Electrical Resistivity Measurements Research Articles

Epitaxial growth and characterization of (110)-oriented YBCO/PBCGO bilayer and YBCO/PBCGO/YBCO trilayer heterostructures

We have grown and characterized (110)-oriented YBa2Cu3O7−x (YBCO)/PrBa2(Cu0.8Ga0.2)3O7−x (PBCGO) bilayer and YBCO/PBCGO/YBCO trilayer heterostructures, which were deposited by pulsed laser deposition technique for the nanofabrication of (110)-oriented YBCO-based superconductor (S)/insulator (I)/superconductor (S) tunneling vertical geometry Josephson junction and other superconductor electronic devices. The structural properties of these heterostructures, investigated through various x-ray diffraction techniques (profile, x-ray reflectivity, pole figure, and reciprocal mapping), showed (110)-oriented epitaxial growth with a preferred c-axis-in-plane direction for all layers of the heterostructures. The atomic force microscopy measurement on the top surface of the heterostructures showed crack-free and pinhole-free, compact surface morphology with about a few nanometer root mean square roughness over the 5 × 5 μm2 region. The electrical resistivity measurements on the (110)-direction of the heterostructures showed superconducting critical temperature (Tc) values above 77 K and a very small proximity effect due to the interfacial contact of the superconducting YBCO layers with the PBCGO insulating layer. Raman spectroscopy measurements on the heterostructures showed the softening of the Ag-type Raman modes associated with the apical oxygen O(4) and O(2)-O(3)-in-phase vibrations compared to the stand-alone (110)-oriented PBCGO due to the residual stress and additional two Raman modes at ∼600 and ∼285 cm−1 frequencies due to the disorder at the Cu–O chain site of the PBCGO. The growth process and structural, electrical transport, and Raman spectroscopy characterization of (110)-oriented YBCO/PBCGO bilayer and YBCO/PBCGO/YBCO trilayer heterostructures are discussed in detail.

Impact of Micro- and Nano-Plastics on Human Intestinal Organoid-Derived Epithelium.

The development of patient-derived intestinal organoids represents an invaluable model for simulating the native human intestinal epithelium. These stem cell-rich cultures outperform commonly used cell lines like Caco-2 and HT29-MTX in reflecting the cellular diversity of the native intestinal epithelium after differentiation. In our recent study examining the effects of polystyrene (PS), microplastics (MPs), and nanoplastics (NPs), widespread pollutants in our environment and food chain, on the human intestinal epithelium, these organoids have been instrumental in elucidating the absorption mechanisms and potential biological impacts of plastic particles. Building on previously established protocols in human intestinal organoid culture, we herein detail a streamlined protocol for the cultivation, differentiation, and generation of organoid-derived monolayers. This protocol is tailored to generate monolayers incorporating microfold cells (M cells), key for intestinal particle uptake but often absent in current in vitro models. We provide validated protocols for the characterization of MPs/NPs via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for detailed imaging and their introduction to intestinal epithelial monolayer cells via confocal immunostaining. Additionally, protocols to test the impacts of MP/NP exposure on the functions of the intestinal barrier using transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements and assessing inflammatory responses using cytokine profiling are detailed. Overall, our protocols enable the generation of human intestinal organoid monolayers, complete with the option of including or excluding M cells, offering crucial techniques for observing particle uptake and identifying inflammatory responses in intestinal epithelial cells to advance our knowledge of the potential effects of plastic pollution on human gut health. These approaches are also amendable to the study of other gut-related chemical and biological exposures and physiological responses due to the robust nature of the systems. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Human intestinal organoid culture and generation of monolayers with and without M cells Support Protocol 1: Culture of L-WRN and production of WRN-conditioned medium Support Protocol 2: Neuronal cell culture and integration into intestinal epithelium Support Protocol 3: Immune cell culture and integration into intestinal epithelium Basic Protocol 2: Scanning electron microscopy: sample preparation and imaging Basic Protocol 3: Immunostaining and confocal imaging of MP/NP uptake in organoid-derived monolayers Basic Protocol 4: Assessment of intestinal barrier function via TEER measurements Basic Protocol 5: Cytokine profiling using ELISA post-MP/NP exposure.

A geophysical assessment for engineering performance of subgrade soils: a case study of the Ago-Iwoye/Ilishan road, South-Western Nigeria

Geophysical application of electrical resistivity method has been employed to differentiate subsurface target of interest from the encompassing strata along the Ago-Iwoye/Ilishan road in South-western Nigeria. However, a geological model which links variation in lithological characteristics of subgrade soils to the engineering performance of the road is yet to be a research subject. This research is a special geotechnical application of geophysics for revealing the subsurface disposition and predicting the stability state of subgrade materials. Field assessment of rock types, and their relationship was followed by electrical resistivity measurement along the road. Schlumberger and dipole – dipole arrays were adopted for fifty-eight (58) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and 2-D resistivity imaging involving Dipole-Dipole profiling technique was adopted in the sedimentary segment. Field data were inverted to 2-D resistivity structures inferentially delineated contour colorations using ‘DIPRO for Windows’ software. Geo-electric layers revealed Sedimentary Basin (SB) between Ilishan and Irolu, between Irolu and Ijesha-Ijebu, Transitional Zone (TR) with abrupt contrast along the plane of an unconformity and crystalline Basement Complex (BC) towards Ago-Iwoye. The 2-D resistivity structures across the different geological terrains revealed with 50Ωm - 3289Ωm at SB,233Ωm - 8028Ωm at TZ and 8Ωm - 3009Ωm at BC. From geotechnical view, subgrade materials underlying the SB and TZ segments can be adjudged competent to sand and clayey sand units with minor occurrences of incompetent clay and sandy clay lenses. The occurrence of subsurface discontinuities at the BC end of TZof the road would adversely affect the pavement stability.

Non-destructive characterization of pore structure and chloride diffusion coefficient of cementitious materials with modified non-contact electrical resistivity method

The intricate pore structure of cement-based materials passively influences chloride ion transport and mechanical properties. Existing non-contact electrical resistivity measurement (NC-ERM) methods lack precision for rigorous studies. the NC-ERM was upgraded in this research, which is suitable for assessing the pore structure and transport characteristics of hardened cementitious substrates. The results obtained from this method closely correspond to those obtained from CEMHYD3D, Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and other methods. Additionally, the impact of mixture proportions on the resistivity, pore structure parameters, and chloride ion diffusion coefficient of cementitious materials is discussed. With an increase in sand ratio and sand-to-stone ratio, the resistivity exhibits an initial rise followed by a decline. Chloride diffusion of 5 wt% NaCl-saturated specimens is 1.2–1.3 times higher than 3.5 wt% NaCl. This study provides a novel non-destructive, convenient and accurate method for characterising the pore structure and testing the transport properties of cementitious materials.

Novel methodology for characterization of thermoelectric modules and materials

The document presents an innovative methodology that combines forced response and natural response theories in thermoelectric materials and devices. It stands out for expressing the thermoelectric figure of merit in terms of the ratio of two temperatures ZT푇̅=∆T′/∆T, enabling comprehensive testing and precise characterization of thermoelectric modules and materials, including measurements of thermal conductance, electrical resistance, Seebeck coefficient, and figure of merit. Additionally, it addresses the determination of thermal resistances and thermal capacitances related to thermal contacts, as well as the derivation of characteristic time constants and angular frequencies. This approach, applicable to both modular devices and individual samples, allows for the simultaneous measurement of all parameters on a single sample. The experiments considered non-ideal contacts and non-adiabatic conditions at room temperature T= 300K, enhancing the feasibility of in-situ characterization and positioning this methodology as a key tool in thermoelectric research.

A thermally conductive Martian core and implications for its dynamo cessation.

Mars experienced a dynamo process that generated a global magnetic field ~4.3 (or earlier) to 3.6 billion years ago (Ga). The cessation of this dynamo strongly affected Mars' history and is expected to be linked to thermochemical evolution of Mars' iron-rich liquid core, which is strongly influenced by its thermal conductivity. Here, we directly measured thermal conductivities of solid iron-sulfur alloys to pressures relevant to the Martian core and temperatures to 1023 Kelvin. Our results show that a Martian core with 16 weight % sulfur has a thermal conductivity of ~19 to 32 Watt meter-1 Kelvin-1 from its top to the center, much higher than previously inferred from electrical resistivity measurements. Our modeled thermal conductivity profile throughout the Martian deep-mantle and core indicates a ~4- to 6-fold discontinuity across the core-mantle boundary. The core's efficient cooling resulting from the depth-dependent, high conductivity diminishes thermal convection and forms thermal stratification, substantially contributing to cessation of Martian dynamo.

Abstract 2125: The use of intestinal organoids as a preclinical screen to assess gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity and barrier integrity

Abstract Gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity is a common and often severe limiting factor in the development of antineoplastic drugs. Symptoms include diarrhoea, dehydration and ulceration which increase susceptibility to infection, partly due to damage of crypt and/or villus structures in the small intestine, impairing the barrier function. As novel targeted therapies are emerging, assessment of their potential GI toxicity remains crucial. Small intestinal (SI) organoids are 3D in vitro models of the epithelium which recapitulate the structure and function of the small intestine. We have further developed and validated the organoid model as a screening tool to predict GI toxicity and subsequent mucosal regeneration in four species: mouse, rat, dog and human. The culture conditions have been designed to mimic the stem cell niche and allow cell differentiation and proliferation to occur. All intestinal lineages were present in the organoids derived from each species and the epithelial hierarchy closely resembled that observed in vivo. The toxic effects of antineoplastic drugs on the organoids were assessed by quantification of the total cell viability upon treatment, coupled to morphometric analysis of the organoids (size, area, perimeter, and branching efficiency). Immunofluorescence and RNAseq can be used to identify the targeted cells and the toxicity mechanisms of the drugs. To further assess the effect of drugs on barrier integrity, we have developed transwell-grown cell monolayers derived from normal human small intestinal organoids. This model allows direct access to both apical and basal surfaces, which is not possible when using organoids where their geometry prevents access to the apical surface. The monolayer formation was followed by live imaging and Trans-Epithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) measurements and treatments with toxic drugs were applied after TEER reached a plateau. The direct effect on barrier integrity was evaluated by TEER reduction, increased FITC-Dextran permeability and analysis of TJ proteins by immunofluorescence. Furthermore, effects on cell death were assessed by measuring the levels of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) released into the medium by dying cells. In conclusion, our models provide an innovative in vitro solution to further study the toxic effects of drugs on the normal small intestine and to analyse direct effects on barrier integrity. The monolayer assay may also be useful for developing models of transient TJ impairment to improve the bioavailability of orally administered antineoplastic drugs. The model can be considered more representative of the normal intestine than transformed cell lines such as CaCo2. Citation Format: Valentina Ubertini, Sarah Hall, Frida Ponthan, James Wilson. The use of intestinal organoids as a preclinical screen to assess gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity and barrier integrity [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 2125.

Pressure-Induced Changes in the Crystal Structure and Electrical Conductivity of GeV4S8.

Lacunar spinels, represented by AM4X8 compounds (A = Ga or Ge; M = V, Mo, Nb, or Ta; X = S or Se), form a unique group of ternary chalcogenide compounds. Among them, GeV4S8 has garnered significant attention due to its distinctive electrical and magnetic properties. While previous research efforts have primarily focused on studying how this material behaves under cooling conditions, pressure is another factor that determines the state and characteristics of solid matter. In this study, we employed a diamond anvil cell in conjunction with high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, four-point probes, and theoretical computation to thoroughly investigate this material. We found that the structural transformation from cubic to orthorhombic was initiated at 34 GPa and completed at 54 GPa. Through data fitting of volume vs pressure, we determined the bulk moduli to be 105 ± 4 GPa for the cubic phase and 111 ± 12 GPa for the orthorhombic phase. Concurrently, electrical resistance measurements indicated a semiconductor-to-nonmetallic conductor transition at ∼15 GPa. Moreover, we experimentally assessed the band gaps at different pressures to validate the occurrence of the electrical phase transition. We infer that the electrical phase transition correlates with the valence electrons in the V4 cluster rather than the crystal structure transformation. Furthermore, the computational results, electronic density of states, and band structure verified the experimental observation and facilitated the understanding of the mechanism governing the electrical phase transition in GeV4S8.

Enhanced structural, optical and electrical properties of polycrystalline WO3 thin films achieved by aluminum nanosheets coating

Herein the effects of aluminum nanosheets on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of tungsten oxide thin films are reported. Polycrystalline phase of the thermally evaporated WO3 was achieved by the pulsed laser welding technique. The polycrystalline films are then coated with Al nanosheets of thicknesses of 100 nm and 150 nm by the ion coating technique. It is observed that Al induces the domination of the hexagonal structure of WO3 over the tetragonal. Associated with the enhanced crystallinity the light absorption in the films increased by more than 60% and the energy band gap narrowed significantly. Namely the energy band gap of the as grown WO3 decreased from 3.15 eV to 2.85 eV and 2.59 eV as the Al layer thickness increased from 100 to 150 nm, respectively. It is also observed that crystalline films of WO3 exhibited lower electrical resistivity compared to films fabricated by other techniques. The temperature dependent electrical resistivity measurement was carried out in the temperature range of 310–420 K. It showed room temperature values of 2.5 ( Ω cm), 2.2 ( Ω cm) and 1.9 ( Ω cm) and impurity levels centered at 0.25 eV, 0.34 eV and 0.16 eV for uncoated and films coated with Al nanosheets of thicknesses of 100 nm and 150 nm, respectively. The enhanced crystallinity that is accompanied with narrower energy band gap and lower electrical resistivity values make crystalline WO3 films promising for optoelectronic applications.

Understanding the effects of permafrost degradation through a multiphysics approach

Permafrost is a multiphase porous media that can host matter in all three states (solid, liquid, and gas). The equilibrium between the states of matter within the pore space is largely driven by salinity, pressure, and temperature. The complex interactions between the different thermodynamic processes can lead to a complex pore system that is altered at each subsequent thaw and freeze cycle. The dynamic changes imposed on this porous media alter the mechanical and electrical properties of the samples. These changes can thus be quantified and monitored using ultrasonic and electrical resistivity measurements. The experimental results presented in this work document the impacts of a thawing event on unconsolidated quartz sand samples that are partially saturated with a brine solution. The electrical resistivity and ultrasonic data are acquired simultaneously throughout the experiment, and the spatiotemporal changes within the solid matrix are captured by time-lapse X-ray computed tomography (CT). A total of 39 different samples are investigated. The two independent variables chosen for this study are the grain size and the salinity of the brines. The results indicate a clear transition in electrical and elastic properties as the material in the pore space transitions between two different states. Further results indicate that these transitions are the result of the alteration of the pore network itself. In addition, the study of P-wave velocity, ice fraction, and X-ray CT of two different types of ice that coexist within the pore network is documented. Given the distinct impact of two different types of ice on this cryogenic porous media, it is imperative to thoroughly comprehend the existence of different ice types before undertaking the electroelastic investigation of permafrost.

Differential Effects of Benzalkonium Chloride on Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells Not Treated or Treated with Transforming Growth Factor-β2 or Dexamethasone.

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of low concentrations of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) (10-7%, 10-6%, or 10-5%) on healthy and glaucomatous human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. For this purpose, we used in vitro models replicating a healthy HTM and HTM with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or steroid-induced glaucoma (SG) using two-dimensional (2D) cultures of HTM cells not treated or treated with a 5 ng/mL solution of transforming growth factor-β2 or 250 nM dexamethasone (DEX). Methods: Analyses were carried out for (1) the intercellular affinity function of 2D HTM monolayers, as determined by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements; (2) cell viability; (3) cellular metabolism by using a Seahorse bioanalyzer; and (4) expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, an ECM modulator, and cell junction-related molecules. Results: In the absence and presence of BAC (10-7% or 10-5%), intercellular affinity function determined by TEER and cellular metabolic activities were significantly and dose dependently affected in both healthy and glaucomatous HTM cells despite the fact that there was no significant decrease in cell viabilities. However, the effects based on TEER values were significantly greater in the healthy HTM. The mRNA expression of several molecules that were tested was not substantially modulated by these concentrations of BAC. Conclusions: The findings reported herein suggest that low concentrations of BAC may have unfavorable adverse effects on cellular metabolic capacity by inducing increases in the intercellular affinity properties of the HTM, but those effects of BAC were different in healthy and glaucomatous HTM cells.

Superconductivity and Charge-Density-Wave-Like Transition in Th2Cu4As5.

We report the synthesis, crystal structure, and physical properties of a novel ternary compound, Th2Cu4As5. The material crystallizes in a tetragonal structure with lattice parameters a = 4.0639(3) Å and c = 24.8221(17) Å. Its structure can be described as an alternating stacking of fluorite-type Th2As2 layers with antifluorite-type double-layered Cu4As3 slabs. The measurement of electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat reveals that Th2Cu4As5 undergoes bulk superconducting transition at 4.2 K. Additionally, all these physical quantities exhibit anomalies at 48 K, accompanied by a sign change in the Hall coefficient, suggesting a charge-density-wave-like (CDW) phase transition. Drawing from both experimental data and band calculations, we propose that the superconducting and CDW-like phase transitions are, respectively, associated with the Cu4As3 slabs and the As plane in the Th2As2 layers.

Quantification of Changes in Lattice Defect Density in BCC Iron during Plastic Deformation Using Electrical Resistivity Measurements

Quantification of Changes in Lattice Defect Density in BCC Iron during Plastic Deformation Using Electrical Resistivity Measurements

Improved thermoelectric properties by copolymerization of conducting with insulating monomers on carbon nanotubes

In the present work, development of carbon nanotube (CNT)/poly(conducting-co-insulating monomer) structures was proposed to improve the thermoelectric (TE) performance in CNT/polyaniline (PANI) composites. To check the validity of this idea, we prepared multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT)/poly(aniline-co-acrylonitrile) composites by in-situ inverted emulsion copolymerization, and applied secondary doping with camphorsulfonic acid in m-cresol medium prior to the investigation of TE properties. The samples were characterized by FT-IR, UV–Vis, 1H NMR, DSC, GPC, CHNS elemental analysis, intrinsic viscosity, SEM, XRD, electrical resistance, Seebeck coefficient, thickness, and Hall measurements. We report that nitrile groups were hydrolyzed during the polymerization reactions to provide a polymer structure exhibiting aniline, acrylamide, acrylic acid, and glutarimide groups. Further, the poly(aniline-co-acrylonitrile) that prepared in the present work were random copolymers. Importantly, we found that 30 % MWNT/70 % poly(90ANI-co-10AN) composite exhibited a 63 % higher power factor (PF) of 5.48 μW/mK2 (σ: 225 S/cm, S: 15.6 μV/K) at 35 °C than that of 30 % MWNT/70 % PANI, which exhibited a PF of about 3.37 μW/mK2 (σ: 238 S/cm, S: 11.9 μV/K). This was ascribed to the decrease of carrier concentration together with the increase of carrier mobility in the 30 % MWNT/70 % poly(90ANI-co-10AN) composite as compared to the 30 % MWNT/70 % PANI.

Pressure‐Induced Volumetric Negative Thermal Expansion in CoZr2 Superconductor

AbstractThe study investigates the thermal expansion and superconducting properties of a CuAl2‐type (tetragonal) superconductor CoZr2 under high pressures. High‐pressure synchrotron X‐ray diffraction is performed in a pressure range of 2.9 GPa < P < 10.4 GPa, and it is discovered that CoZr2 exhibits volumetric negative thermal expansion (NTE) under high pressures. Although uniaxial positive thermal expansion (PTE) along the a‐axis is observed under ambient pressure, it is suppressed by pressure, whereas a large uniaxial NTE along the c‐axis is maintained under the pressure regime. Because of the combination of the suppressed uniaxial PTE along the a‐axis and uniaxial NTE along the c‐axis, volumetric NTE is achieved under high pressure in CoZr2. The volumetric NTE mechanism is based on the flexible crystal structure caused by the soft Co–Co bond, as observed in the isostructural compound FeZr2, which exhibits a uniaxial NTE along the c‐axis. High‐pressure electrical resistance measurements of CoZr2 are performed and confirm superconductivity at 0.03 GPa < P < 41.9 GPa. Because of the coexistence of the two phenomena, volumetric NTE and superconductivity, in CoZr2 under high pressure, coexistence can be achieved under ambient pressure by tuning the chemical composition after the present observation.

The effects of interlayer size and crystallinity on fatigue behavior of Cu/X (X= cr, amorphous CuZr) bilayers

In this work, interlayer (Cr vs amorphous CuZr) with various thicknesses ranging from 5 nm to 40 nm were utilized for 1000 nm-thick nanostructured Cu films on polyimide substrates. The effects of heterogeneous interface and interlayer thickness on the fatigue behavior of Cu/interlayer bilayers were investigated by in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction, electrical resistance measurement, in combination with microstructural examinations. The results demonstrated that the fatigue tolerance highly depends on the thickness and constituent of interlayer. The fatigue lifetime monotonically increases as CuZr interlayer thickness increases, coupled to the yield stress. In contrast, the fatigue lifetime first increases and then decreases with increasing Cr interlayer thickness, reaching its maximum value at a thickness of 5 nm. The underlying mechanisms for this discrepancy can be elucidated in terms of heterogeneous constraint and interface voiding, both of which depend on the interlayer thickness.

Three-Dimensional Graphene Sheet-Carbon Veil Thermoelectric Composite with Microinterfaces for Energy Applications.

Over the years, various processing techniques have been explored to synthesize three-dimensional graphene (3DG) composites with tunable properties for advanced applications. In this work, we have demonstrated a new procedure to join a 3D graphene sheet (3DGS) synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with a commercially available carbon veil (CV) via cold rolling to create 3DGS-CV composites. Characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrical resistance, tensile strength, and Seebeck coefficient measurements were performed to understand various properties of the 3DGS-CV composite. Extrusion of 3DGS into the pores of CV with multiple microinterfaces between 3DGS and the graphitic fibers of CV was observed, which was facilitated by cold rolling. The extruded 3D graphene revealed pristine-like behavior with no change in the shape of the Raman 2D peak and Seebeck coefficient. Thermoelectric (TE) power generation and photothermoelectric responses have been demonstrated with in-plane TE devices of various designs made of p-type 3DGS and n-type CV couples yielding a Seebeck coefficient of 32.5 μV K-1. Unlike various TE materials, 3DGS, CV, and the 3DGS-CV composite were very stable at high relative humidity. The 3DGS-CV composite revealed a thin, flexible profile, good moisture and thermal stability, and scalability for fabrication. These qualities allowed it to be successfully tested for temperature monitoring of a Li-ion battery during charging cycles and for large-area temperature mapping.

Dupilumab prevents nasal epithelial function alteration by IL-4 in vitro: Evidence for its efficacy.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) is a typical type 2 inflammation involving interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13. Dupilumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4 receptor α subunit, thereby blocking signaling by both cytokines. Our hypothesis was that IL-4 and IL-13, by inducing a severe epithelial dysregulation, are involved in CRSwNP pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro direct effect of IL-4, IL-13, and dupilumab on nasal epithelial functions. Nasal polyps and control mucosa from 28 patients, as well as human nasal epithelial cells (HNEC) from 35 patients with CRSwNP were used. Three major epithelial functions were investigated: the epithelial barrier function (characterized by transepithelial electrical resistance measurements and tight junction protein expression), the ciliary motion (characterized by the ciliary beating efficiency index), and wound healing (characterized by the wound repair rate) under various stimulations (IL-4, IL-13, and dupilumab). The main outcome was a significant change in epithelial functions following exposure to IL-4, IL-13, and dupilumab for 48h in the basal media. IL-4 (1, 10, and 100ng/mL) but not IL-13 induced a significant decrease in occludin and zonula-occludens protein expression, ciliary beating efficiency, and wound repair rate in HNEC. Dupilumab (0.04mg/mL) had no effect on HNEC and specifically restored all epithelial functions altered when cells were exposed to a 48-h IL-4 stimulation. Dupilumab, in vitro, restored epithelial integrity by counteracting the effect of IL-4 on the epithelial barrier (increased epithelial permeability, decreased ciliary beating efficiency, and decreased wound repair rate).

Electrical-thermal modeling and electrical design optimization of fuses in a nickel bus-plate for a Li-ion battery pack

This paper presents a two-dimensional thermal-electrical coupled steady-state physics-based finite-element model developed to analyze Nickel 201 (Ni201) bus-plates for a novel 134P battery pack design, where a 1.4C current was applied per cell. Two modeling approaches were used: one with an out-of-plane current density boundary condition inserted in the charge conservation equation and a second one with a constant voltage boundary condition calculated at each battery tab. Both positive and negative-bus plate designs were analyzed. Electric resistance measurements were used to validate the model and the two modeling approaches. This study demonstrated that a nickel bus plate design can be optimized, without the addition of extra material or substantive geometry changes, by clocking the fuses and weld tab connections towards the direction of the closest terminal connection point. The resulting geometry, mimicking a sunflower formation, can reduce the internal resistance of the bus plate by at least 15 %, regardless of the modeling approach used.

Magnetism, heat capacity, magnetocaloric effect, and magneto-transport properties of heavy fermion antiferromagnet CeGaSi

We synthesize high-quality single crystal of CeGaSi by a Ga self-flux method and investigate its physical properties through magnetic susceptibility, specific heat and electrical resistivity measurements as well as high pressure effect. Magnetic measurements reveal that an antiferromagnetic order develops below T m ∼ 10.4 K with magnetic moments orientated in the ab plane. The enhanced electronic specific heat coefficient and the negative logarithmic slope in the resistivity of CeGaSi indicate that the title compound belongs to the family of Kondo system with heavy fermion ground states. The max magnetic entropy change −ΔSMmax (μ 0 H⊥c, μ 0 H = 7 T) around T m is found to reach up to 11.85 J⋅kg−1⋅K−1. Remarkably, both the antiferromagnetic transition temperature and −lnT behavior increase monotonically with pressure applied to 20 kbar (1 bar = 105 Pa), indicating that much higher pressure will be needed to reach its quantum critical point.