Final Proof Research Articles

Laser-structured anodes for high-power lithium-ion batteries: A journey from coin cells to 21700-type cylindrical cells

This study investigates the innovative use of lasers to modify anodes in lithium-ion batteries, targeting enhanced stability and performance in high-power applications. Although laser structuring of electrodes is well-documented, it is usually restricted to small areas and lab-scale cells. Our research stands out by implementing laser-structured electrodes in 21700-type cylindrical cells.Laser parameters, structuring patterns, and pit dimensions were meticulously optimized to reduce electrode tortuosity. Microstructural analyses verified that the active materials were not damaged by the laser energy during structuring. This structuring significantly decreased ionic pore resistance in the anode, as evidenced by symmetrical coin cell and half-cell studies. Intermediate upscaling with bi-layer pouch cells confirmed improved rate performance and long-term cycling stability, despite the low N/P ratio.As a final proof of concept, 21700 cylindrical cells were assembled with laser-structured anodes, resulting in a 42 % increase in CC charging capacity at 20 A and no lithium deposition issues. Discharge performance improved by 21 % at 30 A and 11 % at 35 A, with lower temperature increases. Despite some variability in the manufacturing process, the long-term cycling stability of the 21700 cells matched that of unstructured references, demonstrating the viability and potential of cylindrical TRL 4-level cells with laser-structured anodes.

Prolactin and Hyperprolactinaemia in Endometriosis-Related Infertility: Are There Clinically Significant Connections?

Endometriosis and hyperprolactinaemia are conditions that might lead to infertility as a consequence. The aim of this article was to present the current knowledge about possible relationships between prolactin/hyperprolactinaemia and endometriosis-related infertility. Experimental studies on local prolactin acting as cytokine and relationship of prolactin and endometriotic tissue, as well as clinical studies on hyperprolactinaemia and endometriosis-related infertility suggest the possible role of prolactin in endometriosis-related infertility, but final proof is still missing and the exact pathogenesis of infertility in such cases is still under investigation. Novel strategies in the treatment of endometriosis-related infertility, based on its connection with prolactin such as the use of prolactin receptor antibodies and prolactin receptor antagonists, are under investigation, but adequate clinical studies have yet to be undertaken.

Failings of Nessie Debunkers and of Debunkers in General

That Loch Ness Monsters, “Nessies”, might exist has been argued by many people on the basis of films, sonar contacts, photos, and eyewitness accounts. At the same time, some observers have insisted that these are not real creatures, nothing but misperceptions of natural phenomena or known animals. Their arguments typically address the weakest evidence (eyewitness accounts) rather than the strongest objective evidence of sonar and film. Such evasion or avoidance constitutes a strategy of misdirection, as does the insistence that, since Nessies are not recognized by “science,” therefore taking their possible existence seriously amounts to doing pseudo-science. Debunkers arguably irrational and go beyond the evidence in declaring that Nessies are definitely non-existent. Although Nessie fans do believe that they exist, most will admit that final proof requires a specimen or detailed close-up of unequivocally valid photography and insist only that enough evidence exists to warrant further searches: that is not pseudo-science.

The effect of pomegranate juice supplementation on C-reactive protein levels: GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response updated meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials.

Pomegranate juice (PJ) has a possible anti-inflammatory effect because of its polyphenol content and antioxidants. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of PJ in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has not been consistent. A previous meta-analysis conducted in 2016 reported a nonsignificant lowering effect of PJ on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to update the pooled effect size of PJ supplementation on CRP levels in RCT studies. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched until July 2023. Eligible studies were found by screening, their relevantdata was extracted, and arisk of bias assessment was performed. The pooled effect size was calculated using a random effect model as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval. This systematic review included 11 studies with 13 effect sizes and 696 participants. Meta-analysis showed that PJ supplementation led to a significant decrease in CRP levels compared to control groups (WMD: -2.55 mg/L; 95%CI: -3.44 to -1.66; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the significant reduction effect of PJ on CRP levels in studies conducted on the both sexes or only females as well as Iranian population, individuals with 40 years≤, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, or trials that intervened with PJ dosage of <250 ml/day. Meta-regression and dose-response analysis reported a nonsignificant linear and nonlinear relationship between intervention characteristics (duration and dose of PJ) and CRP changes. The current meta-analysis revealed that PJ supplemantation has a beneficial effect in improving CRP levels. It is recommended to understand this effect better, and find the optimal dose and duration of PJ supplementation to reduce CRP levels in the blood, and repeat meta-analysis after related RCTs are available. For the final proof of these effects, more detailed human studies are needed.

Abstract 318: Demystifying tumor heterogeneity with a fully automated, high-throughput single-cell DNA-Seq (scDNA-seq) workflow

Abstract Objective: Genetic heterogeneity is a key factor underlying tumor drug resistance and metastatic potential. Understanding this heterogeneity is therefore vital to improving both prognosis and treatment. Next-generation sequencing is a valuable tool for analyzing the genetic makeup of tumors. However, bulk sequencing methods lack the sensitivity to fully resolve tumor heterogeneity. While single cell methods provide a powerful approach to dissect such heterogeneity, to date, these methods have been limited in their throughput. To address this bottleneck, we have developed a fully automated workflow for generating scDNA-seq libraries based on PicoPLEX® whole genome amplification (WGA) technology. This high-throughput method, which has been optimized on our ICELL8® cx Single-Cell System, enables the generation of WGA libraries for &amp;gt;1,000 single cells within one day. Methods: We first sought to demonstrate the ability of this new high-throughput method to generate WGA libraries of comparable quality to the standard PicoPLEX workflow in terms of genome coverage, GC bias, and other typical quality metrics. We additionally assessed copy number variant (CNV) detection sensitivity using two cell lines with well-characterized small segmental CNVs: GM22601 (~25Mb deletion on chromosome 4) and GM05067 (~45Mb gain on chromosome 9). We also analyzed a lymphoblastoid line (K562) that carries a range of chromosomal aneuploidies. A total of 1,288 single-cell WGA libraries were generated and sequenced to a depth of 250K paired-end reads per cell. Data analysis was done using the Ginkgo CNV pipeline with an average bin size of 500 kb. As a final proof of principal, we also generated single cell data using tumor and adjacent normal tissue from two clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) samples. Results: Libraries generated using our high-throughput workflow had a high mapping rate, with 94.1% of the reads being uniquely mapped. Additionally, the libraries were comparable to those generated with the standard PicoPLEX workflow in terms of coverage uniformity, GC bias and other metrics. Moreover, the segmental aneuploidies in both GM22601 and GM05067 were reliably detected in &amp;gt;90% of cells at a read depth as low as 250,000 reads per cell. Analysis of the ccRCC samples revealed subclonal heterogeneity with various CNVs common to ccRCC, including deletion of chr. 3p, amplification of chr. 5q, and duplication of chr. 2. Conclusion: By adapting PicoPLEX technology to high throughput using the ICELL8 cx Single-Cell System, we have obtained single-cell WGA libraries from up to 1,200 cells at once and enabled the reliable detection of CNVs and tumor subclones at a shallow sequencing depth. In addition, by leveraging the automated nanoliter-dispensing capabilities of ICELL8 cx system this method provides a significant reduction in reagent use and labor compared to plate-based methods. Citation Format: Xuan Li, Raymond Mendoza, Samantha Leong, Hima Anbunathan, Mike Covington, Mohammad Fallahi, Bryan Bell, Shuwen Chen, Yue Yun, Andrew Farmer. Demystifying tumor heterogeneity with a fully automated, high-throughput single-cell DNA-Seq (scDNA-seq) workflow [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 318.

When Synthesis Gets It Wrong: Unexpected Epimerization Using PyBOP in the Synthesis of the Cyclic Peptide Thermoactinoamide A.

Chemical synthesis is commonly seen as the final proof of the structure of complex natural products, but even a seemingly easy and well-established synthetic procedure may lead to an unexpected result. This is what happened with the synthesis of thermoactinoamide A (1a), an antimicrobial and antitumor nonribosomal cyclic hexapeptide produced by the thermophilic bacterium Thermoactinomyces vulgaris. The synthetic thermoactinoamide A outsourced to a company and the one described in a synthetic paper showed spectroscopic data identical to each other but different from those of the natural product. After a detailed spectroscopic, degradative, and synthetic study, the synthetic compound was shown to be an epimer (1b) of the intended target compound, originating during the cyclization reaction by extensive epimerization at the activated C-terminal amino acid. This allowed confirmation of the structure of the natural product.

Effect of Using Sourdough Yeast And The Long Time of Final Proofing On The Physical Properties of Flashed Bread

The use of natural yeast such as sourdough is an alternative choice in making bread. Apart from using yeast to produce good white bread, the final proofing time also affects the characteristics of bread. This research aims to determine the effect of using natural sourdough yeast and the final proofing time on the physical properties of white bread. This research was conducted at the integrated food laboratory of the Agro-Industry. The research design used was a one-factor completely randomized design with the independent variable used, namely the percentage of use of 0% natural sourdough yeast (instant yeast) , 15%, 30%, 45% and combined with final proofing treatment lengths of 45 minutes, 90 minutes, 135 minutes, 180 minutes, to obtain 16 treatments which were repeated 3 times. Analysis testing uses ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) with a significance level (P &lt; 0.05) and SPSS 22 software. The results of the research show that the use of natural sourdough yeast and the long final proofing treatment have a significant effect on the physical quality of white bread in the form of dough riseability, porosity and softness of the bread. The use of natural sourdough yeast produced the highest value at the 45% level for the parameters of dough riseability of 58.631%, porosity of 54.851 pores and softness of white bread 154.262 mm/50g/10s. A good proofing time is 180 minutes resulting in a dough rising power of 62.905%, and 135 minutes for a porosity of 51.865 pores and softness of white bread 144.596 mm/50g/10s.

LoRaSync: Energy efficient synchronization for scalable LoRaWAN

AbstractLow‐power wide‐area networks connect a large number of battery‐powered wireless devices over long distances. Among them, long range wide area networks (LoRaWAN) implement a pure ALOHA medium access scheme to save device energy by minimizing the radio usage. However, frame collisions restrain the network scalability when the traffic load increases. In this context, synchronization can be used to exploit the available bandwidth more efficiently by controlling the timing of frame transmissions and reducing the collision probability. Such strategy allows to increase the network throughput at the cost of an extra energy demand due to the inherent overhead. In that, the entailed network scenario is still supposed to address low power applications. Therefore this article timely presents LoRaSync, an energy‐efficient synchronization scheme designed for LoRa networks of any size. An accurate clock drift model was established based on measurements made on real cheap devices, and leveraged to support the design of LoRaSync. Our mechanism has been used to evaluate the same ALOHA‐based random access but on a time‐slotted basis, thus increasing the maximum achievable throughput compared to the legacy access. Throughput and energy efficiency models are established to evaluate the performances of a LoRaSync‐operated network. These models are validated with a simulation environment mimicking large‐scale deployments, and then used to determine the most energy efficient slot size for any traffic load. As a final proof of concept, LoRaSync has been implemented and tested on a LoRa testbed to demonstrate the feasibility of our solution on real hardware.

Enhanced pedagogical methodologies for facilitating the progression of the Master’s final exam between the professor and the student, focusing on the project titled: Vita Nova - The rehabilitation of nature, architecture, and the spirit

An article that unites theory and practice, architecture as a union between a final-year architecture student and a professor or advisor at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Lisbon, throughout the course and throughout the monitoring of the final master's project. This accompaniment began in the first semester of the fourth year, and since then it has been a construction between teacher and student where a series of pedagogical intentions have been explored, from the deep reading and correlation between architecture and nature through the graphic process recorded daily to the most appropriate rehabilitation methodologies in the explored architecture. This whole system was divided into several phases, all of them divided by the themes and chapters addressed in the project. This work culminated in a deeper understanding of the methods of organization and design of a different work. The uninterrupted monitoring by the teacher towards the student resulted in numerous debates and different conceptions, so that the work in question had the best possible result. This procedure resulted in a continuous search for a clearer understanding through pedagogical incitement, guiding the work so that it took the most appropriate course for the student's project. Nature and rehabilitation were the central themes of all the work, where the aim was to establish qualities that cut across the two areas of knowledge. The main objective has always been the research for architecture and rehabilitation and the deep relationship between the built architecture, the one that is intended to be built, and the surrounding nature, through the study for the best possible conclusion of the Master's Final Proof.

Molecular mimicry of SARS-COV-2 antigens as a possible natural anti-cancer preventive immunization.

In the present study we investigated whether peptides derived from the entire SARS-CoV-2 proteome share homology to TAAs (tumor-associated antigens) and cross-reactive CD8+ T cell can be elicited by the BNT162b2 preventive vaccine or the SARS-CoV-2 natural infection. Viral epitopes with high affinity (<100nM) to the HLA-A*02:01 allele were predicted. Shared and variant-specific epitopes were identified. Significant homologies in amino acidic sequence have been found between SARS-CoV-2 peptides and multiple TAAs, mainly associated with breast, liver, melanoma and colon cancers. The molecular mimicry of the viral epitopes and the TAAs was found in all viral proteins, mostly the Orf 1ab and the Spike, which is included in the BNT162b2 vaccine. Predicted structural similarities confirmed the sequence homology and comparable patterns of contact with both HLA and TCR α and β chains were observed. CD8+ T cell clones cross-reactive with the paired peptides have been found by MHC class l-dextramer staining. Our results show for the first time that several SARS-COV-2 antigens are highly homologous to TAAs and cross-reactive T cells are identified in infected and BNT162b2 preventive vaccinated individuals. The implication would be that the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic could represent a natural preventive immunization for breast, liver, melanoma and colon cancers. In the coming years, real-world evidences will provide the final proof for such immunological experimental evidence. Moreover, such SARS-CoV-2 epitopes can be used to develop "multi-cancer" off-the-shelf preventive/therapeutic vaccine formulations, with higher antigenicity and immunogenicity than over-expressed tumor self-antigens, for the potential valuable benefit of thousands of cancer patients around the World.

Human motor augmentation with an extra robotic arm without functional interference.

Extra robotic arms (XRAs) are gaining interest in neuroscience and robotics, offering potential tools for daily activities. However, this compelling opportunity poses new challenges for sensorimotor control strategies and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). A key unsolved challenge is allowing users to proficiently control XRAs without hindering their existing functions. To address this, we propose a pipeline to identify suitable HMIs given a defined task to accomplish with the XRA. Following such a scheme, we assessed a multimodal motor HMI based on gaze detection and diaphragmatic respiration in a purposely designed modular neurorobotic platform integrating virtual reality and a bilateral upper limb exoskeleton. Our results show that the proposed HMI does not interfere with speaking or visual exploration and that it can be used to control an extra virtual arm independently from the biological ones or in coordination with them. Participants showed significant improvements in performance with daily training and retention of learning, with no further improvements when artificial haptic feedback was provided. As a final proof of concept, naïve and experienced participants used a simplified version of the HMI to control a wearable XRA. Our analysis indicates how the presented HMI can be effectively used to control XRAs. The observation that experienced users achieved a success rate 22.2% higher than that of naïve users, combined with the result that naïve users showed average success rates of 74% when they first engaged with the system, endorses the viability of both the virtual reality-based testing and training and the proposed pipeline.

Strategies for Monitoring and Managing Online Public Opinion in Universities Under the Background of Big Data

&lt;p&gt;In response to the issue of some keywords not being logged in or having inaccurate semantics in current public opinion monitoring, this article uses an improved word segmentation method to extract semantic features. In response to the current issue of unable to control the emotional direction of public opinion comments in public opinion analysis, an emotion analysis model Bi_GRU is proposed for sentiment analysis. Finally, using students&amp;rsquo; commonly used Weibo as a verification scenario, sensitive information such as &amp;ldquo;food safety&amp;rdquo; and &amp;ldquo;campus bullying&amp;rdquo; is screened to control the emotional direction of college students. The final proof is that the method proposed in this article can effectively supervise public opinion in a centralized environment and provide effective means for student management. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Highly Selective Alkaline Oxide Promoted Ni/silica for the Production of Cyclohexanol/‐one from Lignin‐Derived Guaiacol

AbstractCatalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is a promising route to upgrade bio‐oils from plants or pyrolysis to basic chemicals. KA‐oil (cyclohexanol/‐one) is an example of a highly valuable feedstock for the industrial synthesis of caprolactam and perlon, which can potentially be produced via a completely sustainable route. This work investigates the alkaline promoter effects on Ni‐based catalysts for the selective HDO of lignin surrogate guaiacol using mesoporous Ni/MgO and co‐impregnated Ni‐MgO/SiO2 catalysts. Due to preferred demethoxylation by alkaline oxides and their accumulation on nickel corners, responsible for dehydration, conversion, and selectivity for KA‐oil rise. Furthermore, influences of operating parameters are investigated and optimized by design of experiments (DoE), while long‐term stability (24 h) and water resistance remain high. In a final proof of concept, the application of Ni‐CaO/SiO2 was the most promising material (U=93 %, S=86 %), demonstrating a sustainable route from lignin‐based bio‐oil to produce a bulk commodity for caprolactam synthesis.

On Semisimple Classes and Component Groups in Type D\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ extsf{D}$$\\end{document}

In adjoint simple algebraic groups H\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ extbf{H}$$\\end{document} of type D\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ extsf{D}$$\\end{document} we show that for every semisimple element s, its centralizer splits over its identity component, i.e. CH(s)=CH(s)∘⋊Aˇ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ C _{\ extbf{H}}(s)= C _{\ extbf{H}}(s)^{\\circ }\\rtimes \\check{A}$$\\end{document} for some complement Aˇ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\check{A}$$\\end{document} with strong stability properties. We derive several consequences about the action of automorphisms on semisimple conjugacy classes. This helps to parametrize characters of the finite groups Dl,sc(q)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ extsf{D}_{l,\ ext {sc}}(q)$$\\end{document} and 2Dl,sc(q)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^2\ extsf{D}_{l,\ ext {sc}}(q)$$\\end{document} and describe the action of automorphisms on them. It is also a contribution to the final proof of the McKay conjecture for the prime 3, see (B. Späth: 2023).

Speak-to-Write from Multiple Perspectives, as Method

One of the practice-based research methods that excites me the most today is to work with writing as a practice, and as a practice-based research method. The technology of writing can be very misleading, especially when that writing is typed using a word processing program. When using this tool, writing looks the same whether it represents a stream of consciousness, a first draft, or a final proof. Because of this, I have found that I hold myself to the standard of the final version, which of course completely freezes me up. If we are always aiming for the final version, there is not much room for thinking, making errors, going sideways and backward and forward again. There is only the guaranteed feeling of failure. In response, graphic designer Juliette Bellocq and I have developed a set of writing exercises that address these two limitations, as I have come to know writing from my training as an academic. In this piece, we share our exercise, 1,000 Ways Home. It is a non-linear process of thinking and writing. It also offers the alchemy of communicating in the presence of another person who pays close attention. We call our process speak-to-write.

RETROSPECTIVE CODING OF THE UX DESIGN PROCESS FOR UX DESIGN ENHANCEMENT IN DESIGN AGENCIES

AbstractUser Experience is becoming an increasing centre of interest both in the academic and industrial worlds. Design agencies are no strangers to this phenomenon and are willing to shift from product-oriented design toward user experience design. However, their design process is often loose which may explain a lack of final UX quality or proof of quality, and does not allow to diagnose misuses and improvement opportunities due to a lack of UX formulation and traceability. We propose in this paper to retrospectively represent a design project and its specified, designed and validated UX, in the perspective to conduct a posterior collective diagnosis of UX design in a design agency. The proposed representation model is used to analyse one design project. Results show that only a few UX traces are found in the presented project, and that many dimensions are not considered (like perceptions or affects). Finally, we discuss the next steps of this tool's deployment to create a shared mental model of the design process among the design players.

Hybrid Cryogels with Superabsorbent Properties as Promising Materials for Penicillin G Retention

This present study describes the investigation of new promising hybrid cryogels able to retain high amounts of antibiotics, specifically penicillin G, using chitosan or chitosan–biocellulose blends along with a naturally occurring clay, i.e., kaolin. In order to evaluate and optimize the stability of cryogels, three types of chitosan were used in this study, as follows: (i) commercial chitosan; (ii) chitosan prepared in the laboratory from commercial chitin; and (iii) chitosan prepared in the laboratory from shrimp shells. Biocellulose and kaolin, previously functionalized with an organosilane, were also investigated in terms of their potential to improve the stability of cryogels during prolonged submergence under water. The organophilization and incorporation of the clay into the polymer matrix were confirmed by different characterization techniques (such as FTIR, TGA, SEM), while their stability in time underwater was investigated by swelling measurements. As final proof of their superabsorbent behavior, the cryogels were tested for antibiotic adsorption in batch experiments, in which case cryogels based on chitosan extracted from shrimp shells seem to exhibit excellent adsorption properties for penicillin G.

Looking ahead to potential incretin combination therapies for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in patients with diabetes

ABSTRACT Introduction There are no drugs approved by regulatory agencies for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); incretin combination therapies are being developed for treatment of type 2 diabetes and research has moved to test their usefulness in NAFLD. Areas covered We reviewed the literature on the effectiveness of dual and triple peptides combining receptor agonists of the glucagon-like peptide 1, the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, and glucagon to treat NAFLD and its associated metabolic diseases, and/or the cardiovascular risk intimately connected with the cluster of the metabolic syndrome. Other combination peptides involved the glucagon-like peptide 2 receptor, the fibroblast growth factor 21, the cholecystokinin receptor 2, and the amylin receptor. Expert opinion Both dual and triple agonists are promising, based on animal, pharmacokinetic and proof-of concept studies, showing effectiveness both in the presence and the absence of diabetes on a few validated surrogate NAFLD biomarkers, but the majority of studies are still in progress. Considering the long natural history of NAFLD, final proof of their efficacy on primary clinical liver outcomes might be also derived from the analysis of large databases of National Healthcare Systems or Insurance companies, when used in diabetes for improving glycemic control, after careful propensity-score matching.

Mapping of elastic properties of twisting metamaterials onto micropolar continuum using static calculations

Recent developments in the engineering of metamaterials have brought forth a myriad of mesmerizing mechanical properties that do not exist in ordinary solids. Among these, twisting metamaterials and acoustical chirality are sample-size dependent. The purpose of this work is, first, to examine the mechanical performance of a new twisting cubic metamaterial. Then, we perform a comparative investigation of its twisting behavior using the finite element method on microstructure elements computation, a phenomenological model, and we compare them to the Eringen micropolar continuum, for which we enunciate a straightforward approach for retrieving effective parameters using static computations. Notably, the results of the three models are in good qualitative and quantitative agreements. Finally, a systematic comparison of dispersion relations was made for the continuum and for the microstructures with different sizes in unit cells as final proof of perfect mapping.

Utah's Women Homesteaders

Utah's Women Homesteaders