Direct Contact Research Articles

Compensation of system nonlinearity in the measurement of acoustic nonlinearity parameters

The acoustic nonlinearity parameter is determined from the amplitudes of the fundamental and second harmonic component of the acoustic wave propagating through the material. However, the generally used through-transmission based measurements with PZT transducers contain high system nonlinearity, so that the received second harmonic component includes an extra component caused by the transducer, which significantly decrease the reliability of measurements. In this study, we proposed a novel method to reduce the system nonlinearity in the conventional through-transmission based measurements by adding a simple process in which the transmitting and receiving transducers are in direct contact without a specimen. The proposed method was experimentally validated for two materials, Al6061-T6 and Fused Silica. For both materials, several specimens with different thickness were prepared, and the measurement results showed that the magnitude of the second harmonic was proportional to the thickness, but there was an offset due to system nonlinearity. On the other hand, after applying the proposed technique, the offsets were greatly reduced, and furthermore, this performance was maintained even when the transducer setup was changed, and the ratio of nonlinearity parameters measured for the two materials was in good agreement with the known literature value.

Engineering Triphasic Nanocomposite Coatings on Pretreated Mg Substrates for Biomedical Applications.

Biodegradable polymer-based nanocomposite coatings provide multiple advantages to modulate the corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility of magnesium (Mg) alloys for biomedical applications. Biodegradable poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a promising candidate used for medical implant applications. In this study, we synthesized a new PGS nanocomposite system consisting of hydroxyapatite (HA) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles and developed a spray coating process to produce the PGS nanocomposite layer on pretreated Mg substrates, which improved the coating adhesion at the interface and their cytocompatibility with bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Prior to the spray coating process of polymer-based nanocomposites, the Mg substrates were pretreated in alkaline solutions to enhance the interfacial adhesion strength of the polymer-based nanocomposite coatings. The addition of HA and MgO nanoparticles (nHA and nMgO) to the PGS matrix, as well as the alkaline pretreatment of the Mg substrates, significantly enhanced the interfacial adhesion strength when compared with the PGS coating on the nontreated Mg control. The average BMSC adhesion densities were higher on the PGS/nHA/nMgO coated Mg than the noncoated Mg controls under direct contact conditions. Moreover, the addition of nHA and nMgO to the PGS matrix and coating the nanocomposite onto Mg substrates increased the average BMSC adhesion density when compared with the PGS/nHA/nMgO coated titanium (Ti) and PGS coated Mg controls under direct contact. Therefore, the spray coating process of PGS/nHA/nMgO nanocomposites on Mg substrates or other biodegradable metal substrates could provide a promising surface treatment strategy for biodegradable implant applications.

“I Didn't Have to Worry about It”: Patient and Family Experiences with Health System Involvement in Notifying Relatives of Genetic Test Results

Introduction: In the USA, patients who undergo genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk are responsible for informing relatives about their genetic test results, but many relatives never find out they might be at risk. A health system-mediated relative notification program might help fill this gap, but questions remain about the acceptability of this approach. Methods: We analyzed qualitative data from a single-arm, nonrandomized, mixed-methods study to understand how patients and families experienced a new health system-mediated relative notification program. We invited all study participants to participate in semi-structured telephone interviews at 6–8 weeks after return of genetic test results. We used a template analysis approach to thematically analyze interview transcripts. Results: We interviewed 32 participants, including 17 probands and 15 relatives. Relatives reported positive experiences with the notification program, noting they felt in control of decisions and appreciated genetic counselor involvement in communicating the proband’s test results. Benefits of direct contact included reduced burden for probands, increased family discussions about health, and notification of relatives who otherwise would not have learned results. No participants reported adverse effects from the program. Conclusion: Overall, the relative notification program was acceptable to participants and supported probands in reaching at-risk relatives who otherwise might not have been notified. These findings could inform the implementation of future genetic risk family notification programs with the potential to improve uptake of cascade testing and advance cancer prevention and early detection efforts.

Dipropyl sulfide optimized buried interface to improve the performance of inverted perovskite solar cells

Recently, [4–(3,6-dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl] phosphonic acid (Me-4PACz) has garnered significant attention as a highly effective passivation layer for NiOx. However, the Me-4PACz passivation layer shows low wettability to perovskite precursors, hindering the crystallization of perovskite. Moreover, Me-4PACz does not uniformly and completely cover NiOx, failing to achieve an optimal passivation effect. The presence of high-valence-state Ni species and reactive hydroxyls on the NiOx film surface leads to perovskite degradation. To address this, dipropyl sulfide (DPS) was incorporated into a solution of Me-4PACz. This approach not only enhances the wettability of Me-4PACz, facilitating the growth of larger perovskite grains but also enables Me-4PACz to form a homogeneous passivation layer with strong coverage. This effectively prevents direct contact between NiOx and perovskite films. Additionally, DPS interacts with reactive hydroxyls, removing them from the NiOx surface and mitigating the deprotonation reaction of MA/FA in perovskite. Furthermore, DPS is reducible, which helps in reducing high-valent Ni (Ni4+), thereby decreasing redox reactions at the interface. As a result, the optimized perovskite solar cells with DPS achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.29%, higher than the control device of 20.52%. Moreover, the DPS-decorated device demonstrated excellent stability, retaining over 80% of its initial PCE value, compared to only 60% retention in the control device. This work modified the buried interface and offers valuable insights for subsequent similar studies.

What Mattered Most: Personal, Work-Related, and Psychopathological Characteristics Associated with Healthcare Workers’ Impairment of Functioning during COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted healthcare workers (HWs) around the world. Italy was the first Western country hit by the pandemic, and several studies have been published targeting the mental health burden held by Italian HWs. Notwithstanding, only a few studies focused on the impact of COVID-19 on HWs’ levels of functioning. Methods: An online survey was distributed to HWs in Italy through physicians’ and nurses’ associations, social networks, and researchers’ direct contacts, between 4 April and 13 May 2020. Participants provided sociodemographic, work-related, and pandemic-related data and filled out a set of psychometric questionnaires (Patient Health Questionnaire-9—PHQ-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7—GAD-7, Impact of Event Scale—Revised—IES-R, and Work and Social Adjustment Scale—WSAS). Results: The final sample included 1041 HWs (mean age 45.01 ± 11.62, 63.9% females). In total, 58.1% of the subjects screened positive on the GAD-7, 27.5% on the PHQ-9, and 25.9% on the IES-R. Furthermore, 67.4% showed a significant level of impairment in functioning according to the WSAS, while 35.8% reached scores of moderate or worse impairment. In the multiple linear regressions, screening positive on any of the psychometric scales and being exposed to unusual suffering significantly predicted worse scores in all WSAS domains (p < 0.05). Having a history of mental disorders significantly predicted worse scores in the WSAS domain of work ability (p = 0.002), while being the parent of children younger than 18 years significantly predicted worse WSAS family functioning scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results corroborate extant data about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HWs’ mental health and shed light on its detrimental effect on functioning. Tailored interventions should be designed in order to support HWs during times of crisis.

Comparison of lecture-based learning with presentation-assimilation-discussion method in occupational bloodborne exposure education of nursing students, a randomised trial

BackgroundOccupational Bloodborne Exposures (OBEs) are incidents where healthcare workers come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials, leading to risks of transmitting bloodborne pathogens. Nursing students, often in direct contact with patients, face heightened risks due to their duties.MethodsFirst, we conducted a cross-sectional survey using a OBEs questionnaire to explore the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and needs regarding OBEs among nursing students. Subsequently, we used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the impact of the Presentation-Assimilation-Discussion (PAD) method with the traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) method on OBEs education for nursing students. Pre-test, post-test, and retention test were used to observe the teaching effectiveness, and the students’ feedback on the teaching method was also observed.ResultsIn the cross-sectional survey, we found that nursing students lacked sufficient knowledge and management skills regarding OBEs but recognized the importance of standard precautions and expressed a desire for systematic OBEs training during their education and internships. In the RCT, the total, theoretical, and practical scores of the PAD and LBL groups were comparable in the pre-test (56.70 ± 3.47 vs. 56.40 ± 3.95, 33.09 ± 3.39 vs. 33.33 ± 2.44, 23.61 ± 4.66 vs. 23.07 ± 4.84, p > 0.05). After training, the PAD model demonstrated an advantage over the LBL model in immediate total (84.25 ± 4.06 vs. 78.95 ± 4.23, p < 0.001), theoretical (54.32 ± 2.43 vs. 51.44 ± 2.58, p < 0.001), and practical scores (29.93 ± 3.90 vs. 27.51 ± 4.33, p < 0.01). It also showed superior retention of total (69.05 ± 3.87 vs. 65.77 ± 2.94, p < 0.001) and theoretical scores (39.05 ± 3.05 vs. 36.23 ± 3.18, p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the retention of practical scores between the two groups (30.00 ± 4.76 vs. 29.53 ± 3.73, p > 0.05). The PAD group benefited more across various learning dimensions but reported a higher study load.ConclusionsOur study reveals that the PAD model could be a valuable approach for teaching OBEs to nursing students.

Superficial Zoonotic Mycoses in Humans Associated with Cattle.

Dermatophytosis in cattle is most often caused by infection with Trichophyton verrucosum (T. verrucosum), but also with Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (T. mentagrophytes) and others, regardless of the geographical zone. The infection is transmitted through direct contact between animals as well as infected environmental elements. The human-to-human transmission of fungal infection is also possible.. This retrospective study was conducted based on a detailed analysis of the results of the mycological examination and medical documentation of 40 patients from Greater Poland, diagnosed with cattle-to-human dermatophytoses from March 2017 to November 2023. T. verrucosum accounted for 97.5% of infections and T. mentagrophytes for 2.5%; no other species of dermatophytes from cattle were found. Superficial skin mycosis in humans associated with cattle was more often diagnosed in small children and men directly engaged in cattle breeding. The dominant etiological factor of the superficial fungal skin infection was T. verrucosum, which mainly affected the scalp in children and upper limbs in adult men. In relation to the cattle population in Greater Poland, the number of cases of superficial skin mycoses among cattle breeders and their family members over the period of more than six and a half years of observation does not seem to be high.

Cultivating A Culture Of Continuous Improvement And Teamwork In An ICPOP Hub

Abstract Background The Integrated Care for Older Person’s (ICPOP) Hub is one 3 Hubs in the healthcare region. The success of the ICPOP Hub has been the adaptability, motivation, dedication of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) using inter-disciplinary methods to achieve best outcomes for people with frailty and complex multi-morbidity in the Community. Referrals have increased - 406 in 2023. There were 2,754 direct patient MDT contacts in 2023. Medical capacity for new patients is limited. Alternative ways of working were needed to meet increasing demand. Methods Quality improvement methodologies were employed to enhance efficiency. Existing practices were mapped, deficits highlighted. New practices were trialled in plan-do-study-act format. Results The MDT collaborated to develop structured pathways for Falls and Memory. Criteria were established for triaging referrals, assessment standards, management, post diagnostic support using national/international guidelines (Model of Care for Dementia in Ireland, World Falls Guidelines). More patients were seen via direct-to-MDT pathways and discussed at bi-weekly meetings. Direct referral pathway was instituted from the acute hospital Emergency Department (ED) Frailty Front Door Team to the Hub MDT. ‘One-stop-shop’, multiple, consecutive assessments, while comprehensive, resulted in significant patient fatigue. Moving to parallel assessment reduced appointment frequency and time in the Hub. Staff learned from other disciplines and translated knowledge/skills to tailored patient plans. Case management has prevented ED attendance, particularly for patients with delirium and/or dementia with non-cognitive symptoms. Early integration with Community/Voluntary groups was crucial. Visits from these groups promoted education and relationship building. The Community Connector role has been instrumental in linking people with wellbeing activities in their community. Challenges: Blurring boundaries between roles. Insufficient medical cover represents a barrier to timely patient assessment/management, obstacle to early hospital discharge. Demands on MDT intensify daily. Conclusion Enthusiasm, flexibility, ownership, teamwork, distributed leadership were essential in developing pathways and overcoming difficulties.

Assessing Adherence to Acute Stroke Therapy Guidelines: An Audit Study

Abstract Background The 2023 National Clinical Guidelines for stroke for the UK and Ireland recommended that people with motor recovery goals post stroke should receive at least 3 hours (180 minutes) of rehabilitation per day on at least 5 out of 7 days a week. This is a significant change to previous guidelines that recommended that patients receive at least 45 minutes of each therapy for a minimum of 5 days (NICE 2013). In 2022, the UK Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme found that only 11.9% received more than 45 minutes of physiotherapy. This highlights that many services were not achieving previous recommendations. Methods In an Irish hospital, two new stroke assistant posts were funded with the aim to maximise therapy time. An audit was performed on compliance with the 2023 national guidelines on an acute stroke unit in august 2023 for patients that were identified as having motor goals post stroke. Data was collected in the form of minutes of direct patient contact time by each therapy –physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and therapy assistants. This data was compared against recommended therapy time and presented as a percentage of this. Results 9 acute stroke patients who were identified as having motor goals were randomly selected. It was found that none of these patients were meeting current therapy guidelines. When compared to the recommendations, the average amount of therapy that patients received per day ranged from 44 minutes – 132 minutes. On average, patients received 49.1% of recommended therapy. It was also found that therapy assistants were providing, on average, 59.3% of the actual therapy received. Conclusion Stroke patients are not receiving the recommended amount of therapy as per the most recent guidelines. Although the addition of stroke assistants significantly increased therapy time, guidelines were still not achieved.

Effect of the Organizational Model of the Subject of Activities in the Natural Environment on Students’ Satisfaction and Learning

The aim of this study was to identify the most suitable organizational model for teaching the university subject of Outdoor Activities in relation to learning acquisition and satisfaction. For this purpose, four models were designed, some of which were dominated by traditional education and others by innovative education. The data collection instruments were the Spanish version of the Physical Education of the Sport Satisfaction Instrument, adapted to the university context, and the questionnaire on the contents of the subject designed ad hoc. Data collection was carried out before and after the intervention with a total of 125 students. For data analysis, an ANCOVA was performed. The results showed that there were significant differences in satisfaction between groups (p = 0.029), but not in the boredom scale (p = 0.109). With regard to acquisition of learning between groups, there were significant differences (p = 0.005) in the overall grade of the subject. There were also significant differences in the scores for content taught differently depending on the group (p = 0.003), with a higher score in the most innovative group, the intensive-continuous group, compared to the fractioned (p = 0.005) and classic groups (p = 0.015). It is concluded that there is a positive effect between direct and continuous contact with nature, both in the acquisition of learning and in student satisfaction, with the most innovative model obtaining the best results of the study.

PENGARUH PERAWATAN KANGAROO MOTHER CARE TERHADAP SUHU BAYI BBLR DI RUANG NEONATOLOGI RSUD PAMBALAH BATUNG AMUNTAI

One method that is able to meet the needs of BBLR babies by providing situations and conditions similar to the mother's womb is KMC Treatment, which is a treatment method by making direct contact between the baby's skin and the mother's skin (skin to skin contact) and placing the baby on the mother's chest. KMC treatment has benefits for the increase in temperature of BBLR babies. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of KMC treatment on the temperature of BBLR babies in the Neonatology Room of Pambalah Batung Amuntai Hospital. Quantitative research method with quasi-experimental method research design with one group pretest posttest approach. Samples were taken by purposive sampling method and had inclusion and exclusion criteria so that 15 BBLR baby samples were obtained. Data collection using observation sheets. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test. The results showed that the baby's body temperature before KMC treatment averaged 36,160 and the baby's body temperature after KMC treatment averaged 37,073. Based on the Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test analysis test, there is a significant effect of increase between temperature before and after KMC treatment with p-value (0.001 &lt; 0.05).

Registered Nurses' Digital Client Work and Associating Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To describe the frequency of digital client work among Finnish registered nurses, including video consultations, secured messaging and digital promotion of care without direct contact with the client. In addition, the study examines the association between various factors related to nurses' characteristics and work environment with digital client work and its frequency. A cross-sectional survey study. A total of 2970 nurses responded to a nationwide survey in spring 2023. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise the frequency of different types of digital client work. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations. One-third of the respondents reported digital client work during the last 6 months. The majority had worked digitally with their clients daily or weekly. Secured messaging was the most frequently used type of digital client work, whereas video consultations were less frequent. Nurses working in acute care, home-based care or other environments worked more frequently digitally with their clients than those working in inpatient care. Nurses with higher digital dedication and collegial support had greater odds of digital client work than those with lower dedication. Among those who reported frequent digital client work, lower skills in information security were observed. Given the significant variation in the frequency of digital client work among nurses across different environments, assessing broader digitalisation adoption opportunities is essential. Organisations must ensure that nurses have sufficient skills for secure handling of client data, and efforts should be made in creating motivational and supportive work environments to facilitate digital client work. By understanding the factors influencing nurses' digital client work, organisations can create stronger structures to support their work. Enhancing digital service availability across different healthcare settings would offer clients more care options, thereby potentially improving their access to healthcare. This research addresses a knowledge gap regarding the current extent of nurses' digital client work in various healthcare environments and explores potential influencing factors. As governments aim to significantly expand the provision of digital healthcare services, understanding the variation in nurses' digital client work is crucial. This information can guide targeted interventions, such as continuous education, and organisational and collegial support, facilitating dedication to use digital technologies and ensuring secure and impactful advancements in digital healthcare. Our research will benefit healthcare organisations, decision-makers, nursing professionals and educational institutions. Our study adheres to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines and follows the STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies. No patient or public contribution.

Research Progress on Precision Tool Alignment Technology in Machining

In the field of numerical control machining, tool alignment technology is a key link to ensure machining accuracy and quality. Tool alignment refers to determining the correct position of the tool relative to the workpiece, and its accuracy directly affects the precision of part machining. With the development of precision machining technology, the research and application of cutting technology are increasingly valued. Tool alignment methods are mainly divided into two categories: contact and non-contact. The contact type tool alignment method relies on direct contact between the tool and the workpiece or tool alignment instrument to measure the position. Among them, the trial cutting method is a traditional contact type tool alignment method that determines the tool position through actual cutting, which is intuitive but inefficient. The contact type tool presetter uses specialized equipment to improve the accuracy and efficiency of tool presetting through contact measurement. The non-contact tool alignment method does not rely on physical contact, while the image method uses image recognition technology to determine the tool position, making it suitable for high-precision applications. The laser diffraction method and the laser direct method use laser technology for non-contact measurement. The laser diffraction method determines the position of the tool by analyzing the diffraction mode of the laser beam, while the laser direct method directly measures the distance between the laser and the tool. This article mainly introduces the classification of tool alignment, commonly used knife alignment methods and common tool alignment devices, as well as the development status of international tool alignment instrument products.

Biophilic Design Research Paper

This paper explores the relationship between nature and inculcating the use the technology within the construction of buildings to enhance human cognitive ability that influences functions like stress levels through the direct contact with environment. The key components of Biophilic design by explaining the benefits and limitations arising from implementing this design method in communities in the modern age to achieve the sustainability goal formulated by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

First-principles study of CoMn2O4-Cr2O3 coherent interface analysis

The CoMn2O4 coating can effectively protect the metallic interconnect of solid oxide fuel cells, which come into direct contact with the naturally occurring Cr2O3 on the matrix surface. However, the properties of CoMn2O4-Cr2O3 interface remain unclear. In this study, the first-principles calculations are utilized to investigate the atom staking, stability, and electronic properties of the CoMn2O4(101)-Cr2O3(001) interface, along with examining the diffusion behavior of Cr atom at the interface. By comparing the adhesion work, the most stable model is determined. Based on the most stable model, the results of electronic structure analysis show that Mn atoms providing vacant orbitals near the conduction band minimum, enhancing the overall conductivity of the interface. The projected density of states metal atoms validates the formation priority of Cr-O bonds. The climbing image nudged elastic band (CI-NEB) method is used to simulate the interstitial diffusion properties of Cr atom at the interface, revealing that the energy barrier is about 3.05 eV. The diffusion coefficients of Cr atom are calculated accordingly. The obtained results can provide theoretical support for relevant experiments and deepen the understanding of the protective effects of spinel coatings on metallic interconnects of solid oxide fuel cells.

Incorporating an artificially synthesized fluoride complex into urethane-acrylate-based 3D printing resin: Effects on mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial actions, and its long-term fluoride-releasing properties

ObjectivesTo synthesize a 3D printing resin with antibacterial and long-term fluoride-releasing properties. Methods(4,4-Bis-4-[2‑hydroxy-3-(2-methacryloyloxy)propoxy]-phenyl-pentanol-amine)-N,N-diacetic acid zirconium (IV) fluoride complex was synthesized from 4,4-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-pentanoic acid and monitored using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The synthesized complex was incorporated into a urethane-acrylate-based (UA) resin at 5 wt% and 10 wt% (5F-UA and 10F-UA groups, respectively). The UA resin without the synthesized complex was considered as the control group. All groups were 3D printed using a DLP printer, followed by 10 min of washing and 20 min of curing. Surface characteristics were observed using scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were assessed by measuring its flexural strength and Vickers hardness. The antibacterial property was investigated with direct and indirect contact tests and a WST-8 metabolic activity assay. The suspension was fully mixed and diluted for counting the number of colony-forming units. The cell viability test was performed using a cell proliferation assay. The amount of fluoride released was measured daily for 28 days using ion chromatography. One-way analysis of variance was performed for statistical analyses using SPSS software. ResultsThe amount of fluoride released increased with the concentration of fluoride complex in the resin. The fluoride ions were constantly released at a low concentration from the 3D printed specimens (5F-UA: around 0.13 ppm daily; 10F-UA: around 0.22 ppm daily). The antibacterial efficacy was acceptable in both the 5F-UA and 10F-UA groups, and higher in the latter. No cytotoxicity of the resin was detected. The mechanical properties were significantly influenced by the addition of the fluoride-releasing complex. ConclusionsThe present 3D printing UA resin incorporating a fluoride complex effectively inhibited the growth of S. mutans and demonstrated the ability to slowly release fluoride over an extended period of time. Clinical significanceThis study provided informative composition of a fluoride-releasing UA-based 3D printing resin, ideal for dental applications such as crowns, bridges, removable partial dentures, and orthodontic appliances, which can benefit from sustained fluoride release and antimicrobial properties. Further modifications to the resin composition can be easily achieved to enhance the resin qualities.

Mathematical modeling and strategy for optimal control of diphtheria

This research introduces a novel approach to combating diphtheria by presenting a comprehensive optimal control strategy focused on awareness campaigns to avoid direct contact with infected individuals and promote vaccinations. These campaigns highlight the severe complications of diphtheria, such as acute respiratory issues, myocarditis, and neurological paralysis. Additionally, the campaigns emphasize the negative impacts of an unbalanced lifestyle and environmental factors, as well as the importance of timely treatment and psychological support. The model aims to improve control strategies by reducing the number of infected individuals I(t) and exposed individuals E(t), as well as asymptomatic carriers A(t), which we have integrated into the model as an aspect that has been relatively unexplored in diphtheria transmission. The optimal controls are meticulously determined using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. The resulting optimality system is solved iteratively, ensuring precision and clarity in the results. Extensive numerical simulations rigorously support and confirm the theoretical analysis using MATLAB, providing concrete evidence of the strategy’s effectiveness. The broader implications and potential applications of this optimal control strategy extend to other infectious diseases, enhancing its relevance and utility in public health.

Transcriptomic and protein analysis of Trametes versicolor interacting with a Hypholoma fasciculare mycelium foraging in soil

The decomposition of large woody material is an important process in forest carbon cycling and nutrient release. Cord-forming saprotrophic basidiomycete fungi create non-resource limited mycelial networks between decomposing branches, logs and tree stumps on the forest floor where colonisation of new resources is often associated with the replacement of incumbent decay communities. To date, antagonism experiments have mostly placed competing fungi in direct contact, while in nature cord-forming saprobes encounter colonised wood as mycelia in a network. Transcriptomic and peptide analyses were conducted on soil-based microcosms were foraging cord-forming Hypholoma fasciculare encountered a wood block colonised by Trametes versicolor. Protein turnover featured strongly for both species and genes putatively involved in secondary metabolite production were identified. H. fasciculare demonstrated an exploitative profile with increased transcription of genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism and RNA and ribosome processing. T. versicolor showed a shift in signalling, energy generation and amino acid metabolism. By identifying genes and proteins putatively involved in this fungal interaction, this work may help guide the discovery of bioactive molecules and mechanisms underpinning community succession.

In Situ Functionalization of Polar Polythiophene-Based Organic Electrochemical Transistor to Interface In Vitro Models.

Organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors are promising materials for interfacing and monitoring biological systems, with the aim of overcoming current challenges based on the mismatch between biological materials and convectional inorganic conductors. The conjugated polymer/polyelectrolyte complex poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT/PSS) is, up to date, the most widely used polymer for in vitro or in vivo measurements in the field of organic bioelectronics. However, PEDOT/PSS organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are limited by depletion mode operation and lack chemical groups that enable synthetic modifications for biointerfacing. Recently introduced thiophene-based polymers with oligoether side chains can operate in accumulation mode, and their chemical structure can be tuned during synthesis, for example, by the introduction of hydroxylated side chains. Here, we introduce a new thiophene-based conjugated polymer, p(g42T-T)-8% OH, where 8% of the glycol side chains are functionalized with a hydroxyl group. We report for the first time the compatibility of conjugated polymers containing ethylene glycol side chains in direct contact with cells. The additional hydroxyl group allows covalent modification of the surface of polymer films, enabling fine-tuning of the surface interaction properties of p(g42T-T)-8% OH with biological materials, either hindering or promoting cell adhesion. We further use p(g42T-T)-8% OH to fabricate the OECTs and demonstrate for the first time the monitoring of epithelial barrier formation of Caco-2 cells in vitro using accumulation mode OECTs. The conjugated polymer p(g42T-T)-8% OH allows organic-electronic-based materials to be easily modified and optimized to interface and monitor biological systems.

Field trial of a seismoacoustic method for ice cover parameters monitoring on the Franz Josef Land archipelago

Among the physical parameters of the freezing seas ice cover, ice thickness is of key importance, and its measurement is one of the most important tasks. The increased interest in the state of the sea ice cover as an indicator of global climatic changes, as well as the growth of comprehensive development of the Arctic shelf has caused intensive development of technical and methodological bases for ice observations. Despite the great variety of approaches to ice thickness estimation, all of them are not without weaknesses. Thus, most contact methods imply direct human presence, which significantly complicates the procedure, taking into account, among other factors, the rough weather conditions of the Arctic. Remote methods depend on weather conditions and cannot always provide high spatial resolution. In this connection, it is promising to use satellite observations coupled with the results of autonomous “ground” measurements, which can be seismoacoustic data containing information on the characteristics of elastic waves propagating in the ice-covered sea, is promising. The purpose of this work is to experimentally test a new passive method for monitoring ice cover parameters along long profiles based on the analysis of natural seismoacoustic fields. The article analyzes the data of a full-scale seismoacoustic experiment with a multichannel group of geophones placed on the floating ice of Alexandra Island in the Franz Josef Land archipelago within the framework of a complex expedition of the Russian Geographical Society. The demonstrates that it is in principle possible to use flexural-gravity waves propagating in the floating ice to estimate its characteristics, both in the active mode and by analyzing the ambient noise, is demonstrated. The results of ice parameter reconstruction obtained in a nondestructive manner using seismoacoustic waves and averaged over long profiles are compared with the data of direct contact measurements. This can be further used for monitoring seasonal and multiyear variability of sea ice thickness of freezing seas, including shelf zones.