Our previous study revealed that early application of electrical field stimulation(EFS) with the anode at the lesion and the cathode distal to the lesion reduced injury potential, inhibited secondary injury and was ...Our previous study revealed that early application of electrical field stimulation(EFS) with the anode at the lesion and the cathode distal to the lesion reduced injury potential, inhibited secondary injury and was neuroprotective in the dorsal corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury(SCI). The objective of this study was to further evaluate the effect of EFS on protection of anterior horn motoneurons and their target musculature after SCI and its mechanism. Rats were randomized into three equal groups. The EFS group received EFS for 30 minutes immediately after injury at T_(10). SCI group rats were only subjected to SCI and sham group rats were only subjected to laminectomy. Luxol fast blue staining demonstrated that spinal cord tissue in the injury center was better protected; cross-sectional area and perimeter of injured tissue were significantly smaller in the EFS group than in the SCI group. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy showed that the number of spinal cord anterior horn motoneurons was greater and the number of abnormal neurons reduced in the EFS group compared with the SCI group. Wet weight and cross-sectional area of vastus lateralis muscles were smaller in the SCI group to in the sham group. However, EFS improved muscle atrophy and behavioral examination showed that EFS significantly increased the angle in the inclined plane test and Tarlov's motor grading score. The above results confirm that early EFS can effectively impede spinal cord anterior horn motoneuron loss, promote motor function recovery and reduce muscle atrophy in rats after SCI.展开更多
Electrorheological(ER) fluid is a type of smart fluid whose shear yield stress relies on the external electrical field strength. The transition of ER fluid microstructure driven by the electrical field is the reason...Electrorheological(ER) fluid is a type of smart fluid whose shear yield stress relies on the external electrical field strength. The transition of ER fluid microstructure driven by the electrical field is the reason why viscosity changes.Experimentally, the transparent electrodes are used to investigate the column size distribution where an external electric field is applied to a colloidal suspension, i.e., ER fluid is increased. The coarsening profile of ER suspensions is strongly related to electrical field strength, but it is insensitive to particle size. In addition, in a low field range the shear stress corresponding to the mean column diameter is studied and they are found to satisfy a power law. However, this dependence is invalid when the field strength surpasses a threshold value.展开更多
When separated water droplets condense on the surface of a composite insulator,the electrical field on the insulator surface is distorted.In turn,such distortions change the trajectories of pollution particles.In this...When separated water droplets condense on the surface of a composite insulator,the electrical field on the insulator surface is distorted.In turn,such distortions change the trajectories of pollution particles.In this study,the COMSOL software is used to simulate such a process for the FXBW4-10/100 composite insulator with or without water droplets condensation under a 10 kV DC voltage.The influence of the wind speed and particles concentration on the contamination characteristics of the considered 110 kV insulator is analyzed.The results show that:1)in the presence of water droplets on the insulator surface,the ratio of electrical field force and gravity acting on the particles is large;2)the contamination on the insulator surface increases with the wind speed;3)when the wind speed is small,the relationship between the contamination amount and the pollution concentration is essentially linear.展开更多
Both external and endogenous electrical fields widely exist in the environment of cortical neurons. The effects of a weak alternating current (AC) field on a neural network model with synaptic plasticity are studied...Both external and endogenous electrical fields widely exist in the environment of cortical neurons. The effects of a weak alternating current (AC) field on a neural network model with synaptic plasticity are studied. It is found that self-sustained rhythmic firing patterns, which are closely correlated with the cognitive functions, are significantly modified due to the self-organizing of the network in the weak AC field. The activities of the neural networks are affected by the synaptic connection strength, the exterrtal stimuli, and so on. In the presence of learning rules, the synaptic connections can be modulated by the external stimuli, which will further enhance the sensitivity of the network to the external signal. The properties of the external AC stimuli can serve as control parameters in modulating the evolution of the neural network.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that direct current electrical fields affect development and growth of human microvascular endothelial cells, but the role of electrical fields on promoting angiogenesis in tis...BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that direct current electrical fields affect development and growth of human microvascular endothelial cells, but the role of electrical fields on promoting angiogenesis in tissues following spinal cord injury remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of electrical fields on angiogenesis and spinal cord repair following traumatic spinal cord injury in rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China from September 2007 to August 2008. MATERIALS: Hydrogen blood flow detector (Soochow University Medical Instrument, China), Power Lab System (AD Instruments, Colorado Springs, CO, USA) and mouse anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) were used in this study. METHODS: A total of 60 healthy, adult, Sprague Dawley rats were equally and randomly assigned to sham-surgery, model, and electrical field groups. The Allen's weight-drop method was used to induce complete spinal cord injury in the model and electrical field groups. Rats in the electrical field group were implanted with silver needles and electrical fields (350 V/m) were applied following traumatic injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Latency of somatosensory-evoked potential was detected and spinal cord blood flow was measured by hydrogen blood flow detector. Microvascular density was determined by histological analysis. VEGF expression in the spinal cord was observed by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Recovery of spinal cord blood flow was significantly increased in the electrical field group (at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 days after injury) compared with the model group (P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01). Latency of P1 waves in somatosensory-evoked potential of electrical field group (at 1,2, 4, 8, and 24 days after injury) was significantly shorter than the model group (P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01). Microvascular density and VEGF expression were greater in the electrical field group compared with the model group at 24 days after injury (P 〈 0.01). CONCLUSION: Electrical fields (350 V/m) promoted angiogenesis within injured rat tissue following spinal cord injury and improved spinal cord function. Electrical fields could help to ameliorate spinal cord injury. The mechanisms of action could be related to increased VEGF expression.展开更多
In this paper,we investigate the photoionization microscopy of the Rydberg hydrogen atom in a gradient electric field for the first time.The observed oscillatory patterns in the photoionization microscopy are explaine...In this paper,we investigate the photoionization microscopy of the Rydberg hydrogen atom in a gradient electric field for the first time.The observed oscillatory patterns in the photoionization microscopy are explained within the framework of the semiclassical theory,which can be considered as a manifestation of interference between various electron trajectories arriving at a given point on the detector plane.In contrast with the photoionization microscopy in the uniform electric field,the trajectories of the ionized electron in the gradient electric field will become chaotic.An infinite set of different electron trajectories can arrive at a given point on the detector plane,which makes the interference pattern of the electron probability density distribution extremely complicated.Our calculation results suggest that the oscillatory pattern in the electron probability density distribution depends sensitively on the electric field gradient,the scaled energy and the position of the detector plane.Through our research,we predict that the interference pattern in the electron probability density distribution can be observed in an actual photoionization microscopy experiment once the external electric field strength and the position of the electron detector plane are reasonable.This study provides some references for the future experimental research on the photoionization microscopy of the Rydberg atom in the non-uniform external fields.展开更多
Evidences show that electric fields(EFs)induced by the magnetic stimulation could modulates brain activities by regulating the excitability of GABAergic interneuron.However,it is still unclear how and why the EF-induc...Evidences show that electric fields(EFs)induced by the magnetic stimulation could modulates brain activities by regulating the excitability of GABAergic interneuron.However,it is still unclear how and why the EF-induced polarization affects the interneuron response as the interneuron receives NMDA synaptic inputs.Considering the key role of NMDA receptor-mediated supralinear dendritic integration in neuronal computations,we suppose that the applied EFs could functionally modulate interneurons’response via regulating dendritic integration.At first,we build a simplified multi-dendritic circuit model with inhomogeneous extracellular potentials,which characterizes the relationship among EF-induced spatial polarizations,dendritic integration,and somatic output.By performing model-based singular perturbation analysis,it is found that the equilibrium point of fast subsystem can be used to asymptotically depict the subthreshold input–output(sI/O)relationship of dendritic integration.It predicted that EF-induced strong depolarizations on the distal dendrites reduce the dendritic saturation output by reducing driving force of synaptic input,and it shifts the steep change of sI/O curve left by reducing stimulation threshold of triggering NMDA spike.Also,the EF modulation prefers the global dendritic integration with asymmetric scatter distribution of NMDA synapses.Furthermore,we identify the respective contribution of EF-regulated dendritic integration and EF-induced somatic polarization to an action potential generation and find that they have an antagonistic effect on AP generation due to the varied NMDA spike threshold under EF stimulation.展开更多
Coexistence of fast and slow traveling waves without synaptic transmission has been found in hhhippocampal tissues,which is closely related to both normal brain activity and abnormal neural activity such as epileptic ...Coexistence of fast and slow traveling waves without synaptic transmission has been found in hhhippocampal tissues,which is closely related to both normal brain activity and abnormal neural activity such as epileptic discharge. However, the propagation mechanism behind this coexistence phenomenon remains unclear. In this paper, a three-dimensional electric field coupled hippocampal neural network is established to investigate generation of coexisting spontaneous fast and slow traveling waves. This model captures two types of dendritic traveling waves propagating in both transverse and longitude directions: the N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA)-dependent wave with a speed of about 0.1 m/s and the Ca-dependent wave with a speed of about 0.009 m/s. These traveling waves are synaptic-independent and could be conducted only by the electric fields generated by neighboring neurons, which are basically consistent with the in vitro data measured experiments. It is also found that the slow Ca wave could trigger generation of fast NMDA waves in the propagation path of slow waves whereas fast NMDA waves cannot affect the propagation of slow Ca waves. These results suggest that dendritic Ca waves could acted as the source of the coexistence fast and slow waves. Furthermore, we also confirm the impact of cellular spacing heterogeneity on the onset of coexisting fast and slow waves. The local region with decreasing distances among neighbor neurons is more liable to promote the onset of spontaneous slow waves which, as sources, excite propagation of fast waves. These modeling studies provide possible biophysical mechanisms underlying the neural dynamics of spontaneous traveling waves in brain tissues.展开更多
High-voltage transmission lines play a crucial role in facilitating the utilization of renewable energy in regions prone to desertification. The accumulation of atmospheric particles on the surface of these lines can ...High-voltage transmission lines play a crucial role in facilitating the utilization of renewable energy in regions prone to desertification. The accumulation of atmospheric particles on the surface of these lines can significantly impact corona discharge and wind-induced conductor displacement. Accurately quantifying the force exerted by particles adhering to conductor surfaces is essential for evaluating fouling conditions and making informed decisions. Therefore, this study investigates the changes in electric field intensity along branched conductors caused by various fouling layers and their resulting influence on the adhesion of dust particles. The findings indicate that as individual particle size increases, the field strength at the top of the particle gradually decreases and eventually stabilizes at approximately 49.22 k V/cm, which corresponds to a field strength approximately 1.96 times higher than that of an unpolluted transmission line. Furthermore,when particle spacing exceeds 15 times the particle size, the field strength around the transmission line gradually decreases and approaches the level observed on non-adhering surface. The electric field remains relatively stable. In a triangular arrangement of three particles, the maximum field strength at the tip of the fouling layer is approximately 1.44 times higher than that of double particles and 1.5 times higher compared to single particles. These results suggest that particles adhering to the transmission line have a greater affinity for adsorbing charged particles. Additionally, relevant numerical calculations demonstrate that in dry environments, the primary adhesion forces between particles and transmission lines follow an order of electrostatic force and van der Waals force. Specifically, at the minimum field strength, these forces are approximately74.73 times and 19.43 times stronger than the gravitational force acting on the particles.展开更多
We have newly designed an electrostatic sensor,called an electric field mill(EFM),to simplify the estimation of the charge position and charge amount transferred by lightning discharges.It is necessary for this remote...We have newly designed an electrostatic sensor,called an electric field mill(EFM),to simplify the estimation of the charge position and charge amount transferred by lightning discharges.It is necessary for this remote estimation of the transferred charge to measure electric field changes caused by charge loss at the time of a lightning strike at multiple locations.For multiple-station measurement of electric field changes,not only speed but also phase for exposure and shielding of the sensing plates inside each EFM of the array should be synchronized to maintain the sensitivities of the deployed instruments.Currently,there is no such EFM with specified speed and phase control performance of the rotary part.Thus,we developed a new EFM in which the rotary mechanism was controlled consistently to within 3%error by a GPS module.Five EFMs had been distributed in the Hokuriku area of Japan during the winter season of 2022-2023 for a test observation.Here we describe the design and a simple calibration method for our new EFM array.Data analysis method based on the assumption of a simple monopole charge structure is also summarized.For validation,locations of assumed point charges were compared with three-dimensional lightning mapping data estimated by radio observations in the MF-HF bands.Initial results indicated the validity to estimate transferred charge amounts and positions of winter cloud-to-ground lightning discharges with our new EFM array.展开更多
Although the internal electric field(IEF)of photocatalysts is acknowledged as a potent driving force for photocharge separation,modulating the IEF intensity to achieve enhanced photocatalytic performances remains a ch...Although the internal electric field(IEF)of photocatalysts is acknowledged as a potent driving force for photocharge separation,modulating the IEF intensity to achieve enhanced photocatalytic performances remains a challenge.Herein,cuprous sulfide nanosheets with different Cu vacancy concentration were employed to study IEF modulation and corresponding direct charge transfer.Among the samples,Cu_(1.8)S nanosheets possessed intensified IEF intensity compared with those of Cu_(2)S and Cu_(1.95)S nanosheets,suggesting that an enhanced IEF intensity could be achieved by introducing more Cu vacancies.This intensified IEF of Cu_(1.8)S nanosheets induced numerous photogenerated electrons to migrate to its surface,and the dissociative electrons were then captured by Cu vacancies,resulting in efficient charge separation spatially.In addition,the Cu vacancies on Cu_(1.8)S nanosheets accumulated electrons as active sites to lower the energy barrier of rate-determining step of CO_(2)photoreduction,leading to the selective conversion of CO_(2)to CO.Herein,the manipulation of IEF intensity through Cu vacancy concentration regulation of cuprous sulfide photocatalysts for efficient charge separation has been discussed,providing a scientific strategy to rationally improve photocata lytic performances for solar energy conversion.展开更多
The strength of microwave(MW)electric field can be observed with high precision by using the standard electromagnetically induced transparency and Aulter–Towns(EIT-AT)technique,when its frequency is resonant or nearl...The strength of microwave(MW)electric field can be observed with high precision by using the standard electromagnetically induced transparency and Aulter–Towns(EIT-AT)technique,when its frequency is resonant or nearly-resonant with the Rydberg transition frequency.As the detuning of MW field increases,one of the transmission peaks(single peak)is easier to measure due to its increased amplitude.It can be found that the central symmetry point of the two transmission peaks f_(1/2)is only related to the detuning of MW field△_(MW)and central symmetry point f_(0)of resonant MW field,satisfying the relation f_(1/2)=△_(MW)/2+f_(0).Thus,we demonstrate a single transmission peak method that the MW E-field can be determined by interval between the position of single peak and f_(1/2).We use this method to measure continuous frequencies in a band from-200 MHz to 200 MHz of the MW field.The experimental results and theoretical analysis are presented to describe the effectiveness of this method.For 50 MHz<△_(MW)<200 MHz,this method solves the problem that the AT splitting cannot be measured by using the standard EIT-AT techniques or multiple atomic-level Rydberg atom schemes.展开更多
Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction(DMI) is under extensive investigation considering its crucial status in chiral magnetic orders, such as Néel-type domain wall(DW) and skyrmions. It has been reported that the in...Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction(DMI) is under extensive investigation considering its crucial status in chiral magnetic orders, such as Néel-type domain wall(DW) and skyrmions. It has been reported that the interfacial DMI originating from Rashba spin–orbit coupling(SOC) can be linearly tuned with strong external electric fields. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate that the strength of DMI exhibits rapid fluctuations, ranging from 10% to 30% of its original value, as a function of applied electric fields in Pt/Co/MgO heterostructures within the small field regime(< 10-2V/nm). Brillouin light scattering(BLS) experiments have been performed to measure DMI, and first-principles calculations show agreement with this observation, which can be explained by the variation in orbital hybridization at the Co/MgO interface in response to the weak electric fields. Our results on voltage control of DMI(VCDMI) suggest that research related to the voltage control of magnetic anisotropy for spin–orbit torque or the motion control of skyrmions might also have to consider the role of the external electric field on DMI as small voltages are generally used for the magnetoresistance detection.展开更多
Lithium sulfur(Li-S)battery is a kind of burgeoning energy storage system with high energy density.However,the electrolyte-soluble intermediate lithium polysulfides(Li PSs)undergo notorious shuttle effect,which seriou...Lithium sulfur(Li-S)battery is a kind of burgeoning energy storage system with high energy density.However,the electrolyte-soluble intermediate lithium polysulfides(Li PSs)undergo notorious shuttle effect,which seriously hinders the commercialization of Li-S batteries.Herein,a unique VSe_(2)/V_(2)C heterostructure with local built-in electric field was rationally engineered from V_(2)C parent via a facile thermal selenization process.It exquisitely synergizes the strong affinity of V_(2)C with the effective electrocatalytic activity of VSe_(2).More importantly,the local built-in electric field at the heterointerface can sufficiently promote the electron/ion transport ability and eventually boost the conversion kinetics of sulfur species.The Li-S battery equipped with VSe_(2)/V_(2)C-CNTs-PP separator achieved an outstanding initial specific capacity of 1439.1 m A h g^(-1)with a high capacity retention of 73%after 100 cycles at0.1 C.More impressively,a wonderful capacity of 571.6 mA h g^(-1)was effectively maintained after 600cycles at 2 C with a capacity decay rate of 0.07%.Even under a sulfur loading of 4.8 mg cm^(-2),areal capacity still can be up to 5.6 m A h cm^(-2).In-situ Raman tests explicitly illustrate the effectiveness of VSe_(2)/V_(2)C-CNTs modifier in restricting Li PSs shuttle.Combined with density functional theory calculations,the underlying mechanism of VSe_(2)/V_(2)C heterostructure for remedying Li PSs shuttling and conversion kinetics was deciphered.The strategy of constructing VSe_(2)/V_(2)C heterocatalyst in this work proposes a universal protocol to design metal selenide-based separator modifier for Li-S battery.Besides,it opens an efficient avenue for the separator engineering of Li-S batteries.展开更多
Recently,the newly synthesized septuple-atomic layer two-dimensional(2D)material MoSi_(2)N_(4)(MSN)has attracted attention worldwide.Our work delves into the effect of vacancies and external electric fields on the ele...Recently,the newly synthesized septuple-atomic layer two-dimensional(2D)material MoSi_(2)N_(4)(MSN)has attracted attention worldwide.Our work delves into the effect of vacancies and external electric fields on the electronic properties of the MSN/graphene(Gr)heterostructure using first-principles calculation.We find that four types of defective structures,N-in,N-out,Si and Mo vacancy defects of monolayer MSN and MSN/Gr heterostructure are stable in air.Moreover,vacancy defects can effectively modulate the charge transfer at the interface of the MSN/Gr heterostructure as well as the work function of the pristine monolayer MSN and MSN/Gr heterostructure.Finally,the application of an external electric field enables the dynamic switching between n-type and p-type Schottky contacts.Our work may offer the possibility of exceeding the capabilities of conventional Schottky diodes based on MSN/Gr heterostructures.展开更多
Constructing a built-in electric field has emerged as a key strategy for enhancing charge separation and transfer,thereby improving photoelectrochemical performance.Recently,considerable efforts have been devoted to t...Constructing a built-in electric field has emerged as a key strategy for enhancing charge separation and transfer,thereby improving photoelectrochemical performance.Recently,considerable efforts have been devoted to this endeavor.This review systematically summarizes the impact of built-in electric fields on enhancing charge separation and transfer mechanisms,focusing on the modulation of built-in electric fields in terms of depth and orderliness.First,mechanisms and tuning strategies for built-in electric fields are explored.Then,the state-of-the-art works regarding built-in electric fields for modulating charge separation and transfer are summarized and categorized according to surface and interface depth.Finally,current strategies for constructing bulk built-in electric fields in photoelectrodes are explored,and insights into future developments for enhancing charge separation and transfer in high-performance photoelectrochemical applications are provided.展开更多
Developing efficient energy storage for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)by creating high-performance heterojunctions and understanding their interfacial interaction at the atomic/molecular level holds promise but is also ch...Developing efficient energy storage for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)by creating high-performance heterojunctions and understanding their interfacial interaction at the atomic/molecular level holds promise but is also challenging.Besides,sluggish reaction kinetics at low temperatures restrict the operation of SIBs in cold climates.Herein,cross-linking nanoarchitectonics of WS_(2)/Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) heterojunction,featuring built-in electric field(BIEF),have been developed,employing as a model to reveal the positive effect of heterojunction design and BIEF for modifying the reaction kinetics and electrochemical activity.Particularly,the theoretical analysis manifests the discrepancy in work functions leads to the electronic flow from the electron-rich Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) to layered WS_(2),spontaneously forming the BIEF and“ion reservoir”at the heterogeneous interface.Besides,the generation of cross-linking pathways further promotes the transportation of electrons/ions,which guarantees rapid diffusion kinetics and excellent structure coupling.Consequently,superior sodium storage performance is obtained for the WS_(2)/Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) heterojunction,with only 0.2%decay per cycle at 5.0 A g^(-1)(25℃)up to 1000 cycles and a high capacity of 293.5 mA h g^(-1)(0.1A g^(-1)after 100 cycles)even at-20℃.Importantly,the spontaneously formed BIEF,accompanied by“ion reservoir”,in heterojunction provides deep understandings of the correlation between structure fabricated and performance obtained.展开更多
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)modulated by various exogenous signals have been applied extensively in regenerative medicine research.Notably,nanosecond pulsed electric fields(nsPEFs),characterized by short du...BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)modulated by various exogenous signals have been applied extensively in regenerative medicine research.Notably,nanosecond pulsed electric fields(nsPEFs),characterized by short duration and high strength,significantly influence cell phenotypes and regulate MSCs differentiation via multiple pathways.Consequently,we used transcriptomics to study changes in messenger RNA(mRNA),long noncoding RNA(lncRNA),microRNA(miRNA),and circular RNA expression during nsPEFs application.AIM To explore gene expression profiles and potential transcriptional regulatory mechanisms in MSCs pretreated with nsPEFs.METHODS The impact of nsPEFs on the MSCs transcriptome was investigated through whole transcriptome sequencing.MSCs were pretreated with 5-pulse nsPEFs(100 ns at 10 kV/cm,1 Hz),followed by total RNA isolation.Each transcript was normalized by fragments per kilobase per million.Fold change and difference significance were applied to screen the differentially expressed genes(DEGs).Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed to elucidate gene functions,complemented by quantitative polymerase chain reaction verification.RESULTS In total,263 DEGs were discovered,with 92 upregulated and 171 downregulated.DEGs were predominantly enriched in epithelial cell proliferation,osteoblast differentiation,mesenchymal cell differentiation,nuclear division,and wound healing.Regarding cellular components,DEGs are primarily involved in condensed chromosome,chromosomal region,actin cytoskeleton,and kinetochore.From aspect of molecular functions,DEGs are mainly involved in glycosaminoglycan binding,integrin binding,nuclear steroid receptor activity,cytoskeletal motor activity,and steroid binding.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed targeted transcript regulation.CONCLUSION Our systematic investigation of the wide-ranging transcriptional pattern modulated by nsPEFs revealed the differential expression of 263 mRNAs,2 miRNAs,and 65 lncRNAs.Our study demonstrates that nsPEFs may affect stem cells through several signaling pathways,which are involved in vesicular transport,calcium ion transport,cytoskeleton,and cell differentiation.展开更多
The Gibbs free energy is strongly related to the stability and catalytic function of an enzyme through the energetic changes that occur in the chemical reactions the enzyme catalyzes. In this in silico study, a pulsed...The Gibbs free energy is strongly related to the stability and catalytic function of an enzyme through the energetic changes that occur in the chemical reactions the enzyme catalyzes. In this in silico study, a pulsed electric field was applied to an azoreductase, and its effect on the Gibbs free energy of molecular docking with two dyes was measured. We propose that certain stimuli from a pulsed electric field favor the structural stability of the enzyme by promoting an arrangement in the active site, potentially leading to an enhancement of enzymatic activity overall.展开更多
In our previous work, it was found that large electrospun from chlorinated polypropylene solution doped Bird's Nest patterned nanofibrous membranes can be simply with an ionic liquid, and a plausible formation mechan...In our previous work, it was found that large electrospun from chlorinated polypropylene solution doped Bird's Nest patterned nanofibrous membranes can be simply with an ionic liquid, and a plausible formation mechanism of Bird's Nest patterned architectures was proposed. Here, we use Ansoft Maxwell version 12 software (3D, electrostatic solver) to simulate the electrical field distribution of the electrospinning setup, and to clarify the rationality of proposed formation mechanism. Calculation results clearly show that the introduction of charged nanofibrous bundles would produce a similar patterned electrical field distribution, which definitely confirms the important role of surface residual charges. The proposed mechanism can be well extended to other polymer systems including polystyrene, poly(acrylonitrile-co-acrylic acid) and chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide).展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31400717,51577183the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing of China,No.7164317the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS,No.2018172
文摘Our previous study revealed that early application of electrical field stimulation(EFS) with the anode at the lesion and the cathode distal to the lesion reduced injury potential, inhibited secondary injury and was neuroprotective in the dorsal corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury(SCI). The objective of this study was to further evaluate the effect of EFS on protection of anterior horn motoneurons and their target musculature after SCI and its mechanism. Rats were randomized into three equal groups. The EFS group received EFS for 30 minutes immediately after injury at T_(10). SCI group rats were only subjected to SCI and sham group rats were only subjected to laminectomy. Luxol fast blue staining demonstrated that spinal cord tissue in the injury center was better protected; cross-sectional area and perimeter of injured tissue were significantly smaller in the EFS group than in the SCI group. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy showed that the number of spinal cord anterior horn motoneurons was greater and the number of abnormal neurons reduced in the EFS group compared with the SCI group. Wet weight and cross-sectional area of vastus lateralis muscles were smaller in the SCI group to in the sham group. However, EFS improved muscle atrophy and behavioral examination showed that EFS significantly increased the angle in the inclined plane test and Tarlov's motor grading score. The above results confirm that early EFS can effectively impede spinal cord anterior horn motoneuron loss, promote motor function recovery and reduce muscle atrophy in rats after SCI.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11474345 and 11674043)
文摘Electrorheological(ER) fluid is a type of smart fluid whose shear yield stress relies on the external electrical field strength. The transition of ER fluid microstructure driven by the electrical field is the reason why viscosity changes.Experimentally, the transparent electrodes are used to investigate the column size distribution where an external electric field is applied to a colloidal suspension, i.e., ER fluid is increased. The coarsening profile of ER suspensions is strongly related to electrical field strength, but it is insensitive to particle size. In addition, in a low field range the shear stress corresponding to the mean column diameter is studied and they are found to satisfy a power law. However, this dependence is invalid when the field strength surpasses a threshold value.
基金Science and Technology Project of State Grid Corporation(GY7111053)[www.sgcc.com.cn]。
文摘When separated water droplets condense on the surface of a composite insulator,the electrical field on the insulator surface is distorted.In turn,such distortions change the trajectories of pollution particles.In this study,the COMSOL software is used to simulate such a process for the FXBW4-10/100 composite insulator with or without water droplets condensation under a 10 kV DC voltage.The influence of the wind speed and particles concentration on the contamination characteristics of the considered 110 kV insulator is analyzed.The results show that:1)in the presence of water droplets on the insulator surface,the ratio of electrical field force and gravity acting on the particles is large;2)the contamination on the insulator surface increases with the wind speed;3)when the wind speed is small,the relationship between the contamination amount and the pollution concentration is essentially linear.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61072012, 60901035, 50907044, and 61172009)
文摘Both external and endogenous electrical fields widely exist in the environment of cortical neurons. The effects of a weak alternating current (AC) field on a neural network model with synaptic plasticity are studied. It is found that self-sustained rhythmic firing patterns, which are closely correlated with the cognitive functions, are significantly modified due to the self-organizing of the network in the weak AC field. The activities of the neural networks are affected by the synaptic connection strength, the exterrtal stimuli, and so on. In the presence of learning rules, the synaptic connections can be modulated by the external stimuli, which will further enhance the sensitivity of the network to the external signal. The properties of the external AC stimuli can serve as control parameters in modulating the evolution of the neural network.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30300075the Sichuan Science Fund for Outstanding Youths,No.05ZQ026-020the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Project,No.20080440996
文摘BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that direct current electrical fields affect development and growth of human microvascular endothelial cells, but the role of electrical fields on promoting angiogenesis in tissues following spinal cord injury remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of electrical fields on angiogenesis and spinal cord repair following traumatic spinal cord injury in rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China from September 2007 to August 2008. MATERIALS: Hydrogen blood flow detector (Soochow University Medical Instrument, China), Power Lab System (AD Instruments, Colorado Springs, CO, USA) and mouse anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) were used in this study. METHODS: A total of 60 healthy, adult, Sprague Dawley rats were equally and randomly assigned to sham-surgery, model, and electrical field groups. The Allen's weight-drop method was used to induce complete spinal cord injury in the model and electrical field groups. Rats in the electrical field group were implanted with silver needles and electrical fields (350 V/m) were applied following traumatic injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Latency of somatosensory-evoked potential was detected and spinal cord blood flow was measured by hydrogen blood flow detector. Microvascular density was determined by histological analysis. VEGF expression in the spinal cord was observed by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Recovery of spinal cord blood flow was significantly increased in the electrical field group (at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 days after injury) compared with the model group (P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01). Latency of P1 waves in somatosensory-evoked potential of electrical field group (at 1,2, 4, 8, and 24 days after injury) was significantly shorter than the model group (P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01). Microvascular density and VEGF expression were greater in the electrical field group compared with the model group at 24 days after injury (P 〈 0.01). CONCLUSION: Electrical fields (350 V/m) promoted angiogenesis within injured rat tissue following spinal cord injury and improved spinal cord function. Electrical fields could help to ameliorate spinal cord injury. The mechanisms of action could be related to increased VEGF expression.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11374133)the Project of Shandong Provincial Higher Educational Science and Technology Program,China(Grant No.J13LJ04)
文摘In this paper,we investigate the photoionization microscopy of the Rydberg hydrogen atom in a gradient electric field for the first time.The observed oscillatory patterns in the photoionization microscopy are explained within the framework of the semiclassical theory,which can be considered as a manifestation of interference between various electron trajectories arriving at a given point on the detector plane.In contrast with the photoionization microscopy in the uniform electric field,the trajectories of the ionized electron in the gradient electric field will become chaotic.An infinite set of different electron trajectories can arrive at a given point on the detector plane,which makes the interference pattern of the electron probability density distribution extremely complicated.Our calculation results suggest that the oscillatory pattern in the electron probability density distribution depends sensitively on the electric field gradient,the scaled energy and the position of the detector plane.Through our research,we predict that the interference pattern in the electron probability density distribution can be observed in an actual photoionization microscopy experiment once the external electric field strength and the position of the electron detector plane are reasonable.This study provides some references for the future experimental research on the photoionization microscopy of the Rydberg atom in the non-uniform external fields.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.62171312)the Tianjin Municipal Education Commission Scientific Research Project,China(Grant No.2020KJ114).
文摘Evidences show that electric fields(EFs)induced by the magnetic stimulation could modulates brain activities by regulating the excitability of GABAergic interneuron.However,it is still unclear how and why the EF-induced polarization affects the interneuron response as the interneuron receives NMDA synaptic inputs.Considering the key role of NMDA receptor-mediated supralinear dendritic integration in neuronal computations,we suppose that the applied EFs could functionally modulate interneurons’response via regulating dendritic integration.At first,we build a simplified multi-dendritic circuit model with inhomogeneous extracellular potentials,which characterizes the relationship among EF-induced spatial polarizations,dendritic integration,and somatic output.By performing model-based singular perturbation analysis,it is found that the equilibrium point of fast subsystem can be used to asymptotically depict the subthreshold input–output(sI/O)relationship of dendritic integration.It predicted that EF-induced strong depolarizations on the distal dendrites reduce the dendritic saturation output by reducing driving force of synaptic input,and it shifts the steep change of sI/O curve left by reducing stimulation threshold of triggering NMDA spike.Also,the EF modulation prefers the global dendritic integration with asymmetric scatter distribution of NMDA synapses.Furthermore,we identify the respective contribution of EF-regulated dendritic integration and EF-induced somatic polarization to an action potential generation and find that they have an antagonistic effect on AP generation due to the varied NMDA spike threshold under EF stimulation.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 62171312 and 61771330)the Tianjin Municipal Education Commission Scientific Research Project (Grant No. 2020KJ114)。
文摘Coexistence of fast and slow traveling waves without synaptic transmission has been found in hhhippocampal tissues,which is closely related to both normal brain activity and abnormal neural activity such as epileptic discharge. However, the propagation mechanism behind this coexistence phenomenon remains unclear. In this paper, a three-dimensional electric field coupled hippocampal neural network is established to investigate generation of coexisting spontaneous fast and slow traveling waves. This model captures two types of dendritic traveling waves propagating in both transverse and longitude directions: the N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA)-dependent wave with a speed of about 0.1 m/s and the Ca-dependent wave with a speed of about 0.009 m/s. These traveling waves are synaptic-independent and could be conducted only by the electric fields generated by neighboring neurons, which are basically consistent with the in vitro data measured experiments. It is also found that the slow Ca wave could trigger generation of fast NMDA waves in the propagation path of slow waves whereas fast NMDA waves cannot affect the propagation of slow Ca waves. These results suggest that dendritic Ca waves could acted as the source of the coexistence fast and slow waves. Furthermore, we also confirm the impact of cellular spacing heterogeneity on the onset of coexisting fast and slow waves. The local region with decreasing distances among neighbor neurons is more liable to promote the onset of spontaneous slow waves which, as sources, excite propagation of fast waves. These modeling studies provide possible biophysical mechanisms underlying the neural dynamics of spontaneous traveling waves in brain tissues.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.12064034)the Leading Talents Program of Science and Technology Innovation in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,China (Grant No.2020GKLRLX08)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Ningxia Hui Auatonomous Region,China (Grant Nos.2022AAC03643,2022AAC03117,and 2018AAC03029)the Major Science and Technology Project of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,China (Grant No.2022BDE03006)the Natural Science Project of the Higher Education Institutions of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,China (Grant No.13-1069)。
文摘High-voltage transmission lines play a crucial role in facilitating the utilization of renewable energy in regions prone to desertification. The accumulation of atmospheric particles on the surface of these lines can significantly impact corona discharge and wind-induced conductor displacement. Accurately quantifying the force exerted by particles adhering to conductor surfaces is essential for evaluating fouling conditions and making informed decisions. Therefore, this study investigates the changes in electric field intensity along branched conductors caused by various fouling layers and their resulting influence on the adhesion of dust particles. The findings indicate that as individual particle size increases, the field strength at the top of the particle gradually decreases and eventually stabilizes at approximately 49.22 k V/cm, which corresponds to a field strength approximately 1.96 times higher than that of an unpolluted transmission line. Furthermore,when particle spacing exceeds 15 times the particle size, the field strength around the transmission line gradually decreases and approaches the level observed on non-adhering surface. The electric field remains relatively stable. In a triangular arrangement of three particles, the maximum field strength at the tip of the fouling layer is approximately 1.44 times higher than that of double particles and 1.5 times higher compared to single particles. These results suggest that particles adhering to the transmission line have a greater affinity for adsorbing charged particles. Additionally, relevant numerical calculations demonstrate that in dry environments, the primary adhesion forces between particles and transmission lines follow an order of electrostatic force and van der Waals force. Specifically, at the minimum field strength, these forces are approximately74.73 times and 19.43 times stronger than the gravitational force acting on the particles.
基金This research is based on results obtained from Project JPNP07015the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization(NEDO)and is also partly supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI Program(Grant No.21K18795)。
文摘We have newly designed an electrostatic sensor,called an electric field mill(EFM),to simplify the estimation of the charge position and charge amount transferred by lightning discharges.It is necessary for this remote estimation of the transferred charge to measure electric field changes caused by charge loss at the time of a lightning strike at multiple locations.For multiple-station measurement of electric field changes,not only speed but also phase for exposure and shielding of the sensing plates inside each EFM of the array should be synchronized to maintain the sensitivities of the deployed instruments.Currently,there is no such EFM with specified speed and phase control performance of the rotary part.Thus,we developed a new EFM in which the rotary mechanism was controlled consistently to within 3%error by a GPS module.Five EFMs had been distributed in the Hokuriku area of Japan during the winter season of 2022-2023 for a test observation.Here we describe the design and a simple calibration method for our new EFM array.Data analysis method based on the assumption of a simple monopole charge structure is also summarized.For validation,locations of assumed point charges were compared with three-dimensional lightning mapping data estimated by radio observations in the MF-HF bands.Initial results indicated the validity to estimate transferred charge amounts and positions of winter cloud-to-ground lightning discharges with our new EFM array.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52200123)the Open Project of Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering Process of Ministry of Education(GCP2022007)the Scientific Research and Innovation Team Program of Sichuan University of Science and Engineering(SUSE652A014)。
文摘Although the internal electric field(IEF)of photocatalysts is acknowledged as a potent driving force for photocharge separation,modulating the IEF intensity to achieve enhanced photocatalytic performances remains a challenge.Herein,cuprous sulfide nanosheets with different Cu vacancy concentration were employed to study IEF modulation and corresponding direct charge transfer.Among the samples,Cu_(1.8)S nanosheets possessed intensified IEF intensity compared with those of Cu_(2)S and Cu_(1.95)S nanosheets,suggesting that an enhanced IEF intensity could be achieved by introducing more Cu vacancies.This intensified IEF of Cu_(1.8)S nanosheets induced numerous photogenerated electrons to migrate to its surface,and the dissociative electrons were then captured by Cu vacancies,resulting in efficient charge separation spatially.In addition,the Cu vacancies on Cu_(1.8)S nanosheets accumulated electrons as active sites to lower the energy barrier of rate-determining step of CO_(2)photoreduction,leading to the selective conversion of CO_(2)to CO.Herein,the manipulation of IEF intensity through Cu vacancy concentration regulation of cuprous sulfide photocatalysts for efficient charge separation has been discussed,providing a scientific strategy to rationally improve photocata lytic performances for solar energy conversion.
基金Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2021YFF0603704)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.62071443)。
文摘The strength of microwave(MW)electric field can be observed with high precision by using the standard electromagnetically induced transparency and Aulter–Towns(EIT-AT)technique,when its frequency is resonant or nearly-resonant with the Rydberg transition frequency.As the detuning of MW field increases,one of the transmission peaks(single peak)is easier to measure due to its increased amplitude.It can be found that the central symmetry point of the two transmission peaks f_(1/2)is only related to the detuning of MW field△_(MW)and central symmetry point f_(0)of resonant MW field,satisfying the relation f_(1/2)=△_(MW)/2+f_(0).Thus,we demonstrate a single transmission peak method that the MW E-field can be determined by interval between the position of single peak and f_(1/2).We use this method to measure continuous frequencies in a band from-200 MHz to 200 MHz of the MW field.The experimental results and theoretical analysis are presented to describe the effectiveness of this method.For 50 MHz<△_(MW)<200 MHz,this method solves the problem that the AT splitting cannot be measured by using the standard EIT-AT techniques or multiple atomic-level Rydberg atom schemes.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.61627813,62204018,and 61571023)the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Project(Grant No.Z201100004220002)+2 种基金the National Key Technology Program of China(Grant No.2017ZX01032101)the Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities in China(Grant No.B16001)the VR Innovation Platform from Qingdao Science and Technology Commission.
文摘Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction(DMI) is under extensive investigation considering its crucial status in chiral magnetic orders, such as Néel-type domain wall(DW) and skyrmions. It has been reported that the interfacial DMI originating from Rashba spin–orbit coupling(SOC) can be linearly tuned with strong external electric fields. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate that the strength of DMI exhibits rapid fluctuations, ranging from 10% to 30% of its original value, as a function of applied electric fields in Pt/Co/MgO heterostructures within the small field regime(< 10-2V/nm). Brillouin light scattering(BLS) experiments have been performed to measure DMI, and first-principles calculations show agreement with this observation, which can be explained by the variation in orbital hybridization at the Co/MgO interface in response to the weak electric fields. Our results on voltage control of DMI(VCDMI) suggest that research related to the voltage control of magnetic anisotropy for spin–orbit torque or the motion control of skyrmions might also have to consider the role of the external electric field on DMI as small voltages are generally used for the magnetoresistance detection.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52072099)the Joint Guidance Project of the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province,China(No.LH2022E093)the Team Program of the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province,China(No.TD2021E005)。
文摘Lithium sulfur(Li-S)battery is a kind of burgeoning energy storage system with high energy density.However,the electrolyte-soluble intermediate lithium polysulfides(Li PSs)undergo notorious shuttle effect,which seriously hinders the commercialization of Li-S batteries.Herein,a unique VSe_(2)/V_(2)C heterostructure with local built-in electric field was rationally engineered from V_(2)C parent via a facile thermal selenization process.It exquisitely synergizes the strong affinity of V_(2)C with the effective electrocatalytic activity of VSe_(2).More importantly,the local built-in electric field at the heterointerface can sufficiently promote the electron/ion transport ability and eventually boost the conversion kinetics of sulfur species.The Li-S battery equipped with VSe_(2)/V_(2)C-CNTs-PP separator achieved an outstanding initial specific capacity of 1439.1 m A h g^(-1)with a high capacity retention of 73%after 100 cycles at0.1 C.More impressively,a wonderful capacity of 571.6 mA h g^(-1)was effectively maintained after 600cycles at 2 C with a capacity decay rate of 0.07%.Even under a sulfur loading of 4.8 mg cm^(-2),areal capacity still can be up to 5.6 m A h cm^(-2).In-situ Raman tests explicitly illustrate the effectiveness of VSe_(2)/V_(2)C-CNTs modifier in restricting Li PSs shuttle.Combined with density functional theory calculations,the underlying mechanism of VSe_(2)/V_(2)C heterostructure for remedying Li PSs shuttling and conversion kinetics was deciphered.The strategy of constructing VSe_(2)/V_(2)C heterocatalyst in this work proposes a universal protocol to design metal selenide-based separator modifier for Li-S battery.Besides,it opens an efficient avenue for the separator engineering of Li-S batteries.
基金Project supported by the Industry and Education Combination Innovation Platform of Intelligent Manufacturing and Graduate Joint Training Base at Guizhou University(Grant No.2020-520000-83-01-324061)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.61264004)the High-level Creative Talent Training Program in Guizhou Province of China(Grant No.[2015]4015).
文摘Recently,the newly synthesized septuple-atomic layer two-dimensional(2D)material MoSi_(2)N_(4)(MSN)has attracted attention worldwide.Our work delves into the effect of vacancies and external electric fields on the electronic properties of the MSN/graphene(Gr)heterostructure using first-principles calculation.We find that four types of defective structures,N-in,N-out,Si and Mo vacancy defects of monolayer MSN and MSN/Gr heterostructure are stable in air.Moreover,vacancy defects can effectively modulate the charge transfer at the interface of the MSN/Gr heterostructure as well as the work function of the pristine monolayer MSN and MSN/Gr heterostructure.Finally,the application of an external electric field enables the dynamic switching between n-type and p-type Schottky contacts.Our work may offer the possibility of exceeding the capabilities of conventional Schottky diodes based on MSN/Gr heterostructures.
基金financially supported by the Industrial Technology Innovation Program of IMAST(No.2023JSYD 01003)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52104292 and U2341209)。
文摘Constructing a built-in electric field has emerged as a key strategy for enhancing charge separation and transfer,thereby improving photoelectrochemical performance.Recently,considerable efforts have been devoted to this endeavor.This review systematically summarizes the impact of built-in electric fields on enhancing charge separation and transfer mechanisms,focusing on the modulation of built-in electric fields in terms of depth and orderliness.First,mechanisms and tuning strategies for built-in electric fields are explored.Then,the state-of-the-art works regarding built-in electric fields for modulating charge separation and transfer are summarized and categorized according to surface and interface depth.Finally,current strategies for constructing bulk built-in electric fields in photoelectrodes are explored,and insights into future developments for enhancing charge separation and transfer in high-performance photoelectrochemical applications are provided.
基金supported by the faculty startup funds from the Yangzhou Universitythe Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20210821)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22102141)the Lvyangjinfeng Talent Program of Yangzhou。
文摘Developing efficient energy storage for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)by creating high-performance heterojunctions and understanding their interfacial interaction at the atomic/molecular level holds promise but is also challenging.Besides,sluggish reaction kinetics at low temperatures restrict the operation of SIBs in cold climates.Herein,cross-linking nanoarchitectonics of WS_(2)/Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) heterojunction,featuring built-in electric field(BIEF),have been developed,employing as a model to reveal the positive effect of heterojunction design and BIEF for modifying the reaction kinetics and electrochemical activity.Particularly,the theoretical analysis manifests the discrepancy in work functions leads to the electronic flow from the electron-rich Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) to layered WS_(2),spontaneously forming the BIEF and“ion reservoir”at the heterogeneous interface.Besides,the generation of cross-linking pathways further promotes the transportation of electrons/ions,which guarantees rapid diffusion kinetics and excellent structure coupling.Consequently,superior sodium storage performance is obtained for the WS_(2)/Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) heterojunction,with only 0.2%decay per cycle at 5.0 A g^(-1)(25℃)up to 1000 cycles and a high capacity of 293.5 mA h g^(-1)(0.1A g^(-1)after 100 cycles)even at-20℃.Importantly,the spontaneously formed BIEF,accompanied by“ion reservoir”,in heterojunction provides deep understandings of the correlation between structure fabricated and performance obtained.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation,China,No.82272568,81902247,and 32201013Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China,No.ZR2021QH275+1 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Jinan City,China,No.202225070Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation,China,No.2022A1515220056.
文摘BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)modulated by various exogenous signals have been applied extensively in regenerative medicine research.Notably,nanosecond pulsed electric fields(nsPEFs),characterized by short duration and high strength,significantly influence cell phenotypes and regulate MSCs differentiation via multiple pathways.Consequently,we used transcriptomics to study changes in messenger RNA(mRNA),long noncoding RNA(lncRNA),microRNA(miRNA),and circular RNA expression during nsPEFs application.AIM To explore gene expression profiles and potential transcriptional regulatory mechanisms in MSCs pretreated with nsPEFs.METHODS The impact of nsPEFs on the MSCs transcriptome was investigated through whole transcriptome sequencing.MSCs were pretreated with 5-pulse nsPEFs(100 ns at 10 kV/cm,1 Hz),followed by total RNA isolation.Each transcript was normalized by fragments per kilobase per million.Fold change and difference significance were applied to screen the differentially expressed genes(DEGs).Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed to elucidate gene functions,complemented by quantitative polymerase chain reaction verification.RESULTS In total,263 DEGs were discovered,with 92 upregulated and 171 downregulated.DEGs were predominantly enriched in epithelial cell proliferation,osteoblast differentiation,mesenchymal cell differentiation,nuclear division,and wound healing.Regarding cellular components,DEGs are primarily involved in condensed chromosome,chromosomal region,actin cytoskeleton,and kinetochore.From aspect of molecular functions,DEGs are mainly involved in glycosaminoglycan binding,integrin binding,nuclear steroid receptor activity,cytoskeletal motor activity,and steroid binding.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed targeted transcript regulation.CONCLUSION Our systematic investigation of the wide-ranging transcriptional pattern modulated by nsPEFs revealed the differential expression of 263 mRNAs,2 miRNAs,and 65 lncRNAs.Our study demonstrates that nsPEFs may affect stem cells through several signaling pathways,which are involved in vesicular transport,calcium ion transport,cytoskeleton,and cell differentiation.
文摘The Gibbs free energy is strongly related to the stability and catalytic function of an enzyme through the energetic changes that occur in the chemical reactions the enzyme catalyzes. In this in silico study, a pulsed electric field was applied to an azoreductase, and its effect on the Gibbs free energy of molecular docking with two dyes was measured. We propose that certain stimuli from a pulsed electric field favor the structural stability of the enzyme by promoting an arrangement in the active site, potentially leading to an enhancement of enzymatic activity overall.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.50933006)Zhejiang Provincial Innovative Research Team (No.2009R50004)
文摘In our previous work, it was found that large electrospun from chlorinated polypropylene solution doped Bird's Nest patterned nanofibrous membranes can be simply with an ionic liquid, and a plausible formation mechanism of Bird's Nest patterned architectures was proposed. Here, we use Ansoft Maxwell version 12 software (3D, electrostatic solver) to simulate the electrical field distribution of the electrospinning setup, and to clarify the rationality of proposed formation mechanism. Calculation results clearly show that the introduction of charged nanofibrous bundles would produce a similar patterned electrical field distribution, which definitely confirms the important role of surface residual charges. The proposed mechanism can be well extended to other polymer systems including polystyrene, poly(acrylonitrile-co-acrylic acid) and chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide).