A silicone-based stretchable micropost array membrane for monitoring live-cell subcellular cytoskeletal response

External forces are increasingly recognized as major regulators of cellular structure and function, yet the underlying mechanism by which cells sense forces and transduce them into intracellular biochemical signals and behavioral responses ('mechanotransduction') is largely undetermined. To aid in the mechanistic study of mechanotransduction, herein we devised a cell stretching device that allowed for quantitative control and real-time measurement of mechanical stimuli and cellular biomechanical responses. Our strategy involved a microfabricated array of silicone elastomeric microposts integrated onto a stretchable elastomeric membrane. Using a computer-controlled vacuum, this micropost array membrane (mPAM) was activated to apply equibiaxial cell stretching forces to adherent cells attached to the microposts. Using the mPAM, we studied the live-cell subcellular dynamic responses of contractile forces in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to a sustained static equibiaxial cell stretch. Our data showed that in response to a sustained cell stretch, VSMCs regulated their cytoskeletal (CSK) contractility in a biphasic manner: they first acutely enhanced their contraction to resist rapid cell deformation ('stiffening') before they allowed slow adaptive inelastic CSK reorganization to release their contractility ('softening'). The contractile response across entire single VSMCs was spatially inhomogeneous and force-dependent. Our mPAM device and live-cell subcellular contractile measurements will help elucidate the mechanotransductive system in VSMCs and thus contribute to our understanding of pressure-induced vascular disease processes.     

A General Strategy for the Biosynthesis of Gold Nanoparticles by Traditional Chinese Medicines and Their Potential Application as Catalysts

Tea time! Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) could be readily prepared by a general strategy involving the reduction of aqueous HAuCl₄ in the presence of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Spheroidal and triangular gold nanoparticles were observed depending on the TCM used. The strategy exemplified the universal application of plant bioresources for the synthesis of GNPs and catalytic purposes.

     

Linear and nonlinear electromagnetic coupling models in vibration-based energy harvesting

This paper investigates the response of an energy harvester that uses electromagnetic induction to convert ambient vibration into electrical energy. A unique aspect of the present study is the comparison of the system's response behavior when either a linear or a physically motivated form of nonlinear coupling is applied. The motivating hypothesis for this work was that nonlinear coupling could be used to improve the performance of an energy harvester by broadening its frequency response. Combined theoretical and numerical studies investigate the harvester's response for both single and multi-frequency base excitation. Our investigations unveil regions in the parameter space where nonlinear coupling is better than linear coupling and regions where the opposite is true. The meaningful conclusion is that nonlinear coupling can sometimes be detrimental, but it can also be beneficial if properly designed into the system.     

Impact of the Synergistic Collaboration of Oligothiophene Bridges and Ruthenium Complexes on the Optical Properties of Dumbbell‐Shaped Compounds

The linear and non‐linear optical properties of a family of dumbbell‐shaped dinuclear complexes, in which an oligothiophene chain with various numbers of rings (1, 3, and 6) acts as a bridge between two homoleptic tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium(II) complexes, have been fully investigated by using a range of spectroscopic techniques (absorption and luminescence, transient absorption, Raman, and non‐linear absorption), together with density functional theory calculations. Our results shed light on the impact of the synergistic collaboration between the electronic structures of the two chemical moieties on the optical properties of these materials. Experiments on the linear optical properties of these compounds indicated that the length of the oligothiophene bridge was critical for luminescent behavior. Indeed, no emission was detected for compounds with long oligothiophene bridges (compounds 3 and 4 , with 3 and 6 thiophene rings, respectively), owing to the presence of the ³π? π* state of the conjugated bridge below the ³MLCT‐emitting states of the end‐capping Ru^II complexes. In contrast, the compound with the shortest bridge ( 2 , one thiophene ring) shows excellent photophysical features. Non‐linear optical experiments showed that the investigated compounds were strong non‐linear absorbers in wide energy ranges. Indeed, their non‐linear absorption was augmented upon increasing the length of the oligothiophene bridge. In particular, the compound with the longest oligothiophene bridge not only showed strong two‐photon absorption (TPA) but also noteworthy three‐photon‐absorption behavior, with a cross‐section value of 4×10^?78 cm⁶ s² at 1450 nm. This characteristic was complemented by the strong excited‐state absorption (ESA) that was observed for compounds 3 and 4 . As a matter of fact, the overlap between the non‐linear absorption and ESA establishes compounds 3 and 4 as good candidates for optical‐power‐limiting applications.     

Quantum Defects as a Toolbox for the Covalent Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes with Peptides and Proteins

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are a 1D nanomaterial that shows fluorescence in the near‐infrared (NIR, >800 nm). In the past, covalent chemistry was less explored to functionalize SWCNTs as it impairs NIR emission. However, certain sp³ defects (quantum defects) in the carbon lattice have emerged that preserve NIR fluorescence and even introduce a new, red‐shifted emission peak. Here, we report on quantum defects, introduced using light‐driven diazonium chemistry, that serve as anchor points for peptides and proteins. We show that maleimide anchors allow conjugation of cysteine‐containing proteins such as a GFP‐binding nanobody. In addition, an Fmoc‐protected phenylalanine defect serves as a starting point for conjugation of visible fluorophores to create multicolor SWCNTs and in situ peptide synthesis directly on the nanotube. Therefore, these quantum defects are a versatile platform to tailor both the nanotube's photophysical properties as well as their surface chemistry.     

The work function of hydrothermally synthesized UO2 and the implications for semiconductor device fabrication

The photoelectric work function of nearly stoichiometric (111) and (100) hydrothermally grown UO₂ was measured to be 6.28 ± 0.36 eV and 5.80 ± 0.36 eV, respectively. Candidate metals for electrical contacts are identified for both rectifying and non‐rectifying contacts based on work function, lattice compatibility, and electrical conductivity.     

Decay studies of K isomers in 254No

A detailed $ \gamma$ spectroscopic decay study of two K isomers in ²⁵⁴No was performed. In addition to the previously reported $ \gamma$ lines two new transitions of E = 778 , 856keV could be attributed to the decay pattern of ^254m1No ( T _1/2 = 275±7 ms). The population of an excited band built up on this isomer ( $\ensuremath K^{\pi} =8^{-}$ by the decay of ^254m2No ( T _1/2 = 198±13 μs) could be proven by measuring delayed $ \gamma$ - $ \gamma$ coincidences between transitions stemming from the decay of both isomeric states. The energies of the band members could be established up to $\ensuremath I^{\pi} = 15^{-}$ . A spontaneous fission branch of (2.0±1.2)×10^-4 was measured for ^254m1No , an upper limit of $ \le$ 1.2×10^-4 was estimated for ^254m2No . These values demonstrate the high stability of multi-quasiparticle configurations against spontaneous fission. Evidence for an $ \alpha$ decay branch of ^254m1No in the order of 1×10^-4 was found.