In situ Nuclear Matrix preparation in Drosophila melanogaster and its use in studying the components of nuclear architecture

The study of Nuclear Matrix (NuMat) over the last 40 years has been limited to either isolated nuclei from tissues or cells grown in culture. Here, we provide a protocol for NuMat preparation in intact Drosophila melanogaster embryos and its use in dissecting the components of nuclear architecture. The protocol does not require isolation of nuclei and therefore maintains the three-dimensional milieu of an intact embryo, which is biologically more relevant compared to cells in culture. One of the advantages of this protocol is that only a small number of embryos are required. The protocol can be extended to larval tissues like salivary glands and imaginal discs with little modification. Taken together, it becomes possible to carry out such studies in parallel to genetic experiments using mutant and transgenic flies. This protocol, therefore, opens the powerful field of fly genetics to cell biology in the study of nuclear architecture.

Liquid gating technology

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of liquid gating technologies that employ liquids as structural materials to provide dynamic gating control. Such technologies have attracted considerable attention globally owing their antifouling, energy-saving, reversible, and reconfigurable characteristics. This study considers a new perspective to discuss advancements in liquid gating technologies, including the concept, mechanisms, development, designs, and emerging applications. Moreover, recommendations are provided for the selection of the gating liquid and porous matrix, preparation processes, technical parameters, and theoretical modelling to guide related research. Emerging applications of liquid gating technologies, such as microscale flow control, multiphase separation, chemical detection, and biomedical catheters, are reported. Finally, the challenges currently faced by these technologies are discussed and potential directions for further research are explored to promote the use of these technologies in future applications.

Sulfur-substituted uranyl stabilized by fluoride ligands: matrix preparation of U(O)(S)F2via oxidation of U(0) by SOF2

A neutral sulfur-substituted uranyl complex [U(O)(S)F2] in which the SUO2+ moiety is stabilized by electron withdrawing fluoride ligands was prepared via oxidation of U(0) by SOF2 in cryogenic matrixes.

Nanocomposites with Aluminum Matrix: Preparation and Properties

Metal matrix nanocomposites are a novel class of materials, consisting of a metallic matrix reinforced by nanoparticles. They display interesting mechanical and functional properties, which can be carefully tailored and may be largely different than those of the base metal. Aluminum matrix nanocomposites have risen particular attention thanks to their low density and improved strength. Some issues in the production of nanocomposites are caused by the low wettability of nanoparticles; hence, innovative synthesis methods have been developed. In this work, the main production routes are reviewed; moreover, the strengthening mechanism acting in nanocomposites and the resulting mechanical properties are reported. Finally, the influence of reinforcement on precipitation processes in aluminum-based composites and some potential applications are described.