Contact Stability Research Articles

Design and Test of an Intraoral Electrode Grid for Tongue High-Density Electromyography.

Tongue motor function is crucial in a wide range of basic activities and its impairment affects quality of life. The electrophysiological assessment of the tongue relies primarily on needle electromyography, which is limited by its invasiveness and inability to capture the concurrent activity of the different tongue muscles. This work aimed at developing an intraoral grid for high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) to non-invasively map the electrical excitation of tongue muscles. We developed a grid of 4×8 electrodes deposited over an adhesive 8- μ m thick polyurethane membrane. The testing protocol was conducted on 7 healthy participants and included functional tasks (vowels articulation and tongue movements) aimed at activating different regions of the tongue. The electrical stability of contact was assessed by measuring electrode-tongue impedances before and after the tasks. The spatial amplitude distribution of global EMG and single motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) was characterized. Electrode-tongue impedance magnitude showed no significant changes in the pre-post comparison ( 58±46 k Ω vs. 67±58 k Ω at 50Hz). Contact stability was confirmed by the quality of the signals that allowed to quantify spatiotemporal characteristics of muscle activation during the different tasks. The analysis of the spatial distribution of individual MUAPs amplitude showed that they were confined to relatively small areas on the tongue surface (range: 0.5cm2 -3.9cm [Formula: see text]. A variety of different spatiotemporal MUAP patterns, likely due to the presence of different muscle compartments with different fiber orientations, were observed. Our results demonstrate that the developed electrode grid enables HDsEMG acquisition from the tongue during functional tasks, thus opening new possibilities in tongue muscle assessment both at global and single motor unit level.

Diş aşınması olan hastalarda dikey boyutun yeniden yapılandırılması sonrasında çiğneme kaslarının EMG aktivitesinin değerlendirilmesi: Vaka Serisi

Aşınmış diş yapısına sahip hastanın tedavisi, oklüzal dikey boyutun yeniden oluşturulmasını ve her bir vaka için kapsamlı tedavi planlamasını gerektirir. Bu çalışmada diş restorasyonu ile artan oklüzal dikey boyutun çiğneme kaslarının EMG aktiviteleri ve fonksiyonel indeksleri üzerindeki etkisi değerlendirildi. Dişlerinde aşınma olan üç hastanın rehabilitasyonu sunuldu. Restoratif tedavi öncesi ve sonrasında EMG kayıtları alınarak aktivite indeksi ve asimetri indeksi ölçüldü. Fonksiyonel indekslerin oklüzal temas stabilitesi ile daha fazla ilişkili olduğu bulunmuştur.

Regulating Ceramic-Polymer Interphase in Composite Solid Electrolytes

Exhibiting satisfactory safety and high energy density, all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLBs) is considered as the next-generation energy storage device for green power. Composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) consisting of polymer matrix and active inorganic fillers have shown great potential for practical applications owing to desirable mechanical properties and improved ionic conductivity. However, mechanisms of how different active fillers enhance the ion transport in CSEs still remain inconclusive and comprehensive properties of CSEs need to be improved to meet the demand for high-performance ASSLBs. Our work focuses on the mechanism of Li ion transportation in CSEs and the interaction among polymer matrix, inorganic active fillers and Li-salts. Further, the specific insights into the improving mechanism are applied to the design of CSEs with ideal overall performance.First, NASICON-type (LATP) and garnet-type (LLZTO) inorganic solid electrolytes are utilized as active fillers to incorporate with poly (ethylene oxide) PEO matrix. The experimental and computational results shown that the high affinity between LATP and PEO facilitates unhindered interfacial Li+ transfer, so that LATP functions as bulk-active filler to provide additional inorganic ion pathway. Instead, anion-trapping LLZTO mainly improves the ion conductivity by dissociating lithium salt, making it an interface-active filler. Therefore, the as-prepared PEO-LATP CSEs achieve the highest ion conductivity with medium filler content (50wt%) due to the well-built synergistic ion transport tunnels. By contrast, PEO-LLZTO peak at low filler content (10wt%) attributed to the maximized interfacial interactions.Next, based on the above findings, surface defects are introduced to interface-active LLZTO to not only enhance the anion-trapping effect, but also serve as anchoring points for polymer chains, forming a firmly bonded polymer-ceramic interface. The as-prepared OV-LLZTO/PEO composite exhibits high mechanical strength, reduced interfacial resistance with electrodes as well as improved Li+ conductivity.Further, Li-salt combination in CESs is optimized to improve the electrode compatibility for higher energy density. With the interaction of interface-active LLZTO and main lithium salt, functional additive has access to more preferable coordination. As a result, robust inorganic-rich electrode/electrolyte interface with high ionic conductivity can be synergistically constructed. More importantly, stable and fast ion transport network is built inside the high-volt LCO cathode, thus high rate performance and high capacity retentions achieved in Li|PEO-LLZTO|LCO cells with charging cut-off of 4.2 V.To summarize, we have first revealed ion conduction mechanisms in CSEs, then optimization approaches such as surface defects introduction on the active fillers and Li-salt modification are employed to improve the critical properties of CSE (e.g. ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, interfacial contact and interfacial stability between electrode and electrolyte). These works jointly point out a new principle for the design of high-performance CSEs via regulating the ceramic-polymer interphases. Figure 1

Robotic Catheter Ablation: An Evaluation and Prototyping Platform

Cardiac arrhythmia affects a large portion of the population, particularly the elderly. As the population ages, the number of patients suffering from this condition is expected to rise, underlining the importance of more efficient treatment methods. Radio-frequency (RF) catheter ablation is the treatment of choice for many cardiac arrhythmias. To recover a normal heartbeat, the abnormal pacemakers inside the heart are first identified and then isolated or destroyed by applying RF energy through the use of an ablation catheter. While the catheter’s design and precise navigation are topics of significant interest, there is currently no standardized evaluation setup to compare different catheter ablation systems. This paper addresses this problem by introducing an evaluation platform including an in vitro anatomical model, a catheter tracking system, and a dedicated graphical user interface. This platform enables performance assessment of catheter ablation systems using various metrics, such as procedure duration, contact stability, ablation angle and user satisfaction. A simulation environment is also presented, allowing for rapid assessment of usability-related parameters. We demonstrate the efficacy of the evaluation platform through a proof-of-concept study, and the efficacy of the simulation environment through evaluating different control gains.

Screen-printed counter-electrodes based on biochar derived from wood-corn silage and titanium isopropoxide binder as a more efficient and renewable alternative to Pt-CE for dye-sensitized solar cells

Current research of counter-electrodes (CEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) focuses mainly on searching for low-cost and mass-production suitable materials as an alternative to standardly used platinum. One of the most studied groups is carbon allotropes, while carbon-enriched materials such as biochar prepared from renewable sources (biomass) show tremendous potential. Structural properties of biochar, electrical conductivity and large specific area predict the possibility of its use as a catalytic material of CE. To ensure printability and efficient contact between the printed catalytic layer and substrate of CE, non-conductive polymer binders, reducing electrical and electrochemical properties of CEs, are standardly used. This work introduces the preparation of screen-printed CEs based on titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) binder and biochar microparticles obtained by pyrolysis of wood and corn silage, which were investigated as an alternative to platinum CE. TTIP was examined as a substitute for the polymer binder ethylcellulose (EC) and as the precursor for TiO2 nanoparticle synthesis in biochar/TTIP hybrid CEs. Formation of polymer matrix from TTIP ensured the required rheological properties of biochar/TTIP inks and improved interparticle contact and mechanical stability of screen-printed catalytic layers of CEs. Raman spectroscopy indicated the presence of TiO2 anatase nanoparticles with a size of 5 nm after CEs sintering at 500 °C under an argon atmosphere. The sintering process raised catalytic activity and decreased sheet resistance of CEs in the presence of I3−/I− electrolyte, resulting in enhanced photovoltaic parameters of DSSCs. Screen-printed composite CEs consisting of 30 wt% biochar and 20 wt% TTIP reached the best catalytic activity and higher conversion efficiency of DSSCs (6.43 %) than DSSCs with Pt CEs (6.19 %). Based on the results, combining biochar and TTIP offers new possibilities for developing more ecological and low-cost mass-producible materials for CEs.

Dual-layer composite solid polymer electrolytes with Janus properties for interface modification of solid state lithium metal batteries

Solid polymer electrolytes are widely applied in lithium metal batteries owing to good flexibility and machinability. However, monolayer polymer electrolyte are difficult to simultaneously satisfy the interfacial contact with the cathode and Li anode. Herein, the dual-layer composite solid polymer electrolyte with polypropylene film (CSPE@PP) are designed to promote the interfacial compatibility between the solid electrolytes and electrodes. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results confirm that poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) can react with Li metal to form LiF layer, restraining the Li dendrite growth. Meanwhile, the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) antioxidant layer strengthens the contact stability between the electrolytes and the cathodes. Moreover, the PP film serves as the electrolyte's skeleton and connecting layer, enhancing the ion diffusion and mechanical strength of the solid electrolytes. As a result, the Li||CSPE@PP||Li cell is able to stably cycle over 400 h at 0.1 mA cm−2. The LFP||CSPE@PP||Li solid-state batteries deliver 141.98 mAh g−1 discharge capacity and high retention rate (91.1%) after 100 cycles at 0.1C. This work provides a viable strategy for expanding the application of composite solid polymer electrolyte (CSPE) in lithium metal batteries.

Geometric Cuts by an Autonomous Laser Osteotome Increase Stability in Mandibular Reconstruction With Free Fibula Grafts: A Cadaver Study

BackgroundNon-union and plate exposure represent a major complication after mandibular reconstruction with free fibula flaps. These drawbacks may be resolved by geometric osteotomies increasing inter-segmental bone contact area and stability. PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare inter-segmental bone contact and stability of geometric osteotomies to straight osteotomies in mandibular reconstructions with free fibula grafts performed by robot-guided erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser osteotomy. Study design, setting, sampleThis cadaveric in-vitro study was performed on fresh frozen human skull and fibula specimens. CT-scans of all specimens were performed for virtual planning of mandibular resections and three-segment fibula reconstructions. The virtual planning was implemented in a Cold Ablation Robot-guided Laser Osteotome. Predictor/exposure/independent variableFor predictor variables straight and geometric puzzle-shaped osteotomies were designed at resection of the mandible and corresponding fibula reconstruction. Main outcome variablesThe primary outcome variable was the stability of the reconstructed mandible investigated by shearing tests. Moreover, secondary outcome variables were the duration of the laser osteotomies, the contact surface area and the accuracy of the reconstruction, both evaluated on post-surgical CT-scans. CovariatesCovariables were not applicable AnalysisData were reported as mean values (± standard deviation) and were statistically analyzed using an independent-sample t-test on a significance level of α = 0.05. Root mean square deviation was tested for accuracy. Results8 skulls and 16 fibula specimens were used for the study. 112 successful laser osteotomies (96 straight and 16 geometrical) could be performed. Geometric osteotomies increased stability (110.2±36.2 N vs. 37.9±20.1N, p<0.001) compared to straight osteotomies. Geometric osteotomy of the fibula took longer than straight osteotomies (10.9±5.1min vs. 5.9±2.2min, p=0.028), but could provide larger contact surface (431.2±148.5mm2 vs. 226.1±50.8mm2, p=0.04).Heat map analysis revealed a mean deviation between preoperational planning and post-reconstructive CT-scan of -0.8 ±2.4mm and a root mean square deviation of 2,51mm. ConclusionMandibular resection and reconstruction by fibula grafts can accurately be performed by a cold ablation robot-guided laser osteotome without need for cutting guides. Osteotomy planning with geometric cuts offers higher stability and an increased bone contact area which may enhance healing of the reconstructed mandible.

Integrated Disturbance Observer-Based Robust Force Control

For robotic tasks that involve combined transmitting and contact force control, achieving high-performance motion control while ensuring stable environment contact is difficult. Among the factors that affect the quality of this force control, we may account vibrations due to misalignment in the mechanical components, actuator inaccuracies, non-linear effects of friction, and backlash. All the above factors can be collectively considered as force disturbances. Towards high-performance motion control and contact stability, a novel integrated disturbance observer (IDOB) is proposed. The IDOB uses force sensor measurements with position measurements and a plant model to isolate and robustly suppress the effects of force disturbances within the plant without compromising contact stability. This is applied here to a force control system to demonstrate the enhanced force control performance in free space and in contact. The passivity, robust stability, and disturbance rejection of the proposed IDOB are compared with those of existing force controllers, with and without force-based DOBs. Finally, actual experiments are conducted in free space and contact under various interaction conditions, showing that the IDOB improves transmitting force control and disturbance suppression performances. Moreover, peak collision force is reduced while maintaining contact stability with stiff environments.

Vinculin is essential for sustaining normal levels of endogenous forces at cell-cell contacts

Transmission of cell-generated (i.e., endogenous) tension at cell-cell contacts is crucial for tissue shape changes during morphogenesis and adult tissue repair in tissues such as epithelia. E-cadherin-based adhesions at cell-cell contacts are the primary means by which endogenous tension is transmitted between cells. The E-cadherin-β-catenin-α-catenin complex mechanically couples to the actin cytoskeleton (and thereby the cell’s contractile machinery) both directly and indirectly. However, the key adhesion constituents required for substantial endogenous force transmission at these adhesions in cell-cell contacts are unclear. Due to the role of α-catenin as a mechanotransducer that recruits vinculin at cell-cell contacts, we expected α-catenin to be essential for sustaining normal levels of force transmission. Instead, using the traction force imbalance method to determine the inter-cellular force at a single cell-cell contact between cell pairs, we found that it is vinculin that is essential for sustaining normal levels of endogenous force transmission, with absence of vinculin decreasing the inter-cellular tension by over 50%. Our results constrain the potential mechanical pathways of force transmission at cell-cell contacts and suggest that vinculin can transmit forces at E-cadherin adhesions independent of α-catenin, possibly through β-catenin. Furthermore, we tested the ability of lateral cell-cell contacts to withstand external stretch and found that both vinculin and α-catenin are essential to maintain cell-cell contact stability under external forces.

Contact Failure Characteristic Test and Overheating Analysis of UHV GIL Electrical Connection Structure

As the key component of the conductor of the gas-insulated power transmission equipment, the electrical connection structure bears high current, high stress and high temperature for a long time. Electrical contact failures become an important issue, while it’s failure characteristics and mechanisms are ambiguous so far. In this paper, based on complex electrical connection structures of gas-insulated transmission line (GIL), equivalent tests were conducted on the contact failure characteristics of such structure. Result shows that poor contact of the such electrical connection structure will cause two types of situations: micro-gap discharge and contact overheating. The causes of both are different. Firstly, micro slip is a kind of cause of discharge faults despite the separation gap is small. The current transfer area (b) of such contact structure is the main position where the arc starts. The contact stability at that location should be fully considered in the layout of such electrical connection structure. Secondly, combined with the surface morphology and element distribution, the mechanism of contact discharge and the source of metal particles are further explained by the occurrence of coating peeling and material transfer behavior. Finally, the difference in contact state is the main reason for a few contacts overheating. There is a significant temperature difference between contacts in different contact state. The temperature rises nonlinearly with the increase of the current under the condition of uneven current carrying. The above research can provide a practical basis for fault analysis and prevention of such electric contact structures in the UHV gas-insulated power transmission equipment.

Active Physical Interaction Control for Aerial Manipulator Based on External Wrench Estimation

This article investigates the active physical interaction problem of an aerial manipulator in terms of capability, reliability, and costs. Then, an active physical interaction control architecture is presented for the aerial manipulator to achieve both stable motion and interaction behaviors with external wrench estimation. Specifically, an external wrench estimator in absence of the acceleration and wrench measurements is designed to regulate the interaction point of the aerial manipulator with a minimal sensor condition. Next, a force tracking impedance control strategy with variable stiffness is presented to guarantee the contact stability and force tracking of the aerial manipulator with uncertain contact targets. Further, utilizing the knowledge of prescribed performance and terminal sliding mode surface, a pose controller is proposed to implement the dynamic response speed and accuracy control of the aerial manipulator, which provides a prerequisite for the realization of reliable physical interaction tasks. The stability of the proposed control architecture is analyzed through Lyapunov tools. Moreover, the feasibility and performance of the proposed control architecture are validated via simulations and real-world contact experiments.

Effect of internal excitation induced by non-uniform contact of roller bearings on nonlinear vibration and stability of rotor system under combined loads

The misalignment of roller bearing rings will results in moment load, together with the unbalance and external loads, forming the combined dynamic loads. The complex combined load can cause non-uniform contact of rollers and rings, which reduces the bearing’s life and significantly affect the vibration of rotor systems. This paper mainly studies the roller bearing internal contact performances under combined loads and the influence of internal excitation on the nonlinear vibration of rotor systems. First, the “slices” method is used to establish the mechanical model of roller bearings, which considers the radial clearance and nonlinear Hertz contact. The obtained time-varying bearing nonlinear support reaction is introduced into the rotor concentrated mass model, and a roller bearing–rotor system dynamic model is proposed. Further, the system’s complex nonlinear vibrations, such as bifurcation and chaos, are analyzed by spectrum, orbits, bifurcation, and Poincare map. The roller bearing contact performances and stability under the influence of ring tilt angle, rotational speed, and unbalance, are analyzed by contact load statistical features. Finally, based on a rolling bearing–rotor test rig, the vibration experiment considering the combined load was performed, and the experiment results are compared with simulation results to verify the proposed model and conclusions.

Effects of Osseodensification on Primary Stability of Cylindrical and Conical Implants-An Ex Vivo Study.

Primary stability is an important factor for dental implant success. In the past years, a new method for bone site preparation was introduced, named osseodensification (OD). OD produces a condensation of the trabecular portion of the bone, increasing bone-to-implant contact and primary stability. This study aims to compare the effect of OD in cylindrical and conical implants to conventional instrumentation. A total of forty implants, divided into four groups, were placed in porcine tibia: cylindrical conventional (1a), cylindrical OD (1b), conical conventional (2a) and conical OD (2b). Each implant was measured for implant stability quotient (ISQ), insertion torque (IT) and removal torque (RT). Group 2b showed the higher values for each of the evaluated parameters; groups 1b and 2b showed better results than 1a and 2a, respectively. Regarding the IT and RT, group 1b achieved higher values than group 2a, but not for ISQ. The inter-group comparison showed significant difference between groups 1a vs 2a, 1a vs 2b and 1b vs 2b for ISQ and 1a vs 1b and 1a vs 2b for RT analysis. OD resulted in improved ISQ, IT and RT of both cylindrical and conical implants.

Preparation of Eco-Friendly Chelating Resins and Their Applications for Water Treatment.

In the present study, two chelating resins were prepared and used for simultaneous adsorption of toxic metal ions, i.e., Cr3+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ (MX+). In the first step, chelating resins were prepared starting with styrene-divinylbenzene resin, a strong basic anion exchanger Amberlite IRA 402(Cl-) with two chelating agents, i.e., tartrazine (TAR) and amido black 10B (AB 10B). Key parameters such as contact time, pH, initial concentration, and stability were evaluated for the obtained chelating resins (IRA 402/TAR and IRA 402/AB 10B). The obtained chelating resins show excellent stability in 2M HCl, 2M NaOH, and also in ethanol (EtOH) medium. The stability of the chelating resins decreased when the combined mixture (2M HCl:EtOH = 2:1) was added. The above-mentioned aspect was more evident for IRA 402/TAR compared to IRA 402/AB 10B. Taking into account the higher stability of the IRA 402/TAR and IRA 402/AB 10B resins, in a second step, adsorption studies were carried out on complex acid effluents polluted with MX+. The adsorption of MX+ from an acidic aqueous medium on the chelating resins was evaluated using the ICP-MS method. The following affinity series under competitive analysis for IRA 402/TAR was obtained: Fe3+(44 µg/g) > Ni2+(39.8 µg/g) > Cd2+(34 µg/g) > Cr3+(33.2 µg/g) > Pb2+(32.7 µg/g) > Cu2+ (32.5 µg/g) > Mn2+(31 µg/g) > Co2+(29 µg/g) > Zn2+ (27.5 µg/g). While for IRA 402/AB 10B, the following behavior was observed: Fe3+(58 µg/g) > Ni2+(43.5 µg/g) > Cd2+(43 µg/g) > Cu2+(38 µg/g) > Cr3+(35 µg/g) > Pb2+(34.5 µg/g) > Co2+(32.8 µg/g) > Mn2+(33 µg/g) > Zn2+(32 µg/g), consistent with the decreasing affinity of MX+ for chelate resin. The chelating resins were characterized using TG, FTIR, and SEM analysis. The obtained results showed that the chelating resins prepared have promising potential for wastewater treatment in the context of the circular economy approach.

Comprehensive Performance Evaluation Strategy for Power Battery System Based on Dynamic Weight

Abstract New energy vehicles are an effective solution to solve the situation of carbon neutrality with carbon peaking in China. The power battery system is the key component of new energy vehicles, and its performance is directly related to the safety and cruising range. Since the performance of the battery system is affected by factors such as electrical contact stability, voltage and current characteristics, and temperature, its full life cycle performance cannot be comprehensively evaluated, resulting in inefficient prediction and protective measures. In this paper, the electrical contact stability was studied, and the evaluation index was proposed by calculating the volatility of the battery state equation. The parameters, including electrical contact stability, polynomial-based state of charge, state of health, state of consistency, and battery system temperature, constituted the performance matrix of the battery system. A comprehensive performance evaluation method for a power battery system based on dynamic weight is designed with normalized classification. Finally, the cyclic charge/discharge test experiment under the vibration state was carried out to verify the effectiveness of the method. The result showed that the method could characterize various functions and provide an intuitive and detailed evaluation for the safety prediction of a battery system.

Theoretical Design of an Mox W1-x S2 /Graphene (x=0.25/0.75) Heterojunction with Adjustable Band Gap: Potential Candidate Materials for the Next Generation of Optoelectronic Devices.

Multicomponent two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) semiconductors based on adjustable band gap are increasingly used to design optoelectronic devices with specific spectral response. Here, we have designed the Mox W1-x S2 /graphene heterostructure with adjustable band gap by adopting the combination idea of alloying and multiple heterogeneous recombination. The contact type, stability and photoelectric properties of Mox W1-x S2 /graphene heterojunction were investigated theoretically. At the same time, by applying external vertical electric field to Mox W1-x S2 /graphene, the regulate of heterojunction Schottky contact type was realized. The results show that Mox W1-x S2 /graphene heterojunction has broad application prospects in the field of photocatalysis and Schottky devices, and is suitable for being a potential candidate material for next generation of optoelectronic devices. The design of Mox W1-x S2 /graphene heterostructure enables it to obtain the advanced characteristics that are lacking in the one-component intrinsic 2D TMDCs semiconductors or graphene materials, and provides a theoretical basis for the experimental preparation of such heterojunctions.

Model predictive impedance control with Gaussian processes for human and environment interaction

Robotic tasks which involve uncertainty – due to variation in goal, environment configuration, or confidence in task model – may require human input to instruct or adapt the robot. In tasks with physical contact, several existing methods for adapting robot trajectory or impedance according to individual uncertainties have been proposed, e.g., realizing intention detection or uncertainty-aware learning from demonstration. However, isolated methods cannot address the wide range of uncertainties jointly present in many tasks.To improve generality, this paper proposes a model predictive control (MPC) framework which plans both trajectory and impedance online, can consider discrete and continuous uncertainties, includes safety constraints, and can be efficiently applied to a new task. This framework can consider uncertainty from: contact constraint variation, uncertainty in human goals, or task disturbances. An uncertainty-aware task model is learned from a few (≤3) demonstrations using Gaussian Processes. This task model is used in a nonlinear MPC problem to optimize robot trajectory and impedance according to belief in discrete human goals, human kinematics, safety constraints, contact stability, and frequency-domain disturbance rejection. This MPC formulation is introduced, analyzed with respect to convexity, and validated in co-manipulation with multiple goals, a collaborative polishing task, and a collaborative assembly task.

Automated analysis framework for in vivo cardiac ablation therapy monitoring with optical coherence tomography.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that is commonly used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. However, it is associated with a significant risk of arrhythmia recurrence and complications owing to the lack of direct visualization of cardiac substrates and real-time feedback on ablation lesion transmurality. Within this manuscript, we present an automated deep learning framework for in vivo intracardiac optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis of swine left atria. Our model can accurately identify cardiac substrates, monitor catheter-tissue contact stability, and assess lesion transmurality on both OCT intensity and polarization-sensitive OCT data. To the best of our knowledge, we have developed the first automatic framework for in vivo cardiac OCT analysis, which holds promise for real-time monitoring and guidance of cardiac RFA therapy..

TEPA-SiO2@PDA composite as a highly stable underwater oleophobic coating on copper mesh for oil-water separation with high flux

Specially wettable mesh can effectively separate the oil-water mixture. However, the pore blocking and poor stability limit the application. In this work, a tetraethylenepentamine-silica@polydopamine (TEPA-SiO2@PDA) coating is developed on the copper mesh for oil-water separation. By exploiting the rough structure and hydrophilic molecule, an underwater oleophobic surface is obtained, in which the aforementioned challenges can be addressed. As a result, the TEPA-SiO2@PDA modified mesh presents a high underwater oil contact angle and stability at various pH and temperature. Oil-water separation test confirms the high efficiency (>99 %) and high water flux. After 15 cycles of separation testing, it still exhibits a high efficiency of 98.21 % and water flux of 23,315.2 L m−2 h−1. High intrusion pressure and special rough structure contribute to the good oil-water separation ability and high stability. This work proposed a novel strategy for designing a highly stable underwater oleophobic mesh for oil-water separation.

NgR1 is an NK cell inhibitory receptor that destabilizes the immunological synapse.

The formation of an immunological synapse (IS) is essential for natural killer (NK) cells to eliminate target cells. Despite an advanced understanding of the characteristics of the IS and its formation processes, the mechanisms that regulate its stability via the cytoskeleton are unclear. Here, we show that Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1) has an important function in modulating NK cell-mediated killing by destabilization of IS formation. NgR1 deficiency or blockade resulted in improved tumor control of NK cells by enhancing NK-to-target cell contact stability and regulating F-actin dynamics during IS formation. Patients with tumors expressing abundant NgR1 ligand had poor prognosis despite high levels of NK cell infiltration. Thus, our study identifies NgR1 as an immune checkpoint in IS formation and indicates a potential approach to improve the cytolytic function of NK cells in cancer immunotherapy.