Search

This study presents a CT method integrated with image inpainting to reconstruct the three-dimensional distribution of argon ion light intensity in Helicon and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) modes. The reconstructed intensity distribution was validated by comparing it with theoretical radiation intensity derived from probe measurements and argon CR model. Results demonstrate that the method accurately reconstructs the three-dimensional distribution of argon ion light intensity and reveals the spatial distribution patterns of ion intensity under Helicon and ICP modes. The Helicon mode has a concentration of intensity in the central region (Radial cross-section dispersion > 84 %) and while the ICP mode exhibiting a more dispersed distribution (< 55 %). The presence of a magnetic field showed a strong correlation with the intensity dispersion on the cross-section. This study provides an effective measurement method and data reference for understanding discharge mode characteristics and plasma behavior in Helicon plasma sources. • A computerized tomography (CT) method integrated with image inpainting is used to reconstruct the three-dimensional distribution of argon ion light intensity for helicon plasma source. • The Helicon mode demonstrates concentrated intensity in the central region (> 84% radial cross-section dispersion), while the ICP mode exhibits a more dispersed distribution (< 55%), with a strong correlation between the presence of a magnetic field and intensity dispersion on the cross-section. • This research provides an effective measurement method and data reference for understanding discharge mode characteristics and plasma behavior in Helicon plasma sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aim to investigate the role of enolase 1 (ENO1) in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenic process and to uncover the underlying mechanism. To this end, we used IL-1β to induce an in vitro OA‑like chondrocyte model in human immortalized chondrocyte C-28/I2 cells. We manipulated the expression of ENO1 and cytokine receptor-like factor 1 (CRLF1) in IL-1β-induced C-28/I2 cells using siRNA and/or overexpression and tested their effects on IL-1β-induced pathologies including cell viability, apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6 and TNF-α), and the expression of extracellular matrix-related enzymes and major mediators in the NF-κB signaling pathway (p-p65, p65, p-IκBα and IκBα). We used co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence imaging to study a possible binding between ENO1 and CRLF1. Our data showed that IL-1β induction elevated ENO1 and CRLF1 expression in C-28/I2 cells. Silencing ENO1 or CRLF1 inhibited the IL-1β-induced cell viability damage, apoptosis, inflammation, and extracellular matrix degradation. The inhibitory effect of silencing ENO1 was reversed by CRLF1 overexpression, suggesting a functional connection between ENO1 and CRLF1, which could be attributed to a binding between these two partners. Our study could help validate the role of ENO1 in OA pathogenies and identify novel therapeutic targets for OA treatment. • ENO1 could bind to CRLF1 in IL-1β-induced C-28/I2 cells. • Silencing ENO1 inhibited the IL-1β-induced viability damage and apoptosis in C-28/I2 cells via CRLF1. • ENO1 silence inhibited the IL-1β-induced inflammatory response and extracellular matrix degradation in C-28/I2 cells CRLF1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overexpression of AtPAP2, a phosphatase located on the outer membranes of chloroplasts and mitochondria, leads to higher energy outputs from these organelles. AtPAP2 interacts with seven MORF proteins of the editosome complex. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that the editing degrees of most sites did not differ significantly between OE and WT, except some sites on the transcripts of several cytochrome c maturation (Ccm) genes. Western blotting of 2D BN-PAGE showed that the patterns of CcmF N1 polypeptides were different between the lines. We proposed that AtPAP2 may influence cytochrome c biogenesis by modulating RNA editing through its interaction with MORF proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological age (BA) has been proposed to evaluate the aging status instead of chronological age (CA). Our study shows evidence that there might be multiple "clocks" within the whole-body system: systemic aging drivers/clocks overlaid with organ/tissue-specific counterparts. We utilize multi-omics data, including clinical tests, immune repertoire, targeted metabolomic molecules, gut microbiomes, physical fitness examinations, and facial skin examinations, to estimate the BA of different organs (e.g., liver, kidney) and systems (immune and metabolic system). The aging rates of organs/systems are diverse. People's aging patterns are different. We also demonstrate several applications of organs/systems BA in two independent datasets. Mortality predictions are compared among organs' BA in the dataset of the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Polygenic risk score of BAs constructed in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey cohort can predict the possibility of becoming centenarian. [Display omitted] • Constructing biological ages of organs/systems using multi-omics features • Organs and systems are aging at different rates • Specific biological age could predict disease of corresponding organs • Biological ages of organs and systems have diverse genetic architectures Nie et al. estimate biological ages of organs and systems using 402 multi-omics features from 4,066 individuals and demonstrate several applications. They find that organs and systems are aging at different rates, and biological ages could be utilized for population stratification, mortality prediction, and phenotypes of genetic association studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immune system of skin develops in stages in mice. However, the developmental dynamics of immune cells in human skin remains elusive. Here, we perform transcriptome profiling of CD45+ hematopoietic cells in human fetal skin at an estimated gestational age of 10–17 weeks by single-cell RNA sequencing. A total of 13 immune cell types are identified. Skin macrophages show dynamic heterogeneity over the course of skin development. A major shift in lymphoid cell developmental states occurs from the first to the second trimester that implies an in situ differentiation process. Gene expression analysis reveals a typical developmental program in immune cells in accordance with their functional maturation, possibly involving metabolic reprogramming. Finally, we identify transcription factors (TFs) that potentially regulate cellular transitions by comparing TFs and TF target gene networks. These findings provide detailed insight into how the immune system of the human skin is established during development. [Display omitted] • Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals diverse immune cells in human fetal skin • Macrophages are heterogeneous and dynamic in fetal skin development • Innate lymphoid lineages gradually differentiate from early to mid-gestation • Skin immune cell development is associated with metabolic reprogramming Xu et al. perform single-cell transcriptome profiling of immune cells in human fetal skin at early- to mid-gestation. They highlight the heterogeneity and dynamic developmental process of macrophages and innate lymphoid cells and reveal metabolic reprogramming and transcription factors (TFs) transition involved in cell differentiation in situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A magnetic nozzle enhanced magnetoplasmadynamic thruster (ME-MPDT) is proposed as a modification of the conventional applied field magnetoplasmadynamic thruster (AF-MPDT). In contrast to AF-MPDTs, ME-MPDT features a reduced discharge chamber, shifting the energy injection zone from the discharge chamber to the magnetic nozzle. The majority of argon is injected directly into the magnetic nozzle via the cathode, where it undergoes ionization and acceleration. Thrust, specific impulse, total efficiency, and thrust-to-power ratio of ME-MPDT are assessed using an elastic thrust stand. Comparing ME-MPDT to the standard AF-MPDT at a discharge current of 250 A and a magnetic field of 0.15 T, it demonstrates a 20% increase in thrust and a 15% increase in discharge voltage. To understand the reason behind this performance enhancement, both thrusters are simulated using a two-temperature MHD model. The simulation model is solved by the ANSYS FLUENT. The performance boost is attributed to an increase in azimuthal diamagnetic current within the magnetic nozzle, with ME-MPDT exhibiting 25% higher azimuthal diamagnetic current compared to AF-MPDT. Under these experimental conditions, ME-MPDT achieves its best performance at a discharge current of 250 A, power input of 22 kW, and a magnetic field of 0.15 T, resulting in a thrust of 485 mN, a specific impulse of 2356 s, and a thrust efficiency of 28%. • A new structure of applied field magnetoplasmadynamic thruster is proposed. • The energy injection area is changed to the magnetic nozzle. • The performance can be improved by increasing the energy in the magnetic nozzle. • The performance boost in ME-MPDT is from higher diamagnetic current in the magnetic nozzle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]