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Activin receptor-like kinases 1–7 (ALK1–7) regulate a complex network of SMAD-independent as well as SMAD-dependent signaling pathways. One of the widely used inhibitors for functional investigations of these processes, in particular for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, is LDN-193189. However, LDN-193189has insufficient kinome-wide selectivity complicating its use in cellular target validation assays. Herein, we report the identification and comprehensive characterization of two chemically distinct highly selective inhibitors of ALK1 and ALK2, M4K2234and MU1700, along with their negative controls. We show that both MU1700and M4K2234efficiently block the BMP pathway via selective in cellulo inhibition of ALK1/2 kinases and exhibit favorable in vivo profiles in mice. MU1700is highly brain penetrant and shows remarkably high accumulation in the brain. These high-quality orthogonal chemical probes offer the selectivity required to become widely used tools for in vitro and in vivo investigation of BMP signaling.

Tweetable abstractSequencing exomes of synchronous and metachronous liver metastases of colorectal cancer has potential to enhance treatment, since they can have molecular profiles distinct from primary tumors.

The institution of wandering ascetics constitutes an important part of India’s intangible cultural heritage, which has a long tradition. Motivated by a belief in the superiority of Oriental spirituality, some historical representatives of Western discourse have maintained an essentialist image of Indian ascetics as profound religious figures who completely abandon all worldly concerns to liberate their soul. Today, after centuries-long stereotyping of Indian traditions and several contributions on the topic, there can be no doubt that the essentializing image, built upon illusionary concepts of a homogeneous and unified nature, significantly confines our understanding of the phenomenon of asceticism in its cultural complexity. By adopting a classical ethnographic approach, this article focuses on particular aspects of initiation into ascetic orders in the Daśanāmī Saṃnyāsa and Rāmānanda Samprāday (the two most dominant present-day ascetic orders). Based on fieldwork data, the study concludes that every insight into the nature of the social organization of renunciation must go beyond a static category of hierarchical relationships, seeing the phenomenon instead as a multidimensional strategy of departure from social life and transcending social identity.

The aim was to assess the clinical significance of the interaction of the cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) of the selected patient and the interfering electromagnetic field (EMF) during practicing of a profession in an industrial environment. The next step was to analyze risk factors using the specific measurement on the phantom and to determine the conditions for minimizing the risk. We present a method of the provocative analysis on the phantom of the stimulation system. The phantom approximates the system in patient’s chest. The measurement was performed using real-time analysis of sensed signals and the pacemaker (PCM) response on the programmer to the source of an electromagnetic interference (EMI) at the workplace. Disturbing signals from an external source can cause an emergency operation of PCM, like asynchronous pacing or pacing inhibition. The interaction was assessed in various exposures, changes of device programming and function responses to EMI. The magnetic field was detected in close proximity (< 5 cm) of CIED from the surface of the EMI source. Induced potentials were continuously sensed at close distances from the source and it activated asynchronous stimulation. The response varied according to the system orientation. At greater distances (< 20 cm above, < 10 cm in front) the intermittent signal sensing and the pacing inhibition occurred during standard PCM programming. Zones for safe operation were determined and the PCM programming was optimized. The interference signal sensing is significantly affected by the CIED programming. This patient can continue to practice the profession safely with high probability by following certain precautions and adjusting PCM settings. We present this analysis on the phantom of the CIED as one of options where the measurement does not pose a risk to the patient with an implant.

Background: Colorectal cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths and thus biomarkers allowing prediction of the resistance of patients to therapy and estimating their prognosis are needed. We designed a panel of 558 genes with pharmacogenomics records related to 5-fluorouracil resistance, genes important for sensitivity to other frequently used drugs, major oncodrivers, and actionable genes. We performed a target enrichment sequencing of DNA from tumors and matched blood samples of patients, and compared the results with patient prognosis stratified by systemic adjuvant chemotherapy. Results: The median number of detected variants per tumor sample was 18.5 with 4 classified as having a high predicted functional effect and 14.5 moderate effect. APC, TP53, and KRASwere the most frequent mutated genes (64%, 59%, and 42% of mutated samples, respectively) followed by FAT4(23%), FBXW7, and PIK3CA(16% for both). Patients with advanced stage III had more frequently APC, TP53, or KRASmutations than those in stages I or II. KRASmutation counts followed an increasing trend with grade (G1 &lt; G2 &lt; G3). The response to adjuvant therapy was worse in carriers of frameshift mutations in APCor 12D variant in KRAS, but none of these oncodrivers had prognostic value. Carriage of somatic mutations in any of the genes ABCA13, ANK2, COL7A1, NAV3, orUNC80had prognostic relevance for worse overall survival (OS) of all patients. In contrast, mutations in FLG, GLI3, or UNC80were prognostic in the same direction for patients untreated, and mutations in COL6A3, LRP1B, NAV3, RYR1, RYR3, TCHH, or TENM4for patients treated with adjuvant therapy. The first association was externally validated. From all germline variants with high or moderate predicted functional effects (median 326 per patient), > 5% frequency and positive Manhattan plot based on 3-year RFS, rs72753407 in NFACS, rs34621071 in ERBB4, and rs2444274 in RIF1were significantly associated with RFS, OS or both. Conclusions: The present study identified several putative somatic and germline genetic events with prognostic potential for colorectal cancer that should undergo functional characterization.

Ion‐acoustic waves (IAWs) commonly occur near interplanetary (IP) shocks. These waves are important because of their potential role in the dissipation required for collisionless shocks to exist. We study IAW occurrence statistically at different heliocentric distances using Solar Orbiter to identify the processes responsible for IAW generation near IP shocks. We show that close to IP shocks the occurrence rate of IAW increases and peaks at the ramp. In the upstream region, the IAW activity is highly variable among different shocks and increases with decreasing distance from the Sun. We show that the observed currents near IP shocks are insufficient to reach the threshold for the current‐driven instability. We argue that two‐stream proton distributions and suprathermal electrons are likely sources of the waves. Ion‐acoustic waves (IAWs) are fluctuations in the electric field that occur at frequencies close to the ion plasma frequency. These waves are commonly found in the solar wind and often cluster around interplanetary (IP) shock waves. In this study, we investigate and quantify how common IAWs are in the vicinity of IP shocks. Our research revealed that IAW activity is enhanced before and after most IP shock passages. Furthermore, IAWs are more likely to be observed preceding IP shocks that are closer to the Sun. We find that the occurrence rate of IAWs shows no clear dependence on the IP shock parameters. We explore the possible mechanisms that could explain the presence of these IAWs. For instance, IAW modes can be excited by electric currents if the associated drift velocity between ions and electrons is above a certain threshold. However, the currents alone are not strong enough to generate the IAWs found near IP shocks. We discuss other potential generation mechanisms, such as velocity distributions of ions and electrons deviating from thermodynamic equilibrium. The occurrence of Ion‐acoustic waves (IAWs) is enhanced at interplanetary (IP) shocks, peaking at the shock rampThe occurrence rate of IAWs in the upstream region of IP shocks increases with decreasing radial distance from the SunIAWs are observed upstream of an IP shock together with two‐stream protons and an electron strahl The occurrence of Ion‐acoustic waves (IAWs) is enhanced at interplanetary (IP) shocks, peaking at the shock ramp The occurrence rate of IAWs in the upstream region of IP shocks increases with decreasing radial distance from the Sun IAWs are observed upstream of an IP shock together with two‐stream protons and an electron strahl

Background: The progenitors to lung airway epithelium that are capable of long-term propagation may represent an attractive source of cells for cell-based therapies, disease modeling, toxicity testing, and others. Principally, there are two main options for obtaining lung epithelial progenitors: (i) direct isolation of endogenous progenitors from human lungs and (ii) in vitrodifferentiation from some other cell type. The prime candidates for the second approach are pluripotent stem cells, which may provide autologous and/or allogeneic cell resource in clinically relevant quality and quantity. Methods: By exploiting the differentiation potential of human embryonic stem cells (hESC), here we derived expandable lung epithelium (ELEP) and established culture conditions for their long-term propagation (more than 6 months) in a monolayer culture without a need of 3D culture conditions and/or cell sorting steps, which minimizes potential variability of the outcome. Results: These hESC-derived ELEP express NK2 Homeobox 1 (NKX2.1), a marker of early lung epithelial lineage, display properties of cells in early stages of surfactant production and are able to differentiate to cells exhibitting molecular and morphological characteristics of both respiratory epithelium of airway and alveolar regions. Conclusion: Expandable lung epithelium thus offer a stable, convenient, easily scalable and high-yielding cell source for applications in biomedicine.

Titan is an ocean world with a dense atmosphere, where photochemistry produces complex organic molecules that fall to the surface. An important astrobiological question is whether this material can mix with water and form molecules of biological interest. Large impacts heat the moon's subsurface and create liquid water melt pools. A recent study investigated impacts into Titan's clathrate‐covered ice shell. Methane clathrates are stable at Titan's surface conditions and have low thermal conductivity, making them efficient insulators that can lead to steep thermal gradients and a thin stagnant lid. The authors showed that the clathrate layer thickness primarily influences the melt distribution, while its volume is governed by the impactor size. Here, we investigate the fate of melt formed during an impact into a clathrate‐covered ice shell. Our results show two different behaviors: in cases when less melt is produced, the subsurface melt pool remains close to the surface and freezes on timescales ≲25 kyr; in cases when larger volumes of melt are produced, a downward‐oriented transport of the molten material occurs. As it descends, part of the melt freezes but some may reach the ocean within a few kyr under certain conditions; vertical impacts, high surface porosity, low viscosity, and tidal heating all favor this surface‐to‐ocean exchange. While providing insights on parameters that allow a subsurface melt pool to remain liquid beneath a Selk‐sized crater for a few kyr, this study suggests that Dragonfly may be able to sample melt deposits where organics reacted with liquid water to produce biomolecules. Titan, Saturn's largest moon, harbors a subsurface ocean beneath its ice shell. The moon also has an atmosphere, which is rich in large organic molecules that settle onto its surface. When atmospheric methane reacts with surface water ice, it forms methane clathrate. A clathrate layer atop Titan's ice shell affects the formation of Titan's impact craters, as it is both stronger than ice and a better insulator. Here, we study the effect of this clathrate layer on the formation and subsequent fate of melt pools produced by impacts on Titan. We investigate whether the melt descends through the ice shell to reach the ocean or remains near the surface and freezes. Our results show only a limited range of scenarios where impact melt reaches the ocean. In the majority of models, impact melt freezes near the surface within short timescales, ranging from a few thousands to tens of thousands of years. This implies that surface organic molecules may have interacted with subsurface melt pools. These results provide a positive outlook for NASA's Dragonfly mission, which will explore Titan's Selk crater in search of organic materials that have reacted with water to potentially form molecules of biological interest. We studied the evolution of impact melt pools in Titan's ice shell using numerical simulations of two‐phase thermal convectionWhile most melt pools never reach the ocean, we observe surface‐to‐ocean exchange in a small part of the investigated parameter spaceOur results suggest that Dragonfly may be able to sample melt deposits where organics reacted with liquid water to produce biomolecules We studied the evolution of impact melt pools in Titan's ice shell using numerical simulations of two‐phase thermal convection While most melt pools never reach the ocean, we observe surface‐to‐ocean exchange in a small part of the investigated parameter space Our results suggest that Dragonfly may be able to sample melt deposits where organics reacted with liquid water to produce biomolecules

As is the case for the theory of holomorphic functions in the complex plane, the Cauchy Integral Formula has proven to be a cornerstone of Clifford analysis, the monogenic function theory in higher dimensional euclidean space. In recent years, several new branches of Clifford analysis have emerged. Similarly as to how hermitian Clifford analysis in euclidean space R2nof even dimension emerged as a refinement of euclidean Clifford analysis by introducing a complex structure on R2n, quaternionic Clifford analysis arose as a further refinement by introducing a so-called hypercomplex structure Q, i.e. three complex structures (I, J, K) which follow the quaternionic multiplication rules, on R4p, the dimension now being a fourfold. Two, respectively four, differential operators lead to first order systems invariant under the action of the respective symmetry groups U(n) and Sp(p). Their simultaneous null solutions are called hermitian monogenic and quaternionic monogenic functions respectively. In this contribution we further elaborate on the Cauchy Integral Formula for hermitian and quaternionic monogenic functions. Moreover we establish Caychy integral formulæ for osp(4|2)-monogenic functions, the newest branch of Clifford analysis refining quaternionic monogenicity by taking the underlying symplectic symmetry fully into account.

Airy isostasy is commonly used in planetary science to explain the relationship between crustal thickness variations and topography. Recently, several researchers have questioned the validity of this concept and proposed alternative approaches. Here we examine the accuracy of these approaches by comparing their results with those obtained from the numerical solution of the equations governing the flow in the crust of a small icy moon with a subsurface ocean. We find that the traditional approach based on application of Archimedes' principle with elevations referred to the geoid, provides a satisfactory estimate of crustal thickness for low harmonic degrees. The alternative approach, based on the deviatoric stress minimization, gives correct results for isoviscous model, but its accuracy deteriorates as the viscosity contrast increases. The other alternative approach, in which the deviatoric stress is neglected, is significantly less accurate than other methods, leading to biased results for models with a thick crust. Airy isostasy is a concept based on simple application of Archimedes' principle, which is broadly used in solid Earth geophysics and planetary science to explain the relationship between crustal thickness variations and topography. However, the application of Airy isostasy to icy bodies is problematic due to large variations in ice viscosity and phase transitions occurring in the interior. Recently, several researchers have questioned the validity of the traditional approach to Airy isostasy and proposed alternative approaches. Here we examine the accuracy of these approaches by comparing their results with those obtained from the numerical solution of the equations governing the flow in the crust of a small icy moon with a subsurface ocean. The results of our modeling suggest that the traditional approach to Airy isostasy provides a satisfactory estimate of crustal thickness variations on large spatial scales. The alternative approach based on the deviatoric stress minimization gives correct results for isoviscous model, but its accuracy deteriorates as the viscosity contrast increases. The other alternative approach, in which the deviatoric stress is neglected, is significantly less accurate than the other methods, leading to biased results for models with a thick crust. Application of Airy isostasy to icy moons with a subsurface ocean is problematic due to phase transitions and large viscosity variationsThe traditional equal weight approach to Airy isostasy, as well as the deviatoric stress minimization, leads to acceptable resultsThe recently proposed equal pressure approach is less accurate than other approaches leading to biased results for moons with a thick crust

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is an endosomal receptor expressed in several immune and epithelial cells. Recent studies have highlighted its expression also in solid tumours, including prostate cancer (PCa), and described its role mainly in the pro-inflammatory response and induction of apoptosis. It has been found upregulated in some castration-resistant prostate cancers. However, the role of TLR3 in prostate cancer progression remains largely unknown. We have experimentally demonstrated that exogenous TLR3 activation in PCa cell lines leads to the significant induction of secretion of the cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and IFN-β depending on the model and chemoresistance status. Transcriptomic analysis of TLR3 overexpressing cells revealed a functional program that is enriched for genes involved in the regulation of cell motility, migration, and tumour invasiveness. Increased motility, migration, and invasion in TLR3 overexpressing cell line were confirmed by several in vitroassays and using an orthotopic prostate xenograft model in vivo. Furthermore, TLR3-ligand induced apoptosis via cleavage of caspase-3/7 and PARP, predominantly in TLR3 overexpressing cells. We conclude that TLR3 may be involved in prostate cancer progression and metastasis, however, it might also represent an Achilles' heel of PCa which can be exploited for targeted therapy.

Recently found historical jewellery (Czech Republic) was subjected to detailed analyses to determine the gem inlays and the gold framework in which they are embedded. Such find fits into European jewellery archaeological artefacts containing similar stones from around the fifth century CE. The gemstones were analysed with optical microscopy and Raman micro-spectroscopy to determine their mineralogical characteristics and to find out typical structural-chemical differences based on which their provenance can be found. The results of this measurement discovered two main types of minerals from the garnet group, almandine and pyrope, where pyropes have been identified as Bohemian garnets thanks to the typical photoluminescence (PL) of chromium and vanadium impurities. The craftsmanship and processing of the goldsmith work were studied using X-ray computed tomography. Such a technique is an excellent contribution for detecting and visualising the internal parts hidden behind the placement of the stones. For this reason, 3D visualisation was used to describe and better understand all preserved parts. According to this object's very high cultural and historical value, the chosen methods are suitable for non-destructive study while proving to be essential to deepen our knowledge in archaeometric investigations focused on jewellery from Late Antiquity (with possible application to the jewellery from other periods). Based on the findings presented in this study, it is one of the world's oldest documented items using Bohemian garnets in jewellery. These findings underscore the tremendous economic and political importance of Bohemian garnet mineral resources altogether, with a second completely different type of garnet believed to have originated in distant India or Sri Lanka that was used in jewellery across Europe in Late Antiquity.

ABSTRACTSplicing-affecting mutations can disrupt gene function by altering the transcript assembly. To ascertain splicing dysregulation principles, we modified a minigene assay for the parallel high-throughput evaluation of different mutations by next-generation sequencing. In our model system, all exonic and six intronic positions of the SMN1gene’s exon 7 were mutated to all possible nucleotide variants, which amounted to 180 unique single-nucleotide mutants and 470 double mutants. The mutations resulted in a wide range of splicing aberrations. Exonic splicing-affecting mutations resulted either in substantial exon skipping, supposedly driven by predicted exonic splicing silencer or cryptic donor splice site (5′ss) and de novo5′ss strengthening and use. On the other hand, a single disruption of exonic splicing enhancer was not sufficient to cause major exon skipping, suggesting these elements can be substituted during exon recognition. While disrupting the acceptor splice site led only to exon skipping, some 5′ss mutations potentiated the use of three different cryptic 5′ss. Generally, single mutations supporting cryptic 5′ss use displayed better pre-mRNA/U1 snRNA duplex stability and increased splicing regulatory element strength across the original 5′ss. Analyzing double mutants supported the predominating splicing regulatory elements’ effect, but U1 snRNA binding could contribute to the global balance of splicing isoforms. Based on these findings, we suggest that creating a new splicing enhancer across the mutated 5′ss can be one of the main factors driving cryptic 5′ss use.

The paper is focused on computation of a compressive strength of composite materials by limit analysis. This method enables to determine the strength or other types of limit loads by solution of a specific optimization problem. It is also capable to predict failure zones. Abilities of the method are investigated on a particular composite -- a laboratory prepared sample consisting of a hard coal matrix and a polyurethane binder. This sample is chosen due to available CT images of the inner structure and laboratory experiments. Appropriate yield criteria are proposed for the coal and the binder in order to define the limit analysis problem. This problem is penalized and then discretized by higher order finite elements. For numerical solution, the semismooth Newton method and adaptive mesh refinements are also used. Numerical experiments in 2D for various CT scans and material parameters are performed.

We report on a statistical analysis of the occurrence and properties of Alfvén ion cyclotron (AIC) waves in sheath regions driven by interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs). We have developed an automated algorithm to identify AIC wave events from magnetic field data and apply it to investigate 91 ICME sheath regions recorded by the Wind spacecraft. Our analysis focuses on waves generated by the ion cyclotron instability. AIC waves are observed to be frequent structures in ICME‐driven sheaths, and their occurrence is the highest in the vicinity of the shock. Together with previous studies, our results imply that the shock compression has a crucial role in generating wave activity in ICME sheaths. AIC waves tend to have their frequency below the ion cyclotron frequency, and, in general, occur in plasma that is stable with respect to the ion cyclotron instability and has lower ion β‖than mirror modes. The results suggest that the ion beta anisotropy β⊥/β‖>1 appearing in ICME sheaths is regulated by both ion cyclotron and mirror instabilities. AIC waves are frequent structures in sheath regions driven by ICMEsAIC waves tend to have their frequency below the ion cyclotron frequencyAIC waves are observed in lower ion β‖plasma than mirror mode waves

We have optimized the deposition of the highly electrically resistive undoped (intrinsic) polycrystalline ZnO thin layers on fused silica substrates by the DC reactive magnetron sputtering of metallic zinc target in argonne/oxide atmosphere and we introduced the post-deposition hydrogen plasma doping. The thickness of thin film was evaluated by reflectance interferometry using the metallographic optical microscope fiber coupled to the CCD spectrometer operating in 400-1000 nm spectral range. The optical absorption was measured by photothermal deflection spectroscopy operating in 300-1600 nm spectral range. The change of the optical absorption edge and the increase of the infrared optical absorption was detected in hydrogenated ZnO. The increase of the infrared optical absorption goes with the increase of the electrical conductivity. We conclude that the plasma hydrogenation of the intrinsic ZnO thin films is related to increase of the free carrier concentration.

In continental crust, rapid melt flow through macroscopic conduits is usually envisaged as the most efficient form of melt transport. In contrast, there is growing evidence that in hot continental crust, grain‐scale to meso‐scale porous melt flow may operate over long distances and over millions of years. Here, we investigate the dynamics of such porous melt flow by means of two‐dimensional thermo‐mechanical numerical models using the code ASPECT. Our models are crustal‐scale and describe the network of pores through which the melt flows by permeability that depends on the spacing of the pores. Our results suggest that assuming realistic material properties, melt can slowly migrate in the hot and thick continental crust through pores with a characteristic spacing of 1 mm or larger. Despite its low velocity (millimeters to centimeters per year), over millions of years, such flow can create large partially molten zones in the middle‐lower crust and significantly affect its thermal state, deformation, and composition. We examined the role of the permeability, melt and solid viscosities, the slope of the melting curve and temperature conditions. We obtained contrasting styles of melt distribution, melt flow, and solid deformation, which can be categorized as melt‐enhanced convection, growth of partially molten diapirs and melt percolation in porosity waves. Our numerical experiments further indicate that grain‐scale porous flow is more likely in rocks where the melt productivity increases slowly with temperature, such as in metaigneous rocks. Continental crust contains a significant proportion of rocks that can melt relatively easily. Geophysical methods that measure, for example, seismic velocities or electric conductivity revealed large partially molten regions in the continental crust. In addition, solidified melt pathways (veins, dykes) are often observed in rocks that were formerly in hot continental interiors. Usually, melt flow through macroscopic pathways is assumed to be the most efficient type of melt transport. However, several geological studies have shown that melt may flow through much finer (microscopic) pores, which form a network along boundaries of rock grains. The question arises, how efficient this microscopic melt flow is, and how it affects the properties of the continents. We address this issue using numerical models. According to our models, microscopic melt flow is very slow—melt moves millimeters to centimeters per year. Despite its low velocity, over millions of years, it forms large partially molten zones, significantly increases the temperature in the crust, changes its composition and softens it. The style of this process varies notably depending on the rock properties and temperature conditions. For example, in some models, kilometer‐sized melt batches move through nearly immobile rock, while in others, melt and rock both move together as a stirred mush. Numerical thermo‐mechanical models simulate porous melt flow through hot felsic continental crustMelt can propagate through pores with the spacing of 1 mm or larger with a velocity of millimeters to centimeters per year and form large partially molten zonesStyle of melt flow and solid deformation vary between melt‐enhanced convection, diapirism, and porosity waves depending on model parameters Numerical thermo‐mechanical models simulate porous melt flow through hot felsic continental crust Melt can propagate through pores with the spacing of 1 mm or larger with a velocity of millimeters to centimeters per year and form large partially molten zones Style of melt flow and solid deformation vary between melt‐enhanced convection, diapirism, and porosity waves depending on model parameters

Recent progress in plant hormone and macronutrient research is largely associated with characterising the molecular mechanisms of their actions. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR is a powerful technique that enables elucidation of regulatory relationships through quantifying transcript levels, but its reliability requires precise normalization. We compared eight Arabidopsis thalianahousekeeping genes for expression stability after treatment with cytokinins, auxins, ethylene and after macronutrient level manipulation. The expression stability of housekeeping genes in cytokinin series was studied in wide spectrum of plants treated with different adenine- and phenylurea-type cytokinins as well as in plants with controlled overexpression of agrobacterial isopentenyltransferase. NormFinder and geNorm software were used to predict a unique set of genes as best for particular hormone groups. Generally, 18S rRNA, GAPC,and ACTwere confirmed as less stable; and UBQ10, UBC,and EF-1αexhibited increased stability. Based on geNorm pairwise variation analysis, we confirmed accurate normalization required at least three reference genes.

Several W-B-C layers were prepared by magnetron sputtering. The microstructure of thin layers was observed by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy on cross sections prepared using a focused ion beam. Both undisturbed layers and the volume under indentation prints were inspected. The W-B-C layers are fine nanostructured materials about 2 μm thick and indents with loads up to 1 N do not cause any visible defects (cracks, delamination etc). The results were correlated with mechanical properties characterized by means of nanoindentation experiments in both the static and the dynamic loading regime using a Berkovich indenter. Elastic modulus, indentation hardness and fracture resistance of prepared nanostructured coatings were evaluated and discussed.

The aim of the present work was to study the mechanical properties of thin nanocomposite Mo-B-C coatings consisting of nanocrystalline Mo2BC embedded in amorphous Mo-B-C matrix. Magnetron sputtering of three targets, B4C, C and Mo, was used for coatings preparation. The Mo-B-C coatings were deposited on high speed steel substrates. The fracture resistance of Mo-B-C coatings was studied by both indentation and dynamic impact tests. The impact tests enabled us to predict the load limit causing the coating destruction.

Enceladus is a dynamic icy moon of Saturn and a leading target for future planetary missions focused on the search for life beyond Earth. For such missions, instruments that can provide geophysical and geochemical context for ice shell and ocean processes are critical to evaluate whether conditions are suitable for life and biosignature detection. Radar sounding is a powerful geophysical technique to probe the thermophysical and chemical properties of icy moons, like Enceladus, and to investigate the subsurface context for the exchange of material and energy between their subsurface oceans, ice shells, and plumes. To inform the scientific potential and instrument performance demands of such a radar‐sounding investigation of Enceladus' ice shell, we adapt and extend previous radar attenuation analysis done for Europa to the configuration and conditions of Enceladus. We also discuss how attenuation (both as an obstacle for the detection of ice shell reflectors and as a signal itself) can help constrain the thermal, physical, and chemical configuration of Enceladus' ice shell and reveal the processes governing the moon's ocean/shell/plume system. Enceladus, a tiny icy moon of Saturn, has been attracting attention since the discovery of its spectacular water jet activity. The jets, sampling the moon's hidden deep ocean, have revealed conditions favorable for the existence of life below the cold outer ice shell. Understanding the long‐term persistence of the ocean, the jets, and their connection to the ice shell and ocean requires reliable knowledge of the shell's physical, thermal, and chemical properties. Ice penetrating radar is a powerful tool for studying ice shells in the planned missions to Jupiter's icy moons. In this paper, we expand and adapt the radar‐based approach to Enceladus in light of the established constraints on the shell's structure and chemistry. We find that although the shell's chemical composition makes direct radar detection of the ice‐ocean interface challenging, the shell's thermal structure enables constraining the thickness—and potentially chemistry—by future missions using echoes from water within the shell. We explore radar attenuation within Enceladus' ice shell as a function of its chemistry using a 3D model of its shape and thermal structureDirect radar detection of the ice‐ocean interface is improbable for chloride‐rich shells except for the thin south‐polar regionThe NH3eutectic isotherm is a comparatively easy‐to‐detect interface, with the potential to constrain the shell thickness and composition We explore radar attenuation within Enceladus' ice shell as a function of its chemistry using a 3D model of its shape and thermal structure Direct radar detection of the ice‐ocean interface is improbable for chloride‐rich shells except for the thin south‐polar region The NH3eutectic isotherm is a comparatively easy‐to‐detect interface, with the potential to constrain the shell thickness and composition

We present the spatial distribution and spectral properties of Langmuir waves observed upstream of Saturn's bow shock by the Cassini spacecraft. The entire 10 kHz wideband data set obtained between June 2004 and December 2014 has been analyzed using an automated procedure. Almost 106waveform snapshots with intense narrowband emissions in the frequency range of 1–10 kHz were detected. A typical wave spectrum exhibits a single intense peak (62% of all selected waveforms). However, spectra with a superposition of two (25%) or more (13%) intense peaks are also observed. Using magnetic field observations and a model of the bow shock, plasma wave activity across Saturn's foreshock has been mapped. The plasma wave occurrence increases steeply behind the tangent magnetic field line, i.e., the sunward foreshock boundary, and rises with increasing distance from the tangential line into the downstream region. The single peak spectra are observed across the entire foreshock, while more complicated spectra are more likely measured deeper inside the foreshock and closer to the bow shock. We confirm that the most intense waves occur close to the tangent point and decrease both deeper in the foreshock and along the tangential line. Long‐term survey of plasma waves at frequencies 1–10 kHz inside Saturn's foreshockHigh activity of narrowband emissions maps the entire upstream region at SaturnLess intense and more complex waves are observed deeper inside the foreshock

Enceladus is a small icy moon of Saturn with active jets of water emanating from fractures around the south pole, informally called tiger stripes, which might be connected to a subsurface water ocean. The effect of these features on periodic tidal deformation of the moon has so far been neglected because of the difficulties associated with implementation of faults in continuum mechanics models. Here we estimate the maximum possible impact of the tiger stripes on tidal deformation and heat production within Enceladus's ice shell by representing them as narrow zones with negligible frictional and bulk resistance passing vertically through the whole ice shell. Assuming a uniform ice shell thickness of 25 km, consistent with the recent estimate of libration, we demonstrate that the faults can dramatically change the distribution of stress and strain in Enceladus's south polar region, leading to a significant increase of the heat production in this area. The presence of faults can significantly change the distribution of stress and strain in Enceladus's south polar region (SPR)The deformation induced by faults leads to local increases of heat flux by a factor of 10 and a twofold increase in SPR on averageThe effect of the faults on stress and strain is limited to SPR and is negligible at distances larger than 40 degrees from the south pole

Nanostructure coatings based on boroncarbide were prepared using magnetron sputtering technique. The mechanical properties of the coatings were tested using quasi-static and dynamic nanoindentation tests with Berkovich and cube-corner indenters. The fracture resistance of the coatings and the coating/substrate interface was studied. Moreover, the dynamic wear and scratch resistance of the coatings was evaluated by means of impact and scratch tests.

X-B-C (X=Mo, Ta) layers prepared by magnetron sputtering were tested. Mechanical properties were characterized by means of nanoindentation experiments in both the static and the dynamic loading regime. The results were correlated with observations of the microstructure under indentation prints by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy on cross sections prepared using a focussed ion beam. An excellent fracture resistance of prepared nanostructured coatings was found.

Maintenance and restoration of historical buildings are an important contribution to sustainability of cultural heritage. Refurbishment should be adopted to preserve the essential features of the building ́s history and cultural heritage. Reconstruction of internal plaster in historical buildings belongs to important treatment in a landmark area. Plaster of historical buildings is usually characterized by an open porosity, which makes it sensitive to the degradation caused by physical and chemical agents. Alterations and structural faults can lead to invasive interventions which modify permanently the cultural value and the structural behavior of the buildings, in conflict with necessary preservation requirements.Knowledge of the historical building interior microclimate is essential for the definition of suitable reconstruction. Computer simulation plays major role in determining air flow, which can cause negative influence within historic buildings such as high level of moisture, fungus, chemical reactions etc. In order to prevent deterioration of plaster and to retard their decay, protective products – nanofibers – could be applied on the historical surfaces. Using nanofibers should cause minimal modifications to the historic appearance and protect from negative influences.

We present the first systematic study of Langmuir wave amplitudes in Saturn's foreshock using the Cassini Radio and Plasma Wave Science/Wideband Receiver measurements. We analyzed all foreshock crossings from June 2004 to December 2009 using an automatic method to identify Langmuir waves. Using this method, almost 3 × 105waveform intervals of typical duration of about a minute were selected. For each selected waveform interval the position of the satellite inside the foreshock was calculated using an adaptive bow shock model, which was parametrized by the observed magnetic field and plasma data. We determined the wave amplitudes for all waveform intervals, and we found that the probability density function amplitudes follow a lognormal distribution with a power law tail. A nonlinear fit for this tail gives a power law exponent of −1.37 ± 0.01. The distribution of amplitudes as a function of the depth in the foreshock shows the onset of the waves near the upstream boundary with its maximum slightly shifted inside the foreshock (∼1 RS). The amplitudes then fall off with increasing depth in the downstream region. Our results are in agreement with previous observations and roughly follow the generally accepted stochastic growth theory mechanism for the foreshock region, with an exception at the highest observed amplitudes. The estimated energy density ratio Wfor largest amplitudes does not exceed 10−2, suggesting that modulational instability is not relevant for a large majority of waves. The decay instability can be important for the stronger electrostatic waves in Saturn's foreshock, as was previously reported for multiple solar system planets. Distribution of amplitudes follows lognormal distribution with a power law tailAmplitudes fall off with increasing depth inside downstream foreshockModulational instability is not relevant in Langmuir wave saturation at Saturn