Registration of the expression patterns of Drosophila segmentation genes by two independent methods

MOTIVATION

To construct an integrated map of Drosophila segmentation gene expression from partial data taken from individual embryos.

RESULTS

Spline and wavelet based registration techniques were developed to register Drosophila segmentation gene expression data. As ground control points for registration we used the locations of extrema on gene expression patterns, represented in 1D. The registration method was characterized by unprecedented high accuracy. A method for constructing the integrated pattern of gene expression at cellular resolution was designed. These patterns were constructed for 9 segmentation genes belonging to gap and pair-rule classes.

Support vector regression applied to the determination of the developmental age of a Drosophila embryo from its segmentation gene expression patterns

MOTIVATION

In this paper we address the problem of the determination of developmental age of an embryo from its segmentation gene expression patterns in Drosophila.

RESULTS

By applying support vector regression we have developed a fast method for automated staging of an embryo on the basis of its gene expression pattern. Support vector regression is a statistical method for creating regression functions of arbitrary type from a set of training data. The training set is composed of embryos for which the precise developmental age was determined by measuring the degree of membrane invagination. Testing the quality of regression on the training set showed good prediction accuracy. The optimal regression function was then used for the prediction of the gene expression based age of embryos in which the precise age has not been measured by membrane morphology. Moreover, we show that the same accuracy of prediction can be achieved when the dimensionality of the feature vector was reduced by applying factor analysis. The data reduction allowed us to avoid over-fitting and to increase the efficiency of the algorithm.

Polarized Raman Study of Internal Vibrations of the Organic Cation in 3-Cyanopyridinium Lead Tribromide Post-perovskite

In this work, we apply polarized Raman spectroscopy for study of internal vibrations of the 3-cyanopyridinium cation in the halide post-perovskite (3cp)PbBr₃ (3cp = 3-CN-C₅H₅NH⁺). For a single cation, the vibrational frequencies and intensities of the Raman signal were calculated using the density functional theory. Selection rules were established for vibrations of cations in the crystal. These rules together with modeling results were used to identify the internal vibrations of the cation in the Raman spectrum of the crystal. Narrow and isolated internal vibrations of cations could be used as spectators of the crystalline environment.

Cathodoluminescence of MAPbCl3 Halide Perovskite Single Crystal

Chloride perovskites are semiconductors with a near-ultraviolet bandgap that are promising for applications in optoelectronics and photonics. One of the most studied representatives of this family is the methylammonium lead chloride MAPbCl3 (MA+ = CH3NH3+). Low-temperature luminescence spectroscopy of this material demonstrates a complex emission structure. In this work, we have studied the cathodoluminescecne of the MAPbCl3 halide perovskite single crystal at 70 K. Excitation by an electron beam was used to localize different emitters: excitons, defect-related states, and inclusions, previously assigned to the material itself. Exciton luminescence is observed from an undamaged sample, while the defect band is emitted from regions with dislocations, growth defects, and crystal damage. Defect formation under electron beam irradiation was studied. It was found that MAPbCl3 is resistant to irradiation, which supports the defect tolerance of halide perovskites and paves the way for their electron-beam modification for applications.

Environmental sustainability of post-orthodontic dental retainers: a comparative life-cycle assessment of Hawley and Essix retainers

BACKGROUND

Environmental sustainability has been brought into the limelight due to the global climate crisis. This crisis is driven by human activities and even the healthcare sector is no exception. Within dentistry, orthodontics is a large global market; hence, the use of post-orthodontic retainers has a significant environmental footprint. The aim of this study was to determine the environmental sustainability of post-orthodontic retention using Hawley and Essix retainers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comparative life-cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out to compare the environmental impact of both retainers. All inputs and outputs were accounted for using the Ecoinvent database, v3.7.1, and openLCA software. Sixteen impact categories were used to determine their environmental burden.

RESULTS

Of the 16 impact categories, the Hawley had a greater environmental burden than the Essix retainer in 12 categories. The Hawley's most significant contributors to its impact values are factory manufacturing and in-house production, with an average of 41.45% and 52.52%, respectively. For the Essix, the greatest contributor is factory manufacturing, with an average of 64.63%. However, when factoring in the lifespan of the retainers, the Essix would have a greater environmental impact than the Hawley retainer.

LIMITATIONS

This study employed a comparative LCA. There were also assumptions made, but these were supported by research.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the evidence gathered in this study, Hawley retainers are more environmentally sustainable than Essix retainers. These results would better enable clinicians to factor in the environmental impact and make informed decisions on the choice of retainer type.