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The rhizobacterial strain BJ3 showed 16S rDNA sequence similarity to species within the Burkholderia genus. Its complete genome sequence revealed a 97% match with Burkholderia contaminans and uncovered gene clusters essential for plant-growth-promoting traits (PGPTs). These clusters include genes responsible for producing indole acetic acid (IAA), osmolytes, non-ribosomal peptides (NRPS), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), siderophores, lipopolysaccharides, hydrolytic enzymes, and spermidine. Additionally, the genome contains genes for nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization, as well as a gene encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase. The treatment with BJ3 enhanced root architecture, boosted vegetative growth, and accelerated early flowering in Arabidopsis. Treated seedlings also showed increased lignin production and antioxidant capabilities, as well as notably increased tolerance to water deficit and high salinity. An RNA-seq transcriptome analysis indicated that BJ3 treatment significantly activated genes related to immunity induction, hormone signaling, and vegetative growth. It specifically activated genes involved in the production of auxin, ethylene, and salicylic acid (SA), as well as genes involved in the synthesis of defense compounds like glucosinolates, camalexin, and terpenoids. The expression of AP2/ERF transcription factors was markedly increased. These findings highlight BJ3's potential to produce various bioactive metabolites and its ability to activate auxin, ethylene, and SA signaling in Arabidopsis, positioning it as a new Burkholderia strain that could significantly improve plant growth, stress resilience, and immune function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The binary heterostructured semiconducting visible light photocatalyst of the iron-doped graphitic carbon nitride/bismuth molybdate (Fe-g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6) composite was prepared by coupling with Fe-doped g-C3N4 and Bi2MoO6 particles. In the present study, a comparison of structural characteristics, optical properties, and photocatalytic degradation efficiency and activity between Fe-doped g-C3N4 particles, Bi2MoO6 particles, and Fe-g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6 composite was investigated. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination indicate that the hydrothermal Bi2MoO6 particles have a single orthorhombic phase and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis confirms the formation of Fe-doped g-C3N4. The optical bandgaps of the Fe-doped g-C3N4 and Bi2MoO6 particles are 2.74 and 2.73 eV, respectively, as estimated from the Taut plots obtained from UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) spectra. This characteristic indicates that the two semiconductor materials are suitable for absorbing visible light. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrograph reveals the formation of the heterojunction Fe-g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6 composite. The results of photocatalytic degradation revealed that the developed Fe-g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6 composite photocatalyst exhibited significantly better photodegradation performance than the other two single semiconductor photocatalysts. This property can be attributed to the heterostructured nanostructure, which could effectively prevent the recombination of photogenerated carriers (electron–hole pairs) and enhance photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, cycling test showed that the Fe-g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6 heterostructured photocatalyst exhibited good reproducibility and stability for organic dye photodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research successfully synthesized SnO2@ZnIn2S4 composites for photocatalytic tap water splitting using a rapid two-step microwave-assisted synthesis method. This study investigated the impact of incorporating a fixed quantity of SnO2 nanoparticles and combining them with various materials to form composites, aiming to enhance photocatalytic hydrogen production. Additionally, different weights of SnO2 nanoparticles were added to the ZnIn2S4 reaction precursor to prepare SnO2@ZnIn2S4 composites for photocatalytic hydrogen production. Notably, the photocatalytic efficiency of SnO2@ZnIn2S4 composites is substantially higher than that of pure SnO2 nanoparticles and ZnIn2S4 nanosheets: 17.9-fold and 6.3-fold, respectively. The enhancement is credited to the successful use of visible light and the facilitation of electron transfer across the heterojunction, leading to the efficient dissociation of electron–hole pairs. Additionally, evaluations of recyclability demonstrated the remarkable longevity of SnO2@ZnIn2S4 composites, maintaining high levels of photocatalytic hydrogen production over eight cycles without significant efficiency loss, indicating their impressive durability. This investigation presents a promising strategy for crafting and producing environmentally sustainable SnO2@ZnIn2S4 composites with prospective implementations in photocatalytic hydrogen generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-step procedure was effectively employed to synthesize innovative three-dimensional (3D) heterostructures encompassing sodium titanate (Na2Ti3O7) nanowire cores, an intermediate resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) layer, and outer silver (Ag) nanoparticle sheaths, referred to as Na2Ti3O7@RF@Ag heterostructures. Initially, a one-step hydrothermal technique facilitated the direct growth of single-crystal Na2Ti3O7 nanowires onto a flexible Ti foil. Subsequently, a two-step wet chemical process facilitated the sequential deposition of an RF layer and Ag nanoparticles onto the Na2Ti3O7 nanowires at a low reaction temperature. Optimal concentrations of silver nitrate and L-ascorbic acid can lead to the cultivation of Na2Ti3O7@RF@Ag heterostructures exhibiting heightened surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), which is particularly beneficial for the detection of rhodamine B (RhB) molecules. This phenomenon can be ascribed to the distinctive geometry of the Na2Ti3O7@RF@Ag heterostructures, which offer an increased number of hot spots and surface-active sites, thereby showcasing notable SERS enhancement, commendable reproducibility, and enduring stability over the long term. Furthermore, the Na2Ti3O7@RF@Ag heterostructures demonstrate remarkable follow-up as first-order chemical kinetic and recyclable photocatalysts for the photodecomposition of an RhB solution under UV light irradiation. This result can be attributed to the enhanced inhibition of electron–hole pair recombination and increased surface-active sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to strong mobility, low costs, and easy parking, the scooter has become an important mode of transportation in Taiwan. The number of traffic accidents is also increasing because of drivers' bad driving habits. For road traffic injury prevention, the government has approved the road safety policy to promote awareness of road safety. Thus, we propose an AI-based driving assistance system (AI-DAS) for scooter riders to prevent traffic accidents. In the AI-DAS, Raspberry Pi controls the camera and sensors for the scooter. The AI-DAS detects pedestrians and monitors lanes not only to warn riders and pedestrians by sound and light but also to drastically reduce accidents and traffic jams. The AI-DAS is implemented using the python programming language and is tested on the Raspberry Pi hardware platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently used in many patients with advanced breast cancer who are being treated with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. In this study, our aim was to determine if there is an association between the use of PPIs and the effectiveness of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, specifically Palbociclib and Ribociclib. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis through which to address this clinical question and found that the use of Palbociclib resulted in a lower survival rate for both overall and progression-free survival. However, the concurrent use of PPIs and Ribociclib did not lead to a decrease in the survival rates. Therefore, for cases in which advanced breast cancer patients require the use of PPIs, it may be reasonable to consider using Ribociclib. There have been many clinical questions regarding whether the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) could deteriorate the effects of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) in HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer patients. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of this clinical question, including studies enrolling HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer patients treated with CDKIs (Palbociclib or Ribociclib) and reporting at least one comparative survival outcome, either overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS), between concomitant PPI users and non-users. Eight studies met the eligibility criteria, with a total of 2584 patients included (PPI users: 830, PPI non-users: 1754), demonstrating that concomitant PPI use was associated with significantly higher risks of all-cause mortality (HR = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.49 to 2.77; I2 = 0%) and disease progression (HR = 1.75; 95% CI, 1.26 to 2.43; I2 = 59%) in breast cancer patients taking Palbociclib. In contrast, there were no significant survival impacts of PPIs on Ribociclib (HR = 1.46; 95% CI, 0.91 to 2.34; I2 = 36%). Additionally, there was no significant difference in the risk associated with CDKI dose reduction due to drug toxicity (RR = 1.12; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.29). Therefore, when HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer patients require the use of PPIs, it may be reasonable to consider using Ribociclib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molar–incisor pattern periodontitis (MIPP) is a severe form of periodontal disease characterized by rapid attachment loss and bone destruction affecting the molars and incisors. Formerly referred to as aggressive periodontitis, the terminology for this condition was revised after the 2017 workshop on the classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions. Despite the modification in nomenclature, the treatment strategies for MIPP remain a critical area of investigation. The core principles of MIPP treatment involve controlling local and systemic risk factors, managing inflammation, and arresting disease progression. Traditional non-surgical periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing, is commonly employed as an initial step together with the prescription of antibiotics. Surgical intervention may be necessary to address the severe attachment loss. Surgical techniques like resective and regenerative procedures can aid in achieving periodontal health and improving esthetic outcomes. This review article aims to provide an overview of the current understanding and advancements in the treatment modalities of MIPP. Through an extensive analysis of the existing literature, we discuss various modern therapeutic approaches that have been explored for managing this challenging periodontal condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the development of CBCT has been utilized in dentistry, the images of the CBCT can assist the surgeon to evaluate the anatomy carefully. Despite the value of radiology evaluation, implant procedures may require additional consideration rather than only evaluating the anatomical factors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the predictability of using CBCT alone to plan for implant placement in edentulous patients digitally. CBCT images were analyzed by clinicians, measuring the maxillary and mandibular ridge heights and widths digitally of four predetermined implant sites in the maxillary and two selected implant sites in the mandibular arches of 91 patients planning for implant-supported overdenture. A total of 47 patients out of the 91 had completed implant placement on the edentulous ridge, contributing to 55 upper and/or lower arches (136 dental implants). Both predictabilities are low, implying that CBCT planning for implant placement on the edentulous ridge is not a good index and is insufficient to predict the surgical procedures as a solo method. The findings of this study indicate that digital planning by CBCT is insufficient to serve as an individual tool to predict implant procedures. Further information and evaluation must be considered for implant placement in the edentulous ridge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The g-C3N4@ZnIn2S4 heterostructures were successfully synthesized through a combination of thermal annealing and hydrothermal methods. To enhance the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance and explore the interface between charge carriers, heterostructures of g-C3N4@ZnIn2S4 were fabricated using varying weights of g-C3N4 nanostructures under visible light irradiation. Remarkably, the photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency of g-C3N4@ZnIn2S4 heterostructures with 0.01 g g-C3N4 nanostructures was significantly improved, showing approximately 228.6 and 2.58 times higher than that of g-C3N4 nanostructures and ZnIn2S4 nanostructures, respectively. This enhancement in photocatalytic performance is attributed to the effective utilization of visible light and the efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs facilitated by the heterojunction structures. Moreover, the reusability test validated the outstanding performance of g-C3N4@ZnIn2S4 heterostructures, as they maintained high photocatalytic hydrogen production even after undergoing eight cycles without any noticeable decrease in efficiency. This study offers a promising strategy for designing and synthesizing an environmentally friendly g-C3N4@ZnIn2S4 heterojunction with potential applications in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a facile and rapid microwave-assisted synthesis method was used to synthesize In2S3 nanosheets, ZnS nanosheets, and ZnIn2S4 nanosheets with sulfur vacancies. The two-dimensional semiconductor photocatalysts of ZnIn2S4 nanosheets were characterized by XRD, FESEM, BET, TEM, XPS, UV–vis diffuse reflectance, and PL spectroscopy. The ZnIn2S4 with sulfur vacancies exhibited an evident energy bandgap value of 2.82 eV, as determined by UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and its energy band diagram was obtained through the combination of XPS and energy bandgap values. ZnIn2S4 nanosheets exhibited about 33.3 and 16.6 times higher photocatalytic hydrogen production than In2S3 nanosheets and ZnS nanosheets, respectively, under visible-light irradiation. Various factors, including materials, sacrificial reagents, and pH values, were used to evaluate the influence of ZnIn2S4 nanosheets on photocatalytic hydrogen production. In addition, the ZnIn2S4 nanosheets revealed the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production from seawater, which was about 209.4 and 106.7 times higher than that of In2S3 nanosheets and ZnS nanosheets, respectively. The presence of sulfur vacancies in ZnIn2S4 nanosheets offers promising opportunities for developing highly efficient and stable photocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production from seawater under visible-light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have demonstrated a two-step wet chemical approach for synthesizing ternary Ag/Ag2S/CdS heterostructures for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The CdS precursor concentrations and reaction temperatures are crucial in determining the efficiency of photocatalytic water splitting under visible light excitation. In addition, the effect of operational parameters (such as the pH value, sacrificial reagents, reusability, water bases, and light sources) on the photocatalytic hydrogen production of Ag/Ag2S/CdS heterostructures was investigated. As a result, Ag/Ag2S/CdS heterostructures exhibited a 3.1-fold enhancement in photocatalytic activities compared to bare CdS nanoparticles. Furthermore, the combination of Ag, Ag2S, and CdS can significantly enhance light absorption and facilitate the separation and transport of photogenerated carriers through the surface plasma resonance (SPR) effect. Furthermore, the Ag/Ag2S/CdS heterostructures in seawater exhibited a pH value approximately 2.09 times higher than in de-ionized water without an adjusted pH value under visible light excitation. The ternary Ag/Ag2S/CdS heterostructures provide new potential for designing efficient and stable photocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4), W-doped BiVO4 (BiVO4:W), and Mo-doped BiVO4 (BiVO4:Mo) nanoparticles were synthesized at pH = 4 using a green hydrothermal method. The effects of 2 at% W or Mo doping on the microstructural and optical characteristics of as-prepared BiVO4 nanoparticles and the effect of combining particle morphology modification and impurity dopant incorporation on the visible-light-derived photocatalytic degradation of dilute Rhodamine B (RhB) solution are studied. XRD examination revealed that these obtained BiVO4-based nanoparticles had a highly crystalline and single monoclinic phase. SEM and TEM observations showed that impurity doping could modify the surface morphology, change the particle shape, and reduce the particle diameter to enlarge their specific surface area, increasing the reactive sites of the photocatalytic process. XPS and FL measurements indicated that W- and Mo-doped nanoparticles possessed higher concentrations of oxygen vacancies, which could promote the n-type semiconductor property. It was found that the BiVO4:W and BiVO4:Mo powder samples exhibited better photocatalytic activity for efficient RhB removal than that shown by pristine BiVO4 powder samples under visible light illumination. That feature can be ascribed to the larger surface area and improved concentration of photogenerated charge carriers of the former. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Au@CdS nanocomposites have been synthesized using a combination of wet chemical and hydrothermal approaches at lower reaction temperatures. The concentrations of CdS precursors and reaction temperature can be essential in influencing photocatalytic water splitting under blue-LED light excitation. The optimized Au@CdS nanocomposites (5 mM CdS precursors and 100 °C) exhibited the highest hydrogen evolution rate of 1.041 mmolh−1 g−1, which is 175.3 times higher than CdS nanoparticles for de-ionized water under blue-LED light excitation. This result is ascribed to separate photogenerated charge carriers and increased light absorption by the Au core. The Au@CdS nanocomposites (1.204 mmolh−1 g−1) revealed significant applications in photocatalytic tap water splitting under blue-LED light excitation, which is 512.3 times higher than CdS nanoparticles. In addition, reusability experiments demonstrate that Au@CdS nanocomposites exhibit excellent stability for the long-term photocatalytic tap water splitting process. Furthermore, this research shows that Au nanoparticles decorated with CdS shells effectively achieve high-efficiency conversion from light to hydrogen energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most commonly used gastric acid suppressants in cancer patients. However, long-term use of PPIs can cause dysbiosis effects disrupting gut microbiota with subsequent impairment of the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Our study demonstrates that, in advanced non-small cell lung cancer and urothelial carcinoma, patients receiving ICIs with concomitant PPIs are associated with poorer survival outcomes, when compared not only with those without PPIs but also with patients treated with chemotherapy, implying that PPIs could compromise the effectiveness of ICIs, causing them to be less effective than chemotherapy. As a result, we suggest that clinicians should avoid unnecessary PPI prescription in these patients. Conversely, there is little survival association with PPI in patients with melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the neck and head. Nevertheless, future high quality prospective studies including more cancer types are warranted. (1) Although emerging evidence suggests that proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-induced dysbiosis negatively alters treatment response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer patients, no study systematically investigates the association between PPIs, ICIs, and chemotherapy; (2) Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, and PubMed were searched from inception to 20 May 2022, to identify relevant studies involving patients receiving ICIs or chemotherapy and reporting survival outcome between PPI users and non-users. Survival outcomes included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Network meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. p-scores, with a value between 0 and 1, were calculated to quantify the treatment ranking, with a higher score suggesting a higher probability of greater effectiveness. We also conducted pairwise meta-analyses of observational studies to complement our network meta-analysis; (3) We identified 62 studies involving 26,484 patients (PPI = 8834; non-PPI = 17,650), including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), urothelial carcinoma (UC), melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the neck and head. Eight post-hoc analyses from 18 randomized–controlled trials were included in our network, which demonstrated that, in advanced NSCLC and UC, patients under ICI treatment with concomitant PPI (p-score: 0.2016) are associated with both poorer OS (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.37 to 1.67) and poorer PFS (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.25 to 1.61) than those without PPIs (p-score: 1.000). Patients under ICI treatment with concomitant PPI also had poorer OS (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.31) and poorer PFS (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.48) in comparison with those receiving chemotherapy (p-score: 0.6664), implying that PPIs may compromise ICI's effectiveness, making it less effective than chemotherapy. Our pairwise meta-analyses also supported this association. Conversely, PPI has little effect on patients with advanced melanoma, RCC, HCC, and SCC of the neck and head who were treated with ICIs; (4) "PPI-induced dysbiosis" serves as a significant modifier of treatment response in both advanced NSCLC and UC that are treated with ICIs, compromising the effectiveness of ICIs to be less than that of chemotherapy. Thus, clinicians should avoid unnecessary PPI prescription in these patients. "PPI-induced dysbiosis", on the other hand, does not alter the treatment response to ICIs in advanced melanoma, RCC, HCC, and SCC of the head and neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertically aligned ZnO: Ga nanotowers can be directly synthesized on a glass substrate with a ZnO seed film via the chemical bath method. A novel heterostructure of ZnO: Ga@ITO@Ag nanotowers was subsequently deposited in the ITO layer and Ag nanoparticles via the facile two-step ion-sputtering processes on the ZnO: Ga nanotowers. The appropriate ion-sputtering times of the ITO layer and Ag nanoparticles can benefit the fabrication of ZnO: Ga@ITO@Ag nanotowers with higher surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement in detecting rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules. Compared with ZnO: Ga@Ag nanotowers, ZnO: Ga@ITO@Ag nanotowers exhibited a high SERS enhancement factor of 2.25 × 108 and a lower detection limit (10−14 M) for detecting R6G molecules. In addition, the ITO layer used as an intermediate layer between ZnO: Ga nanotowers and Ag nanoparticles can improve SERS enhancement, sensitivity, uniformity, reusability, detection limit, and stability for detecting amoxicillin molecules. This phenomenon shall be ascribed to the ITO layer exhibiting a synergistic Raman enhancement effect through interfacial charge transfer for enhancing SERS activity. As a result, ZnO: Ga@ITO@Ag nanotowers can construct a three-dimensional SERS substrate for potential applications in environmentally friendly and cost-effective chemical or drug detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO nanowires and nanowalls can be fabricated on the glass substrate with a ZnO seed film and low-cost aluminum (Al) foil by the aqueous solution method (ASM), respectively. The different concentrations of ZnO precursors can use to control the densities of ZnO nanowalls. In addition, FESEM, FETEM, EDS, XRD, XPS, and CL were used to evaluate the characteristics of ZnO nanowalls. The ZnO nanowalls exhibited higher photocatalytic efficiency (99.4%) than that of ZnO nanowires (53.3%) for methylene blue (MB) degradation under UVC light irradiation at the ZnO precursors of 50 mM. This result is attributed to ZnO nanowalls with Al-doped, which can improve the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs for enhanced photocatalytic activity. In addition, ZnO nanowalls can also reveal higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of tetracycline capsules (TC) rather than commercial ZnO nanopowder under UVC light irradiation. The superoxide and hydroxyl radicals play essential roles in the degradation of MB and TC solutions by the radical-trapping experiment. Furthermore, the ZnO nanowalls exhibit excellent recycling and reuse capacity for up to four cycles for the degradation of MB and TC. This study highlights the potential use of ZnO nanowalls directly grown on commercial and low-cost Al foil as noble metal-free photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical-aligned CuO nanowires have been directly fabricated on Cu foil through a facile thermal oxidation process by a hotplate at 550 °C for 6 h under ambient conditions. The intermediate layer of resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles can be sequentially deposited on Cu nanowires to form CuO@RF@Ag core-shell nanowires by a two-step wet chemical approach. The appropriate resorcinol weight and silver nitrate concentration can be favorable to grow the CuO@RF@Ag nanowires with higher surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement for detecting rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules. Compared with CuO@Ag nanowires grown by ion sputtering, CuO@RF@Ag nanowires exhibited a higher SERS enhancement factor of 5.33 × 108 and a lower detection limit (10−12 M) for detecting R6G molecules. This result is ascribed to the CuO@RF@Ag nanowires with higher-density hot spots and surface-active sites for enhanced high SERS enhancement, good reproducibility, and uniformity. Furthermore, the CuO@RF@Ag nanowires can also reveal a high-sensitivity SERS-active substrate for detecting amoxicillin (10−10 M) and 5-fluorouracil (10−7 M). CuO@RF@Ag nanowires exhibit a simple fabrication process, high SERS sensitivity, high reproducibility, high uniformity, and low detection limit, which are helpful for the practical application of SERS in different fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modelling of trust values on agents is broadly considered fundamental for decision-making in human-autonomous teaming (HAT) systems. Compared to the evaluation of trust values for robotic agents, estimating human trust is more challenging due to trust miscalibration issues, including undertrust and overtrust problems. From a subjective perception, human trust could be altered along with dynamic human cognitive states, which makes trust values hard to calibrate properly. Thus, in an attempt to capture the dynamics of human trust, the present study evaluated the dynamic nature of trust for human agents through real-time multievidence measures, including human states of attention, stress and perception abilities. The proposed multievidence human trust model applied an adaptive fusion method based on fuzzy reinforcement learning to fuse multievidence from eye trackers, heart rate monitors and human awareness. In addition, fuzzy reinforcement learning was applied to generate rewards via a fuzzy logic inference process that has tolerance for uncertainty in human physiological signals. The results of robot simulation suggest that the proposed trust model can generate reliable human trust values based on real-time cognitive states in the process of ongoing tasks. Moreover, the human-autonomous team with the proposed trust model improved the system efficiency by over 50 % compared to the team with only autonomous agents. These results may demonstrate that the proposed model could provide insight into the real-time adaptation of HAT systems based on human states and, thus, might help develop new ways to enhance future HAT systems better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used a rapid and simple microwave-assisted synthesis method to grow ZnO nanoneedle arrays on the silicon substrate with the ZnO seed layer. The effects of reaction temperature and time on the lengths of ZnO nanoneedle arrays were investigated. The appropriate temperature programming step can grow the longer ZnO nanoneedle arrays at the same reaction time (25 min), which is 2.08 times higher than without the temperature programming step. The geometry of the ZnO nanoneedle arrays features a gradual decrease from the Si substrate to the surface, which provides an excellent progressive refractive index between Si and air, resulting in excellent antireflection properties over an extensive wavelength range. In addition, the ZnO nanoneedle arrays exhibit a suitable structure for uniform deposition of Ag nanoparticles, which can provide three-dimensional hot spots and surface active sites, resulting in higher surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement, high uniformity, high reusability, and low detection limit for R6G molecule. The ZnO/Ag nanoneedle arrays can also reveal a superior SERS-active substrate detecting amoxicillin (10−8 M). These results are promising for applying the SERS technique for rapid low-concentration determination in different fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we described the synthesis and characterization of the ternary Cu2O/CuS/ZnS nanocomposite using a facile two-step wet chemical method for blue LED-light-induced photocatalytic hydrogen production. The concentrations of the ZnS precursor and reaction time were essential in controlling the photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency of the Cu2O/CuS/ZnS nanocomposite under blue LED light irradiation. The optimized Cu2O/CuS/ZnS nanocomposite exhibited a maximum photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 1109 µmolh−1g−1, which was remarkably higher than Cu2O nanostructures. Through the cycle stability it can be observed that the hydrogen production rate of the Cu2O/CuS/ZnS nanocomposite decreased after 4 cycles (1 cycle = 3 h), but it remained at 82.2% of the initial performance under blue LED light irradiation. These reasons are mainly attributed to the introduction of CuS and ZnS to construct a rationally coupled reaction system, which enables the synergistic utilization of photogenerated carriers and the increased absorption of visible light for boosting blue LED-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monitoring of droughts is practically important yet challenging due to the complexity of the phenomena. The occurrence of drought involves changes in meteorological conditions, vegetation coverage and soil moisture. To advance the techniques for detecting and monitoring droughts, this study explores the usage of a suite of vegetation and water indices derived from high-resolution images produced by geostationary satellite Himawari-8. The technique is tested on the detection of the drought event in Spring 2021 across Taiwan due to deficit of precipitation in that season. It is found that the time series analysis of green chlorophyll index (CIgreen) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) helps detect the initiation of drought before its severity intensifies. The vegetation condition index (VCI) and vegetation health index (VHI) derived from GIgreen and NDVI are similarly useful for the early warning of a drought event. In addition to vegetation indices, the normalized difference water index (NDWI) is adopted for quantifying the deficit in precipitation. It is found that NDWI provides a better early warning system of drought compared to the vegetation indices. Combining the vegetation and water indices allows a more complete description of the evolution of drought for the Spring 2021 event. The potential for using the new framework for the early warning of future drought events is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodetectors are widely applied in modern industrial fields because they convert light energy into electrical signals. We propose a printable silver (Ag) paste electrode for a highly flexible metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) broadband visible light photodetector as a wearable and portable device. Single-crystal and surface-textured silicon substrates with thicknesses of 37.21 μm were fabricated using a wet etching process. Surface texturization on flexible Si substrates enhances the light-trapping effect and minimizes reflectance from the incident light, and the average reflectance is reduced by 16.3% with pyramid-like structures. In this study, semitransparent, conductive Ag paste electrodes were manufactured using a screen-printing with liquid-phase process to form a flexible MSM broadband visible light photodetector. The transmittance of the homemade Ag paste solution fell between 34.83% and 36.98% in the wavelength range of visible light, from 400 nm to 800 nm. The highest visible light photosensitivity was 1.75 × 104 at 19.5 W/m2. The photocurrents of the flexible MSM broadband visible light photodetector were slightly changed under concave and convex conditions, displaying stable and durable bending properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite remote sensing sea surface temperature (SST) data are lost due to cloud cover. Missing data often cause inconvenience in subsequent applications and thus need to be reconstructed. In this study, the Data Interpolating Empirical Orthogonal Function (DINEOF) method was used to reconstruct the hourly SST data missing from the Himawari-8 satellite in the waters near Taiwan. The SST characteristics in the waters around Taiwan are quite complex, with high SST at Kuroshio in the east of Taiwan and great variation in the SST west of Taiwan due to the influence of tides. Therefore, the analysis with DINEOF was conducted using 25-h data to match the tidal cycle. The influence of SST characteristics on the accuracy of SST reconstruction is also discussed. The results show that in the western sea area where the variation of SST is large, the average root-mean-square error of SST between the original SST and the reconstructed SST is the lowest and the average coefficient of determination is the highest. The accuracy of the reconstructed SST is positively correlated with the SST variation. Furthermore, the statistical results also show that the DINEOF method can effectively reconstruct the SST regardless of the missing data rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For restorations on teeth involving invasion of the supracrestal tissue attachment (biological width), as well as for lack of ferrule effect, crown lengthening is required for long-term periodontal health and success of the restoration. In the same fashion, site development is often necessary prior to implant placement in order to provide optimal peri-implant soft and hard tissue architecture conducive to future esthetics and function. Orthodontic extrusion, also known as forced eruption, has been developed and employed clinically to serve the purposes of increasing the clinical crown length, correcting the periodontal defect, and developing the implant site. In order to provide comprehensive guidance on the clinical usage of this technique and maximize the outcome for patients who receive the dental restoration, the currently available literatures were summarized and discussed in the current review. Compared to traditional crown lengthening surgery, forced eruption holds advantages of preserving supporting bone, providing improved esthetics, limiting the involvement of adjacent teeth, and decreasing the negative impact on crown-to-root ratio compared to the traditional resective approach. As a non-invasive and natural technique capable of increasing the available volume of bone and soft tissue, forced eruption is also an attractive and promising option for implant site development. Both fixed and removable appliances can be used to achieve the desired extrusion, but patient compliance is a primary limiting factor for the utilization of removable appliances. In summary, forced eruption is a valuable treatment adjunct for patients requiring crown lengthening or implant restorations. Nonetheless, comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning are required for appropriate case selection based upon the known indications and contraindications for each purpose; major contraindications include inflammation, ankylosis, hypercementosis, vertical root fracture, and root proximity. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the long-term stability of orthodontically extruded teeth and the supporting bone and soft tissue that followed them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we fabricated Er-doped ZnO/CuS/Au core-shell nanowires using two-step wet chemical methods and an ion-sputtering method on a glass substrate as a bifunctional photocatalytic and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. The characteristic properties of as-prepared photocatalysts were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, DR/UV-Vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Compared with Er-doped ZnO nanowires and Er-doped ZnO/CuS core-shell nanowires, Er-doped ZnO/CuS/Au core-shell nanowires exhibited remarkably photocatalytic activity to degrade acid orange 7 solutions under blue LED light. These results ascribed to the Er-doped ZnO/CuS/Au core-shell nanowires can enhance the visible-light absorbance and the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, inducing their higher photocatalytic activity under blue LED light. In addition, Er-doped ZnO/CuS/Au core-shell nanowires exhibit high sensitivity, a low detection limit (10−6 M), uniformity, recyclability, and stability of SERS performance for detected acid orange 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implant surface design has evolved to meet oral rehabilitation challenges in both healthy and compromised bone. For example, to conquer the most common dental implant-related complications, peri-implantitis, and subsequent implant loss, implant surfaces have been modified to introduce desired properties to a dental implant and thus increase the implant success rate and expand their indications. Until now, a diversity of implant surface modifications, including different physical, chemical, and biological techniques, have been applied to a broad range of materials, such as titanium, zirconia, and polyether ether ketone, to achieve these goals. Ideal modifications enhance the interaction between the implant's surface and its surrounding bone which will facilitate osseointegration while minimizing the bacterial colonization to reduce the risk of biofilm formation. This review article aims to comprehensively discuss currently available implant surface modifications commonly used in implantology in terms of their impact on osseointegration and biofilm formation, which is critical for clinicians to choose the most suitable materials to improve the success and survival of implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerium dioxide (CeO2, ceria), a promising and abundant catalytic material with high-efficiency, nontoxicity, photochemical stability, and affordability, can be used as a photocatalyst to photocatalytically degrade organics and split water for hydrogen production under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (about 5% of solar energy). However, the applications of the CeO2 photocatalyst are limited due to low photocatalytic efficiency under sunlight irradiation. In this study, a nanosized CeO2 powder was prepared by the precipitation method. Subsequently, various amounts of polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles were deposited onto the surface of the CeO2 nanoparticles to form a heterostructure by the polymerization method. The crystal structure, morphology, surface and optical properties of the CeO2/PANI nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL). Experimental results demonstrated that PANI deposition improved the light absorption of CeO2 nanoparticles in the visible light region. The heterostructured CeO2/PANI nanoparticle with 4 wt % PANI deposition exhibited optimal photocatalytic activities with a hydrogen production rate of 462 μmolg−1 within 6 h and a methyl orange (MO) degradation rate of 45% within 4 h under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic mechanisms of the composite powder are also proposed in this report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Detecting and enumerating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with colorectal cancer emerged as an important prognostic tool which provides a direct estimate of metastatic potential. Improving the turnaround time and decreasing sample volume is critical for incorporating this liquid biopsy tool into routine practice. The objective of the current study was to validate the clinical feasibility of a self-assembled cell array (SACA) chip, a CTC counting platform with less than 4 h turnaround time, in patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancers. In total, 179 patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancers from a single institute were enrolled. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule positive (EpCAM(+)), cluster of differentiation 45 negative (CD45(−)) cells were isolated and enumerated from 2 mL of peripheral vein blood (PB) and inferior mesenteric vein blood (IMV) samples obtained during surgery. We found that the CTC count in PB but not IMV correlates with disease stages. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not lead to decreased CTC count in both types of blood samples. With cutoffs of four CTCs per 2 mL of blood, and serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level of 5 ng/mL, patients with non-metastatic disease were more likely to experience recurrence if they had high PB CTC count and high serum CEA concentration (odds ratio, 8.9). Our study demonstrates the feasibility of enumerating CTCs with a SACA chip in patients with colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polyaniline (PANI)/tin oxide (SnO2) composite for a CO sensor was fabricated using a composite film composed of SnO2 nanoparticles and PANI deposition in the present study. Tin oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The SnO2 nanoparticles provided a high surface area to significantly enhance the response to the change in CO concentration at low operating temperature (<75 °C). The excellent sensor response was mainly attributed to the relatively good properties of PANI in the redox reaction during sensing, which produced a great resistance difference between the air and CO gas at low operating temperature. Therefore, the combination of n-type SnO2 nanoparticles with a high surface area and a thick film of conductive PANI is an effective strategy to design a high-performance CO gas sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-step procedure was effectively employed to synthesize innovative three-dimensional (3D) heterostructures encompassing sodium titanate (Na 2 Ti 3 O 7 ) nanowire cores, an intermediate resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) layer, and outer silver (Ag) nanoparticle sheaths, referred to as Na 2 Ti 3 O 7 @RF@Ag heterostructures. Initially, a one-step hydrothermal technique facilitated the direct growth of single-crystal Na 2 Ti 3 O 7 nanowires onto a flexible Ti foil. Subsequently, a two-step wet chemical process facilitated the sequential deposition of an RF layer and Ag nanoparticles onto the Na 2 Ti 3 O 7 nanowires at a low reaction temperature. Optimal concentrations of silver nitrate and L-ascorbic acid can lead to the cultivation of Na 2 Ti 3 O 7 @RF@Ag heterostructures exhibiting heightened surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), which is particularly beneficial for the detection of rhodamine B (RhB) molecules. This phenomenon can be ascribed to the distinctive geometry of the Na 2 Ti 3 O 7 @RF@Ag heterostructures, which offer an increased number of hot spots and surface-active sites, thereby showcasing notable SERS enhancement, commendable reproducibility, and enduring stability over the long term. Furthermore, the Na 2 Ti 3 O 7 @RF@Ag heterostructures demonstrate remarkable follow-up as first-order chemical kinetic and recyclable photocatalysts for the photodecomposition of an RhB solution under UV light irradiation. This result can be attributed to the enhanced inhibition of electron-hole pair recombination and increased surface-active sites.

(1) Although emerging evidence suggests that proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-induced dysbiosis negatively alters treatment response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer patients, no study systematically investigates the association between PPIs, ICIs, and chemotherapy; (2) Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, and PubMed were searched from inception to 20 May 2022, to identify relevant studies involving patients receiving ICIs or chemotherapy and reporting survival outcome between PPI users and non-users. Survival outcomes included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Network meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. p -scores, with a value between 0 and 1, were calculated to quantify the treatment ranking, with a higher score suggesting a higher probability of greater effectiveness. We also conducted pairwise meta-analyses of observational studies to complement our network meta-analysis; (3) We identified 62 studies involving 26,484 patients (PPI = 8834; non-PPI = 17,650), including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), urothelial carcinoma (UC), melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the neck and head. Eight post-hoc analyses from 18 randomized-controlled trials were included in our network, which demonstrated that, in advanced NSCLC and UC, patients under ICI treatment with concomitant PPI ( p -score: 0.2016) are associated with both poorer OS (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.37 to 1.67) and poorer PFS (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.25 to 1.61) than those without PPIs ( p -score: 1.000). Patients under ICI treatment with concomitant PPI also had poorer OS (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.31) and poorer PFS (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.48) in comparison with those receiving chemotherapy ( p -score: 0.6664), implying that PPIs may compromise ICI's effectiveness, making it less effective than chemotherapy. Our pairwise meta-analyses also supported this association. Conversely, PPI has little effect on patients with advanced melanoma, RCC, HCC, and SCC of the neck and head who were treated with ICIs; (4) "PPI-induced dysbiosis" serves as a significant modifier of treatment response in both advanced NSCLC and UC that are treated with ICIs, compromising the effectiveness of ICIs to be less than that of chemotherapy. Thus, clinicians should avoid unnecessary PPI prescription in these patients. "PPI-induced dysbiosis", on the other hand, does not alter the treatment response to ICIs in advanced melanoma, RCC, HCC, and SCC of the head and neck.

Antioxidant components, ascorbic acid, total flavonoids and total phenols are produced effectively by Armillaria mellea submerged cultures. Dried mycelia and mycelia-free broths obtained by A. mellea submerged cultures are extracted with methanol and hot water and investigated for antioxidant properties. Methanolic extracts from dried mycelia (MEM) and mycelia-free broth (MEB) and hot water extracts from dried mycelia (HWEM) by A. mellea submerged cultures show good antioxidant properties as evidenced by low EC(50) values (<10 mg/mL). Total flavonoid is mainly found in hot water extracts; however, total phenol is rich in methanol and hot water extracts from mycelia. Ascorbic acid and total phenol contents are well correlated with the reducing power and the scavenging effect on superoxide anions. Total flavonoid content is dependent on the antioxidant activity and the chelating effect on ferrous ions. Total antioxidant component contents are closely related to the antioxidant activity and the scavenging superoxide anion ability. Results confirm that extracts with good antioxidant properties from fermenting products by A. mellea are potential good substitutes for synthetic antioxidants and can be applied to antioxidant-related functional food and pharmaceutical industries.