High Frequency Research Articles

Model predictive control based on single-phase shift modulation for triple active bridge DC-DC converter

The triple-active bridge (TAB) converter is widely used in various applications due to its high efficiency and power density. However, the high-frequency (HF) transformer coupling between the ports presents challenges for controller design. This article presents a model predictive control (MPC) approach based on single-phase shift modulation for the TAB converter. The developed MPC offers improved transient performance, control flexibility, and precision, ensuring compliance with DC voltage regulations and achieving optimal solutions for port decoupling. The MPC utilizes a cost function to provide robust voltage regulation, and an algorithm based on Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions is developed to derive closed-form solutions for optimal control parameters. To validate the performance of the TAB converter with the proposed MPC control, Typhoon 602 hardware-in-loop (HIL) experimental case study is conducted. Additionally, a comparison with previous works is carried out to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results of the HIL experimental setup and the comparative analysis demonstrate that the developed method is effective, providing faster dynamic characteristics and port power decoupling operation capability.

Distinct spectral line shifts in the Raman lines’ Stokes and anti-Stokes components with temperature in the liquid crystalline system 4DBA

An anomalous Raman phenomenon (ARP) refers to a scenario in which the Stokes and anti-Stokes frequencies of a Raman mode are different. Here we report that ARP introduces different line shifts in Stokes and anti-Stokes frequencies in 4-Decyloxy Benzoic acid with temperature across two thermally driven structural transitions: the smectic (S) to nematic (N) phase transition at 375 K and the nematic (N) to isotropic (I) transition at 390 K. Four Raman modes near 663, 773, 1128, and 1168 cm-1shift towards higher frequencies (blueshift) in the Stokes frequency and towards lower frequencies (redshift) in the anti-Stokes frequency with rise in temperature near S to N phase transitions. However, in the isotropic liquid phase, both the Stokes and anti-Stokes components exhibit a redshift as temperature increases, without any noticeable distinct spectral lineshifts. Our studies bring out the importance of phonon band structure in ARP.

Multiscale Elasticity of Epoxy Networks by Rheology and Brillouin Light Spectroscopy.

The response of soft materials to an imposed oscillatory stress is typically frequency dependent, with the most utilized frequency range falling in the range of 10-2-102 rad/s. In contrast to most conventional contact techniques for measuring material elasticity, like tensile or shear rheology and atomic force microscopy, or invasive techniques using probes, such as microrheology, Brillouin light spectroscopy (BLS) offers an optical, noncontact, label-free, submicron resolution and three-dimensional (3D) mapping approach to access the mechanical moduli at GHz frequencies. Currently, the correlation between the experimental viscoelastic (at lower frequencies) and elastic (at higher frequencies) moduli has fundamental and practical relevance, but remains unclear. We utilize a series of solvent-free epoxy polymer networks with variable cross-link density as models to compare the storage modulus, G', (in the MPa range) obtained from shear rheology and the longitudinal modulus, M', (in the GPa range) extracted from BLS. Our results show that G' exhibits a much stronger increase with increasing cross-link density than M' (by a factor of about 3.5). This finding is discussed in the context of the phantom network model for G' and Wood's inverse rule of mixtures for M'. The epoxy polymer network displays an unexpectedly fast hypersonic dispersion compared to its uncross-linked precursor. These results testify the importance of obtaining reliable information about the elasticity of networks and will hopefully trigger further investigations in the direction of bridging the elasticity of soft materials at different scales.

Assessing the Interrelationship Between Microplastics and Polychlorinated Biphenyls Contamination in Chinese Mangrove Sediment

Mangrove ecosystems, critical intertidal zones at the land–ocean interface, are increasingly recognized for their role in microplastic (MP) pollution dynamics. Despite extensive research on the interaction of MPs with various chemical contaminants, the specific contamination levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) associated with MPs in mangroves remain poorly understood. In this study, we quantified the concentrations of PCBs on MPs extracted from representative mangrove sediment samples across China, revealing values ranging from 9.80 to 13.91 ng/g. In contrast, PCB concentrations in sediment samples were found to vary between 25.67 and 69.85 ng/g. Our findings indicate a consistent level of PCB contamination on MPs across different sites, although these levels were marginally elevated compared to those in the surrounding sediments. Notably, Penta-PCBs were detected with the highest frequency across all samples analyzed. This study provides crucial insights into the occurrence and distribution of PCBs on MPs within the mangrove ecosystem, highlighting their significance in environmental contamination assessments.

The OH-stretching region in infrared spectra of the apatite OH-Cl binary system

Abstract Polarized Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy of the OH-stretching region of hydroxylapatite-chlorapatite solid solutions presents novel problems for the assignment of peaks to specific OH-Cl pairs. Crystal structure refinements of Hughes et al. (2016) identified new positions for column anions in synthetic mixed Cl-OH apatites, with three different column anion arrangements depending on composition. These structural refinements, combined with bond-valence calculations, allow for interpretation of the OH-stretching region. A peak at 3574 cm–1 is identified as that from end-member hydroxylapatite. A second major peak at 3548 cm–1 is only found in mixed chlorapatite-hydroxylapatite solid solutions, as is a third peak at 3592 cm–1. Both represent perturbations of the OH-stretching vibration as compared to hydroxylapatite, to lower and higher frequency, respectively. Both of the new peaks are the result of a Clb-OH sequence, with adjacent anions in crystallographically similar positions, both above or both below adjacent mirror planes. One configuration has the hydrogen atom pointed toward the chlorine atom. The second has the hydrogen of the OH group pointed away from the chlorine atom. Both configurations present novel problems. The shift to lower wavenumber at 3548 cm–1 is characteristic of hydrogen bonding in fluorapatite-hydroxylapatite mixtures, yet the distance between O(H) and Clb is too great to allow it. The shift of OH-stretching vibrations to lower wavenumber is produced through changes in polarization of intervening Cl-Ca2′ (or Ca2) and Ca2(′)-O3 bonds, which are affected by the presence of the large chlorine atom. Lowering the OH-stretching vibration mimics the expected effect of chlorine on a neighboring OH group in the apatite c-axis column, though without hydrogen bonding. The shift to higher wavenumbers, i.e., higher frequency at 3592 cm–1, is the opposite of that expected for hydrogen bonding between column anions in the apatite mineral group. It is ascribed to the interaction between an adjacent Clb and the oxygen end of an adjacent OH dipole. This pairing places an oxygen and a chlorine atom in close proximity. Possible means of accommodation are discussed. A ubiquitous peak at 3498 cm–1 represents hydrogen bonding between an OH and the OHa site, with an interoxygen distance of about 2.9 Å. Published modeling supports the hypothesis that the OHa site is occupied by an O rather than an OH. However, no clear counterpart to this pairing is observed in crystal structure refinements for specimens lacking OHa, although the infrared absorbance is present. The existence of oxyapatite is inferred from studies of plasma-sprayed biomaterials, but the crystal-lographic details of the substitution have remained elusive. A minor shoulder at 3517 cm–1 does not have a clear counterpart in the structural refinements. Sequences of three columnar anions (e.g., OH-Cl-OH or Cl-OH-OH) can be ruled out, but an unequivocal assignment awaits further research.

Effectively saltiness enhanced odorants screening and prediction by database establish, sensory evaluation and deep learning method

Odor-taste interaction has gained success in enhancing saltiness perception. This work aimed to provide candidate odorants for saltiness enhancement. Volatile compounds and their frequencies in salty foods were systematically analyzed. The compounds with higher frequency were incorporated into the savory aroma compounds database. The saltiness enhancement concentrations of representative aroma compounds at the NaCl solution (3.00 g/L) were detected by sensory evaluation. SELF-referencing Embedded Strings-based representation leaning and graph attention network combined with Backpropagation Neural Network classifier was utilized to predict the saltiness-enhancing ability of odorants. Results showed that ketones, pyrazine and sulfur-containing compounds showed higher saltiness-enhancing ability. Mushroom and fatty attributes contributed to the saltiness-enhancing ability of compounds. Deep learning model showed excellent generalization ability and accuracy (95.93 %), which provided rapid screening method for selecting savory aroma compounds. This study would provide new pathways for food industry to achieve salt reduction goals.

Approximation of sea surface velocity field by fitting surrogate two-dimensional flow to scattered measurements

In this paper, a rapid approximation method is introduced to estimate the sea surface velocity field based on scattered measurements. The method uses a simplified two-dimensional flow model as a surrogate model, which mimics the real submesoscale flow. The proposed approach treats the interpolation of the flow velocities as an optimization problem, aiming to fit the flow model to the scattered measurements. To ensure consistency between the simulated velocity field and the measured values, the boundary conditions in the numerical simulations are adjusted during the optimization process. Additionally, the relevance of quantity and quality of the scattered measurements is assessed, emphasizing the importance of the measurement locations within the domain as well as explaining how these measurements contribute to the accuracy and reliability of the sea surface velocity field approximation. The proposed methodology has been successfully tested in both synthetic and real-world scenarios, leveraging measurements obtained from Global Positioning System (GPS) drifters and high-frequency (HF) radar systems. The adaptability of this approach for different domains, measurement types and conditions implies that it is suitable for real-world submesoscale scenarios where only an approximation of the sea surface velocity field is sufficient.

Overview of β-Lactam-Resistance Genes in Pandemic Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: A Troublesome Pathogen in the Indian Intensive Care Unit

Objectives: Acinetobacter baumannii is responsible for many infections in admitted patients, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU). Several risk factors may lead to an enhanced risk of A. baumannii colonization and infections. β-lactam antibiotics are frequently administered to treat Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infections due to their minimum side effects, but the acquisition of β-lactamase genes has been the most challenging and troublesome situation and an imminent threat to the world as it increases mortality, medical expenses, and hospital stays. Hence, the present systematic review focused on the screening of β-lactam resistance genes that have been identified in the A. baumannii isolates’ genome and the nosocomial infections they cause in the Indian ICU. Material and Methods: This review has been done according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline 2020. After screening, 317 genomes were included in this systematic review. We downloaded data from the bv-brc.org website on an Excel spreadsheet for statistical analysis. We presented categorical data in percentages (%) and in the form of a graph and pie chart. Results: Among the 317 isolates, pneumonia was caused by 189 strains (59.62%), bacteremia was caused by 109 strains (34.38%), respiratory infection by 12 isolates (3.79%), sepsis by 5 isolates (1.58%), and wound infection by 2 isolates (0.63%), which indicated that A. baumannii strains are highly involved in pneumonia followed by bacteremia. We did comparative genome analysis and found 26 β-lactamase genes; among them, the ADC2 gene was found to be in higher frequency (312) and was identified in 98.42% of A. baumannii isolates, followed by the OXA23 gene (303), which was found in 95.58% of isolates. The NDM-1 gene was identified in 181 (57.09%) isolates. OXA66 was found in 156 (49.21%) isolates. Our findings show a higher frequency of the ADC2 gene, followed by the OXA23 gene, in all these nosocomial infections. We have found that NDM-1, ADC2, OXA23, and OXA-66 genes coexisted in higher frequency in the A. baumannii isolates (137; 43.21%), followed by OXA23, OXA-66, and ADC2 (52; 16.40%). Conclusion: A. baumannii is a notorious pandemic pathogen, designated as a “priority of concern” by the World Health Organization. Our study indicates a high prevalence of the ADC2 gene, which gives resistance against the cephalosporin group and co-existence of β-lactamase genes (ADC2, OXA23, OXA66, and NDM-1) in various A. baumannii isolates’ genomes. This is a worrisome situation. Global molecular surveillance and the “One Health Concept” are crucial, as are research studies on plant extracts’ in vitro and in vivo efficacy against A. baumannii. Combating multidrug-resistant A. baumannii requires a multifaceted approach that involves infection control measures, antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance, education, research, and collaboration. Implementing these strategies and staying vigilant in the face of this resilient pathogen is essential to minimize its impact on health-care systems and public health.

AC Conductivity, Dielectric and Structural Properties of Co0.6Zn0.4-xMgxFe2O4 Co-Zn Spinel Nano Ferrites Prepared using Sol-gel Autocombustion Method

This study examined the structural, morphological, dielectric and AC conductivity properties of CoZnMg ferrite samples (Co0.6Zn0.4-xMgxFe2O4) with x = 0.00, 0.08, 0.16, 0.24, 0.32, 0.40. The sol-gel autocombustion method was used to synthesize the CoZnMg ferrite samples. The produced samples crystallize in the cubic spinel structure, according to an XRD analysis of the structural characteristics. The highly crystalline single-phase cubic spinel structure with a distinct peak in the (311) plane has been confirmed by XRD studies. The diameters of the crystallites have fluctuated between 24.92 and 9.80 nm. SEM, EDX and FTIR used to examine the morphological and elemental characteristics of the samples. According to FE-SEM, adding magnesium to the current ferrite system resulted in the loss of the porous gel structure. According to the relative stoichiometry of the Mg-substituted CoZn ferrite, the EDAX analysis verified the presence of Co, Zn, Mg and O. The investigated samples may be appropriate for a variety of uses, as indicated by the consistent conductivity at low frequencies. Within the frequency range of 100 to 5 MHz, the room temperature, electrical and dielectric properties were examined. The quantity of magnesium dopants and the microstructural features were related to the obtained results. The dielectric characteristics (ε′ and ε″) of the ferrites gradually decreased with frequency, even at higher frequencies. The samples exhibited interfacial polarization, which led to normal dielectric characteristics in line with the Maxwell-Wagner model.

Autoregressive HMM resolves biomolecular transitions from passive optical tweezer force measurements

Optical tweezer (OT) single molecule force spectroscopy is a powerful method to map out the energy landscape of biological complexes and has found increasing applications in academic and pharmaceutical research. The dominant method to extract molecular conformation transitions from the thermal diffusion-broadened trajectories of the microscopic OT probes attached to the single molecule of interest is through hidden Markov models (HMM). In standard applications, the HMMs assume a white noise spectrum of the probes superimposed onto the molecular signal.Here, we demonstrate, through theoretical derivation, computer modeling and experimental measurements that this standard white noise HMM (wnHMM) misses key features of real OT data. The deviation is most pronounced at higher frequencies because the white noise model does not account for the over-damped nature of particle diffusion in an OT harmonic potential in aqueous environments. To address this, we derive how to incorporate autoregression (ar) between consecutive data points into an HMM, and demonstrate through modeling and experiment that such an arHMM captures real OT data behavior across all frequency ranges. Through analysis of real OT data we recorded on a single DNA hairpin undergoing folding and unfolding transitions, we show that the wnHMM extracts lifetimes that are at least a factor of 2 faster and less consistent than the arHMM results which match expectations and prior measurements. Overall, our work suggests that arHMM should be the default model choice for analysis OT single molecule transitions and that its use will improve the fidelity and accuracy of single molecule force spectroscopy measurements.

Investigation on vibration characteristics of composite auxetic honeycomb sandwich plates with damping enhancement

With the rapid development in science and technology, the vibration resistance and stability are required with higher standard in damping property of structures. Aiming to improve the damping property of the structure, vibration characteristics of composite auxetic honeycomb sandwich plates with damping enhancement were studied experimentally and numerically. Inserting damping layers into face sheets and filling foam into the core were applied to fabricate the auxetic plates. The influence of the thickness of damping layers and the density of foam on the vibration characteristics of auxetic plates was researched. Modal strain energy method was applied to study the damping properties of auxetic plates with damping enhancement. The results obtained by numerical method had a great fit with experimental results. Vibration acceleration level-frequency curves were calculated to reflect the influence of damping layers and foam on damping properties of auxetic plates. Damping efficiency, compressive stiffness efficiency and comprehensive efficiency were used to evaluate the damping properties of auxetic plates. The results showed that the auxetic plate with thinner damping layer and higher density foam had a higher frequency. The damping loss factors of auxetic plates raised as the thickness of damping layer increasing or the density of foam decreasing.

Underwater radiated noise characteristics and source spectrum model of typical ships in Yangtze River

To address the ecological challenge posed by the underwater radiated noise (URN) from ships in the Yangtze River, it is crucial to thoroughly understand its characteristics and establish a comprehensive source spectrum model. In this study, the spectral characteristics and transmission loss (TL) law of URN from ships in the Yangtze River were investigated by the on-site monitoring. A spectral source level (SSL) for a "reference" ship was constructed, and the URN source spectrum model was optimized. The results indicated that the URN frequencies predominantly ranged from 25 to 2500 Hz, with source levels (SL) for each one-third octave (1/3-octave) band distributed between 140 and 175 dB (re μPa). The hydroacoustic TL coefficient increased with frequency, indicating greater attenuation at higher frequency. The absolute error of the source spectrum models of typical ships in the Yangtze River was within ±10 dB (re μPa), showing strong agreement with the measurement values. These findings provide theoretical support for the coordinated development of shipping activities and ecological protection in the Yangtze River.

Phonon dispersion of nanoscale honeycomb phononic crystal: gigahertz and terahertz spectroscopy comparison

Phonons—quantized vibrational modes in crystalline structures—govern phenomena ranging from thermal and mechanical transport to quantum mechanics. In recent years, a new class of artificial materials called phononic crystals has emerged, aiming to control phononic properties. These materials are created by introducing a superlattice structure on top of an already-existing atomic lattice. Typically, phononic crystals are described using a continuous model, in which effective elastic constants approximate potentials between atoms. This approximation, however, assumes the wavelengths of vibrations to be significantly greater than the interatomic distance. In this work, we experimentally investigate the behavior of a honeycomb silicon phononic crystal in the gigahertz range, where the continuum approximation holds, and in the terahertz range, where the phonon wavelengths are comparable to interatomic distances. Using Brillouin light scattering, we investigate the phonon dispersion of the phononic crystal in the gigahertz range, finding a close match with simulations based on the continuous model. Conversely, Raman spectroscopy reveals no difference between the phononic crystal, an unpatterned membrane, and a bulk silicon structure in the terahertz range, showing that the continuous model no longer holds at these higher frequencies.

Effect of para-substituents on NC bonding of aryl isocyanide molecules adsorbed on metal surfaces studied by sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy.

The effect of para-substituents on the NC bond of aryl isocyanide molecules adsorbed on Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd surfaces was examined by vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy. The frequency of NC stretching vibration, υNC, depended on the electronic property of the substituents. When the substituents were more electron-withdrawing and more electron-donating, υNC shifted to lower and higher frequencies, respectively. However, υNC shifted to lower frequency again when the substituents were too electron-donating. The strong dependence of υNC on metal substrates was also observed, reflecting the difference in metal d-band energies, which leads to the difference in the contributions of σ-donation and π back-donation of the NC-metal coupling.

Hubungan Diabetes Melitus Tipe 2 dengan Derajat Obstruksi Penyakit Paru Obstruktif Kronik (PPOK) di RS. Royal Prima Periode 2022-2023

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common comorbidities in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD itself can be a risk factor in the development of T2DM through systemic inflammatory mechanisms caused by continuous and progressive exposure to cigarette smoke over time. To investigate the relationship between diabetes mellitus and the severity of COPD obstruction based on demographic data, spirometry test results, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) test results. This study used a quantitative method with an observational descriptive design. Sampling was done using total sampling technique with a cross-sectional survey design and a retrospective approach using secondary data. Out of 31 study subjects diagnosed with COPD and T2DM, 83.9% (26 subjects) were male and 16.1% (5 subjects) were female. In terms of age distribution, the 40–59-year age group had the highest frequency, totaling 18 individuals (58.1%). In terms of occupation, self-employed individuals represented the largest group with 24 subjects (77.4%). For COPD severity, the highest frequency was found in the severe COPD category, with 15 subjects (48.4%). Based on the results of the study investigating the relationship between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the severity of COPD obstruction, a significant relationship was found between T2DM and COPD obstruction severity when analyzed by gender, age, occupation, and the results of spirometry and fasting blood glucose tests.

Application of Smart Condensed H-Adsorption Nanocomposites in Batteries: Energy Storage Systems and DFT Computations

A comprehensive investigation of hydrogen grabbing towards the formation of hetero-clusters of AlGaN–H, Si–AlGaN–H, Ge–AlGaN–H, Pd–AlGaN–H, and Pt–AlGaN–H was carried out using DFT computations at the CAM–B3LYP–D3/6-311+G (d,p) level of theory. The notable fragile signal intensity close to the parallel edge of the nanocluster sample might be owing to silicon or germanium binding-induced non-spherical distribution of Si–AlGaN or Ge–AlGaN hetero-clusters. Based on TDOS, the excessive growth technique of doping silicon, germanium, palladium, or platinum is a potential approach to designing high-efficiency hybrid semipolar gallium nitride devices in a long-wavelength zone. Therefore, it can be considered that palladium or platinum atoms in the functionalized Pd–AlGaN or Pt–AlGaN might have more impressive sensitivity for accepting the electrons in the process of hydrogen adsorption. The advantages of platinum or palladium over aluminum gallium nitride include its higher electron and hole mobility, allowing platinum or palladium doping devices to operate at higher frequencies than silicon or germanium doping devices. In fact, it can be observed that doped hetero-clusters of Pd–AlGaN or Pt–AlGaN might ameliorate the capability of AlGaN in transistor cells for energy storage.

Evaluating the dynamic response and phase angle behavior of SBS-modified asphalt mixtures for enhanced pavement performance

Bitumen exhibits viscoelastic properties, showcasing both viscous and elastic behaviors, which are characterized by the phase angle and dynamic modulus. Issues like early fatigue fractures, rutting, and permanent deformations in bituminous asphalt pavements arise due to moisture susceptibility, high-temperature deformation, low-temperature cracking, and overloading. These distresses result in potholes, alligator cracks, and specific deformations that lead to early pavement failure, increasing rehabilitation and maintenance costs. To address these issues, this study examines the dynamic modulus and phase angle behavior of Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) modified and unmodified asphalt mixtures. SBS was incorporated in various proportions, ranging from 2 to 7% by the weight of bitumen. The asphalt mixture performance tester (AMPT) was utilized to measure the dynamic modulus at temperatures of 4.4, 21.1, 37.8, and 54.4 °C, and frequencies of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 25 Hz. The study found significant correlations between dynamic modulus, temperature, loading frequency, and SBS content. Additionally, Multi Expression Programming (MEPX) and regression modeling were employed to estimate the dynamic modulus of SBS-modified HMA. Results indicated that increasing SBS content up to 7% decreased penetration and ductility values by up to 46% and 56%, respectively, while raising the softening point by 63% due to increased stiffness. The blend with 6% SBS by weight of bitumen exhibited superior performance compared to other mixtures. Phase angle initially increased with rising temperature, peaking at 37.8 °C at lower frequencies, and continued to increase at higher frequencies. Isothermal and isochronal plots showed that the 0% SBS mix had a higher phase angle due to increased bitumen content. Overall, the HMA mix with 6% SBS provided the best outcomes.

Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation Combined with Locomotor Training Improves Functional Outcomes in a Child with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Study

Background and Purpose: activities-based locomotor training (AB-LT) is a restorative therapeutic approach to the treatment of movement deficits in people with non-progressive neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy (CP). Transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) is an emerging tool in the rehabilitation of individuals with sensorimotor deficits caused by neurological dysfunction. This non-invasive technique delivers electrical stimulation over the spinal cord, leading to the modulation of spinal sensorimotor networks. TSS has been used in combination with AB-LT and has been shown to improve muscle activation patterns and enhance motor recovery. However, there are no published studies comparing AB-LT + TSS to AB-LT alone in children with CP. The purpose of this case study was to compare the impact of AB-LT alone versus AB-LT combined with TSS on functional movement and quality of life in a child with CP. Methods: A 13-year-old male with quadriplegic CP participated in this pilot study. He was classified in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) at Level III. He completed 20 sessions of AB-LT (5x/week), then a 2-week washout period, followed by 20 sessions of body-AB-LT + TSS. Treatment sessions consisted of 1 h of locomotor training with body weight support and manual facilitation and 30 min of overground play-based activities. TSS was applied using the RTI Xcite®, with stimulation at the T11 and L1 vertebral levels. Assessments including the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), 10-m walk test (10 MWT), and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) were performed, while spatiotemporal gait parameters were assessed using the Zeno Walkway®. All assessments were performed at three time points: before and after AB-LT, as well as after AB-LT + TSS. OUTCOMES: After 19/20 sessions of AB-LT alone, the participant showed modest improvements in the GMFM scores (from 86.32 to 88), 10 MWT speed (from 1.05 m/s to 1.1 m/s), and PBS scores (from 40 to 42). Following the AB-LT combined with TSS, scores improved to an even greater extent compared with AB-LT alone, with the GMFM increasing to 93.7, 10 MWT speed to 1.43 m/s, and PBS to 44. The most significant gains were observed in the GMFM and 10 MWT. Additionally, improvements were noted across all spatiotemporal gait parameters, particularly at faster walking speeds. Perhaps most notably, the child transitioned from the GMFCS level III to level II by the end of the study. Discussion: Higher frequency and intensity interventions aimed at promoting neuroplasticity to improve movement quality in children with CP are emerging as a promising alternative to traditional physical therapy approaches. This case study highlights the potential of TSS to augment neuroplasticity-driven treatment approaches, leading to improvements in neuromotor function in children with CP. These findings suggest that TSS could be a valuable addition to rehabilitation strategies, warranting further research to explore its efficacy in larger populations.

Bubble-driven heater dynamics in saturated pool boiling

Exploring energy within boiling system is becoming an effective way to enhance heat transfer nowadays. Novel bubble-driven heater has great potential to achieve it. However, heater dynamics in this technique are crucial but unclear in previous studies. Here, boiling on a movable suspended heater with the same density of liquid was simulated to investigate heater dynamics and corresponding mechanisms in detail. Smaller departure diameter and higher frequency were found on movable heater. Periodical up-down motion was observed and the upward movement only occurred at high heat fluxes. Up-down motion contributed to small dry spot diameter and rapid cold liquid supply. The mechanism of different motion over entire bubble cycle was investigated for the first time. Heater moved downwards due to evaporation momentum force (Fe) and add mass force (Fa) during the initial bubble growth stage with expanding triple line, moved upwards due to surface tension force (Fs) during bubble growth period with nearly constant triple line, and it moved downwards again due to Fa when bubble departed. Fa and Fe which impeded bubble departure before were found benefit departure by induced movable heater. Heater manipulation mechanism was found and our study would benefit the design of smart and automatic heater.

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated BocPDSs Gene Editing in Chinese Kale Using the Endogenous tRNA-Processing System

Chinese kale is a native vegetable from the Brassicaceae family that is grown extensively in Southeast Asia and Southern China. Its low genetic transformation and gene editing efficiency hinder gene function research and molecular biology in Chinese kale. CRISPR/Cas9 is a useful tool for plant genome research due to its rapid development and optimization. This study targeted BocPDSs, (BocPDS1, BocPDS2) to establish an effective CRISPR/Cas9 system in Chinese kale. A tandemly arranged tRNA-sgRNA construct was used to express numerous sgRNAs to induce BocPDS1 and BocPDS2 double and single mutations, with a mutation rate of 61.11%. As predicted, several mutant plants showed an albino phenotype with a harbored mutation in an exon and intron region, highlighting the relevance of the intron. The presence of mutations in the intron region suggests that the cleavage process in Chinese kale, utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 shows a preference for AT-rich regions. The distinct and somewhat redundant functions of BocPDS1 and BocPDS2 are demonstrated by the complete albino phenotype of the double mutants and the mosaic albino phenotype of the individual BocPDS1 and BocPDS2 mutants. Specific gene editing modes, including base deletion, base substitution, and base insertion, were identified in the sequence of the target gene. Among them, short nucleotide insertions were the most common type of insertion, with base insertions having the highest frequency (61.54%). Furthermore, no instances of off-target gene editing were detected. The current work demonstrated that the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system, which relies on endogenous tRNA processing, can effectively induce mutagenesis in Chinese kale. This finding establishes a theoretical basis and technical backbone for the more effective implementation of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology in Chinese kale and Brassica plants.