Effect Of Modification Research Articles

Enhancing darrieus wind turbine performance through varied plain flap configurations for the solar and wind tree

Plain flaps (PFs) significantly increase camber, enhancing lift and aerodynamic performance when deployed. In Darrieus Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs), which perform efficiently in low-speed, turbulent wind conditions, structural modifications like PFs can improve efficiency. This study explores plain flaps with 10-20-degree deflections at different chord lengths to enhance the NACA 2412 aerofoil’s performance. Using Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) equations and the Shear Stress Transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model, simulations were conducted across high (Re ≈ 2.71 × 105), medium (Re ≈ 1.35 × 105), and low (Re ≈ 5.4 × 104) Reynolds numbers (Re). The 0.7–10 and 0.8–10 configurations significantly improved torque and Cp. At a Tip Speed Ratio (TSR) of 2.5, the 0.8–10 configuration increased the Cp by 19.51% over the flapless NACA 2412 without PF. The 0.7–10 configuration achieved the highest Cp across all TSRs, while a three-blade setup improved Cp by 43% compared to four- and five-blade configurations. The modified blades demonstrated consistent torque gains across all Re, proving the effectiveness of blade shape modifications in enhancing VAWT efficiency, particularly under fluctuating wind conditions, indicating the potential of PF-modified blades in improving small-scale wind turbine performance in varied urban environments.

Stereolithography 3D printing gyroid triply periodic minimal surface vitrified bond diamond grinding wheel

The pores of vitrified bond diamond grinding wheel play a key role in the grinding process. However, uneven pore distribution and low porosity affect the grinding performance of the wheel significantly. Stereolithography based additive manufacturing provides an effective method to fabricate vitrified bond diamond grinding wheels with a uniform distribution and an interconnected pore structure. The key to high-performance grinding wheel via stereolithography 3D printing lies in the preparation of the slurry with high solid loading, low viscosity and uniform stability. In this study, the dispersion and stability of vitrified bond and diamond slurries were investigated systematically. The effects of resin monomers, surface modifiers, and solid loading on the dispersion, rheological behavior and stability of slurries were studied in detail. Finally, an optimal vitrified bond and diamond slurry for stereolithography based additive manufacturing was obtained, and complex-shaped gyroid triply periodic minimal surface grinding wheel were fabricated. By grinding the SiC ceramics, the material removal rate, grinding temperature, and surface roughness were compared to those achieved using a conventional solid structure grinding wheel. The results show that the gyroid porous grinding wheel can achieve better surface roughness and lower the grinding temperature.

C-reactive protein, genetic susceptibility, and the long-term risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with past cancer.

Several studies indicated that C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in general population. But CRP appears to be unrelated to VTE events in newly diagnosed cancer patients. However, as the survival time of cancer patients increases, the effect of CRP on the long-term risk of VTE may change. We aimed to investigate the association between CRP and VTE in cancer survivors, and further assess the modification effect of genetic susceptibility. Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the association between serum CRP levels and VTE risk, as well as to investigate the joint effect of CRP and genetic susceptibility. The Kaplan-Meier curve and the restricted cubic spline were used to visualize the relationship between CRP and VTE. This study included 30,145 participants with cancer diagnosis at baseline in the UK Biobank. Over a follow-up period of 344,636 person-years, a total of 1,151 VTE events were recorded. Participants were divided into four groups based on the quartiles of CRP levels. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) of Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 1.00, 1.20 (0.99-1.44), 1.25 (1.04-1.50), and 1.51 (1.25-1.82), respectively. For those with high genetic risk of VTE, high CRP had an additional increased risk for VTE. CRP can be used as a predictive biomarker for VTE risk in cancer survivors, especially for those with high genetic risk. Future research can explore whether prevention and treatment strategies for VTE can be developed based on CRP for cancer survivors.

Exploring enhanced gas-phase toluene adsorption by engineered a novel magnetic nanoadsorbent modified with p-aminobenzoic acid: Insights on characterization, performance, kinetics, isotherm, mechanism and reusability

In this study, a novel magnetic nanoadsorbent (MNA), Fe3O4@SiO2 functionalized with p-aminobenzoic acid (p-AMBA), was prepared, characterized, and assessed for its efficiency in removing gas-phase toluene, a volatile organic compound (VOC). The Fe3O4, Fe3O4@SiO2, and Fe3O4@SiO2@p-AMBA MNAs were prepared and subjected to comprehensive analysis using techniques such as FTIR, SEM, EDX, VSM, XRD, TGA and BET to clearly reveal their properties through detailed characterization. Adsorption studies revealed that the Fe3O4@SiO2@p-AMBA exhibited the highest capacity, with an adsorption value of 555 mg/g for toluene, compared to 188 mg/g for Fe3O4 and 321 mg/g for Fe3O4@SiO2. The modification with p-AMBA significantly improved the adsorption performance of the material. Kinetic and isotherm models indicated that the adsorption process is best described by the pseudo-2nd-order kinetic model and by the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm model, suggesting both physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms. Furthermore, the reusability and adsorption stability performance of the MNAs was evaluated. The MNAs continued exhibiting excellent adsorption, with reuse efficiencies of 83 % (corresponding to 158 mg/g) for Fe3O4, 86 % (corresponding to 279 mg/g) for Fe3O4@SiO2, and 87 % (corresponding to 486 mg/g) for Fe3O4@SiO2@p-AMBA after five consecutive cycles, indicating superior structural and regeneration abilities. The results highlight the significant effect of surface modification on adsorption efficiency, positioning Fe3O4@SiO2@p-AMBA as a promising material for VOC removal and air pollution control. This work highlights the importance of developing sustainable materials to address environmental challenges.

Enhancement of biocompatibility of anodic nanotube structures on biomedical Ti–6Al–4V alloy via ultrathin TiO2 coatings

This work aims to describe the effect of the surface modification of TiO2 nanotube (TNT) layers on Ti-6Al-4V (TiAlV) alloy by ultrathin TiO2 coatings prepared via Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) on the growth of MG-63 osteoblastic cells. The TNT layers with two distinctly different inner diameters, namely ∼15 nm and ∼50 nm, were prepared via anodic oxidation of the TiAlV alloy. Flat, i.e., non-anodized, TiAlV alloy foils were used as reference substrates. Additionally, a part of the TNT layers and alloy foils was coated with ultrathin coatings of TiO2 by ALD. The number of TiO2 ALD cycles used was 1 and 5 leading to a nominal TiO2 thickness of ∼0.055 and ∼0.3 nm, respectively. The ultrathin TiO2 coating by ALD enabled to optimize the surface hydrophilicity for optimal cell growth. In addition, coatings shaded impurities of V- and F-based species (stemming from the alloy and the anodization electrolyte) that affect the biocompatibility of the tested materials while preserving the original structure and morphology. The evaluation of the biocompatibility before and after TiO2 ALD coating on TiAlV flat surfaces and TNT layers was carried out using MG-63 osteoblastic cells and compared after incubation for up to 96 h. The cell growth, adhesion, and proliferation of the MG-63 on TiAlV foils and TNT layers showed significant enhancement after the surface modification by TiO2 ALD.

Epidemiology of Rome IV Fecal Incontinence in Japan: An Internet Survey of 9995 Individuals.

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a debilitating condition defined as recurrent uncontrolled passage of fecal material according to Rome IV. Although FI greatly impacts patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL), there have been few studies about the prevalence of FI in the Japanese general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of FI using Rome IV criteria in Japan. This was a cross-sectional internet survey for Japanese individuals aged 18 to 79 years using a questionnaire about demographics, comorbidities, lifestyle, abdominal symptoms, bowel habits, HRQOL, and disorders of gut-brain interaction according to Rome IV diagnostic criteria. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified factors associated with FI fulfilling Rome IV criteria (Rome IV FI). Overall, 9995 subjects were analyzed. Of which, 9.5% of the participants had at least one episode of FI in the last 3 months, and the prevalence of Rome IV FI was 1.2%. HRQOL was significantly impaired in patients with Rome IV FI compared to continent individuals. Major functional bowel disorders overlapped with 39.5% of Rome IV FI where functional diarrhea (25.8%) was the most predominant. The overlap further impaired HRQOL in Rome IV FI patients. Alcohol consumption (odds ratio 1.82, 95% CI 1.24-2.66, p = 0.002) was independently related to Rome IV FI apart from gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal bloating/distension, and functional diarrhea. The prevalence of Rome IV FI was 1.2% in Japan. Further study is warranted to investigate the effect of lifestyle modification on the management of FI.

Stressor-Actuated Proximity Labeling for Reporting Cellular Interaction.

Cell-cell interactions determine the activation state and function of cells. When host cells are exposed to stressors such as microorganisms, immune defense machinery is activated to release H2O2, providing direct evidence of the relevant cellular physiological processes. Inspired by the fact that peroxidase can catalyze proximity labeling in the presence of exogenous H2O2, a stressor-actuated proximity labeling (SAPL) strategy is developed to report the process information on cell-cell interactions by recording stress levels. The stressors are covalently modified with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and the H2O2 released by the host cells in response to the stressors triggers HRP-based proximity labeling. Using a fungal mimic or live fungi as stressors, the stress levels of different host cells are compared by in situ imaging of the labeling signals. The ability to accumulate stress signals allows SAPL to more sensitively differentiate between interactions involving different macrophage phenotypes. SAPL is also a powerful tool for real-time, in situ monitoring of the effects of surface modifications on cellular interactions. Thus, the SAPL strategy represents a new perspective in the monitoring of cell-cell interactions using endogenous effector molecules.

The Comparison and Selection of a Warm Mix Agent for Asphalt Based on Fuzzy Hierarchical Analysis

Warm mix asphalt pavements can effectively reduce construction energy consumption and control environmental pollution compared to conventional asphalt pavements. However, there is no clear test standard for the evaluation of warm mix agents. The selection of a warm mix agent is easily influenced by subjective factors. Moreover, it is difficult to consider quantitative and qualitative factors such as technical indexes and the economy. A fuzzy hierarchical comprehensive evaluation model of warm mix agents is proposed based on fuzzy hierarchical analysis. Four types of indexes, namely, material properties, technical indexes, economy, and construction difficulty, were selected to construct the hierarchical structure of the target, guideline, and indicator layers. The influence weights of all factors were determined by the judgment matrix, and an affiliation judgment matrix was established at the same time. Finally, the comprehensive score of the warm mix agent modification effect was calculated. Three warm mix agents were selected for market research and indoor testing. And the evaluation model was applied to process the data. The calculation results show that the technical indicators have the greatest influence, with a weight proportion of 0.493; WM-2 had the best comprehensive evaluation, with a comprehensive score of 0.96, and its optimal mixing amount was 0.3%. The calculation results further verified the effectiveness of the fuzzy hierarchical comprehensive evaluation model of warm mix agents. Compared with the existing methods, the fuzzy-hierarchical-integrated evaluation model of warm mix agents has a more comprehensive evaluation scope, lower subjective factor bias, and more flexible application scenarios. It provides a more rigorous and convenient idea for the development and evaluation of different warm mix agents. In conclusion, the model has greater application value and popularization value.

Nanosilica-enhanced geopolymer cementitious materials: Mechanistic insights from experimental and computational simulations

To mitigate the pollution associated with municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSW-IFA), solidification/stabilization (S/S) techniques have garnered considerable attention. This study systematically investigates the modification effects of nanosilica (NS) on the properties of geopolymer functional cementitious materials (GFCM) derived from waste fly ash. By integrating experimental data with simulation-based calculations, the influence of NS on the macroscopic properties and microstructure of GFCM, including mechanical performance, heavy metal immobilization mechanisms, and hydration processes, was examined. The results indicate that NS enhances mineral phase and pore structure through pozzolanic and filling effects, promoting additional C-S-H gel formation and pore filling, which significantly accelerates the hydration process and improves mechanical properties. Furthermore, NS increases the proportion of heavy metals in a stable state, thereby reducing their leaching potential. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further revealed that NS's modification effects primarily occur via filling, nucleation, and pozzolanic activity, which supported the construction of a geopolymer reaction network. This study offers a validated approach for advancing the understanding of NS modification mechanisms, the development of geopolymer reaction networks, and the mechanisms governing heavy metal S/S.

Effect of oxidation of End-of-Life Tire Rubber as Aggregate Substitute in Cement Mortars.

In this paper the possible use of end-of-life tire rubber as a substitute for aggregate in cement mortars was explored. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of rubber surface modification by acidic treatment on the final properties of mortars. In fact, through treatment with sulfuric acid at moderate concentrations, a significant improvement in rubber wettability and interaction with cement has been observed. The compressive strength of mortars containing 15%w treated rubber as a replacement of natural aggregate is comparable to those of standard mortars. This suggests that surface modification of rubber plays a very important role in the possible integration of end-of-life tire rubber in mortar and concrete. The results presented in this paper confirm that recycling in mortar and concrete is a promising way for improving rubber waste management and sustainable innovation in the construction industry.

Comparison of the mechanisms of DNA damage following photoexcitation and chemiexcitation

In this review, we compare the mechanisms and consequences of electronic excitation of DNA via photon absorption or photosensitization, as well as by chemically induced generation of excited states. The absorption of UV radiation by DNA is known to produce cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and thymine pyrimidone photoproducts. Photosensitizers are known to enable such transformations using UV-A and visible light by generating triplet species able to transfer energy to DNA. Conversely, chemiexcitation of DNA is a process related to the formation of high energy peroxides whose decomposition leads to triplet excited species. In practice, both photoexcitation and chemiexcitation produce reactive excited species able to promote some DNA nucleobases to their excited state. We discuss the effect of epigenetic methylation modifications of DNA and the role of endogenous and exogenous photosensitizers on the formation of DNA photoproducts via triplet-triplet energy transfer as well as oxidative DNA damages. The mechanisms of pathogenic pathway involving the generation of CPDs via chemiexcitation (namely dark CPDs, dCPDs) are discussed and compared with photoexcitation considering their spatiotemporal characteristics. Recognition of the multifaceted noxious effects of UV radiation opens new horizons for the development of effective electronically excited quenchers, thereby providing a crucial step toward mitigating DNA photodamage.

The effect of the modified starch with side chain on the morphology of copper particles and the antibacterial properties of starch/copper composite material

In this paper, corn starch was modified by acetylation, esterification and amination, and the effects of different modifications on the structure and physicochemical properties of starch were investigated. And starch/copper composite materials were prepared by adding copper salts to the different modified starch, and the influence of modified starch and their additive amount on the morphology of copper and the antimicrobial properties were discussed. The results showed that: the contact angle of the modified starch was about 50° and exhibited hydrophilic-hydrophobic transition; the esterified starch had the smallest heat weight loss; the different modifications caused damage to the structure of the starch, which changed from the original smooth surface to a rough and wrinkled surface; hexahedral morphology copper particles were obtained by replacing them with the modified starch; the antimicrobial effect of the prepared starch/copper composite materials were related to the modification mode of starch, in which aminated starch show the best antimicrobial effect. This study provides a theoretical basis for the selection of starch type in the preparation of starch/copper composite materials in the future, which can also be used as antimicrobial components in other applications.

Effects of Environment-friendly Polymer Composite Modifiers on the Modulus and Pavement Performance of Asphalt Mixtures

Background: In the current context of low-carbon environment, it is particularly important to use waste plastics to prepare modifiers that increase the modulus of the bituminous mixture. Objectives: The study aimed to find out the influence of environment-friendly polymer composite modifier (E-FPCM) on modulus and pavement performance of bituminous mixture. Methods: The influence of the optimum component E-FPCM on the dynamic modulus (DM) has been explored. The E-FPCM content’s effect on the rheological properties of bitumen has been analyzed. Also, the influence of E-FPCM on pavement performance has been analyzed. Results: The degree of influence on SR of bituminous mixture has been in the order of recycled low-density polyethene (R-LDPE) > aromatic oil > lignin fiber. The optimum composition of E-FPCM has been found to be 10% aromatic oil, 4.8% C9, 62% R-LDPE, 7.0% lignin fiber, 0.2% antioxidant 1076, 2% silane coupling agent, and 14% mineral powder. By using E-FPCM with the optimum components, the SBS bituminous mixture or 90# bituminous mixture has been found to meet the standard of a high-modulus bituminous mixture (HMBM). E-FPCM has been found to reduce the phase angle (δ) of bitumen and increase the complex shear modulus (G∗) and rutting factor [G∗/sin(δ)], which may help improve the rutting resistance (RR). Conclusion: E-FPCM is beneficial for improving the RR of the bituminous mixture, and reasonable content of E-FPCM has a great role in improving the water stability (WS) and low-temperature crack resistance (LTCR) of the bituminous mixture.

The Relationship between Framingham Stroke Risk Profile on Incident Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: A 40-Year Follow-Up Study Highlighting Female Vulnerability.

Sex differences in the association between cardiovascular risk factors and the incident all-cause dementia and the subtype Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk are unclear. Framingham Heart Study (FHS) participants (n = 4,171, 54% women, aged 55 to 69 years) were included at baseline and followed up to 40 years. The Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (FSRP) was dichotomized into 2 levels (cutoff: 75th percentile of the FSRP z-scores). Cause-specific hazard models, with death as a competing event, and restricted mean survival time (RMST) model were used to analyze the association between FSRP levels and incident all-cause dementia and AD. Interactions between FSRP and sex were estimated, followed by a sex-stratified analysis to examine the sex modification effect. High FSRP was significantly associated with all-cause dementia (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.25, robust 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21 to 1.29, p < 0.001) and AD (HR = 1.58, robust 95% CI = 1.57 to 1.59, p < 0.001) in cause-specific hazard models. High FSRP was significantly associated with incident dementia (HR = 2.81, robust 95% CI = 2.75 to 2.87, p < 0.001) and AD (HR = 2.96, robust 95% CI = 2.36 to 3.71, p < 0.001) in women, but not in men. Results were consistent in the RMST models. Current diabetes and high systolic blood pressure as FSRP components were significantly associated with dementia and AD in women but not in men. High FSRP in mid- to early late life is a critical risk factor for all-cause dementia and AD, particularly in women. Sex-specific interventions and further research to elucidate underlying mechanisms are warranted. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:1124-1134.

Performance characterization and combination design optimization of fast-melting SBS/CR modified asphalt

To broaden the application prospects of fast-melting styrene-butadiene-styrene modifiers (F-SBS) and meet diverse requirements, this study utilizes crumb rubber (CR) as a partial substitute for F-SBS to prepare fast-melting SBS/CR modified asphalt (F-SCMA). Firstly, rheological tests were conducted on fast-melting SBS modified asphalt (F-SBSMA) with varying dosages of F-SBS (3.0%, 3.5%, and 4.0%). Subsequently, F-SBS was added to the neat asphalt in dosages of 3.0%, 2.5%, 2.0%, 1.5%, and 1.0%. CR was then incorporated into the F-SCMA in corresponding dosages (2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, and 10%) to form F-SCMA with different ratios of F-SBS and CR. The dosage of F-SCMA was further determined using performance grade (PG), Brookfield viscosity, linear amplitude sweep (LAS), softening point difference, and multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR) tests. Finally, the microscopic mechanisms of F-SCMA were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) tests. The results indicated that F-SBS significantly enhanced the rheological properties of neat asphalt. The modified asphalt containing 3.5% F-SBS exhibited a PG of 76-28, which represents the most significant modification effect among the various dosages of F-SBSMA. In comparison, the F-SCMA with 2.5% F-SBS and 6% CR demonstrated higher high- and low-temperature continuous PG, better temperature stability, improved elasticity, and enhanced fatigue resistance than 3.5% F-SBSMA. F-SCMA containing 3% F-SBS and 4% CR, as well as 1% F-SBS and 8% CR, exhibited superior high- and low-temperature properties, respectively. Furthermore, FTIR and FM tests revealed that F-SBS and CR were effectively incorporated into the asphalt through a physical mixing process, indicating compatibility between the two modifiers and the neat asphalt. This study establishes a theoretical framework for assessing the comprehensive performance of F-SCMA, expands the application prospects of F-SBS, and provides design concepts for the application of F-SCMA in environments with different requirements.

Study on road performance of asphalt mixture based on surface modification of coal gangue

In order to solve the problem of coal gangue environmental pollution and the shortage of aggregate resources in road engineering, this paper studies the feasibility of using waste coal gangue as coarse aggregate of asphalt mixture. Through the physical and mechanical properties test, the difference between coal gangue and natural aggregate was compared and analyzed. The surface modification and strengthening treatment of coal gangue aggregate was carried out by using methyl sodium silicate solution, and the best modification scheme was determined. The influence of different content and surface modification on the road performance of coal gangue asphalt mixture was studied by laboratory test. With the help of scanning electron microscope test, the change characteristics of the microstructure of coal gangue asphalt mixture before and after surface modification were explored. The results show that although the indexes of coal gangue are inferior to those of natural aggregate, it can be used to prepare asphalt mixture within the scope of specification requirements. The modification effect of sodium methyl silicate solution with modification time of 6h is the best, which can significantly improve the water absorption, density and crushing value of coal gangue. When the content of coal gangue is controlled within 30%, the performance of asphalt mixture meets the requirements of the specification, and the amount of coal gangue in asphalt mixture can be increased after surface modification. After surface modification, the surface pores and cracks of coal gangue asphalt mixture are reduced, and the surface micro-damage under high temperature immersion and freeze-thaw cycle conditions is improved.

Comparison of Effects of Plasma Surface Modifications of Bamboo and Hemp Fibers on Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites

In this study, we investigated the behaviors of epoxy composites reinforced with bamboo (BF) and hemp (HF) fibers. Both fibers were treated using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma for various durations (2.5 to 20 min). Epoxy resin (ER) was mixed with BF or HF with and without plasma treatment. The Fourier-transform infrared spectra of the plasma-treated fibers showed an enhanced peak intensity of carboxyl groups. ER/BF treated for 20 min exhibited a high tensile strength (up to 56.5 MPa), while ER/HF treated for 20 min exhibited a more significant increase in elongation at break (6.4%). Flexural tests indicated that the plasma treatment significantly improved the flexural strength of the hemp composites (up to 62.2 MPa) compared to the bamboo composites. The plasma treatment increased the fiber surface roughness and interfacial bonding in both composites. The thermal stability and wettability were improved by the DBD plasma treatment. The DBD plasma treatment enhanced the interfacial adhesion between fibers and ER matrix, which improved the mechanical, thermal, and wettability properties of the composites.

The impact of DNA point mutations and epigenetic modifications on the nucleosome wrapping energy

Nucleosome positioning and mobility, which plays an important role in gene expression and regulation, is in turn modulated by DNA sequence and its underlying mechanical properties. The free energy, required to deform a 147 bp linear DNA fragment into a nucleosomal configuration, is a way to quantify DNA mechanical propensity for nucleosome formation. This work explores how such energy, referred to as the nucleosome wrapping energy, is altered by DNA sequence mutations and epigenetic modifications. The nucleosome wrapping energy is computed using a newly developed computational method based on minimising the cgNA+ coarse-grain model energy with elastic constraints on phosphate positions. We find that the effect of sequence mutations and epigenetic modifications is highly dependent on the positions along the sequence of the modified bases. Most point mutations as well as cytosine methylation and hydroxymethylation, depending on their positions, can lead both to an increase and decrease in the nucleosome wrapping energy. We use the data of mutation-caused energy changes to identify sequence patterns in specific positions, leading to the smallest and highest wrapping energy values. Furthermore, we construct sequences corresponding to extremely low and high nucleosome wrapping energies, compared to energy distribution for human genome sequences. We believe that our findings are helpful for better understanding the role of DNA sequence and its epigenetic modifications in nucleosome positioning. Furthermore, our constructed minimum energy sequence could be used as a candidate for producing stable synthetic nucleosomes.

Downregulated KLF4, induced by m6A modification, aggravates intestinal barrier dysfunction in inflammatory bowel disease

BackgroundKrüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a transcription factor, is involved in various biological processes. However, the role of KLF4 in regulating the intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its mechanism have not been extensively studied.MethodsKLF4 expression in IBD patients and colitis mice was analyzed using Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. The roles of KLF4 in IEB and colitis symptoms were verified in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model mice using an adenovirus carrying KLF4 shRNA (shKLF4-Adv). Furthermore, the influence of KLF4 on trans-epithelium electrical resistance (TEER), paracellular permeability, apical junction complex (AJC) protein expression and apoptosis was assessed in vitro and in vivo. MeRIP and RIP assays were used to verify the effects of m6A modification on KLF4 expression.ResultsKLF4 expression was significantly decreased in IBD patients and was negatively associated with inflammatory features. KLF4 deletion aggravated colitis symptoms and IEB injuries by reducing AJC protein expression and increasing apoptosis in mice with colitis. Furthermore, KLF4 transcriptionally regulated the expression of AJC proteins and inhibited apoptosis by reducing cellular ROS levels and proinflammatory cytokine expression. Moreover, we observed that METTL3/ALKBH5/YTHDF2-mediated m6A modification led to a decrease in KLF4 expression in Caco-2 cells. In addition, APTO-253, an inducer of KLF4, exhibited a synergistic effect with mesalazine on IEB function.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that KLF4 is a crucial regulator of IEB, suggesting that targeting KLF4 may be a promising therapeutic alternative for IBD.

Interlayer surface modification modulating thermal transport at Si/Gr/HEA heterostructure interfaces

We investigate the effect of nanoslot modification and defects on the interfacial thermal resistance (ITR) of silicon/graphene/FeNiCrCoCu vdW heterostructures (Si/Gr/HEA) by using molecular dynamics (MD). The results show the triangular and rectangular nanoslots have opposite trends for changing on ITR. When the number of nanoslots in the system increases to seven, the ITR of the triangular nanoslots decreases by 41.47 %. It shows that ITR strongly depends on the type and concentration of all three defects. By analyzing the phonon density of states (PDOS), phonon coupling coefficient (S), phonon participation rate (PPR), and phonon coupling spectral decomposition (PCSD), the results show that the construction of triangular nanoslots induced strong local pressure in Gr layer, resulting in enhanced interface phonon coupling and decreased ITR. The decrease of ITR caused by single vacancy defect (SV) is mainly due to the increase of PPR in 10–15 THz and 22–30 THz frequencies in the Gr layer, and the increase of non-localized phonon mode. This means that it is possible to improve the heat conduction of Si/Gr/HEA vdW heterogeneous devices.