{"title":"Multidisciplinary approaches in electronic nicotine delivery systems pulmonary toxicology: emergence of living and non-living bioinspired engineered systems","authors":"Kambez H. Benam","doi":"10.1038/s44172-024-00276-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44172-024-00276-3","url":null,"abstract":"Technology-based platforms offer crucial support for regulatory agencies in overseeing tobacco products to enhance public health protection. The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), such as electronic cigarettes, has surged exponentially over the past decade. However, the understanding of the impact of ENDS on lung health remains incomplete due to scarcity of physiologically relevant technologies for evaluating their toxicity. This review examines the societal and public health impacts of ENDS, prevalent preclinical approaches in pulmonary space, and the application of emerging Organ-on-Chip technologies and bioinspired robotics for assessing ENDS respiratory toxicity. It highlights challenges in ENDS inhalation toxicology and the value of multidisciplinary bioengineering approaches for generating reliable, human-relevant regulatory data at an accelerated pace. Kambez Benam reviews preclinical approaches to assess lung health impacts of e-cigarettes, highlighting limitations of current strategies in capturing 3D lung architecture and inhalation mechanics. The review article emphasizes the promise of Organs-on-Chips and Bioinspired Robotics.","PeriodicalId":72644,"journal":{"name":"Communications engineering","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11372223/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142127547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Large area kidney imaging for pre-transplant evaluation using real-time robotic optical coherence tomography","authors":"Xihan Ma, Mousa Moradi, Xiaoyu Ma, Qinggong Tang, Moshe Levi, Yu Chen, Haichong K. Zhang","doi":"10.1038/s44172-024-00264-7","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44172-024-00264-7","url":null,"abstract":"Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used to image microstructures of human kidneys. However, current OCT probes exhibit inadequate field-of-view, leading to potentially biased kidney assessment. Here we present a robotic OCT system where the probe is integrated to a robot manipulator, enabling wider area (covers an area of 106.39 mm by 37.70 mm) spatially-resolved imaging. Our system comprehensively scans the kidney surface at the optimal altitude with preoperative path planning and OCT image-based feedback control scheme. It further parameterizes and visualizes microstructures of large area. We verified the system positioning accuracy on a phantom as 0.0762 ± 0.0727 mm and showed the clinical feasibility by scanning ex vivo kidneys. The parameterization reveals vasculatures beneath the kidney surface. Quantification on the proximal convoluted tubule of a human kidney yields clinical-relevant information. The system promises to assess kidney viability for transplantation after collecting a vast amount of whole-organ parameterization and patient outcomes data. Xihan Ma and colleagues expand the field-of-view for optical coherence tomography using a robotic manipulator to control the probe. They achieve high position precision in ex vivo demonstration.","PeriodicalId":72644,"journal":{"name":"Communications engineering","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11368928/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142121259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nageswara Lalam, Sandeep Bukka, Hari Bhatta, Michael Buric, Paul Ohodnicki, Ruishu Wright
{"title":"Achieving precise multiparameter measurements with distributed optical fiber sensor using wavelength diversity and deep neural networks","authors":"Nageswara Lalam, Sandeep Bukka, Hari Bhatta, Michael Buric, Paul Ohodnicki, Ruishu Wright","doi":"10.1038/s44172-024-00274-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44172-024-00274-5","url":null,"abstract":"The development of advanced distributed optical fiber sensing systems that are capable of performing accurate and spatially resolved multiparameter measurements is of great interest to a wide range of scientific and industrial applications. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a wavelength diversity based advanced distributed optical fiber sensor system to accomplish multiparameter sensing while greatly enhancing measurement accuracy. A suite of deep neural network (DNN) algorithms are developed and verified for data denoising, rapid Brillouin frequency shift estimation, and vibration data event classification. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed advanced wavelength diversity distributed fiber sensor system assisted by DNN for simultaneous, independent measurements of static strain, temperature, and acoustic vibrations over a 25 km long sensing fiber at 3 m spatial resolution. These results suggest the potential for an intelligent multiparameter monitoring system with enhanced performance in advanced structural health monitoring applications. Nageswara Lalam and colleagues demonstrate a multiparameter distributed optical fibre sensing. They employ the wavelength multiplexing technique in Brillouin and Rayleigh scattering with the deep neural networks and achieve an improved performance of strain, temperature and vibration detection.","PeriodicalId":72644,"journal":{"name":"Communications engineering","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44172-024-00274-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142091208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bryan Holt, Kyle Oswalt, Alexa England, Richard Murphy, Isabella Owens, Micaela Finney, Natalie Wong, Sushil Adhikari, James McCann, John Beckmann
{"title":"Computer numerical control knitting of high-resolution mosquito bite blocking textiles","authors":"Bryan Holt, Kyle Oswalt, Alexa England, Richard Murphy, Isabella Owens, Micaela Finney, Natalie Wong, Sushil Adhikari, James McCann, John Beckmann","doi":"10.1038/s44172-024-00268-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44172-024-00268-3","url":null,"abstract":"Mosquitoes and other biting arthropods transmit diseases worldwide, causing over 700,000 deaths each year, and costing about 3 billion USD annually for Aedes species alone. Insect vectored diseases also pose a considerable threat to agricultural animals. While clothing could provide a simple solution to vector-borne diseases, modern textiles do not effectively block mosquito bites. Here we have designed three micro-resolution knitted structures, with five adjustable parameters that can block mosquito bites. These designs, which exhibit significant bite reduction were integrated into a computer numerical control knitting robot for mass production of bite-blocking garments with minimal human labor. We then quantified the comfort of blocking garments. Our knits enable individuals to protect themselves from insects amidst their day-to-day activities without impacting the environment. Bryan Holt, Kyle Oswalt and colleagues design the mosquito bite-proof knitting pattern. Their approach can be implemented in programmable knitting robots for mass production.","PeriodicalId":72644,"journal":{"name":"Communications engineering","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44172-024-00268-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142082743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Linli Shi, Christina Mastracchio, Ilyas Saytashev, Meijun Ye
{"title":"Low frequency ultrasound elicits broad cortical responses inhibited by ketamine in mice","authors":"Linli Shi, Christina Mastracchio, Ilyas Saytashev, Meijun Ye","doi":"10.1038/s44172-024-00269-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44172-024-00269-2","url":null,"abstract":"The neuromodulatory effects of >250 kHz ultrasound have been well-demonstrated, but the impact of lower-frequency ultrasound, which can transmit better through air and the skull, on the brain is unclear. This study investigates the biological impact of 40 kHz pulsed ultrasound on the brain using calcium imaging and electrophysiology in mice. Our findings reveal burst duration-dependent neural responses in somatosensory and auditory cortices, resembling responses to 12 kHz audible tone, in vivo. In vitro brain slice experiments show no neural responses to 300 kPa 40 kHz ultrasound, implying indirect network effects. Ketamine fully blocks neural responses to ultrasound in both cortices but only partially affects 12 kHz audible tone responses in the somatosensory cortex and has no impact on auditory cortex 12 kHz responses. This suggests that low-frequency ultrasound’s cortical effects rely heavily on NMDA receptors and may involve mechanisms beyond indirect auditory cortex activation. This research uncovers potential low-frequency ultrasound effects and mechanisms in the brain, offering a path for future neuromodulation. Dr Ye and colleagues investigate the biological impact low-frequency ultrasound pulses can have on the cortex of mice. They observe pulse duration dependent neural responses and find that ketamine can block parameter-dependent brain responses at certain frequencies.","PeriodicalId":72644,"journal":{"name":"Communications engineering","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44172-024-00269-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142082744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Manifold-based approach for neural network robustness analysis","authors":"Ali Sekmen, Bahadir Bilgin","doi":"10.1038/s44172-024-00263-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44172-024-00263-8","url":null,"abstract":"It is important to understand the mathematical foundations of neural networks and to include robustness in model evaluation. Here, we introduce algorithms based on manifold curvature estimation to assess neural network robustness. These algorithms rely solely on training data and do not require regular or adversarial test data. Initially, a metric is proposed to measure the curvature of discrete data manifolds by introducing weighted angles concept between subspaces. Following this, a robustness measure is introduced that is independent of network architecture or model parameters. Lastly, two additional methods are introduced, utilizing curvature estimation of special manifolds formed by using gradient vectors between output and input network layers, alongside manifold curvature estimation. A comprehensive evaluation is provided on multiple network models using the CIFAR-10 dataset. Manifold geometry-based robustness analysis may lead to the development of not only accurate but also robust neural network models. Bahadir Bilgin and Ali Sekmen build the framework for examining the post-training robustness of the neural network. Their method estimates the data curvature on the output layer and does not require knowledge of the black-box topology.","PeriodicalId":72644,"journal":{"name":"Communications engineering","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44172-024-00263-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142045344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An integrated coupled oscillator network to solve optimization problems","authors":"Markus Graber, Klaus Hofmann","doi":"10.1038/s44172-024-00261-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44172-024-00261-w","url":null,"abstract":"Solving combinatorial optimization problems is essential in scientific, technological, and engineering applications, but can be very time and energy-consuming using classical algorithms executed on digital processors. Oscillator-based Ising machines offer a promising alternative by exploiting the analog coupling between electrical oscillators to solve such optimization problems more efficiently. Here we present the design and the capabilities of our scalable approach to solve Ising and quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problems. This approach includes routable oscillator connections to simplify the time-consuming embedding of the problem into the oscillator network. Our manufactured silicon chip, featuring 1440 oscillators implemented in a 28 nm technology, demonstrates the ability to solve optimization problems in 950 ns while consuming typically 319 μW per node. A frequency, phase, and delay calibration ensures robustness against manufacturing variations. The system is evaluated with multiple sets of benchmark problems to analyze the sensitivity for parameters such as the coupling strength or frequency. Markus Graber and Klaus Hofmann present a coupled oscillator network, fabricated on a 4.6 mm2 silicon chip with 1440 oscillators and routable connections, designed to solve Ising and other optimization problems efficiently. Their circuit offers a scalable and practical approach for complex optimization problems.","PeriodicalId":72644,"journal":{"name":"Communications engineering","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44172-024-00261-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142045342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anna Maria Moran, Vi T. Vo, Kevin J. McDonald, Pranav Sultania, Eva Langenbrunner, Jun Hong Vince Chong, Amartya Naik, Lorenzo Kinnicutt, Jingshuo Li, Tommaso Ranzani
{"title":"An electropermanent magnet valve for the onboard control of multi-degree of freedom pneumatic soft robots","authors":"Anna Maria Moran, Vi T. Vo, Kevin J. McDonald, Pranav Sultania, Eva Langenbrunner, Jun Hong Vince Chong, Amartya Naik, Lorenzo Kinnicutt, Jingshuo Li, Tommaso Ranzani","doi":"10.1038/s44172-024-00251-y","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44172-024-00251-y","url":null,"abstract":"To achieve coordinated functions, fluidic soft robots typically rely on multiple input lines for the independent inflation and deflation of each actuator. Fluidic actuators are controlled by rigid electronic pneumatic valves, restricting the mobility and compliance of the soft robot. Recent developments in soft valve designs have shown the potential to achieve a more integrated robotic system, but are limited by high energy consumption and slow response time. In this work, we present an electropermanent magnet (EPM) valve for electronic control of pneumatic soft actuators that is activated through microsecond electronic pulses. The valve incorporates a thin channel made from thermoplastic films. The proposed valve (3 × 3 × 0.8 cm, 2.9 g) can block pressure up to 146 kPa and negative pressures up to –100 kPa with a response time of less than 1 s. Using the EPM valves, we demonstrate the ability to switch between multiple operation sequences in real time through the control of a six-DoF robot capable of grasping and hopping with a single pressure input. Our proposed onboard control strategy simplifies the operation of multi-pressure systems, enabling the development of dynamically programmable soft fluid-driven robots that are versatile in responding to different tasks. Ranzani and colleagues use electropermanent magnets to build a valve that simplifies the controls of pneumatic soft robots. Their design enables the selective activation of the robot’s fluidic channels to perform grasping and locomotion tasks.","PeriodicalId":72644,"journal":{"name":"Communications engineering","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44172-024-00251-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142045356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Katherine S. Riley, Mark H. Jhon, Hortense Le Ferrand, Dan Wang, Andres F. Arrieta
{"title":"Inverse design of bistable composite laminates with switching tunneling method for global optimization","authors":"Katherine S. Riley, Mark H. Jhon, Hortense Le Ferrand, Dan Wang, Andres F. Arrieta","doi":"10.1038/s44172-024-00260-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44172-024-00260-x","url":null,"abstract":"Bistability enables adaptive designs with tunable deflections for applications including morphing wings, robotic grippers, and consumer products. Composite laminates may be designed to exhibit bistability due to pre-strains that develop during the processing of the polymer matrix, enabling fast reconfiguration between two stable shapes. Unfortunately, designing bistable laminates is challenging because of their highly nonlinear behavior. Here, we propose the Switching Tunneling Method to address this challenge by alternating between gradient-based local minimization and tunneling search phases, with the enhancement of objective expression switching to improve numerical conditioning. Results demonstrate high effectiveness compared to existing optimizers; the Switching Tunneling Method achieves a 99% success rate in finding all energy minima across general composite layups. Additionally, our method facilitates the inverse design of variable pre-strain fields, enabling bioinspired, positive Gaussian curvatures, which are not possible with conventional pre-strain laminates. Validations through both finite element analysis and 3D printed samples confirm the optimal designs. Dr Wang, Dr Arrieta, and colleagues report a switching tunneling method for the inverse design of bistable composite laminates. Their optimization methodology addresses the bistable composites’ highly nonlinear nature and successfully identifies the variable pre-strain fields to match the target stable shapes.","PeriodicalId":72644,"journal":{"name":"Communications engineering","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44172-024-00260-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142041797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Raphaell Moreira, Ehsan B. Esfahani, Fatemeh A. Zeidabadi, Pani Rostami, Martin Thuo, Madjid Mohseni, Earl J. Foster
{"title":"Hybrid graphenic and iron oxide photocatalysts for the decomposition of synthetic chemicals","authors":"Raphaell Moreira, Ehsan B. Esfahani, Fatemeh A. Zeidabadi, Pani Rostami, Martin Thuo, Madjid Mohseni, Earl J. Foster","doi":"10.1038/s44172-024-00267-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44172-024-00267-4","url":null,"abstract":"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that resist degradation, posing a significant environmental and health risk. Current methods for removing PFAS from water are often complex and costly. Here we report a simple, cost-effective method to synthesize an iron oxide/graphenic carbon (Fe/g-C) hybrid photocatalyst for PFAS degradation. This photocatalyst efficiently degrades perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a common type of PFAS, achieving over 85% removal within 3 hours under ultraviolet light. The catalyst also maintains high degradation rates over extended periods, demonstrating its stability and potential for long-term use. This innovative approach offers a promising solution for addressing PFAS contamination in water, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. Moreira et al. developed an iron oxide/graphenic carbon hybrid photocatalyst for the decomposition of PFAS contaminants, under UV light. Their method offers a cheap and efficient alternative that achieves > 85% efficiency for PFOA decomposition under UV light.","PeriodicalId":72644,"journal":{"name":"Communications engineering","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44172-024-00267-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142019720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}