Probability-Density-Based Deep Learning Paradigm for the Fuzzy Design of Functional Metastructures.

In quantum mechanics, a norm-squared wave function can be interpreted as the probability density that describes the likelihood of a particle to be measured in a given position or momentum. This statistical property is at the core of the fuzzy structure of microcosmos. Recently, hybrid neural structures raised intense attention, resulting in various intelligent systems with far-reaching influence. Here, we propose a probability-density-based deep learning paradigm for the fuzzy design of functional metastructures. In contrast to other inverse design methods, our probability-density-based neural network can efficiently evaluate and accurately capture all plausible metastructures in a high-dimensional parameter space. Local maxima in probability density distribution correspond to the most likely candidates to meet the desired performances. We verify this universally adaptive approach in but not limited to acoustics by designing multiple metastructures for each targeted transmission spectrum, with experiments unequivocally demonstrating the effectiveness and generalization of the inverse design.

Boosting the Utilization and Electrochemical Performances of Polyaniline by Forming a Binder-Free Nanoscale Coaxially Coated Polyaniline/Carbon Nanotube/Carbon Fiber Paper Hierarchical 3D Microstructure Composite as a Supercapacitor Electrode.

Nanoscale polyaniline (PANI) is formed on a hierarchical 3D microstructure carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/carbon fiber paper (CFP) substrate via a one-step electrochemical polymerization method. The chemical and structural properties of the binder-free PANI/CNTs/CFP electrode are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The specific capacitance of PANI/CNTs/CFP tested in a symmetric two-electrode system reaches 731.6 mF·cm-2 (1354.7 F·g-1) at a current density of 1 mA·cm-2 (1.8 A·g-1). The symmetric supercapacitor device demonstrates excellent cycling performance up to 10,000 cycles with a capacitance retention of 81.4% at a current density of 1 mA·cm-2 (1.8 A·g-1). The results demonstrate that the binder-free CNTs/CFP composite is a strong backbone for depositing ultrathin PANI layers at a high mass loading. The hierarchical 3D microstructure PANI/CNTs/CFP provides enough space and transporting channels to form an efficient electrode-electrolyte interface for the supercapacitance reaction. The formed nanoscale PANI film coaxially coated on the sidewalls of CNTs enables efficient charge transfer and a shortened diffusion length. Hence, the utilization efficiency and electrochemical performances of PANI are significantly improved. The rational design strategy of a CNT-based binder-free hierarchical 3D microstructure can be used in preparing various advanced energy-storage electrodes for electrochemical energy-storage and conversion systems.

Gene Expression Profiles of Main Olfactory Epithelium in Adenylyl Cyclase 3 Knockout Mice.

Adenylyl Cyclase 3 (AC3) plays an important role in the olfactory sensation-signaling pathway in mice. AC3 deficiency leads to defects in olfaction. However, it is still unknown whether AC3 deficiency affects gene expression or olfactory signal transduction pathways within the main olfactory epithelium (MOE). In this study, gene microarrays were used to screen differentially expressed genes in MOE from AC3 knockout (AC3(-/-)) and wild-type (AC3(+/+)) mice. The differentially expressed genes identified were subjected to bioinformatic analysis and verified by qRT-PCR. Gene expression in the MOE from AC3(-/-) mice was significantly altered, compared to AC3(+/+) mice. Of the 41266 gene probes, 3379 had greater than 2-fold fold change in expression levels between AC3(-/-) and AC3(+/+) mice, accounting for 8% of the total gene probes. Of these genes, 1391 were up regulated, and 1988 were down regulated, including 425 olfactory receptor genes, 99 genes that are specifically expressed in the immature olfactory neurons, 305 genes that are specifically expressed in the mature olfactory neurons, and 155 genes that are involved in epigenetic regulation. Quantitative RT-PCR verification of the differentially expressed epigenetic regulation related genes, olfactory receptors, ion transporter related genes, neuron development and differentiation related genes, lipid metabolism and membrane protein transport etc. related genes showed that P75NTR, Hinfp, Gadd45b, and Tet3 were significantly up-regulated, while Olfr370, Olfr1414, Olfr1208, Golf, Faim2, Tsg101, Mapk10, Actl6b, H2BE, ATF5, Kirrrel2, OMP, Drd2 etc. were significantly down-regulated. In summary, AC3 may play a role in proximal olfactory signaling and play a role in the regulation of differentially expressed genes in mouse MOE.