Functional Block Research Articles

Anti-thermal-quenching, color-tunable and ultra-narrow-band cyan green-emitting phosphor for w-LEDs with enhanced color rendering

Highly efficient cyan/green phosphors are identified as functional block to fulfill the cyan gap in emissive spectra of traditional white light emitting diodes (w-LEDs). Herein, a series of emission-tunable solid solution phosphors, namely KAl11-xGaxO17:Mn2+ (x = 0–11), with superior luminescence properties and anti-thermal-quenching behavior is reported. KAl11O17:Mn2+ dedicates green emission at 510 nm with a narrow full width at half maximum of 23.5 nm, and excellent thermal quenching resistance (130.4% at 150 °C) due to the thermal induced electron detrapping. Interestingly, doping Ga3+ ions into this hexaaluminate matrix enables harvested phosphor with enhanced emission by 2.35 times, and achieves luminescence tuning from green to cyan. Moreover, such a Ga3+ substituting could stabilize the luminescence (nearly zero-thermal-quenching) of phosphor even at the elevated temperature range of 25–250 °C. Based on the thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, this extraordinary phenomenon was reasonably assigned to the enhancement of photoionization effect and the detrapping of the captured electrons from shallow trap state. The w-LEDs fabricated by employing KAl11-xGaxO17:Mn2+ as cyan/green emitting component show superior color rendering index (improved from 85.5 to 96.3), indicating these Mn2+-doped hexaaluminate phosphors may be candidates used for high-power w-LEDs in the future. This work opens up a new pathway to construct anti-thermal-quenching and spectra-tunable phosphors for optical applications.

Physiologic Variants of Cardiac Conduction (Aberration, Gap, Supernormal Conduction).

Wide QRS complexes during supraventricular rhythms can be caused by fixed bundle branch block, functional (intermittent) bundle branch block, preexcitation, or toxic/metabolic causes. Functional bundle branch block can be caused by long-short aberrancy (usually physiologic), or acceleration/deceleration dependent aberrancy (usually pathologic). Electrocardiogram criteria have been proposed to differentiate aberration from ventricular tachycardia; they are not always accurate. The gap phenomenon "paradox" is that with increasingly premature extrastimuli, progressive proximal conduction delay allows time for distal recovery of excitability. Supernormal conduction may explain unusual conduction phenomena in patients with abnormal His-Purkinje function or poorly conducting accessory pathways.

Synthesis and Functionality Study of Photoswitchable Hydrazone Oligodeoxynucleotides.

This article provides a detailed procedure for the chemical synthesis and characterization of photoswitchable hydrazone phosphoramidite and its incorporation into oligodeoxynucleotides. The synthesis starts with commercially available deoxyuridine, followed by conversion of the 4-oxo into a 4-chloro moiety via Appel reaction to install the key hydrazone group in the absence of base. The hydrazone phosphoramidite building block is compatible with the conventional amidite chemistry protocols for solid-phase synthesis of oligodeoxynucleotides. Our method expands the current nucleotide pool by adding a novel, functional DNA building block that is suitable for a broad spectrum of applications, including the regulation of DNA-enzyme interactions and DNA synthesis by irradiation with cell-friendly blue light. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of photoswitchable hydrazone phosphoramidite Basic Protocol 2: Synthesis and purification of oligodeoxynucleotides containing the hydrazone photoswitch Basic Protocol 3: Primer extension assay for functionality studies of hydrazone cytidine.

Local stability properties of complex, species-rich soil food webs with functional block structure.

Ecologists have long debated the properties that confer stability to complex, species‐rich ecological networks. Species‐level soil food webs are large and structured networks of central importance to ecosystem functioning. Here, we conducted an analysis of the stability properties of an up‐to‐date set of theoretical soil food web models that account both for realistic levels of species richness and the most recent views on the topological structure (who is connected to whom) of these food webs. The stability of the network was best explained by two factors: strong correlations between interaction strengths and the blocked, nonrandom trophic structure of the web. These two factors could stabilize our model food webs even at the high levels of species richness that are typically found in soil, and that would make random systems very unstable. Also, the stability of our soil food webs is well‐approximated by the cascade model. This result suggests that stability could emerge from the hierarchical structure of the functional organization of the web. Our study shows that under the assumption of equilibrium and small perturbations, theoretical soil food webs possess a topological structure that allows them to be complex yet more locally stable than their random counterpart. In particular, results strongly support the general hypothesis that the stability of rich and complex soil food webs is mostly driven by correlations in interaction strength and the organization of the soil food web into functional groups. The implication is that in real‐world food web, any force disrupting the functional structure and distribution pattern of interaction strengths (i.e., energy fluxes) of the soil food webs will destabilize the dynamics of the system, leading to species extinction and major changes in the relative abundances of species.

High‐Performance Ultrathin Molecular Rectifying Diodes Based on Organic/Inorganic Interface Engineering

AbstractThe bottom‐up engineering of organic/inorganic hybrids is a crucial step toward advanced nanomaterial technologies. Understanding the energy level alignment at hybrid interfaces provides a valuable comprehension of the systems′ electronic properties – which are decisive for well‐designed device applications. Here, active interfaces of ultrathin (≈10 nm) molecular rectifying diodes that are capable of achieving a 4‐order‐magnitude rectification ratio along with 10 MHz cutoff frequency, both in a single nanodevice, are engineered. Atomic force microscopy and Kelvin‐Probe analysis are employed to investigate the surface potential of the hybrid devices′ organic/inorganic interfaces, which comprise a metal (M) electrode in contact with a few‐nanometer‐thick copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) film. Thereby a nanometer‐resolved quantification of the CuPc film work functions as well as the M/CuPc diode's space‐charge densities are delivered. By recognizing that the molecular rectifying diode is a functional building block for nanoscale electronics, the findings address crucial advances to the design of high‐performance molecular rectifiers based on organic/inorganic interface engineering.

Выяснение наличия повышенного риска формирования первичной закрытоугольной глаукомы среди пациентов с гиперметропической рефракцией в отделении рефракционной хирургии

Important physiological feature of the anatomically «short» eye is the disproportionately large volume of the lens relative to the volume of the eye. A gradual and continuous increase in the volume of the lens contributes to the anterior displacement of the irido-lenticular diaphragm, causing the functional block of the anterior chamber angle. This leads to persistent disorders of the hydrodynamics of the eye, up to the development of an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma. Purpose. To study incidence of increased risk formation of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and its acute attack in young patients with moderate and high hyperopia (Hm). Material and methods. Clinical material was presented by 58 patients (116 eyes) with indicators of axial length of the eyes less than 23 mm. The main group consisted of 33 patients (66 eyes) with moderate and high Hm. The comparison group was represented by 25 patients (50 eyes) with PACG. Results. The study made it possible to identify group of increased risk of the formation of PACG, which included 19 people (58%), from selected general population of young patients with moderate and high Hm. Conclusion. Comparative analysis of morphometric parameters of structures of the anterior segment of the anatomically «short» eyes in young patients with moderate and high Hm, on the one hand, and in patients with PACG, on the other, revealed statistically significant differences between them in the anterior chamber depth in the central zone, the thickness of the lens, the anterior chamber volume, the peripheral anterior chamber depth, of the anterior chamber angle. Key words: primary angle-closure glaucoma, acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma, hyperopia, refractive surgery.

Isolated superfused rats atrial model for the investigation of atrial fibrillation mechanisms and treatment

Abstract Background One of the major barriers to an improved mechanistic understanding of atrial fibrillation (AF), and thus in the pipeline of drug development, has been a lack of appropriate tissue models, especially in small animals. Aim We propose an advanced anatomical ex-vivo model based on rat atria for acute assessment of AF susceptibility. This novel model could yield a better understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms as well as the development of potential therapeutic strategies for the prevention or termination of atrial arrhythmias. Methods Wistar rats atria (N=25) were isolated, flattened and pinned to a custom-made silicon plate. Atria were superfused with an oxygenized Tyrode's solution. Tissues were then loaded with a voltage-sensitive dye and mapped using a high-resolution optical mapping system. AF was induced with 1uM carbamylcholine (N=23) coupled with pacing maneuvers and treated with 30uM Vernakalant (N=10) or 10uM Flecainide (N=10). Finally, the feasibility of a new ablation technique (electroporation) was evaluated. Results Optical mapping results suggested that the superfusion procedure led to a fast atrial recovery. Sinus activity was conserved for all atria for a long period. All the anatomical landmarks were clearly visualized. The acquired optical signals were analyzed during sinus rhythm and pacing, which allowed the creation of detailed activation maps and measurements of action potential duration (APD) and conduction velocity (CV) at different pacing rates. The resulting APD restitution curves revealed electrical excitation at high pacing rates (cycle length between 50ms and 300ms) with a relatively flattened curve. AF was successfully induced and optically mapping confirmed the presence of reentrant activity. AF was successfully treated using Vernacalant and Flecainide. Finally, we demonstrated the feasibility of a new ablation approach (electroporation) for creation of a continuous linear lesion serving as a functional block. Conclusion The isolated superfused atria model, coupled with voltage-sensitive dyes, can be utilized for long-term high-resolution functional imaging of the atria during sinus rhythm, pacing and arrhythmogenic activity. This allows the study of the atrial electrophysiological properties, the mechanisms involved in AF initiation, perpetuation, and termination as well as the study of drug and new ablation modalities. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Research Council (ERC) Spontaneous activation of isolated atria

Conceptual model of patho- and sanogenesis of the sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis

Objective. To develop a conceptual model of patho- and sanogene­sis of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) osteoarthritis on base of the known data about the SIJ, the results of our own biomechanical studies of this joint, its ligaments and stabilizing muscles by finite element modelling, data of clinical verification of these results. Methods. The object of the model is the SIJ as a link, which connects the spine and pelvis. The proposed conceptual model is based on the M. Panjabi hypothesis of chronic lumbar pain in the case of partial dama­ge to ligaments, which leads to muscle dysfunction. Results. A new conceptual model of SIJ osteoarthritis was developed. In this model we tried to take into account the limitations of the existing SIJ stability hypotheses and models of the appearance of the pelvic girdle pain, SIJ dysfunction and SIJ arthrosis. The model is based on the results of our own research. It was proved, that patients with SIJ osteoarthritis have an asymmetry of the width of the joint slits, the inclination of the sacrum and pelvis, sacral rotation, hyperlordosis in the LV–SI segment. These factors lead to a shift of the horizontal axis of sacral rotational mobility relative to the pelvic bones. This horizontal axis shift leads to the instabili­ty of the SIJ on one side of the joint, and to the functional block on another side. The results of these functional changes were damage of the SIJ ligaments-stabilizers, dysfunction of the SIJ muscles-stabilizers, degenerative changes of SIJ elements and pain. The deve­loped model allows to explain the distortion of muscular response pattern in patients with improper SIJ biomechanics in conditions of SIJ osteoarthritis. The increase of the SIJ biomechanics changes enlarges the the muscle response pattern distortion. Conclusions. The developed conceptual model explains many clinical manifestations of the SIJ osteoarthritis and will help to understand better the mechanics of the pelvic girdle pain in such conditions, will improve the results of diagnosis and treatment.

Influence of image artifacts on image-based computer simulations of the cardiac electrophysiology.

Myocardial infarct patients have an increased risk of scar-based ventricular tachycardia. Late gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provides the geometric extent of myocardial infarct. Computational electrophysiological models based on such images can provide a personalized prediction of the patient's tachycardia risk. In this work, the effect of respiratory slice alignment image artifacts on image-based electrophysiological simulations is investigated in two series of models. For the first series, a clinical MR image is used in which slice translations are applied to artificially induce and correct for slice misalignment. For the second series, computer simulated MR images with and without slice misalignments are created using a mechanistic anatomical phantom of the torso. From those images, personalized models are created in which electrical stimuli are applied in an attempt to induce tachycardia. The response of slice-aligned and slice-misaligned models to different interval stimuli is used to assess tachycardia risk. The presented results indicate that slice misalignments affect image-based simulation outcomes. The extent to which the assessed risk is affected is found to depend upon the geometry of the infarct area. The number of unidirectional block tachycardias varied from 1 to 3 inducible patterns depending on slice misalignment severity and, along with it, the number of tachycardia inducing stimuli locations varied from 2 to 4 from 6 different locations. For tachycardias sustained by conducting channels through the scar core, no new patterns are induced by altering the slice alignment in the corresponding image. However, it affected the assessed risk as tachycardia inducing stimuli locations varied from 1 to 5 from the 6 stimuli locations. In addition, if the conducting channel is not maintained in the image due to slice misalignments, the channel-dependent tachycardia is not inducible anymore in the image-based model.

Functional Polyglycidol-Based Block Copolymers for DNA Complexation.

Gene therapy is an attractive therapeutic method for the treatment of genetic disorders for which the efficient delivery of nucleic acids into a target cell is critical. The present study is aimed at evaluating the potential of copolymers based on linear polyglycidol to act as carriers of nucleic acids. Functional copolymers with linear polyglycidol as a non-ionic hydrophilic block and a second block bearing amine hydrochloride pendant groups were prepared using previously synthesized poly(allyl glycidyl ether)-b-polyglycidol block copolymers as precursors. The amine functionalities were introduced via highly efficient radical addition of 2-aminoethanethiol hydrochloride to the alkene side groups. The modified copolymers formed loose aggregates with strongly positive surface charge in aqueous media, stabilized by the presence of dodecyl residues at the end of the copolymer structures and the hydrogen-bonding interactions in polyglycidol segments. The copolymer aggregates were able to condense DNA into stable and compact nanosized polyplex particles through electrostatic interactions. The copolymers and the corresponding polyplexes showed low to moderate cytotoxicity on a panel of human cancer cell lines. The cell internalization evaluation demonstrated the capability of the polyplexes to successfully deliver DNA into the cancer cells.

100 Gbit/s AES-GCM Cryptography Engine for Optical Transport Network Systems: Architecture, Design and 40 nm Silicon Prototyping

This work reports the architecture, design, verification and prototyping of a 100 Gbit/s AES-GCM cryptography engine specifically conceived for securing optical transport network (OTN) systems. The proposed solution addresses the main systemic issues related to the use of a block cipher in an OTN system, such as the need for data packetization, the transport of cryptographic auxiliary information, the hitless cipher key change mechanism, and others. The implemented functional logic block (IP core) interfaces with other OTN processing blocks with a 640-bit data path running at 180 MHz. The design was successfully verified by simulations based on regular test benches and the encryption algorithm was validated against standardized test vectors. The full engine was integrated into an 8-million gate 40 nm OTN Processor ASSP developed by CPQD for the Brazilian telecom industry. Chip and ASSP design metrics are also presented. The overall concept and design ideas can contribute to other works related to both OTN and cryptography technology.

Case Report: Wide-to-Narrow QRS Tachycardia in a 3-Month-Old Infant

Introduction: It is rare to find that wide QRS tachycardia automatically changes to narrow QRS tachycardia, and it is more difficult to clarify the mechanism.Case Report: A 3-month-old infant with recurrent paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia underwent transesophageal cardiac electrophysiological examination. The wide QRS tachycardia was induced by atrial RS2 stimulation, and it soon changed to narrow QRS tachycardia automatically. By the accurate measurement of esophageal lead, it was found that the electrocardiogram changes completely conform to Coumel law. The mechanism of wide and narrow QRS tachycardia was orthodromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia with or without ipsilateral functional bundle branch block, and the accessory pathway was defined as the left free wall-concealed accessory pathway.Conclusion: Transesophageal cardiac electrophysiological examination can reveal some special electrophysiological phenomena, and its non-invasive nature is especially suitable for infants.

Diarylfluorene‐Based Organic Semiconductor Materials toward Optoelectronic Applications

AbstractModular production is a convenient strategy that not only realizes the mass production of conjugated materials, but also precisely regulates their photoelectrical property for optoelectronic applications. Diarylfluorene is a functional building block in constructing organic semiconductors arising from its special electronic, spacial, and conformational structure. Because of easy chemical modification, tunable electronic structure, and high photoluminescence quantum yield, diarylfluorene‐based conjugated materials have undergone remarkable development in variety of low‐cost optoelectronic devices. Herein, the authors present an overview mainly to describe the recent research progresses of diarylfluorene‐based molecules, including 9,9′‐diarylfluorene, heteroatom‐containing spirocyclic diarylfluorene, and 4‐position substituted 9,9′‐diarylfluorene. The synthetic routes, molecular structures as well as their diverse applications toward optoelectronic devices are introduced and summarized systematically. Finally, the future challenges and development are also discussed in this vital research field.

Perancangan Mesin Grinder Coffee Brewer Berbasis Photovoltaic

Coffee drinks are in demand by almost all groups of people. In this modern era, along with the high level of people's busyness in activities, so they will be very busy and most of them take a short break to enjoy a cup of coffee as a reliever of drowsiness and an increase in enthusiasm. By designing a photovoltaic-based coffee brewer grinder machine to produce a coffee maker that is suitable for consumption by maintaining a water temperature of 70 o C, so as to produce coffee that is cloudy, light, watery, dark dilute, dark dilute, and dark thick, which is ready to be served for coffee connoisseurs. At the design stage of the on-off temperature control system diagram on the automatic coffee brewer machine heater, the process of making a functional block diagram is carried out. The heating control system on the coffee brewer uses a closed loop control system with feedback using the DHT11 sensor.

Förster Resonance Energy Transfer in Linear DNA Multifluorophore Photonic Wires: Comparing Dual versus Split Rail Building Block Designs

AbstractDNA scaffolds provide a means to precisely organize chromophores into large biomimetic exciton networks and direct energy transport for nanoscale sensing and light‐harvesting applications. Here, a functional building block of minimal complexity that maximizes the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency is sought. Using a model system consisting of three FRET steps in a 4‐dye cascade: Cy3→Cy3.5→Cy5→Cy5.5, we evaluate how this building block employs multiple interacting versus redundant FRET pathways. Variants of a dual rail design, where one or two copies of each dye are aligned in rigid linear parallel rows, are compared to a split rail format, where varying degrees of spacing are introduced between the rows. The FRET processes are assessed via steady‐state, time‐resolved, and single‐molecule spectroscopy. Experiments and simulation reveal the dual rail design as more efficient than the split rail and suggest the design principle that efficient FRET networks must balance the increase in FRET rate from multiple interacting pathways with undesirable fluorescence quenching between dyes in close proximity. Hybrid fluorophore combinations are identified as a strategy to mitigate this quenching, leading to optimized dual rails capable of 50% end‐to‐end efficiency. These insights can help guide the design of functional photonic wires based on DNA scaffolds.

B-PO04-016 A NOVEL IRRIGATED GOLD-TIP FORCE SENSING ABLATION SYSTEM DEMONSTRATES CREATION OF SAFE AND EFFECTIVE HIGH-POWER RF LESIONS IN PRE-CLINICAL TESTING

A novel irrigated, ablation catheter with a beveled, gold tip and 3-D optical force sensor has been developed. Gold provides more uniform heating, while beveling enhances stability at the tissue interface. Irrigation ports (12) are strategically placed to maximize catheter tip cooling. Evaluate the safety of the irrigated AcQBlate Force Sensing System (Acutus Medical, Carlsbad, CA) in an acute and chronic animal study. In anesthetized swine (n=6) a GLP study of ablation in the left and right atrium was performed using a high-power short duration (HPSD) protocol (30W - 50W). Acute effectiveness was determined by EGM attenuation, impedance change, and evidence of functional block (FB). Acute animals were euthanized post-ablation (n=2), and chronic animals were survived for 30 days (n=4). All animals underwent histopathologic assessment at terminal study. Charge density activation mapping (AcQMap) was performed pre- and post-ablation and prior to chronic animal termination. The mean number of ablations/animal was 42.2 ± 7.7 and effective lesions were demonstrated in all animals. Evidence of FB was demonstrated in 100% of contact and non-contact maps. Histology verified transmural lesions in each animal. All safety endpoints were met. There was no evidence of systemic emboli, steam pops or major complications related to RF energy delivery. Cardiac perforation occurred in 1 acute animal not related to RF energy delivery. The AcQBlate Force Sensing System created safe and effective lesions at HPSD in the animal model. Future research should focus on the impact of gold as a thermal conductor in RF ablation.

High-level hierarchical morphology reinforcing covalent adaptable networks

High-level hierarchical morphology reinforcing covalent adaptable networks

Multi-objective logistics park functional block layout based on genetic algorithm

At present, the construction of logistics parks has become an indispensable part of the modern logistics system. Scientific and reasonable layout planning of the logistics parks not only effectively saves logistics costs, but also promotes the efficient operation of the entire logistics. This article uses a combination of qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis to analyze the layout structure of the functional areas, build a multi-objective mathematical model with the largest degree of adjacency and the smallest transportation cost, and set the functional blocks in horizontal and vertical modes to make the layout more rational, Using genetic algorithm to solve the model with Matlab software, and verify the rationality and effectiveness of the model through examples, providing a new idea for the layout of modern logistics parks.

Rediscovering Clinical Utility of QT Dispersion: A Long-Forgotten Parameter

Clinical and experimental electrophysiological studies have shown the importance of inhomogeneous myocardial repolarization in ventricular arrhythmias' genesis. Increased dispersion of repolarisation provides a substrate for ventricular arrhythmias by generating functional unidirectional block areas, thereby predisposing to reentry. QT dispersion, defined as the difference between the longest and the shortest QT interval on the surface ECG, is a validated measure of repolarisation dispersion. QT dispersion predicts sudden death and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with chronic heart failure from coronary heart disease and various cardiac diseases

DETERMINATION OF TECHNOGENIC RISKS IN TRANSITIONAL STATES DURING OPERATION OF WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS IN HEAT ENERGY

Introduction. Currently, the most important issues in the national economy are the issues of continuous, reliable and safe operation of circulating water supply systems, namely power units of thermal power plants and thermal power plants of industrial enterprises. Faultless and reliable operation of water supply systems ensures the normal operation of social and industrial enterprises, as well as the safe operation of fire protection systems, which can be disrupted by stopping the supply of quality products to the consumer. In Ukraine and abroad, this issue is devoted to many scientific papers on the assessment, calculation and management of man-made risks, the calculation and management of risks in water treatment systems in heat and energy. But the impact of these risks on environmental safety is not covered, while the issue is of great economic importance. However, the influence of these risks on environmental protection is not covered, while the problem is of great economic importance. There is no general methodological approach that considers the diversity of water treatment systems and their design solutions. There is no clear ranking of objects to be protected by risk analysis, and there is no analysis of the effects acting on them.Purpose and methods. The purpose of the work is to determine the risks associated with the patterns of the probability of failure of units, the patterns of transition from state to state and the risks associated with changes in patterns when replacing the blocks of the water treatment system or its elements. To study the probability of risks as a result of failures for the entire period of operation of the water treatment system in the heating industry, a structural and functional block diagram of the water treatment system is built. To obtain numerical data on the failure probability at any time, the failure probability curve was approximated by the curves of the law of normal distribution (Gaussian curves).Results and discussion. Studies have shown that the minimum risk is proportional to the minimum probability of failure. Then it will be fair to say that to minimize the risk, it is necessary to reduce the failure probability function on the part of the failure curve that corresponds to the operating state of the unit or element, that is on the plot or in the normal operation. To calculate the minimum probability of risk, it is necessary to determine the minimum of this function. Since failure is a function of many variables, thus Rfail = f (x, y, z) → 0. It is also established that for most water treatment systems at any time of operation it is possible to determine the risks associated with the regularities of failure probabilities of units, with regularities the transition of the system from state to state and the risks associated with changes in the above patterns when replacing the blocks of the water treatment system or its elements.Conclusions. As a result of the conducted researches, it is received that at long enough work of water treatment system it is necessary to establish in it a probabilistic constant mode of transition from a condition to a condition according to the scheme "working condition of all blocks - failure of one or several blocks - repair - working condition of all blocks". The probabilities of the sequence and duration of these events are determinable, which makes it possible on the one hand to assess the risks arising from the operation and to determine a management strategy to minimize these risks. The probability of failure rate intensity and possible changes in this probability during the operation of the water treatment system depending on the time interval on the failure curve on which the operation of this system is considered. Determining this probability makes it possible to predict risks throughout the periods of operation of systems and take measures to minimize them.