Identical Fragments Research Articles

Digital Feminism, Public Theology, and the Reshaping of Female Subjectivity in Ghana

Abstract Taking the online feminist group Pepper Dem Ministries as a case study, this article assesses how a public theological approach to gender activism underlies public gender discourses by allowing online feminism to attain global-local and post-colonial dimensions. This is explored through a rhetorical analysis of Pepper Dem Ministries’ online and offline discourses, and the response of young Christian women to their activism. These responses are obtained from semi-structured interviews conducted via zoom calls. The discourse of identity fragmentation in modernity frames the analysis of this data, revealing the coherence of Pepper Dem Ministries’ rhetoric with fragmentary or unsystematic theology as a mode of public theological engagement. The article concludes that the social shaping of female subjectivity in Ghana transpires as a public theological discourse influenced by and coherent with global discursive patterns in online feminism, Christian and secular feminist discourse, and public theology.

The Pattern of Dissociative Symptoms Differs between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and First Esketamine Administration for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Abstract Objective Dissociative symptoms are commonly observed during the first administration of esketamine for the treatment of Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) and in a substantial minority of patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We examine differences in the number and pattern of dissociative symptoms (depersonalization, derealization, dissociative amnesia, identity fragmentation) reported by these two groups. Data Selection Data for patients diagnosed with PTSD (N = 134) were drawn from studies of individuals with exposure to civilian traumas, childhood abuse or combat trauma. Data for patients with TRD undergoing their first treatment session with ESK (N = 759) were drawn from published results detailing the presentation of dissociative symptoms during FDA registration trials. Data Synthesis Dissociative symptoms in general were more prevalent in the ESK group (P < 0.01). However, a significant (p < 0.0001) Group x Item Domain interaction revealed that dissociative amnesia and identity fragmentation were endorsed more frequently relative to the other domains in the PTSD group relative to the ESK group. Depersonalization and derealization were the most prominent dissociative symptoms endorsed by the ESK group, whereas items from the dissociative amnesia domain were endorsed most frequently in the PTSD group. Conclusions The pattern of dissociative symptoms endorsed by patients with PTSD differs from that reported by patients with TRD receiving esketamine for the first time, suggesting the possibility that the etiology of “dissociative symptoms” may vary to some degree across therapeutic conditions.

Fragmentation of Identities: Adrienne Kennedy's Funnyhouse of a Negro

Funnyhouse of a Negro (1964) is an Obie winning play penned by a prolific writer, Adrienne Kennedy. Premiered at the 4th Street Theatre in New York City, the play has earned significant recognition for its innovative approach and poignant exploration of racial and psychological themes. The play was awarded with an Obie for Best New American Play in 1965, marking a significant milestone in Kennedy’s career and in the landscape of American Drama. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, the play reflects the era’s racial tensions and societal pressures. The play follows Sarah, a young black woman struggling with a fractured identity. Through a series of disjointed scenes and dialogues, Sarah adopts multiple personas that represent different facets of her racial, cultural, and psychological self. This paper aims to analyze Sarah’s identity by exploring the symbolism of each persona and the impact of her parents. This paper argues that Sarah’s personas are not arbitrary but represent her profound psychological conflict and the impossibility of reconciling disparate aspects of her identity.

Elements of digital identity

The article reveals the process of identifying an individual as a participant in civil legal affairs in the current digital world. It is agreed that the rapid development of modern digital technologies will require rethinking and updating of legal terminology. The concept of digital identity is relevant and complex for current legal systems in the world. Analysis and adaptation of existing legislation to digital progress is inevitable. Digital identity can be seen in many aspects, focusing on stable forms, such as social and legal. Digital identity is a version of a person’s social identity. Continuous collection of information obtained as a result of an individual’s online activity, which can be manifested in the appearance of a name, publication, comments, etc. It is stated that the legal forms of an individual’s identity in a civil-legal sense in the light of digital law will require expansion. The emphasis is on the classic forms of digital identity, which is persistent identity, constructed identity and captured identity. Stable identity is immutable information. Like a butt, this name is given to the people. The formation of identity, as the development of a specific feature of a digital individual, which is seen as a persistent reality at the beginning stage of digital life, in addition to which person positions himself in the digital world. This process defines individuals to others and to themselves. Fragments of factual identity represent the unique characteristics of an individual and his affiliation to a particular social group. The formation of identity clearly flows into a particular identity, in addition to which the individual presents himself as a discrete unit in the digital world. It is possible through individualization, in addition to some non-differentiation, that the individual does not become unique, but goes through stages, through some differentiated aspects of people’s lives, and thus achieves more inseparable goals. Following the constructed identity makes it possible to understand that it is also possible to change information in this form of identity, such as changing a name when laying a sluice. On the Internet, as a rule, only the constructed identity of an individual is indicated. The remaining form of traceable identity, which is captured identity. There is a need for information that a person needlessly does not disclose to other participants in the digital space. For example, passport data, identification code, etc. These nutritional data will require further analysis and investigation. The historical analysis reveals the multiple stages of the emergence of digital identity, and the value of the new concept of the online representation of an individual for his or her existence in the cyberspace.

T.S. Eliot and the Malaise of Modernity: An Islamic critique

T.S. Eliot, a towering figure in the literary world, casts illuminating beams across the fragmented and spiritually barren modern landscape. This paper thoroughly examines Eliot’s oeuvre on modernity through an Islamic lens. By drawing upon Islam's philosophical and spiritual traditions, this research juxtaposes Eliot’s poetic evaluation and tapestry of Islamic perspectives as an ointment to heal the wounds of modern society. At the core of this inquiry, Islamic concepts such as the acknowledgment of the oneness of God (tawhid), mystical Islamic belief and practice (sufiism), and social solidarity (ummah) challenge Eliot’s perspective on modern sickness. This analysis also delves into Eliot’s poetic tapestry to explore how Eliot weaves a solution to the chaos of the modern era, including the fragmentation of identity, the decay of traditional values, and the existential crisis of humanity. This comparative discussion reveals how Islamic thought offers an alternative framework for comprehending the challenges of modernity. Ultimately, the research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of Eliot’s enduring critiques and the multifaceted Islamic responses to the complexities and disorders of the modern man living under the influence of modern Western civilization.

The Role of Digital Identity in the Age of Social Media: Literature Analysis on Self-Identity Construction and Online Social Interaction

This study investigates the role of digital identity in the age of social media, focusing on how self-identity is constructed and how it influences online social interactions. The primary objective is to qualitatively analyze the literature on digital identity to understand the mechanisms by which individuals construct their online personas and the implications for social interactions in digital spaces. The research employs a qualitative literature review methodology, synthesizing findings from academic articles, theoretical papers, and empirical studies on digital identity and social media interactions. The literature review methodology involves systematically collecting, reviewing, and analyzing a wide range of scholarly sources that address the construction of digital identity and its impact on social behavior. The study categorizes the literature into key themes, such as identity formation, self-presentation, privacy concerns, and the psychological effects of online interactions. By examining diverse perspectives and case studies, the research provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of digital identity dynamics. The findings reveal that digital identity is a complex, multifaceted construct influenced by both individual and social factors. Social media platforms provide a space for individuals to curate and present idealized versions of themselves, which can affect self-esteem and social validation. The literature indicates that while digital identity offers opportunities for self-expression and community building, it also raises concerns about authenticity, privacy, and the potential for identity fragmentation. The role of social media in shaping identity highlights the importance of digital literacy and the need for policies that protect users' online privacy and identity. In conclusion, the study underscores the critical role of digital identity in contemporary social interactions and the necessity for ongoing research into its implications for mental health, social behavior, and privacy. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to track the evolution of digital identity over time and investigate strategies to promote healthy identity practices in the digital age.

Exploring the Literary Representation of Trauma-Generated Dissociation in the personality of the protagonist of Hassan Blasim's The Nightmares of Carlos Fuente

The current research deals with the conceptualization of trauma-generated dissociation in the personality of the protagonist of Hassan Blasim's The Nightmares of Carlos Fuentes. The research adheres to the theory of trauma and dissociation of Sigmund Freud, Pierre Janet, and Cathy Caruth. It employs some of their psychological notions including identity fragmentation, pathogenetic reminiscences, traumatic neurosis, vehement emotions, speechless terror, latency period, and incubation to the personality of the protagonist of the story. The research concludes that traumatic events of war and violence in Iraq lead Salim (Carlos Fuentes), the protagonist of the story, to experience dissociative behavior that results in vehement emotions, identity fragmentation, and traumatic neurosis, leading to his tragic death.

THE FRAGMENTATION OF IDENTITY: COMMUNAL VIOLENCE AND PERSONAL TRAUMA IN CHAMAN NAHAL’S AZADI

This paper analyzes the fragmentation of personal and collective identities in Chaman Nahal’s Azadi, focusing on the emotional and psychological impacts of the Partition of India in 1947. Set against the backdrop of communal violence, the novel examines the trauma experienced by its protagonist, Lala Kanshi Ram, a prosperous Hindu merchant forced to flee his home in Sialkot due to religious tensions. The paper explores how Kanshi Ram’s displacement erodes his identity, transforming him from a respected figure into a displaced refugee struggling to adapt to post-Partition India. The novel emphasizes how communalism fractures identities, forcing characters to redefine themselves within new religious and national contexts. The analysis further highlights the theme of emotional rebirth as the characters, now refugees, grapple with their losses and strive to rebuild their lives in a fragmented society. By focusing on themes of identity, trauma, and resilience, this paper asserts that this novel is not just a recounting of historical events but a profound exploration of the emotional and psychological impact of Partition on both individuals and the wider society.

Isolation and Molecular Identification of Vahlkampfiidae and Vermamoeba Vermiformis from Fresh Vegetables: A Neglected Source of Infections.

Naegleria spp., Tetramitus spp., and Vermamoeba vermiformis are potential pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) causing diseases such as keratitis, meningoencephalitis, and lung infections. We aimed to investigate the presence of Vahlkampfiidae and V. vermiformis in raw vegetables commonly consumed in Iran. Totally, 70 samples of vegetables samples including watercress (22), leeks (12), parsley (10), basil (13) and mint (13) were collected from municipal markets of Tehran, the capital of Iran during June to October 2021. After washing vegetables, samples were cultivated onto 2% non-nutrient agar (NNA) medium. After morphological confirmations, DNA was extracted and identical fragments of the FLA were amplified and sequenced. Out of 70 cultured samples, 11 samples (15.71 %) were morphologically positive, of which four and seven were V. vermiformis and Vahlkampfiidae isolates, respectively. According to the PCR/sequencing results two, one, one, and one strains belonged to N. australiensis, N. americana, Vahlkampfia sp., V. inornata, and T. aberdonicus, respectively. All Vermamoeba genus were characterized as V. vermiformis. The results of current study revealed the contamination of fresh raw vegetables with Vahlkampfiidae and V. vermiformis. In addition, to our knowledge this is the first report of T. aberdonicus in raw vegetables. Our findings highlight the public health importance of vegetables in transmission of FLA, as well as the potential role of FLA in transmission of potential pathogenic microorganisms via consuming of fresh raw vegetables.

Genetic assessment and candidate genes identification for breed-specific characteristics of Qingyuan partridge chicken based on runs of homozygosity

BackgroundSeveral core breeding and supporting lines of the Qingyuan partridge chicken, a representative local chicken breed in China, have been developed over 20 years. Consequently, its economic traits related to growth and reproduction have been significantly improved by breeding selection and commercial utilization, but some characteristic traits, such as partridge feathers, high meat quality and sufficient flavor, have always been retained. However, effective methods for genetic assessment and functional gene exploration of similar trait groups are lacking. The presence of identical haplotype fragments transmitted from parent to offspring results in runs of homozygosity (ROH), which offer an efficient solution. In this study, genomes of 134 Qingyuan partridge chickens representing two breeding populations and one preserved population were re-sequenced to evaluate the genetic diversity and explore functional genes by analyzing the diversity, distribution, and frequency of ROH.ResultsThe results showed a low level of genomic linkage and degree of inbreeding within both the bred and preserved populations, suggesting abundant genetic diversity and an adequate genetic potential of the Qingyuan partridge chicken. Throughout the long-term selection process, 21 genes, including GLI3, ANO5, BLVRA, EFNB2, SLC5A12, and SVIP, associated with breed-specific characteristics were accumulated within three ROH islands, whereas another 21 genes associated with growth traits including IRX1, IRX2, EGFR, TPK1, NOVA1, BDNF and so on were accumulated within five ROH islands.ConclusionsThese findings provide new insights into the genetic assessment and identification of genes with breed-specific and selective characteristics, offering a solid genetic basis for breeding and protection of Qingyuan partridge chickens.

The “fragmentation” of emotions and the fragmentation of narrative identity in borderline personality disorder.

The “fragmentation” of emotions and the fragmentation of narrative identity in borderline personality disorder.

Urban identity versus national identity in the global city: Evidence from six European cities

AbstractThis study explores the prioritization of urban identity over national identity in the context of the global city. Scholars have extensively discussed the fragmentation of national identity among individuals in the globalized world, and the relative proliferation of other communal identities, whether more cosmopolitan or place‐based. As globalization gradually erodes the cultural distinctiveness of nation states, cities are revealed as arenas within which inhabitants nurture a particular collective character, which is used as an attractive source of local, communal belonging. Global cities, in particular, are a compelling case to inquire into the interplay between national and urban identity. Due to their relative independence vis‐à‐vis the state, the global city can promote the values shared by inhabitants while constituting significant competition for nation‐based self‐determination and providing a unique source of urban identity that is simultaneously cosmopolitan and place‐based.In this paper we ask whether city‐zens living in highly globalized cities are more likely to prioritize their urban identity over their national identity. Utilizing the GaWC Index of cities’ globalization levels, we analyze the results of an original survey conducted among residents of six European cities: Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Utrecht and Glasgow. Our empirical evidence supports the hypothesis that in globalized cities a higher level of globalism accords with a more explicit tendency to prioritize urban identity over national identity. In conclusion, we interpret this evidence as an identities trade‐off that challenges the coexistence of urban and national identities within globalized cities, discussing its implications for future studies of contemporary politics.

TransExION: a transformer based explainable similarity metric for comparing IONS in tandem mass spectrometry

Small molecule identification is a crucial task in analytical chemistry and life sciences. One of the most commonly used technologies to elucidate small molecule structures is mass spectrometry. Spectral library search of product ion spectra (MS/MS) is a popular strategy to identify or find structural analogues. This approach relies on the assumption that spectral similarity and structural similarity are correlated. However, popular spectral similarity measures, usually calculated based on identical fragment matches between the MS/MS spectra, do not always accurately reflect the structural similarity. In this study, we propose TransExION, a Transformer based Explainable similarity metric for IONS. TransExION detects related fragments between MS/MS spectra through their mass difference and uses these to estimate spectral similarity. These related fragments can be nearly identical, but can also share a substructure. TransExION also provides a post-hoc explanation of its estimation, which can be used to support scientists in evaluating the spectral library search results and thus in structure elucidation of unknown molecules. Our model has a Transformer based architecture and it is trained on the data derived from GNPS MS/MS libraries. The experimental results show that it improves existing spectral similarity measures in searching and interpreting structural analogues as well as in molecular networking.Scientific ContributionWe propose a transformer-based spectral similarity metrics that improves the comparison of small molecule tandem mass spectra. We provide a post hoc explanation that can serve as a good starting point for unknown spectra annotation based on database spectra.

ZZPolyCalc: An open-source code with fragment caching for determination of Zhang-Zhang polynomials of carbon nanostructures

Determination of topological invariants of graphene flakes, nanotubes, and fullerenes constitutes a challenging task due to its time-intensive nature and exponential scaling. The invariants can be organized in a form of a combinatorial polynomial commonly known as the Zhang-Zhang (ZZ) polynomial or the Clar covering polynomial. We report here a computer program, ZZPolyCalc, specifically designed to compute ZZ polynomials of large carbon nanostructures. The curse of the exponential scaling is avoided for a broad class of nanostructures by employing a sophisticated bookkeeping algorithm, in which each fragment appearing in the recursive decomposition is stored in the cache repository of molecular fragments indexed by a hash of the corresponding adjacency matrix. Although exponential scaling persists for the remaining nanostructures, the computational time is reduced by a few orders of magnitude owing to efficient use of hash-based fragment bookkeeping. The provided benchmark timings show that ZZPolyCalc allows for treating much larger carbon nanostructures than previously envisioned. Program summaryProgram Title: ZZPolyCalcCPC Library link to program files:https://doi.org/10.17632/vmnr5xfb6t.1Developer's repository link:https://github.com/quantumint/zzpolycalcLicensing provisions: GPLv3Programming language: Fortran 2008, CNature of problem: Calculations of Zhang-Zhang (ZZ) polynomials for carbon nanostructures have traditionally been performed by the application of a recursive algorithm, which scales exponentially with the size of the system. For large nanostructures, the problem often becomes intractable due to prohibitive computational cost. Consequently, ZZ polynomials were reported so far only for small or model systems, for which analytical formulas could be determined; larger systems, such as graphene flakes, fullerenes, or nanotubes, have been intractable with the existing implementations.Solution method: The process of determination of ZZ polynomials, based on recursive decomposition of a given carbon nanostructure, produces many identical fragments. In ZZPolyCalc, we avoid redundant calculations for such fragments by storing all the intermediate data in a hash table and reusing it efficiently whenever necessary. This new algorithm is particularly effective for elongated graphene flakes or carbon nanotubes, where the scaling becomes polynomial, but it also greatly reduces the computational time for other, less regular nanostructures.

Dissociative identity disorder in the dental setting: An assessment of the literature and case report

AbstractThere is an ever‐increasing chance that dentists are likely to experience patients who need additional management for psychiatric disorders. Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is characterised by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identity fragments that control an individual's behaviour, thoughts and emotions. The aim is to offer additional insights into patients with DID and their management within a dental care setting. This will be demonstrated through the use of a case report as a practical illustration. In order to gain insight into the effects of DID on healthcare, particularly within a dental care environment, a comprehensive review of relevant literature has been conducted by searching, evaluating and synthesising existing academic and scholarly literature on DID. Additionally, the case reported is an example of how a 27‐year‐old patient with DID has been managed in an Intermediate Minor Oral Surgery setting. Patients often have their DID prompted by stress, as was the case with this patient. There are steps which can be taken in the dental setting to help reduce the patient's anxiety, understand their personalities and foresee any possible issues that could arise. In this case, intravenous sedation was used to extract the patient's wisdom teeth, and no other personalities presented during the procedure. The examination of existing literature along with a case report highlights the feasibility of effectively treating individuals with DID. This can be achieved through the careful recognition and handling of different personalities, triggers and potential challenges, all of which should be integrated into the treatment strategy.

Chinchero as Tourism Hub and Green Corridor as a Social Integrator in Cusco Peru 2023

This research focuses on the proposal of a corridor design that allows social and ecological integration in the context of a city with emerging potential as a tourist destination in Chinchero, Cusco. Key challenges addressed include lack of infrastructure to manage growing tourism demand, fragmentation of social identity, displacement of the local population due to gentrification processes, uncontrolled urban sprawl, and inappropriate exploitation of natural, cultural, and agricultural lands. To address these issues, a comprehensive diagnosis was carried out covering various urban-environmental dimensions, such as topography, road infrastructure, archeology, climate, and biodiversity. In this process, digital tools such as Blender, AutoCAD, Photoshop, and Affinity Designer were used. As a result of the analysis, an urban green corridor is proposed consisting of seven sectors covering the shores of the Piuray lagoon, the city center, and its archeological area, through the creation of socially active public spaces equipped with cultural, sports, and recreational facilities. The city of Chinchero, with its growing importance as a tourist destination, presents the opportunity and the need to develop a controlled urban development axis that promotes the connection between environmental, cultural, archeological, social, and tourism aspects. This objective is materialized in the form of a green corridor that seeks to promote social integration and a sense of territorial belonging.

TPMA: A two pointers meta-alignment tool to ensemble different multiple nucleic acid sequence alignments.

Accurate multiple sequence alignment (MSA) is imperative for the comprehensive analysis of biological sequences. However, a notable challenge arises as no single MSA tool consistently outperforms its counterparts across diverse datasets. Users often have to try multiple MSA tools to achieve optimal alignment results, which can be time-consuming and memory-intensive. While the overall accuracy of certain MSA results may be lower, there could be local regions with the highest alignment scores, prompting researchers to seek a tool capable of merging these locally optimal results from multiple initial alignments into a globally optimal alignment. In this study, we introduce Two Pointers Meta-Alignment (TPMA), a novel tool designed for the integration of nucleic acid sequence alignments. TPMA employs two pointers to partition the initial alignments into blocks containing identical sequence fragments. It selects blocks with the high sum of pairs (SP) scores to concatenate them into an alignment with an overall SP score superior to that of the initial alignments. Through tests on simulated and real datasets, the experimental results consistently demonstrate that TPMA outperforms M-Coffee in terms of aSP, Q, and total column (TC) scores across most datasets. Even in cases where TPMA's scores are comparable to M-Coffee, TPMA exhibits significantly lower running time and memory consumption. Furthermore, we comprehensively assessed all the MSA tools used in the experiments, considering accuracy, time, and memory consumption. We propose accurate and fast combination strategies for small and large datasets, which streamline the user tool selection process and facilitate large-scale dataset integration. The dataset and source code of TPMA are available on GitHub (https://github.com/malabz/TPMA).

Design and evaluation of loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most prevalent microsporidia species, responsible for more than 90% of human and animal microsporidiosis. Microsporidia species, particularly E. bieneusi, are frequently reported from waterborne and foodborne outbreaks. Therefore, early detection is crucial in clinics and outbreak investigations. This study aimed to design a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for rapid detection of E. bieneusi. Total DNA was extracted from 30 E. bieneusi –positive samples, which had been confirmed with nested PCR. LAMP primers were designed based on the identical fragment of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. LAMP reactions were performed at 63 °C for 60 min. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were analyzed and the results of amplification were compared to real-time PCR. Our results showed that the LAMP assay successfully amplified 25/30 (83.3%) samples. The specificity results indicated no false positive with other microorganisms. Furthermore, the LAMP method exhibited a sensitivity (limit of detection, LoD) as low as 34 ag/μL of total DNA. Compared to the LAMP assay, real-time PCR was able to detect all 30 nested PCR-positive samples. Our findings showed that the LAMP assay was able to detect 83.3% of E. bieneusi-positive samples. Although the current assay was not able to detect all nested PCR-positive samples, the lack of need for specific instruments, rapid processes, and high specificity makes LAMP assay a suitable tool for screening.

Chorography of Contemporary Migrations and Fractured Identities in Kamila Shamshie’s Novel Home Fire

In the realm of literature, representation extends beyond mere inclusion; it demands accurate and nuanced portrayals of diverse identities. Identity, a multifaceted construct encompassing dimensions such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, is a central theme explored by authors to unravel the intricacies of human experiences. This research article investigates the theme of contemporary migrations and fractured identities within the context of Kamila Shamsie’s novel Home Fire (2017). Employing the concept of chorography – a method that maps and represents spatial and cultural phenomena – the study delves into the intricate portrayal of identity in the novel. It scrutinizes how characters grapple with their cultural, religious, and personal identities amidst the backdrop of migration. The article illuminates the challenges faced by migrants, particularly those from Muslim backgrounds, as they navigate cultural assimilation, religious identity, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Migration, as depicted in the novel, becomes a catalyst for the fragmentation of identities, unraveling struggles with belonging, cultural boundaries, and the profound impact of political and social factors. Additionally, the research explores the role of memory and history in shaping characters' identities and their experiences of migration. This earnest exploration aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between contemporary migrations and the fractured identity of the Muslim community on a global scale. By contributing to existing literature on migration studies and identity formations, the article sheds light on the profound impact of fractured identities on characters' sense of belonging and their interactions with others. Through a meticulous analysis of the text, the article reveals the intricate ways in which these fractured identities resonate within the narrative, adding depth to discussions on Pakistani English Literature, representation of identities, Muslim religion and individual identity, and the pervasive issue of Islamophobia.

Photocleavable DNA Nanotube-Based Dual-Amplified Resonance Rayleigh Scattering System for MicroRNA Detection Incorporating Molecular Computing-Cascaded Keypad Lock Functionality.

Cascade molecular events in complex systems are of vital importance for enhancing molecular diagnosis and information processing. However, the conversion of a cascaded biosensing system into a multilayer encrypted molecular keypad lock remains a significant challenge in the development of molecular logic devices. In this study, we present a photocleavable DNA nanotube-based dual-amplified resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) system for detecting microRNA-126 (miR-126). The cascading dual-amplification biosensing system provides a multilayer-encrypted prototype with the functionality of a molecular computing cascade keypad lock. RRS signals were greatly amplified by using photocleavable DNA nanotubes and enzyme-assisted strand displacement amplification (SDA). In the presence of miR-126, enzyme-assisted SDA produced numerous identical nucleotide fragments as the target, which were then specifically attached to magnetic beads through the DNA nanotube by using a Y-shaped DNA scaffold. Upon ultraviolet irradiation, the DNA nanotube was released into the solution, resulting in an increase in the intensity of the RRS signal. This strategy demonstrated a low limit of detection (0.16 fM) and a wide dynamic range (1 fM to 1 nM) for miR-126. Impressively, the enzyme-assisted SDA offers a molecular computing model for generating the target pool, which serves as the input element for unlocking the system. By cascading the molecular computing process, we successfully constructed a molecular keypad lock with a multilevel authentication technique. The proposed system holds great potential for applications in molecular diagnosis and information security, indicating significant value in integrating molecular circuits for intelligent sensing.