BINA

Male development in mammals depends on the activity of the two SOX gene: Sry and Sox9, in the embryonic testis. As deletion of Enhancer 13 (Enh13) of the Sox9 gene results in XY male-to-female sex reversal, we explored the critical elements necessary for its function and hence, for testis and male development. Here, we demonstrate that while microdeletions of individual transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) in Enh13 lead to normal testicular development, combined microdeletions of just two SRY/SOX binding motifs can alone fully abolish Enh13 activity leading to XY male-to-female sex reversal. This suggests that for proper male development to occur, these few nucleotides of non-coding DNA must be intact. Interestingly, we show that depending on the nature of these TFBS mutations, dramatically different phenotypic outcomes can occur, providing a molecular explanation for the distinct clinical …

Various biological surfaces are known to be covered by elaborated micro- and nano-structures, serving a number of functions (e.g. anti-reflective, structural coloration, anti-fouling, pro- or anti-adhesive, etc.) and inspiring numerous industrial applications. Recent years have witnessed a remarkable boost in research in this field. To a large extent, this boost owes to the increasing interdisciplinary of approaches being applied to the study of structured biosurfaces. Sciences as different as classical zoology and botany are inseminated with the advances in genetics and molecular biology; biologists collaborate more and more with nanotechnologists, materials scientists and engineers – all these contribute to the widening of the horizons of research on micro- and nano-structured biological surfaces, and to biomimetic and bioengineering applications of these surfaces in industry. We aim at ‘riding the wave’ of these …

Numerous biological surfaces exhibit intricate micro- and nano-structures, which fulfill various functions such as anti-reflective properties, structural coloration, anti-fouling capabilities, and pro- or anti-adhesive characteristics. These features have inspired a plethora of industrial applications. In recent years, there has been a significant surge in research in this domain, largely attributable to the growing interdisciplinary nature of the approaches applied to the investigation of structured biosurfaces. The convergence of classical zoology and botany with advances in genetics and molecular biology is noteworthy, as biologists increasingly collaborate with nanotechnologists, materials scientists, and engineers. This collaborative effort contributes significantly to expanding the horizons of research on micro- and nano-structured biological surfaces, fostering biomimetic and bioengineering applications in various industries …

Quantum correlation functions are a natural way to encode multitime information, as they are ubiquitous in analysis from fluctuation theorems to information scrambling. Correlation functions can be identified with quasiprobabilities associated to quantum processes. In this work we show how these can be measured via error-cancellation techniques, using projective measurements only and no ancillae. The scheme is implemented in a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond undergoing a unitary quantum work protocol. We reconstruct quantum-mechanical time correlations encoded in the Margenau-Hills quasiprobabilities by observing work extraction peaks five times those of sequential projective energy measurement schemes and in violation of newly derived stochastic bounds. We interpret the phenomenon via anomalous energy exchanges due to the underlying negativity of the quasiprobability distribution.

Temporal optics revolutionize the field of ultrafast detection with time-lens and time-stretch schemes. We developed a temporal interferometer that enables us to measure ultrafast phase shifts. With this interferometer, we measured phase shifts of correlated beams traveling in different temporal trajectories. This allows us to demonstrate the Aharonov-Bohm effect in the time domain. We developed the theoretical basis of this temporal Aharonov-Bohm effect and showed it in experimental measurements. In the talk, we will explain this effect, describe the experimental setup, and show the results.

Despite their importance, there is an on-going challenge characterizing multipartite quantum correlations. The Svetlichny and Mermin-Klyshko (MK) inequalities present constraints on correlations in multipartite systems, a violation of which allows to classify the correlations by using the non-separability property. In this work we present refined Tsirelson (quantum) bounds on these inequalities, derived from inequalities stemming from a fundamental constraint, tightly akin to quantum uncertainty. Unlike the original, known inequalities, our bounds do not consist of a single constant point but rather depend on correlations in specific subsystems (being local correlations for our bounds on the Svetlichny operators and bipartite correlations for our bounds on the MK operators). We analyze concrete examples in which our bounds are strictly tighter than the known bounds.

Traditional methods for measuring blood oxygen use multiple wavelengths, which produces an In the biomedical field, the reemitted light intensity measured from the tissue depends on both scattering and absorption. In order to separate these variables, we use a physical phenomenon discovered in our lab, called the iso-path length (IPL) point. The IPL point is a specific angle around a cylindrical media, where the light intensity is not affected by the scattering and can serve for self-calibration. For a practical use of this concept, we designed an optic biosensor for measuring physiological parameters such as heart rate, oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, in both ordinary and extreme conditions in a hypoxic chamber.

Immunoglobulins (IGs), critical components of the human immune system, are composed of heavy and light protein chains encoded at three genomic loci. The IG Kappa (IGK) chain locus consists of two large, inverted segmental duplications. The complexity of the IG loci has hindered use of standard high-throughput methods for characterizing genetic variation within these regions. To overcome these limitations, we use long-read sequencing to create haplotype-resolved IGK assemblies in an ancestrally diverse cohort (n = 36), representing the first comprehensive description of IGK haplotype variation. We identify extensive locus polymorphism, including novel single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and novel structural variants harboring functional IGKV genes. Among 47 functional IGKV genes, we identify 145 alleles, 67 of which were not previously curated. We report inter-population differences in allele frequencies …

In this paper, an innovative approach for detecting and analyzing speckle pattern signals is demonstrated, based on dynamic speckle analysis using a low-cost and low-framerate rolling shutter (RS) CMOS image sensor. The row scanning mechanism of a rolling shutter camera samples dynamic speckle patterns at a higher rate than typical Global Shutter (GS) cameras. In this research we demonstrate the detection and analysis of vibration signals that arise from an acoustic signal. We will illustrate the process of reconstructing a voice signal by analyzing a vibrating speckle pattern, with a primary focus on detecting and audibly capturing lung sounds.

Repeatedly monitored quantum walks with a rate yield discrete-time trajectories which are inherently random. With these paths the first-hitting time with sharp restart is studied. We find an instability in the optimal mean hitting time, which is not found in the corresponding classical random-walk process. This instability implies that a small change in parameters can lead to a rather large change of the optimal restart time. We show that the optimal restart time versus , as a control parameter, exhibits sets of staircases and plunges. The plunges, are due to the mentioned instability, which in turn is related to the quantum oscillations of the first-hitting time probability, in the absence of restarts. Furthermore, we prove that there are only two patterns of staircase structures, dependent on the parity of the distance between the target and the source in units of lattice constant. The global minimum of the hitting time is controlled not only …

Bell tests serve as a fundamental tool in both quantum technologies and quantum foundations investigation. The traditional Bell test framework involves the use of projective measurements, which, because of the wavefunction collapse and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, do not allow for the full estimation of the Bell parameter from each entangled pair. In this work, we propose a novel weak-measurement-based scheme enabling the complete estimation of the entire Bell parameter from each entangled pair. Moreover, this approach prevents the collapse of the quantum state wavefunction, thereby preserving the entanglement within it. Our results, showing a 6 standard deviations violation of the Bell inequality tested, are obtained while leaving the entanglement within the photon pair almost unaltered after the weak measurement scheme (as demonstrated by our quantum tomographic reconstructions), allowing …

Background Chronic peripheral inflammation is well-documented for its ability to alter the activation of the central nervous system (CNS) in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [1]. Furthermore, the CNS is able to regulate inflammatory processes in the periphery [2]. However, the environmental factors facilitating CNS-mediated suppression of peripheral inflammation in RA remain less explored. The intestinal microbiota produces immunomodulatory metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) [3], and neuroactive substances like histamine, which exhibit local and systemic effects [4]. While histamine is commonly associated with allergic reactions, it also possesses immunoregulatory function [5].Objectives Our study aimed to elucidate the impact of gut microbiota-derived histamine on peripheral inflammation.Methods Mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were orally treated with histamine-producing …

Biological structures have evolved to very efficiently generate, transmit, and withstand mechanical forces. These biological examples have inspired mechanical engineers for centuries and led to the development of critical insights and concepts. However, progress in mechanical engineering also raises new questions about biological structures. The past decades have seen the increasing study of failure of engineered structures due to repetitive loading, and its origin in processes such as materials fatigue. Repetitive loading is also experienced by some neurons, for example in the peripheral nervous system. This perspective, after briefly introducing the engineering concept of mechanical fatigue, aims to discuss the potential effects based on our knowledge of cellular responses to mechanical stresses. A particular focus of our discussion are the effects of mechanical stress on axons and their cytoskeletal structures. Furthermore, we highlight the difficulty of imaging these structures and the promise of new microscopy techniques. The identification of repair mechanisms and paradigms underlying long-term stability is an exciting and emerging topic in biology as well as a potential source of inspiration for engineers.

Certain ocular conditions result from the non-physiological presence of intraocular particles, leading to visual impairment and potential long-term damage. This happens when the normally clear aqueous humor becomes less transparent, thus blocking the visual axis and by intraocular pressure elevation due to blockage of the trabecular meshwork, as seen in secondary open-angle glaucoma (SOAG). Some of these “particle-related pathologies” acquire ocular conditions like pigment dispersion syndrome, pseodoexfoliation and uveitis. Others are trauma-related, such as blood cell accumulation in hyphema. While medical and surgical treatments exist for SOAG, there is a notable absence of effective preventive measures. Consequently, the prevailing clinical approach predominantly adopts a “wait and see” strategy, wherein the focus lies on managing secondary complications and offers no treatment options for particulate matter disposal. We developed a new technique utilizing standing acoustic waves to trap and direct intraocular particles. By employing acoustic trapping at nodal regions and controlled movement of the acoustic transducer, we successfully directed these particles to specific locations within the angle. Here, we demonstrate control and movement of polystyrene (PS) particles to specific locations within an in vitro eye model, as well as blood cells in porcine eyes (ex vivo). The removal of particles from certain areas can facilitate the outflow of aqueous humor (AH) and help maintain optimal intraocular pressure (IOP) levels, resulting in a non-invasive tool for preventing secondary glaucoma. Furthermore, by controlling the location of …

We characterize the spectral response of a silicon chip integrated non-perfect directional coupler by measuring the biphoton joint spectrum at the Hong-Ou-Mandel dip and show the resulting spectral coupling dependency.

Optical properties of chalcogenide topological insulators (TIs), namely, Bi2Se3 (BS) and Bi2Te3 (BT) were studied across the NIR to MIR spectral ranges. In this spectral range, the experimentally measured optical constants revealed an extremely high permittivity values amounting to refractive indices as high as n≈11 and n≈6.4, for BT and BS respectively. These ultra-high index values were then utilized for demonstrating ultracompact, deep-subwavelength nanostructures (NSs), with unit cell sizes down to ~λ/10. Finally, using scattering-type Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy (s-SNOM), local variations in the optical constants of these nanostructured TIs were studied. Nanoscale phase mapping on a BS NS revealed the role of the imaginary component of the refractive index in the observed phase shifts, varying from as low as ~0.37π to a maximum of ~2π radians across a resonance. This work thus highlights …

Casimir forces, related to London-van der Waals forces, arise if the spectrum of electromagnetic fluctuations is restricted by boundaries. There is great interest both from fundamental science and technical applications to control these forces on the nano scale. Scientifically, the Casimir effect being the only known quantum vacuum effect manifesting between macroscopic objects, allows to investigate the poorly known physics of the vacuum. In this work, we experimentally investigate the influence of self-assembled molecular bio and organic thin films on the Casimir force between a plate and a sphere. We find that molecular thin films, despite being a mere few nanometers thick, reduce the Casimir force by up to 14%. To identify the molecular characteristics leading to this reduction, five different bio-molecular films with varying chemical and physical properties were investigated. Spectroscopic data reveal a broad absorption band whose presence can be attributed to the mixing of electronic states of the underlying gold layer and those of the molecular film due to charge rearrangement in the process of self-assembly. Using Lifshitz theory we calculate that the observed change in the Casimir force is consistent with the appearance of the new absorption band due to the formation of molecular layers. The desired Casimir force reduction can be tuned by stacking several monolayers, using a simple self-assembly technique in a solution. The molecules - each a few nanometers long - can penetrate small cavities and holes, and cover any surface with high efficiency. This process seems compatible with current methods in the production of micro …

The collective tunneling of a Wigner necklace—a crystal-like state of a small number of strongly interacting electrons confined to a suspended nanotube and subject to a double-well potential—is theoretically analyzed and compared with experiments in Shapir et al. [Science 364, 870 (2019)0036-807510.1126/science.aat0905]. Density matrix renormalization group computations, exact diagonalization, and instanton theory provide a consistent description of this very strongly interacting system, and show good agreement with experiments. Experimentally extracted and theoretically computed tunneling amplitudes exhibit a scaling collapse. Collective quantum fluctuations renormalize the tunneling, and substantially enhance it as the number of electrons increases.

Spatial modes in multimode fibers interact with each other through nonlinear processes leading to various spatio-temporal dynamics. Studying the dynamics of such interactions can open a new route for understanding ultrafast modal phenomena. In this research, we measure the temporal and spatial dynamics of ultrafast multimode signals in a high temporal resolution. We study the modal dynamics of each spatial mode inside multimode fibers as a function of time, intensity, and wavelength. We derive the spatial coupling, identify the energy transfer between the modes, and show that it is possible to transfer the energy even when the overlap integral vanishes and the coupling between the modes is zero.

The practical performance of Li-O2 batteries suffers from interfacial instabilities associated with the reaction intermediates. These instabilities on the cathode-electrolyte interface dictate the direction of the oxygen evolution and reduction reactions (OER/ORR) in Li-O2 batteries. Despite intensive research on chemical instabilities in the reaction intermediates, there is limited work on understanding the importance of stress on the interfacial dynamics. To address this gap, in-situ curvature measurements were conducted to probe interfacial stress generation during electrochemical polarization on Au cathode in DMSO electrolytes. Charge accumulation induces tensile stress, whereas compressive stress generation is associated with the adsorbate-induced stress and mismatch strain between reaction intermediates and the Au surface. Abrupt stress relaxation on the onset of discharge presents evidence for a contribution …