Diabetic retinopathy is a prominent cause of blindness in adults,with early retinal ganglion cell loss contributing to visual dysfunction or blindness.In the brain,defects inγ-aminobutyric acid synaptic transmission ...Diabetic retinopathy is a prominent cause of blindness in adults,with early retinal ganglion cell loss contributing to visual dysfunction or blindness.In the brain,defects inγ-aminobutyric acid synaptic transmission are associated with pathophysiological and neurodegenerative disorders,whereas glucagon-like peptide-1 has demonstrated neuroprotective effects.However,it is not yet clear whether diabetes causes alterations in inhibitory input to retinal ganglion cells and whether and how glucagon-like peptide-1 protects against neurodegeneration in the diabetic retina through regulating inhibitory synaptic transmission to retinal ganglion cells.In the present study,we used the patch-clamp technique to recordγ-aminobutyric acid subtype A receptor-mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in retinal ganglion cells from streptozotocin-induced diabetes model rats.We found that early diabetes(4 weeks of hyperglycemia)decreased the frequency of GABAergic miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in retinal ganglion cells without altering their amplitude,suggesting a reduction in the spontaneous release ofγ-aminobutyric acid to retinal ganglion cells.Topical administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 eyedrops over a period of 2 weeks effectively countered the hyperglycemia-induced downregulation of GABAergic mIPSC frequency,subsequently enhancing the survival of retinal ganglion cells.Concurrently,the protective effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 on retinal ganglion cells in diabetic rats were eliminated by topical administration of exendin-9-39,a specific glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonist,or SR95531,a specific antagonist of theγ-aminobutyric acid subtype A receptor.Furthermore,extracellular perfusion of glucagon-like peptide-1 was found to elevate the frequencies of GABAergic miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in both ON-and OFF-type retinal ganglion cells.This elevation was shown to be mediated by activation of the phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor/Ca2+/protein kinase C signaling pathway downstream of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor activation.Moreover,multielectrode array recordings revealed that glucagon-like peptide-1 functionally augmented the photoresponses of ON-type retinal ganglion cells.Optomotor response tests demonstrated that diabetic rats exhibited reductions in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity that were significantly ameliorated by topical administration of glucagon-like peptide-1.These results suggest that glucagon-like peptide-1 facilitates the release ofγ-aminobutyric acid onto retinal ganglion cells through the activation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor,leading to the de-excitation of retinal ganglion cell circuits and the inhibition of excitotoxic processes associated with diabetic retinopathy.Collectively,our findings indicate that theγ-aminobutyric acid system has potential as a therapeutic target for mitigating early-stage diabetic retinopathy.Furthermore,the topical administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 eyedrops represents a non-invasive and effective treatment approach for managing early-stage diabetic retinopathy.展开更多
The growing global energy demand and worsening climate change highlight the urgent need for clean,efficient and sustainable energy solutions.Among emerging technologies,atomically thin two-dimensional(2D)materials off...The growing global energy demand and worsening climate change highlight the urgent need for clean,efficient and sustainable energy solutions.Among emerging technologies,atomically thin two-dimensional(2D)materials offer unique advantages in photovoltaics due to their tunable optoelectronic properties,high surface area and efficient charge transport capabilities.This review explores recent progress in photovoltaics incorporating 2D materials,focusing on their application as hole and electron transport layers to optimize bandgap alignment,enhance carrier mobility and improve chemical stability.A comprehensive analysis is presented on perovskite solar cells utilizing 2D materials,with a particular focus on strategies to enhance crystallization,passivate defects and improve overall cell efficiency.Additionally,the application of 2D materials in organic solar cells is examined,particularly for reducing recombination losses and enhancing charge extraction through work function modification.Their impact on dye-sensitized solar cells,including catalytic activity and counter electrode performance,is also explored.Finally,the review outlines key challenges,material limitations and performance metrics,offering insight into the future development of nextgeneration photovoltaic devices encouraged by 2D materials.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of direct-acting antivirals(DAAs)in patients with chronic hepatitis C,assess changes in liver function and hepatic fibrosis following treatment,and identify independent predicto...Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of direct-acting antivirals(DAAs)in patients with chronic hepatitis C,assess changes in liver function and hepatic fibrosis following treatment,and identify independent predictors of treatment failure.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included patients who received DAA therapy at Hospital Kuala Lumpur between January 2020 and December 2023.Sustained virologic response(SVR)was assessed at least 12 weeks post-treatment by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for hepatitis C virus(HCV)RNA.Demographic,clinical,and laboratory data were collected and analyzed.Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of treatment failure.Results:A total of 335 patients in the study.The overall SVR rate was 89%.After achieving SVR,significant improvements were observed in liver enzyme levels and non-invasive liver fibrosis scores,whereas the overall Model for End-Stage Liver Disease(MELD)scores remained unchanged.Significant independent predictors of treatment failure included non-compliance with DAA therapy[adjusted odds ratio(aOR)68.3;95%confidence interval(95%CI)16.3-285.0;P<0.001],treatment with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir(aOR 6.1;95%CI 1.4-26.5;P=0.015),MELD score of 10-15(aOR 4.6;95%CI 1.1-18.2;P=0.031),HCV genotype 3 infection(aOR 4.5;95%CI 1.1-17.6;P=0.031),and elevated serum total bilirubin level(aOR 1.1;95%CI 1.0-1.1;P=0.003).Conclusions:DAA therapy yielded a high SVR rate,and treatment failure was strongly associated with non-adherence to therapy and advanced liver disease.These findings underscore the necessity of adherence support,early diagnosis,and individualized clinical management to optimize treatment outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis C.展开更多
The Saccostrea mordax Gould,1850 is a typical intertidal species,whose genetic differentiation is influenced by various factors,including geological and climatic changes.To explore the genetic structure and historical...The Saccostrea mordax Gould,1850 is a typical intertidal species,whose genetic differentiation is influenced by various factors,including geological and climatic changes.To explore the genetic structure and historical population characteristics of Saccostrea mordax,we sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I(COI)gene from 58 specimens sampled from four locations in the western Pacific.Additionally,103 individuals from the Persian Gulf and western Pacific(from databases)were included for phylogenetic analysis.The Bayesian Inference tree showed that all specimens were divided into two clades,i.e.,the Persian Gulf population and the western Pacific population.Spatial molecular variance analysis indicated significant genetic differentiation between the two populations,and isolation by distance analysis revealed a positive correlation between genetic differentiation and geographic distance.Neutrality tests and Bayesian Skyline Plot suggested that both populations underwent expansions during the late Pleistocene.This study revealed the population history of Saccostrea mordax and described a new lineage,Saccostrea mordax lineage D,providing a foundation for understanding oyster biodiversity formation and genetic resource conservation.展开更多
Hydrogel scaffolds have numerous potential applications in the tissue engineering field.However,tough hydrogel scaffolds implanted in vivo are seldom reported because it is difficult to balance biocompatibility and hi...Hydrogel scaffolds have numerous potential applications in the tissue engineering field.However,tough hydrogel scaffolds implanted in vivo are seldom reported because it is difficult to balance biocompatibility and high mechanical properties.Inspired by Chinese ramen,we propose a universal fabricating method(printing-P,training-T,cross-linking-C,PTC&PCT)for tough hydrogel scaffolds to fill this gap.First,3D printing fabricates a hydrogel scaffold with desired structures(P).Then,the scaffold could have extraordinarily high mechanical properties and functional surface structure by cycle mechanical training with salting-out assistance(T).Finally,the training results are fixed by photo-cross-linking processing(C).The tough gelatin hydrogel scaffolds exhibit excellent tensile strength of 6.66 MPa(622-fold untreated)and have excellent biocompatibility.Furthermore,this scaffold possesses functional surface structures from nanometer to micron to millimeter,which can efficiently induce directional cell growth.Interestingly,this strategy can produce bionic human tissue with mechanical properties of 10 kPa-10 MPa by changing the type of salt,and many hydrogels,such as gelatin and silk,could be improved with PTC or PCT strategies.Animal experiments show that this scaffold can effectively promote the new generation of muscle fibers,blood vessels,and nerves within 4 weeks,prompting the rapid regeneration of large-volume muscle loss injuries.展开更多
Deep learning has significantly accelerated the automation of metasurface design and reduced its dependence on empirical approaches.However,it still has not fully demonstrated its capabilities in the most challenging ...Deep learning has significantly accelerated the automation of metasurface design and reduced its dependence on empirical approaches.However,it still has not fully demonstrated its capabilities in the most challenging light field manipulation:3D holography.In this paper,we present a framework that integrates a fully connected forward prediction network with a 3D convolutional inverse design network to design terahertz 3D holographic metasurfaces.展开更多
Organofluorines play a crucial role in medicine,agrochemicals,and materials science.Adding fluorine to molecules creates structures with specific beneficial properties or tunes properties through interactions with the...Organofluorines play a crucial role in medicine,agrochemicals,and materials science.Adding fluorine to molecules creates structures with specific beneficial properties or tunes properties through interactions with their environment.Many popular pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals contain fluorine because it enhances hydrogen bonding at protein’s active sites.展开更多
This letter comments on a study linking metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),vitamin D3,and severe gastric autonomic neuropathy(diabetic gastric motility disorders)in type 2 diabetes mellitu...This letter comments on a study linking metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),vitamin D3,and severe gastric autonomic neuropathy(diabetic gastric motility disorders)in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).We question the necessity of excluding patients with severe cataract(unable to complete fundus exams),as the focus on T2DM-MASLD correlation may render other T2DM complications less relevant.We emphasize vitamin D3’s multifaceted relevance:It associates with T2DM(high-dose supplementation reduces onset risk),MASLD(serum levels predict risk),smooth muscle function,immunity,and T2DM-related fractures via advanced glycation end products.We propose correlating MASLD severity with vitamin D3 levels and diabetic gastric motility disorders in validation analyses(e.g.,correlation,area under the curve)to refine factor analysis.Additionally,based on the authors’note of vitamin D3-tryptophan metabolism links,we call for deeper integration of metabolic pathways to clarify vitamin D3’s role in smooth muscle electrophysiology,leveraging the team’s prior research insights.展开更多
This paper proposes a novel three-directional functionally graded(3D FG)vibration energy harvesting model based on a bimorph pipe structure.A rectangular pipe has material properties that vary continuously along the a...This paper proposes a novel three-directional functionally graded(3D FG)vibration energy harvesting model based on a bimorph pipe structure.A rectangular pipe has material properties that vary continuously along the axial,width,and height directions,and a steady fluid flows inside the pipe.Two piezoelectric layers are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the pipe,and are connected in series with a load resistance.The output electricity is predicted theoretically and validated by finite element(FE) simulation.The complex mechanisms regulating the energy harvesting performance are investigated,focusing particularly on the effects of 3D FG material(FGM) parameters,load resistance,fluid-structure interaction(FSI),and geometry.Numerical results indicate that among several material gradient parameters,the axial gradient index has the most significant impact.Increasing the axial and height gradient indices can markedly enhance the energy harvesting performance.The optimal resistances differ between the first two modes.Overall,the maximum power is generated at lower resistances.The FSI effect can also improve the energy harvesting performance;however,higher flow velocities may destabilize the system,causing failure of harvesting energy.This research is capable of providing new insights into the design of a pipe energy harvester in engineering applications.展开更多
Xerostomia(dry mouth)is frequently experienced by patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck cancers or with Sjögren’s syndrome,with no permanent cure existing for this debilitating condition.To this e...Xerostomia(dry mouth)is frequently experienced by patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck cancers or with Sjögren’s syndrome,with no permanent cure existing for this debilitating condition.To this end,in vitro platforms are needed to test therapies directed at salivary(fluid-secreting)cells.However,since these are highly differentiated secretory cells,the maintenance of their differentiated state while expanding in numbers is challenging.In this study,the efficiency of three reversible thermo-ionically crosslinked gels:(1)alginate–gelatin(AG),(2)collagen-containing AG(AGC),and(3)hyaluronic acid-containing AG(AGHA),to recapitulate a native-like environment for human salivary gland(SG)cell expansion and 3D spheroid formation was compared.Although all gels were of mechanical properties comparable to human SG tissue(~11 kPa)and promoted the formation of 3D spheroids,AGHA gels produced larger(>100 cells/spheroid),viable(>93%),proliferative,and well-organized 3D SG spheroids while spatially and temporally maintaining the high expression of key SG proteins(aquaporin-5,NKCC1,ZO-1,α-amylase)for 14 days in culture.Moreover,the spheroids responded to agonist-induced stimulation by increasingα-amylase secretory granules.Here,we propose alternative lowcost,reproducible,and reversible AG-based 3D hydrogels that allow the facile and rapid retrieval of intact,highly viable 3D-SG spheroids.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32070989(to YMZ),31872766(to YMZ),81790640(to XLY),and 82070993(to SJW)the grant from Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen,No.SZSM202011015(to XLY)。
文摘Diabetic retinopathy is a prominent cause of blindness in adults,with early retinal ganglion cell loss contributing to visual dysfunction or blindness.In the brain,defects inγ-aminobutyric acid synaptic transmission are associated with pathophysiological and neurodegenerative disorders,whereas glucagon-like peptide-1 has demonstrated neuroprotective effects.However,it is not yet clear whether diabetes causes alterations in inhibitory input to retinal ganglion cells and whether and how glucagon-like peptide-1 protects against neurodegeneration in the diabetic retina through regulating inhibitory synaptic transmission to retinal ganglion cells.In the present study,we used the patch-clamp technique to recordγ-aminobutyric acid subtype A receptor-mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in retinal ganglion cells from streptozotocin-induced diabetes model rats.We found that early diabetes(4 weeks of hyperglycemia)decreased the frequency of GABAergic miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in retinal ganglion cells without altering their amplitude,suggesting a reduction in the spontaneous release ofγ-aminobutyric acid to retinal ganglion cells.Topical administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 eyedrops over a period of 2 weeks effectively countered the hyperglycemia-induced downregulation of GABAergic mIPSC frequency,subsequently enhancing the survival of retinal ganglion cells.Concurrently,the protective effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 on retinal ganglion cells in diabetic rats were eliminated by topical administration of exendin-9-39,a specific glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonist,or SR95531,a specific antagonist of theγ-aminobutyric acid subtype A receptor.Furthermore,extracellular perfusion of glucagon-like peptide-1 was found to elevate the frequencies of GABAergic miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in both ON-and OFF-type retinal ganglion cells.This elevation was shown to be mediated by activation of the phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor/Ca2+/protein kinase C signaling pathway downstream of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor activation.Moreover,multielectrode array recordings revealed that glucagon-like peptide-1 functionally augmented the photoresponses of ON-type retinal ganglion cells.Optomotor response tests demonstrated that diabetic rats exhibited reductions in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity that were significantly ameliorated by topical administration of glucagon-like peptide-1.These results suggest that glucagon-like peptide-1 facilitates the release ofγ-aminobutyric acid onto retinal ganglion cells through the activation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor,leading to the de-excitation of retinal ganglion cell circuits and the inhibition of excitotoxic processes associated with diabetic retinopathy.Collectively,our findings indicate that theγ-aminobutyric acid system has potential as a therapeutic target for mitigating early-stage diabetic retinopathy.Furthermore,the topical administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 eyedrops represents a non-invasive and effective treatment approach for managing early-stage diabetic retinopathy.
基金supported by the IITP(Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation)-ITRC(Information Technology Research Center) grant funded by the Korea government(Ministry of Science and ICT) (IITP-2025-RS-2024-00437191, and RS-2025-02303505)partly supported by the Korea Basic Science Institute (National Research Facilities and Equipment Center) grant funded by the Ministry of Education. (No. 2022R1A6C101A774)the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia, through Large Research Project under grant number RGP-2/527/46
文摘The growing global energy demand and worsening climate change highlight the urgent need for clean,efficient and sustainable energy solutions.Among emerging technologies,atomically thin two-dimensional(2D)materials offer unique advantages in photovoltaics due to their tunable optoelectronic properties,high surface area and efficient charge transport capabilities.This review explores recent progress in photovoltaics incorporating 2D materials,focusing on their application as hole and electron transport layers to optimize bandgap alignment,enhance carrier mobility and improve chemical stability.A comprehensive analysis is presented on perovskite solar cells utilizing 2D materials,with a particular focus on strategies to enhance crystallization,passivate defects and improve overall cell efficiency.Additionally,the application of 2D materials in organic solar cells is examined,particularly for reducing recombination losses and enhancing charge extraction through work function modification.Their impact on dye-sensitized solar cells,including catalytic activity and counter electrode performance,is also explored.Finally,the review outlines key challenges,material limitations and performance metrics,offering insight into the future development of nextgeneration photovoltaic devices encouraged by 2D materials.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of direct-acting antivirals(DAAs)in patients with chronic hepatitis C,assess changes in liver function and hepatic fibrosis following treatment,and identify independent predictors of treatment failure.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included patients who received DAA therapy at Hospital Kuala Lumpur between January 2020 and December 2023.Sustained virologic response(SVR)was assessed at least 12 weeks post-treatment by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for hepatitis C virus(HCV)RNA.Demographic,clinical,and laboratory data were collected and analyzed.Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of treatment failure.Results:A total of 335 patients in the study.The overall SVR rate was 89%.After achieving SVR,significant improvements were observed in liver enzyme levels and non-invasive liver fibrosis scores,whereas the overall Model for End-Stage Liver Disease(MELD)scores remained unchanged.Significant independent predictors of treatment failure included non-compliance with DAA therapy[adjusted odds ratio(aOR)68.3;95%confidence interval(95%CI)16.3-285.0;P<0.001],treatment with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir(aOR 6.1;95%CI 1.4-26.5;P=0.015),MELD score of 10-15(aOR 4.6;95%CI 1.1-18.2;P=0.031),HCV genotype 3 infection(aOR 4.5;95%CI 1.1-17.6;P=0.031),and elevated serum total bilirubin level(aOR 1.1;95%CI 1.0-1.1;P=0.003).Conclusions:DAA therapy yielded a high SVR rate,and treatment failure was strongly associated with non-adherence to therapy and advanced liver disease.These findings underscore the necessity of adherence support,early diagnosis,and individualized clinical management to optimize treatment outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
基金Supported by the Key R&D Program of Shandong Province(No.2023CXGC010411)the National Key R&D Program of China(Nos.2023YFD2400800,2022YFD2401301,2022FY100304)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42076092,41906083,41776179)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDB42000000)the Earmarked Fund for Modern Agro-industry Technology Research System(No.CARS-47)。
文摘The Saccostrea mordax Gould,1850 is a typical intertidal species,whose genetic differentiation is influenced by various factors,including geological and climatic changes.To explore the genetic structure and historical population characteristics of Saccostrea mordax,we sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I(COI)gene from 58 specimens sampled from four locations in the western Pacific.Additionally,103 individuals from the Persian Gulf and western Pacific(from databases)were included for phylogenetic analysis.The Bayesian Inference tree showed that all specimens were divided into two clades,i.e.,the Persian Gulf population and the western Pacific population.Spatial molecular variance analysis indicated significant genetic differentiation between the two populations,and isolation by distance analysis revealed a positive correlation between genetic differentiation and geographic distance.Neutrality tests and Bayesian Skyline Plot suggested that both populations underwent expansions during the late Pleistocene.This study revealed the population history of Saccostrea mordax and described a new lineage,Saccostrea mordax lineage D,providing a foundation for understanding oyster biodiversity formation and genetic resource conservation.
基金supported by the Innovative Research Group Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(T2121004)Key Programme(52235007)National Outstanding Youth Foundation of China(52325504).
文摘Hydrogel scaffolds have numerous potential applications in the tissue engineering field.However,tough hydrogel scaffolds implanted in vivo are seldom reported because it is difficult to balance biocompatibility and high mechanical properties.Inspired by Chinese ramen,we propose a universal fabricating method(printing-P,training-T,cross-linking-C,PTC&PCT)for tough hydrogel scaffolds to fill this gap.First,3D printing fabricates a hydrogel scaffold with desired structures(P).Then,the scaffold could have extraordinarily high mechanical properties and functional surface structure by cycle mechanical training with salting-out assistance(T).Finally,the training results are fixed by photo-cross-linking processing(C).The tough gelatin hydrogel scaffolds exhibit excellent tensile strength of 6.66 MPa(622-fold untreated)and have excellent biocompatibility.Furthermore,this scaffold possesses functional surface structures from nanometer to micron to millimeter,which can efficiently induce directional cell growth.Interestingly,this strategy can produce bionic human tissue with mechanical properties of 10 kPa-10 MPa by changing the type of salt,and many hydrogels,such as gelatin and silk,could be improved with PTC or PCT strategies.Animal experiments show that this scaffold can effectively promote the new generation of muscle fibers,blood vessels,and nerves within 4 weeks,prompting the rapid regeneration of large-volume muscle loss injuries.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(62027820,61975143,62375203,62175180,61735012)。
文摘Deep learning has significantly accelerated the automation of metasurface design and reduced its dependence on empirical approaches.However,it still has not fully demonstrated its capabilities in the most challenging light field manipulation:3D holography.In this paper,we present a framework that integrates a fully connected forward prediction network with a 3D convolutional inverse design network to design terahertz 3D holographic metasurfaces.
文摘Organofluorines play a crucial role in medicine,agrochemicals,and materials science.Adding fluorine to molecules creates structures with specific beneficial properties or tunes properties through interactions with their environment.Many popular pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals contain fluorine because it enhances hydrogen bonding at protein’s active sites.
基金Supported by Fujian Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Joint Fund Project,No.2024Y9555Youth Research Project of the Science and Technology Plan of Fujian Provincial Health Commission,No.2024QNB005+1 种基金Fujian Provincial Natural Science Foundation Project,No.2024J011124Fujian Provincial Medical Project for Creating Dual High-Quality Development(High Level and High Standard),No.ETK2025004.
文摘This letter comments on a study linking metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),vitamin D3,and severe gastric autonomic neuropathy(diabetic gastric motility disorders)in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).We question the necessity of excluding patients with severe cataract(unable to complete fundus exams),as the focus on T2DM-MASLD correlation may render other T2DM complications less relevant.We emphasize vitamin D3’s multifaceted relevance:It associates with T2DM(high-dose supplementation reduces onset risk),MASLD(serum levels predict risk),smooth muscle function,immunity,and T2DM-related fractures via advanced glycation end products.We propose correlating MASLD severity with vitamin D3 levels and diabetic gastric motility disorders in validation analyses(e.g.,correlation,area under the curve)to refine factor analysis.Additionally,based on the authors’note of vitamin D3-tryptophan metabolism links,we call for deeper integration of metabolic pathways to clarify vitamin D3’s role in smooth muscle electrophysiology,leveraging the team’s prior research insights.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 12372025 and 12072311)。
文摘This paper proposes a novel three-directional functionally graded(3D FG)vibration energy harvesting model based on a bimorph pipe structure.A rectangular pipe has material properties that vary continuously along the axial,width,and height directions,and a steady fluid flows inside the pipe.Two piezoelectric layers are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the pipe,and are connected in series with a load resistance.The output electricity is predicted theoretically and validated by finite element(FE) simulation.The complex mechanisms regulating the energy harvesting performance are investigated,focusing particularly on the effects of 3D FG material(FGM) parameters,load resistance,fluid-structure interaction(FSI),and geometry.Numerical results indicate that among several material gradient parameters,the axial gradient index has the most significant impact.Increasing the axial and height gradient indices can markedly enhance the energy harvesting performance.The optimal resistances differ between the first two modes.Overall,the maximum power is generated at lower resistances.The FSI effect can also improve the energy harvesting performance;however,higher flow velocities may destabilize the system,causing failure of harvesting energy.This research is capable of providing new insights into the design of a pipe energy harvester in engineering applications.
基金support from Fonds de Recherche du Québec Santé(FRQS,grant no.281271)support from FRQS doctoral award #304367funding from CFI,Rheolution Inc.,and Investissement Québec.
文摘Xerostomia(dry mouth)is frequently experienced by patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck cancers or with Sjögren’s syndrome,with no permanent cure existing for this debilitating condition.To this end,in vitro platforms are needed to test therapies directed at salivary(fluid-secreting)cells.However,since these are highly differentiated secretory cells,the maintenance of their differentiated state while expanding in numbers is challenging.In this study,the efficiency of three reversible thermo-ionically crosslinked gels:(1)alginate–gelatin(AG),(2)collagen-containing AG(AGC),and(3)hyaluronic acid-containing AG(AGHA),to recapitulate a native-like environment for human salivary gland(SG)cell expansion and 3D spheroid formation was compared.Although all gels were of mechanical properties comparable to human SG tissue(~11 kPa)and promoted the formation of 3D spheroids,AGHA gels produced larger(>100 cells/spheroid),viable(>93%),proliferative,and well-organized 3D SG spheroids while spatially and temporally maintaining the high expression of key SG proteins(aquaporin-5,NKCC1,ZO-1,α-amylase)for 14 days in culture.Moreover,the spheroids responded to agonist-induced stimulation by increasingα-amylase secretory granules.Here,we propose alternative lowcost,reproducible,and reversible AG-based 3D hydrogels that allow the facile and rapid retrieval of intact,highly viable 3D-SG spheroids.
