Chemical Inhibition of RPA by HAMNO Alters Cell Cycle Dynamics by Impeding DNA Replication and G2-to-M Transition but Has Little Effect on the Radiation-Induced DNA Damage Response.

Replication protein A (RPA) is the major single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding protein that is essential for DNA replication and processing of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by homology-directed repair pathways. Recently, small molecule inhibitors have been developed targeting the RPA70 subunit and preventing RPA interactions with ssDNA and various DNA repair proteins. The rationale of this development is the potential utility of such compounds as cancer therapeutics, owing to their ability to inhibit DNA replication that sustains tumor growth. Among these compounds, (1Z)-1-[(2-hydroxyanilino) methylidene] naphthalen-2-one (HAMNO) has been more extensively studied and its efficacy against tumor growth was shown to arise from the associated DNA replication stress. Here, we study the effects of HAMNO on cells exposed to ionizing radiation (IR), focusing on the effects on the DNA damage response and the processing of DSBs and explore its potential as a radiosensitizer. We show that HAMNO by itself slows down the progression of cells through the cell cycle by dramatically decreasing DNA synthesis. Notably, HAMNO also attenuates the progression of G2-phase cells into mitosis by a mechanism that remains to be elucidated. Furthermore, HAMNO increases the fraction of chromatin-bound RPA in S-phase but not in G2-phase cells and suppresses DSB repair by homologous recombination. Despite these marked effects on the cell cycle and the DNA damage response, radiosensitization could neither be detected in exponentially growing cultures, nor in cultures enriched in G2-phase cells. Our results complement existing data on RPA inhibitors, specifically HAMNO, and suggest that their antitumor activity by replication stress induction may not extend to radiosensitization. However, it may render cells more vulnerable to other forms of DNA damaging agents through synthetically lethal interactions, which requires further investigation.

Environmental, energy, and economic impact assessment of sludge management alternatives based on incineration.

In this study, different management strategies for sewage sludge disposal were evaluated associated with environmental, energy, and economic impact, using life cycle assessment (LCA), cumulative energy demand (CED) and life cycle costing (LCC) approaches. Four scenarios, including mono-incineration, co-incineration in municipal solid wastes (MSW) incineration plant, co-incineration in coal-fired power plant and co-incineration in cement kiln, were assessed. The environmental burdens generated from the sludge incineration contributed primarily to the global warming, followed by eutrophication, marine aquatic ecotoxicity, and human toxicity potential across the four scenarios. Furthermore, mono-incineration scenario appeared to be the most environmentally unfriendly, energy and economy intensive alternative, with the LCA, CED and LCC value of 5.41E-09, 1736 MJ and 1.84 million CNY, respectively. By contrast, co-incineration in cement kiln exhibited the lowest CED (368 MJ), LCC (0.59 million CNY), and environmental burdens (1.02E-09). In addition, the sensitivity analysis indicated that four scenarios were sensitive to the changes in the electricity efficiency and the moisture content contained in sewage sludge, suggesting that it was of great significance to enhance the efficiency of sludge dewatering and thermal drying The findings of this study can provide scientific reference for selecting the optimal strategies for the most environmentally and economically friendly sewage sludge management with optimum energy efficiency.

Classification and effectiveness of different oxygenation goals in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients: network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The optimal oxygenation in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients remains unclear. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with the aim to classify oxygenation goals and investigate their relative effectiveness. RCTs investigating different oxygenation goal-directed mechanical ventilation in critically ill adult patients were eligible for the analysis. The trinary classification classified oxygenation goals into conservative (partial pressure of arterial oxygen (P aO2 ) 55-90 mmHg), moderate (P aO2 90-150 mmHg) and liberal (P aO2 >150 mmHg). The quadruple classification further divided the conservative goal from the trinary classification into far-conservative (P aO2 55-70 mmHg) and conservative (P aO2 70-90 mmHg) goals. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. The secondary outcomes included intensive care unit, hospital and 90-day mortalities. The effectiveness was estimated by the relative risk and 95% credible interval (CrI) using network meta-analysis and visualised using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) scores and survival curves. RESULTS: We identified eight eligible studies involving 2532 patients. There were no differences between conservative and moderate goals (relative risk 1.08, 95% CrI 0.85-1.36; moderate quality), between moderate and liberal goals (relative risk 0.83, 95% CrI 0.61-1.10; low quality) or between conservative and liberal goals (relative risk 0.89, 95% CrI 0.61-1.30; low quality) based on the trinary classification. There were no differences in secondary outcomes among the different goals. The results were consistent between the trinary and quadruple classifications. The SUCRA scores and survival curves suggested that the moderate goal in the trinary and quadruple classifications and the conservative goal in the quadruple classification may be superior to the liberal and far-conservative goals. CONCLUSIONS: Different oxygenation goals do not lead to different mortalities in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. The potential superiority of maintaining P aO2 in the range 70-150 mmHg remains to be validated.

The algicidal efficacy and the mechanism of Enterobacter sp. EA-1 on Oscillatoria dominating in aquaculture system.

The global escalation and intensification of cyanobacterial blooms require powerful algaecides. This study investigated the algicidal efficacy and mechanism of EA-1 against Oscillatoria. Bacteria EA-1, identified as Enterobacter, was isolated with high algicidal activity against harmful cyanobacteria. Results showed that a complete removal of Oscillatoria was observed within 3 days with the initial Chl-a concentration of 1.74 mg/L. Physiological responses of Oscillatoria revealed that EA-1 induced severe lipid peroxidation and the ultimate decline of antioxidant enzyme activities. Moreover, the contents for both intracellular protein and carbohydrate of each algae cell increased first and then decreased. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis clarified that the possible process of Oscillatoria lysis included the breach of cross wall, followed by the disruption of photosynthetic membrane and incipient nucleus, and the ultimate outflow of inclusion. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis illustrated the degradation process of incipient nucleus in Oscillatoria.

Disseminated Nocardia Infection in an Old Male Patient with Nephrotic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Nocardia infection is a very rare bacterial infection caused by Gram-positive, aerobic nocardia species. However, in recent years, it has become a serious infection in immunocompromised patients. Earlier diagnosis plays a pivotal in the effective treatment of nocardia infection. METHODS: In this study, we reported a 65-year-old male patient with nephrotic syndrome who had disseminated abscesses in the lungs, right lower limb, and right cheek. RESULTS: Bacterial culture from these lesions confirmed the presence of nocardia. Timely administration of sensitive antibiotics resulted in a quick recovery for this patient. CONCLUSIONS: Nocardia infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infectious lesions, especially when a patient has multiple abscesses and an underlying disorder in which the immune function of the patient may be compromised.

Double standards: why is pulse oximetry standard care, whereas tissue oximetry is not?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Why is pulse oximetry a standard monitor, whereas tissue oximeter is not? Is this a double-standard treatment? RECENT FINDINGS: There appears to be a lack of enthusiasm for a continual investigation into whether the use of pulse oximetry leads to reduced morbidity and mortality in acute care although there is no robust evidence attesting to its outcome benefits. In contrast, research investigating the outcome effectiveness of tissue oximetry-guided care is consistently ongoing. A recent randomized controlled trial involving 800 patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy found that, although muscular tissue oxygen saturation-guided care did not reduce the overall occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting for all patients, it did reduce the occurrence of these symptoms in patients who had a body mass index ≥25. It was also observed that muscular tissue oxygen saturation increases when blood pressure falls following the administration of nicardipine. These studies highlight the persistence of interest in understanding the value of tissue oximetry in patient care. SUMMARY: Pulse oximetry and tissue oximetry are treated differently although neither monitor has robust evidence attesting to its outcome benefits. This difference may root in the difference in the physiology they monitor, the cost, the ease of use/interpretation/intervention and the relevance to patient safety and care quality. Pulse oxygen saturation represents a vital sign, whereas tissue oxygen saturation is likely a quality sign; however, further research endeavors are required to fully understand how to best use tissue oximetry.

Interference of TGF-ß1/Smad7 signal pathway affects myocardial fibrosis in hypertension.

Hypertension can cause myocardial fibrosis, during which tumor growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) can facilitate myocardial cell proliferation and transition towards myofibroblast (MFB). Smad7 is a negative regulator of TGF-ß1/Smads signal pathway. This study used hypertension rat model to investigate the regulatory role of TGF-ß1/Smad7 signal pathway in myocardial fibrosis. Rat renal hypertension model was established to test collagen volume fraction, myocardial hydroxyl proline content and COL1A1 expression as well as the expression of TGF-ß1 and Smad7. The expressions of TGF-ß1, Smad7, COLA1A1 and α-SMA at certain generations (P2, P4 and P6) were measured in cultured human cardiac fibroblast (HCF) during differentiation towards MFB differentiation. P6 generation HCF was transfected with pIRES2-EGFP-Smad7 and pIRES2-EGFP-blank followed by measuring expressions of TGF-ß1, Smad7, COLA1A1 and α-SMA. Hydroxyl-proline content and collagen volume fraction were compared between Ad-NC and Ad-Smad7 injection groups. Hypertensive rats had significantly elevated collagen volume fraction, hydroxyl proline contents, and expression of COLA1 and TGF-ß1 than Sham group, whilst Smad7 expression was lower. With increased cell passage, HCF showed gradually increased TGF-ß1, COL1A1 and α-SMA expression, plus decreased Smad7 expression. Over-expression of Smad7 remarkably decreased COLA1 and α-SMA expression in HCF. Tail vein injection of Ad-Smad7 decreased both hydroxyl proline and collagen volume fraction. Elevated TGF-ß1 expression and decreased Smad7 expression are found in fibrotic myocardial tissues of hypertensive rats. Over-expression of Smad7 inhibits differentiation of HCF towards MFB cells, thus decreasing myocardial fibrosis in hypertensive rats.

A Clinical Diagnostic Dilemma: a Case Report of Primary Hepatic Tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Primary hepatic tuberculosis is a very rare clinical form of tuberculosis, with atypical clinical presentations and nonspecific imaging features. This results in great difficulty to reach a correct and timely clinical diagnosis. Traditionally, liver biopsy is the gold standard for its diagnosis. Here we assessed the effectiveness of using a T-SPOT.TB test in the early diagnosis of primary hepatic tuberculosis. METHODS: We report a case of primary hepatic tuberculosis whose location of hepatic lesion renders it hard to perform a biopsy. Instead, a T-SPOT.TB test was utilized to help in the early diagnosis of this rare form of tuberculosis. A conventional fourdrug regimen for anti-tubercular therapy together with vitamin B6 was initiated and maintained for 6 months. RESULTS: The T-SPOT.TB test was highly positive for ESAT-6 (87 > 20) and CFP-10 (89 > 20). Dull pain in the upper right abdomen was gone 2 months post treatment. The abnormal lesions shown in an MRI reduced significantly 4 months post treatment. Spot count for ESAT-6 and CFP-10 decreased 6 months post treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest the critical role of T-SPOT.TB test in the earlier diagnosis of prima¬ry hepatic tuberculosis for those patients who have difficulties having a hepatic biopsy.

First-principles study of thermal transport in nitrogenated holey graphene.

Nitrogenated holey graphene (NHG), a new two-dimensional graphene variant with a large fundamental direct band gap, has recently been successfully synthesized via a simple wet-chemical reaction. Motivated by its unique geometry and novel properties, we investigated the phonon transport properties of the material by combining first-principle calculations and the phonon Boltzmann transport equation. The lattice thermal conductivity of NHG at room temperature is predicted to be about 82.22 W mK-1, which is almost two orders of magnitude lower than that of graphene (about 3500 W mK-1). Deviating from the traditional understanding that thermal transport is usually largely contributed by the acoustic phonon modes for most suspended 2D materials, both out-of-plane flexural acoustic (ZA) and optical phonon modes make a more or less equal contribution, and their combination abnormally dominates the overall thermal transport in NHG. The major three-phonon process in NHG is further analyzed and the scattering between the acoustic and optical phonon modes like [Formula: see text] is the main phonon process channel. Meanwhile, the mean free path distribution of different phonon modes is calculated for the purpose of the thermal management of NHG-based devices. Our results elucidate the unusual thermal transport properties of NHG as compared with the representative case of graphene, and underpin its potential application for use by the thermal management community.

Anisotropic thermal transport in Weyl semimetal TaAs: a first principles calculation.

A fundamental understanding of the phonon transport property is crucial to predict the thermal management performance in micro/nano-electronic devices. By combining first principle calculations and Boltzmann phonon transport equation, we investigate thermal transport in TaAs-a typical Weyl semimetal. The lattice thermal conductivity of TaAs at room temperature was found to be 39.26 W mK(-1) and 24.78 W mK(-1) along the a(b) and c crystal axis, respectively, showing obvious anisotropy. Detailed analyses of the mode level phonon properties further revealed that the three acoustic phonon modes dominate the overall thermal transport and the major phonon scattering channels in this typical Weyl semimetal were TA1/TA2/LA + O ↔ O and A + A ↔ O. The representative phonon mean free path of TaAs was also calculated in this paper, which provide helpful guidance for the thermal management of TaAs-based electronic devices.

The role of IL-22 in cancer.

Interleukin-22, discovered in the year of 2000, is a pleiotropic Th17 cytokine from the IL-10 family of cytokines. IL-22 signals through the type 2 cytokine receptor complex IL-22R and predominantly activates STAT3. This pathway leads to the transcription of several different types of genes, giving IL-22 context-specific functions ranging from inducing antimicrobial peptide expression to target cell proliferation. In recent years, it has been shown that IL-22 is involved in the pathogenesis of neoplasia in some cancers through its pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects. This review highlights studies with recent discoveries and conclusions drawn on IL-22 and its involvement and function in various cancers. Such a study may be helpful to better understand the role of IL-22 in cancer so that new treatment could be developed targeting IL-22.

The Role of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in the Growth of Cervical Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Recently developed vaccines for the SARS-CoV-2 virus utilize endogenous production of the virus' spike protein (SP), allowing the host to develop an immune response. As a result of the novelty of this virus and its vaccines, little is known overall about the potential effects of the SP on the pathogenesis of neoplasia, either from vaccination or from infection. This study was designed to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 SP has any direct effect on SiHa cervical cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of SARS-CoV-2 SP on cervical cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis were investigated by using clonogenic cell survival assay, quick cell proliferation assay, and caspase-3 activity kits in a widely-used cervical cancer cell line, SiHa. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were also performed to determine the potential molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: The growth and proliferation of SiHa cancer cells were inhibited by SARS-CoV-2 SP. SARS-CoV-2 SP also induced apoptosis in SiHa cancer cells. The anti-proliferative effect of SARS-CoV-2 SP on SiHa cancer cells was associated with the up-regulation of the anti-proliferative molecule p53. The pro-apoptotic effect of SARS-CoV-2 SP on SiHa cells was associated with the up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic molecule TRAIL. CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 SP inhibits the growth of cervical cancer via up-regulation of p53 and TRAIL. Further studies are needed to elaborate on the potential effects of the SARS-CoV-2 SP on other cancer cell lines and normal physiological cell lines for comparison.

Minibeam Radiation Therapy Treatment (MBRT): Commissioning and First Clinical Implementation.

PURPOSE: Minibeam radiation therapy (MBRT) is characterized by the delivery of submillimeter-wide regions of high "peak" and low "valley" doses throughout a tumor. Preclinical studies have long shown the promise of this technique, and we report here the first clinical implementation of MBRT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A clinical orthovoltage unit was commissioned for MBRT patient treatments using 3-, 4-, 5-, 8-, and 10-cm diameter cones. The 180 kVp output was spatially separated into minibeams using a tungsten collimator with 0.5 mm wide slits spaced 1.1 mm on center. Percentage depth dose (PDD) measurements were obtained using film dosimetry and plastic water for both peak and valley doses. PDDs were measured on the central axis for offsets of 0, 0.5, and 1 cm. The peak-to-valley ratio was calculated at each depth for all cones and offsets. To mitigate the effects of patient motion on delivered dose, patient-specific 3-dimensional-printed collimator holders were created. These conformed to the unique anatomy of each patient and affixed the tungsten collimator directly to the body. Two patients were treated with MBRT; both received 2 fractions. RESULTS: Peak PDDs decreased gradually with depth. Valley PDDs initially increased slightly with depth, then decreased gradually beyond 2 cm. The peak-to-valley ratios were highest at the surface for smaller cone sizes and offsets. In vivo film dosimetry confirmed a distinct delineation of peak and valley doses in both patients treated with MBRT with no dose blurring. Both patients experienced prompt improvement in symptoms and tumor response. CONCLUSIONS: We report commissioning results, treatment processes, and the first 2 patients treated with MBRT using a clinical orthovoltage unit. While demonstrating the feasibility of this approach is a crucial first step toward wider translation, clinical trials are needed to further establish safety and efficacy.

IL-32 and its paradoxical role in neoplasia.

Interleukin-32 (IL-32) is an interleukin cytokine usually linked to inflammation. In recent years, it has been found that IL-32 exhibits both pro- and anti-tumor effects. Although most of those effects from IL-32 appear to favor tumor growth, some isoforms have shown to favor tumor suppression. This suggests that the role of IL-32 in neoplasia is very complex. Thus, the role of IL-32 in these various cancers and protein pathways makes it a very crucial component to consider when looking at potential therapeutic options in tumor treatment. In this review, we will explore what is currently known about IL-32, including its relationship with tumorigenesis and the potential for IL-32 to enhance local and systemic anti-tumor immune responses. Such a study might be helpful to accelerate the development of IL-32-based immunotherapies.

Say 'No' to Cancer and 'Yes' to Cranberry: The Role of Cranberry Extract in Inhibition of Growth of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Lung cancer is the leading cause of mortality due to cancer death. Treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is still challenging. Cranberries contain many rich bioactive components that may help fight cancer. The action of cranberry against some cancer types has been reported, however, its role in lung cancer has only been investigated in large-cell lung cancer. In this study, we expanded current research on the role of cranberry in LUAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A549 LUAD cancer cells were treated with commercial cranberry extract (CE). Proliferation of A549 cells was measured with a clonogenic survival assay and quick proliferation assay. Caspase-3 activity was used to evaluate apoptosis of A549 cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was conducted to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms involved in the action of CE. RESULTS: Treatment of LUAD with CE reduced the percentage of A549 colonies. This was consistent with the decrease in the optic density of cancer cells after treatment with CE. Caspase-3 activity increased after treatment with CE. The anti-proliferative effect of CE on A549 cells correlated with reduced expression of pro-proliferation molecules cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and CDK4. The pro-apoptotic effect of CE on A549 cells correlated with the reduced expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule caspase 8 and FADD-like apoptosis regulator (FLIP). CONCLUSION: CE had an inhibitory effect on the growth of LUAD cells by modulation of both pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic molecules. Our research hopes to guide future treatment options for LUAD.

Artichoke as a melanoma growth inhibitor.

Melanoma is the most lethal malignancy in skin cancers. About 97,610 new cases of melanoma are projected to occur in the United States (US) in 2023. Artichoke is a very popular plant widely consumed in the US due to its nutrition. In recent years, it has been shown that artichoke shows powerful anti-cancer effects on cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and leukemia. However, there is little known about its effect on melanoma. This study was designed to investigate if artichoke extract (AE) has any direct effect on the growth of melanoma. Clonogenic survival assay, cell proliferation, and caspase-3 activity kits were used to evaluate the effects AE has on cell survival, proliferation, and apoptosis of the widely studied melanoma cell line HTB-72. We further investigated the possible molecular mechanisms using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The percentage of colonies of HTB-72 melanoma cells decreased significantly after treated with AE. This was paralleled with the decrease in the optic density (OD) value of cancer cells after treatment with AE. This was further supported by the decreased expression of PCNA mRNA after treated with AE. Furthermore, the cellular caspase-3 activity increased after treated with AE. The anti-proliferative effect of AE on melanoma cells correlated with increased p21, p27, and decreased CDK4. The pro-apoptotic effect of AE on melanoma cells correlated with decreased survivin. Artichoke inhibits growth of melanoma by inhibition of proliferation and promotion of apoptosis. Such a study might be helpful to develop a new promising treatment for melanoma.

Olive: A Potential Suppressor for Cervical Cancer by Upregulation of P21.

Background Cervical cancer is the second deadliest for women between the ages of 20 and 39 years. Even with prevention tactics for screening, incident rates and mortality of cervical cancer remain high. Olive has been shown to have many beneficial effects in humans concerning cardiovascular disease and inflammation. Despite these promising benefits, little is known about its effect on cervical cancer. This study examined the effects and mechanism of effects of olive extract (OE) on the HeLa cervical cancer cell line. Methodology We utilized clonogenic survival assay, quick cell proliferation assay, and caspase-3 activity to investigate the effect of OE on the proliferation and apoptosis of the cervical cancer cell line HeLa. To investigate the mechanisms behind these findings, Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were performed. Results OE inhibited the growth and proliferation of HeLa cells. In comparison to the control, the percentage of colonies, as well as the optical density of the cervical cancer cells, was found to be decreased. In addition, the relative activity of caspase-3, a marker for apoptosis, was increased after treatment with OE. The anti-proliferative effect of OE on HeLa cells correlated with the increase of an anti-proliferative molecule p21. However, the pro-apoptotic effect of OE was not correlated with the change in major pro-apoptotic or anti-apoptotic molecules examined in this study. Conclusions Our study suggests that OE inhibits the growth of HeLa cervical cancer cells by upregulation of p21. Further investigation of the effects of OE on cervical cancer and other cancers is warranted by these results.

The Novel Use of IL-28 as an Effective Radiosensitizer in Pancreatic Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Pancreatic cancer is the second most common gastrointestinal cancer in the world, yet the five-year survival outcome rate of less than 5% urges for improvement in medical interventions of pancreatic cancer. Currently, high dose radiation therapy (RT) is used as an adjuvant treatment; however, the high level of RT required to treat advanced neoplasms leads to high incidence rates of side effects. In recent years, the utilization of cytokines as radiosensitizing agents has been studied, in order to reduce the amount of radiation required. However, few studies have examined IL-28 regarding its potential as a radiosensitizer. This study is the first to utilize IL-28 as a radiosensitizing agent in pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MiaPaCa-2, a widely used pancreatic cancer cell line was used in this study. Clonogenic survival and cell proliferation assays were used to evaluate growth and proliferation of MiaPaCa-2 cells. Caspase-3 activity assay was used to evaluate apoptosis of MiaPaCa-2 cells and RT-PCR was used to study the possible molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: Our results showed that IL-28/RT enhanced RT-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of MiaPaCa-2 cells. Furthermore, compared to RT alone, we found that IL-28/RT up-regulated the mRNA expression of TRAILR1 and P21, while down-regulating mRNA expression of P18 and survivin in MiaPaCa-2 cells. CONCLUSION: IL-28 has the potential to be used as a radiosensitizer for pancreatic cancer and warrants further investigation.

Multijointed Pneumatic Soft Hand with Flexible Thenar.

Soft robotic hands provide better safety and adaptability than rigid robotic hands. Furthermore, a multijointed structure that imitates the movement of a human hand represents significant progress in realizing its anthropomorphism. In this study, we present a multijointed pneumatic soft anthropomorphic hand that is capable of expressing letters through sign language and grasping different objects using three grasping modes, namely thumb grasping, precision grasping, and power grasping. This novel soft hand is composed of multijointed soft fingers, a thumb, thenar, and 3D-printed palm. Tests were performed to characterize the displacement track and force performance of the fingers, thumb, and thenar, which was made by mold casting silicone rubber. In addition, a dedicated pneumatic control system was designed and built to enable the soft hand to automatically perform the tasks set by specific programs. This new multijointed hand with a flexible thenar represents significant progress in the development of anthropomorphic bionic hands, offering the benefits of fast response, low cost, as well as ease of fabrication, assembly, and replacement.

Slater-Koster parametrization for the phonons of monolayer MoX2(X = S, Se or Te).

With the help of the Slater-Koster parametrization, we construct simplified force constant (FC) models to describe the phonons of several two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) (MoX2, X = S, Se or Te) by only considering the FCs to fourth-nearest-neighbor interactions. By fitting the phonon dispersions derived from first-principles calculations, we find these models can well describe the symmetry characters and semimetal states of MoX2's phonons. Combining the basis of the FC model and the theory of tensor representation, we derive the origin of the irreducible representations at the high symmetry points Γ,KandM. Moreover, by using the compatibility relation between high symmetry points and high symmetry lines, we find the semimetal states of MoX2are protected by vertical and horizontal mirrors. Our work provides an effective tool to further study the phonons of 2D TMDs.