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Tune, Extend, and Narrow the Useful Dynamic Range of Cell‐Free Transcription Biosensors Through Programmable DNA‐Based Stem‐Loop Hairpin Reporters
ABSTRACT In this work, we present a general, modular strategy to tune, extend, and narrow the dynamic range of cell‐free transcription biosensing platforms by integrating programmable, structure‐switching DNA stem‐loop reporters into in vitro transcription (IVT) circuits. To do so, we engineered a set of stem‐loop DNA reporters whose dynamic range for detecting a specific RNA output can be precisely controlled by adjusting their switching equilibrium constant ( K S ). This straightforward approach enables the dynamic range of a model cell‐free transcription biosensor to be programmed across more than two orders of magnitude (observed affinity K D obs from 0.16 ± 0.02 nM up to 23 ± 4 nM). By combining DNA‐based reporters with differing affinities, we further expanded the dynamic range of a cell‐free transcription biosensor well beyond the conventional two orders of magnitude, achieving up to 10 4 ‐fold coverage. We also demonstrate two‐step dynamic responses by mixing hairpin reporters with highly distinct affinities. Finally, integration of signaling and non‐signaling stem‐loop reporters allowed us to compress the dynamic range of a model transcription biosensor to as little as three‐fold enabling heightened sensitivity. Overall, this modular framework enables the customization of cell‐free transcription biosensor sensitivity and response profiles, overcoming key limitations inherent to single‐site transcriptional reporter designs.
Multifunctional nonlinear planar device of cavity magnonics based on a 100 nm-thick YIG film
The paper demonstrates a multifunctional nonlinear planar cavity magnonic device based on a coupled photon–magnon system “half-wave microstrip resonator–superthin (100 nm thick) yttrium iron garnet (YIG) film.” The microstrip resonator of 500 μm width (a photonic subsystem) operates at a resonant frequency of about 3 GHz, and the superthin YIG film (a magnonic subsystem), being a gyromagnetic resonator, operates in a parallel pumping mode at a resonant frequency that corresponds to a ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) frequency f⊥ for a transverse pumping mode. The FMR mode at f⊥ is excited in the regime of a strong coupling, and it is not excited when the microstrip resonator is replaced by a microstrip transmission line operating in the parallel pumping mode. At a second-order Suhl instability, a large-to-small signal ratio and a nonlinear phase shift reach the maximum values of about 8 dB and 60° when the resonant frequencies of both subsystems coincide. A frequency selectivity of the multifunctional nonlinear device is estimated in a two-signal (large and small signals) regime. The presence of a lower nonlinear threshold in superthin YIG films in comparison with micrometer-thick YIG films leads to the improvement of the frequency selectivity of the nonlinear ferrite devices.
Modular lab-on-chip platform with integrated a-Si:H sensors for real-time bioluminescence monitoring in bioreactors under microgravity conditions
Radially accelerating and autofocusing caustics in electron vortex beams
Electron vortex beams (EVBs) carrying quantized orbital angular momentum significantly enhance the quantum state encoding and phase modulation capabilities of free electrons. However, conventional EVBs are constrained by linear propagation dynamics and coupling among different degrees of freedom, which limit their broader applicability. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a radially accelerated autofocusing electron vortex beam (RAAF-EVB) that enables independent and precise control over key parameters, including a designed power-law radial acceleration trajectory, the initial ring radius, and the topological charge. Experimental results show that RAAF-EVBs maintain stable power-law caustic evolution across varying topological charges and superposition states, confirming robust decoupling among the designed trajectory, initial radius, and topological charge. The development of RAAF-EVBs provides a general framework for designing highly customizable structured electron beams, with promising applications in electron microscopy, quantum state manipulation, and particle physics.
Knowledge-driven automated prefabricated bridge modeling from natural language using LLM and RAG
Local constrained expansion induced surface tensile strain and optical enhancement in suspended GeSn microstructures
Strain engineering is a key strategy for advancing GeSn in silicon optoelectronics, as it not only overcomes the compressive strain in epitaxial films but can also introduce additional tensile strain to facilitate a direct-bandgap transition. However, effectively applying and precisely controlling a high level of tensile strain remains a significant challenge. In this work, we systematically investigate the strain redistribution mechanisms in suspended microstructures of GeSn thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy and their impact on the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. We demonstrate that these microstructures effectively release the initial −1.1% compressive strain of the as-grown GeSn sample and introduce a substantial tensile strain within the top 20 nm surface layer of the suspended portion, reaching a maximum of 2.0%. A model based on the local constrained expansion effect was proposed to explain the origin of the enhanced tensile strain. Compared to the as-grown GeSn sample, the PL peak of Ge0.91Sn0.09 microdisks exhibits a redshift of 18.7 meV at 300 K and a narrower full width at half maximum. Temperature-dependent PL indicates that the PL signal originates from direct-bandgap transitions in the suspended Ge0.91Sn0.09 microdisks, which is consistent with the prediction by the eight-band k·p model. This work reveals a geometry-dependent strain redistribution mechanism, providing a design paradigm for high-performance, direct-bandgap GeSn light-emitting devices.
A self-supervised GNN–Transformer framework for weak microseismic signal identification
First-principles investigation of threshold displacement energies of MAPbBr3
Optoelectronic devices based on lead halide perovskite (LHP) materials show superior tolerance to high-energy ionizing radiation compared with conventional semiconductor materials, but the physical origin of its radiation tolerance is still largely unknown. Threshold displacement energy (Ed) is one of the most critical parameters for evaluating primary radiation damage and the radiation stability of LHP materials and thus worth careful examination. In this work, the Ed of methylammonium lead tribromide (MAPbBr3) is investigated through ab initio molecular dynamics. The results show that some unique displacement events can give rise to extremely small Ed below 10 eV, which is much smaller than the recommended value in the standard software for radiation damage estimation. The Ed values for organic ions are, in general, larger than inorganic ions. The displacement of organic ions can easily produce hydrogen vacancies, which may have important implications for the performance of LHP-based devices. Overall, thanks to the soft lattice nature of LHP materials, the displacement dynamics and Ed values are distinct compared with oxide perovskite, suggesting that the formation of primary radiation damage of LHP materials can be fundamentally different.
Synthesis and evaluation of vanillin-based sulfonates as potent α-glucosidase inhibitors through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches
Achieving uniform elemental distribution and high crystallinity in Cu3V(S,Se)4 solar cells via optimizing selenization engineering
The selenization parameters for solution-based Cu3V(S,Se)4 thin film solar cells were systematically studied. An increasing selenization temperature can help Cu, S, and Se elements diffuse effectively, distribute evenly in the crystal grains and grain boundaries, which improve the crystallinity, compactness, and electrical properties of the Cu3V(S,Se)4 films. The extension of selenization time can also optimize the crystallinity of the film. The optimal selenization parameters are determined to be 530 °C and 70 min, and the corresponding thin film is also regarded as the best sample. The band structure of the best sample is studied further and matches that of the buffer layer. Finally, the assembled device can present the best photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.16%, which is increased by 28.6% compared with what we previously reported in 2024 (1.68%).
Evaluation model for in-situ pyrolysis development potential of tar-rich coal based on fuzzy analysis, combined weighting, and grey-TOPSIS
Li/Ni disordering modulated resistive switching behavior in LiNiO2
With the rapid development of computing technology, two-terminal memristors with controllable resistance have attracted considerable attention due to their simple structure and ease of integration. This study proposes a method for modulating resistive switching behavior by adjusting the degree of Li/Ni disordering in LiNiO2 (LNO) memristors. By varying the synthesis temperature, the Li/Ni disordering in LNO can be controlled, as confirmed by refined x-ray diffraction results, thereby affecting the migration of Li+ within the material. Volatile bidirectional threshold switching behavior is observed in devices based on LNO synthesized at 700 °C with different electrodes. In contrast, samples synthesized at 750 and 800 °C, which exhibite higher Li/Ni disordering, demonstrate nonvolatile memristive switching (NMS) behavior. Furthermore, by tuning various synthesis conditions, the dependence of resistive switching behavior on the degree of Li/Ni disordering is further validated. Based on these behaviors and the underlying conduction mechanisms, a resistive switching model is proposed, combining the effects of phase transitions and oxygen vacancy conductive filaments. This study provides important insights for modulating the performance of memristors based on Li+-migration materials through atomic-level regulation.
Assessing lightweight foamed concrete multi-property with alkaline, calcium, and iron-rich cement kiln dust variants
A perspective on the electronic instabilities in kagome AV3Sb5
The electronic properties of solids are strongly shaped by lattice geometry. A prime example is the kagome lattice, whose band structure features van Hove singularities (vHS), flat bands, and Dirac crossings. These characteristics naturally promote strong electronic correlations. In the kagome metals AV3Sb5, the Fermi level lies close to kagome-derived vHS, placing the system in a regime of heightened electronic susceptibility and correlation-driven instabilities. In this Perspective, we discuss the electronic instabilities observed experimentally in AV3Sb5, outline the physical pictures that we find most compelling, and share our views on the current excitement, open debates, and future opportunities in these materials. We view AV3Sb5 as a uniquely clean platform for exploring how multiple correlated phases coexist, compete, and intertwine on a single Fermi surface, offering a level of conceptual richness comparable to that of the cuprates. Although a lot of information about AV3Sb5 has been collected in recent years, we still lack a clear understanding of each of its electronic phases or their interplay. This Perspective aims to expose the status of the field and cajole a communal effort toward a unified physical description of these compounds.
Network pharmacology analysis and cellular experiment validation of puerarin in attenuating TBI through suppression of ferroptosis
Abstract Background : TBI is a neurological disorder closely associated with ferroptosis. Although puerarin has demonstrated neuroprotective effects, the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic action on TBI via ferroptosis regulation remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the potential mechanisms by which puerarin exerts therapeutic effects on TBI, focusing on ferroptosis, through an integrative approach combining network pharmacology, MD simulations, and in vitro experiments. Methods: Potential targets of puerarin were predicted using TCMSP, PharmMapper, and SwissTargetPrediction, while ferroptosis- and TBI-related genes were retrieved from FerrDb, OMIM and GeneCards. Differential expression analysis of TBI-related genes was performed using the GSE58483 dataset from the GEO database. GO/KEGG analysis were conducted using the Metascape platform. Molecular docking was carried out with AutoDock Vina and PyMol, followed by MD simulation using Gromacs 2022.6. In vitro experiments were conducted to further validate pathways and targets. Results: Key targets, including AKT1, ALB, IL6, and NFKB1, were identified and found to be primarily involved in inflammation-related signaling pathways such as TNF and IL-17. Molecular docking demonstrated stable interactions between puerarin and these targets, which were further supported by MD simulations showing good structural stability and low interaction energies. In HT22 cells subjected to glutamate/erastin-induced ferroptosis, puerarin effectively counteracted ferroptotic cell damage. Conclusion: The present investigation reveals that puerarin may inhibit ferroptosis by regulating the TNF signaling pathway, thereby alleviating TBI.
Fractional-order analysis of a fear-induced ecoepidemiological predator–prey model with optimal control and bifurcation dynamics
Genetic divergence in Capsicum annuum L. under protected conditions based on new DUS descriptors
Iron tailings rehabilitation via organic matter supplement: multifunctionality dynamics, microbial community, and enhancement mechanism
Abstract Microbial communities and tailings multifunctionality are prerequisites for iron tailings’ eco-engineering into technosols, but how organic matter supplementation improves these remains unclear. This study explored multifunctional enhancement, microbial enrichment, and driving mechanisms via microcosm experiments with fulvic acid (FL), rice husk (RC), and FL + RC (FLRC). Over 60-day incubation, tailings’ multifunctional index showed exponential growth in FL treatment and pseudo-first-order kinetics in RC/FLRC, attributed to the stronger organic matter decomposition potential in FL (3 × 10 − 3 ) than RC (1.4 × 10 − 4 ) and FLRC (0). Network analysis revealed rare microorganisms (relative abundance < 1%, bacterial genera of Sericytochromatia and Parasegetibacter , fungal genera of Fusarium and Cystobasidium ) had the strongest correlations with physicochemical factors ( r = 0.97), indicating the rare microorganisms instead of dominant taxa drive tailings multifunctionality. Mantel tests revealed external carbon sources regulate the tailings carbon cycle via pgk , cellulase , and pdh genes, while the microenvironment directly propels it through cs , g6pd , ms and cat genes. Collectively, these findings clarify the key drivers regulating ecological functions of iron tailings, providing a sustainable strategy for tailings ecological restoration and resource utilization.