What Can We Learn from FGF-2 Isoform-Specific Mouse Mutants? Differential Insights into FGF-2 Physiology In Vivo

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), ubiquitously expressed in humans and mice, is functionally involved in cell growth, migration and maturation in vitro and in vivo. Based on the same mRNA, an 18-kilo Dalton (kDa) FGF-2 isoform named FGF-2 low molecular weight (FGF-2LMW) isoform is translated in humans and rodents. Additionally, two larger isoforms weighing 21 and 22 kDa also exist, summarized as the FGF-2 high molecular weight (FGF-2HMW) isoform. Meanwhile, the human FGF-2HMW comprises a 22, 23, 24 and 34 kDa protein. Independent studies verified a specific intracellular localization, mode of action and tissue-specific spatiotemporal expression of the FGF-2 isoforms, increasing the complexity of their physiological and pathophysiological roles. In order to analyze their spectrum of effects, FGF-2LMW knock out (ko) and FGF-2HMWko mice have been generated, as well as mice specifically overexpressing either FGF-2LMW or FGF-2HMW. So far, the development and functionality of the cardiovascular system, bone formation and regeneration as well as their impact on the central nervous system including disease models of neurodegeneration, have been examined. This review provides a summary of the studies characterizing the in vivo effects modulated by the FGF-2 isoforms and, thus, offers a comprehensive overview of its actions in the aforementioned organ systems.     

High-resolution FIB-TEM-STEM structural characterization of grain boundaries in the high dielectric constant perovskite CaCu3Ti4O12

In this work, the grain boundaries composition of the polycrystalline CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (CCTO) was investigated. A Focused Ion Beam (FIB)/lift-out technique was used to prepare site-specific thin samples of the grain boundaries interface of CCTO ceramics. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXS) and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) systems were used to characterize the composition and nanostructure of the grain and grain boundaries region. It is known that during conventional sintering, discontinuous grain growth occurs and a Cu-rich phase appears at grain boundaries. This Cu-rich phase may affect the final dielectric properties of CCTO but its structure and chemical composition remained unknown. For the first time, this high-resolution FIB-TEM-STEM study of CCTO interfacial region highlights the composition of the phases segregated at grain boundaries namely CuO, Cu₂O and the metastable phase Cu₃TiO_4.     

Surface modification of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) films via environmental crazing

This work addresses the phenomenon of the development of a patterned surface relief on polymer films via different modes of environmental crazing. Commercial films of semicrystalline poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and amorphous glassy poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were subjected to tensile drawing in the presence of physically active liquid environments (carbon tetrachloride or aliphatic alcohols). The structure parameters and wettability of the modified films were studied by AFM, SEM, profilometer measurements and contact angle measurements. Environmental intercrystallite crazing of PTFE is accompanied by the development of an unstable structure with a high free surface, which experiences marked strain recovery upon unloading. As a result of the relief formation, PTFE hydrophobicity is enhanced (the water contact angle increases by 25°). Classical environmental crazing of PET films is accompanied by the formation of an anisotropic surface relief which is an assembly of crazes oriented perpendicular to the direction of tensile drawing, thus leading to the phenomenon of anisotropic wetting. The proposed approach for structural surface modification makes it possible to use the advantages of surface instability and spontaneous self‐organization of the polymer towards the development of a unique surface microrelief. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry     

Investigating the effect of silver nanorods embedded in polydimethylsiloxane matrix using nanoindentation and its use for flexible electronics

The stretchable electrodes with excellent flexibility, electrical conductivity, and mechanical durability are the most fundamental components in the emerging and exciting field of flexible electronics. This article proposes a method for fabrication of such a stretchable electrode by embedding silver nanorods (AgNRs) into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix that is grown by a unique glancing angle deposition technique. The surface, mechanical, and electrical properties of PDMS are significantly changed after embedding the AgNRs in it. The results show that surface roughness and polarity increase after AgNRs are embedded in the PDMS matrix. Elastic modulus (E) and hardness (H) decrease with an increase in the indentation load as a result of the indentation depth effect. Due to strong interfacial adhesion of AgNRs embedded in the PDMS matrix, the E and H of nanocomposite are increased by 167.6 and 93.3% compared with PDMS film, respectively. Furthermore, the AgNRs-PDMS film has an electrical resistivity value in the order of 10⁻⁷ Ωm. It remains conductive during various mechanical strains such as bending, twisting, and stretching, which is demonstrated using a light-emitting diode circuit. Simultaneously, the antimicrobial activity of silver could make it a promising candidate for wearable electronics.     

Design and performance study of phase‐locked loop using fractional‐order loop filter

The present work reports the realization of an analog fractional‐order phase‐locked loop (FPLL) using a fractional capacitor. The expressions for bandwidth, capture range, and lock range of the FPLL have been derived analytically and then compared with the experimental observations using LM565 IC. It has been observed that bandwidth and capture range can be extended by using FPLL. It has also been found that FPLL can provide faster response and lower phase error at the time of switching compared to its integer‐order counterpart. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cu基络合物催化甲醇液相氧化羰化反应

针对甲醇液相氧化羰基化法合成碳酸二甲酯(DMC)工艺,开发了新型Cu基络合催化剂(CuB rnLm)。对CuB rnLm催化剂的活性及其稳定性进行了研究。实验结果表明,采用该催化剂,甲醇转化率和DMC选择性较高;元素价态和物质结构分析表明,CuB rnLm催化剂循环使用5次后仍保持较好的稳定性。采用正交设计和中心响应曲面法设计实验,并使用S tatistica软件进行统计分析,寻求出反应的主要影响因素,并得到优化的工艺条件:反应温度100~110℃、反应压力3.0~3.5M Pa、反应时间4~6h、CuB rnLm催化剂质量浓度(以甲醇的体积计)0.15~0.20g/mL。在此工艺条件下,甲醇转化率可达23%以上,DMC的选择性为96%~98%。     

一般阵列误差情况下信号二维方向角估计

针对均匀圆阵存在一般阵列误差的情况,提出一种信号二维方向角估计方法.基于均匀圆阵的阵列流形和阵列输出的协方差矩阵,采用加权总体最小二乘法估计信号二维方向角.并给出了解整周期性模糊的方法.计算机仿真表明了此方法估计精度高,对阵列误差鲁棒性强,并且各项性能都接近于CRB.     

一种基于空间到达角的卫星电子侦察信号分选方法

在建立简化的卫星电子侦察空间模型的基础上，提出了一种利用空间到达角分选卫星电子侦察信号的新方法。通过仿真实验验证了这种方法的可行性。该方法可用于密集信号的预处理。     

不同表面预处理对有机电致发光显示器性能的影响

从生产角度研究了基板表面的预处理工艺对OLED性能的影响,分别用UVOzone、氧Plasma以及两者相结合的方式对基板进行表面处理,并按照生产工艺制作器件,从接触角、方阻以及光电特性等测试结果对各种表面处理的样品进行比较。结果表明以上处理都改善了器件性能,不同程度提高了器件的清洁度、亮度和发光效率,其中UVOzone和氧Plasma结合的方式处理效果最为显著,器件在10V时亮度达到79920cd/m2,比其他两种处理方式亮度提高约25%。