BINA

Phosphate-based materials [e.g. Na3V2(PO4)2F3-2xO2x; (NVPFO2x;0 < x < 1)] are regarded as a promising intercalation cathodes for Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high reversible specific capacity and stability. However, so far only 2 Na ion were demonstrated to be active in these polyanionic cathodes, which limit their capacity. Herein we provide a strategic approach towards electrochemical activation of a 3rd Na ion, which leads to higher capacity, and preserves structural integrity. We synthesize and study a series of NVPFO2x (0 < x < 1) with well-controlled surface morphology and vanadium oxidation state, and study the dependence of the electrochemical behavior on the various composition and morphology. The optimized NVPFO cathode exhibited highest initial specific discharge capacity (131 mA h g−1) indicating the activation of 3rd Na ion. Nevertheless, the material suffers rapid capacity fading …

Base editing encompasses techniques that efficiently alter specific nucleotides at the DNA or RNA level. Initially explored for inherited diseases, these techniques hold promise for addressing various genetically driven disorders caused by single nucleotide variants (SNVs). The precise programmability of base editors (BEs) for specific sequences allows customization for rare genetic variants, tailoring them to individual patients within affordability and delivery constraints. Cancer stems from the accumulation of mutations. However, the relevance of BEs in cancer therapy is doubted due to the limited types of mutations they can address within tumors. Yet, their untapped potential in the realm of cancer treatment invites exploration. BEs utilize a modified form of a deaminase enzyme to catalyze the conversion of one nucleotide to another by removing an amino group. A 'classic' BE consists of a deaminase, a Cas …

Developing efficient and anti‐corrosive oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is of great importance for the applications of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Herein, we report a novel approach to prepare metal oxides‐supported intermetallic Pt alloy nanoparticles (NPs) via the reactive metal‐support interaction (RMSI) as ORR catalysts, using Ni‐doped cubic ZrO2 (Ni/ZrO2) supported L10‐PtNi NPs as a proof of concept. Benefiting from the Ni migration during RMSI, the oxygen vacancy concentration in the support is increased, leading to an electron enrichment of Pt. The optimal L10‐PtNi‐Ni/ZrO2‐RMSI catalyst achieves remarkably low mass activity (MA) loss (17.8%) after 400,000 accelerated durability test cycles in a half‐cell and exceptional PEMFC performance (MA = 0.76 A mgPt−1 at 0.9 V, peak power density = 1.52/0.92 W cm−2 in H2‐O2/‐air, and 18.4% MA decay after 30,000 …

The Anderson localization transition in quantum graphs has garnered significant recent attention due to its relevance to many-body localization studies. Typically, graphs are constructed using top-down methods. Here, we explore a bottom-up approach, employing a simple local rewriting rule to construct the graph. Through the use of ratio statistics for the energy spectrum and Kullback-Leibler divergence correlations for the eigenstates, numerical analysis demonstrates that slight adjustments to the rewriting rule can induce a transition from a localized to an extended quantum phase. This extended state exhibits non-ergodic behavior, akin to the non-ergodic extended phase observed in the Porter-Rosenzweig model and suggested for many-body localization. Thus, by adapting straightforward local rewriting rules, it becomes feasible to assemble complex graphs from which desired global quantum phases emerge. This approach holds promise for numerical investigations and could be implemented in building optical realizations of complex networks using optical fibers and beam splitters.

Nuclear forward scattering (NFS) is a synchrotron-based technique relying on the recoil-free nuclear resonance effect similar to Mössbauer spectroscopy. In this work, we introduce NFS for in situ and operando measurements during electrocatalytic reactions. The technique enables faster data acquisition and better discrimination of certain iron sites in comparison to Mössbauer spectroscopy. It is directly accessible at various synchrotrons to a broad community of researchers and is applicable to multiple metal isotopes. We demonstrate the power of this technique with the hydrogen evolution mechanism of an immobilized iron porphyrin supported on carbon. Such catalysts are often considered as model systems for iron–nitrogen-carbon (FeNC) catalysts. Using in situ and operando NFS in combination with theoretical predictions of spectroscopic data enables the identification of the intermediate that is formed prior …

Photon‐number‐splitting (PNS) is a well‐known theoretical attack on quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols that employ weak coherent states produced by attenuated laser pulses. However, beyond the fact that it has not yet been demonstrated experimentally, its plausibility and effect on quantum bit error rate are questioned. In this work, an experimental scheme is presented for PNS attack employing demonstrated technological capabilities, specifically a single‐photon Raman interaction (SPRINT) in a cavity‐enhanced three‐level atomic system. Several aspects of the proposed implementation are addressed, analytically and simulatively, and the eavesdropper's information gain by the attack is calculated. Furthermore, it is analytically shown that the scheme results in a small (yet non‐zero) quantum bit error rate, and a comparison to purely theoretical analyses in the literature is presented. It is believed that the …

We introduce a novel approach in optical engineering by combining Dammann gratings with binary Fresnel zone plates to create a unique hybrid optical element with enhanced energetic efficiency of its focal spots. Traditionally, binary Fresnel zone plates focus light at multiple points with varying intensities, while Dammann gratings are renowned for their efficient and uniform light splitting capabilities. Our innovation lies in merging these two elements and generating a binary circular Dammann (varying along the radial direction) Fresnel zone plate that concentrates most of the incident light into a small and desired number of focused points with equal intensities, rather than distributing light’s energy non-equally across multiple points. This novel design significantly enhances the efficiency and precision of light manipulation. It opens new possibilities in applications requiring high-intensity focal points, such as in …

With world population on the rise, animal food source production has significantly increased. Susceptibility of hay and other sources to molds poses a serious threat to food quality and safety. This study proposes an innovative approach to address this issue – an anti-mold fungicide comprising thymol bound on silica urea thin coating of polypropylene fabrics. The coating enhances the thermal stability of thymol allowing prolonged release. Coating composition and morphology as well as thermal stability and release rates were investigated. The coating provided efficient protection against mold growth with no side effects on hay exposed to thymol fumes. The results underscore the potential of this fungicide as a safe and effective hay preservative.

We introduce a novel approach in optical engineering by combining Dammann gratings with binary Fresnel zone plates to create a unique hybrid optical element with enhanced energetic efficiency of its focal spots. Traditionally, binary Fresnel zone plates focus light at multiple points with varying intensities, while Dammann gratings are renowned for their efficient and uniform light splitting capabilities. Our innovation lies in merging these two elements and generating a binary circular Dammann (varying along the radial direction) Fresnel zone plate that concentrates most of the incident light into a small and desired number of focused points with equal intensities, rather than distributing light’s energy non-equally across multiple points. This novel design significantly enhances the efficiency and precision of light manipulation. It opens new possibilities in applications requiring high-intensity focal points, such as in …

With world population on the rise, animal food source production has significantly increased. Susceptibility of hay and other sources to molds poses a serious threat to food quality and safety. This study proposes an innovative approach to address this issue – an anti-mold fungicide comprising thymol bound on silica urea thin coating of polypropylene fabrics. The coating enhances the thermal stability of thymol allowing prolonged release. Coating composition and morphology as well as thermal stability and release rates were investigated. The coating provided efficient protection against mold growth with no side effects on hay exposed to thymol fumes. The results underscore the potential of this fungicide as a safe and effective hay preservative.

A silicon mechanical-photonic wavelength converter, not based on absorption, has been recently proposed to address the need for all-silicon photodetectors in the infrared spectrum. Its implementation requires high-frequency modulation, from hundreds of kHz to 1 MHz, of a light beam over an area of a few hundred microns. Since the displacement amplitudes of tens of microns at these frequencies are unfeasible, a moving grate is proposed to locally modulate the light. The MEMS actuator, an array of 1 µm-wide 1 µm-spaced beams (100 × 100 µm2 area), achieved displacements of 70 nm at atmospheric pressure and 350 nm under low vacuum, with 10 Vpp actuation at 290 kHz (FOM displacement × frequency2 above previously reported works).

A silicon mechanical-photonic wavelength converter, not based on absorption, has been recently proposed to address the need for all-silicon photodetectors in the infrared spectrum. Its implementation requires high-frequency modulation, from hundreds of kHz to 1 MHz, of a light beam over an area of a few hundred microns. Since the displacement amplitudes of tens of microns at these frequencies are unfeasible, a moving grate is proposed to locally modulate the light. The MEMS actuator, an array of 1 µm-wide 1 µm-spaced beams (100 × 100 µm2 area), achieved displacements of 70 nm at atmospheric pressure and 350 nm under low vacuum, with 10 Vpp actuation at 290 kHz (FOM displacement × frequency2 above previously reported works).

Detecting low concentrations of biomarkers is essential in clinical laboratories. To improve analytical sensitivity, especially in identifying fluorescently labeled molecules, typical optical detection systems, consisting of a photodetector or camera, utilize time-resolved measurements. Taking a different approach, magnetic modulation biosensing (MMB) is a novel technology that combines fluorescently labeled probes and magnetic particles to create a sandwich assay with the target molecules. By concentrating the target molecules and then using time-resolved measurements, MMB provides the rapid and highly sensitive detection of various biomarkers. Here, we propose a novel signal-processing algorithm that enhances the detection and estimation of target molecules at low concentrations. By incorporating both temporally and spatially resolved measurements using human interleukin-8 as a target molecule, we show that the new algorithm provides a 2–4-fold improvement in the limit of detection and an ~25% gain in quantitative resolution.

The evaluation of capacitive deionization (CDI) often relies on indicators like salt adsorption capacity and rate. However, these indicators encompass the entire system, including the anode and cathode. In practice scenarios, differences in specific capacitance, weight, and potential of zero charge result in varying theoretical ion adsorption capacity (IAC) and electrode potential. Hence, it is crucial to assess the deionization performance of individual electrodes. In this study, by introducing a reference electrode into the desalination device and enhancing the effective area and mass loading of the counter electrode, a single-electrode evaluation device was established to specifically analyze the deionization performance of the working electrode. Through this evaluation method, the single-electrode deionization performances of the anodic and cathodic integrated membrane electrodes (IMEs) were investigated …

Background The exact mechanisms linking the gut microbiota and social behavior are still under investigation. We aimed to explore the role of the gut microbiota in shaping social behavior deficits using selectively bred mice possessing dominant (Dom) or submissive (Sub) behavior features. Sub mice exhibit asocial, depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, as well as systemic inflammation, all of which are shaped by their impaired gut microbiota composition. Methods An age-dependent comparative analysis of the gut microbiota composition of Dom and Sub mice was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing, from early infancy to adulthood. Dom and Sub gastrointestinal (GI) tract anatomy, function, and immune profiling analyses were performed using histology, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, cytokine array, and dextran-FITC permeability assays. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) levels in the colons of Dom and Sub mice were …

BackgroundThe exact mechanisms linking the gut microbiota and social behavior are still under investigation. We aimed to explore the role of the gut microbiota in shaping social behavior deficits using selectively bred mice possessing dominant (Dom) or submissive (Sub) behavior features. Sub mice exhibit asocial, depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, as well as systemic inflammation, all of which are shaped by their impaired gut microbiota composition.MethodsAn age-dependent comparative analysis of the gut microbiota composition of Dom and Sub mice was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing, from early infancy to adulthood. Dom and Sub gastrointestinal (GI) tract anatomy, function, and immune profiling analyses were performed using histology, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, cytokine array, and dextran-FITC permeability assays. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) levels in the colons of Dom and Sub mice were …

Membrane potential (MP) changes can provide a simple readout of bacterial functional and metabolic state or stress levels. While several optical methods exist for measuring fast changes in MP in excitable cells, there is a dearth of such methods for precise (and calibrated) measurements of steady-state MPs in bacterial cells. Conventional electrode-based methods for the measurement of MP are not suitable for small bacterial cells. Existing optical electrophysiological techniques based on fluorescent Nernstian probes have been successfully used in many studies, but they do not provide precision or absolute quantification of MP or their changes. This team presents a novel, calibrated MP recording approach to address this gap. This group’s method uses (1) a unique optical transducer (a chromophore wiredonor construct), that utilizes intrinsic photoinduced electron transfer (PeT) mechanism to measure MP via its fluorescence lifetime and (2) a quantitative fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) data analysis based on phasor analysis. In order to visualize individual bacterial cells’ MPs under different extracellular conditions, amplitude-averaged lifetime maps were computed from pixel-wise phasor fractions. This allows group members to accurately measure even small MP changes in single bacterial cells. Calibration of membrane potential estimation via phasor-FLIM measurements has been achieved by modulating MP artificially through changing ionic (potassium+) concentration gradients across the membrane utilizing ionophores. Applying this technique to Bacillus subtilis, researchers estimated their normal MP at-86 millivolts and …

Nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials with low cobalt content, such as LiNi0.90Mn0.05Co0.05O2 (NMC90), have the potential to enable cost-effective, high-energy-density lithium-metal batteries. However, NMC90 cathode materials are prone to severe parasitic reactions at higher voltages during prolonged cycling. The addition of small percentages of electrolyte additives to the neat commercial electrolyte can significantly enhance the overall electrochemical performance of lithium-metal batteries. This study investigates the effects of zinc triflate (Zn(Otf)2) as an electrolyte additive on the enhancement of the electrochemical performances of lithium-metal batteries comprising nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that Zn(Otf)2 decomposition leads to enhanced fluorination at the interfacial layers, which contributes to improved chemical stability. Utilizing …