Browse Articles

Hazediff: A training-free diffusion-based image dehazing method with pixel-level feature injection

In the current environmental context, significant emissions generated by industrial and transportation activities, coupled with an unreasonable energy structure, have resulted in recurrent haze phenomena. This consequently leads to degraded image contrast and reduced resolution in captured images, significantly hindering subsequent mid- and high-level visual tasks. These technical challenges have positioned image dehazing as a pivotal research frontier in computer vision. Nevertheless, current image dehazing approaches exhibit notable limitations. Deep learning-based methodologies demand extensive paired hazy-clean training datasets, the acquisition of which remains particularly challenging. Furthermore, synthetically generated data frequently exhibit marked disparities from authentic scenarios, thereby limiting model generalizability. Despite diffusion-based approaches demonstrating superior image reconstruction performance, their data-driven implementations face comparable limitations. To overcome these challenges, we propose HazeDiff: a training-free dehazing method based on the Diffusion model. This method provides a novel perspective for image dehazing research. Unlike existing approaches, it eliminates the need for hard-to-get paired training data, reducing computational costs while enhancing generalization. This not only reduces computational costs but also improves the generalization ability and stability on different datasets. Ultimately, it ensures that the dehazing restoration results are more reliable and effective. The Pixel-Level Feature Inject (PFI) we proposed is implemented through the self-attention layer. It integrates the pixel-level feature representation of the reference image into the initial noise of the dehazing image, effectively guiding the diffusion process to achieve the dehazing effect. As a supplement, the Structure Retention Model (SRM) incorporated in Cross-attention performs dynamic feature enhancement through adaptive attention re-weighting. This ensures the retention of key structural features during the restoration process while reducing detail loss. We have conducted comprehensive experiments on both real-world and synthetic datasets.Experimental results demonstrate that HazeDiff surpasses state-of-the-art dehazing methods, achieving higher scores on both no-reference (e.g., NIQE) and full-reference (e.g., PSNR) evaluation metrics. It shows stronger generalization ability and practicality. It can restore high-quality images with natural visual features and clear structural content from low-quality hazy images.

Perspective: An outlook on fluorescence tracking

Tracking single fluorescent molecules has provided new insights into dynamic molecular processes at the single-molecule level. This Perspective traces the evolution of single-molecule tracking, highlighting key methodological developments across fluorescence microscopy. In particular, we start by exploring what can be gleaned from each type of data and its resulting tracks, ranging from conventional widefield offline tracking to real-time confocal tracking. We subsequently consider emerging efforts to advance physics-inspired tracking techniques, the potential for parallelization and artificial intelligence, and both challenges and opportunities they present toward achieving higher spatiotemporal resolution as well as greater computational and data efficiency in next-generation single-molecule studies.

Disrupted developmental signaling induces novel transcriptional states

Signaling pathways induce stereotyped transcriptional changes as stem cells progress into mature cell types during embryogenesis. Signaling perturbations are necessary to discover which genes are responsive or insensitive to pathway activity. However, gene regulation is additionally dependent on cell state-specific factors like chromatin modifications or transcription factor binding. Thus, transcriptional profiles need to be assayed in single cells to identify potentially multiple, distinct perturbation responses among heterogeneous cell states in an embryo. In perturbation studies, comparing heterogeneous transcriptional states among experimental conditions often requires samples to be collected over multiple independent experiments, which can introduce confounding batch effects. We present Design-Aware Integration of Single Cell ExpEriments (DAISEE), a new algorithm that models perturbation responses in single-cell datasets collected according to complex experimental designs. We demonstrate that DAISEE improves upon a previously available integrative nonnegative matrix factorization framework, more efficiently separating perturbation responses from confounding variation. We use DAISEE to integrate newly collected single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from 5-h-old zebrafish embryos expressing optimized photoswitchable MEK (psMEK), which globally activates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a signaling molecule involved in many cell specification events. psMEK drives some cells that are normally not exposed to ERK signals toward other wild type states and induces novel states expressing early-acting endothelial genes. Overactive signaling is therefore capable of producing unexpected gene expression states in developing embryos.

Two analytical approaches for determination of amprolium and triclabendazole targeting their tertiary amino groups in waste water

Abstract This study has been proposed new, sensitive, straightforward, and validated spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric methods for estimating of amprolium (AMP) and triclabendazole (TCB) in laboratory prepared pharmaceutical wastewater. Both methods were based on the reaction of AMP and TCB with Eosin-Y in acidic medium, targeting the tertiary amino groups of the concerned analytes, generating an orange-red ion pair complexes. The resulting products were measured by spectrophotometric (Method I) and spectrofluorimetric (Method II) tools. Regarding method I, the absorbance was measured at 547 nm with a lower detection limit of 45 ng/mL and quantitation limit of 136 ng/mL for AMP with corresponding values of 191 ng/mL and 579 ng/mL for TCB. The proposed method exhibited a linear pattern over the concentration range of 100–5000 and 1500–10,000 ng/mL for amprolium and triclabendazole, respectively. Meanwhile in method II, the produced complex was measured at λem 552 nm for AMP or 555 nm for TCB after excitation at λex 470 nm with a lower detection limit of 142 ng/mL and quantitation limit of 429 ng/mL for AMP with corresponding values of 67 ng/mL and 202 ng/mL for TCB. The proposed method exhibited a linear pattern over the concentration range with linearity ranges of 500–2000 and 100–1500 ng/mL for amprolium and triclabendazole, respectively. The International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) requirements for linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, and robustness were followed in the comprehensive validation of the proposed methods, allowing its application successfully to determine the studied analytes in wastewater samples.

Physical measures of physical functioning as prognostic factors to predict outcomes in low back pain: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

Background Low back pain (LBP) remains a major global health challenge. Effective management of LBP requires prognostic research to identify people at risk of poor outcome, enabling timely and targeted interventions. Objective To synthesize the evidence for physical measures of physical functioning as prognostic factors for predicting outcome in LBP. Methods This systematic review followed PRISMA and published protocol [PROSPERO-CRD42023406796] [1]. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus and ProQuest Dissertations/Theses from inception to 29/5/2024. Hand searches of key journals and screening reference lists of included studies was performed. Prospective longitudinal studies, evaluating physical measures of physical functioning as prognostic factors, in adults 18years≥ with LBP and/or LBP-related leg pain were included. LBP related to malignancy, fracture, infection, cauda equina, inflammatory conditions, and measures; imaging, EMG, and motion capture with force plates or 3D video analysis were excluded. Two independent reviewers screened articles, extracted data, assessed risk of bias (RoB) using QUIPS. Due to high heterogeneity a narrative synthesis was conducted and GRADE determined the quality of evidence. Results From 15,889 citations, 42 studies were included, with 50% assessed as high RoB. Low-quality evidence supports no predictive ability of high isometric back extension endurance, high handgrip strength, and high fingertip-to-floor test for good long term LBP outcomes. Very low-quality evidence supports inconsistent predictive ability of high lumbar extension range of motion and high straight leg raise range for good short-term outcomes, and high isometric back flexion endurance for good long-term LBP outcome. For studies that could not be synthesized, 41 physical measures of physical functioning were investigated, with 23 of them showing promising predictive ability for LBP outcome. Conclusion This review highlights a lack of high-quality evidence regarding the predictive ability of physical measures of physical functioning in LBP. Findings indicate that the existing evidence is low-quality for no predictive ability and very low-quality for inconsistent predictive ability of physical measures of physical functioning. Low/very low-quality evidence suggests cautious interpretation. Imprecision, high RoB studies, and inadequately controlled confounding factors contributed to low/very low-quality evidence. This review also identifies emerging potential prognostic factors. An adequately powered, low RoB prospective longitudinal study using standardized measurement protocols and multivariable analysis is required to further investigate the promising predictive ability of physical measures of physical functioning in LBP. Future prognostic research should be grounded in strong theoretical rationale, including biological plausibility.

Emergence of long-range non-equilibrium correlations in free liquid diffusion

It is experimentally well-established that non-equilibrium long-range correlations of concentration fluctuations appear in free diffusion of a solute in a solvent, but it remains unknown how such correlations are established dynamically. We address this problem in a model of Donev, Fai, and Vanden-Eijnden (DFV), obtained from the high-Schmidt limit of the Landau–Lifshitz fluctuating hydrodynamic equations for a binary mixture. We consider an initial planar interface of the mean concentration field in an infinite space domain, idealizing prior experiments. Using methods borrowed from turbulence theory, we show both analytically and numerically that a quasi-steady regime with self-similar time decay of concentration correlations appears at long time. In addition to the expected “giant concentration fluctuations” with correlations ∝r for r ≲ L(t) = (Dt)1/2, with diffusivity D, a new regime with spatial decay ∝1/r appears for r ≳ L(t). The quasi-steady regime arises from an initial stage of transient growth ∝t, confirming the prediction of DFV for r ≳ L(t) and discovering an analogous result for r ≲ L(t). Our results give new insight into the emergence of non-equilibrium long-range correlations and provide novel predictions that may be investigated experimentally.

HEIP1 orchestrates pro-crossover protein activity during mammalian meiosis

Meiotic crossovers (COs) are needed to produce genetically balanced gametes. In mammals, CO formation is mediated by a conserved set of pro-CO proteins via mechanisms that remain unclear. Here, we characterize a mammalian pro-CO factor HEIP1. In mouse HEIP1 is essential for crossover and fertility of both sexes. HEIP1 promotes crossover by orchestrating the recruitment of other pro-CO proteins, including the MutSγ complex (MSH4-MSH5) and E3 ligases (HEI10, RNF212, and RNF212B), that are required to mature CO sites and recruit the CO-specific resolution complex MutLγ. Moreover, HEIP1 directly interacts with HEI10, suggesting a direct role in controlling the recruitment of pro-CO E3 ligases. During early stages of meiotic prophase I, HEIP1 interacts with the chromosome axes, independently of recombination, before relocalizing to the central region of the synaptonemal complex. We propose that HEIP1 is a conserved master regulator of CO proteins that controls different CO maturation steps.

Nursing home availability for incarcerated persons granted compassionate release

Correction: Waste or Resource? Investigating the interplay of structural support and individual attitude on council-based waste managers household food waste intervention

Development of a setup for interferometric two-dimensional heterodyne-detected vibrational sum-frequency generation (2D HD-VSFG) measurements to study liquid interfaces with sub-100 fs time resolution

We constructed an apparatus for interferometric 2D heterodyne-detected vibrational sum-frequency generation (2D HD-VSFG) spectroscopy, which is applicable to the study of ultrafast dynamics at liquid interfaces. By using a multiple-plate pulse compressor and Michelson interferometer, we generated IR pump pulse pairs having a broad bandwidth (∼400 cm−1 FWHM) and sufficient energy (∼12 μJ/pulse maximum) to observe transient responses of molecules at a liquid interface. The instrumental responses of the apparatus are ∼120 fs at ∼2900 cm−1 (CH stretch region) and ∼90 fs at ∼3350 cm−1 (OH stretch region) of the IR frequencies. Using this setup, we performed 2D HD-VSFG measurements of the n-octadecanol (n-OD) Langmuir monolayer formed on the heavy water (D2O) surface. With the 1.2 ps stroke of the interferometric scan, the 2D ΔImχ(2) spectrum was obtained at the waiting time of T = 50 fs, which shows well-separated diagonal and cross-peaks of the CH stretch vibrations. This result demonstrates the high capability of the interferometric 2D HD-VSFG setup for revealing the vibrational dynamics of the liquid interface under various conditions, including ultrafast dynamics of interfacial water.

Impact of baleen whales on ocean primary production across space and time

Primary production in the ocean is a fundamental process that supports marine food webs and global carbon sequestration. This process depends on nutrients that are often limited in surface waters. Whales are known to release essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron, yet the extent of their contribution to ocean primary production remains unclear. Here, we present daily estimates of nutrient input by baleen whales in high-latitude feeding grounds (Nordic and Barents Seas), based on multielement analyses of feces and urine. We then used end-to-end ecosystem models to assess the impact of these nutrients on primary production. We found that nitrogen is primarily excreted via urine, whereas phosphorus and trace elements are mainly released through feces. Ecosystem models indicate that baleen whales, including minke, fin, sei, humpback, blue, and bowhead whales, support annual and seasonal net primary production, with varying impacts across space and time. While the annual effects are modest (<2%) in most areas, the greatest impacts (up to 10%) occur during summer stratification and in offshore areas far from other nutrient sources. These increases in primary production have cascading effects on the food web, driving rises in mesozooplankton biomass. This study highlights the ecological significance of nutrient cycling by whales and underscores the value of integrating whale nutrient data into ecosystem modeling to assess the broader impacts of whales on marine productivity.

Effects of external body vibrations on cognitive performance through brain–cardio–respiratory dynamics

Abstract External body vibrations (EBV) affect the human physiological and cognitive states. Here we construct a neurophysiological model integrating a cortical model and the cardiovascular system, exploring impacts of EBV on physiological and cognitive function. We adopted a reservoir computing model for cortical dynamics to investigate cognitive effects, focusing on binocular rivalry. This model successfully replicated changes in human perceptual alternation observed during voluntary respiratory control and cycling exercise. Our simulation indicates that EBV exerts frequency-dependent effects on perceptual alternation, brain variability, and heart rate variability, demonstrating that synchronization between the locus coeruleus and the cardiorespiratory system influences these measures. These results provide mechanistic insights, implying that EBV can finely tune brain and cardiovascular dynamics, thereby potentially optimizing cognitive performance.

Relative age of youth swimmers and their sporting performance at the end of the season

This study explores the influence of relative age on the athletic and academic performance of young swimmers, while also considering other contributing factors such as training conditions, anthropometric characteristics, and coaches’ subjective evaluations. A descriptive, explanatory, and prospective design was employed, using quantitative (questionnaires) and observational methods. The sample consisted of 33 national-level swimmers (11 males and 22 females). Variables analyzed included sex, date of birth, training data, academic performance (AP), final sport performance (SP), coaches’ perceptions of daily performance, and anthropometric measurements. Results indicated no direct effect of relative age on the main variables. However, ANCOVA revealed significant differences based on birth quartile (p = .001), month of birth (p = .001), training frequency (p = .003), and body weight when mediated by sport category. Additionally, significant associations were found between relative age and sport performance when BMI was included as a covariate (p = .036), along with year and month of birth (p = .038; p = .027). Coaches’ perceptions of performance were also significantly related to competitive category (p = .033). It is concluded that while relative age may influence athletic performance, its effect appears to be mediated by contextual and individual factors related to the athlete’s preparation and environment.

Quantum dynamics of H2 dissociation on Pd1/Ag(111) and Cu1/Ag(111): Reactivity enhancement with conserved dynamics

The dissociative dynamics of H2 on Pd1/Ag(111) and Cu1/Ag(111) single-atom alloy (SAA) surfaces were systematically investigated via full-dimensional quantum dynamical calculations. Two high-fidelity machine learning potential energy surfaces were constructed with root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) below 5.0 meV. Density functional theory calculations revealed significantly reduced static barriers of 0.22 eV for Pd1/Ag(111) and 0.73 eV for Cu1/Ag(111), compared to 1.22 eV for pristine Ag(111). Both SAA surfaces exhibited dramatically higher dissociation probabilities than Ag(111). However, this enhancement demonstrated strong energy dependence, with enhancement factors decreasing from ∼1000 at 1.0 eV to about 1.1 at 2.0 eV, indicating diminished SAA effects at elevated energies. Site-specific analysis revealed that Pd/Cu dopants selectively enhanced reactivity at bridge and fcc sites while suppressing reactivity at the top-Ag site. Remarkably, the vibrational excitation, rotational alignment, and rotational excitation effects remained qualitatively consistent with those observed on Ag(111) and Au1/Ag(111). These results demonstrate that SAAs quantitatively tune reactivity through localized electronic modifications while preserving the fundamental dynamical characteristics of H2 dissociation.

The moving mantle beneath Hawaii: A new look at an old bend

Bioaccumulation and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in Pseudotolithus species in the Gulf of Guinea, Ondo State, Nigeria

Temporal establishment of the colon microbiota in Angus calves from birth to post-weaning

During the peri- and early post-partum period, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the calf is colonised by a diverse microbiota. In the colon, this microbial community contributes to digestive activities, immune modulation, and overall calf health and productivity. However, the current knowledge of temporal microbial establishment in the neonatal hindgut is limited. This study focused on the ontogeny of colon microbiota establishment in Aberdeen Angus cross beef calves located across two farms, from birth through to post-weaning. Colon digesta samples were obtained from calves euthanised on days D0 (n = 7), D7 (n = 7), D14 (n = 5), D21 (n = 7), D28 (n = 5), and D96 (n = 7) of life. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was used to determine prokaryotic community composition. The alpha (α) and beta (β) diversity were assessed with age and farm included as fixed effects. Bacterial α-diversity increased significantly with age, showing changes in relative abundance between D7 and later stages, including D21, D28, and D96 (each p < 0.0001). PERMANOVA analysis indicated no significant difference in microbial composition between D14 and D21 (P = 0.22), suggesting a period during which compositional changes were reduced, reflecting a temporary phase of relative similarity in the colon microbiota. However, weaning altered the colon microbiota, as evidenced by the differences were observed between D28 and D96 (P < 0.001) suggested compositional shifts associated with weaning, accompanied by increased α-diversity. These observations will help to inform the design of the future, large scale studies aimed at understanding how early life microbial dynamics influence calf health, welfare, and future productive performance.

Thermal stability of thionyl chloride and the sulfinyl chloride radical determined by Cl–S bond energy

Thionyl chloride (Cl2SO) is widely used as a chlorinating reagent in both industrial and scientific applications due to its ability to provide two chlorine atoms. However, relevant studies on the role of the intermediate sulfinyl chloride (ClSO) radical in Cl2SO applications are sparse, as the ClSO radical was assumed to be thermally unstable, with an estimated Cl–S bond energy of ∼5 kcal mol−1. In this study, we determined the Cl–S bond energy of the ClSO radical by measuring its ionization energy using photoionization mass spectrometry interfaced with synchrotron radiation, further supported by performing high-accuracy extrapolated ab initio thermochemistry calculations. The Cl–SO bond energy was found to be 54.2 ± 0.9 kcal mol−1, which was a factor of 10 larger than the previous estimations, indicating that the thermal decomposition rate of ClSO was negligible. As a result, kinetic simulations revealed that the ClSO concentrations can be orders of magnitude higher than previously assumed in a variety of applications. This highlights the unconsidered importance of ClSO chemistry. Better control of ClSO radicals could improve efficiency and reduce Cl2SO waste for semiconductor fabrication, battery development, and pharmaceutical research, as well as planetary/exoplanetary atmospheres where chlorine and sulfur oxide are present.

Evolutionary histories of functional mutations during the domestication and spread of <i>japonica</i> rice in Asia

Rice ( Oryza sativa ) was first domesticated beginning ~9,000 y ago in China as the japonica variety group/subspecies. Using genomic data from 456 japonica landraces, including data for 47 herbarium specimens collected over the last 167 y, we reconstruct how japonica rice moved from its center of origin to other parts of Asia beginning ~4,000 to 5,500 y ago. We observe an enrichment of pathogen resistance loci in selective sweeps associated with distinct geographic populations, suggesting that biotic interactions may be a key driver of local adaptation. We also find that the majority of 76 known functional mutations present in our japonica landraces—many of them associated with japonica rice domestication and diversification and important for modern breeding—had their origins in the Pleistocene &gt;11,700 y ago and increased in allele frequency during key events in the evolution of rice.

Cerebrospinal fluid proteomic analysis of long-term antihypertensive treatment with amlodipine and atenolol in hypertensive rats

Abstract Midlife hypertension has been identified as a risk factor for the development of dementia, however, the underlying mechanism of this correlation remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) that had been treated with either amlodipine or atenolol for one year and compared these to normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of the CSF samples was conducted to identify both the impact of hypertension as well as antihypertensive treatment on CSF proteomics. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were increased in hypertensive rats, and both medications lowered blood pressure compared to untreated SHR rats. The analysis of the CSF proteome revealed that hypertension resulted in alterations to processes associated with the development of the central nervous system, inflammation and blood coagulation. The latter included proteins such as YKL-40, KNG1, DAG1, and members of the Serpin family. Amlodipine treatment resulted in changes to proteins involved in gas transport (including CA2, HBB, and HBA1), whereas atenolol treatment led to changes in the complement and coagulation cascade (including CFH, KNG1, APOE, and AHSG). A comparison of the two antihypertensive treatments revealed alterations in pathways associated with cell adhesion, central nervous system development, and vascular development. These findings show that hypertension and long-term treatment with antihypertensive medications elicit distinct effects on the CSF proteome.