BINA

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

The high energy density and cost‐effectiveness of chloride‐ion batteries (CIBs) make them promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries. However, the development of CIBs is greatly restricted by the lack of compatible electrolytes to support cost‐effective anodes. Herein, we present a rationally designed solid polycationic electrolyte (SPE) to enable room‐temperature chloride‐ion batteries utilizing aluminum (Al) metal as an anode. This SPE endows the CIB configuration with improved air stability and safety (i.e. free of flammability and liquid leakage). A high ionic conductivity (1.3×10−2 S cm−1 at 25 °C) has been achieved by the well‐tailored solvation structure of the SPE. Meanwhile, the solid polycationic electrolyte ensures stable electrodes|electrolyte interfaces, which effectively inhibit the growth of dendrites on the Al anodes and degradation of the FeOCl cathodes. The Al|SPE|FeOCl chloride‐ion batteries …

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 …

Recent advancements in thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonics have led to a new generation of high-performance electro-optic devices, including modulators, frequency combs, and microwave-to-optical transducers. However, the broader adoption of TFLN-based devices that rely on all-optical nonlinearities have been limited by the sensitivity of quasi-phase matching (QPM), realized via ferroelectric poling, to fabrication tolerances. Here, we propose a scalable fabrication process aimed at improving the wavelength-accuracy of optical frequency mixers in TFLN. In contrast to the conventional pole-before-etch approach, we first define the waveguide in TFLN and then perform ferroelectric poling. This sequence allows for precise metrology before and after waveguide definition to fully capture the geometry imperfections. Systematic errors can also be calibrated by measuring a subset of devices to fine-tune the QPM design for remaining devices on the wafer. Using this method, we fabricated a large number of second harmonic generation devices aimed at generating 737 nm light, with 73% operating within 5 nm of the target wavelength. Furthermore, we also demonstrate thermo-optic tuning and trimming of the devices via cladding deposition, with the former bringing ~96% of tested devices to the target wavelength. Our technique enables the rapid growth of integrated quantum frequency converters, photon pair sources, and optical parametric amplifiers, thus facilitating the integration of TFLN-based nonlinear frequency mixers into more complex and functional photonic systems.

The electron transport manifestation of the chirality-induced spin-selectivity (CISS) effect is observed in metal-molecule-ferromagnet junctions, where the total current is different when the ferromagnet is magnetized parallel or antiparallel to the molecular chirality axis. Here, we discuss the relation between this appearance of the CISS effect and spin polarization of the ferromagnetic electrode. We show analytically that the experimental results indicate that the origin of the CISS effect must involve some interaction mechanism (as opposed to noninteracting electronic effects), since the observed CISS polarization can be much larger than the ferromagnetic electrode spin-polarization. Specifically, we show that a noninteracting single-level model cannot reproduce experimental data even if the molecular spin-filtering is perfect, and on the other hand, that the recently suggested spinterface mechanism for the CISS effect …

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.

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 …

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).

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 …

Solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLBs) using inorganic solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) have attracted extensive scientific and commercial interest owing to their potential to provide higher energy density and safety than conventional Li-ion batteries. These batteries are subject to external pressure during both their manufacturing processes (fabrication pressure) and their operation (stack pressure). This pressure not only affects the intrinsic properties of both the electrolytes (such as ionic conductivity and electrochemical voltage window) and the electrodes (such as ion transport and structural variation) but also determines the cyclability and safety of the whole battery. Hence, understanding the effect of pressure is essential when designing high-performance SSLBs. This Review aims to elucidate the coupling between external pressure and electrochemistry in these batteries. We summarize the effects of external …

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 …

The next generation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) require a substantial reduction or elimination of Pt-based electrocatalyst from the cathode,[1],[2] where O 2 reduction takes place. The most promising alternative to Pt is atomic Fe embedded in N-doped C (Fe-NC). Successful incorporation of Fe-NC in PEMFCs relies on a thorough understanding of the catalyst layer properties, both ex situ and in situ, with tailored electrode interface engineering.[3] Here, it is demonstrated that a previously developed high pore volume Fe-NC [4] requires a sufficiently high ionomer to catalyst mass ratio (I/C, 2.8≤ I/C≤ 4.2) for optimum PEMFC performance under H 2/O 2. Advanced in situ electrochemical techniques (distribution of relaxation times [5] and Fourier transform alternating current voltammetry [6]) were used to deconvolute for the first time the trade-off between proton and electron resistance and in situ …

Self‐healing (SH) of (opto)electronic material damage can have a huge impact on resource sustainability. The rising interest in halide perovskite (HaP) compounds over the past decade is due to their excellent semiconducting properties for crystals and films, even if made by low‐temperature solution‐based processing. Direct proof of self‐healing in Pb‐based HaPs is demonstrated through photoluminescence recovery from photodamage, fracture healing and their use as high‐energy radiation and particle detectors. Here, the question of how to find additional semiconducting materials exhibiting SH, in particular lead‐free ones is addressed. Applying a data‐mining approach to identify semiconductors with favorable mechanical and thermal properties, for which Pb HaPs are clear outliers, it is found that the Cs2AuIAuIIIX6, (X = I, Br, Cl) family, which is synthesized and tested for SH. This is the first demonstration of …

Cisplatin (CP) is the primary standard treatment for bladder cancer. Nevertheless, CP has side effects, particularly nephrotoxicity. This limits the treatment of a notable portion of advanced bladder cancer patients with cisplatin. We have developed gold nanoparticles that conjugate CP (CP-AuNPs) for safer delivery to tumors. Here, we investigated the biodistribution of the CP-AuNP conjugates in a mouse model of bladder cancer, to characterize the distinct role of CPAuNP in delivering and releasing CP in tumor and tissues. Effect of the CP-AuNPs on weight and kidney was also investigated. This study can provide insights into the potential safety of CP-AuNP for bladder cancer treatment.

Deep learning has emerged as a powerful tool for solving complex problems in a wide range of domains. The success of deep learning can be attributed to several factors, including the availability of massive datasets, the increasing computing power of modern hardware, and the development of efficient algorithms. Still, In the modern era of information and communication technologies, the demand for faster and more efficient data transmission has driven researchers to explore novel approaches to enhance communication systems, among them is the optical approach for such a problem. In our lab, we develop a fully optical deep learning network that is based on high order spatial mode, and the ultrafast nonlinear four wave mixing interactions inside multimode fibers. We exploit the optical nonlinear interactions between waves for developing a deep learning network that is faster than any electronic based network …

The growing demand for energy has increased the need for battery storage, with lithium-ion batteries being widely used. Among those, nickel-rich layered lithium transition metal oxides [LiNi1–x–yCoxMnyO2 NCM (1 – x – y > 0.5)] are some of the promising cathode materials due to their high specific capacities and working voltages. In this study, we demonstrate that a thin, simple coating of polyalanine chiral molecules improves the performance of Ni-rich cathodes. The chiral organic coating of the active material enhances the discharge capacity and rate capability. Specifically, NCM811 and NCM622 electrodes coated with chiral molecules exhibit lower voltage hysteresis and better rate performance, with a capacity improvement of >10% at a 4 C discharge rate and an average improvement of 6%. We relate these results to the chirally induced spin selectivity effect that enables us to reduce the resistance of the …

Background Bacterial biocontrol agents that antagonize soilborne pathogens are increasingly considered as alternatives to chemical pesticides, but their in-vivo efficacy is often inconsistent, restricting commercial use. The efficacy of a biocontrol agent can depend on rhizosphere competence and its interaction with native microbiomes, which can effect ecosystem functioning. This study investigated the capacity of a Bacillus cereus sensu lato (Bcsl) biocontrol strain (S-25) to persist on roots and in the rhizosphere of cucumber, and evaluated its impact on bacterial and fungal community composition in the rhizosphere, in the absence and presence of Rhizoctonia solani, the causative agent of damping-off disease in young seedlings. Results Following amendment, S-25 abundance in the cucumber rhizosphere decreased by two orders of magnitude, but remained relatively high for the duration of the experiment, in …

BACKGROUND Myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure are associated with an increased incidence of cancer. However, the mechanism is complex and unclear. Here, we aimed to test our hypothesis that cardiac small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), particularly cardiac mesenchymal stromal cell–derived sEVs (cMSC-sEVs), contribute to the link between post-MI left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) and cancer. METHODS We purified and characterized sEVs from post-MI hearts and cultured cMSCs. Then, we analyzed cMSC-EV cargo and proneoplastic effects on several lines of cancer cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells. Next, we modeled heterotopic and orthotopic lung and breast cancer tumors in mice with post-MI LVD. We transferred cMSC-sEVs to assess sEV biodistribution and its effect on tumor growth. Finally, we tested the effects of sEV depletion and spironolactone treatment on cMSC-EV release …