Primers and PrimeViews

This PrimeView highlights best practices for the representation and learning of piecewise linear neural networks.

Piecewise linear neural networks (PWLNNs) are a powerful modelling method, particularly in deep learning. In this Primer, Tao et al. introduce the methodology and theoretical analysis of PWLNNs and some of their applications.

This PrimeView highlights how remote epitaxy may be used in the future to make flexible devices

Remote epitaxy is a method of growing single-crystal thin films and structures that can be made free-standing. It involves the formation of a 2D van der Waals interlayer that enables release of the grown material. This Primer describes the principles of remote epitaxy, including example applications and characterization of the 2D interlayer and epitaxial layer.

This PrimeView highlights how new live points are drawn when running the nested sampling algorithm.

Nested sampling is an algorithm for computing Bayesian inference and high-dimensional integrals. This Primer introduces the nested sampling algorithm and variations, highlighting its use across various areas of physical science, from cosmology to particle physics.

This PrimeView highlights the main hypermutation systems used for in vivo continuous evolution and outlines important applications in the biosciences.

In vivo continuous evolution is a form of directed evolution that takes advantage of cycles of rapid mutation, amplification and selection inside living cells. Molina, Rix et al. discuss best practices for designing and conducting experiments for drug discovery, enzyme engineering and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based evolution.

This PrimeView highlights the design and fabrication of organ-on-a-chip devices, from material selection to culture medium, pumps and cell or tissue seeding.

Organs-on-chips are microfluidic systems containing miniature tissues with the aim of mimicking human physiology for a range of biomedical and therapeutic applications. Leung, de Haan et al. report practical tips to inform design and operational decisions during the implementation of organ-on-a-chip systems.

This PrimeView highlights the main features of thermal scanning probe lithography for the chemical and physical nanopatterning of materials and polymer resists.

Thermal scanning probe lithography (tSPL) is a nanofabrication method for the chemical and physical nanopatterning of a large variety of materials and polymer resists. Riedo and colleagues introduce the main features of tSPL, define the most critical patterning parameters and describe post-patterning analysis of the obtained results.

This PrimeView highlights best practices for implementing acoustofluidic techniques in biomedical research. Technological advances enabling new and more complex analyses are outlined.

Acoustofluidic techniques use acoustic waves for contact-free manipulation of fluids and particles within fluids, enabling their use in a wide range of biomedical applications. In this Primer, Rufo et al. outline the design and operation of acoustofluidic systems and describe their implementation.

This PrimeView highlights the design of nanoparticles as smart nucleic acid delivery methods.

In this Primer, Conde and colleagues explain how to design smart nucleic acid delivery methods, which provide functionality and efficacy in the layout of molecular diagnostics and therapeutic systems.

This PrimeView illustrates where luminescence dosimetry is used to measure radiation exposure

The absorbed dose of ionizing radiation may be quantified using luminescence detectors. This Primer provides an overview of this process, known as luminescence dosimetry, including how it can be applied for radiation monitoring in personal dosimetry, research and medicine.

This PrimeView highlights the hydrogen production potential of the combined process of biomass pyrolysis and in-line catalytic steam reforming.

The combined process of biomass pyrolysis and in-line catalytic steam reforming is a promising alternative for the selective production of hydrogen from renewable sources. In this Primer, Lopez et al. outline the main factors influencing hydrogen production, from reactor configurations and operating conditions to product analysis and catalyst development.