Performance Comparison of Five Methods for Tetrahymena Number Counting on the ImageJ Platform: Assessing the Built-in Tool and Machine-Learning-Based Extension

Previous methods to measure protozoan numbers mostly rely on manual counting, which suffers from high variation and poor efficiency. Although advanced counting devices are available, the specialized and usually expensive machinery precludes their prevalent utilization in the regular laboratory routine. In this study, we established the ImageJ-based workflow to quantify ciliate numbers in a high-throughput manner. We conducted Tetrahymena number measurement using five different methods: particle analyzer method (PAM), find maxima method (FMM), trainable WEKA segmentation method (TWS), watershed segmentation method (WSM) and StarDist method (SDM), and compared their results with the data obtained from the manual counting. Among the five methods tested, all of them could yield decent results, but the deep-learning-based SDM displayed the best performance for Tetrahymena cell counting. The optimized methods reported in this paper provide scientists with a convenient tool to perform cell counting for Tetrahymena ecotoxicity assessment.     

Impact of Serum Chemerin Levels on Liver Functional Reserves and Platelet Counts in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Obesity-related metabolic abnormalities, including adipokine imbalance and chronic inflammation, are involved in liver carcinogenesis. Chemerin, a novel adipokine, plays a critical role in adipogenesis, energy metabolism, and inflammation. We evaluated the impact of serum chemerin levels on liver functional reserves in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and on the recurrence and prognosis of HCC. This study included 44 patients with any stage of HCC who underwent curative treatment at Gifu Municipal Hospital (Gifu, Japan) between 2006 and 2007. Recurrence-free survival and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Serum albumin levels (Pearson’s correlation coefficient; r = 0.3110, p = 0.0399), platelet counts (r = 0.4159, p = 0.0050), and prothrombin times (r = 0.3775, p = 0.0115) were significantly correlated with serum chemerin levels in patients with HCC, and they were inversely correlated with Child-Pugh scores (r = −0.3732, p = 0.0126), serum alanine aminotransferase levels (r = −0.3864, p = 0.0105), and total bilirubin levels (r = −0.4023, p = 0.0068). Among these variables, a multiple comparison test identified that platelet counts and total bilirubin levels were associated with serum chemerin levels (p < 0.0083). No significant correlation was found between serum chemerin levels and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.3691) or overall survival (p = 0.7916). In HCC patients, serum chemerin concentrations were correlated with liver functional reserves and platelet counts, but not with recurrence or prognosis.     

Microwave dielectric characteristics of tungsten bronze-type Ba4Nd28/3Ti18-yGa4y/3O54 ceramics with temperature stable and ultra-low loss

A series of high-k Ba₄Nd_28/3Ti_18-yGa_4y/3O₅₄ (0≤y≤2, BNTG) ceramics with temperature stable and ultra-low dielectric loss were synthesized via the conventional solid-state reaction. The main phase of all BNTG ceramics demonstrated an orthorhombic tungsten-bronze structure, but the impurity phase (gallium-rich phase) was found in BNTG (y = 2) ceramic. Partial substitution of Ga³⁺ for Ti⁴⁺ in B-site was a valid method to improve the temperature stability and dielectric loss of BNTG ceramics. The variation of ε_r values of BNTG ceramics was dominated by the ionic polarizability. The ultra-low dielectric loss (ultra-high Q × f values) was associated with grain size, suppression of Ti³⁺ and impurity phase. The decrease of TCF values was highly dependent on the tilting of Ti-O octahedra and impurity phase. Finally, outstanding combination dielectric characteristics were achieved for BNTG microwave ceramics at y = 1.5 (ε_r = 72.8, Q × f = 14,600 GHz, TCF=+4.1 ppm/°C) and at y = 2 (ε_r = 70.3, Q × f = 15,500 GHz, TCF=+3.9 ppm/°C).     

Investigation of Biomarkers Associated with Low Platelet Counts in Normal Karyotype Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients are at risk of bleeding due to disease-related lack of platelets and systemic coagulopathy. Platelets play a role in hemostasis. Leukemic blasts have been shown to alter platelet activation in vitro. Here we investigated biomarkers associated with thrombocytopenia in normal karyotype AML (NK-AML). From The Cancer Genome Atlas database, case-control study was performed between normal karyotype (NK) platelet-decreased AML (PD-AML, platelet count < 100 × 10⁹/L, n = 24) and NK platelet-not-decreased AML (PND-AML, with platelet count ≥ 100 × 10⁹/L, n = 13). Differentially expressed gene analysis, pathway analysis and modelling for predicting platelet decrease in AML were performed. DEG analysis and pathway analysis revealed 157 genes and eight pathways specific for PD-AML, respectively. Most of the eight pathways were significantly involved in G-protein-coupled receptor-related pathway, cytokine-related pathway, and bone remodeling pathway. Among the key genes involved in at least one pathway, three genes including CSF1R, TNFSF15 and CLEC10A were selected as promising biomarkers for predicting PD-AML (0.847 of AUC in support vector machine model). This is the first study that identified biomarkers using RNA expression data analysis and could help understand the pathophysiology in AML with low platelet count.     

Mössbauer,magnetic and microwave absorption characteristics of substituted W-type hexaferrites nanoparticles

W-type hexaferrite nanoparticles of nominal composition BaCo_2?xMn_xFe_16?2yZr_yNi_yO₂₇ (x = 0–0.5; y = 0–1.0), are synthesized by using the chemical co-precipitation technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) data conform to the formation of single phase. Mössbauer analysis reveals that extrinsic substitution of metal ions (Mn_x and Zr_y–Ni_y) takes place at 2d, f_IV, 2b, and 12k sub-lattices. Doped metal substitution up to ionic contents of x = 0.3 and y = 0.6, results in enhancement of the saturation magnetization M_s and remanent magnetization M_r while these substitutions lower the coercivity H_c. The optimum values of the above mentioned three parameters, measured at room temperature, using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), are 79.7 emu g^?1, 36.0 emu g^?1 and 1012 Oe, respectively. Microwave absorption characteristics calculated from complex permeability and complex permittivity data retrieved by a vector network analyzer (VNA) increase as the doped metal ions content increases.     

Generalisation de la theorie de l'electrode dite “electrode a disque-anneau’, dans un fluide d'otswald. Calcul des facteurs de collection

Supposing that in the diffusional boundary layer, the tangential component V_x and radial component V_r of the relative fluid velocity are respectively written in the form V_xS₀x^by and V_ra₀r^by (S₀, a₀ are independent coefficient of the normal coordinate y, tengential coordinate x, radial coordinate r;b is a numerical exponent that is expressed in terms of the behaviour law and of the flow), the authors calculate a analytical expression for the collection factor N defined as the quotient, with the sign inverted, of the limiting diffusional flux on the downstream active surface by the limiting diffusional flux on the upstream active surface. This factor N is dependent only on geometrical characteristics of system and on exponent b.     

Optimization of the magnetic properties and microstructure of Co–La substituted strontium hexaferrite by varying the production parameters

The aim of this paper was to improve the magnetic properties of magnetoplumbite-type (M-type) strontium hexaferrite substituted with Co²⁺–La³⁺ produced by conventional ceramic forming techniques. The effect on the magnetic properties of varying the composition of the target compound Sr_1−xLa_xFe_12−yCo_yO₁₉ and the primary and secondary firing temperatures was investigated. Microstructure studies and XRD phase analysis indicated that optimum values of the remanent magnetization B_r and coercive field H_cj were obtained with a primary firing temperature of 1240 °C and a final firing temperature of 1180 °C, where (x=y)_th ¹=0.15, (y/x)_exp ²=0.75 and the molar ratio of ferric oxide to strontium oxide=5.8. The optimized magnetic properties obtained under these conditions were B_r=4070 Gs, H_cj=4710 Oe, (H_k/H_cj)=82.     

NMR and fluorescence studies of the self-association behavior of an amphiphilic polyanion bearing hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon hydrophobes

The association behavior of the terpolymers of sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate (NaAMPS), N-dodecylmethacrylamide (DodMAm), and N-(2-(perfluorooctyl)ethyl)methacrylamide (PFOEMAm) (A/H(x)/F(y)) and their reference copolymers of NaAMPS and PFOEMAm (A/F(y)) was characterized using ¹⁹F and ¹H NMR, steady state fluorescence, and dynamic light scattering techniques in water (or D₂O) containing 0.1 M NaCl. The terpolymers formed micelle-like aggregates where hydrophobic microdomains are formed by hydrophobic associations among the perfluorooctylethyl (PFOE) and dodecyl (Dod) groups, the PFOE group exhibiting a stronger tendency for interpolymer association than the Dod groups. A careful analysis of the characterization data led to a conclusion that the hydrophobic microdomain formed from the terpolymer is microscopically phase separated into the fluorocarbon phase and hydrocarbon phase.     

Role of (La,Gd) co-doping on the enhanced dielectric and magnetic properties of BiFeO3 ceramics

The effect of the La³⁺ and Gd³⁺ co-doping on the structure, electric and magnetic properties of BiFeO₃ (BFO) ceramics are investigated. For the compositions (x=0 and 0≤y≤0.15) in the perovskite structured La_xGd_yBi_1−(x+y)FeO₃ system, a tiny residual phase of Bi₂Fe₄O₉ is noticed. Such a secondary phase is suppressed with the incorporation of ‘La’ content (x). The magnitude of dielectric constant (ε_r) increases progressively by increasing the ‘La’ content from x=0 to 0.15 with a remarkable decrease of dielectric loss. For x=0.15, the system La_xGd_yBi_1−(x+y)FeO₃ exhibits highest remanent magnetization (M_r) of 0.18 emu/g and coercive magnetic field (H_C) of ~1 T in the presence of external magnetic field of 9 T at 300 K. The origin of enhanced dielectric and magnetic properties of La_xGd_yBi_1−(x+y)FeO₃ and the role of doping elements, La³⁺, Gd³⁺ has been discussed.     

Electrochemical behavior of graphite intercalation compounds of fluorine and metal fluorides

Ternary intercalation compounds, C_xF(AlF₃)_y and C_xF(MgF₂)_y containing active fluorine atoms adsorbed on carbon layers of host graphite were used as a cathode material of lithium cell. The discharge potentials are 2.8–2.5 V at current densities 40–400 μA cm^?2, being higher than that for graphite fluoride below 300 μA cm^?2. X-ray diffraction analysis and ESCA measurement of the discharge products indicate the formation of a new intercalation compound C_x(LiF) (MF_n)_y, (M = Al or Mg, n = 3 or 2).     

Crystal structure,microstructure and electrical properties of (1−x−y)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–xBi0.5K0.5TiO3–yBiFeO3 ceramics near MPB prepared via the combustion technique

(1?x?y)Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃–xBi_0.5K_0.5TiO₃–yBiFeO₃ (BNKFT-x/y with 0.12≤x≤0.24, 0≤y≤0.07) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have been prepared by the combustion technique. The effects of amounts of x and y on structures and electrical properties were examined. Powders and ceramics can be well calcined and sintered at 750 °C for 2 h and 1025–1050 °C, respectively. The results indicated that the crystalline structure and microstructure changed with the increase of x and y concentrations. XRD results of BNKFT-x/0.03 and BNKFT-0.18/y ceramics with 0.12≤x≤0.24 and 0≤y≤0.07 showed the rhombohedral–tetragonal morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). The addition of y caused a promoted grain growth while the addition of x suppressed the grain growth. The highest density (ρ=5.85 g/cm³), superior dielectric properties at T_c (ε_r=7846 and tan δ=0.02), remnant polarization measured at 40 kV/cm (P_r = 20.1 μC/cm²) and piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃=213 pC/N) were obtained for x=0.18 and y=0.03.     

Improved temperature stability and high piezoelectricity in lead-free barium titanate-based ceramics

To achieve high piezoelectricity and the corresponding good temperature stability of BaTiO₃ (BT) ceramics, a new system of (1-x-y) BaTiO_3?–?yCaTiO_3?–?x(BaZr_1-zHf_z)O₃ (BT-yCT-xBZH_z) was designed. The O-T phase boundary was observed at 0.065?≤?x?≤?0.085, 0.08?≤?y?≤?0.12 and 0?≤?z?≤?1.0 near room temperature. Due to the O-T phase boundary, the enhancement of electrical properties (d₃₃?=?500 pC/N, k_p?=?0.52, P_r?=?14.0?μC/cm² and ε_r?=?2800), large strain (～0.23%) and d₃₃^*?=?1100?pm/V (10?kV/cm) can be obtained. Moreover, temperature-dependent electrical properties were investigated in detail, and a reliable performance was realized due to high T_C (>100?°C). The d₃₃^* was demonstrated to be temperature-insensitive from 16?°C to 60?°C (varying less than 7%), which is superior to the reported BT-based ceramics. Besides, d₃₃ and P_r fluctuate less than 22% in this temperature range, also showing an usable stability. We believe that this work can be beneficial to facilitate an increasing adoption of lead-free BT-based piezoceramics for practical applications.     

Effect of Sr2+ on phase structure and properties for 0.6(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-0.4(Bi1-ySry)TiO3 relaxor ferroelectrics

0.6(Na_0.5Bi_0.5)TiO₃-0.4(Bi_1-ySr_y)TiO₃ ceramics (abbreviated BNT-BS_yT, y = 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9 mol) were fabricated using a traditional solid-state processing route, and the effects of Sr²⁺ on phase structure, di- and ferroelectric properties, and electrostrictive properties were systematically investigated. The values of γ for BNT-BS_yT ceramics are greater than 1.8, revealing that these materials exhibit relaxor ferroelectric properties derived from the co-occupation of Bi³⁺, Na⁺, and Sr²⁺ in the A-site and inhomogeneous polarization states (i.e., coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal states). In addition, T_d decreases with increasing Sr²⁺ content along with a stable and increased tetragonal phase. BNT-BS_0.9T ceramic has a slightly large maximum polarization P_max = 16.15 μC/cm², a small remanent polarization P_r = 1.6 μC/cm², and a relatively good energy storage property (density W₁ = 0.220 J/cm³ and efficiency η = 72.13%), indicating that Sr²⁺ substitution helps to promote energy storage characteristics. Moreover, there is a superior electrostrictive coefficient (Q₃₃ = 0.0385 m⁴/C²) for BNT-BS_0.3T ceramic. Therefore, we propose that this lead-free electrostrictor is a good candidate for practical applications.     

A novel on‐line optical method for algae measurement

In recent years, algal blooms have occurred worldwide, and algae‐rich water often has adverse effects on water production. The technique of algae measurement is a critical issue for adjusting water treatment processes according to the numbers of algae cells. The algae particles in the water are generally 2–200 µm in size with only a few smaller than 2 µm. The traditional algae measuring method is by visual observation with an optical microscope. However, traditional visual observation often needs 48 h fixing time, which makes the measurement results lag behind the needs of water production. To solve the problem, this study employed on‐line optical devices to improve the efficiency and accuracy of algae measurement. A photometric dispersion analyzer (PDA) and particle counting analyzer (PCA) were jointly utilized to monitor on‐line the algae concentration in natural water. Algae cells can be classified by different sizes. It was found that there was good correlation between R²_PDA and total algae counts in water. The PCA could quantitatively characterize the algae counts and species distribution of dominant algae species in real water. PDA and PCA could be used jointly to define on‐line the characteristics of real water containing mixed algae. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Integrated instrumental analysis of soft brown coals

A method for the simultaneous determination of calorific value Q^r, ash yieldA^r and total water content W^r_t of soft brown coals is described. The method involves instrumental analysis of brown coal samples using neutron thermalization and gamma back-scattering techniques. Over 80 coal samples (1.1 kg) were analysed, having Q^rvalues up to 15.5 MJ kg^?1,A^r ranging from 3.6 to 76.1 wt% and W^r_t ranging from 11.4 to 61.7 wt%. A comparison of the results from the instrumental method with those of standard laboratory analyses is given, followed by a discussion of the accuracy of the method and of possible ways for improving it.     

Hyperbranched polycarbosiloxanes and polycarbosilanes via bimolecular non-linear hydrosilylation polymerization

The syntheses and selected structure–property relationships of two series of polycarbosiloxanes (HB-PCSOX) and polycarbosilanes (HB-PCS) prepared by the platinum-catalyzed bimolecular non-linear hydrosilylation polymerizations of commercially available 1,3-diallyl- or 1,3-divinyl- disiloxanes or disilanes and tri- or tetra-functional siloxysilanes or silanes (i.e., A_x + B_y polymerization systems where x = 2 and y = 3 or 4) are described. The polymerizations were controlled to avoid gelation and ensure preparation of non-crosslinked soluble polymer products by adjusting the molar ratios of the reacting A (allylsilyl, Si–CH₂–CHCH₂, or vinylsilyl, Si–CHCH₂) and B (silyl, Si–H) reactive functional groups such that r ≤ 1/[(x ? 1)(y ? 1)] or r ≥ (x ? 1)(y ? 1) where r = [A]/[B]. The polymers were characterized by IR, ¹H, ¹³C and ²⁹Si NMR, SEC, DSC and TGA. Their molecular weights were found to increase in the following order of the side-group substitution in the 1,3-divinyldisiloxane monomer used: EtO > Me > MePh > Ph₂, consistent with the increased electron-donation to the vinyl groups causing their increased reactivity in hydrosilylation. These polymers represent unique yet easily and economically available multifunctional nanoscopic dendritic building blocks for more complex 3D nano-structured materials for a variety of applications in electronics, photonics, lithography, specialty coatings, etc.     

Synthesis and thermoelectric properties of ceramics based on barium-strontium metaplumbates

Ceramics with composition Ba_{1 ? x} Sr _x Pb_{1 + y} O_{3 + 2y} (x = 0.6, 0.8; y = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2) was synthesized by solid-state method; its phase composition, crystal structure, and thermal, electrophysical, and thermoelectric properties were studied. The electronic and lattice contributions to thermal conductivity of the ceramics were separated; the linear thermal expansion coefficient (LTEC, α), power factor (P), and thermoelectric quality factor (ZT) were calculated. Ceramics with composition Ba_0.2Sr_0.8Pb_{1 + y} O_{3 + 2y} (P ₁₀₀₀ = 1.36 mW m^?1 K^?2 for y = 0.1, ZT ₄₂₃ = 0.033 for y = 0.2) containing lead oxide impurity, in addition to the major phase (barium-strontium metaplumbate), was found to possess the best thermoelectric properties.     

Dielectric,pyroelectric, and ferroelectric properties of gadolinium doped Sr0.53Ba0.47Nb2O6 ceramic

Strontium barium niobate doped with gadolinium, with the stoichiometric formula Gd_ySr_{(0.53–3y/2)}Ba_0.47Nb₂O₆ (GSBN) was synthesized using the solid-state reaction method, with varied mol% compositions of Gd (y=0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05 and 0.07). Gadolinium was chosen as a dopant with the goal of enhancing the ferroelectric and pyroelectric properties of SBN. The X-ray diffraction spectra showed that all compositions exhibit a single-phase tetragonal tungsten bronze structure. The influence of Gd as dopant on the microstructure was examined by using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The dielectric characteristics of the samples showed diffuse phase transitions. The Curie temperature of the samples shifted to lower temperature with increasing Gd concentration. The relaxor characteristic of the GSBN (above and below the Curie temperature) was described using the Curie-Weiss Law, a Gaussian distribution, and a quadratic equation. SBN doped with 3 mol% of Gd exhibits the highest remnant polarization, P_r=8.8 μC/cm², while 1 mol% Gd-doped SBN shows the highest pyroelectric coefficient of 285 µC/m² K. These qualities can be useful in security, healthcare, pollution monitoring, fire sensing, and smart energy system applications.