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Niraula G, Pyne A, Wang X. Develop Tandem Tension Sensor to Gauge Integrin-Transmitted Molecular Forces. ACS Sens 2024; 9:3660-3670. [PMID: 38968930 PMCID: PMC11287754 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
DNA-based tension sensors have innovated the imaging and calibration of mechanosensitive receptor-transmitted molecular forces, such as integrin tensions. However, these sensors mainly serve as binary reporters, only indicating if molecular forces exceed one predefined threshold. Here, we have developed tandem tension sensor (TTS), which comprises two consecutive force-sensing units, each with unique force detection thresholds and distinct fluorescence spectra, thereby enabling the quantification of molecular forces with dual reference levels. With TTS, we revealed that vinculin is not required for transmitting integrin tensions at approximately 10 pN (piconewtons) but is essential for elevating integrin tensions beyond 20 pN in focal adhesions (FAs). Such high tensions have emerged during the early stage of FA formation. TTS also successfully detected changes in integrin tensions in response to disrupted actin formation, inhibited myosin activity, and tuned substrate elasticity. We also applied TTS to examine integrin tensions in platelets and revealed two force regimes, with integrin tensions surpassing 20 pN at cell central regions and 13-20 pN integrin tensions at the cell edge. Overall, TTS, especially the construct consisting of a hairpin DNA (13 pN opening force) and a shearing DNA (20 pN opening force), stands as a valuable tool for the quantification of receptor-transmitted molecular forces within living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Niraula
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Arghajit Pyne
- Research
Division in Hoxworth Center, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, United States
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Research
Division in Hoxworth Center, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, United States
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2
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Zhang Y, Du J, Liu X, Shang F, Deng Y, Ye J, Wang Y, Yan J, Chen H, Yu M, Le S. Multi-domain interaction mediated strength-building in human α-actinin dimers unveiled by direct single-molecule quantification. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6151. [PMID: 39034324 PMCID: PMC11271494 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50430-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
α-Actinins play crucial roles in cytoskeletal mechanobiology by acting as force-bearing structural modules that orchestrate and sustain the cytoskeletal framework, serving as pivotal hubs for diverse mechanosensing proteins. The mechanical stability of α-actinin dimer, a determinant of its functional state, remains largely unexplored. Here, we directly quantify the force-dependent lifetimes of homo- and hetero-dimers of human α-actinins, revealing an ultra-high mechanical stability of the dimers associated with > 100 seconds lifetime within 40 pN forces under shear-stretching geometry. Intriguingly, we uncover that the strong dimer stability is arisen from much weaker sub-domain pair interactions, suggesting the existence of distinct dimerized functional states of the dimer, spanning a spectrum of mechanical stability, with the spectrin repeats (SRs) in folded or unfolded conformation. In essence, our study supports a potent mechanism for building strength in biomolecular dimers through weak, multiple sub-domain interactions, and illuminates multifaceted roles of α-actinin dimers in cytoskeletal mechanics and mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Zhang
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Jingyi Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xian Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fei Shang
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Yunxin Deng
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Jiaqing Ye
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Yukai Wang
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117542, Singapore
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Fuzhou, 350207, China
| | - Hu Chen
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China.
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Shimin Le
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China.
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Hu Y, Li H, Zhang C, Feng J, Wang W, Chen W, Yu M, Liu X, Zhang X, Liu Z. DNA-based ForceChrono probes for deciphering single-molecule force dynamics in living cells. Cell 2024; 187:3445-3459.e15. [PMID: 38838668 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Understanding cellular force transmission dynamics is crucial in mechanobiology. We developed the DNA-based ForceChrono probe to measure force magnitude, duration, and loading rates at the single-molecule level within living cells. The ForceChrono probe circumvents the limitations of in vitro single-molecule force spectroscopy by enabling direct measurements within the dynamic cellular environment. Our findings reveal integrin force loading rates of 0.5-2 pN/s and durations ranging from tens of seconds in nascent adhesions to approximately 100 s in mature focal adhesions. The probe's robust and reversible design allows for continuous monitoring of these dynamic changes as cells undergo morphological transformations. Additionally, by analyzing how mutations, deletions, or pharmacological interventions affect these parameters, we can deduce the functional roles of specific proteins or domains in cellular mechanotransduction. The ForceChrono probe provides detailed insights into the dynamics of mechanical forces, advancing our understanding of cellular mechanics and the molecular mechanisms of mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuru Hu
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Hongyun Li
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China.
| | - Chen Zhang
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Jingjing Feng
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Wenxu Wang
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Wei Chen
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Miao Yu
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Xinping Liu
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Xinghua Zhang
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China.
| | - Zheng Liu
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China.
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Chen H, Wang S, Cao Y, Lei H. Molecular Force Sensors for Biological Application. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6198. [PMID: 38892386 PMCID: PMC11173168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanical forces exerted by cells on their surrounding microenvironment are known as cellular traction forces. These forces play crucial roles in various biological processes, such as tissue development, wound healing and cell functions. However, it is hard for traditional techniques to measure cellular traction forces accurately because their magnitude (from pN to nN) and the length scales over which they occur (from nm to μm) are extremely small. In order to fully understand mechanotransduction, highly sensitive tools for measuring cellular forces are needed. Current powerful techniques for measuring traction forces include traction force microscopy (TFM) and fluorescent molecular force sensors (FMFS). In this review, we elucidate the force imaging principles of TFM and FMFS. Then we highlight the application of FMFS in a variety of biological processes and offer our perspectives and insights into the potential applications of FMFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyan Chen
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (H.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Shouhan Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (H.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Yi Cao
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (H.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Hai Lei
- School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Institute for Advanced Study in Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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Dibus M, Joshi O, Ivaska J. Novel tools to study cell-ECM interactions, cell adhesion dynamics and migration. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102355. [PMID: 38631101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Integrin-mediated cell adhesion is essential for cell migration, mechanotransduction and tissue integrity. In vivo, these processes are regulated by complex physicochemical signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM). These nuanced cues, including molecular composition, rigidity and topology, call for sophisticated systems to faithfully explore cell behaviour. Here, we discuss recent methodological advances in cell-ECM adhesion research and compile a toolbox of techniques that we expect to shape this field in future. We outline methodological breakthroughs facilitating the transition from rigid 2D substrates to more complex and dynamic 3D systems, as well as advances in super-resolution imaging for an in-depth understanding of adhesion nanostructure. Selected methods are exemplified with relevant biological findings to underscore their applicability in cell adhesion research. We expect this new "toolbox" of methods will allow for a closer approximation of in vitro experimental setups to in vivo conditions, providing deeper insights into physiological and pathophysiological processes associated with cell-ECM adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Dibus
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Omkar Joshi
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Western Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN West), University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Tukholmankatu 8, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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6
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Zeng Q, Xu B, Deng J, Shang K, Guo Z, Wu S. Optimization of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface chemical modification and formulation for improved T cell activation and expansion. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 239:113977. [PMID: 38776594 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy has undergone remarkable advancements in recent decades; nevertheless, the rapid and effective ex vivo expansion of tumor-reactive T cells remains a formidable challenge, limiting their clinical application. Artificial antigen-presenting substrates represent a promising avenue for enhancing the efficiency of adoptive immunotherapy and fostering T cell expansion. These substrates offer significant potential by providing flexibility and modularity in the design of tailored stimulatory environments. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone elastomer stands as a widely utilized biomaterial for exploring the varying sensitivity of T cell activation to substrate properties. This paper explores the optimization of PDMS surface modification and formulation to create customized stimulatory surfaces with the goal of enhancing T cell expansion. By employing soft PDMS elastomer functionalized through silanization and activating agent, coupled with site-directed protein immobilization techniques, a novel T cell stimulatory platform is introduced, facilitating T cell activation and proliferation. Notably, our findings underscore that softer modified elastomers (Young' modulus E∼300 kPa) exhibit superior efficacy in stimulating and activating mouse CD4+ T cells compared to their stiffer counterparts (E∼3 MPa). Furthermore, softened modified PDMS substrates demonstrate enhanced capabilities in T cell expansion and Th1 differentiation, offering promising insights for the advancement of T cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongjiao Zeng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Bowen Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jiewen Deng
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Kun Shang
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhenhong Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Shuqing Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
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Huang Y, Chen T, Chen X, Chen X, Zhang J, Liu S, Lu M, Chen C, Ding X, Yang C, Huang R, Song Y. Decoding Biomechanical Cues Based on DNA Sensors. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310330. [PMID: 38185740 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Biological systems perceive and respond to mechanical forces, generating mechanical cues to regulate life processes. Analyzing biomechanical forces has profound significance for understanding biological functions. Therefore, a series of molecular mechanical techniques have been developed, mainly including single-molecule force spectroscopy, traction force microscopy, and molecular tension sensor systems, which provide indispensable tools for advancing the field of mechanobiology. DNA molecules with a programmable structure and well-defined mechanical characteristics have attached much attention to molecular tension sensors as sensing elements, and are designed for the study of biomechanical forces to present biomechanical information with high sensitivity and resolution. In this work, a comprehensive overview of molecular mechanical technology is presented, with a particular focus on molecular tension sensor systems, specifically those based on DNA. Finally, the future development and challenges of DNA-based molecular tension sensor systems are looked upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Ting Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Xiaodie Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Ximing Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Jialu Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Sinong Liu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Menghao Lu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Chong Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Xiangyu Ding
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
- Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ruiyun Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Yanling Song
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
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