Compatible Approach Research Articles

Magnetic Characterization of Permalloy Nanodome Surfaces on Flexible PEEK/TiO2 Vertical Nanotubes Composites

Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) composites present outstanding physical and chemical properties, including radiation tolerance and compatibility with vacuum and additive manufacturing processing. Applications of PEEK range from biomedical to aerospace. Controlled 3-D nanostructuring arises as a powerful approach to generate new phenomena suitable for technological applications. In this sense, we target to synthesize robust and shapeable magnetic nanocomposites (NCs) for sensing and electromagnetic shielding applications. For this aim, we synthesized and characterized Permalloy (Py, Ni80Fe20) nanostructured surfaces on PEEK/TiO2. These NCs were synthesized by scalable and high throughput compatible fabrication approaches: anodization (TiO2 nanotubes) and hot embossing (thermal nanoimprint). The resulting NCs are shapeable, stable below 300 °C, and vacuum compatible. Their surfaces compose TiO2 nanodomes filled by PEEK. Py layers (15 nm) were sputtered on NC and flat PEEK films. The characterization included SEM, AFM, ISO-2409 Adhesion Tests, hysteresis loops, and first-order reversal curves (FORCs). The results revealed that both types of films keep stable characteristics after bending cycles, and noticeable modifications of the magnetic global response and local interactions generated due to the 3-D nanostructure.

Construction and characterization of a versatile multimodal single-molecule super-resolution microscope for 3D whole cell studies.

The cellular environment is dense and complex, and imaging with 3D single-molecule super-resolution microscopy requires careful consideration of appropriate illumination methods to use in relation to the goals of the study. There is, however, typically a tradeoff between performance and simplicity when selecting illumination schemes. Epi-illumination is a common and simple technique, but it generates high unwanted background fluorescence and causes photodamage and photobleaching throughout the imaged cell. Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) is another technique which provides excellent contrast, but it is limited to imaging a thin volume at the bottom of a sample and is thus incompatible with whole-cell imaging. Light sheet illumination is an alternative, whole-cell compatible approach where a thin sheet of light is directed orthogonally to the detection axis to optically section a cell and reduce the fluorescence background, photobleaching, and photodamage. In this work we demonstrate a versatile microscopy platform which integrates the sectioning and background reducing capability of light sheet illumination with homogeneous, flat-field epi- and TIRF illumination. A flat-field intensity profile improves the control of fluorophore blinking kinetics and the resolution across the entire field of view when compared to a standard Gaussian intensity profile. Additionally, this microscope is designed to allow very fast switching between illumination modalities and laser wavelengths, using primarily commercially available parts. When combined with point spread function engineering, our system conveniently enables 3D single-molecule super-resolution imaging and molecular counting throughout whole cells with optimized and adjustable illumination modalities.

Toward Building Smart Contract-Based Higher Education Systems Using Zero-Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine

The issuing and verification of higher education certificates, including all higher education documents, still functions in a costly and inappropriately bureaucratic manner. Blockchain technology provides a more secure and consistent way to revolutionize the widely used generalized mechanisms and system concepts. In this paper, the most necessary requirements are examined regarding a blockchain-based higher education system, based on the most well-known research papers. Moreover, the opportunities of working on an education system by maintaining a decentralized structure organization are recommended as well. This paper recommends the most suitable blockchain scaling solution for the architecture of an education system which uses the most state-of-the-art EVM (Ethereum virtual machine) compatible approach to implement the higher education system with all the predefined requirements. It is proven that the explained smart contract-based higher education system, which uses zkEVM (zero-knowledge Ethereum virtual machine), consists of all necessary functionalities and satisfies all predefined requirements. In fact, the recommended system, by using a modular blockchain structure, implements all the functionality and capability of the examined related works in one system, namely GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which is compatible and more secure.

Experimental assessment of biobutanol degradation exposed to automotive components: A material compatibility approach

This study investigates the corrosive nature of gasoline engine parts such as piston, ring and valve exposed to various biobutanol ratios by static immersion method at different immersion durations. After immersion, variations in the surface morphology and elemental compositions of the metal samples were studied with the help of SEM and XRD results. The degradation in fuel characteristics such as density, viscosity and TAN were investigated as per the ASTM standards. According to the experimental findings, the piston sample is identified as least resistive than other components and resulted in more corrosive oxides. Among the various fuel blends, the degradation of fuel samples and corrosion rate of metals are comparatively higher for pure butanol and lower for gasoline (Bu0 <Bu20 <Bu50 <Bu100). The oxygen content that exists in the biobutanol chemical composition promotes the corrosiveness of the blends. To balance that, the OH functional group of biobutanol acts as a corrosion inhibition factor to restrict aggressive corrosion. Even though Bu100 ended with a higher corrosion rate, it can be used as a standalone fuel in gasoline because the results achieved were within the acceptable limit and has no severe influence on the failure of engine components due to corrosion.

On the kinetics of high intensity illuminated annealing of n-type SHJ solar cells: 0.4%abs efficiency gain in one second

Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells are at the forefront of high efficiency industrial solar cell manufacturing. The rapid increase in efficiency compared with passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) cells has significantly propelled commercial interest in this technology. Illuminated annealing under elevated temperatures has been shown to lead to efficiency enhancements in SHJ cells. Recently, it was observed that increasing the light intensity used during the annealing can accelerate the efficiency gains, this approach has started to be incorporated into SHJ manufacturing. In this work, we investigate the kinetics of this high intensity illuminated annealing process in the temperature range from 200 °C to 300 °C, demonstrating that the kinetics and extent of the efficiency gain strongly depend on the temperature of the process. For the first time, we show that the changes in V OC and R S , which control the efficiency enhancement, occur at different rates. Remarkably, by investigating the temperature dependence we demonstrate a process that leads to efficiency gains of >0.4% abs in only 1 s. This new understanding presents a pathway to an industrially compatible annealing approach that significantly increases the power output of SHJ modules. • Illuminated annealing can cause significant efficiency boost for SHJ cells. • Annealing temperature plays a big role in the kinetics of efficiency gain. • Efficiency gain caused by increase in VOC and reduction RS. • An efficiency increase of 0.4%abs achieved with 1 s.

Clinical biostatistics in the 2020s

Clinical biostatistics in the 2020s

The AhR‐SRC axis as a therapeutic vulnerability in BRAFi‐resistant melanoma

The nongenetic mechanisms required to control tumor phenotypic plasticity and shape drug‐resistance remain unclear. We show here that the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) transcription factor directly regulates the gene expression program associated with the acquisition of resistance to BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) in melanoma. In addition, we show in melanoma cells that canonical activation of AhR mediates the activation of the SRC pathway and promotes the acquisition of an invasive and aggressive resistant phenotype to front‐line BRAFi treatment in melanoma. This nongenetic reprogramming identifies a clinically compatible approach to reverse BRAFi resistance in melanoma. Using a preclinical BRAFi‐resistant PDX melanoma model, we demonstrate that SRC inhibition with dasatinib significantly re‐sensitizes melanoma cells to BRAFi. Together we identify the AhR/SRC axis as a new therapeutic vulnerability to trigger resistance and warrant the introduction of SRC inhibitors during the course of the treatment in combination with front‐line therapeutics to delay BRAFi resistance.

Enhancing all-optical switching of magnetization by He ion irradiation

All-optical switching (AOS) of magnetization by a single femtosecond laser pulse in Co/Gd based synthetic ferrimagnets is the fastest magnetization switching process. On the other hand, He ion irradiation has become a promising tool for interface engineering of spintronic material platforms, giving rise to significant modification of magnetic properties. In this paper, we explore the use of He ion irradiation to enhance single pulse AOS of Co/Gd bilayer-based synthetic ferrimagnets. The intermixing of the constituent magnetic layers by He ion irradiation was both numerically simulated and experimentally verified. We theoretically modeled the effects of intermixing on AOS using the layered microscopic 3-temperature model and found that AOS is enhanced significantly by breaking the pristine Co/Gd interface through intermixing. Following this notion, we studied the threshold fluence of AOS as a function of He ion irradiation fluence. We found that the AOS threshold fluence can be reduced by almost 30%. Our study reveals the control of AOS by He ion irradiation, which opens up an industrially compatible approach for local AOS engineering.

Synergic remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-contaminated soil by a combined system of persulfate oxidation activated by biochar and phytoremediation with basil: A compatible, robust, and sustainable approach

A new remediation strategy for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated soil was proposed using a combination of ammonium persulfate (APS) oxidation activated by iron-modified biochar (FBC) and phytoremediation with the aromatic plant, basil. After the 105-day pot experiment, the removal rates of soil total Σ16 PAHs by this combined system reached 61.6%–69.5%. In the combined system, basil grew the best among all treatment groups because the addition of FBC and APS increased the contents of available potassium and nitrogen in soil. The essential oils extracted from basil were deemed free of PAH contamination. High-throughput sequencing of soil bacteria and fungi after 105 days revealed that the advanced oxidation process substantially reduced the richness and diversity of soil microbes, which were restored to the original state by basil. Results indicate that the combined system can remediate the contaminated soil in a synergy by pronouncing the degradative capacity of FBC-APS while mitigating its adverse effects, which is suggested to be an effective, robust, and sustainable approach that holds promise for future site applications.

A Promoter‐free Protocol for the Synthesis of Selenophosphates and Thiophosphates via a Spontaneous Process at Room Temperature

AbstractA promoter‐free chalcogenophosphorylation reaction between diverse P(O)−H reagents and chalcogenosulfonates has been developed. In the absence of metal or any other additives, these transformations proceed through a spontaneous process at room temperature, which provide a convenient and compatible approach to a broad range of selenophosphates and thiophosphates.magnified image

340.3: Comparison of HLA Compatibility Algorithms to Predict Longterm Survival and CLAD Following Lung Transplantation

Introduction: Outcomes following lung transplantation (LTx) remain poor, despite recent advances in sequencing technology and the development of multiple algorithms defining immunological compatibility between recipient and donor. No consensus has been achieved regarding the best approach to define HLA compatibility in LTx. Here, we compared numerous available HLA compatibility approaches, including T- and B-cell epitopes, electrostatic charge and amino acid mismatching, using a high resolution typed, well characterised cohort, to determine which approach best predicts outcomes following LTx. Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, 277 donor-recipient transplant pairs were retrospectively HLA typed by Next generation sequencing (NGS) for all HLA loci. (HLA-A-DPA). HLA mismatching was defined using HLAMatchmaker eplets (epMM), HLA-EMMA epitopes (EMMA), PIRCHE T-cell epitopes (PIRCHE), electrostatic differences (EMS) and amino Acid mismatches (AAMM). Associations with mismatching scores generated by the different algorithms with CLAD (BOS/RAS) and overall survival were calculated using adjusted cox proportional modelling and Kaplan-Meier survival curves to demonstrate time to outcomes (SPSS v.21). Results: Lower HLA-class II compatibility was associated with increased overall survival for all algorithms, with lower HLA-DR, -DQ and –DQA mismatches generated by PIRCHE and epMM independently associated with increased survival. Lower HLA-DR compatibility was significantly associated with increased time to RAS for all algorithms. Lower epMM and PIRCHE HLA-DQA was also associated with increased time to RAS, however the algorithms that did not separate DQA and DQB, did not reach significance. Conclusion: Lower class II mismatching, specifically for HLA-DR and DQ, for all approaches associated with improved graft and patient survival. The PIRCHE and HLAMatchmatcher algorithms that separate compatibility based on individual alleles/chains provide a higher degree of granularity, which may be useful to select the best matched recipient. Regardless, reducing the level of HLA mismatching, in either T- or B-cell epitopes, electrostatic differences or amino acid would improve outcomes following LTx and potentially guide immunosuppression strategies.

Impact of photon recycling on the light extraction from metal halide perovskite light emitting diodes

The impact of photon recycling on the efficiency of light extraction from metal halide perovskite light emitting diodes is quantified using a novel modelling framework based on a detailed-balance compatible Green dyad approach. Analysis of photon modes contributing to internal emission and iterative evaluation of re-absorption and re-emission processes is performed for single perovskite layers in absence and presence of a metallic reflector and under consideration of associated parasitic absorption losses. Finally, the approach is employed to characterize the emission characteristics of a realistic multilayer device stack in dependence of the emitter thickness.

Task-based language assessment: a compatible approach to assess the efficacy of task-based language teaching vs. present, practice, produce

Task-Based Language Teaching has been developed in response to the teacher-dominated, focus-on-forms methods such as Present, Practice, Produce (PPP). The body of literature is replete with studies examining the learning efficacy of the PPP approach versus TBLT; however, these studies did not use assessment tasks in comparing these two methods. To this end, the present study used an Assessment Task, a Grammaticality Judgment Test (GJT), and an Elicited Imitation Test (EIT) to compare the efficacy of PPP versus TBLT. Thirty-four lower-intermediate English language learners in Iran were randomly assigned to TBLT, PPP, and Control groups. The study results revealed that the performance of TBLT and PPP on the GJT and EIT significantly improved from pre-assessment to post-assessment, while the Control group did not show any significant improvements on any of the tests. Results indicated that only the TBLT group made substantial improvements in TBLA in the post-assessment, while the PPP and Control groups’ performance did not significantly improve.

Storage media and RNA extraction approaches substantially influence the recovery and integrity of livestock fecal microbial RNA.

BackgroundThere is growing interest in understanding gut microbiome dynamics, to increase the sustainability of livestock production systems and to better understand the dynamics that regulate antibiotic resistance genes (i.e., the resistome). High-throughput sequencing of RNA transcripts (RNA-seq) from microbial communities (metatranscriptome) allows an unprecedented opportunity to analyze the functional and taxonomical dynamics of the expressed microbiome and emerges as a highly informative approach. However, the isolation and preservation of high-quality RNA from livestock fecal samples remains highly challenging. This study aimed to determine the impact of the various sample storage and RNA extraction strategies on the recovery and integrity of microbial RNA extracted from selected livestock (chicken and pig) fecal samples.MethodsFecal samples from pigs and chicken were collected from conventional slaughterhouses. Two different storage buffers were used at two different storage temperatures. The extraction of total RNA was done using four different commercially available kits and RNA integrity/quality and concentration were measured using a Bioanalyzer 2100 system with RNA 6000 Nano kit (Agilent, Santa Clara, CA, USA). In addition, RT-qPCR was used to assess bacterial RNA quality and the level of host RNA contamination.ResultsThe quantity and quality of RNA differed by sample type (i.e., either pig or chicken) and most significantly by the extraction kit, with differences in the extraction method resulting in the least variability in pig feces samples and the most variability in chicken feces. Considering a tradeoff between the RNA yield and the RNA integrity and at the same time minimizing the amount of host RNA in the sample, a combination of storing the fecal samples in RNALater at either 4 °C (for 24 h) or −80 °C (up to 2 weeks) with extraction with PM kit (RNEasy Power Microbiome Kit) had the best performance for both chicken and pig samples.ConclusionOur findings provided a further emphasis on using a consistent methodology for sample storage, duration as well as a compatible RNA extraction approach. This is crucial as the impact of these technical steps can be potentially large compared with the real biological variability to be explained in microbiome and resistome studies.

Effect of shear strain compatibility and incompatibility approaches in the design of high modulus columns against liquefaction: A case study in Christchurch, New Zealand

Effect of shear strain compatibility and incompatibility approaches in the design of high modulus columns against liquefaction: A case study in Christchurch, New Zealand

Comprehensive unified model and simulation approach for microstructure evolution

The prediction of microstructure constituents and their morphologies is of great importance for the evaluation of material properties and design of advanced materials. There have been considerable efforts to model and simulate microstructure evolution using a wide spectrum of models and simulation approaches. This paper initially reviews the atomistic and mesoscale simulation approaches for microstructure evolution, emphasizing their advantages and disadvantages. Atomistic approaches, such as molecular dynamics, are restricted by the scale of the studied system because they are computationally expensive. Continuum mesoscale simulation approaches, such as phase field, cellular automata, and Monte Carlo, have inconsistent phenomenological equations, each of which only describes one aspect of microstructure evolution. To provide comprehensive insight into microstructure evolution, a unified model that is capable of equally evaluating the nucleation and growth processes is required. In this paper, a physics-based model is proposed that incorporates statistical mechanics, the energy conservation law, and the force equilibrium concept to include all aspects of microstructure evolution. A compatible simulation approach is also described to simulate microstructure evolution during thermomechanical treatments. Furthermore, the microstructure evolution of AISI 304 austenitic steel during isothermal heat treatment and fusion welding is simulated and discussed. The use of fundamental physical rules instead of phenomenological equations, together with the real spatial and temporal scales of the proposed model, facilitates the comparison of the simulation results with experimental results. To examine the accuracy of the proposed simulation approach, the isothermal heat treatment simulation results are compared with experimental data over a broad region of temperatures and time periods.

Component-Centric Mobile Cloud Architecture Performance Evaluation: an Analytical Approach for Unified Models and Component Compatibility with Next Generation Evolving Technologies

Component-Centric Mobile Cloud Architecture Performance Evaluation: an Analytical Approach for Unified Models and Component Compatibility with Next Generation Evolving Technologies

Real-time visualization and quantitation of cell death and cell cycle progression in 2D and 3D cultures utilizing genetically encoded probes.

Cancer cells grown as 3D-structures are better models for mimicking in vivo conditions than the 2D-culture systems employable in drug discovery applications. Cell cycle and cell death are important determinants for preclinical drug screening and tumor growth studies in laboratory conditions. Though several 3D-models and live-cell compatible approaches are available, a method for simultaneous real-time detection of cell cycle and cell death is required. Here we demonstrate a high-throughput adaptable method using genetically encoded fluorescent probes for the real-time quantitative detection of cell death and cell cycle. The cell-cycle indicator cdt1-Kusabira orange (KO) is stably integrated into cancer cells and further transfected with the Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer-based ECFP-DEVD-EYFP caspase activation sensor. The nuclear cdt1-KO expression serves as the readout for cell-cycle, and caspase activation is visualized by ECFP/EYFP ratiometric imaging. The image-based platform allowed imaging of growing spheres for prolonged periods in 3D-culture with excellent single-cell resolution through confocal microscopy. High-throughput screening (HTS) adaptation was achieved by targeting the caspase-sensor at the nucleus, which enabled the quantitation of cell death in 3D-models. The HTS using limited compound libraries, identified two lead compounds that induced caspase-activation both in 2D and 3D-cultures. This is the first report of an approach for noninvasive stain-free quantitative imaging of cell death and cell cycle with potential drug discovery applications.

The Transformation of Healthcare Buildings: The Challenges of the University of Pavia for Urban Regeneration

The theme of urban regeneration is currently one of the main actions of transformation policies. It presents an opportunity for cities’ design, in particular historical centers, through joint actions aimed at creating synergies and connections between social, political, economic, and environmental aspects. It also becomes an opportunity to enhance the huge and complex Cultural Heritage, full of architectural values, memory, and history. At the same time, it appears increasingly inadequate and obsolete compared to the new needs of a changing society, of regulatory aspects, and of a general compatible approach to intervention to the more general policies of sustainable development, as required by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A total of two case studies of the reuse and enhancement of hospital buildings of the University of Pavia are presented, which has a large building heritage spread throughout the city. In recent years, owing to the opportunities offered by funding, it has started transformation policies on some abandoned buildings through projects based on an interdisciplinary approach and a participatory design strategy. The article testifies to a potential method of intervention that can be exported to other contexts, after a previous test of the compatibility on the existing and on the urban context.

A two-mechanism and multiscale compatible approach for solid state electrolytes of (Li-ion) batteries

All-solid-state batteries are claimed to be the next-generation battery system, in view of their safety accompanied by high energy densities. A new advanced, multiscale compatible, and fully three-dimensional model for solid electrolytes is presented in this note. The response of the electrolyte is profoundly studied theoretically and numerically, analyzing the equilibrium and steady-state behaviors, the limiting factors, as well as the most relevant constitutive parameters according to the sensitivity analysis of the model, the novel model is finally validated in accordance with experimental results.