B‐Ph ring in 5a–5d. Introduction of an electron‐donating tBu group into the N‐Ph ring further shifts slightly the absorption band toward a lower‐energy region (5e). Importantly, all compounds undergo gradual red‐shifts in the emission leading to deep blue fluorescence for CN‐substituted 5d and 5e. Furthermore, the emissions have narrow full width at half maximum values of ca. 30 nm, high photoluminescence quantum yields (ΦPL ≈ 100%), and small Stokes shifts (11–16 nm). The electrochemical and theoretical studies further support the bandgap control and photophysical properties of compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First‐principles approach based on density functional theory is employed in order to investigate the structural, electronic, and mechanical properties of the two‐dimensional Janus group‐III ternary chalcogenide monolayer (G3TCM) semiconductor series, B2XY, Al2XY, and BAlX2 (X, Y = S, Se, Te; X ≠ Y). The effective masses, band gaps, and carrier mobilities of the entire series of Janus G3TCM compounds are evaluated to comprehensively examine their feasibility as an ingredient in nanoscale electronic device. All the G3TCM compounds proposed in this study are suggested to be realizable based on phonon calculations and estimated mechanical stability. The indirect bandgap of B2XY and Al2XY can be switched to direct bandgap in BAlX2 by constructing Janus‐type structure using group‐III elements. The computationally obtained carrier mobilities according to the deformation potential theory indicated that B2SSe and BAlSe2 have exceptional electron and hole carrier mobility of 2.02 × 104 and 2.58 × 105 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively, at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Plazaster borealis has a unique morphology, displaying multiple arms with a clear distinction between disk and arms, rather than displaying pentaradial symmetry, a remarkable characteristic of echinoderms. Herein we report the first chromosome-level reference genome of P. borealis and an essential tool to further investigate the basis of the divergent morphology. Findings In total, 57.76 Gb of a long read and 70.83 Gb of short-read data were generated to assemble a de novo 561-Mb reference genome of P. borealis , and Hi-C sequencing data (57.47 Gb) were used for scaffolding into 22 chromosomal scaffolds comprising 92.38% of the genome. The genome completeness estimated by BUSCO was 98.0% using the metazoan set, indicating a high-quality assembly. Through the comparative genome analysis, we identified evolutionary accelerated genes known to be involved in morphogenesis and regeneration, suggesting their potential role in shaping body pattern and capacity of regeneration. Conclusion This first chromosome-level genome assembly of P. borealis provides fundamental insights into echinoderm biology, as well as the genomic mechanism underlying its unique morphology and regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum thyrotropin (TSH) level after thyroid surgery affects the prognosis of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, the effects of preoperative serum TSH levels on the prognosis of DTC remain contradictory. In this study, to better understand the relationship between preoperative TSH levels and the prognosis of DTC, we performed pattern analysis of prognostic factors of DTC according to preoperative serum TSH levels. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients who were diagnosed and treated for DTC at the Samsung Medical Center, between 1994 and 2016. We reviewed preoperative serum TSH levels and performed a pattern analysis with prognostic risk factors for DTC. For pattern analysis, TSH was divided into 10 groups of equal fractions (TSH decile). We found a linear association between preoperative TSH levels and extra-thyroidal extension and lymph node metastasis. However, primary tumor size and initial distant metastasis showed a bimodal peak, which was similar to the pattern of overall and disease-specific death. We found that preoperative TSH range which showed the lowest mortality rate was about 0.8 to 1.59 mIU/L, which are slightly lower normal TSH levels. Although there was no linear trend, the primary tumor size, initial distant metastasis, and mortality of DTC were closely related with preoperative TSH decile and they showed a bimodal pattern. The results obtained in this study provide additional information for understanding the association between preoperative TSH levels and DTC prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selective rearrangement of oxaziridines to amides via a single electron transfer (SET) pathway is unexplored. In this study, we present a weak base-promoted selective rearrangement of oxaziridines to amides via visible-light photoredox catalysis. The developed method shows excellent functional group tolerance with a broad substrate scope and good to excellent yields. Furthermore, control experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to gain insight into the reactivity and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To perform radar-based simultaneous localization and mapping, information on a robot’s ego-motion such as its rotation angle and velocity should be considered along with radar sensor data. In this paper, we propose a method to estimate the robot’s ego-motion using only a radar sensor without any other devices. To estimate the rotation angle of a robot, we use the distribution of detected points on a two-dimensional (2D) plane. The distributions of the detected points at successive time instants are correlated with each other, and the rotation angle can be estimated based on this correlation. In addition, the moving velocity of the robot is estimated from the trend line formed by the detected points on the 2D plane. To evaluate the performance of the proposed estimation method, the information about the robot’s ego-motion received from the robot motor is compared with the information estimated from the radar sensor data. The comparison of the yaw rate obtained through each method shows that our proposed method can estimate the rotation angle of the robot within an error of 3°. In addition, the ego-velocity of the radar-equipped robot can be estimated within an error of 0.073 m/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern autonomous vehicles are being equipped with various automotive sensors to perform special functions. Especially, it is important to predict the heading direction of the front vehicle to adjust the speed of the ego‐vehicle and select appropriate actions. Here, we propose a method for estimating the instantaneous heading direction of a vehicle using automotive radar sensor data. First, using a frequency‐modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar in the 77 GHz band, we accumulate the automotive radar sensor data for different movements of the front vehicle (e.g., stop, going ahead, reversing, turning left, and turning right). To distinguish the different movements of the vehicle, we use the convolutional neural network (CNN) and train it using the acquired radar sensor data. Because the CNN algorithm usually uses image data as input, it is essential to convert radar sensor data into image data. Therefore, we apply a high‐resolution angle estimation algorithm to the obtained radar data and convert it into a two‐dimensional range map. After the CNN model is trained with the obtained radar sensor data, various movements of the front vehicle can be classified with over 94% of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has been widely applied to support a variety of tasks because it captures detailed three-dimensional data of a scene with high accuracy with reduced costs and time compared with many other techniques. Given the large volume of data within a mobile LiDAR point cloud, automation of processing and analysis is critical to improve the efficiency of the entire workflow, particularly for common tasks of ground filtering (separating points representing the ground from non-ground objects) and road detection (identifying and extracting the road surface). This paper proposes a novel and highly efficient method of segment-based ground filtering and adaptive road detection from mobile LiDAR data. The proposed method includes four principal steps: (1) preprocessing of the mobile LiDAR point cloud with data merging and splitting, (2) an improved Mo-norvana trajectory reconstruction and segmentation, (3) segment-based ground filtering via a segment analysis followed by a scanline analysis, and (4) road detection including an adaptive rasterization and vehicle access analysis. The proposed method is demonstrated to be robust, effective, and efficient by testing on representative datasets collected with different speeds in a rural/highway and an urban/suburban scene. The performance of our method is further evaluated quantitatively through a model-based accuracy assessment by comparison to a model generated from manually extracted ground points where the F1 score and Root Mean Square Error of the elevation model are 98.14% and 0.0027 m, and 99.16% and 0.0004 m for the rural and suburban datasets, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SMART is a system-integrated modular reactor in which a nuclear steam supply system with a thermal power of 365 MW is contained inside of the reactor vessel. Although the probability is very low, the reactor core can be damaged during a small break loss-of-coolant accident when both the passive safety injection system and the passive residual heat removal system are completely unavailable. In this work, a total of five cases were analyzed considering the reactor vessel condition and the availability of the radioactivity removal tanks and the ancillary containment spray system as containment condition variables using MELCOR code. It was estimated that there is no containment failure based on pressure, hydrogen mole fraction, and ablation depth, so that the release fractions of the 12 classes of fission products in MELCOR were evaluated considering design leak only for all cases. The overall source term of the case in which the integrity of the reactor vessel is maintained by the early initiation of the cavity flooding system was similar to that of the reactor vessel failure case. While the release fraction of cesium to the environment was analyzed to increase when there is no water in the radioactivity removal tanks, the fraction is small enough at which the radioactivity of the released cesium-137 remains well below 100 TBq, a regulatory limit. Moreover, it was found that the source term can be cut in half if the ancillary containment spray system is available. The results of this study verify the safety performance of the SMART under the small break loss-of-coolant severe accident condition with respect to the source term of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beneficial effects of light‐emitting diode (LED) irradiation have been reported in various pathologies, including cancer. However, its effect in pancreatic cancer cells remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that blue LED of 460 nm regulated pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis by suppressing the expression of apoptosis‐related factors, such as mutant p53 and B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2), and decreasing the expression of RAC‐β serine/threonine kinase 2 (AKT2), the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Blue LED irradiation also increased the levels of cleaved poly‐(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase‐3 in pancreatic cancer cells, while it suppressed AKT2 expression and inhibited tumor growth in xenograft tumor tissues. In conclusion, blue LED irradiation suppressed pancreatic cancer cell and tumor growth by regulating AKT/mTOR signaling. Our findings indicated that blue LEDs could be used as a nonpharmacological treatment for pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doubly boron‐doped thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters based on a 9,10‐diboraanthracene (DBA) acceptor decorated with ortho‐donor groups (Cz2oDBA, 2; BuCz2oDBA, 3; DMAC2oDBA, 4) are prepared to realize high‐efficiency green‐to‐red organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). X‐ray diffraction analyses of 2 and 4 reveal the symmetrical and highly twisted ortho‐donor–acceptor–donor (D‐A‐D) structure of the emitters. The twisted conformation leads to a very small energy splitting (ΔEST <0.08 eV) between the excited singlet and triplet states that gives rise to strong TADF, as supported by theoretical studies. Depending on the strength of the donor moieties, the emission color is fine‐tuned in the visible region from green (2) to yellow (3) to red (4). Carbazole‐containing 2 and 3 exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) approaching 100 %, whereas DMAC‐substituted 4 is moderately emissive (PLQY=44 %) in a doped host film. Highly efficient green‐to‐red TADF‐OLEDs are realized with the proposed ortho‐D‐A‐D compounds as emitters. The green and yellow OLEDs incorporating Cz2oDBA (2) and BuCz2oDBA (3) emitters exhibit high external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 26.6 % and 21.6 %, respectively. In particular, the green device shows an excellent power efficiency above 100 lm W−1. A red OLED fabricated with a DMAC2oDBA (4) emitter exhibits a maximum EQE of 10.1 % with an electroluminescence peak at 615 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a method for classifying human faces using a small-sized millimeter wave radar sensor. The radar sensor transmits a frequency-modulated continuous wave signal operating in the 61 GHz band and it receives reflected signals using spatially separated receiving antenna elements. Because the shape and composition of the human face varies from person to person, the reflection characteristics of the radar signal are also distinguished from each other. Therefore, training a deep neural network (DNN) using signals received from multiple antenna elements enables classification of different human faces. With our trained DNN model, eight human faces can be classified with an accuracy of 92%. We also compare the performance of the proposed method with conventional machine learning techniques (e.g., support vector machine, tree-based methods) and confirm that our method has higher classification accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, by harnessing a composite combination of wave retarders, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a first-order narrowband fiber comb filter capable of continuously tuning its wavelength, of which the filter structure is on the fundamental basis of a polarization–diversity loop structure. The demonstrated comb filter consists of a polarizing beam splitter (PBS), two high birefringence fiber (HBF) segments of the same length, an ordered wave retarder combination (WRC) of a quarter-wave retarder (QWR) and a half-wave retarder (HWR) before the first HBF segment, and an ordered WRC of an HWR and a QWR before the second HBF segment. The second HBF segment is butt-coupled to one port of the PBS so that its principal axis should be 22.5° away from the horizontal axis of the PBS. Taking the filter transmittance obtained by Jones calculus into consideration, we found the azimuth orientation angle (AOA) sets of the four wave retarders, which could allow extra phase shifts (ψ's) ranging from 0° to 360° to be induced in the narrowband transmittance function. From filter transmission spectra calculated according to the AOA sets found above, it is confirmed that the first-order narrowband comb spectrum can be continuously tuned by properly controlling the AOA's, clearly indicating the continuous wavelength tunability based on a composite combination of ordered wave retarders. This theoretical prediction was verified by actually constructing the proposed filter. Then, it is concluded that our filter employing the composite combination of wave retarders can be continuously frequency-tuned by properly controlling the AOA's of the wave retarders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we theoretically and experimentally demonstrated the arbitrary phase modulation of a general transmittance function (GTF) of the first-order optical comb filter based on a polarization-diversity loop structure, which employed two ordered waveplate sets (OWS's) of a quarter-wave plate (QWP) and a half-wave plate (HWP). The proposed comb filter is composed of a polarization beam splitter (PBS), two equal-length polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF) segments, and two OWS's of a QWP and an HWP with each set located before each PMF segment. The second PMF segment is butt-coupled to one port of the PBS so that its principal axis should be 22.5° away from the horizontal axis of the PBS. First, we explained a scheme to find four waveplate orientation angles (WOA's) allowing the phase of a GTF to be arbitrarily modulated, using the way each component of the filter, such as a waveplate or PMF segment, affects its input or output polarization. Then, with the WOA finding method, we derived WOA sets of the four waveplates, which could give arbitrary phase retardations ϕ's from 0° to 360° to a GTF chosen here arbitrarily. Finally, we showed phase-modulated GTF's calculated at eight selected WOA sets allowing ϕ's to be 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, and 315°, and then the predicted results were verified by experimentally measured results. It is concluded from the theoretical and experimental demonstrations that the GTF of our filter based on the OWS of a QWP and an HWP can be arbitrarily phase-modulated by properly controlling the WOA's of the four waveplates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing fine metal mask (FMM) is one of the biggest hurdles to realize the ultra‐high definition (UHD) grade AMOLED displays for smartphone and augmented reality (AR). We have developed the state‐of‐the‐art material and processing technology to achieve 800ppi or higher‐resolution FMMs. The Invar thinning and the thermal damage‐free laser ablation process realized us achieving the FMM for UHD displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine metal mask (FMM) patterning is the key technology for realizing the RGB side‐by‐side OLED displays for smartphone and notebook panels. We believe this FMM patterning can be used for high resolution augmented reality (AR) as well as large size TV displays. We have developed the state‐of‐the‐art material and processing technologies to achieve large size high resolution FMMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical reactions induced by plasmons achieve effective solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion. However, the mechanism of these reactions, which generate a strong electric field, hot carriers, and heat through the excitation and decay processes, is still controversial. In addition, it is not fully understood which factor governs the mechanism. To obtain mechanistic knowledge, we investigated the plasmon‐induced dissociation of a single‐molecule strongly chemisorbed on a metal surface, two O2 species chemisorbed on Ag(110) with different orientations and electronic structures, using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) combined with light irradiation at 5 K. A combination of quantitative analysis by the STM and density functional theory calculations revealed that the hot carriers are transferred to the antibonding (π*) orbitals of O2 strongly hybridized with the metal states and that the dominant pathway and reaction yield are determined by the electronic structures formed by the molecule–metal chemical interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical reactions induced by plasmons achieve effective solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion. However, the mechanism of these reactions, which generate a strong electric field, hot carriers, and heat through the excitation and decay processes, is still controversial. In addition, it is not fully understood which factor governs the mechanism. To obtain mechanistic knowledge, we investigated the plasmon‐induced dissociation of a single‐molecule strongly chemisorbed on a metal surface, two O2 species chemisorbed on Ag(110) with different orientations and electronic structures, using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) combined with light irradiation at 5 K. A combination of quantitative analysis by the STM and density functional theory calculations revealed that the hot carriers are transferred to the antibonding (π*) orbitals of O2 strongly hybridized with the metal states and that the dominant pathway and reaction yield are determined by the electronic structures formed by the molecule–metal chemical interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic inflammation is implicated in the development of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis (IAC), whose association with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker, is undetermined. This study's purposes were to investigate the association between high-sensitivity CRP levels and IAC and to determine the metabolic factors associated with high-sensitivity CRP.Methods: This case-control study examined a group of 202 patients with IAC and without intrinsic shoulder lesions or extrinsic causes and a control group of 606 age and sex-matched persons seeking general check-ups at our health promotion center during the same period as the case group. Control subjects had normal shoulder function and no previously diagnosed adhesive capsulitis; no medication for diabetes, dyslipidemia, and thyroid abnormalities; and no history of trauma or of shoulder surgery. The studied variables were body mass index; diabetes; thyroid abnormalities; dyslipidemias; triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) >3.5; serum levels of thyroid hormone, fasting glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c); and high-sensitivity CRP >1.0 mg/L. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis evaluated the matched sets of subjects. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined for the studied variables possibly affecting IAC.Results: Serum high-sensitivity CRP >1.0 mg/L was significantly associated with IAC (OR, 2.47 [95% CI, 1.65 to 3.70]) after adjusting for diabetes, fasting glucose level, HbA1c, dyslipidemia, TG/HDL >3.5, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (p ≤ 0.031). Diabetes (OR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.09 to 3.33]), fasting glucose level (OR, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.12 to 2.12]), HbA1c (OR, 2.00 [95% CI, 1.25 to 3.22]), hypertriglyceridemia (OR, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.03 to 3.41]), hypo-high-density lipoproteinemia (OR, 1.98 [95% CI, 1.04 to 3.79]), and TG/HDL >3.5 (OR, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.06 to 1.88]) were significantly associated with high-sensitivity CRP >1.0 mg/L in patients with IAC (p ≤ 0.039).Conclusions: Serum high-sensitivity CRP >1.0 mg/L is an independent associated marker for IAC. Dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia, which are recognized factors associated with IAC, are also associated with high-sensitivity CRP >1.0 mg/L in these patients, supporting the interaction of chronic systemic inflammation in IAC.Level Of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]