Cell Structure Research Articles

Posterior approach to correct for focal plane offsets in lattice light-sheet structured illumination microscopy.

Lattice light-sheet structured illumination microscopy (latticeSIM) has proven highly effective in producing three-dimensional images with super resolution rapidly and with minimal photobleaching. However, due to the use of two separate objectives, sample-induced aberrations can result in an offset between the planes of excitation and detection, causing artifacts in the reconstructed images. We introduce a posterior approach to detect and correct the axial offset between the excitation and detection focal planes in latticeSIM and provide a method to minimize artifacts in the reconstructed images. We utilized the residual phase information within the overlap regions of the laterally shifted structured illumination microscopy information components in frequency space to retrieve the axial offset between the excitation and the detection focal planes in latticeSIM. We validated our technique through simulations and experiments, encompassing a range of samples from fluorescent beads to subcellular structures of adherent cells. We also show that using transfer functions with the same axial offset as the one present during data acquisition results in reconstructed images with minimal artifacts and salvages otherwise unusable data. We envision that our method will be a valuable addition to restore image quality in latticeSIM datasets even for those acquired under non-ideal experimental conditions.

Natural activators of autophagy

Autophagy is the process by which cell contents, such as aggregated proteins, dysfunctional organelles, and cell structures, are sequestered by the autophagosome and delivered to lysosomes for degradation. As a process that allows the cell to get rid of non-functional components that tend to accumulate with age, autophagy has been associated with many human diseases. In this regard, the search for autophagy activators and the study of their mechanism of action is an important task for the treatment of many diseases, as well as for increasing healthy life expectancy. Plants are rich sources of autophagy activators, containing a large amount of polyphenolic compounds in their composition, which can be activators in their original form, or can be metabolized by the intestinal microbiota to active compounds. This review is devoted to plant-based autophagy activators with an emphasis on the sources of their production, mechanism of action, and application in various diseases. The review also describes companies commercializing natural autophagy activators.

A real-time and energy-efficient SRAM with mixed-signal in-memory computing near CMOS sensors

In-memory computing (IMC) represents a promising approach to reducing latency and enhancing the energy efficiency of operations required for calculating convolution products of images. This study proposes a fully differential current-mode architecture for computing image convolutions across all four quadrants, intended for deep learning applications within CMOS imagers utilizing IMC near the CMOS sensor. This architecture processes analog signals provided by a CMOS sensor without the need for analog-to-digital conversion. Furthermore, it eliminates the necessity for data transfer between memory and analog operators as convolutions are computed within modified SRAM memory. The paper suggests modifying the structure of a CMOS SRAM cell by incorporating transistors capable of performing multiplications between binary (−1 or +1) weights and analog signals. Modified SRAM cells can be interconnected to sum the multiplication results obtained from individual cells. This approach facilitates connecting current inputs to different SRAM cells, offering highly scalable and parallelized calculations. For this study, a configurable module comprising nine modified SRAM cells with peripheral circuitry has been designed to calculate the convolution product on each pixel of an image using a 3×3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$3 \ imes 3$$\\end{document} mask with binary values (−1 or 1). Subsequently, an IMC module has been designed to perform 16 convolution operations in parallel, with input currents shared among the 16 modules. This configuration enables the computation of 16 convolutions simultaneously, processing a column per cycle. A digital control circuit manages both the readout or memorization of digital weights, as well as the multiply and add operations in real-time. The architecture underwent testing by performing convolutions between binary masks of 3 × 3 values and images of 32 × 32 pixels to assess accuracy and scalability when two IMC modules are vertically integrated. Convolution weights are stored locally as 1-bit digital values. The circuit was synthesized in 180 nm CMOS technology, and simulation results indicate its capability to perform a complete convolution in 3.2 ms, achieving an efficiency of 11,522 1-b TOPS/W (1-b tera-operations per second per watt) with a similarity to ideal processing of 96%.

Penyerap Bahan Meta Berbilang Lapisan Padat untuk Aplikasi Frekuensi Satelit Jalur Ka

This work investigates the effects of multi-layered metamaterial design for absorption application at satellite frequency. This is because, the adopted Ka-band frequency is very useful for current technology which can be used in highresolution, close-range targeting radars, military aircraft, space telescopes, commercial, and wireless point-point microwave communication systems. Hence, this work focused on producing a compact design by adopting the optimisation method. Four square-shaped and two circular-shaped metamaterial rings were designed on 0.25 mm substrate material. Furthermore, the properties of the proposed metamaterial were discovered by adopting Computer Simulation Technology. This analytical simulation was performed for a frequency range between 27 and 40 GHz. On the other hand, several design analyses were investigated to gain an optimal metamaterial design structure for the proposed applications. For instance, unit cell selection analysis, reflection coefficient and absorbance analysis of the multi-layer metamaterial. Moreover, the proposed unit cell metamaterial manifests double resonance frequencies for reflection and transmission coefficients approximately at 27.31 GHz, 33.40 GHz and 30.56 GHz, 38.23GHz, respectively. The increment of layers on the proposed unit cell structure revealed unique responses. For example, the double multilayer metamaterial manifests similar dual resonance frequencies as the unit cell design but gains excellent magnitude values of more than -10. Moreover, the absorbance of the three distinct layer metamaterials, likely double, triple and quadruple layers were analysed as well in this work. Overall, the proposed compact metamaterial absorber exhibits unique behaviours for Ka-band satellite frequency applications.

Human tripartite cortical network model for temporal assessment of alpha-synuclein aggregation and propagation in Parkinson’s Disease

Previous studies have shown that aggregated alpha-synuclein (α-s) protein, a key pathological marker of Parkinson’s disease (PD), can propagate between cells, thus participating in disease progression. This prion-like propagation has been widely studied using in vivo and in vitro models, including rodent and human cell cultures. In this study, our focus was on temporal assessment of functional changes during α-s aggregation and propagation in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neuronal cultures and in engineered networks. Here, we report an engineered circular tripartite human neuronal network model in a microfluidic chip integrated with microelectrode arrays (MEAs) as a platform to study functional markers during α-s aggregation and propagation. We observed progressive aggregation of α-s in conventional neuronal cultures and in the exposed (proximal) compartments of circular tripartite networks following exposure to preformed α-s fibrils (PFF). Furthermore, aggregated forms propagated to distal compartments of the circular tripartite networks through axonal transport. We observed impacts of α-s aggregation on both the structure and function of neuronal cells, such as in presynaptic proteins, mitochondrial motility, calcium oscillations and neuronal activity. The model enabled an assessment of the early, middle, and late phases of α-s aggregation and its propagation during a 13-day follow-up period. While our temporal analysis suggested a complex interplay of structural and functional changes during the in vitro propagation of α-s aggregates, further investigation is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Taken together, this study demonstrates the technical potential of our introduced model for conducting in-depth analyses for revealing such mechanisms.

Stability and energy consumption of solid oxide electrolysis cells under wide fluctuating and stable conditions

The combination of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) with renewable electricity has enormous potential, but this requires the cells to be able to adapt to strong fluctuation conditions. This work directly combines fluctuating actual wind power with flat-tube Ni-YSZ/YSZ/LSCF-GDC SOECs to study the operational stability and energy consumption under wide fluctuation and constant current electrolysis. The results indicate that under an average electrolysis current density of 0.26 A cm−2, there is little difference in stability between fluctuation and constant current electrolysis. At a high current density of 0.58 A cm−2, the cells operating for 375 h under fluctuation conditions exhibit a larger degradation rate. The current density is dynamically switched between 0 and 0.93 A cm−2 to simulate actual wind turbine power fluctuations from 0 to 100 %. After rapid large-scale current switches for 2000 times in 375 h, little change is observed in the cell structure. Under fluctuating electrolysis, the minimum energy consumption for power-to-gas conversion in SOEC is 2.84 kWh/Nm3, while under constant current electrolysis, the lowest energy consumption is 2.67 kWh/Nm3. In summary, SOECs can efficiently and stably consume and store highly fluctuating renewable power and can also dynamically respond to wide power ranges from 0 to 100 %.

Network pharmacology-based exploration of molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe on chronic heart failure with spleen Qi deficiency syndrome.

Chronic heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome. The Chinese herbal compound preparation Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe has been used to treat chronic heart failure; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is still not clear. To identify the effective active ingredients of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe and explore its molecular mechanism in the treatment of chronic heart failure. The effective active ingredients of eight herbs composing Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. The target genes of chronic heart failure were searched in the Genecards database. The target proteins of active ingredients were mapped to chronic heart failure target genes to obtain the common drug-disease targets, which were then used to construct a key chemical component-target network using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the String database. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed through the Metascape database. Finally, our previously published relevant articles were searched to verify the results obtained via network pharmacology. A total of 227 effective active ingredients for Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe were identified, of which quercetin, kaempferol, 7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone, formononetin, and isorhamnetin may be key active ingredients and involved in the therapeutic effects of TCM by acting on STAT3, MAPK3, AKT1, JUN, MAPK1, TP53, TNF, HSP90AA1, p65, MAPK8, MAPK14, IL6, EGFR, EDN1, FOS, and other proteins. The pathways identified by KEGG enrichment analysis include pathways in cancer, IL-17 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, NF-kappaB signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, etc. Previous studies on Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe suggested that this Chinese compound preparation can regulate the TNF-α, IL-6, MAPK, cAMP, and AMPK pathways to affect the mitochondrial structure of myocardial cells, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism, thus achieving the therapeutic effects on chronic heart failure. The Chinese medicine compound preparation Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe exerts therapeutic effects on chronic heart failure possibly by influencing the mitochondrial structure of cardiomyocytes, oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and other processes. Future studies are warranted to investigate the role of the IL-17 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and other pathways in mediating the therapeutic effects of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe on chronic heart failure.

Visualization of 2D and 3D Tissue Models via Size-Selected Aqueous AgInS/ZnS Quantum Dots.

Three-dimensional (3D) spheroid cell cultures of fibroblast (L929) and tumor mammary mouse (4T1) were chosen as in vitro tissue models for tissue imaging of ternary AgInS/ZnS fraction quantum dots (QDs). We showed that the tissue-mimetic morphology of cell spheroids through well-developed cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and distinct diffusion/transport characteristics makes it possible to predict the effect of ternary AgInS/ZnS fraction QDs on the vital activity of cells while simultaneously comparing with classical two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. The AgInS/ZnS fractions, emitting in a wide spectral range from 635 to 535 nm with a mean size from ∼3.1 ± 0.8 to ∼1.8 ± 0.4 nm and a long photoluminescence lifetime, were separated from the initial QD ensemble by using antisolvent-induced precipitation. For ternary AgInS/ZnS fraction QDs, the absence of toxicity at different QD concentrations was demonstrated on 2D and 3D cell structures. QDs show a robust correlation between numerous factors: their sizes in biological fluids over time, penetration capabilities into 2D and 3D cell structures, and selectivity with respect to penetration into cancerous and healthy cell spheroids. A reproducible protocol for the preparation of QDs along with their unique biological properties allows us to consider ternary AgInS/ZnS fraction QDs as attractive fluorescent contrast agents for tissue imaging.

Comprehensive study on the physical properties of CuO-ZnO thin films: Insights into solar cell simulation

Metal oxide semiconductors have long been utilized in various optoelectronic applications, including solar cells, photocatalysis, and Schottky diodes. However, these materials often encounter challenges, prompting the exploration of alternative thin-film structures composed of non-toxic and cost-effective materials. One such promising system is the Coupled Oxide Systems (COS), exemplified by CuO-ZnO (CZO). Despite the potential of COS, comprehensive studies on their synthesis and optimization remain limited. Here, we investigate the physical and optical properties of CZO thin films, confirming successful synthesis and highlighting their potential as alternatives to conventional materials like CIGS and CdTe. In the second part, we explore a novel solar cell structure, FTO/ZnO/X/CuO-ZnO/Mo, with various buffer layer options (CdS, ZnS, Zn0.38Ge0.62O, SnS2, and [Al0.025Ga0.975]2O3). Our results reveal that the solar cell with CdS as the buffer layer exhibits the highest efficiency. This work not only summarizes the fundamental principles governing the optoelectronic properties of materials but also elucidates critical strategies for fabricating high-efficiency solar cells. Furthermore, we have conducted a comparative analysis involving 70 different solar cell structures. Additionally, we discuss potential strategies for the next generation of solar cells to further enhance power conversion efficiency (PCE).

Advancing cellular insights: Super-resolution STORM imaging of cytoskeletal structures in human stem and cancer cells

Fluorescence microscopy is an important tool for cell biology and cancer research. Present-day approach of implementing advanced optical microscopy methods combined with immunofluorescence labelling of specific proteins in cells is now able to deliver optical super-resolution up to ∼25 nm. Here we perform super-resolved imaging using standard immunostaining protocol combined with easy stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (easySTORM) to observe structural differences of two cytoskeleton elements, actin and tubulin in three different cell types namely human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), human glioblastoma (U87MG) and breast cancer (MDAMB-231) cells. The average width of the actin bundle obtained from STORM images of stem cells is observed to be larger than the same for U87MG and MDAMB-231 cells. No significant difference is however noticed in the width of the tubulin within the same cells. We also study the functional effect on the 2D migration potential of MDAMB-231 cells silenced for NICD1 and β-catenin. Although similar migration speed is observed for cells with the above two conditions compared to their control cells, easySTORM images show that widths of the actin in MDAMB-231 cells in β-catenin silenced is significantly lower than the same in control cells. Such minute differences however are not observable in widefield images. The outcome of our easySTORM investigation should benefit the researchers carrying out detailed investigations of the cellular structure and potential therapeutic applications.

Advances in artificial cells based on microfluidic chips

One of the main goals of synthetic biology is to build artificial cells in a bottom-up manner, which not only facilitates the deep understanding of the origin of life and cell function but also plays a critical role in the research fields such as the development of artificial cell chassis, tissue models, engineering drug delivery systems, and drug screening tools. However, achieving this goal is extremely challenging. The complexity of cell structures and the miniaturization and diversity of basic modules pose high requirements for the construction methods. The microfluidic chip, as an advanced microanalysis system, serves as an effective tool for building artificial cells. It can accurately control the structure and local microenvironment of artificial cells, becoming the preferred approach for the current research on synthetic life. This article reviewed the methods of constructing, manipulating, and analyzed artificial cells based on microfluidic chips, emphasized the importance of the microenvironment for life systems and artificial self-sustaining systems. In addition, this article demonstrated the wide applications of artificial cells in multiple critical biomedical fields. Exploring the advantages, disadvantages, and application performance of different microfluidic methods can enrich our knowledge about artificial cell research. Finally, we made an outlook on the development of artificial cell research based on microfluidics, expecting that this field can achieve greater breakthroughs and progress.

Untargeted metabolomics reveals the mechanism of amantadine toxicity on Laminaria japonica

The antiviral agent amantadine is frequently detected in seawater and marine organisms. Because of increasing concentrations, amantadine has become a contaminant of emerging concern. This compound has toxic effects on the brown algae Laminaria japonica. The effects of amantadine on the biological processes of L. japonica and the corresponding toxic mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, amantadine toxicity on L. japonica was investigated using histopathological and physiological characteristics combined with metabolomics analysis. Changes in metabolites were determined by untargeted metabolomics after exposure to 107 ng/L amantadine for 72 h. The catalase activity in the exposure group slightly increased, whereas the superoxide dismutase activity greatly decreased. An increase in the malondialdehyde concentration was observed after amantadine exposure, which suggested that lipid peroxidation and cell damage occurred. Metabolomics analysis showed that there were 406 differentially expressed metabolites after amantadine exposure. These were mainly phospholipids, amino acids, purines, and their derivatives. Inhibition of the glycerophospholipid metabolism affected the lipid bilayer and cell structure, which was aligned with changes in histological observation. Changes in amino acids led to perturbation of protein synthesis and induced oxidative stress through interference with glutathione metabolism and tyrosine metabolism. Amantadine also interfered with energy metabolism in L. japonica by disturbing the tricarboxylic acid cycle and purine metabolism. The results of this study provide new insights into the mechanism of amantadine toxicity on L. japonica.

Study and Optimization of a New Perovskite Solar Cell Structure Based on the Two Absorber Materials Cs2TiBr6 and MASnBr3 Using SCAPS 1D

The main objective of this study is to optimize the photovoltaic parameters of a new perovskite solar cell structure (PSC) suggested, using the simulator solar cell capacitance simulator-one dimension (SCAPS-1D) which aims to improve its performance by adjusting different key variables. This new suggested cell which consists of six materials represents the major innovation point of our research, it is distinguished by a double active layer, composed of the two-cesium titanium hexabromide (Cs2TiBr6) and methylammonium tin tribromide (MASnBr3) perovskites. Using the SCAPS 1D software, the simulation allows to determine the optimal values of the various parameters to maximize the efficiency of the PSC. First, the effect of the thickness and defect densities of both Cs2TiBr6 and MASnBr3 materials on the output parameters was studied as well as the defect density in the interfaces. Subsequently, the doping density in Cs2TiBr6 and MASnBr3 was also optimized. Finally, the impact of temperature, series resistance and shunt resistance were evidenced. The results indicate that precise adjustments of these parameters can lead to significant improvements in photovoltaic performance, such as open circuit voltage of 1.105 V, short-circuit current density of 33.90 mA cm−2, fill factor of 88.01% and power conversion efficiency (PCE) 32.96%. These performances were obtained for a thickness of 700 nm for Cs2TiBr6 and 900 nm for MASnBr3, a defect density of 1014 cm−3 for each absorber layer, a defect density of 1014 cm−2 for each interface and a doping density of the order of 1018 cm−3 for each absorbent layer.

Research on the optimal ratio of improved electrolytic manganese residue substrate about Pennisetum sinese Roxb growth effects

Electrolytic manganese slag (EMR) is a solid waste generated in the manganese hydrometallurgy process. It not only takes up significant land space but also contains Mn2+, which can lead to environmental contamination. There is a need for research on the treatment and utilization of EMR. Improved EMR substrate for Pennisetum sinese Roxb growth was determined in pot planting experiments. The study tested the effects of leaching solution, microorganisms, leaf cell structures, and growth data. Results indicated a substrate of 45% EMR, 40% phosphogypsum, 5% Hericium erinaceus fungi residue, 5% quicklime, and 5% dolomite sand significantly increased the available phosphorus content (135.54 ± 2.88 μg·g−1) by 17.95 times, compared to pure soil, and enhanced the relative abundance of dominant bacteria. After 240 days, the plant height (147.00 ± 0.52 cm), number of tillers (6), and aerial dry weight (144.00 ± 15.99g) of Pennisetum sinese Roxb increased by 5.81%, 200%, and 32.58%, respectively. Analyses of leaves and leaching solution revealed that the highest leaf Mn content (46.84 ± 2.91 μg·g−1) being 3.38 times higher than in pure soil, and the leaching solution Mn content (0.66 ± 0.13 μg·g−1) was lowest. Our study suggested P. sinese Roxb grown in an improved EMR substrate could be a feasible option for solidification treatment and resource utilization of EMR.

Spatiotemporal analysis of multi-scale cell structure in spheroid culture reveals hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation.

3D cell culture has emerged as a promising approach to replicate the complex behaviors of cells within living organisms. This study aims to analyze spatiotemporal behavior of the morphological characteristics of cell structure at multiscale in 3D scaffold-free spheroids using chondrogenic progenitor ATDC5 cells. Over a 14-day culture period, it exhibited cell hypertrophy in the spheroids regarding cellular and nuclear size as well as changes in morphology. Moreover, biological analysis indicated a signification up-regulation of normal chondrocyte as well as hypertrophic chondrocyte markers, suggesting early hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation. Cell nuclei underwent changes in volume, sphericity, and distribution in spheroid over time, indicating alterations in chromatin organization. The ratio of chromatin condensation volume to cell nuclear volume decreased as the cell nuclei enlarged, potentially signifying changes in chromatin state during hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation. Our image analysis techniques in this present study enabled detailed morphological measurement of cell structure at multi-scale, which can be applied to various 3D culture models for in-depth investigation.

Lesão pulmonar induzida pelo uso excessivo de cigarros eletrônicos: toxicantes envolvidos e mecanismos fisiopatológicos

Introduction: Electronic cigarettes were introduced to the market for assisting in smoking cessation. However, this alternative is related to the development of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of Electronic Cigarettes and Vaporizers (EVALI), especially in the young population. In this context, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms of lung injury produced by the use of electronic cigarettes in order to establish the true risks of long-term exposure to these vapors. Objective: To elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of EVALI. Method: Integrative literature review based on the PRISMA method and search in the LILACs, PubMed, and EMBASE databases, from 2003 to 2023 and free access experimental and epidemiological research in full, with an approach to the pathogenesis of EVALI, were selected. Results: The different constituents present in electronic cigarettes are involved in the development of EVALI as they age through different mechanisms, such as: changes in the structure and functions of the lung surfactant; accumulation of oil droplets in mucus, and alteration of the structure, function, and chemotaxis of cells that make up innate immunity, such as neutrophils and macrophages. Conclusions: Electronic cigarettes induce EVALI through different mechanisms due to the complexity of the composition of substances present in vapors. Clarifying the mechanisms of lung injury is pertinent for regulatory agencies to apply more stringent measures to electronic cigarettes in order to reduce the impact of exposure and cases of morbidity and mortality among young people and adults.

Drosophila: a Tale of regeneration with MYC

Regeneration is vital for many organisms, enabling them to repair injuries and adapt to environmental changes. The mechanisms underlying regeneration are complex and involve coordinated events at the cellular and molecular levels. Moreover, while some species exhibit remarkable regenerative capabilities, others, like mammals, have limited regenerative potential. Central to this process is the regulation of gene expression, and among the numerous genes involved, MYC emerges as a regulator of relevant processes during regeneration with roles conserved in several species, including Drosophila. This mini-review aims to provide valuable insights into the regeneration process in flies, focusing on significant organs where the role of MYC has been identified: from the imaginal discs, where MYC regulates cell growth, structure, and proliferation, to the gut, where it maintains the balance between renewal and differentiation of stem cells, and the central nervous system, where it influences the activities of neural stem cells and the interaction between glia and neuronal cells. By emphasizing the molecular mechanisms regulated by MYC, its significance in controlling regeneration mechanisms, and its conserved role in flies, we aim to offer valuable insights into the utility of Drosophila as a model for studying regeneration. Moreover, unraveling MYC’s function in Drosophila during regeneration may help translate findings into the mechanisms underlying human tissue repair.

Magnéli Ti4O7 nanowire induces locally enhanced electric field and electrocatalytic activity for rapid and efficient water disinfection via synergistic electroporation and electrochlorination

Waterborne pathogens in drinking water remains a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality in developing rural areas. Electrochlorination offers a promising alternative for decentralized water disinfection, but its efficiency was strongly restrained by the low Cl- concentrations in natural waters. Herein, we proposed a Magnéli Ti4O7 nanowire-assisted electrochemical approach via forming locally enhanced electric field over nanowire tips for reinforcing electroporation, and via forming locally enhanced charge density for promoting Cl- enrichment and subsequent electrochlorination on anodic nanowire tips. Ti4O7 nanowires induced the enhancement of electric field by 4 orders of magnitude and Cl- concentration by ∼3 orders of magnitude at nanowire tips, and promoted ∼3 times more active chlorine generation at a voltage of 3.0 V compared with non-nanostructured one. Synergistic electroporation and electrochlorination on nanowires enabled rapid and efficient disinfection with hydraulic retention time of ∼36 s and energy consumption below ∼5 J/L/log for inactivation of various gram-positive/negative bacteria and phage MS2. Analyses of cell morphology and membrane integrity revealed that electroporation-induced cell pores provided diffusion channels of reactive chlorine species for oxidative damage of cell structures, resulting in ∼1.5–4.5 times lower energy consumption than the thin-film, nanoparticle, and nanorod ones. The excellent operation stability for tap water with significant bacterial inactivation and active chlorine generation demonstrated its great application potential for decentralized water disinfection.

Optimum Solar Cell Power Conversion Efficiency-Based Patterned Planar Solar Surface Morphology with Various Solar Cell Absorber Structures

This paper simulated the optimum solar cell power conversion efficiency-based planar solar surface morphology with various solar cell absorber structures. The spectral light intensity, reflected, absorbed, and transmission coefficients versus wavelength band spectrum varied from 300[Formula: see text]nm to 1300[Formula: see text]nm through the visible to near-infrared regions. The optimum solar cell performance parameters or key parameters are studied with different solar cell structure designs based on different surface contact and back contact layers. Cumulative generation current, cumulative electron–hole pair generation rate and electron–hole pair generation rate are clarified versus substrate depth for various solar cell structure designs. The absorbed current in substrate is optimized for various solar cell structure designs. Maximum power voltage and current are also optimized for the proposed solar cell structure design. The effective solar cell power efficiency is also demonstrated based on the optimized maximum power current and maximum power voltage.

Sex and mental health are related to subcortical brain microstructure

Some mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are more common in females, while others such as autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity (AD/H) are more common in males. However, the neurobiological origins of these sex differences are poorly understood. Animal studies have shown substantial sex differences in neuronal and glial cell structure, while human brain imaging studies have shown only small differences, which largely reflect overall body and brain size. Advanced diffusion MRI techniques can be used to examine intracellular, extracellular, and free water signal contributions and provide unique insights into microscopic cellular structure. However, the extent to which sex differences exist in these metrics of subcortical gray matter structures implicated in psychiatric disorders is not known. Here, we show large sex-related differences in microstructure in subcortical regions, including the hippocampus, thalamus, and nucleus accumbens in a large sample of young adults. Unlike conventional T1-weighted structural imaging, large sex differences remained after adjustment for age and brain volume. Further, diffusion metrics in the thalamus and amygdala were associated with depression, anxiety, AD/H, and antisocial personality problems. Diffusion MRI may provide mechanistic insights into the origin of sex differences in behavior and mental health over the life course and help to bridge the gap between findings from experimental, epidemiological, and clinical mental health research.