Sensitive Response Research Articles

Venetoclax triggers sublethal apoptotic signaling in venetoclax-resistant acute myeloid leukemia cells and induces vulnerability to PARP inhibition and azacitidine

Venetoclax plus azacitidine treatment is clinically beneficial for elderly and unfit acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. However, the treatment is rarely curative, and relapse due to resistant disease eventually emerges. Since no current clinically feasible treatments are known to be effective at the state of acquired venetoclax resistance, this is becoming a major challenge in AML treatment. Studying venetoclax-resistant AML cell lines, we observed that venetoclax induced sublethal apoptotic signaling and DNA damage even though cell survival and growth were unaffected. This effect could be due to venetoclax inducing a sublethal degree of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. Based on these results, we hypothesized that the sublethal apoptotic signaling induced by venetoclax could constitute a vulnerability in venetoclax-resistant AML cells. This was supported by screens with a broad collection of drugs, where we observed a synergistic effect between venetoclax and PARP inhibition in venetoclax-resistant cells. Additionally, the venetoclax-PARP inhibitor combination prevented the acquisition of venetoclax resistance in treatment naïve AML cell lines. Furthermore, the addition of azacitidine to the venetoclax-PARP inhibitor combination enhanced venetoclax induced DNA damage and exhibited exceptional sensitivity and long-term responses in the venetoclax-resistant AML cell lines and samples from AML patients that had clinically relapsed under venetoclax-azacitidine therapy. In conclusion, we mechanistically identify a new vulnerability in acquired venetoclax-resistant AML cells and identify PARP inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach to overcome acquired venetoclax resistance in AML.

An Ultrasensitive and Broad-Spectrum MoS2 Photodetector with Extrinsic Response Using Surrounding Homojunction.

As unique building blocks for advancing optoelectronics, 2D semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides have garnered significant attention. However, most previously reported MoS2 photodetectors respond only to visible light with limited absorption, resulting in a narrow spectral response and low sensitivity. Here, a surrounding homojunction MoS2 photodetector featuring localized p-type nitrogen plasma doping on the surface of n-type MoS2 while preserving a high-mobility underlying channel for rapid carrier transport is engineered. The establishment of p-n homojunction facilitates the efficient separation of photogenerated carriers, thereby boosting the device's intrinsic detection performance. The resulting photoresponsivity is 6.94×104AW-1 and specific detectivity is 1.21×1014 Jones @ 638nm, with an optimal light on/off ratio of ≈107 at VGS = -27V. Notably, the introduction of additional bands within MoS2 bandgap through nitrogen doping leads to an extrinsic broadband response to short-wave infrared. The device exhibits a photoresponsivity of 34AW-1 and a specific detectivity of up to 5.92×1010 Jones @ 1550nm. Furthermore, the high-performance broadband response is further demonstrated through imaging and integration with waveguides, paving the way for next generation of multifunctional imaging systems and high-performance photonic chips.

Coencapsulating TMB Probes and Bimetallic MOF Nanozymes in a Hydrogel Patch for Fabricating Reusable Visual VC Sensors.

As a typical chromogenic probe, 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) has been widely applied in the field of visual detection due to its low toxicity and highly sensitive response. Due to the hydrophobic nature of TMB, encapsulating it into a hydrogel, which serves as an ideal matrix for wearable sensors, presents significant challenges that complicate the fabrication of visual wearable devices. Herein, the TMB probe and bimetallic MOF nanozymes are coencapsulated in a hydrogel patch for the fabrication of reusable visual sensors. Hydrophobic TMB is oxidized to hydrophilic ox-TMB by a bimetallic MOF (CuFe-MOF), allowing its diffusion into a hydrophilic agarose hydrogel patch, where it is reduced back to TMB. This process allows the coimmobilization and coencapsulation of CuFe-MOF and TMB within the hydrogel patch. Leveraging the color change between TMB and ox-TMB, as a proof-of-concept application, a reusable visual "On-Off-On" sensor is simply constructed and successfully applied to detect vitamin C in human sweat. Color changes can be quickly read by the naked eye or by smart devices without the need for external equipment. Meanwhile, based on the reversible conversion relationship between TMB and ox-TMB, a reusable sensor construction strategy is proposed. This approach not only facilitates the use of a TMB probe in hydrogel applications but also offers inspiration for the development of point-of-care testing equipment, demonstrating significant application potential.

MCTP controls nucleocytoplasmic partitioning of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs during lateral root development.

The plant hormone auxin orchestrates almost all aspects of plant growth and development. AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs (ARFs) control the transcription of auxin-responsive genes, forming cytoplasmic condensates to modulate auxin sensitivity and diversify auxin response regulation. However, the dynamic control of ARF distribution across different subcellular compartments remains largely obscure. Here, we show that three MULTIPLE C2 DOMAIN AND TRANSMEMBRANE REGION PROTEINs (MCTPs), MCTP3, MCTP4, and MCTP6, control ARF nucleocytoplasmic partitioning and determine lateral root development. MCTP3/4/6 are highly expressed in lateral roots and specifically interact with ARF7 and ARF19 to dissolve their cytoplasmic condensates. This promotes ARF nuclear localization in lateral root primordia and enhances auxin signaling during lateral root formation. Our findings confer MCTP as a key switch to modulate auxin responses and outline an MCTP-ARF signaling cascade that is crucial for the establishment of the plant root system.

Time-reversal symmetry breaking in the chemosensory array reveals a general mechanism for dissipation-enhanced cooperative sensing

The Escherichia coli chemoreceptors form an extensive array that achieves cooperative and adaptive sensing of extracellular signals. The receptors control the activity of histidine kinase CheA, which drives a nonequilibrium phosphorylation-dephosphorylation reaction cycle for response regulator CheY. Cooperativity and dissipation are both important aspects of chemotaxis signaling, yet their consequences have only been studied separately. Recent single-cell FRET measurements revealed that kinase activity of the array spontaneously switches between active and inactive states, with asymmetric switching times that signify time-reversal symmetry breaking in the underlying dynamics. Here, we present a nonequilibrium lattice model of the chemosensory array, which demonstrates that the observed asymmetric switching dynamics can only be explained by an interplay between the dissipative reactions within individual core units and the cooperative coupling between neighboring units. Microscopically, the switching time asymmetry originates from irreversible transition paths. The model shows that strong dissipation enables sensitive and rapid signaling response by relieving the speed-sensitivity trade-off, which can be tested by future single-cell experiments. Overall, our model provides a general framework for studying biological complexes composed of coupled subunits that are individually driven by dissipative cycles and the rich nonequilibrium physics within.

Recent advances in responsive liquid crystal elastomer‐contained fibrous composites

AbstractResponsive polymers can react to surrounding environments by changing their physical and/or chemical properties. Among them, liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have emerged as one of the important branches in the field of applied polymer science due to their significant advantages in flexible mechanics and shape memory. Manufacturing LCE fibers with a large specific surface area and functional fillers has become a research hotspot in recent years. This type of LCE‐contained fibrous composite (LCEF) exhibits not only extremely high response sensitivity but also excellent axial mechanical strength and a high degree of deformation freedom. In this paper, we provide a bird's eye view of recent developments in LCEF, including structural designs, synthesis and forming methods, mechanical response principles and modes. Furthermore, we discuss recent advances of LCEF in artificial muscles, smart textiles, biomimetic systems, intelligent soft machines, followed by challenges and possible routes in fabrications and applications of LCEF. At the end, we aim to provide a perspective for an emerging field of stimulus‐responsive polymeric fiber composites.

Deciphering a hydrogen sulfide-related signature to supervise prognosis and therapeutic response in colon adenocarcinoma.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a critical molecule that participates in various molecular, physiological, and pathophysiological processes in biological systems. Emerging evidence has revealed that H2S is implicated in the progression of colon cancer and immune escape. Against this backdrop, the present study aimed to construct a prognostic risk feature for colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) by leveraging hydrogen sulfide-related genes (HSRG). Transcriptomic data and corresponding clinical-pathological information of colon cancer were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and gene expression omnibus databases. Univariate Cox regression analysis was employed to assess the prognostic relevance of HSRG. Consensus clustering was utilized to perform molecular subtyping of COAD, followed by comparison of immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity, and immune therapy response between subtypes. Differential expression gene and gene set enrichment analyses were conducted between subtypes. Univariate, lasso, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to construct a prognostic model derived from HSRG. A nomogram model for predicting COAD prognosis was constructed and evaluated. In this study, we identified 12 HSRGs that were associated with COAD prognosis. Consensus clustering analysis revealed 3 COAD molecular subtypes that exhibited significant differences in terms of prognosis, tumor immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity, and immune therapy response. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that immunoregulatory processes were significantly suppressed in the poor-prognosis subtype while Wnt-related pathways and processes were significantly upregulated. Based on the differentially expressed genes between subtypes, we constructed a risk model comprising 11 genes that effectively distinguished high-risk patients from low-risk patients with significant associations with patient survival outcomes, drug treatment, pathological staging, and T staging. The HSRG-derived risk feature was an independent prognostic factor for COAD in drug treatment and pathological staging and could be integrated into a nomogram for prognosis prediction. Calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic curve, and decision curve analysis demonstrated excellent performance of the nomogram in evaluating COAD prognosis. Our study systematically assessed the prognostic significance of HSRG in COAD, identified HSRG-based molecular subtypes and risk features, and highlighted their potential utility in predicting prognosis and treatment response.

Preparation of unique corn-stalk-like MnO₂/CoNi nanowires via in situ epitaxial attachment growth for monitoring environmental pollutant hydrazine

This paper presents the synthesis of a novel corn-stalk-like MnO₂/CoNi oxide composite using an in situ epitaxial attachment growth strategy, in which CoNi oxide nanosheets are anchored onto MnO₂ nanowires. The one-dimensional MnO₂ nanowires, with their large specific surface area, serve as a support to enhance the electronic conductivity of the CoNi oxides. Hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) is employed as an alkaline linking agent, playing a key role in shaping the CoNi oxide nanosheets and ensuring their successful growth on the MnO₂ nanowires. The MnO₂/CoNi oxide composite-based electrochemical sensor exhibits excellent synergistic and interfacial effects, promoting electron transfer and charge migration. This composite material shows outstanding electrocatalytic performance for hydrazine detection, with a broad linear range (0.48−6106.58 μM), low detection limit (0.286 μM, S/N = 3), and high sensitivity (0.037 μA μM⁻1). Moreover, when tested for hydrazine detection in water samples, the sensor achieved a recovery rate of 95.7–105 %, highlighting its high sensitivity and rapid response in practical applications.

Electrostatic fence induced assembly of low-concentration colloidal nanospheres to form liquid photonic crystals

Liquid photonic crystals (LPCs) have great application potential in sensors, anti-counterfeiting materials and detection due to their sensitive dynamic responsiveness. Currently, the preparation of LPCs mainly relies on the supersaturation of colloidal nanospheres. However, the supersaturation method usually fails to obtain LPCs based on low-concentration colloidal nanospheres. In turn, the use of high-concentration colloidal nanospheres results in poor mobility of LPCs, which makes them inappropriate for subsequent utilization in responsive systems. In this study, self-assembly of LPCs with vibrant structural colors is achieved through the electrostatic fence effect by introducing an anionic carboxylate-containing polymer as an inducer into the system of low-concentration negatively charged colloidal nanospheres (≥1.25 wt%). It is shown that the anionic carboxylate groups on the inducer molecules and the appropriate molecular chain length are the decisive factors for the inducing effect. The obtained LPCs exhibit a typical non-close-packed structure with a face-centered cubic arrangement of nanospheres. The nearest inter-nanosphere surface distance is 12.10 nm, and the farthest one is as long as 40.30 nm. The LPCs possess good dynamic recovery performance and sensitive optical response characteristics, which are conducive to application in responsive optical sensors directly or after filling.

In situ generation of cuprous oxide in metal-organic framework for significantly enhanced room-temperature ammonia sensing: Synergy enabling excellent sensitivity and selectivity

Development of effective strategies to improve the response sensitivity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to target gases is imperative to further enhancing their application potential in gas sensing. In this work, series of CuHHTP/Cu2O (HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene) composites are successfully constructed by in-situ electrochemical reduction treatment of CuHHTP, and the changing trend of first increasing and then decreasing with increase of CuHHTP electrochemical reduction degree for their sensitivity to NH3 detection is revealed. When the average size of Cu2O nanoparticles generated in CuHHTP is 3.6 nm, the corresponding CuHHTP/Cu2O-A composite exhibits the best NH3 sensing performance compared to pristine CuHHTP, including significantly enhanced response sensitivity, ultralow experimental detection limit of 10 ppb, superior selectivity, good reproducibility, and excellent response stability even after placed for 90 days. More impressively, thanks to integration and synergy of the uniformly-dispersed small-sized Cu2O nanoparticles with significantly enhanced adsorption activity and capacity for NH3, the released large amount of uncoordinated hydroxyl groups that can interact with NH3, as well as the active sites of the CuHHTP substrate itself, the 10 ppb experimental detection limit for the CuHHTP/Cu2O-A-based sensors is not only the lowest one reported in the past 10 years for NH3 sensors based on copper-containing MOF and oxide materials, but also superior to that of 0.1–1 ppm for the existing commercial NH3 sensors. This work opens the avenue for design and development of novel MOF-based sensing materials.

A smartphone-assisted test paper fluorescence sensing platform for visual detection of α-Ketoglutaric acid based on Metal-Organic frameworks

Developing an accurate, sensitive and visual strategy for quickly identifying biomarkers α-ketoglutaric acid (α-KA) is crucial for early disease diagnosis. Herein, we introduce a new fluorescence material, Eu3+@COMOC-4, synthesized by post-synthesis modification of a lanthanide-functionalized metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). This material serves as a visual fluorescence sensor to detect α-KA, with a distinct fluorescence response. Particularly, the sensor exhibits many advantages, such as good selectivity, high sensitivity and quick response. The quenching mechanism between the sensor and α-KA was also illustrated in detail. More significantly, a smartphone-integrated test paper fluorescence sensing platform was further developed for α-KA detection, which enables sensitive, real-time, and visual detection of α-KA. This work provides a sensitive and real-time biomarker detection strategy, which is expected to expand the application of MOFs in significant fields.

Preparation and Application of Two-Dimensional Ta4C3 MXene/Gold Nanostar Composite SERS Substrates for Thiram Detection.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a novel spectroscopic technique that enables the identification of analytes through analysis of their unique chemical signatures. Its high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid response make it a valuable tool in a range of fields, including biological detection, food safety, and environmental monitoring. However, traditional SERS nanoparticle substrates are susceptible to instability and agglomeration. In this study, Ta4C3 MXene/gold nanostar (AuNSs) hybrids were prepared as SERS substrates. By optimizing the experimental conditions of AuNSs, the optimal preparation method for the Ta4C3 MXene/AuNSs composite structure was identified. The addition of MXene to the Ta4C3 MXene/AuNSs hybrid substrates was found to enhance the sensitivity of the composite for Raman detection, as evaluated using 4-aminothiophenol (PATP) as a Raman molecule. This improvement in sensitivity is attributed to the enhanced electromagnetic properties of the hybrid substrates, which facilitate more efficient charge transfer and enhance the Raman scattering process. The limit of detection (LOD) of Ta4C3 MXene/AuNSs is 10-9 M for PATP and 10-7 M for thiram solutions. In addition, good reproducibility and spatial uniformity were obtained for the Raman signals of Ta4C3 MXene/AuNSs. Furthermore, Ta4C3 MXene/AuNSs were combined with filter paper to create paper-based SERS substrates that could be used for detection. By directly wiping the apple peel and subsequently detecting the thiram residues using Ta4C3 MXene/AuNSs, the level of detection of thiram residues on the peel surface was down to 7.8 ng/cm2.

Application of a risk score model based on glycosylation-related genes in the prognosis and treatment of patients with low-grade glioma.

Low-grade gliomas (LGG) represent a heterogeneous and complex group of brain tumors. Despite significant progress in understanding and managing these tumors, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed. Glycosylation, a common post-translational modification of proteins, plays a significant role in tumor transformation. Numerous studies have demonstrated a close relationship between glycosylation modifications and tumor progression. However, the biological function of glycosylation-related genes in LGG remains largely unexplored. Their potential roles within the LGG microenvironment are also not well understood. We collected RNA-seq data and scRNA-seq data from patients with LGG from TCGA and GEO databases. The glycosylation pathway activity scores of each cluster and each patient were calculated by irGSEA and GSVA algorithms, and the differential genes between the high and low glycosylation pathway activity score groups were identified. Prognostic risk profiles of glycosylation-related genes were constructed using univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses and validated in the CGGA database. An 8 genes risk score signature including ASPM, CHI3L1, LILRA4, MSN, OCIAD2, PTGER4, SERPING1 and TNFRSF12A was constructed based on the analysis of glycosylation-related genes. Patients with LGG were divided into high risk and low risk groups according to the median risk score. Significant differences in immunological characteristics, TIDE scores, drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy response were observed between these groups. Additionally, survival analysis of clinical medication information in the TCGA cohort indicated that high risk and low risk groups have different sensitivities to drug therapy. The risk score characteristics can thus guide clinical medication decisions for LGG patients. Our study established glycosylation-related gene risk score signatures, providing new perspectives and approaches for prognostic prediction and treatment of LGG.

Supramolecular Luminescent Hydrogel Based on Glycine/Terbium Complex and Fluorescent Dyes for Visual Temperature Monitoring

AbstractThe development of smart synthetic materials that are sensitive, accurate, and visually responsive to changes in temperature is vital. Herein, a supramolecular luminescent hydrogel based on a glycine/terbium (Gly/Tb) complex, rhodamine B (RB), and gelatin is reported. The hydrogel exhibits responsive luminescence and undergoes a temperature‐induced phase transformation from hydrogel to sol. The electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectra, Fourier‐transform infrared spectra, and simulation results verifiy the coordination mode of the Gly/Tb complex. The Gly/Tb complex and RB emit green and orange luminescence, respectively. When the Gly/Tb complex and RB are co‐doped into the gel network of gelatin, the obtained Gly/Tb/RB hydrogel displays steady yellow luminescence by virtue of luminescence resonance energy transfer. Subsequently, a luminescent switch is constructed owing to the sensitive and reversible luminescence responsiveness of the Gly/Tb/RB hydrogel to temperature stimuli. Remarkably, the Gly/Tb/RB hydrogel undergoes a visual phase transformation from hydrogel to sol above 35 °C, allowing the ambient temperature variation to be monitored. This study establishes a novel and effective route for the construction of smart optical materials and visual temperature monitors.

Modeling and simulation of nonlinear dynamical systems for biosensor sensitivity based on carbon nanocomposites

Nanomaterials have a wide range of applications in various fields of scientific research due to their unique physical and chemical properties. With the rapid development of science and technology, nanocomposites synthesized from various nanoparticles have obtained many excellent properties due to their synergistic effects. In this paper, a series of carbon-based nanomaterials are proposed for in-depth research, and corresponding biosensors are constructed. In this study, ECL biosensors based on a variety of nanocomposite materials will be used to detect and analyze cells, and also detect other cells that are similar to cells. The experimental data show that the relative standard deviation of the detection results of the two methods is within 8%, and the sensor has high sensitivity, excellent stability and fast response speed. The sensor showed excellent performance in the repeatability test, and the relative standard deviation of repeated detection was less than 2%. This result shows that the sensor has highly consistent detection capabilities, providing important support for its reliability in practical applications. By adding the description of repeatability data, the summary more comprehensively reflects the performance advantages of the sensor.

Biosafe Cu-MOF loaded chitosan/gelatin-based multifunctional packaging film for monitoring shrimp freshness

As living standards improve, the demand for food freshness has gradually increased. Multifunctional packaging materials that monitor food freshness in real-time, delay spoilage, and are environmentally friendly have emerged as ideal solutions. This study synthesized an ammonia-sensitive copper-based metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF) and incorporated it into a matrix composed of chitosan (CS) and gelatin (Gel). The resulting film exhibits ammonia-sensitive color-changing properties, antibacterial activity, and excellent biodegradability. The effects of Cu-MOF incorporation on the structural, physical, and functional properties of the CS/Gel films were systematically evaluated. Results demonstrated that the Cu-MOF was uniformly distributed within the CS/Gel matrix, significantly enhancing the mechanical properties (tensile strength increased by 68.49%), oxygen/water vapor barrier properties, and UV-blocking capability of the films. Notably, the CS/Gel@Cu-MOF films exhibited excellent antibacterial performance, with sterilization rates of 94.2% against Escherichia coli and 99.6% against Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the films showed good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and a sensitive color response to ammonia. The films were successfully used to monitor shrimp freshness through color change, transitioning from light green to brown as spoilage occurred. These findings indicate that CS/Gel@Cu-MOF films have significant potential for real-time visual freshness monitoring in food packaging, contributing to reduced food safety risks and waste.

Identification of a senescence-related transcriptional signature to uncover molecular subtypes and key genes in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer caused by abnormal cell growth due to faulty signal transduction. Cells secrete tumor suppressor factors in response to potential carcinogenic signals, inducing cellular senescence (CS) as a countermeasure. However, accurately measuring CS levels in different types of tumors is challenging due to tumor heterogeneity and the lack of universal and specific CS markers. Machine learning has revealed unique molecular traits in HCC patients, leading to clinical advantages. More research is needed to understand senescence-related molecular features in these patients. In this study, the gene expression profile features of patients with HCC were analyzed by integrating single-cell RNA sequencing and bulk RNA-seq datasets from HCC samples. The analysis identified the senescence-related pathways exhibiting HCC specificity. Subsequently, genes from these pathways were used to identify senescence-related molecular subtypes in HCC, showing significant variations in biological and clinical attributes. An HCC-specific CS risk model developed in this study revealed substantial associations between the patients' CS scores and prognosis grouping, clinical staging, immune infiltration levels, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity levels. Within the constructed model, G6PD was identified as a key gene, potentially serving as a senescence-related target in liver cancer. Molecular biology experiments demonstrated that overexpression of G6PD effectively promotes the proliferative, invasive, and migration capacities of HepG2 and SK-HEP-1 cells. In conclusion, this analysis offers a valuable framework for understanding senescence in HCC and introduces a new biomarker. These findings improve our understanding of senescence in HCC and have potential for future research.

Room-temperature self-calibrating sensor based on CsPbBr3/SnO2 for detecting low-concentration sulfur dioxide

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless toxic gas, and accurate monitoring of its concentration is important for safety. However, accuracy is often interfered by humidity. To address the issues, in this work, a self-calibrating SO2 sensor based on CsPbBr3/SnO2 was prepared, the sensor exhibited an excellent response to parts per billion (ppb) levels of SO2 at room temperature, which is rarely achieved by other SO2 sensors. The response sensitivity of the sensor to 600 ppb SO2 reached up to 0.53 with response/recovery times of 17/285 s. In addition, the CsPbBr3/SnO2-based SO2 gas sensor showed a low detection limit, good reproducibility, and high selectivity. Moreover, theoretical calculations show that the gas recognition mechanism is attributed to the significant changes in the band structure and density of states of the heterojunction materials CsPbBr3/SnO2 after gas adsorption, thereby altering the charge carrier transport behavior and electrical properties. A self-calibrating algorithm MobileNetV2 was employed to eliminate humidity interference and effectively identify low-concentration SO2 in humid environments, and the recognition accuracy rate is 0.85. This work demonstrates the production of a high-performance SO2 gas sensor, and provides an effective method to eliminate the interference of humidity, making it significant in environmental monitoring and air quality control.

Which Aspects of Parenting Predict the Development of Empathic Concern During Infancy?

This study examined which parenting behaviors predict the development of infants' empathic concern for others in distress. We distinguished between three forms of sensitive/responsive parenting: mothers' responsiveness to infant distress, their responsiveness to the infant's nondistress cues, and maternal expression of positive affect and affection in nondistress. Although in prior work these parenting behaviors were frequently combined, or subsumed under a single global construct, such as "sensitive responsiveness", the three forms of parenting are theoretically distinct. We hypothesized that once all three were examined simultaneously, only responsiveness to distress would emerge as a unique predictor of empathy. A sample of 165 Israeli infants (50% girls) was assessed from 3 to 18 months. Parenting measures were coded from mother-infant interactions at 3 and 6 months, and infants' empathic concern was assessed using three distressed stimuli at ages 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Path analysis models revealed that, consistent with the hypothesis, only responsiveness to distress uniquely predicted infants' subsequent empathic concern, over and above the other forms of parenting and preexisting empathy levels; conversely, being responsive or affectionate when infants were not distressed did not predict their empathic abilities. The findings underscore the importance of differentiating between theoretically distinct forms of parenting, even when they are correlated. The discussion addresses the role of responsiveness to infants' distress in the early development of empathic capacity, and highlights avenues for future research.

Double-Chamber Underwater Thruster Diaphragm with Flexible Displacement Detection Function.

The purpose of this paper is to develop a self-detecting diaphragm integrated with a flexible sensor, which is utilized in an underwater thruster. Resistive strain sensors are easy to manufacture and integrate due to their advantages in reliable stretchability and ductility. Inspired by the structure of neurons, we fabricated resistive flexible sensors using silica gel as the matrix with carbon black and carbon nanotubes as additives. All fabricated sensors demonstrated positive resistance characteristics under 60% strain conditions, with the sensor containing a mass ratio of 9 wt % carbon black and carbon nanotubes exhibiting the best resistance-strain linearity. To verify the anti-interference capability of sensors with silica gel substrates of varying hardness values under changing environmental pressure, we tested the pressure sensitivity of the sensors by altering the hardness of the silica gel. The results indicate that silica gel with the highest hardness value provides the best resistance to environmental pressure interference. To detect the motion and deformation of the internal functional components of the thruster, we combined strain detection with the movement operation function of a silica gel diaphragm, resulting in a new integrated diaphragm with sensor detection capabilities. The integrated diaphragm was evaluated by using a tensile testing machine and an LCR tester. The results demonstrate that the mechanical properties of the diaphragm are stable, exhibiting reliable resistance characteristics and a sensitive response during underwater operation. This research can also be applied to the detection of motion amplitudes of other types of soft robots.