Elevation Estimation-Driven Building 3D Reconstruction from Single-View Remote Sensing Imagery

Building 3D reconstruction from remote sensing images has a wide range of applications in smart cities, photogrammetry and other fields. Methods for automatic 3D urban building modeling typically employ multi-view images as input to algorithms to recover point clouds and 3D models of buildings. However, such models rely heavily on multi-view images of buildings, which are time-intensive and limit the applicability and practicality of the models. To solve these issues, we focus on designing an efficient DSM estimation-driven reconstruction framework (Building3D), which aims to reconstruct 3D building models from the input single-view remote sensing image. First, we propose a Semantic Flow Field-guided DSM Estimation (SFFDE) network, which utilizes the proposed concept of elevation semantic flow to achieve the registration of local and global features. Specifically, in order to make the network semantics globally aware, we propose an Elevation Semantic Globalization (ESG) module to realize the semantic globalization of instances. Further, in order to alleviate the semantic span of global features and original local features, we propose a Local-to-Global Elevation Semantic Registration (L2G-ESR) module based on elevation semantic flow. Our Building3D is rooted in the SFFDE network for building elevation prediction, synchronized with a building extraction network for building masks, and then sequentially performs point cloud reconstruction, surface reconstruction (or CityGML model reconstruction). On this basis, our Building3D can optionally generate CityGML models or surface mesh models of the buildings. Extensive experiments on ISPRS Vaihingen and DFC2019 datasets on the DSM estimation task show that our SFFDE significantly improves upon state-of-the-arts. Furthermore, our Building3D achieves impressive results in the 3D point cloud and 3D model reconstruction process

Triphenylphosphine-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks and Heterogeneous Rh-P-COFs Catalysts

The synthesis of phosphine-based functional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) has attracted great attention recently. Herein, we present two examples of triphenylphosphine-based COFs (termed P-COFs) with well-defined crystalline structures, high specific surface areas, and good thermal stability. Furthermore, rhodium catalysts with these P-COFs as support material show high turnover frequency for the hydroformylation of olefins, as well as excellent recycling performance. This work not only extends the phosphine-based COF family, but also demonstrates their application in immobilizing homogeneous metal-based (e.g., Rh-phosphine) catalysts for application in heterogeneous catalysis

ceRNA crosstalk mediated by ncRNAs is a novel regulatory mechanism in fish sex determination and differentiation

Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) are vital regulators of gene networks in mammals. The involvement of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as ceRNA in genotypic sex determination (GSD) and environmental sex determination (ESD) in fish is unknown. The Chinese tongue sole, which has both GSD and ESD mechanisms, was used to map the dynamic expression pattern of ncRNAs and mRNA in gonads during sex determination and differentiation. Transcript expression patterns shift during the sex differentiation phase, and ceRNA modulation occurs through crosstalk of differentially expressed long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and sex-related genes in fish. Of note was the significant up-regulation of a circRNA from the sex-determining gene dmrt1 (circular RNA dmrt1) and a lncRNA, called AMSDT (which stands for associated with male sex differentiation of tongue sole) in Chinese tongue sole testis. These two ncRNAs both share the same miRNA response elements with gsdf, which has an up-regulated expression when they bind to miRNA cse-miR-196 and concurrent down-regulated female sex-related genes to facilitate testis differentiation. This is the first demonstration in fish that ceRNA crosstalk mediated by ncRNAs modulates sexual development and unveils a novel regulatory mechanism for sex determination and differentiation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Prognostic and Clinical Value of CD44 in Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Background: CD44 is widely used as a putative cancer stem cells (CSCs) marker for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the prognostic role of CD44 in CRC remains controversial.Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association of various CD44 isoforms and overall survival (OS) and clinicopathological features of CRC patients.Results: A total of 48 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Total CD44 isoforms overexpression was significantly correlated with worse OS of patients with CRC (HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.08–1.61, P = 0.007). In a stratified analysis, a higher level of either CD44v6 or CD44v2 had an unfavorable impact on OS (HRCD44v6 = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.10–2.14, P = 0.010; HRCD44v2 = 2.93, 95% CI = 1.49–5.77, P = 0.002). Additionally, CD44 was shown to be associated with some clinicopathological features, such as lymph node metastasis (ORCD44 = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.01–2.41, P = 0.044; ORCD44v6 = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.19–3.26, P = 0.008; ORTotal CD44 isoforms = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.15–2.14, P = 0.004), distant metastasis (ORCD44 = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.08–7.83, P = 0.035; ORTotal CD44 isoforms = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.02–3.53, P = 0.044). Moreover, a high level of CD44 showed a possible correlation with poor differentiation (ORTotal CD44 isoforms = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.00–2.08, P = 0.051), elevated level of CD44v6 tend to be correlated with tumor size (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 0.99–2.96, P = 0.056).Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrated that CD44 overexpression might be an unfavorable prognostic factor for CRC patients and could be used to predict poor differentiation, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis

Clinical efficacy of Osteoking in knee osteoarthritis therapy: a prospective, multicenter, non-randomized controlled study in China

BackgroundOsteoking has been extensively used for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, it is lack of high-quality evidence on the clinical efficacy of Osteoking against KOA and the comparison with that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).AimsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Osteoking in treating KOA.MethodsIn the current study, a total of 501 subjects were recruited from 20 medical centers, and were divided into the Osteoking treatment group (n = 428) and the NSAIDs treatment group (n = 73). The Propensity Score Matching method was used to balance baseline data of different groups. Then, the therapeutic effects of Osteoking and NSAIDs against KOA were evaluated using VAS score, WOMAC score, EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS, while the safety of the two treatment were both assessed based on dry mouth, dizziness, diarrhea, etc.ResultsAfter 8 weeks of treatment, the Osteoking group was compared with the NSAIDs group, the VAS score [2.00 (1.00, 3.00) vs. 3.00 (2.00, 4.00)], WOMAC pain score [10.00 (8.00, 13.00) vs. 11.00 (8.00, 16.00) ], WOMAC physical function score [32.00 (23.00, 39.00) vs. 39.07 ± 16.45], WOMAC total score [44.00 (31.00, 55.00) vs. 53.31 ± 22.47) ], EQ-5D-3L score [0.91 (0.73, 0.91) vs. 0.73 (0.63, 0.83) ] and EQ-VAS score [80.00 (79.00, 90.00) vs. 80.00 (70.00, 84.00) ] were improved by the treatment of Osteoking for 8 weeks more effectively than that by the treatment of NSAIDs. After 8 weeks of treatment with Osteoking, the VAS scores of KOA patients with the treatment of Osteoking for 8 weeks were reduced from 6.00 (5.00, 7.00) to 2.00 (1.00, 3.00) (p < 0.05), which was better than those with the treatment of NSAIDs starting from 2 weeks during this clinical observation. Importantly, further subgroup analysis revealed that the treatment of Osteoking was more suitable for alleviating various clinical symptoms of KOA patients over 65 years old, with female, KL II-III grade and VAS 4-7 scores, while the clinical efficacy of NSAIDs was better in KOA patients under 65 years old and with VAS 8–10 scores. Of note, there were no differences in adverse events and adverse reactions between the treatment groups of the two drugs.ConclusionOsteoking may exert a satisfying efficacy in relieving joint pain and improving life quality of KOA patients without any adverse reactions, especially for patients with KL II-III grades and VAS 4–7 scores.Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=55387, Identifier ChiCTR200003447

Correlation between sarcopenia and esophageal cancer: a narrative review

Abstract Background In recent years, the research on the relationship between sarcopenia before and after the treatment of esophageal cancer, as well as its impact on prognosis of esophageal cancer, has increased rapidly, which has aroused people’s attention to the disease of patients with esophageal cancer complicated with sarcopenia. This review examines the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with esophageal cancer, as well as the relationship between sarcopenia (before and after surgery or chemotherapy) and prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. Moreover, we summarized the potential pathogenesis of sarcopenia and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies. Methods A narrative review was performed in PubMed and Web of Science using the keywords (“esophageal cancer” or “esophageal neoplasm” or “neoplasm, esophageal” or “esophagus neoplasm” or “esophagus neoplasms” or “neoplasm, esophagus” or “neoplasms, esophagus” or “neoplasms, esophageal” or “cancer of esophagus” or “cancer of the esophagus” or “esophagus cancer” or “cancer, esophagus” or “cancers, esophagus” or “esophagus cancers” or “esophageal cancer” or “cancer, esophageal” or “cancers, esophageal” or “esophageal cancers”) and (“sarcopenia” or “muscular atrophy” or “aging” or “senescence” or “biological aging” or “aging, biological” or “atrophies, muscular” or “atrophy, muscular” or “muscular atrophies” or “atrophy, muscle” or “atrophies, muscle” or “muscle atrophies”). Studies reporting relationship between sarcopenia and esophageal cancer were analyzed. Results The results of the review suggest that the average prevalence of sarcopenia in esophageal cancer was 46.3% ± 19.6% ranging from 14.4 to 81% and sarcopenia can be an important predictor of poor prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. Patients with esophageal cancer can suffer from sarcopenia due to their nutritional deficiencies, reduced physical activity, chemotherapy, and the effects of certain inflammatory factors and pathways. When classic diagnostic values for sarcopenia such as skeletal muscle index (SMI) are not available clinically, it is also feasible to predict esophageal cancer prognosis using simpler metrics, such as calf circumference (CC), five-count sit-up test (5-CST), and six-minute walk distance (6MWD). Conclusions Identifying the potential mechanism of sarcopenia in patients with esophageal cancer and implementing appropriate interventions may hold the key to improving the prognosis of these patients

Experimental Realization of 16-Pixel Terahertz Receiver Front-End Based on Bulk Silicon MEMS Power Divider and AlGaN/GaN HEMT Linear Detector Array

A 16-pixel terahertz (THz) receiver front-end working at room temperature was designed, built, and measured in this paper. The designed receiver front-end is based on the antenna-coupled AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) THz linear detector array (TeraLDA) and a 16-way THz power divider. The local oscillator (LO) signal is divided by the power divider into 16 ways and transmits to the TeraLDA. Each detector contains a planar unified antenna printed on a 150 μm-thick sapphire substrate and a transistor fabricated on AlGaN/GaN heterostructure. There are 16 silicon hemispheric lenses located on the TeraLDA to increase the responsivity of the TeraLDA. The focus of each lens is aligned in the center of the TeraLDA pixels. Depending on different read out circuits, the receiver front-end could work in homodyne and heterodyne modes. The 16-way power divider is a four-stage power divider that consists of fifteen same 2-way dividers, and was fabricated by bulk silicon microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to achieve low insertion loss (IL). This designed receiver front-end could be a key component of a THz coherent focal plane imaging radar system, that may play a crucial role in nondestructive 3D imaging application

Experimental Realization of 16-Pixel Terahertz Receiver Front-End Based on Bulk Silicon MEMS Power Divider and AlGaN/GaN HEMT Linear Detector Array

A 16-pixel terahertz (THz) receiver front-end working at room temperature was designed, built, and measured in this paper. The designed receiver front-end is based on the antenna-coupled AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) THz linear detector array (TeraLDA) and a 16-way THz power divider. The local oscillator (LO) signal is divided by the power divider into 16 ways and transmits to the TeraLDA. Each detector contains a planar unified antenna printed on a 150 μm-thick sapphire substrate and a transistor fabricated on AlGaN/GaN heterostructure. There are 16 silicon hemispheric lenses located on the TeraLDA to increase the responsivity of the TeraLDA. The focus of each lens is aligned in the center of the TeraLDA pixels. Depending on different read out circuits, the receiver front-end could work in homodyne and heterodyne modes. The 16-way power divider is a four-stage power divider that consists of fifteen same 2-way dividers, and was fabricated by bulk silicon microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to achieve low insertion loss (IL). This designed receiver front-end could be a key component of a THz coherent focal plane imaging radar system, that may play a crucial role in nondestructive 3D imaging application

A narrative review on the role of temperature and humidity in COVID-19: Transmission, persistence, and epidemiological evidence

Since December 2019, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has become a global pandemic. Understanding the role of environmental conditions is important in impeding the spread of COVID-19. Given that airborne spread and contact transmission are considered the main pathways for the spread of COVID-19, this narrative review first summarized the role of temperature and humidity in the airborne trajectory of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Meanwhile, we reviewed the persistence of the virus in aerosols and on inert surfaces and summarized how the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 is affected by temperature and humidity. We also examined the existing epidemiological evidence and addressed the limitations of these epidemiological studies. Although uncertainty remains, more evidence may support the idea that high temperature is slightly and negatively associated with COVID-19 growth, while the conclusion for humidity is still conflicting. Nonetheless, the spread of COVID-19 appears to have been controlled primarily by government interventions rather than environmental factors