Miniaturized Computational Photonic Molecule Spectrometer

Miniaturized spectrometry system is playing an essential role for materials analysis in the development of in-situ or portable sensing platforms across research and industry. However, there unavoidably exists trade-offs between the resolution and operation bandwidth as the device scale down. Here, we report an extreme miniaturized computational photonic molecule (PM) spectrometer utilizing the diverse spectral characteristics and mode-hybridization effect of split eigenfrequencies and super-modes, which effectively eliminates the inherent periodicity and expands operation bandwidth with ultra-high spectral resolution. These results of dynamic control of the frequency, amplitude, and phase of photons in the photonic multi-atomic systems, pave the way to the development of benchtop sensing platforms for applications previously unfeasible due to resolution-bandwidth-footprint limitations, such as in gas sensing or nanoscale biomedical sensing

Linking Artificial Sweetener Intake With Kidney Function: Insights From Nhanes 2003-2006 and Findings From Mendelian Randomization Research

BACKGROUND: The current investigation examines the association between artificial sweetener (AS) consumption and the likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), along with its impact on kidney function. METHODS: We utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2003-2006 to conduct covariance analysis and weighted adjusted logistic regression, aiming to assess the association between artificial sweetener intake and CKD risk, as well as kidney function indicators. Subsequently, we employed Mendelian randomization methods to validate the causal relationship between the intake of artificial sweeteners, CKD risk, and kidney function indicators. Instrumental variable analysis using inverse-variance weighting and Robust adjusted profile score were the primary analytical methods employed. RESULTS: A total of 20,470 participants were included in the study, with 1,257 participants ultimately included in the analysis. In all adjusted logistic regression models, no significant association was found between the intake of artificial sweeteners and CKD risk. Similarly, the summary odds ratios (OR) for each unit change in genetically predicted CKD risk were 2.14 (95% CI: 0.83, 5.21, CONCLUSION: Our study does not support a causal relationship between artificial sweetener intake and the risk of CKD. However, due to the limitations and potential confounding factors, these findings need to be further validated through larger sample sizes in observational studies and Mendelian randomization analyses

Metasurface spectrometers beyond resolution-sensitivity constraints

Optical spectroscopy plays an essential role across scientific research and industry for non-contact materials analysis1-3, increasingly through in-situ or portable platforms4-6. However, when considering low-light-level applications, conventional spectrometer designs necessitate a compromise between their resolution and sensitivity7,8, especially as device and detector dimensions are scaled down. Here, we report on a miniaturizable spectrometer platform where light throughput onto the detector is instead enhanced as the resolution is increased. This planar, CMOS-compatible platform is based around metasurface encoders designed to exhibit photonic bound states in the continuum9, where operational range can be altered or extended simply through adjusting geometric parameters. This system can enhance photon collection efficiency by up to two orders of magnitude versus conventional designs; we demonstrate this sensitivity advantage through ultra-low-intensity fluorescent and astrophotonic spectroscopy. This work represents a step forward for the practical utility of spectrometers, affording a route to integrated, chip-based devices that maintain high resolution and SNR without requiring prohibitively long integration times

Coevolution in Hybrid Genomes: Nuclear-Encoded Rubisco Small Subunits and Their Plastid-Targeting Translocons Accompanying Sequential Allopolyploidy Events in Triticum

The Triticum/Aegilops complex includes hybrid species resulting from homoploid hybrid speciation and allopolyploid speciation. Sequential allotetra- and allohexaploidy events presumably result in two challenges for the hybrids, which involve 1) cytonuclear stoichiometric disruptions caused by combining two diverged nuclear genomes with the maternal inheritance of the cytoplasmic organellar donor; and 2) incompatibility of chimeric protein complexes with diverged subunits from nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes. Here, we describe coevolution of nuclear rbcS genes encoding the small subunits of Rubisco (ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) and nuclear genes encoding plastid translocons, which mediate recognition and translocation of nuclear-encoded proteins into plastids, in allopolyploid wheat species. We demonstrate that intergenomic paternal-to-maternal gene conversion specifically occurred in the genic region of the homoeologous rbcS3 gene from the D-genome progenitor of wheat (abbreviated as rbcS3D) such that it encodes a maternal-like or B-subgenome-like SSU3D transit peptide in allohexaploid wheat but not in allotetraploid wheat. Divergent and limited interaction between SSU3D and the D-subgenomic TOC90D translocon subunit is implicated to underpin SSU3D targeting into the chloroplast of hexaploid wheat. This implicates early selection favoring individuals harboring optimal maternal-like organellar SSU3D targeting in hexaploid wheat. These data represent a novel dimension of cytonuclear evolution mediated by organellar targeting and transportation of nuclear proteins

Effect of Polymer Stabilizers-Viscosity on Red Sand Structure Strength and Dust Pollution Resistance

The utilization of polymer stabilizers is a promising method in mitigating bauxite residue (red sand) dust pollution. Its thickening property can effectively bind sand particles by constructing crusts to withstand wind erosion. Previous studies recommended the mixture of polymer solutions for a better dust control performance. However, limited references discussed the effects their viscosity on the structure strength of formed crusts and the final erosion resistance. The environmental adaptability of polymer mixtures was also rarely investigated. Thus, this paper investigates the effect of relationship between polymer viscosity, environmental adaptability and the final dust control performance. Results illustrated that the applied polymers have excellent ability in withstanding wetting, high temperature and long-term UV exposure, which indicates a broad applicability in wet conditions and desert regions. For both single cationic polymers or polymer mixtures containing cationic polymers, higher solution viscosity resulted in better crust strength and dust erosion resistance when applied on red sand surface. Thus, the viscosity of polymer mixtures solution can effectively predict the structure strength of formed crust and the final erosion resistance of treated sand

Csm6-DNAzyme tandem assay for one-pot and sensitive analysis of lead pollution and bioaccumulation in mice

Lead contamination in the environment tends to enter the food chain and further into the human body, causing serious health issues. Herein, we proposed a Csm6-DNAzyme tandem assay (termed cDNAzyme) using CRISPR/Cas III-A Csm6 and GR-5 DNAzyme, enabling one-pot and sensitive detection of lead contamination. We found that Pb2+-activated GR-5 DNAzyme produced cleaved substrates that can serve as the activator of Csm6, and the Csm6-DNAzyme tandem improved the sensitivity for detecting Pb2+ by 6.1 times compared to the original GR-5 DNAzyme. Due to the high specificity of DNAzyme, the cDNAzyme assay can discriminate Pb2+ from other bivalent and trivalent interfering ions and allowed precise detection of Pb2+ in water and food samples. Particularly, the assay can achieve one-step, mix-and-read detection of Pb2+ at room temperature. We used the cDNAzyme assay to investigate the accumulation of lead in mice, and found that lead accumulated at higher levels in the colon and kidney compared to the liver, and most of the lead was excreted. The cDNAzyme assay is promising to serve as analytical tools for lead-associated environmental and biosafety issues