Image Super-Resolution using Efficient Striped Window Transformer

Transformers have achieved remarkable results in single-image super-resolution (SR). However, the challenge of balancing model performance and complexity has hindered their application in lightweight SR (LSR). To tackle this challenge, we propose an efficient striped window transformer (ESWT). We revisit the normalization layer in the transformer and design a concise and efficient transformer structure to build the ESWT. Furthermore, we introduce a striped window mechanism to model long-term dependencies more efficiently. To fully exploit the potential of the ESWT, we propose a novel flexible window training strategy that can improve the performance of the ESWT without additional cost. Extensive experiments show that ESWT outperforms state-of-the-art LSR transformers, and achieves a better trade-off between model performance and complexity. The ESWT requires fewer parameters, incurs faster inference, smaller FLOPs, and less memory consumption, making it a promising solution for LSR.Comment: SOTA lightweight super-resolution transformer. 8 pages, 9 figures and 6 tables. The Code is available at https://github.com/Fried-Rice-Lab/FriedRiceLa

The interplay between thermodynamics and kinetics in the solid-state synthesis of layered oxides.

In the synthesis of inorganic materials, reactions often yield non-equilibrium kinetic byproducts instead of the thermodynamic equilibrium phase. Understanding the competition between thermodynamics and kinetics is a fundamental step towards the rational synthesis of target materials. Here, we use in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction to investigate the multistage crystallization pathways of the important two-layer (P2) sodium oxides Na0.67MO2 (M = Co, Mn). We observe a series of fast non-equilibrium phase transformations through metastable three-layer O3, O3' and P3 phases before formation of the equilibrium two-layer P2 polymorph. We present a theoretical framework to rationalize the observed phase progression, demonstrating that even though P2 is the equilibrium phase, compositionally unconstrained reactions between powder precursors favour the formation of non-equilibrium three-layered intermediates. These insights can guide the choice of precursors and parameters employed in the solid-state synthesis of ceramic materials, and constitutes a step forward in unravelling the complex interplay between thermodynamics and kinetics during materials synthesis

Fluctuation of circulating tumor cells in patients with lung cancer by real-time fluorescent quantitative-PCR approach before and after radiotherapy

Background and Aims: The failure to reduce the mortality of patients with solid tumours is mainly a result of the early dissemination of cancer cells to secondary site, which is usually missed by conventional diagnostic procedures used for tumour staging. The possibility to use easily accessible body fluids as a source for circulating tumour cells (CTCs) detection enables longitudinal observations of the disease. In the study, we evaluated the CTCs in lung cancer following locoregional radiation therapy. Methods: Samples of 5ml peripheral blood was taken from each lung cancer patients (n=15) both before and after the radiotherapy course. Meanwhile tumour size was determined by chest X-ray or computed tomography. Using cytokeratin 19(CK19) as marker,the blood samples were subjected to real time RT-PCR assay. All patients with lung cancer were treated with primary definitive and mediastinal radiotherapy. Results Compare to that of pre-treatment, the value of CK19 mRNA in peripheral blood after therapy decreased dramatically(5.0932\ub11.0628 vs. 4.2493\ub10.8323,t=3.192,P=0.007). The change of CK19 mRNA level before and after radiotherapy was closely related to the type (NSCLC vs. SCLC, 0.5389\ub10.9030 vs. 1.6826\ub10.9467,t=2.1465,P=0.051). Meanwhile, there appeared to be a close link between the grade (Well/Mod vs. Poor) and the change of CK19 mRNA (0.5024 vs. 1.5271,t=2.017,P=0.065). The change of CK19 mRNA level was related to variation of tumour burden during radiotherapy(r=0.0575,P=0.025). Of the 15 cases studied, 12 cases were positive before radiotherapy (12/15,80%). The positive rate was 53%(8/15) after radiotherapy, meaning that four patients converted into negative after radiotherapy. Conclusions: The disseminated circulating cancer cells can be affected by radiotherapy; meanwhile further more systemic adjuvant treatment should be conducted. Due to concordance between molecular response and radiological remission, assessment of the therapeutic response might be possible by serial quantitative of CTCs

Aerosol scattering of vortex beams transmission in hazy atmosphere

Mie theory is widely used for the simulation and characterization of optical interaction with scattering media, such atmospheric pollutants. The complex refractive index of particle plays an important role in determining the scattering and absorption of light. Complex optical fields, such as vortex beams, will interact with scattering particulates differently to plane wave or Gaussian optical fields. By considering the three typical aerosol particles compositions that lead to haze in the atmosphere, distinctive scattering dynamic were identified for vortex beams as compared to Gaussian beams. Using parameters similar to real world atmospheric conditions, a new aerosol particle model is proposed to efficiently and concisely describe the aerosol scattering. Numerical simulations indicate unique signatures in the scattering dynamics of the vortex beams that can indicate particles composition and also suggest that potentially there is higher optical transmission of vortex beams propagating in certain hazy environments

Particle scattering induced orbital angular momentum spectrum change of vector Bessel–Gaussian vortex beam

In this paper, we obtain the intensity and phase distributions of the scattering and external fields of a vector Bessel–Gaussian vortex beam in the far-field region after being scattered by a particle. In our analysis, we use the Generalized Lorenz–Mie theory (GLMT) and the angular spectrum decomposition method (ASDM). The orbital angular momentum (OAM) spectra of the fields are analyzed by using the spiral spectrum expansion method, which is a frequently used tool for studying the propagation of vortex beams in turbulent atmospheres. Both scattered and external fields show a significant difference in spiral spectra for particles with different characteristic parameters, such as the size and complex refractive index. We also examine sampling the phase along with a circle and show that it is unable to fully express the information of the fields. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the inversion of characteristic parameters of the Bessel–Gaussian vortex beam and spherical particle by OAM spectra with applications in remote sensing engineering

Low trap-state density and long carrier diffusion in organolead trihalide perovskite single crystals

The fundamental properties and ultimate performance limits of organolead trihalide MAPbX3 (MA = CH3NH3 +; X = Br– or I–) perovskites remain obscured by extensive disorder in polycrystalline MAPbX3 films. We report an antisolvent vapor-assisted crystallization approach that enables us to create sizable crack-free MAPbX3 single crystals with volumes exceeding 100 cubic millimeters. These large single crystals enabled a detailed characterization of their optical and charge transport characteristics. We observed exceptionally low trap-state densities on the order of 109 to 1010 per cubic centimeter in MAPbX3 single crystals (comparable to the best photovoltaic-quality silicon) and charge carrier diffusion lengths exceeding 10 micrometers. These results were validated with density functional theory calculations

Gou Qi Zi inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer

BackgroundGou Qi Zi (Lycium barbarum) is a traditional herbal medicine with antioxidative effects. Although Gou Qi Zi has been used to prevent premature aging and in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), its mechanism of action in NSCLC remains unclear. The present study utilized network pharmacology to assess the potential mechanism of action of Gou Qi Zi in the treatment of NSCLC.MethodsThe TCMSP, TCMID, SwissTargetPrediction, DrugBank, DisGeNET, GeneCards, OMIM and TTD databases were searched for the active components of Gou Qi Zi and their potential therapeutic targets in NSCLC. Protein-protein interaction networks were identified and the interactions of target proteins were analyzed. Involved pathways were determined by GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses using the Metascape database, and molecular docking technology was used to study the interactions between active compounds and potential targets. These results were verified by cell counting kit-8 assays, BrdU labeling, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and qRT-PCR.ResultsDatabase searches identified 33 active components in Gou Qi Zi, 199 predicted biological targets and 113 NSCLC-related targets. A network of targets of traditional Chinese medicine compounds and potential targets of Gou Qi Zi in NSCLC was constructed. GO enrichment analysis showed that Gou Qi Zi targeting of NSCLC was mainly due to the effect of its associated lipopolysaccharide. KEGG pathway analysis showed that Gou Qi Zi acted mainly through the PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathway in the treatment of NSCLC. Molecular docking experiments showed that the bioactive compounds of Gou Qi Zi could bind to AKT1, C-MYC and TP53. These results were verified by experimental assays.ConclusionGou Qi Zi induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation of NSCLC in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathway

Recreating blood-brain barrier physiology and structure on chip: A novel neurovascular microfluidic bioreactor

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical structure that serves as the gatekeeper between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. It is the responsibility of the BBB to facilitate the entry of required nutrients into the brain and to exclude potentially harmful compounds; however, this complex structure has remained difficult to model faithfully in vitro. Accurate in vitro models are necessary for understanding how the BBB forms and functions, as well as for evaluating drug and toxin penetration across the barrier. Many previous models have failed to support all the cell types involved in the BBB formation and/or lacked the flow-created shear forces needed for mature tight junction formation. To address these issues and to help establish a more faithful in vitro model of the BBB, we have designed and fabricated a microfluidic device that is comprised of both a vascular chamber and a brain chamber separated by a porous membrane. This design allows for cell-to-cell communication between endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes and independent perfusion of both compartments separated by the membrane. This NeuroVascular Unit (NVU) represents approximately one-millionth of the human brain, and hence, has sufficient cell mass to support a breadth of analytical measurements. The NVU has been validated with both fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran diffusion and transendothelial electrical resistance. The NVU has enabled in vitro modeling of the BBB using all human cell types and sampling effluent from both sides of the barrier

Fluctuation of circulating tumor cells in patients with lung cancer by real-time fluorescent quantitative-PCR approach before and after radiotherapy

Background and Aims: The failure to reduce the mortality of patients with solid tumours is mainly a result of the early dissemination of cancer cells to secondary site, which is usually missed by conventional diagnostic procedures used for tumour staging. The possibility to use easily accessible body fluids as a source for circulating tumour cells (CTCs) detection enables longitudinal observations of the disease. In the study, we evaluated the CTCs in lung cancer following locoregional radiation therapy. Methods: Samples of 5ml peripheral blood was taken from each lung cancer patients (n=15) both before and after the radiotherapy course. Meanwhile tumour size was determined by chest X-ray or computed tomography. Using cytokeratin 19(CK19) as marker,the blood samples were subjected to real time RT-PCR assay. All patients with lung cancer were treated with primary definitive and mediastinal radiotherapy. Results Compare to that of pre-treatment, the value of CK19 mRNA in peripheral blood after therapy decreased dramatically(5.0932±1.0628 vs. 4.2493±0.8323,t=3.192,P=0.007). The change of CK19 mRNA level before and after radiotherapy was closely related to the type (NSCLC vs. SCLC, 0.5389±0.9030 vs. 1.6826±0.9467,t=2.1465,P=0.051). Meanwhile, there appeared to be a close link between the grade (Well/Mod vs. Poor) and the change of CK19 mRNA (0.5024 vs. 1.5271,t=2.017,P=0.065). The change of CK19 mRNA level was related to variation of tumour burden during radiotherapy(r=0.0575,P=0.025). Of the 15 cases studied, 12 cases were positive before radiotherapy (12/15,80%). The positive rate was 53%(8/15) after radiotherapy, meaning that four patients converted into negative after radiotherapy. Conclusions: The disseminated circulating cancer cells can be affected by radiotherapy; meanwhile further more systemic adjuvant treatment should be conducted. Due to concordance between molecular response and radiological remission, assessment of the therapeutic response might be possible by serial quantitative of CTCs