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Microscopic geared metamachines
Abstract The miniaturization of mechanical machines is critical for advancing nanotechnology and reducing device footprints. Traditional efforts to downsize gears and micromotors have faced limitations at around 0.1 mm for over thirty years due to the complexities of constructing drives and coupling systems at such scales. Here, we present an alternative approach utilizing optical metasurfaces to locally drive microscopic machines, which can then be fabricated using standard lithography techniques and seamlessly integrated on the chip, achieving sizes down to tens of micrometers with movements precise to the sub-micrometer scale. As a proof of principle, we demonstrate the construction of microscopic gear trains powered by a single driving gear with a metasurface activated by a plane light wave. Additionally, we develop a versatile pinion and rack micromachine capable of transducing rotational motion, performing periodic motion, and controlling microscopic mirrors for light deflection. Our on-chip fabrication process allows for straightforward parallelization and integration. Using light as a widely available and easily controllable energy source, these miniaturized metamachines offer precise control and movement, unlocking new possibilities for micro- and nanoscale systems.
Integrating miRNA profiling and machine learning for improved prostate cancer diagnosis
Lone pair expression in fluorinated two-dimensional hybrid perovskite enables multiaxial ferroelectricity and nonlinear optical response
The association between loneliness and pain, and the role of physical health and distress: an analysis in 139 countries
Targeted CRISPR screens reveal genes essential for Cryptosporidium survival in the host intestine
Abstract The Cryptosporidium parasite is one of the leading causes of diarrheal morbidity and mortality in children, and adolescent infections are associated with chronic malnutrition. There are no vaccines available for protection and only one drug approved for treatment that has limited efficacy. A major barrier to developing new therapeutics is a lack of foundational knowledge of Cryptosporidium biology, including which parasite genes are essential for survival and virulence. Here, we iteratively improve the tools for genetically manipulating Cryptosporidium and develop a targeted CRISPR-based screening method to rapidly assess how the loss of individual parasite genes influence survival in vivo. Using this method, we examine the parasite’s pyrimidine salvage pathway and a set of leading Cryptosporidium vaccine candidates. From this latter group, using inducible knockout, we determined the parasite gene known as Cp23 to be essential for survival in vivo. Parasites deficient in Cp23 were able to replicate within and emerge from infected epithelial cells, yet unable to initiate gliding motility which is required for the reinfection of neighbouring cells. The targeted screening method presented here is highly versatile and will enable researchers to more rapidly expand the knowledge base for Cryptosporidium infection biology, paving the way for new therapeutics.
Encapsulation of polyphenol rich extract from rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) peel for application as dual functional ingredient in ice cream
Propagation-adaptive 4K computer-generated holography using physics-constrained spatial and Fourier neural operator
Abstract Computer-generated holography (CGH) offers a promising method to create true-to-life reconstructions of objects. While recent advances in deep learning-based CGH algorithms have significantly improved the tradeoff between algorithm runtime and image quality, most existing models are restricted to a fixed propagation distance, limiting their adaptability in practical applications. Here, we present a deep learning-based algorithmic CGH solver that achieves propagation-adaptive CGH synthesis using a spatial and Fourier neural operator (SFO-solver). Grounded in two physical insights of optical diffraction, specifically its global information flow and the circular symmetry, SFO-solver encodes both target intensity and propagation distance as network inputs with enhanced physical interpretability. The method enables high-speed 4 K CGH synthesis at 0.16 seconds per frame, delivering an average PSNR of 39.25 dB across a 30 mm depth range. We experimentally demonstrate various-depth 2D holographic projection and an adjustable multi-plane 3D display without requiring hardware modifications. SFO-solver showcases significant improvements in the flexibility of deep learning-based CGH synthesis and provides a scalable foundation to fulfill broader user-oriented requirements such as dynamic refocusing and interactive holographic display.
Regional calibration of ecosystem service valuation under climate and tourism influences: a case study in subtropical Longyan, China
Strain-induced lead-free morphotropic phase boundary
Influence of acidified-biochar on phosphorus and potassium availability in alkaline sandy soil
Abstract Biochar application is recommended to enhance soil fertility, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. In alkaline soils, acidifying biochar can help overcome high pH constraints and improve phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) availability. This study evaluated the effects of acidified palm frond (PF) and guava branch (GB) biochars on P and K availability in alkaline sandy soil through a controlled batch incubation experiment. Biochars were acidified using acetic or phosphoric acid and characterized for their chemical properties, surface morphology, and functional groups. A 15-week incubation was conducted using sandy alkaline soil pre-treated with 0.48 Mg ha-1 of superphosphate fertilizer. Acidified and unacidified PF and GB biochars were applied at rates of 2.4 and 4.8 Mg ha-1. PF biochar showed a higher cation exchange capacity (CEC: 37.9 cmol kg-1) and greater K enrichment than GB biochar (CEC: 17.6 cmol kg-1). Phosphoric acid significantly increased the CEC of both biochars, while acetic acid had minimal impact. Application of 4.8 Mg ha-1 phosphoric acid-treated GB biochar significantly improved soil P availability, reaching 104.02 mg kg-1 after one week, with no evidence of P fixation over 15 weeks. PF biochar, regardless of acidification, significantly enhanced exchangeable K levels, particularly at the higher application rate. Acidification improved P and K availability in the studied alkaline sandy soil, but such influence depended on biochar type, chemical composition, and incubation time. Selecting the appropriate acid for biochar modification is crucial to optimizing nutrient availability in alkaline soils.
The soil-plant-human gut microbiome axis into perspective
Publisher Correction: Pesticide effects of highly stable green synthesized silver nanocomposites to be used in organic tomato crops
Intracristal space proteome mapping using super-resolution proximity labeling with isotope-coded probes
Abstract Proximity labeling with engineered ascorbate peroxidase (APEX) has been widely used to identify proteomes within various membrane-enclosed subcellular organelles. However, constructing protein distribution maps between two non-partitioned proximal spaces remains challenging with the current proximity labeling tools. Here, we introduce a proximity labeling approach using isotope-coded phenol probes for APEX labeling (ICAX) that enables the quantitative analysis of the spatial proteome at nanometer resolution between two distinctly localized APEX enzymes. Using this technique, we identify the spatial proteomic architecture of the mitochondrial intracristal space (ICS), which is not physically separated from the peripheral space. ICAX analysis further reveals unexpected dynamics of the mitochondrial spatiome under mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) complex inhibition and mitochondrial uncoupling, respectively. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of ICS for mitochondrial quality control under dynamic stress conditions.
Smaller birth size may be associated with lower physical activity in adult women
Abstract Conditions during fetal development are crucial for a long-term health. Individuals with small size at birth are suggested to have energy-thrifty physiology, a tendency to conserve energy due to adaptations to undernutrition during early development. However, energy also could be saved by having low physical activity. We hypothesize that individuals born smaller are less physically active compared to those born larger. Data were collected from 136 healthy, urban women (mean age 26.6, SD 4.24) over 3 consecutive menstrual cycles. Cycle 1 involved usual physical activity, while in cycles 2 and 3 women were instructed to perform at least 180 min/week of moderate to vigorous activity. Birth weight and length were obtained from personal medical records, and physical activity was monitored using a Fitbit wristband accelerometers. For each woman, ponderal index (indicator of leanness at birth) was calculated. Smaller size at birth predicted lower total energy expenditure during adulthood. The ponderal index was positively associated with duration of vigorous physical activity across all cycles (cycle 1: p < 0.001; cycle 2: p = 0.011; cycle 3: p = 0.004), while the birth weight was positively related to total energy expenditure (cycle 1: p = 0.014; cycle 2: p = 0.008; cycle 3: p = 0.016). Fetal developmental conditions might be associated with physical activity levels in later life. Women born smaller have lower total energy expenditure and are less likely to engage in vigorous activity. These findings underscore the role of early life factors in shaping health-related behaviors and suggest that individuals born with smaller size may need additional support or tailored interventions to meet the recommended levels of physical activity.
Current challenges and future directions for brain age prediction in children and adolescents
Abstract Advancements in computational techniques have enhanced our understanding of human brain development, particularly through high-dimensional data from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One notable approach is the brain-age prediction framework, which predicts biological age from neuroimaging data and calculates the brain age gap (BAG), a marker of deviation from chronological age. Most commonly applied to adult samples, this approach is now increasingly used in children and adolescents. However, several considerations must be taken into account when applying brain-age prediction in youth. In this Perspective, we outline important challenges and provide recommendations for researchers as well as future directions for the field.
Predictive value of myosteatosis and subcutaneous adipose tissue on the prognosis of ESCC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy
Ca2+-pumping by PMCA-neuroplastin complexes operates in the kiloHertz-range
Abstract Ca2+-ATPases in the plasma membrane extrude Ca2+ ions from the cytosol to the extracellular space thereby terminating Ca2+-signals and controlling Ca2+-homeostasis in any type of cell. Recently, these Ca2+-pumps have been identified as protein complexes of the transporting subunits PMCAs1-4 and the single-span membrane proteins Neuroplastin (NPTN) or Basigin that are obligatory for efficient trafficking of the pump complexes to the surface membrane. Quantitative investigation of the pumping velocity controlling the time course of Ca2+-signals, however, has remained unresolved. Here we show, using Ca2+-activated K+ channels as fast native reporters of intracellular Ca2+ concentration(s) together with membrane-tethered fluorescent Ca2+-indicators, that under cellular conditions PMCA2-NPTN complexes can clear Ca2+ in the low millisecond-range. Computational modeling exploiting EM-derived densities of Ca2+-source(s) and Ca2+-transporters in freeze-fracture replicas translated these fast kinetics into transport rates for individual PMCA2-NPTN pumps of more than 5000 cycles/s. Direct comparison with the Na+/Ca2+-exchanger NCX2, an alternate-access transporter with established cycling rates in the kHz range, indicated similar efficiencies in Ca2+-transport. Our results establish PMCA2-NPTN complexes, the most abundant Ca2+-clearing tool in the mammalian brain, as transporters with unanticipated high cycling rates and demonstrate that under cellular conditions ATPases may operate in the kHz-range.
Sex differences in the lateralization of sustained electrophysiological response to 40 Hz clicks in typically developing preschoolers
Abstract Two EEG-responses to periodical auditory 40-Hz stimulation – auditory steady-state response (ASSR) and sustained wave (SW) – are important neurophysiological correlates of temporal and spectral aspects of auditory perception, respectively. However, little is known about the sex difference of their development in children of 3–6 years, the period of extensive language acquisition. We registered a 32-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) while 500-ms 40-Hz click trains ( n = 150) were presented to 57 typically developing children (27 females). We also assessed total language skill, expressive and receptive speech abilities, the perception of speech in noise and pseudowords repetition. 40-Hz ASSR was not very clearly expressed in our sample but showed developmental increase for both boys and girls. Topography of SW showed significant right-hemisphere predominance in boys, while girls had more symmetric response. On a subsample of boys ( n = 14) we also found that the laterality index of SW correlated with speech in noise repetition score: the greater rightwarded the laterality was, the worse boys repeated words in noise. Our results are also consistent with the findings of greater lateralization of some components of EEG-activity in men.