Functional Architecture Research Articles

Polygenic architecture of brain structure and function, behaviors, and psychopathologies in children.

The human brain undergoes structural and functional changes during childhood, a critical period in cognitive and behavioral development. Understanding the genetic architecture of the brain development in children can offer valuable insights into the development of the brain, cognition, and behaviors. Here, we integrated brain imaging-genetic-phenotype data from over 8,600 preadolescent children of diverse ethnic backgrounds using multivariate statistical techniques. We found a low-to-moderate level of SNP-based heritability in most IDPs, which is lower compared to the adult brain. Using sparse generalized canonical correlation analysis (SGCCA), we identified several covariation patterns among genome-wide polygenic scores (GPSs) of 29 traits, 7 different modalities of brain imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs), and 266 cognitive and psychological phenotype data. In structural MRI, significant positive associations were observed between total grey matter volume, left ventral diencephalon volume, surface area of right accumbens and the GPSs of cognition-related traits. Conversely, negative associations were found with the GPSs of ADHD, depression and neuroticism. Additionally, we identified a significant positive association between educational attainment GPS and regional brain activation during the N-back task. The BMI GPS showed a positive association with fractional anisotropy (FA) of connectivity between the cerebellum cortex and amygdala in diffusion MRI, while the GPSs for educational attainment and cannabis use were negatively associated with the same IDPs. Our GPS-based prediction models revealed substantial genetic contributions to cognitive variability, while the genetic basis for many mental and behavioral phenotypes remained elusive. This study delivers a comprehensive map of the relationships between genetic profiles, neuroanatomical diversity, and the spectrum of cognitive and behavioral traits in preadolescence.

Self-organization of modular activity in immature cortical networks

During development, cortical activity is organized into distributed modular patterns that are a precursor of the mature columnar functional architecture. Theoretically, such structured neural activity can emerge dynamically from local synaptic interactions through a recurrent network with effective local excitation with lateral inhibition (LE/LI) connectivity. Utilizing simultaneous widefield calcium imaging and optogenetics in juvenile ferret cortex prior to eye opening, we directly test several critical predictions of an LE/LI mechanism. We show that cortical networks transform uniform stimulations into diverse modular patterns exhibiting a characteristic spatial wavelength. Moreover, patterned optogenetic stimulation matching this wavelength selectively biases evoked activity patterns, while stimulation with varying wavelengths transforms activity towards this characteristic wavelength, revealing a dynamic compromise between input drive and the network’s intrinsic tendency to organize activity. Furthermore, the structure of early spontaneous cortical activity – which is reflected in the developing representations of visual orientation – strongly overlaps that of uniform opto-evoked activity, suggesting a common underlying mechanism as a basis for the formation of orderly columnar maps underlying sensory representations in the brain.

Disrupted Functional Brain Network Architecture in Sufferers with Boxing-Related Repeated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Resting-State EEG Study.

Repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) often occurs in individuals engaged in contact sports, particularly boxing. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of rmTBI on phase-locking value (PLV)-based graph theory and functional network architecture in individuals with boxing-related injuries in five frequency bands by employing resting-state electroencephalography (EEG). Twenty-fore professional boxers and 25 matched healthy controls were recruited to perform a resting-state task, and their noninvasive scalp EEG data were collected simultaneously. Based on the construction of PLV matrices for boxers and controls, phase synchronization and graph-theoretic characteristics were identified in each frequency band. The significance of the calculated functional brain networks between the two populations was analyzed using a network-based statistical (NBS) approach. Compared to controls, boxers exhibited an increasing trend in PLV synchronization and notable differences in the distribution of functional centers, especially in the gamma frequency band. Additionally, attenuated nodal network parameters and decreased small-world measures were observed in the theta, beta, and gamma bands, suggesting that the functional network efficiency and small-world characteristics were significantly weakened in boxers. NBS analysis revealed that boxers exhibited a significant increase in network connectivity strength compared to controls in the theta, beta, and gamma frequency bands. The functional connectivity of the significance subnetworks exhibited an asymmetric distribution between the bilateral hemispheres, indicating that the optimized organization of information integration and segregation for the resting-state networks was imbalanced and disarranged for boxers. This is the first study to investigate the underlying deficits in PLV-based graph-theoretic characteristics and NBS-based functional networks in patients with rmTBI from the perspective of whole-brain resting-state EEG. Joint analyses of distinctive graph-theoretic representations and asymmetrically hyperconnected subnetworks in specific frequency bands may serve as an effective method to assess the underlying deficiencies in resting-state network processing in patients with sports-related rmTBI.

Development of functional architectures for cyber‐physical systems using interconnectable models

AbstractCyber‐physical Systems (CPSs) are characterized by entities in both the physical and the virtual space, thus enabling an immersion of the physical world into the cyberspace. Connectivity via the cyberspace allows CPS cooperation for new services in product service systems (PSS). In consequence, cooperating CPSs act as actors with interest in the CPS in focus. Considering the needs of human actors and cooperating CPSs is a challenging task in CPS development because of many actors, interdepending CPS functions, and multiple CPS interfaces. For systems, the known Functional Architectures for Systems (FAS) method offers a solution approach for deriving functional system architectures from system use cases originating from human actors. For CPS development, this publication presents an expansion of the FAS method for developing functional architectures based on use cases originating from human actors as well as from cooperating CPSs and offers a model‐based approach based on the method description. In the authors’ opinion, interconnectable CPSs and models of cooperating CPSs can be integrated and interconnected with each other into a unifying aggregated model to represent the joint behavior of CPSs in an aggregated system. The paper explains this novel approach through a CPS functional architecture development example related to the prediction of remaining boarding time in an aircraft. The result is an approach that allows the consideration of initial CPS functions and new aggregated system functions, that pays special attention to the interconnectivity of CPSs and the required interfaces, and enables the systematic analysis of functions for the identification of redundancies.

Modified Zhenwu Tang delays chronic renal failure progression by modulating oxidative stress and hypoxic responses in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells

BackgroundTubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) is a critical pathological feature of chronic renal failure (CRF), with oxidative stress (OS) and hypoxic responses in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells playing pivotal roles in disease progression. This study explores the effects of Modified Zhenwu Tang (MZWT) on these processes, aiming to uncover its potential mechanisms in slowing CRF progression. MethodsWe used adenine (Ade) to induce CRF in rats, which were then treated with benazepril hydrochloride (Lotensin) and MZWT for 8 weeks. Assessments included liver and renal function, electrolytes, blood lipids, renal tissue pathology, OS levels, the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway, inflammatory markers, and other relevant indicators. In vitro, human renal cortical proximal tubular epithelial cells were subjected to hypoxia and lipopolysaccharide for 72 h, with concurrent treatment using MZWT, FM19G11, and N-acetyl-l-cysteine. Measurements taken included reactive oxygen species (ROS), HIF pathway activity, inflammatory markers, and other relevant indicators. ResultsAde treatment induced significant disruptions in renal function, blood lipids, electrolytes, and tubulointerstitial architecture, alongside heightened OS, HIF pathway activation, and inflammatory responses in rats. In vivo, MZWT effectively ameliorated proteinuria, renal dysfunction, lipid and electrolyte imbalances, and renal tissue damage; it also suppressed OS, HIF pathway activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in proximal tubular epithelial cells, and reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines and collagen fibers. In vitro findings demonstrated that MZWT decreased apoptosis, reduced ROS production, curbed OS, HIF pathway activation, and EMT in proximal tubular epithelial cells, and diminished the output of inflammatory cytokines and collagen. ConclusionOS and hypoxic responses significantly contribute to TIF development. MZWT mitigates these responses in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells, thereby delaying the progression of CRF.

WITHDRAWN: Application of Data Mining Technology in Analysis of Influencing Factors of Smart Electric Power Emergency Rescue

Because electric emergency rescue is affected by many factors, there are certain problems in the rescue process. In order to improve the power emergency rescue effect, based on data mining technology, this paper selects the neural network algorithm as the main analysis algorithm of the model, and uses the multi-layer forward neural network topology to perform modeling and correlation analysis. Moreover, this paper establishes the functional architecture of the power system emergency plan deduction system based on the analysis of the demand for the power system emergency plan deduction system. In addition, this paper combines the power emergency rescue system requirements to build the model function module, proposes a mobile model based on the emergency rescue scene, and analyzes its realization process. Finally, in order to study the system performance, this paper designs experiments to analyze the model performance, and combines mathematical statistics to draw charts and score the system model. The research results show that the power rescue influence factor analysis model constructed in this paper is effective.

The rationality behind irrationality: A game theoretical challenge to traditional navigation

Herein, we present a challenge to the game-theoretical optimization of travel toward the fastest route, which is currently prevailing in most navigation systems. To do so, we depict the game-theoretical limitations of this optimization method and the problems caused by it. We introduce a new approach to navigation that permits travelers to execute seemingly “irrational” behaviors, and describe how this approach provides a strategic benefit for the individual and the network. We underline the applicability of this approach by providing a functional software architecture. The described system enhances self-benefit and societal-benefit, by promoting individualized utility functions and absorbing the resulting additional complexity.

The Synthetic Surfactant CHF5633 Restores Lung Function and Lung Architecture in Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Adult Rabbits

PurposeAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major cause of hypoxemic respiratory failure in adults. In ARDS extensive inflammation and leakage of fluid into the alveoli lead to dysregulation of pulmonary surfactant metabolism and function. Altered surfactant synthesis, secretion, and breakdown contribute to the clinical features of decreased lung compliance and alveolar collapse. Lung function in ARDS could potentially be restored with surfactant replacement therapy, and synthetic surfactants with modified peptide analogues may better withstand inactivation in ARDS alveoli than natural surfactants.MethodsThis study aimed to investigate the activity in vitro and the bolus effect (200 mg phospholipids/kg) of synthetic surfactant CHF5633 with analogues of SP‐B and SP‐C, or natural surfactant Poractant alfa (Curosurf®, both preparations Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.) in a severe ARDS model (the ratio of partial pressure arterial oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen, P/F ratio ≤ 13.3 kPa) induced by hydrochloric acid instillation followed by injurious ventilation in adult New Zealand rabbits. The animals were ventilated for 4 h after surfactant treatment and the respiratory parameters, histological appearance of lung parenchyma and levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, surfactant dysfunction, and endothelial damage were evaluated.ResultsBoth surfactant preparations yielded comparable improvements in lung function parameters, reductions in lung injury score, pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, and lung edema formation compared to untreated controls.ConclusionsThis study indicates that surfactant replacement therapy with CHF5633 improves lung function and lung architecture, and attenuates inflammation in severe ARDS in adult rabbits similarly to Poractant alfa. Clinical trials have so far not yielded conclusive results, but exogenous surfactant may be a valid supportive treatment for patients with ARDS given its anti-inflammatory and lung-protective effects.

Easy Synthetic Access to High‐Melting Sulfurated Copolymers and their Self‐Assembling Diblock Copolymers from Phenylisothiocyanate and Oxetane

AbstractAlthough sulfurated polymers promise unique properties, their controlled synthesis, particularly when it comes to complex and functional architectures, remains challenging. Here, we show that the copolymerization of oxetane and phenyl isothiocyanate selectively yields polythioimidocarbonates as a new class of sulfur containing polymers, with narrow molecular weight distributions (Mn=5–80 kg/mol with Đ≤1.2; Mn,max=124 kg/mol) and high melting points of up to 181 °C. The method tolerates different substituent patterns on both the oxetane and the isothiocyanate. Self‐nucleation experiments reveal that π‐stacking of phenyl substituents, the presence of unsubstituted polymer backbones, and the kinetically controlled linkage selectivity are key factors in maximising melting points. The increased tolerance to macro‐chain transfer agents and the controlled propagation allows the synthesis of double crystalline and amphiphilic diblock copolymers, which can be assembled into micellar‐ and worm‐like structures with amorphous cores in water. In contrast, crystallization driven self‐assembly in ethanol gives cylindrical micelles or platelets.

Easy Synthetic Access to High-Melting Sulfurated Copolymers and their Self-Assembling Diblock Copolymers from Phenylisothiocyanate and Oxetane.

Although sulfurated polymers promise unique properties, their controlled synthesis, particularly when it comes to complex and functional architectures, remains challenging. Here, we show that the copolymerization of oxetane and phenyl isothiocyanate selectively yields polythioimidocarbonates as a new class of sulfur containing polymers, with narrow molecular weight distributions (Mn=5-80 kg/mol with Đ≤1.2; Mn,max=124 kg/mol) and high melting points of up to 181 °C. The method tolerates different substituent patterns on both the oxetane and the isothiocyanate. Self-nucleation experiments reveal that π-stacking of phenyl substituents, the presence of unsubstituted polymer backbones, and the kinetically controlled linkage selectivity are key factors in maximising melting points. The increased tolerance to macro-chain transfer agents and the controlled propagation allows the synthesis of double crystalline and amphiphilic diblock copolymers, which can be assembled into micellar- and worm-like structures with amorphous cores in water. In contrast, crystallization driven self-assembly in ethanol gives cylindrical micelles or platelets.

Theaflavin-3,3'-Digallate Protects Liver and Kidney Functions in Diabetic Rats by Up-Regulating Circ-ITCH and Nrf2 Signaling Pathway.

Theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TFDG) in black tea has a strong antioxidant capacity. However, its effect on diabetic liver and kidney injury and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, our findings indicated that TFDG administration effectively lowers the fasting blood glucose and serum lipid concentrations and enhances the functionality and cellular architecture of the liver and kidney in rats with diabetes. The data also showed that TFDG mitigates oxidative harm in the liver and kidney of rats afflicted with diabetes. Additionally, metformin combined with TFDG was significantly more effective in reducing blood glucose and oxidative stress. Further studies suggested that TFDG upregulates the Nrf2 signal pathway and circ-ITCH (hsa_circ_0001141) expression. Silencing of circ-ITCH by transfection of the interfering plasmid apparently reduces the effects of TFDG on the Nrf2 signal pathway and oxidative stress in high-glucose-treated hepatic and renal cells. In conclusion, the present study highlights the great potential of TFDG in ameliorating diabetic liver and kidney injury by up-regulating circ-ITCH to promote the Nrf2 signal pathway and provides a potential option for the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications.

Kinetic cooperativity resolves bidirectional clogging within the nuclear pore complex

As the main gatekeeper of the nucleocytoplasmic transport in eukaryotic cells, the nuclear pore complex (NPC) faces the daunting task of facilitating the bidirectional transport of a high volume of macromolecular cargoes while ensuring the selectivity, speed, and efficiency of this process. The competition between opposing nuclear import and export fluxes passing through the same channel is expected to pose a major challenge to transport efficiency. It has been suggested that phase separation-like radial segregation of import and export fluxes within the assembly of intrinsically disordered proteins that line the NPC pore could be a mechanism for ensuring efficient bidirectional transport. We examine the impact of radial segregation on the efficiency of bidirectional transport through the NPC using a coarse-grained computational model of the NPC. We find little evidence that radial segregation improves transport efficiency. By contrast, surprisingly, we find that NTR crowding may enhance rather than impair the efficiency of bidirectional transport although it decreases the available space in the pore. We identify mechanisms of this novel crowding-induced transport cooperativity through the self-regulation of cargo density and flux in the pore. These findings explain how the functional architecture of the NPC resolves the problem of efficient bidirectional transport, and provide inspiration for the alleviation of clogging in artificial selective nanopores.

The Red Cross Red Crescent Health Information System (RCHIS): an electronic medical records and health information management system for the red cross red crescent emergency response units

BackgroundThe Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (RCRC) utilizes specialized Emergency Response Units (ERUs) for international disaster response. However, data collection and reporting within ERUs have been time-consuming and paper-based. The Red Cross Red Crescent Health Information System (RCHIS) was developed to improve clinical documentation and reporting, ensuring accuracy and ease of use while increasing compliance with reporting standards.Case presentationRCHIS is an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Health Information System (HIS) designed for RCRC ERUs. It can be accessed on Android tablets or Windows laptops, both online and offline. The system securely stores data on Microsoft Azure cloud, with synchronization facilitated through a local ERU server. The functional architecture covers all clinical functions of ERU clinics and hospitals, incorporating user-friendly features. A pilot study was conducted with the Portuguese Red Cross (PRC) during a large-scale event. Thirteen super users were trained and subsequently trained the staff. During the four-day pilot, 77 user accounts were created, and 243 patient files were documented. Feedback indicated that RCHIS was easy to use, requiring minimal training time, and had sufficient training for full utilization. Real-time reporting facilitated coordination with the civil defense authority.ConclusionsThe development and pilot use of RCHIS demonstrated its feasibility and efficacy within RCRC ERUs. The system addressed the need for an EMR and HIS solution, enabling comprehensive clinical documentation and supporting administrative reporting functions. The pilot study validated the training of trainers’ approach and paved the way for further domestic use of RCHIS. RCHIS has the potential to improve patient safety, quality of care, and reporting efficiency within ERUs. Automated reporting reduces the burden on ERU leadership, while electronic compilation enhances record completeness and correctness. Ongoing feedback collection and feature development continue to enhance RCHIS’s functionality. Further trainings took place in 2023 and preparations for international deployments are under way. RCHIS represents a significant step toward improved emergency medical care and coordination within the RCRC and has implications for similar systems in other Emergency Medical Teams.

Early altered directionality of resting brain network state transitions in the TgF344-AD rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease resulting in memory loss and cognitive decline. Synaptic dysfunction is an early hallmark of the disease whose effects on whole-brain functional architecture can be identified using resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI). Insights into mechanisms of early, whole-brain network alterations can help our understanding of the functional impact of AD's pathophysiology. Here, we obtained rsfMRI data in the TgF344-AD rat model at the pre- and early-plaque stages. This model recapitulates the major pathological and behavioral hallmarks of AD. We used co-activation pattern (CAP) analysis to investigate if and how the dynamic organization of intrinsic brain functional networks states, undetectable by earlier methods, is altered at these early stages. We identified and characterized six intrinsic brain states as CAPs, their spatial and temporal features, and the transitions between the different states. At the pre-plaque stage, the TgF344-AD rats showed reduced co-activation of hub regions in the CAPs corresponding to the default mode-like and lateral cortical network. Default mode-like network activity segregated into two distinct brain states, with one state characterized by high co-activation of the basal forebrain. This basal forebrain co-activation was reduced in TgF344-AD animals mainly at the pre-plaque stage. Brain state transition probabilities were altered at the pre-plaque stage between states involving the default mode-like network, lateral cortical network, and basal forebrain regions. Additionally, while the directionality preference in the network-state transitions observed in the wild-type animals at the pre-plaque stage had diminished at the early-plaque stage, TgF344-AD animals continued to show directionality preference at both stages. Our study enhances the understanding of intrinsic brain state dynamics and how they are impacted at the early stages of AD, providing a nuanced characterization of the early, functional impact of the disease's neurodegenerative process.

Compose and Convert: Controlling Shape and Chemical Composition of Self‐Organizing Nanocomposites

AbstractOrganizing the right material at the right place has the potential to revolutionize bottom‐up assembly of functional architectures. Despite tremendous progress, this is still difficult in particular because control over chemical composition and morphology are typically inherently entangled. Here a two‐step strategy is introduced based on self‐organization and conversion reactions to shape a wide selection of chemical compositions into user‐defined designs. First, photogeneration of CO2 induces precipitation of nanocomposites of barium carbonate nanocrystals and amorphous silica (BaCO3/SiO2) with control over shape and location following arbitrary illumination patterns. Second, the resulting nanocrystals are converted by sequential ion exchange into a palette of chemical compositions, while the original shape is preserved. By considering thermodynamic stability and chemical reactivity, orthogonal conversion reactions are designed for sequentially positioning nanocomposites of different metal chalcogenide semiconductors next to each other. Based on these strategies, different compositions are integrated into the same hybrid architecture, and the functionality potential is demonstrated by forming a light‐emitting perovskite semiconductor that is embedded into an optical waveguide. Combining light‐controlled self‐organization and shape‐preserving ion‐exchange reactions offers exciting opportunities for shaping up materials.

478 Single-Neuron and Columnar Computations in the Human Prefrontal Cortex Underlying Transformations From Conscious Visual Perception to Speech Production

INTRODUCTION: The basic functional unit of the mammalian neocortex is the cortical column. It consists of a vast diversity of circuit elements and interconnected layers supporting a range of computations for cognitive functions. While much progress has been made in our understanding of its functional architecture in animal models, its role in complex, uniquely human cognitive processes remain unknown. METHODS: We utilized a new columnar recording approach in humans participating of cognitive tasks, while undergoing awake neurosurgical procedures. The novelty of this approach hinged on utilizing state-of-the-art Neuropixels probes for our recordings, a silicon-based electrophysiology recording electrodes with high channel count and recording site density. This technology allows us to measure neural activity with single cell resolution throughout the neocortical column and its layers, and at a scale that is far beyond the capabilities of current clinically-approved devices. The participants performed a naturalistic visual priming-based sentence production task that provided them with pictorial representations of events that had to be articulated in specific form and order. RESULTS: We observed distinct spatiotemporal activity dynamics throughout the cortical column in the language-dominant prefrontal cortex that encoded a preparatory mode for speech generation, as well as visual perception and sentence construction processing stages during natural speech. Furthermore, we observed the emergence of this columnar activity pattern with optimal visual inspection of presented images (by high resolution eye and pupil tracking) and associated improved performance during the task. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight a functional organization of the cortical column in the human prefrontal cortex subserving sensory-motor transformations for visual conscious perception and speech production, with profound implications for future brain machine interfaces that aim to restore complex human cogntive functions.

243 Intracranial Theta-burst Stimulation Modulates Cortical Excitability in a Dose and Location-dependent Fashion

INTRODUCTION: Direct electrical stimulation is a powerful therapeutic approach to treating a wide range of brain disorders. In particular, theta-burst stimulation (TBS) which delivers electrical pulses in rhythmic bursts of 3-8 Hz to mimic endogenous brain rhythms, has been increasingly used to improve cognitive processes and relieve symptoms of depression. However, how TBS alters underlying neural activity is poorly understood. METHODS: In nine neurosurgical epilepsy subjects undergoing intracranial monitoring, we applied direct cortical TBS at varying stimulation amplitudes and locations (prefrontal, temporal, parietal). We obtained single-pulse corticocortical evoked potentials (CCEPs) prior to stimulation to map functional connectivity. Intracranial EEG (iEEG) was recorded from non-stimulated electrodes before, during and after TBS. RESULTS: We found that TBS evoked consistent responses after each burst. These responses were observed in regions with high amplitude CCEPs and resting spontaneous delta (1-4 Hz) phase-locking to the stimulation site, consistent with our hypothesis that the underlying functional brain architecture guides information flow after stimulation. Furthermore, we observed changes in cortical excitability over time as measured by changes in amplitude of the TBS evoked responses both within stimulation burst trains and across burst trains. The degree of change in cortical excitability was modulated by anatomical location, proximity of the stimulating electrode to white matter, and current amplitude. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that direct cortical TBS produces neural effects that can be measured over time and correlate with baseline biophysical parameters. Thus, personalizing stimulation parameters might be critical to predictably maximize our ability to alter disease-relevant brain networks.

Optimizing 2D path planning for unmanned aerial vehicle inspection of electric transmission lines

The inspection of electric power transmission lines using unmanned aerial vehicles represents an innovative maintenance approach that several countries, including Morocco, are considering adopting. The primary aim is to enhance existing procedures, capitalize on their advantages, and address challenges associated with traditional methods. Given the precision, efficiency, and safety required for this application to ensure reliable results, we propose a functional architecture for unmanned aerial vehicle-based electric power transmission line inspection. This architecture encompasses key phases such as data collection, planning, and inspection, while identifying electromagnetic interferences and minimum approach distances as major constraints. To streamline mission planning, we introduce a trajectory optimization algorithm integrated into a mission planning assistance application for transmission line inspection. This algorithm presents a novel approach by hybridizing three algorithms: genetic algorithm, ant colony optimization and particle swarm optimization. Consequently, our work represents a significant contribution to the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles in electric power transmission lines inspection operations for electrical energy transport, facilitating potential advancements and discoveries in the field.

Nonadiabatic Charge Transfer within Photoexcited Nickel Porphyrins.

Metalloporphyrins with open d-shell ions can drive biochemical energy cycles. However, their utilization in photoconversion is hampered by rapid deactivation. Mapping the relaxation pathways is essential for elaborating strategies that can favorably alter the charge dynamics through chemical design and photoexcitation conditions. Here, we combine transient optical absorption spectroscopy and transient X-ray emission spectroscopy with femtosecond resolution to probe directly the coupled electronic and spin dynamics within a photoexcited nickel porphyrin in solution. Measurements and calculations reveal that a state with charge-transfer character mediates the formation of the thermalized excited state, thereby advancing the description of the photocycle for this important representative molecule. More generally, establishing that intramolecular charge-transfer steps play a role in the photoinduced dynamics of metalloporphyrins with open d-shell sets a conceptual ground for their development as building blocks capable of boosting nonadiabatic photoconversion in functional architectures through "hot" charge transfer down to the attosecond time scale.

Multiphase Under-Liquid Biofabrication With Living Soft Matter: A Route to Customize Functional Architectures With Microbial Nanocellulose.

The growth of aerobic microbes at air-water interfaces typically leads to biofilm formation. Herein, a fermentative alternative that relies on oil-water interfaces to support bacterial activity and aerotaxis is introduced. The process uses under-liquid biofabrication by structuring bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) to achieve tailorable architectures. Cellulose productivity in static conditions is first evaluated using sets of oil homologues, classified in order of polarity. The oils are shown for their ability to sustain bacterial growth and BNC production according to air transfer and solubilization, both of which impact the physiochemical properties of the produced biofilms. The latter are investigated in terms of their morphological (fibril size and network density), structural (crystallinity) and physical-mechanical (surface area and strength) features. The introduced under-liquid biofabrication is demonstrated for the generation of BNC-based macroscale architectures and compartmentalized soft matter. This can be accomplished following three different routes, namely, 3D under-liquid networking (multi-layer hydrogels/composites), emulsion templating (capsules, emulgels, porous materials), and anisotropic layering (Janus membranes). Overall, the proposed platform combines living matter and multi-phase systems as a robust option for material development with relevance in biomedicine, soft robotics, and bioremediation, among others.