bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-myogenic mesenchymal cells contribute to muscle degeneration in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy patients
Authors: Di Pietro Lorena , Giacalone Flavia , Ragozzino Elvira , Saccone Valentina , Tiberio Federica , De Bardi Marco , Picozza Mario , Borsellino Giovanna , Lattanzi Wanda , Guadagni Enrico , Bortolani Sara , Tasca Giorgio , Ricci Enzo , Parolini Ornella
Published: September 2022

Muscle-resident non-myogenic mesenchymal cells play key roles that drive successful tissue regeneration within the skeletal muscle stem cell niche. These cells have recently emerged as remarkable therapeutic targets for neuromuscular disorders, although to date they have been poorly investigated in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). In this study, we characterised the non-myogenic mesenchymal stromal cell population in FSHD patients’ muscles with signs of disease activity, identified by muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and compared them with those obtained from apparently normal muscles of FSHD patients and from muscles of healthy, age-matched controls. Our results showed that patient-derived cells displayed a distinctive expression pattern of mesenchymal markers, along with an impaired capacity to differentiate towards mature adipocytes in vitro, compared with control cells. We also demonstrated a significant expansion of non-myogenic mesenchymal cells (identified as CD201- or PDGFRA-expressing cells) in FSHD muscles with signs of disease activity, which correlated with the extent of intramuscular fibrosis. In addition, the accumulation of non-myogenic mesenchymal cells was higher in FSHD muscles that deteriorate more rapidly. Our results prompt a direct association between an accumulation, as well as an altered differentiation, of non-myogenic mesenchymal cells with muscle degeneration in FSHD patients. Elucidating the mechanisms and cellular interactions that are altered in the affected muscles of FSHD patients could be instrumental to clarify disease pathogenesis and identifying reliable novel therapeutic targets.
Self-heating hotspots in superconducting nanowires cooled by phonon black-body radiation
Authors: Dane Andrew , Allmaras Jason , Zhu Di , Onen Murat , Colangelo Marco , Baghdadi Reza , Tambasco Jean-Luc , Morimoto Yukimi , Forno Ignacio Estay , Charaev Ilya , Zhao Qingyuan , Skvortsov Mikhail , Kozorezov Alexander , Berggren Karl K.
Published: September 2022

Controlling thermal transport is important for a range of devices and technologies, from phase change memories to next-generation electronics. This is especially true in nano-scale devices where thermal transport is altered by the influence of surfaces and changes in dimensionality. In superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, the thermal boundary conductance between the nanowire and the substrate it is fabricated on influences all of the performance metrics that make these detectors attractive for applications. This includes the maximum count rate, latency, jitter, and quantum efficiency. Despite its importance, the study of thermal boundary conductance in superconducting nanowire devices has not been done systematically, primarily due to the lack of a straightforward characterization method. Here, we show that simple electrical measurements can be used to estimate the thermal boundary conductance between nanowires and substrates and that these measurements agree with acoustic mismatch theory across a variety of substrates. Numerical simulations allow us to refine our understanding, however, open questions remain. This work should enable thermal engineering in superconducting nanowire electronics and cryogenic detectors for improved device performance.
Structural insights into the pSer/pThr dependent regulation of the SHP2 tyrosine phosphatase in insulin and CD28 signaling
Authors: Zeke András , Takács Tamás , Sok Péter , Németh Krisztina , Kirsch Klára , Egri Péter , Póti Ádám Levente , Bento Isabel , Tusnády Gábor E. , Reményi Attila
Published: September 2022

Serine/threonine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins is well known to modulate insulin signaling. However, the molecular details of this process have mostly been elusive. While exploring the role of phosphoserines, we have detected a direct link between Tyr-flanking Ser/Thr phosphorylation sites and regulation of specific phosphotyrosine phosphatases. Here we present a concise structural study on how the activity of SHP2 phosphatase is controlled by an asymmetric, dual phosphorylation of its substrates. The structure of SHP2 has been determined with three different substrate peptides, unveiling the versatile and highly dynamic nature of substrate recruitment. What is more, the relatively stable pre-catalytic state of SHP2 could potentially be useful for inhibitor design. Our findings not only show an unusual dependence of SHP2 catalytic activity on Ser/Thr phosphorylation sites in IRS1 and CD28, but also suggest a negative regulatory mechanism that may also apply to other tyrosine kinase pathways as well.
Structure-based discovery of small molecules that disaggregate Alzheimer’s disease tissue derived tau fibrils in vitro
Authors: Seidler Paul M. , Murray Kevin A. , Boyer David R. , Ge Peng , Sawaya Michael R. , Hu Carolyn J. , Cheng Xinyi , Abskharon Romany , Pan Hope , DeTure Michael A. , Williams Christopher K. , Dickson Dennis W. , Vinters Harry V. , Eisenberg David S.
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the consequence of neuronal death and brain atrophy associated with the aggregation of protein tau into fibrils. Thus disaggregation of tau fibrils could be a therapeutic approach to AD. The small molecule EGCG, abundant in green tea, has long been known to disaggregate tau and other amyloid fibrils, but EGCG has poor drug-like properties, failing to fully penetrate the brain. Here we have cryogenically trapped an intermediate of brain-extracted tau fibrils on the kinetic pathway to EGCG-induced disaggregation and have determined its cryoEM structure. The structure reveals that EGCG molecules stack in polar clefts between the paired helical protofilaments that pathologically define AD. Treating the EGCG binding position as a pharmacophore, we computationally screened thousands of drug-like compounds for compatibility for the pharmacophore, discovering several that experimentally disaggregate brain-derived tau fibrils in vitro. This work suggests the potential of structure-based, small-molecule drug discovery for amyloid diseases.
A temporal sequence of thalamic activity unfolds at transitions in behavioral arousal state
Authors: Setzer Beverly , Fultz Nina E. , Gomez Daniel E. P. , Williams Stephanie D. , Bonmassar Giorgio , Polimeni Jonathan R. , Lewis Laura D.
Published: September 2022

Awakening from sleep reflects a profound transformation in neural activity and behavior. The thalamus is a key controller of arousal state, but whether its diverse nuclei exhibit coordinated or distinct activity at transitions in behavioral arousal state is unknown. Using fast fMRI at ultra-high field (7 Tesla), we measured sub-second activity across thalamocortical networks and within nine thalamic nuclei to delineate these dynamics during spontaneous transitions in behavioral arousal state. We discovered a stereotyped sequence of activity across thalamic nuclei and cingulate cortex that preceded behavioral arousal after a period of inactivity, followed by widespread deactivation. These thalamic dynamics were linked to whether participants subsequently fell back into unresponsiveness, with unified thalamic activation reflecting maintenance of behavior. These results provide an outline of the complex interactions across thalamocortical circuits that orchestrate behavioral arousal state transitions, and additionally, demonstrate that fast fMRI can resolve sub-second subcortical dynamics in the human brain.
Water regulates the residence time of Benzamidine in Trypsin
Authors: Ansari Narjes , Rizzi Valerio , Parrinello Michele
Published: September 2022

The process of ligand-protein unbinding is crucial in biophysics. Water is an essential part of any biological system and yet, many aspects of its role remain elusive. Here, we simulate with state-of-the-art enhanced sampling techniques the binding of Benzamidine to Trypsin which is a much studied and paradigmatic ligand-protein system. We use machine learning methods to determine efficient collective coordinates for the complex non-local network of water. These coordinates are used to perform On-the-fly Probability Enhanced Sampling simulations, which we adapt to calculate also the ligand residence time. Our results, both static and dynamic, are in good agreement with experiments. We find that the presence of a water molecule located at the bottom of the binding pocket allows via a network of hydrogen bonds the ligand to be released into the solution. On a finer scale, even when unbinding is allowed, another water molecule further modulates the exit time.
Tackling realistic Li+ flux for high-energy lithium metal batteries
Authors: Zhang Shuoqing , Li Ruhong , Hu Nan , Deng Tao , Weng Suting , Wu Zunchun , Lu Di , Zhang Haikuo , Zhang Junbo , Wang Xuefeng , Chen Lixin , Fan Liwu , Fan Xiulin
Published: September 2022

Electrolyte engineering advances Li metal batteries (LMBs) with high Coulombic efficiency (CE) by constructing LiF-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). However, the low conductivity of LiF disturbs Li+ diffusion across SEI, thus inducing Li+ transfer-driven dendritic deposition. In this work, we establish a mechanistic model to decipher how the SEI affects Li plating in high-fluorine electrolytes. The presented theory depicts a linear correlation between the capacity loss and current density to identify the slope k (determined by Li+ mobility of SEI components) as an indicator for describing the homogeneity of Li+ flux across SEI, while the intercept dictates the maximum CE that electrolytes can achieve. This model inspires the design of an efficient electrolyte that generates dual-halide SEI to homogenize Li+ distribution and Li deposition. The model-driven protocol offers a promising energetic analysis to evaluate the compatibility of electrolytes to Li anode, thus guiding the design of promising electrolytes for LMBs.
Multiclass classification of breast cancer histopathology images using multilevel features of deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Hameed Zabit , Garcia-Zapirain Begonya , Aguirre José Javier , Isaza-Ruget Mario Arturo
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer is a common malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Its early diagnosis can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality rates in women. To this end, histopathological diagnosis is usually followed as the gold standard approach. However, this process is tedious, labor-intensive, and may be subject to inter-reader variability. Accordingly, an automatic diagnostic system can assist to improve the quality of diagnosis. This paper presents a deep learning approach to automatically classify hematoxylin-eosin-stained breast cancer microscopy images into normal tissue, benign lesion, in situ carcinoma, and invasive carcinoma using our collected dataset. Our proposed model exploited six intermediate layers of the Xception (Extreme Inception) network to retrieve robust and abstract features from input images. First, we optimized the proposed model on the original (unnormalized) dataset using 5-fold cross-validation. Then, we investigated its performance on four normalized datasets resulting from Reinhard, Ruifrok, Macenko, and Vahadane stain normalization. For original images, our proposed framework yielded an accuracy of 98% along with a kappa score of 0.969. Also, it achieved an average AUC-ROC score of 0.998 as well as a mean AUC-PR value of 0.995. Specifically, for in situ carcinoma and invasive carcinoma, it offered sensitivity of 96% and 99%, respectively. For normalized images, the proposed architecture performed better for Makenko normalization compared to the other three techniques. In this case, the proposed model achieved an accuracy of 97.79% together with a kappa score of 0.965. Also, it attained an average AUC-ROC score of 0.997 and a mean AUC-PR value of 0.991. Especially, for in situ carcinoma and invasive carcinoma, it offered sensitivity of 96% and 99%, respectively. These results demonstrate that our proposed model outperformed the baseline AlexNet as well as state-of-the-art VGG16, VGG19, Inception-v3, and Xception models with their default settings. Furthermore, it can be inferred that although stain normalization techniques offered competitive performance, they could not surpass the results of the original dataset.
MicroRNA-570 targets the HSP chaperone network, increases proteotoxic stress and inhibits mammary tumor cell migration
Authors: Okusha Yuka , Guerrero-Gimenez Martin E. , Lang Benjamin J. , Borges Thiago J. , Stevenson Mary A. , Truman Andrew W. , Calderwood Stuart K.
Published: September 2022

The dynamic network of chaperone interactions known as the chaperome contributes significantly to the proteotoxic cell response and the malignant phenotype. To bypass the inherent redundancy in the network, we have used a microRNA (mir) approach to target multiple members of the chaperome simultaneously. We identified a potent microRNA, miR-570 that could bind the 3′untranslated regions of multiple HSP mRNAs and inhibit HSP synthesis. Transfection of cells with this miR species reduced expression of multiple HSPs, inhibited the heat shock response and reduced tumor cell growth while acted additively in combination with cytotoxic drugs. As overexpression of miR-570 elicited tumor suppressive effects, we inferred that this miR could play a potential role in inhibiting tumorigenesis and cancer cell growth. In accordance with this hypothesis, we determined a significant role for miR-570 in regulating markers of mammary tumor progression, including cell motility and invasion. Our data provide a proof of the principle that the tumor chaperome can be targeted by microRNAs suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue towards cancer therapy.
Customized strategies for high-yield purification of retinal pigment epithelial cells differentiated from different stem cell sources
Authors: Regha Kakkad , Bhargava Mayuri , Al-Mubaarak Abdurrahmaan , Chai Chou , Parikh Bhav Harshad , Liu Zengping , Wong Claudine See Wei , Hunziker Walter , Lim Kah Leong , Su Xinyi
Published: September 2022

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell dysfunction and death are characteristics of age-related macular degeneration. A promising therapeutic option is RPE cell transplantation. Development of clinical grade stem-cell derived RPE requires efficient in vitro differentiation and purification methods. Enzymatic purification of RPE relies on the relative adherence of RPE and non-RPE cells to the culture plate. However, morphology and adherence of non-RPE cells differ for different stem cell sources. In cases whereby the non-RPE adhered as strongly as RPE cells to the culture plate, enzymatic method of purification is unsuitable. Thus, we hypothesized the need to customize purification strategies for RPE derived from different stem cell sources. We systematically compared five different RPE purification methods, including manual, enzymatic, flow cytometry-based sorting or combinations thereof for parameters including cell throughput, yield, purity and functionality. Flow cytometry-based approach was suitable for RPE isolation from heterogeneous cultures with highly adherent non-RPE cells, albeit with lower yield. Although all five purification methods generated pure and functional RPE, there were significant differences in yield and processing times. Based on the high purity of the resulting RPE and relatively short processing time, we conclude that a combination of enzymatic and manual purification is ideal for clinical applications.
Plasma microRNAs as potential biomarkers in early Alzheimer disease expression
Authors: Peña-Bautista Carmen , Tarazona-Sánchez Adrián , Braza-Boils Aitana , Balaguer Angel , Ferré-González Laura , Cañada-Martínez Antonio J. , Baquero Miguel , Cháfer-Pericás Consuelo
Published: September 2022

The microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers for complex pathologies due to their involvement in the regulation of several pathways. Alzheimer Disease (AD) requires new biomarkers in minimally invasive samples that allow an early diagnosis. The aim of this work is to study miRNAS as potential AD biomarkers and their role in the pathology development. In this study, participants (n = 46) were classified into mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI-AD, n = 19), preclinical AD (n = 8) and healthy elderly controls (n = 19), according to CSF biomarkers levels (amyloid β42, total tau, phosphorylated tau) and neuropsychological assessment. Then, plasma miRNAomic expression profiles were analysed by Next Generation Sequencing. Finally, the selected miRNAs were validated by quantitative PCR (q-PCR). A panel of 11 miRNAs was selected from omics expression analysis, and 8 of them were validated by q-PCR. Individually, they did not show statistically significant differences among participant groups. However, a multivariate model including these 8 miRNAs revealed a potential association with AD for three of them. Specifically, relatively lower expression levels of miR-92a-3p and miR-486-5p are observed in AD patients, and relatively higher levels of miR-29a-3p are observed in AD patients. These biomarkers could be involved in the regulation of pathways such as synaptic transmission, structural functions, cell signalling and metabolism or transcription regulation. Some plasma miRNAs (miRNA-92a-3p, miRNA-486-5p, miRNA-29a-3p) are slightly dysregulated in AD, being potential biomarkers of the pathology. However, more studies with a large sample size should be carried out to verify these results, as well as to further investigate the mechanisms of action of these miRNAs.
Recapping and mite removal behaviour in Cuba: home to the world’s largest population of Varroa-resistant European honeybees
Authors: Luis Anais Rodríguez , Grindrod Isobel , Webb Georgiana , Piñeiro Adolfo Pérez , Martin Stephen John
Published: September 2022

TheVarroa destructorectoparasitic mite has spread globally and in conjunction with Deformed Wing Virus has killed millions of honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies. This has forced Northern hemisphere beekeepers into using miticides to avoid mass colony losses. However, in many Southern hemisphere countries widespread treatment did not occur since miticides were prohibitively expensive, or a centralised choice was made not to treat, both allowing natural selection to act. The Varroa mite initially caused high losses before mite-resistance appeared in the honeybee populations. Initially, mite-resistance was only associated with African and Africanised honeybees. Although recently, several isolated mite-resistant European honeybee populations have appeared. Here we studied the mite-resistance in Cuba and found high rates of recapping of infested worker cells (77%), high removal of mites (80%) and corresponding low mite fertility (r = 0.77). These are all traits found in all naturally evolved Varroa-resistant populations. We can confirm Cuba has the world’s largest European mite-resistant population with 220,000 colonies that have been treatment-free for over two decades and illustrating the power of natural selection. Cuban honeybees are also highly productive, 40–70 kg of honey produced annually, and are mild mannered. Cuba is an excellent example of what is possible when honeybees are allowed to adapt naturally to Varroa with minimal human interference.
Zinc chelator treatment in crush syndrome model mice attenuates ischemia–reperfusion-induced muscle injury due to suppressing of neutrophil infiltration
Authors: Haruta Yohei , Kobayakawa Kazu , Saiwai Hirokazu , Hata Kazuhiro , Tamaru Tetsuya , Iura Hirotaka , Ono Gentaro , Kitade Kazuki , Kijima Ken , Iida Keiichiro , Kawaguchi Kenichi , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Kubota Kensuke , Maeda Takeshi , Konno Dai-Jiro , Okada Seiji , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: September 2022

In crush syndrome, massive muscle breakdown resulting from ischemia–reperfusion muscle injury can be a life-threatening condition that requires urgent treatment. Blood reperfusion into the ischemic muscle triggers an immediate inflammatory response, and neutrophils are the first to infiltrate and exacerbate the muscle damage. Since free zinc ion play a critical role in the immune system and the function of neutrophils is impaired by zinc depletion, we hypothesized that the administration of a zinc chelator would be effective for suppressing the inflammatory reaction at the site of ischemia–reperfusion injury and for improving of the pathology of crush syndrome. A crush syndrome model was created by using a rubber tourniquet to compress the bilateral hind limbs of mice at 8 weeks. A zinc chelator N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl)-ethylenediamine (TPEN) was administered immediately after reperfusion in order to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the chelator for neutrophils. Histopathological evaluation showed significantly less muscle breakdown and fewer neutrophil infiltration in TPEN administration group compared with control group. In addition, the expression levels of inflammatory cytokine and chemokine such as IL-6, TNFα, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCR2, CCL2 in ischemia–reperfusion injured muscle were significantly suppressed with TPEN treatment. Less dilatation of renal tubules in histological evaluation in renal tissue and significantly better survival rate were demonstrated in TPEN treatment for ischemia–reperfusion injury in crush syndrome. The findings of our study suggest that zinc chelators contributed to the resolution of exacerbation of the inflammatory response and attenuation of muscle breakdown in the acute phase after crush syndrome. In addition, our strategy of attenuation of the acute inflammatory reaction by zinc chelators may provide a promising therapeutic strategy not only for crush syndrome, but also for other diseases driven by inflammatory reactions.
Association between arterial hypertension and liver outcomes using polygenic risk scores: a population-based study
Authors: Åberg Fredrik , Kantojärvi Katri , Männistö Ville , But Anna , Salomaa Veikko , Niiranen Teemu , Färkkilä Martti , Luukkonen Panu , Männistö Satu , Lundqvist Annamari , Perola Markus , Jula Antti
Published: September 2022

Arterial hypertension (HTA) is associated with liver disease, but causality remains unclear. We investigated whether genetic predisposition to HTA is associated with liver disease in the population, and if antihypertensive medication modifies this association. Participants of the Finnish health-examination surveys, FINRISK 1992–2012 and Health 2000 (n = 33,770), were linked with national electronic healthcare registers for liver-related outcomes (K70-K77, C22.0) and with the drug reimbursement registry for new initiation of antihypertensive medication during follow-up. Genetic predisposition to HTA was defined by polygenic risk scores (PRSs). During a median 12.9-year follow-up (409,268.9 person-years), 441 liver-related outcomes occurred. In the fully-adjusted Cox-regression models, both measured systolic blood pressure and clinically defined HTA were associated with liver-related outcomes. PRSs for systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly associated with liver-related outcomes (HR/SD 1.19, 95% CI 1.01–1.24, and 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.25, respectively). In the highest quintile of the systolic blood pressure PRS, new initiation of antihypertensive medication was associated with reduced rates of liver-related outcomes (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.97). HTA and a genetic predisposition for HTA are associated with liver-related outcomes in the population. New initiation of antihypertensive medication attenuates this association in persons with high genetic risk for HTA.
Coordination chemistry and structural rearrangements of the Me2PCH2AlMe2ambiphilic ligand
Authors: Paskaruk Katarina , Emslie David J. H. , Britten James F.
Published: September 2022

Reactions between (Me2PCH2AlMe2)2and late transition metal complexes led to five distinct outcomes, ranging from Me2PCH2AlMe2coordination toin situgeneration of a tris(phosphino)aluminate ligand.
Sequentially regular polymer acceptors featuring flexible spacers for high-performance and mechanically robust all-polymer solar cells
Authors: Lee Jin-Woo , Sun Cheng , Lee Sun-Woo , Kim Geon-U. , Li Sheng , Wang Cheng , Kim Taek-Soo , Kim Yun-Hi , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: September 2022

We report a new molecular design of sequentially regular polymerized small-molecule-acceptors containing flexible spacer (FS) units (PYFS-Reg) to achieve all-polymer solar cells with both high-performance and mechanical stretchability.
Low-pressure PVD growth SnS/InSe vertical heterojunctions with type-II band alignment for typical nanoelectronics
Authors: Gao Peng , Yang Mengmeng , Wang Chuanglei , Li Hengyi , Yang Baoxiang , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Huo Nengjie , Gao Wei , Luo Dongxiang , Li Jingbo
Published: September 2022

A trade-off between the photovoltaic optoelectrical properties and high polarization photocurrent ratio was achieved for thin SnS/InSe-based device, while the thick SnS/InSe-based device delivers a larger rectification ratio.
Visible-light-induced alkylation of 2-iminochromene
Authors: Singh Shashank , Singh Ravi P.
Published: September 2022

A metal-free, photochemical protocol for C-4 alkylation of 2-iminochromene has been developed by employing the naturally abundant feedstock carboxylic acid.
Intermolecular interactions of an isoindigo-based organic semiconductor with various crosslinkers through hydrogen bonding
Authors: Trinh Cuc Kim , Choi Jin Woo , Tran Thien Khanh , Ahmad Zubair , Lee Jae-Suk
Published: September 2022

The effects of crosslinkers, functioning via hydrogen bonding, on controlling the arrangement of molecules were investigated. The hole mobility of hydrogen-bonded organic materials displaying long-range order was significantly enhanced.
Investigation into self-assembled collagen arrays guided by the surface properties of polyimide films
Authors: Chai Yadong , Zhou Yanni , Miyata Mari , Tagaya Motohiro
Published: September 2022

The mechanism of highly oriented collagen (Col) fibril arrays on rubbed polyimide films was investigated based on the interfacial interactions, resulting in the initial orientation of the Col molecules by the hydrogen bonding and subsequent assembly.
Electrochemically plated nickel-decorated ceria nanostructures for direct hydrocarbon solid oxide fuel cell electrodes
Authors: Kim Jinwook , Choi Yoonseok , Lim Dae-Kwang , Yoo JeongDo , Seo Han Gil , Kim Seunghyun , Kim Sangwoo , Jung WooChul
Published: September 2022

Nanostructured Ni nanoparticles decorated Sm0.2Ce0.8O2−x (SDC) was uniformly deposited onto a Ni–YSZ anode through two-step electrochemical deposition. The coated anode shows enhanced reactivity and stability relative to the uncoated sample.
Ultrastrong, flame-retardant, intrinsically weldable, and highly conductive metallized Kevlar fabrics
Authors: Lu Xi , Ye Yusheng , Shang Wenhui , Huang Simin , Wang Haifei , Gan Tiansheng , Chen Guokang , Deng Libo , Wu Qixing , Zhou Xuechang
Published: September 2022

Ultrastrong, flame-retardant, intrinsically weldable, and highly conductive metallized Kevlar fabrics (MKF) were fabricated via polymer-assisted electroless deposition and electrodeposition techniques.
Simulation Test of the Cutting Process
Authors: Wilczyński Dominik , Wałęsa Krzysztof , Biszczanik Aleksandra
Published: September 2022

Cutting is a production process commonly employed used in various industries. The aim of improving its efficiency entails the improvement of the durability of the cutting blade, increasing the accuracy in terms of the resulting item dimensions obtained after cutting, but also the quality of the obtained edge. The material factor for the above is the distribution of forces in the cutting edge and cut element system. Furthermore, the pursuit of minimized interaction of forces in this process is of significance, which has a positive impact both on the durability of the blade as well as the process energy consumption. The paper presents a simulation of the process of cutting a flat bar made of aluminium. The numerical model was built in the ABAQUS system. The model includes a knife-cut element. The purpose of performing simulation tests is to determine the cutting force, changes in its value and the nature of these changes when cutting with knives of different geometry and trajectory.
Dielectric, piezoelectric and electromechanical optimization properties of polyurethane/lead zirconate titanate composites for mechanical energy harvesting applications
Authors: Malki Zakaria , Ennawaoui Chouaib , Hajjaji Abdelowahed , El Jouad Mohamed , Laadissi El Mehdi , Loualid El Mehdi , Boughaleb Yahia
Published: September 2022

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is the most common piezoelectric ceramic and exhibits excellent electromechanical conversion properties. But in order to make it more adaptable for energy harvesting applications, we resort to ceramic/polymer composites because of their excellent and tailorable properties. The advantages of this type of composite are high coupling factors due to PZT, mechanical flexibility (PU) and wide bandwidth. In this work, we studied the mechanical and electrical characteristics of this composite, as well as their behavior as a function of the percentage of PZT (by volume). Forth more, we followed the impact of this parameter on the collected energies, as well as others like frequency and resistance. The harvested power significantly increases with increasing PZT, achieving a power value up to 13.4 and 420 nW for PU/PZT 60% and PU/PZT 70%, respectively. In conclusion, composite piezoelectric films have great potential from an energy density viewpoint and could represent interesting candidates for energy harvesting applications.
Formation and evolution of non-metallic inclusions in X70MS pipeline steel during LF-RH-CC process
Authors: Zhong Huajun , Jiang Min , Wang Kanghao , Wang Xinhua , Liu Shuai , Jiang Jinxing
Published: September 2022

The formation and evolution of non-metallic inclusions in X70MS pipeline steel during LF-RH-CC process were investigated by industrial trials, and the evolution mechanism of non-metallic inclusions was analyzed and discussed with thermodynamic calculations. The results show that after RH vacuum refining, the inclusions in molten steel are mainly spherical CaO-MgO-Al2O3 and CaO-Al2O3. After calcium treatment, the inclusions are transformed into spherical CaS-CaO-Al2O3 and CaO-CaS with finer size. During calcium treatment, it is difficult for [Ca] and [S] in the molten steel to react directly to form CaS, and CaS is mainly generated at the edge of liquid calcium aluminate. When w[Al] in molten steel is 0.032%, w[Ca] is controlled above 0.0035%, which is more favorable to avoid the generation of liquid calcium aluminate. Calcium treatment to the tundish reaches the casting liquid level, the molten steel occurred a continuous reoxidation, reoxidation of inclusions composition transformation is mainly determined by the [Ca] and T[O] contents of the molten steel, this process inclusions are transformed from CaO-CaS to liquid CaO-MgO-Al2O3. During cooling and solidification of the molten steel, the CaS content in inclusions increases sharply, the CaO content decreases sharply, and the changes in inclusions are mainly affected by the reaction between the molten steel and the inclusions and the precipitation of new phases.
Les inégalités sociales au temps du COVID-19
Authors: Bajos Nathalie , Warszawski Josiane , Pailhé Ariane , Counil Emilie , Jusot Florence , Spire Alexis , Martin Claude , Meyer Laurence , Sireyjol Antoine , Franck Jeanna-Eve , Lydié Nathalie
Published: September 2022

Notre pays — et la planète — traverse une crise épidémique majeure. Comme toute crise, elle peut
être révélatrice des forces et faiblesses de la société, et de ses composantes : celles de son
système de santé, de son système de recherche, du fonctionnement de la démocratie sanitaire…
Cet article aborde la question des inégalités sociales au temps du Covid-19 : la crise sanitaire, la
réaction politique et celle du système de santé les ont-elles amplifiées, atténuées ou les ont-elles
laissées telles qu’elles étaient auparavant ? Ce numéro spécial de la revue Questions de Santé
Publique apporte un éclairage sur cette question à partir de résultats originaux provenant de
l’enquête « Épidémiologie et conditions de vie » (EpiCoV), permettant de documenter dans les
meilleurs délais la situation exceptionnelle que nous traversons.
Sinonasal Outcomes of the Combined Transseptal/Transnasal Approach with Unilateral Nasoseptal Rescue Flap in Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Park Jae-Sung , Kim Do Hyun , Kim Sung Won , Kim Soo Whan , Ahn Stephen , Basurrah Mohammed Abdullah , Jeun Sin-Soo
Published: September 2022

Objectives The authors applied surgical techniques acquired during the use of endoscopic combined transseptal/transnasal approach to reduce approach-related morbidity and improve sinonasal outcomes.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of a prospectively collected database.

Setting The study setting involves a tertiary referral center.

Participants A total of 86 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for newly diagnosed pituitary adenomas from April 2018 to March 2021 were included. Patients treated via the combined transseptal/transnasal approach served as the study group (n = 18); those treated via the bilateral transnasal approach comprised the control group (n = 68). From the control group, propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was further performed to account for potential confounders and selection bias.

Main Outcome Measures Paired analysis was performed for pre- and 6-month-postoperative time points in study group, control group, and PSM control group. Olfactory function was evaluated by Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test, Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (CCSIT), and sinonasal outcomes were assessed by Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22).

Results In the study group, CCCRC (p = 0.517) and CCSIT (p = 0.497) did not show any significant difference before and after surgery. There was some improvement in the symptom score of SNOT-22, but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.115). In the control group adjusted with PSM, a significant decrease in olfaction (p = 0.047) was observed using CCCRC. The CCSIT score was also decreased but not significant (p = 0.163). Also, there was no difference in the improvement of SNOT-22 (p = 0.781).

Conclusion Our new surgical method preserves olfactory function without compromising surgical outcomes.
Tracking twisted intramolecular charge transfer and isomerization dynamics in 9-(2,2-dicyanovinyl) julolidine using femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Zhengxin , Jiang Jiaming , Huang Yifan , Liu Weimin
Published: September 2022

Understanding the mechanism of how micro-environments affect molecular rotors helps the design and development of molecular sensors. Here, we utilized femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy, helped by quantum chemical calculation, to study the structural dynamics of 9- (2,2-dicyanovinyl) julolidine in cyclohexane, THF, and DMSO solvents. The obtained hydrogen out-of-plane (HOOP) mode and symmetric/anti-symmetric stretching of two nitriles (C≡N) indicate the rotation of the C7=C8 double bond and C4–C7 single bond in the excited-state which provide two non-radiative decay channels to effectively quench the excited-state population on local excited (LE) state via isomerization and twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT). In nonpolar solvent, the excited molecule in the LE state radiatively relaxes to the ground state or performs rotation motions via isomerization and TICT to deactivate fluorescence in the LE state. In the polar solvent, the isomerization plays a role to quench the LE state population; simultaneously, an ultrafast intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) from LE state to emissive ICT state was followed by an TICT between ICT state and dark ICT’ state.
Activation of single atom alloys towards alkyl C–H bond: A theoretical study
Authors: Qiao Congcong , Fu Gang
Published: September 2022

Single atom alloys (SAAs), composed of active metal dopants atomically dispersed on the Cu, Ag, or Au host metals, have recently become a “rising star” in single atom catalysis research. SAAs usually display unique catalytic behavior, mainly due to the anomalous electronic structure of isolated active sites, distinguishing from that of the parentmetals. As the consequence, there is lack of robust and reliable descriptor of catalytic properties of SAAs. In this work, we present a systematically theoretical study on the first C–H bond activation of methane, propane and ethylbenzene over 15 SAAs comprising of Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, and Pt doping Cu(111), Ag(111), and Au(111) surfaces. Our DFT calculations demonstrate that not only the d-band centers but also the H atom adsorption energies can not correlate well with the activation barriers of alkyl C–H bond, while enhanced performance is achieved when using the reaction energy as a descriptor. We find that there exists orbital interaction similarity between C atom adsorption on top site and the transition states of C–H activation because both of them involve not only σ donation with dz, orbital but also the π back-donation from dxy/dyz orbital(s). As a consequence, the C adsorption energies and C–H bond activation energies are very strongly correlated (R2>0.9), not only for methane but also for propane and ethylbenzene.
A global synchronization theorem for oscillators on a random graph
Authors: Kassabov Martin , Strogatz Steven H. , Townsend Alex
Published: September 2022

Consider n identical Kuramoto oscillators on a random graph. Specifically, consider Erdős–Rényi random graphs in which any two oscillators are bidirectionally coupled with unit strength, independently and at random, with probability 0≤p≤1. We say that a network is globally synchronizing if the oscillators converge to the all-in-phase synchronous state for almost all initial conditions. Is there a critical threshold for p above which global synchrony is extremely likely but below which it is extremely rare? It is suspected that a critical threshold exists and is close to the so-called connectivity threshold, namely, p∼log⁡(n)/n for n≫1. Ling, Xu, and Bandeira made the first progress toward proving a result in this direction: they showed that if p≫log⁡(n)/n1/3, then Erdős–Rényi networks of Kuramoto oscillators are globally synchronizing with high probability as n→∞. Here, we improve that result by showing that p≫log2⁡(n)/n suffices. Our estimates are explicit: for example, we can say that there is more than a 99.9996% chance that a random network with n=106 and p>0.01117 is globally synchronizing.
Molecular beam homoepitaxy of N-polar AlN on bulk AlN substrates
Authors: Singhal Jashan , Encomendero Jimy , Cho Yongjin , van Deurzen Len , Zhang Zexuan , Nomoto Kazuki , Toita Masato , Xing Huili Grace , Jena Debdeep
Published: September 2022

N-polar AlN epilayers were grown on the N-face of single-crystal bulk AlN substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. A combination of in situ thermal deoxidation and Al-assisted thermal desorption at high temperature aided in removing native surface oxides and impurities from the N-polar surface of the substrate enabling successful homoepitaxy. Subsequent epitaxial growth of the AlN layer on the in situ cleaned substrates, grown in a sufficiently high Al droplet regime, exhibited smooth surface morphologies with clean and wide atomic steps. KOH etch studies confirmed the N-polarity of the homoepitaxial films. Secondary ion mass spectrometry profiles show Si and H impurity concentrations below the noise levels, whereas O and C impurity concentrations of ∼8×1017 and ∼2×1017 atoms/cm3 are observed, respectively. Although the structural defect densities are low, they interestingly appear as inversion domains of different dimensionalities.
Ultrafast time-resolved two-dimensional velocity mapping of the hot-dense plasmas generated by intense-laser pulses
Authors: Jana Kamalesh , Lad Amit D. , Dulat Ankit , Ved Yash M. , Kumar G. Ravindra
Published: September 2022

Experimental measurements of spatially resolved ultrafast dynamics of the critical surface in ultra-intense laser–solid interactions are essential for a proper understanding of the physical mechanism of the interaction. Resolving ultrafast motion at both the relevant length scales (micrometers) and timescales (femtoseconds) simultaneously has been a challenging task. Here, we demonstrate a novel technique for mapping the spatiotemporal dynamics of hot and solid dense plasma created by high contrast (picosecond contrast ∼10−9) femtosecond relativistic intensity laser pulses. This pump–probe Doppler spectrometry technique offers hundreds of femtosecond temporal resolution, together with a few micrometer spatial resolution across the transverse profile of the plasma. We present the evolution of the plasma surface critical for the probe pulse at the target front as well as the rear. Early time measurements (< 5 ps) using this technique provide very important information about shock wave generation and propagation and the state of the target rear.
A new pulse electromagnet structure to model a transverse magnetic field to pick up the out-of-plane for laser-EMAT integrated system
Authors: Yuan Wei , Liu Ze , Zhao Pengfei , Huo Jiwei
Published: September 2022

In order for an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) to be able to pick up the out-of-plane vibrations of ultrasonic waves generated by the laser and to facilitate the movement of the system, a new pulse electromagnet EMAT is proposed, which can be combined with a laser to form a new laser–pulse electromagnet EMAT integrated system. Because of the unique structure of the pulse electromagnet EMAT, it can not only generate a uniform transverse magnetic field in the shallow surface of the specimen just below the EMAT receiving coil but also leave enough space above the magnetic field to ensure the smooth radiation of the laser source on the specimen. The optimal parameters of the probe are determined by combining the finite element simulation model and the orthogonal analysis method. The simulation and experimental results show that the pulsed electromagnet can generate at least 0.22 T transverse magnetic field in the specimen when each coil of C-electromagnet, respectively, injects 20 A. The pulsed electromagnet combined with the EMAT coil is used to receive various modes of ultrasonic vibration velocity with the out-of-plane component. It lays a foundation for the research on the simultaneous detection of railhead surface and internal defects by using the new laser–pulse electromagnet EMAT integrated system through one scan.
Numerical study on influences of parallel sonic wave damping, precession, and bounce resonances on resistive wall modes in CFETR
Authors: Li Shilong , Liu Yue
Published: September 2022

Adopting an 11 MA steady-state reversed magnetic shear equilibrium of the China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor, the influence of parallel sonic wave damping, precession, and bounce resonances on the resistive wall mode (RWM) at different plasma pressures and plasma toroidal rotations is numerically investigated using the MARS-K code. We find that the parallel sonic wave damping, precession, and bounce resonances have damping effects on the RWM. The RWM is stabilized by the parallel sonic wave damping at low plasma pressure. At the two q = 3 rational surfaces, the RWM is the most unstable, but the precession resonance mainly occurs at one of the q = 3 rational surfaces, so the RWM cannot be stabilized. In addition, the precession resonance and bounce resonance occur simultaneously, and there are two roots. One is the precession resonance root, and another is the bounce resonance root. The bounce resonance has a stabilizing effect on the RWM.
Effects of light wavelength exposure during
Authors: Jeon Ye Rin , Baek Song , Lee Eun Song , Lee Seung Tae
Published: September 2022

Context Despite the absence of light within the body, the application of microscopy during stages of in vitro embryo production has led to the discovery of light irradiation effects on embryo preimplantation development. Aims To determine the optimal light irradiation wavelengths at various embryo stages for improving the preimplantation development of mouse embryos and the quality (total cell number) of blastocysts. Method All in vitro procedures of zygote or 2-cell embryo manipulation, embryo monitoring, and culture medium exchange were conducted under visible (390–750 nm), blue (445–500 nm), green (500–575 nm), yellow (575–585 nm), or red (620–750 nm) light irradiation wavelength. Key results We found that blue, green, and yellow light irradiation during in vitro blastocyst production from zygotes significantly improved blastocyst production and quality, compared to visible and red light irradiation. However, 2-cell embryos exposed to yellow light during in vitro blastocyst production produced significantly more high-quality blastocysts than did 2-cell embryos exposed to visible, blue, green, or red light. After exposure to blue and green – but not yellow – light during in vitro zygote manipulation, yellow light irradiation during embryo monitoring and culture medium exchange triggered significant retardation of preimplantation development. Conclusion These results demonstrate that yellow light irradiation during in vitro blastocyst production, regardless of embryo stage, improves preimplantation development of mouse embryos. Implications The present study will contribute to produce greater high-quality blastocysts and reduce experimental errors generated by light exposure during mouse embryo-related studies.
CLAC对美国高校汉语课程建设的启示
Authors: Lee Kun-Shan Carolyn , Liu Yan , He Tianshu
Published: September 2022

提要

近年来，在美国高等教育界逐渐受到重视的跨学科的文化与语言课程（Cultures and Languages Across the Curriculum，简称CLAC）反映了美国社会对多元文化、多种语言和国际化的需求。那么如何将CLAC运用到美国高校汉语课程建设中呢？本文将以美国东南部的一所私立大学的中文项目为例，对这一问题进行探讨。文章首先介绍了CLAC的教学理念及课程结构，然后分析了该校的CLAC汉语课程实践对其中文项目的生源、学生的语言学习以及教师职业能力发展等三个方面的影响，以期对未来美国高校汉语课程建设提供一些初步借鉴。
“Humourizing” the theatre of the absurd through reworking and (self-)translation
Authors: Ergil Başak
Published: September 2022

The introduction of written dramatic forms to the oral, performative, and improvisational Turkish theatrical tradition was made through translations, a.k.a. reworkings, of Western canonical works. Reworkings of these works were followed by the production of indigenous texts in the Ottoman, and later Turkish Republican, period(s) and were inherently characterised by “a search of the own voice of the Turkish theatre,” in terms of its dramatic and performative aspects. This search was naturally based on a tension between the very dissimilar Western and Turkish theatrical canons and traditions, a tension which required the possibilities of successfully integrating them. The present research aims at illustrating how the theatre of the absurd was “humourised” by means of the reworkings and recanonisations of actor/director Ferhan Şensoy and the theatre company Tiyatrotem. The research concludes by the discussion of how this act of “humourising” contributed both to the release of this intercanonical tension and to the creation of “the own voice.”