Accuracy Assessment of Numerical Dosimetry for the Evaluation of Human Exposure to Electric Vehicle Inductive Charging Systems

In this article, we discuss numerical aspects related to the accuracy and the computational efficiency of numerical dosimetric simulations, performed in the context of human exposure to static inductive charging systems of electric vehicles. Two alternative numerical methods based on electric vector potential and electric scalar potential formulations, respectively, are here considered for the electric field computation in highly detailed anatomical human models. The results obtained by the numerical implementation of both approaches are discussed in terms of compliance assessment with ICNIRP guidelines limits for human exposure to electromagnetic fields. In particular, different strategies for smoothing localized unphysical outliers are compared, including novel techniques based on statistical considerations. The outlier removal is particularly relevant when comparison with basic restrictions is required to define the safety of electromagnetic fields exposure. The analysis demonstrates that it is not possible to derive general conclusions about the most robust method for dosimetric solutions. Nevertheless, the combined use of both formulations, together with the use of an algorithm for outliers removal based on a statistical approach, allows to determine final results to be compared with reference limits with a significant level of reliability

Phase Noise in Real-World Twin-Field Quantum Key Distribution

The impact of noise sources in real-world implementations of twin-field quantum key distribution (TF-QKD) protocols is investigated, focusing on phase noise from photon sources and connecting fibers. This work emphasizes the role of laser quality, network topology, fiber length, arm balance, and detector performance in determining key rates. Remarkably, it reveals that the leading TF-QKD protocols are similarly affected by phase noise despite different mechanisms. This study demonstrates duty cycle improvements of over a factor of two through narrow-linewidth lasers and phase-control techniques, highlighting the potential synergy with high-precision time and frequency distribution services. Ultrastable lasers, evolving toward integration and miniaturization, offer promising solutions for agile TF-QKD implementations on existing networks. Properly addressing phase noise and practical constraints allows for consistent key rate predictions, protocol selection, and layout design, crucial for establishing secure long-haul links for the quantum communication infrastructures under development in several countries.This study explores the impact of various noise sources on twin-field quantum key distribution (TF-QKD) systems, focusing on phase noise from photon sources and fibers. Results show that different TF-QKD protocols are similarly affected by phase noise. Techniques like using ultrastable lasers and phase stabilization can double key rates, promising secure long-distance quantum communication infrastructures. imag

Integrative CUT&Tag-RNA-Seq Analysis of Histone Variant MacroH2A1-Dependent Orchestration of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Reprogramming

Aim: Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are inefficiently derived from somatic cells by overexpression of defined transcription factors. Overexpression of H2A histone variant macroH2A1.1, but not macroH2A1.2, leads to increased iPSC reprogramming by unclear mechanisms. Materials & methods: Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) allows robust epigenomic profiling of a low cell number. We performed an integrative CUT&Tag-RNA-Seq analysis of macroH2A1-dependent orchestration of iPSCs reprogramming using human endothelial cells. Results: We demonstrate wider genome occupancy, predicted transcription factors binding, and gene expression regulated by macroH2A1.1 during reprogramming, compared to macroH2A1.2. MacroH2A1.1, previously associated with neurodegenerative pathologies, specifically activated ectoderm/neural processes. Conclusion: CUT&Tag and RNA-Seq data integration is a powerful tool to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms occurring during cell reprogramming

Epigenetic and transcriptional control of adipocyte function by centenarian-associated SIRT6 N308K/A313S mutant

Background: Obesity is a major health burden. Preadipocytes proliferate and differentiate in mature adipocytes in the adipogenic process, which could be a potential therapeutic approach for obesity. Deficiency of SIRT6, a stress-responsive protein deacetylase and mono-ADP ribosyltransferase enzyme, blocks adipogenesis. Mutants of SIRT6 (N308K/A313S) were recently linked to the in the long lifespan Ashkenazi Jews. In this study, we aimed to clarify how these new centenarian-associated SIRT6 genetic variants affect adipogenesis at the transcriptional and epigenetic level. Methods: We analyzed the role of SIRT6 wild-type (WT) or SIRT6 centenarian-associated mutant (N308K/A313S) overexpression in adipogenesis, by creating stably transduced preadipocyte cell lines using lentivirus on the 3T3-L1 model. Histone post-translational modifications (PTM: acetylation, methylation) and transcriptomic changes were analyzed by mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and RNA-Seq, respectively, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, the adipogenic process and related signaling pathways were investigated by bioinformatics and biochemical approaches. Results: Overexpression of centenarian-associated SIRT6 mutant increased adipogenic differentiation to a similar extent compared to the WT form. However, it triggered distinct histone PTM profiles in mature adipocytes, with significantly higher acetylation levels, and activated divergent transcriptional programs, including those dependent on signaling related to the sympathetic innervation and to PI3K pathway. 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes overexpressing SIRT6 N308K/A313S displayed increased insulin sensitivity in a neuropeptide Y (NPY)-dependent manner. Conclusions: SIRT6 N308K/A313S overexpression in mature adipocytes ameliorated glucose sensitivity and impacted sympathetic innervation signaling. These findings highlight the importance of targeting SIRT6 enzymatic activities to regulate the co-morbidities associated with obesity