| 1. |
- Beal, Jacob, et al.
(author)
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Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density
- 2020
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In: Communications Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2399-3642. ; 3:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data.
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| 2. |
- Deng, Min, et al.
(author)
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Genome-wide association analyses in Han Chinese identify two new susceptibility loci for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- 2013
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 45:6, s. 697-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To identify susceptibility genes for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 506 individuals with sporadic ALS and 1,859 controls of Han Chinese ancestry. Ninety top SNPs suggested by the current GWAS and 6 SNPs identified by previous GWAS were analyzed in an independent cohort of 706 individuals with ALS and 1,777 controls of Han Chinese ancestry. We discovered two new susceptibility loci for ALS at 1q32 (CAMK1G, rs6703183, P-combined = 2.92 x 10(-8), odds ratio (OR) = 1.31) and 22p11 (CABIN1 and SUSD2, rs8141797, P-combined = 2.35 x 10(-9), OR = 1.52). These two loci explain 12.48% of the overall variance in disease risk in the Han Chinese population. We found no association evidence for the previously reported loci in the Han Chinese population, suggesting genetic heterogeneity of disease susceptibility for ALS between ancestry groups. Our study identifies two new susceptibility loci and suggests new pathogenic mechanisms of ALS.
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| 3. |
- Flood, Victoria A., et al.
(author)
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Evaluating modelled tropospheric columns of CH4, CO, and O3 in the Arctic using ground-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements
- 2024
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In: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. - 1680-7316 .- 1680-7324. ; 24:2, s. 1079-1118
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study evaluates tropospheric columns of methane, carbon monoxide, and ozone in the Arctic simulated by 11 models. The Arctic is warming at nearly 4 times the global average rate, and with changing emissions in and near the region, it is important to understand Arctic atmospheric composition and how it is changing. Both measurements and modelling of air pollution in the Arctic are difficult, making model validation with local measurements valuable. Evaluations are performed using data from five high-latitude ground-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers in the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC). The models were selected as part of the 2021 Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) report on short-lived climate forcers. This work augments the model-measurement comparisons presented in that report by including a new data source: column-integrated FTIR measurements, whose spatial and temporal footprint is more representative of the free troposphere than in situ and satellite measurements. Mixing ratios of trace gases are modelled at 3-hourly intervals by CESM, CMAM, DEHM, EMEP MSC-W, GEM-MACH, GEOS-Chem, MATCH, MATCH-SALSA, MRI-ESM2, UKESM1, and WRF-Chem for the years 2008, 2009, 2014, and 2015. The comparisons focus on the troposphere (0-7km partial columns) at Eureka, Canada; Thule, Greenland; Ny Ålesund, Norway; Kiruna, Sweden; and Harestua, Norway. Overall, the models are biased low in the tropospheric column, on average by -9.7% for CH4, -21% for CO, and -18% for O3. Results for CH4 are relatively consistent across the 4 years, whereas CO has a maximum negative bias in the spring and minimum in the summer and O3 has a maximum difference centered around the summer. The average differences for the models are within the FTIR uncertainties for approximately 15% of the model-location comparisons.
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| 4. |
- Geng, Huifang, et al.
(author)
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Controlled synthesis of highly stable lead-free bismuth halide perovskite nanocrystals : tructures and photophysics
- 2023
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In: SCIENCE CHINA Materials. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2095-8226 .- 2199-4501. ; 66:5, s. 2079-2089
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recently, cesium bismuth halide perovskites have emerged as potential substitutes to their counterparts, cesium lead halide perovskites, owing to their low toxicity. However, the photophysics of cesium-bismuth halides nanocrystals (NCs) have not yet been fully rationalized because their structures remain highly debated. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption along with other photophysical properties such as the nature and lifetime of the excited states vary considerably across the previous reports. Here, we successfully synthesize pure Cs3BiBr6 and Cs3Bi2Br9 NCs via a modified hot-injection method, where the structure can be easily controlled by tuning the reaction temperature. The UV-vis absorption spectrum of the pure Cs3Bi2Br9 NCs features two characteristic peaks originating from the absorption of the first exciton and second exciton, respectively, which ultimately clarifies the debate in the previous reports. Using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, we systematically investigate the excited state dynamics of the Cs3Bi2Br9 NCs and reveal that the photoexcited carriers undergo a self-trapping process within 3 ps after excitation. More intriguingly, the Cs3Bi2Br9 NCs prepared by this method show much better photostability than those prepared by the ligand-assisted reprecipitation process. Photodetectors based on these Cs3Bi2Br9 NCs show a sensitive light response, demonstrating the definite potential for breakthrough optoelectronic applications. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].
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| 5. |
- Jin, Binghan, et al.
(author)
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Abdominal Adiposity and Total Body Fat as Predictors of Cardiometabolic Health in Children and Adolescents With Obesity
- 2020
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In: Frontiers in Endocrinology. - : FRONTIERS MEDIA SA. - 1664-2392. ; 11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective:We aimed to assess the role of adipose tissue distribution in cardiometabolic risk (in particular insulin sensitivity) in a population of children and adolescents with obesity. Methods:In this cross-sectional study, participants were 479 children and adolescents with obesity (322 boys and 157 girls) aged 3 to 18 years attending the Children's Hospital at Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, China). Clinical assessments included anthropometry, body composition (DXA scans), carotid artery ultrasounds, and OGTT. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using the Matsuda index. Participants were stratified into groups by sex and pubertal stage. Key predictors were DXA-derived android-to-gynoid-fat ratio (A/G) and total body fat percentage (TBF%). Results:Irrespective of sex and pubertal stage, there was a strong association between increasing A/G (i.e., greater abdominal adiposity) and lower insulin sensitivity. In multivariable models, every 0.1 increase in A/G was associated with a reduction in insulin sensitivity in prepubertal boys [-29% (95% CI -36%, -20%);p< 0.0001], pubertal boys [-13% (95% CI -21%, -6%);p= 0.001], and pubertal girls [-16% (95% CI -24%, -6%);p= 0.002]. In contrast, TBF% was not associated with insulin sensitivity when A/G was adjusted for, irrespective of pubertal stage or sex. In addition, every 0.1 increase in A/G was associated with increased likelihood of dyslipidemia in prepubertal boys [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.62 (95% CI 1.05, 2.49)], impaired glucose tolerance in pubertal boys [aOR 1.64 (95% CI 1.07, 2.51)] and pubertal girls [aOR 1.81 (95% CI 1.10, 2.98)], and odds of NAFLD in both prepubertal [aOR 2.57 (95% CI 1.56, 4.21)] and pubertal [aOR 1.69 (95% CI 1.18, 2.40)] boys. In contrast, higher TBF% was only associated with higher fasting insulin and ALT in pubertal boys, being also predictive of NAFLD in this group [aOR 1.15 per percentage point (95% CI 1.06, 1.26)], but was not associated with the likelihood of other cardiometabolic outcomes assessed in any group. Conclusions:A/G is a much stronger independent predictor of cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents with obesity in China, particularly glucose metabolism.
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| 6. |
- Liang, Yue, et al.
(author)
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Late Ordovician lingulid brachiopods from the Pingliang Formation (Shaanxi Province, North China) : Morphological and ecological implications
- 2024
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In: Journal of Asian Earth Sciences. - : Elsevier. - 1367-9120 .- 1878-5786. ; 263
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Brachiopods first appeared in the early Cambrian and persist till present. They are one of the main lineages of marine invertebrates that diversified throughout the Paleozoic and reached their maximum diversity of high-rank taxonomy during the Ordovician. During this time interval, brachiopods were mainly dominated by the articulated Orthida and Strophomenida, which represent major components of the Paleozoic Evolutionary Fauna; however, the inarticulated lingulid brachiopods (Order Lingulida) were comparatively less abundant and received less attention during this time period. Here, we report a new record of the lingulid brachiopod Anomaloglossa porca from the Upper Ordovician (Sandbian) Pingliang Formation of the Xilinggou Section, Shaanxi Province, North China. Collected specimens are preserved as calcium phosphatic shells with highly mineralization which preserve detailed morphology and shell ornamentation of both ventral and dorsal valves. The new occurrence of A. porca extends its paleogeographic distribution from Gondwana and Tarim to North China Platform. Moreover, comprehensive geometric morphometric analysis of A. porca is performed and the results indicate that both the shell shape and pseudointerarea are very close to the recent infaunal lingulids. If interpreted correctly, the fossils represent the first example of infaunal lifestyles achieved by Ordovician lingulids from North China, exhibiting the ecological complexities of the Late Ordovician benthos composed of epibenthos and infaunas as well.
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| 7. |
- Liu, Xiaomei, et al.
(author)
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Cognitive Benefit of a Multidomain Intervention for Older Adults at Risk of Cognitive Decline : A Cluster- Randomized Controlled Trial
- 2023
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In: The American journal of geriatric psychiatry. - : Elsevier BV. - 1064-7481 .- 1545-7214. ; 31:3, s. 197-209
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: We sought to assess cognitive benefits of a community-based multi -domain intervention for improving cognition among older adults at risk of cog-nitive decline (COMBAT). Design: A two-armed cluster-randomized controlled trial. Setting and Participants: Community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older and were at risk of cognitive decline (n = 209). Intervention: In this 9-month intervention study, 10 community hospitals in Beijing, China, were randomized (1:1) to receive either a multidomain inter-vention of meditation, cognitive training, exercise, and nutrition counseling or usual care. The intervention was delivered with weekly 1-hour group training sessions and weekly home homework. Measurements: Primary outcome was change in cognition as measured by a composite Z score of seven cognitive tests. Secondary outcomes included subjective cognitive abilities, positive and nega-tive affective experiences, physical activity, and dietary habits. Assessments were administered at baseline, end of the intervention, and 1 year after com-pleting the intervention (1-year follow-up). Results: Immediately after the intervention, the intervention group showed significant enhancement in cogni-tive performance (p = 0.026). The between-group difference in the Z score of change of cognition was 0.20 (95% CI: 0.053, 0.35), with a Hedges' g of 0.40 (95% CI: 0.29, 0.50). However, this cognitive benefit was not significant at
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| 8. |
- Zhang, He, et al.
(author)
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Decoding Fear : Exploring User Experiences in Virtual Reality Horror Games
- 2023
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In: Proceedings of the 11th International Symposium of Chinese CHI: Generative, Reflective, Envisioning, Chinese CHI 2023. - : Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). ; , s. 411-419
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This preliminary study investigated user experiences in VR horror games, highlighting fear-triggering and gender-based differences in perception. By utilizing a scientifically validated and specially designed questionnaire, we successfully collected questionnaire data from 23 subjects for an early empirical study of fear induction in a virtual reality gaming environment. The early findings suggest that visual restrictions and ambient sound-enhanced realism may be more effective in intensifying the fear experience. Participants exhibited a tendency to avoid playing alone or during nighttime, underscoring the significant psychological impact of VR horror games. The study also revealed a distinct gender difference in fear perception, with female participants exhibiting a higher sensitivity to fear stimuli. However, the preference for different types of horror games was not solely dominated by males; it varied depending on factors such as the game's pace, its objectives, and the nature of the fear stimulant.
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| 9. |
- Zhang, He, et al.
(author)
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VRMN-bD: A Multi-modal Natural Behavior Dataset of Immersive Human Fear Responses in VR Stand-up Interactive Games
- 2024
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In: Proceedings - 2024 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces, VR 2024. - : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). ; , s. 320-330
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Understanding and recognizing emotions are important and challenging issues in the metaverse era. Understanding, identifying, and predicting fear, which is one of the fundamental human emotions, in virtual reality (VR) environments plays an essential role in immersive game development, scene development, and next-generation virtual human-computer interaction applications. In this article, we used VR horror games as a medium to analyze fear emotions by collecting multi-modal data (posture, audio, and physiological signals) from 23 players. We used an LSTM-based model to predict fear with accuracies of 65.31% and 90.47% under 6-level classification (no fear and five different levels of fear) and 2-level classification (no fear and fear), respectively. We constructed a multi-modal natural behavior dataset of immersive human fear responses (VRMN-bD) and compared it with existing relevant advanced datasets. The results show that our dataset has fewer limitations in terms of collection method, data scale and audience scope. We are unique and advanced in targeting multi-modal datasets of fear and behavior in VR stand-up interactive environments. Moreover, we discussed the implications of this work for communities and applications. The dataset and pre-trained model are available at https://github.com/KindOPSTAR/VRMN-bD.
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| 10. |
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- 2019
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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