Sensory experience controls dendritic structure and behavior by distinct pathways involving degenerins.

Dendrites are crucial for receiving information into neurons. Sensory experience affects the structure of these tree-like neurites, which, it is assumed, modifies neuronal function, yet the evidence is scarce, and the mechanisms are unknown. To study whether sensory experience affects dendritic morphology, we use the arborized nociceptor PVD neurons, under natural mechanical stimulation induced by physical contacts between individuals.

Quantum state processing through controllable synthetic temporal photonic lattices.

Quantum walks on photonic platforms represent a physics-rich framework for quantum measurements, simulations and universal computing. Dynamic reconfigurability of photonic circuitry is key to controlling the walk and retrieving its full operation potential. Universal quantum processing schemes based on time-bin encoding in gated fibre loops have been proposed but not demonstrated yet, mainly due to gate inefficiencies.

AlGaN/AlN heterostructures: an emerging platform for integrated photonics.

We introduce a novel material for integrated photonics and investigate aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) on aluminum nitride (AlN) templates as a platform for developing reconfigurable and on-chip nonlinear optical devices. AlGaN combines compatibility with standard photonic fabrication technologies and high electro-optic modulation capabilities with low loss over a broad spectral range, from UVC to long-wave infrared, making it a viable material for complex photonic applications. In this work, we design and grow AlGaN/AlN heterostructures and integrate several photonic components.

Challenges in clinical translation of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging radiomics in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy: a narrative review.

Background And Objective: Radiomics is an emerging technology that facilitates the quantitative analysis of multi-modal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aims to introduce a standardized workflow for applying radiomics to non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, enabling clinicians to comprehensively understand and implement this technology in clinical practice.

Methods: A computerized literature search (up to August 1, 2024) was conducted using PubMed to identify relevant studies on the roles and workflows of radiomics in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Evaluation of myocardial perfusion imaging techniques and artificial intelligence (AI) tools in coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis through multi-criteria decision-making method.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the world's greatest cause of death. To evaluate heart function and diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) has become essential. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods have been incorporated into diagnostic methods such as MPI to improve patient outcomes in recent years.

Nematic liquid crystal flow driven by time-varying active surface anchoring.

We demonstrate the generation of diverse material flow regimes in nematic liquid cells as driven by time-variable active surface anchoring, including no-net flow, oscillatory flow, steady flow, and pulsating flow. Specifically, we numerically simulate a passive nematic fluid inside a cell bounded with two flat solid boundaries at which the time-dependent anchoring is applied with the dynamically variable surface anchoring easy axis. We show that different flow regimes emerge as the result of different anchoring driving directions ( co-rotating or counter-rotating) and relative phase of anchoring driving.

Polarization-Dependent Plasmon-Induced Doping and Strain Effects in MoS Monolayers on Gold Nanostructures.

Monolayers of transition-metal dichalcogenides, such as MoS, have attracted significant attention for their exceptional electronic and optical properties, positioning them as ideal candidates for advanced optoelectronic applications. Despite their strong excitonic effects, the atomic-scale thickness of these materials limits their light absorption efficiency, necessitating innovative strategies to enhance light-matter interactions. Plasmonic nanostructures offer a promising solution to overcome those challenges by amplifying the electromagnetic field and also introducing other mechanisms, such as hot electron injection.

Real-time visualisation of fast nanoscale processes during liquid reagent mixing by liquid cell transmission electron microscopy.

Liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM) is a powerful technique for investigating crystallisation dynamics with nanometre spatial resolution. However, probing phenomena occurring in liquids while mixing two precursor solutions has proven extremely challenging, requiring sophisticated liquid cell designs. Here, we demonstrate that introducing and withdrawing solvents in sequence makes it possible to maintain optimal imaging conditions while mixing liquids in a commercial liquid cell.

Excited state dynamics of azanaphthalenes reveal opportunities for the rational design of photoactive molecules.

Various photoactive molecules contain motifs built on aza-aromatic heterocycles, although a detailed understanding of the excited state photophysics and photochemistry in such systems is not fully developed. To help address this issue, the non-adiabatic dynamics operating in azanaphthalenes under hexane solvation was studied following 267 nm excitation using ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. Specifically, the species quinoline, isoquinoline, quinazoline, quinoxaline, 1,6-naphthyridine, and 1,8-naphthyridine were investigated, providing a systematic variation in the relative positioning of nitrogen heteroatom centres within a bicyclic aromatic structure.

High sensitivity tapered fiber refractive index biosensor using hollow gold nanoparticles.

A localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensor based on tapered optical fiber (TOF) using hollow gold nanoparticles (HAuNPs) for measuring the refractive index (RI) is presented. This optical fiber sensor is a good candidate for a label-free RI biosensor. In practical biosensors, bioreceptors are immobilized on nanoparticles (NPs) that only absorb specific biomolecules.

Oscillatory mechanoluminescence of Mn-doped SrZnOS in dynamic response to rapid compression.

Photon emission may be continuously produced from mechanical work through self-recoverable mechanoluminescence (ML). Significant progress has been made in high-performance ML materials in the past decades, but the rate-dependent ML kinetics remains poorly understood. Here, we have conducted systematic studies on the self-recoverable ML of Mn-doped SrZnOS (SrZnOS: Mn) under rapid compression up to ~10 GPa.

Ultraelastic Lead Halide Perovskite Films via Direct Laser Patterning.

The precise patterning of elastic semiconductors holds encouraging prospects for unlocking functionalities and broadening the scope of optoelectronic applications. Here, perovskite films with notable elasticity capable of stretching over 250% are successfully fabricated by using a continuous-wave (CW) laser-patterning technique. Under CW laser irradiation, perovskite nanoparticles (NPs) undergo meticulous crystallization within the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix, which yields the capability of an unparalleled stretch behavior.

Interfacial Oxygen Vacancy-Copper Pair Sites on Inverse CeO/Cu Catalyst Enable Efficient CO Electroreduction to Ethanol in Acid.

Renewable electricity-driven electrochemical reduction of CO offers a promising route for the production of high-value ethanol. However, the current state of this technology is hindered by low selectivity and productivity, primarily due to a limited understanding of the atomic-level active sites involved in ethanol formation. Herein, we identify that the interfacial oxygen vacancy-neighboring Cu (O-Cu) pair sites are the active sites for CO electroreduction to ethanol.

Effect of mechanical instrumentation on titanium implant surface properties.

Objective: To assess the impact of mechanical decontamination using rotary brushes on the surface topography, elemental composition, roughness, and wettability of titanium implant surfaces.

Methods: Four commercially available rotary brushes were used: Labrida BioClean Brush® (LB), i-Brush1 (IB), NiTiBrush Nano (NiTiB), and Peri-implantitis Brush (PIB). Seventy-five titanium discs with sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) surfaces were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 15): LB, IB, NiTiB, PIB, and a control group.

Triple-action cancer therapy using laser-activated NO-releasing metallomicellar nanophotosensitizer for pyroptosis-driven immune reprogramming.

Cancer photoimmunotherapy represents an intelligent and highly efficient therapeutic approach that harnesses the photothermal effect to precisely target and ablate tumor tissues, while simultaneously modulating the immune system to achieve tumor elimination. The integration of multifunctional therapeutic modalities for combined photoimmunotherapy requires advanced drug delivery systems. However, the design of a single nanoagent capable of serving as a multifunctional nanophotosensitizer remains a significant challenge.

In vitro anti-biofilm efficacy of therapeutic low dose 265 nm UVC.

Purpose: Preclinical studies have confirmed the safety and efficacy of narrowband low-intensity ultraviolet C light (UVC) in managing bacterial corneal infection. To further consolidate these findings, the present study aimed to explore in vitro anti-biofilm efficacy of low-intensity UVC light for its potential use in biofilm-related infections.

Methods: Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm was grown in chamber well slides for 48 h and exposed to one of the following challenges: UVC (265 nm wavelength, intensity 1.

Gold nanocages co-assembled with Spinacia oleracea extract combined photothermal/photodynamic therapy in 4T1 breast cancer cell line.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been emerging as potential alternatives to conventional cancer treatment modalities. Gold nanoparticles, owing to their surface plasmon resonance properties, have been promising in cancer phototherapies, and extracts from potentially medicinal plants are commonly employed for the green synthesis of various nanoparticles. Some researchers also have been using chlorophyll as the photosensitizer for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

The potential role of machine learning and deep learning in differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and FTD using imaging biomarkers: A review.

Introduction: The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases has significantly increased, necessitating a deeper understanding of their symptoms, diagnostic processes, and prevention strategies. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are two prominent neurodegenerative conditions that present diagnostic challenges due to overlapping symptoms. To address these challenges, experts utilize a range of imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), functional MRI (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Photonic axion insulator.

Axions, hypothetical elementary particles that remain undetectable in nature, can arise as quasiparticles in three-dimensional crystals known as axion insulators. Previous implementations of axion insulators have largely been limited to two-dimensional systems, leaving their topological properties in three dimensions unexplored in experiment. Here, we realize an axion insulator in a three-dimensional photonic crystal and probe its topological properties.

Photon-mediated energy transfer between molecules and atoms in a cavity: A numerical study.

The molecular energy transfer is crucial for many different physicochemical processes. The efficiency of traditional resonance energy transfer relies on dipole-dipole distance between molecules and becomes negligible when the distance is larger than ∼10 nm, which is difficult to overcome. Cavity polariton, formed when placing molecules inside the cavity, is a promising way to surmount the distance limit.

Are we systematically overdosing women? Revisiting standardized contrast protocols for thoracoabdominal CT scans.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the iodine contrast in blood and solid organs differs between men and women and to evaluate the effect of BMI, height, weight, and blood volume (BV) on sex-specific contrast in staging CT.

Materials And Methods: Patients receiving a venous-phase thoracoabdominal Photon-Counting Detector CT (PCD-CT) scan with 100- or 120-mL CM between 08/2021 and 01/2022 were retrospectively included in this single-center study. Image analysis was performed by measuring iodine contrast in the liver, portal vein, spleen, left atrium, left ventricle, pulmonary trunk, ascending and descending aorta on spectral PCD-CT datasets.

Recent odor experience selectively modulates olfactory sensitivity across the glomerular output in the mouse olfactory bulb.

Although animals can reliably locate and recognize odorants embedded in complex environments, the neural circuits for accomplishing these tasks remain incompletely understood. Adaptation is likely to be important as it could allow neurons in a brain area to adjust to the broader sensory environment. Adaptive processes must be flexible enough to allow the brain to make dynamic adjustments, while maintaining sufficient stability so that organisms do not forget important olfactory associations.

A Discussion on the Critical Electric Rayleigh Number for AC Electrokinetic Flow of Binary Fluids in a Divergent Microchannel.

Electrokinetic (EK) flow is a type of flow driven or manipulated by electric body forces, influenced by various factors such as electric field intensity, electric field form, frequency, electric permittivity/conductivity, fluid viscosity, etc. The diversity of dimensionless parameters, such as the electric Rayleigh number, complicates the comparison of the EK flow stability. Consequently, comparing the performance and cost of micromixers or reactors based on EK flow is challenging, posing an obstacle to their industrial and engineering applications.

Transferrin Modified Gold Nanoclusters-Based Biosensing Nanoplatform for High-Precision Multimodal Bioimaging of Tumor Cells.

Bioimaging technology has been broadly used in biomedicine, and the growth of multimodal imaging technology based on synergistic advantages can overcome the shortcomings of traditional single-modal bioimaging methods and attain high specificity and sensitivity in the fields of bioimaging and biosensing. The analysis of low-abundance microRNAs (miRNAs) in complex organisms is of high importance for early-stage diagnosis and clinical treatment of tumors. In our current study, a biosensing nanoplatform based on Tf-AuNCs and MnO nanosheets was developed for multimodal imaging of tumor cells.

Synergistic Chloroform-Methanol Binary Solvent Mixture Is Inherently Spatially and Dynamically Heterogeneous.

Nonideality in a binary solvent mixture is manifested through anomalies in various physical properties like viscosity, dielectric constant, polarity, freezing point, boiling point, and so forth. Sometimes, such anomalies become much more prominent, leading to a synergistic behavior, where the physical property of the mixture is way different from its bulk counterparts. Various alcohols/chlorinated methane binary solvent mixtures show such a synergistic behavior.