Morphogen-driven melanin pathway dynamics regulated by Wnt1 and apontic-like underlie larval spot coloration in Bombyx mori.

To theoretically evaluate the efficacy and safety of large-spot (i.e., > 4 mm) picosecond laser treatment for pigmented lesions in Asian skin using a melanosome disruption threshold fluence (MDTF) model. The MDTF model was applied to calculate the required fluence for melanosome disruption with 532, 730, 755, 785, and 1064 nm picosecond lasers. To assess potential complication risks, energy deposition in surrounding tissues was simulated. Additionally, a clinical case series was conducted using a 1064 nm picosecond laser with a large spot size to evaluate its feasibility for treating an ectopic Mongolian spot and a nevus of Ota. At 532 nm, spot size had minimal impact on the required fluence for epidermal melanosome disruption and on collateral energy deposition. For 730-1064 nm wavelengths, the optimal spot size depended on the lesion depth. When targeting epidermal melanosomes, smaller spot sizes confined energy deposition to superficial layers, reducing collateral exposure. In contrast, for dermal melanosomes, larger spot sizes reduced the required fluence by 39%-65% and lowered collateral energy deposition, while also decreasing variation in required fluence across lesion depths. In the clinical validation, both dermal cases showed good clearance without adverse events, supporting the feasibility of this approach. However, increasing the energy output of laser devices may be necessary to achieve sufficient efficacy. The theoretical analysis shows that at 532 nm, both small and large spot sizes can be effective for treating epidermal lesions. In contrast, at near-infrared wavelengths, smaller spot sizes are preferable for epidermal lesions, whereas larger spot sizes are advantageous for dermal lesions, potentially lowering the risk of complications while maintaining effective target disruption. These findings provide practical clinical guidance by clarifying wavelength- and spot-size-specific strategies according to target depth. Furthermore, the present results may help optimize treatment parameters and device specifications and inform future clinical studies using large-spot picosecond laser systems.

Abstract We report here the preliminary results of the first Polar Direct-Drive (PDD) implosions carried out on the Laser MégaJoule (LMJ) facility. These implosions used D2-filled thin SiO2 capsules in an exploding-pusher (strong shock) regime, with 10 laser bundles (20 quadruplets, 80 beams) operating at the 100 kJ level total laser energy. In this configuration, a square laser pulse and a thin ablator result in small convergence ratios and large hot spots with high ion and electron temperatures. For optimizing the beam irradiation uniformity of the LMJ facility that is not dedicated to direct-drive implosions, a quad repointing is applied using the PDD technique. Namely, laser quads within the 49° irradiation cone are repointed towards the capsule equatorial plane in order to compensate the energy deficit in this plane compared to the poles. Meanwhile, laser quads within the 33° irradiation cone are repointed towards the capsule poles, and the power balance is set so that the power in the 33° cone is 60% of the power in the 49° cone. Neutron data as well as time-resolved X-ray images are presented and compared to 3D pre-shot hydrodynamics simulations. We find an improvement of implosion symmetry and neutron yield using optimized PDD. We also notify a relative robustness of the neutron yield to the different laser pointing configurations in this implosion regime.

Punctaltica Ruan, Damaška, Konstantinov & Yang, 2025 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae) is a distinctive genus named for the presence of numerous setiferous coarse punctures on sternum and frons of the head. It previously comprised only two species endemic to Guangdong Province, China. This study describes Punctaltica maculata Sun & Ruan, sp. nov., a new species characterized by large black spots on elytra, discovered from the Nanling National Nature Reserve in Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province. Images of external morphology and genitalia are provided. A key to all known species of Punctaltica is presented. Comparative diagnosis of the new species is discussed.

Self-driving laboratories that couple robotics with AI agents for “closed-loop” experiments involving robot driven material synthesis, in-line measurement and decision-making without human intervention may change how materials are discovered and optimized. They hold the promise for automated materials development that can iterate significantly faster than manual workflows while reducing bias and human error. In this work we have explored the playbook for automated experiment–measure–decide loops in materials science using the technologically important example of electrochemical deposition of nickel.Nickel electroplating itself is a mature, industrially relevant process with well-documented chemistries and processes. Industrial Ni electroplating dates back to at least 1866 and has an estimated global market size of 3.9 Billion dollars in 2024. We have therefore chosen the electroplating of Ni on Cu substrates as an important model system for our proof-of-concept studies for benchmarking autonomous material synthesis discovery before tackling more complex chemistries. We present an autonomous experimental setup that discovers and refines electroplating recipes for depositing smooth Ni thin films on Cu substrates. The experiment demonstrates that AI-in-the-loop experimentation can efficiently navigate parameter spaces and uncover process windows for optimizing material performance without human intervention. Also, importantly, we show that hardware and software costs for such agentic synthesis have reduced to the point where they hold the promise of wide deployment and scalability.A benchtop robot executes a four-step closed loop: (1) film plating; (2) in-line measurement of roughness, coverage, and deposition rate; (3) AI feedback; and (4) plating under updated conditions. Decision-making is fully delegated to a large-language-model (LLM) ChatGPT-4o agent that proposes experimental settings and adapts them based on measured outcomes of previous experimental rounds to enable autonomous exploration. A photograph of the experiment setup is shown in the figure below.The controllable variables are plating current density, bath temperature, and electrolyte dilution (water-to-solution ratio), time in seconds. The original plating solution follows a Watts-type formulation: 24% nickel sulfate hexahydrate, 5% nickel chloride hexahydrate, 5% boric acid, 1.4% softener, 0.03% brightener, 0.3% wetting agent, and 64.37% water. The optimization target is multi-objective: maximize film smoothness and areal coverage while achieving a specified thickness. Thickness (and therefore deposition rate) is quantified by measuring the weight of the Ni plated Cu substrate before and after plating using a microbalance. Surface roughness is proxied by measuring the spot size of a laser beam reflected from the Ni surface, which is imaged using a camera. Larger spots indicate higher microroughness. Film coverage is estimated by microscope imaging. All of the mechanical operations are carried out by a robot arm and all hardware controlled via a Raspberry Pi. Analysis of the reflected laser spot and microscopic image is done by sending the images and appropriate text prompts to ChatGPT-4o used as a vision-language model. The LLM agent receives these metrics and textual guidance and returns the next set of parameters—(current density in A/cm2, dilution, temperature in °C, time in seconds)—in a machine-parsable format to drive the next robot loop. Operational safety is enforced by hard-coded limits of maximum plating voltage, current density, solution concentration, and solution temperature.We report autonomous experiments starting from an initial prompt to the LLM that describes the experimental objective (100 µm target thickness; smoothest, fully covered films). Though the LLM initially guessed sub-optimal deposition parameters, it consistently converged to optimal deposition parameters of: (a) keeping the original Watts solution (no or nearly no dilution); (b) 0.1 A/cm2 plating current density (for comparison, current density recommendation is ~ 0.02 to 0.07 A/cm2 range in the Nickel plating handbook); (c) 35 degree C solution temperature (highest within a manually set safety limit by us)--within 4 to 6 iterations.Our results successfully illustrates how co-designed AI-agentic and robotic systems can accelerate the discovery of material synthesis recipes. It may serve as a starting point toward autonomous optimization of more complex electrodeposition systems and electrochemical manufacturing workflows. Figure 1

Conventional X‐ray computed tomography systems for microstructure inspection typically employ a geometrically magnified imaging setup, requiring a micro‐focus X‐ray source to mitigate image blurring caused by a finite focal spot size. However, due to its low output power, the micro‐focus X‐ray source results in prolonged image acquisition times. This study presents a novel optically‐coupled X‐ray computed laminography system for high‐speed inspection. In the proposed system, a scintillator is placed in contact with an object, effectively minimizing image blurring despite the use of an X‐ray source with a large focal spot. Consequently, a high‐power X‐ray tube can be employed without compromising spatial resolution, leading to a significant reduction in scan time. Modulation transfer function analysis confirms that a spatial resolution of 38 µm is achieved using a high‐power (400 W) X‐ray tube with a 400 µm focal spot. In addition, high‐quality 3D imaging of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is demonstrated with a scan time as low as 2 s and a contrast‐to‐noise ratio exceeding 3. By overcoming the trade‐off between the spatial resolution and the scan time in X‐ray imaging, the proposed system enables high‐throughput in‐line inspection of mass‐produced LIBs.

Rare earth-rich NaZn13-type La-Fe-Si-based alloys are promising candidates for near-room-temperature magnetocaloric applications. However, their poor corrosion resistance limits practical applications. The microstructure, corrosion behavior and magnetic entropy change of La0.8Ce0.2Fe9.2Co0.6Si1.2 alloys after annealing were systematically investigated. Annealing treatments were conducted at 1423 K for durations of 4–24 h. As annealing time increased, the α-Fe phase content decreased monotonically from ~7.81wt% to ~2.92wt%, accompanied by significant microstructural evolution. For the 4 h-annealed sample, extensive and large corroded spots were observed, attributed to micro-galvanic corrosion where the α-Fe phase (cathode) and 1:13 matrix phase (anode) formed active electrochemical pairs. Prolonged annealing reduced the corrosion current density by ~50%, directly correlating with the α-Fe phase reduction and improved microstructural homogeneity. Notably, corrosion exhibited a negligible effect on the magnetic entropy change of the alloys. This study confirms that optimizing annealing time to decrease α-Fe content and enhance microstructural uniformity represents an effective strategy to improve corrosion resistance without compromising magnetocaloric performance.

Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), caused by the fungal pathogen Setosphaeria turcica, is a devastating foliar disease that significantly threatens maize production in China. Previous studies have demonstrated that SET domain gene 102 (SDG 102), a gene encoding an H3K36 methyltransferase, plays a crucial role in regulating maize growth, development, and stress responses. This study used the wild-type (WT), SDG102 overexpression line (OE), and silencing line (SL) of the corn inbred line B73 as materials. After artificial inoculation with S. turcica, the phenotypic characteristics, disease index, yield, and other related traits of different strains were compared, and RNA-Seq was used to analyze the changes in the gene expression profile. The results showed that overexpression of SDG102 significantly inhibited pathogen spore germination and hyphal growth and enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species in plants prior to S. turcica infection, the opposite trend was observed in SDG102 silencing lines. Compared with the wild-type, 1546 and 1837 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) responsive to S. turcica were identified in OE and SL, respectively. These differentially expressed genes primarily function in pathways such as plant–pathogen interactions, plant hormone signaling, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. In the OE lines, genes related to plant–pathogen interactions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and key phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes exhibited higher expression levels. Furthermore, SDG102 regulates the synthesis of auxin (JA) and abscisic acid (SA) as well as the transcription of their signaling pathway genes, thereby influencing maize resistance to large leaf spot disease. Under corn leaf blight conditions, SDG102 overexpression increased yield by 9.29% compared to WT, while SL reduced yield by 10.10%. In conclusion, SDG102 enhances maize resistance to NCLB by positively regulating the expression of disease resistance genes, antioxidant enzyme activity, and hormone-mediated defense pathways.

Droplet evolution and rotational flow mechanisms during in-situ fusion in powder bed with millimeter-scale large spot

During a rapid survey in Wuyishan, China, tadpoles of three Quasipaa species were collected from the same stream. Molecular data confirmed that these tadpoles belong to Q. exilispinosa, Q. spinosa, and Q. jiulongensis. Their external morphology was examined and described. Based on our initial observations, the tadpoles of these three species can be distinguished in the field by the following coloration patterns: Q. jiulongensis lacks large spots on the upper tail musculature; Q. spinosa exhibits a dark stripe at the body–tail junction when viewed from above; and Q. exilispinosa has large spots on the upper tail musculature but lacks a dark stripe at the body–tail junction. This study provides the first description of the tadpole of Q. jiulongensis.

For the implementation of laser weeding of plants, mobile machines based on robotic platforms of block-modular design are the most promising. (Research Purpose) The research purpose is analyzing the parameters and operating modes of mobile technical laser systems for plant weeding. (Materials and methods) The analysis of domestic and foreign scientific and technical materials was carried out by means of an aspect method with the allocation of rational parameters and operating modes of mobile technical laser systems for weeding plants. (Results and discussion) It is shown that the increase in the productivity of laser weeding by mobile machines depends on the efficiency of the laser beam guidance system, which includes the identification of weeds in real time, dynamic positioning of the laser beam, the exact effect of the laser beam on the weed plant, the operating modes of the mobile machine: the capture width of the laser systems and the speed of movement. The weeding effect of a laser beam on weeds depends on physical parameters: the length of the generated laser wave, the diameter of the beam, the power and dose of radiation and on biological factors: the type of plant, its size and the stage of vegetation. (Conclusions) The operating parameters of the wavelengths of carbon dioxide, diode and fiber lasers are 10600, 1064, 430-995 newton meters, respectively. The effect of the laser beam on the weed plant should be within 0.01-0.05 seconds. The working height of the laser beam is 0.3-0.6 meters, and the working diameter of the contact spot is within 2-6 millimeters, while the effect on weeds of laser beams with a large contact spot on the one hand reduces the requirements for accurate positioning of the beams, and on the other hand, damage to cultivated plants may occur during laser treatment. Reducing the diameter of the laser beam increases its focus on the plant meristem and energy density, which increases the efficiency of laser exposure to plants. Reducing the divergence angle keeps the focus of the laser beam at a given height of the installation of the laser emitter and provides the ability to adjust the height of the installation without loss of energy density. The operating power modes of laser radiation, depending on the laser systems, range from 10 to 300 watts.

Abstract Lunar cold spots are extensive, ray‐like regions of reduced nighttime temperature surrounding young impact craters. Using improved Diviner temperature maps, we identify a faint cold spot surrounding South Ray crater at the Apollo 16 landing site. South Ray crater's age (2.08 ± 0.17 Ma) is consistent with the fading trend of other large cold spots, making it the oldest known cold spot. Astronaut footprint depths collected during the Apollo missions indicate a statistically lower relative density within the upper 15 cm of regolith at Apollo 16 compared to other Apollo sites. This agrees with thermal modeling, which requires a lower average density to explain the reduced nighttime temperatures. These results provide both in situ and orbital evidence that cold spots result from a decompaction of the upper centimeters of regolith. Further analysis of Apollo 16 samples and observations can inform our understanding of cold spot formation, and their influence on regolith evolution globally.

Melt Pool Stability during Local Laser Melting of Lunar Regolith with Large Laser Spots and Varying Gravity

ABSTRACTIntroductionAcne scars are a common side effect of acne vulgaris that can negatively impact patients' quality of life and contribute to depression and anxiety. There is no definitive treatment for this condition. Ongoing research aims to discover better therapeutic options for acne scars. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of autologous fibroblast injections with and without platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) for this condition.MethodIn this split‐face pilot study, eight patients with atrophic acne scars were injected with a PRP‐fibroblast suspension on one side of their face, while the other side received only PRP as a control, in three biweekly sessions. Patients were assessed before treatment and 6 months later based on biometric indices, including skin ultrasound, hydration level, skin elasticity (R2, R5, and R7), the number of pores and spots, and the acne scar's volume, area, and depth.ResultsThe median differences in skin thickness before and after follow‐up were 32.57 on the treatment side and 5.33 on the control side. These changes were significantly greater on the treatment side (p‐value: 0.018). Improvements in skin elasticity (p‐value: 0.012), skin hydration level (p‐value: 0.028), the number of fine pores (p‐value: 0.043), and the volume and area of scars (p‐value: 0.043) were significantly better with the combination therapy. While the number of large pores and spots also improved significantly, the extent of improvement was comparable to that observed with PRP alone.ConclusionThe PRP‐fibroblast suspension may be considered a novel and effective therapeutic approach for atrophic acne scars.

A Raman-microfluidic system for single bacterium identification, and sorting, and its application in bacterial properties analysis.

Skin damage occurs because free radicals lose one electron in their outer orbit so that they are highly reactive which can cause oxidative stress. The impact is damage to body cells, such as large pores, acne, wrinkles and dark spots. Free radicals can come from the metebolism process in the body and from outside the body. One preparation that can prevent skin damage is a serum that contains antioxidants. To determine the physical properties, namely organoleptics, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, and adhesiveness of tomato juice extract (Solanum lycopersicum L.) serum preparations. The type of research used is experimental. The sample used was tomato juice extract. The research was conducted at the Pharmacy Laboratory of Politeknik Permata Indonesia Yogyakarta in May-June 2024. The independent variables of this study were 2%, 4%, 6% tomato juice extract. The dependent variable in this study is the test of physical properties of serum preparations including organoleptical tests, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, and adhesiveness. Data analysis in this method uses One way ANOVA. Organoleptical results are viscous, clear, clear yellow, light brown to dark brown in color and smells rose. The homogeneity results of the three formulations are homogeneous. The pH value in F0 was 5.08; F1 was 5.20; F2 was 5.35; F3 was 5.51. The value of spreadability in F0 was 5.2cm; F1 was 5.78cm; F2 was 5.91cm; F3 was 6.23cm. The stickiness value in F0 was 8.82; F1 was 15.94; F2 was 23.11; F3 was 30.75. All formulas have organoleptical arrangement, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, and adhesiveness that meet the requirements. Serum preparation of tomato juice extract (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has eligible physical properties.

An unidentified species of Leucochloridium (Trematoda: Leucochloridiidae) found in an Amber snail (Succinea lauta) from Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan.

Ion beam figuring (IBF) is an ultra-high-precision surface finishing technology characterized by a distinct trade-off between the spot size of the removal function and its corresponding figuring capabilities. A larger spot size for the removal function leads to higher processing efficiency but lower figuring ability. Conversely, a smaller spot size results in higher figuring ability but lower efficiency. Adjusting the spot size of the removal function using tools with an aperture is a possible approach. However, existing variable-aperture tools have certain limitations in IBF processing. To leverage the advantages of both large and small spot sizes for the removal function during IBF processing, an in situ dynamic beam variable-aperture device has been designed. This device optimizes the parameters of diaphragm sheets and employs FOC for dynamic aperture adjustment. Simulations show that 12 numbers of 0.1 mm-thick sheets minimize removal function distortion, with the thermal strain-induced area variation being <5%. FOC enables rapid (≤0.45 s full range) and precise aperture control. Experiments confirm adjustable spot sizes (FWHM 0.7-17.2 mm) with Gaussian distribution (correlation >96.7%), operational parameter stability (relative change rate ≤5%), and high repeatable positioning precision (relative change rate ≤3.2% in repeated adjustments). The design enhances IBF efficiency, flexibility, and accuracy by enabling in situ spot size optimization, overcoming conventional limitations.

Trivalent chromium process (TCP) is one of the promising alternatives to chromate conversion coating (CCC). For the CCC process, the main electroactive component of the solution is Cr6+ [1]. In the TCP solution, the main components are Cr3+ and ZrF6 2- [2]. Due to environmental and health concerns, non-chromate coating systems are developed. For example, fluorozirconate coating systems contain Zr4+ (ZrF6 2-) and small amounts of non-chromium metal ions, such as TiF6 2- and Zn2+ [3]. In response to international regulations, TCP is also expected to be replaced. However, it is interesting why ZrF6 2- is the main component of commercial TCP solutions.In this study, 7075-T6 Al alloys were treated in Cr3+ conversion solutions without and with 0.0005 M F- for 1, 10, and 30 min. SEM characterization revealed that the morphology of 7075-T6 Al after conversion coating in Cr3+ solutions was similar to the counterpart after alkaline degreasing and acidic desmutting. Moreover, the Cr signal was not acquired in EDS spectrums. The polarization curves recorded in 0.5 M Na2SO4 + 0.05 M NaCl showed insignificant inhibition in anodic and cathodic kinetics. A protective conversion coating cannot grow in Cr3+ solutions with 0.0005 M F-.However, a protective conversion coating formed in the Cr3+ solution with a higher F- concentration. The 7075-T6 Al alloy treated in the Cr3+ solution containing 0.072 M F- for 1 min exhibited inhibited anodic and cathodic kinetics. Cross-sectional TEM characterization revealed the formation of a 30-nm-thick, Cr-rich coating. As a result, the continuous, thin Cr-rich coating confers corrosion resistance. However, a local corrosion attack was observed on the sample with extended conversion coating treatments. Grain boundaries of 7075-T6 were etched severely after 10 min of conversion coating treatment. Large corrosion spots appeared after 30 min of conversion coating treatment. Consequently, F- facilitates the conversion coating reaction in Cr3+ solutions via the attack of the substrate. However, F- can have negative effects on the continuity and integrity of the coating, specifically extended treatment in the solution with larger F- concentrations.Reference: Suib, S. L., La Scala, J., Nickerson, W., Fowler, A., & Zaki, N. (2009). Determination of hexavalent chromium in NAVAIR trivalent chromium process (TCP) coatings and process solutions. Metal Finishing, 107(2), 28-34.Munson, C. A., et al. (2018). "Cross comparison of TCP conversion coating performance on aluminum alloys during neutral salt-spray and thin-layer mist accelerated degradation testing." Electrochimica Acta 282: 171-184Milošev, I., & Frankel, G. S. (2018). Conversion coatings based on zirconium and/or titanium. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 165(3), C127-C144.

Two new species of Brazilian Amazon theraphosids are described. A new species of Guyruita Guadanucci, Lucas, Indicatti & Yamamoto, 2007, Guyruita tepequem sp. nov. is described based on a male from the State of Roraima. It differs from all other Guyruita species by the male palp having the bulb embolus with a distal torsion and the color pattern with an ovoid large clear spot on the center of the abdomen dorsum. A new species of Jambu Miglio, Perafn & Prez-Miles, 2024, Jambu yanomami sp. nov., is herein described based on male and female from the State of Amazonas, Brazil. Jambu yanomami sp. nov. differs from those of all other congeners by the male palp lacking a paraembolic apophysis on the ring-shaped keel and a short embolus, whereas the female is unique in the spermathecae having two separate receptacles. After examining the female holotype of Proshapalopus variegatus Caporiacco, 1955, presently included in Hapalopus Ausserer, 1875, we transfer the species to Chromatopelma Schmidt, 1995 and consider it a junior synonym of Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens Strand, 1907.