BINA

In recent years, there has been a lot of interest in biodegradable surface-engineered iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) because they could be used in drug delivery and other biomedical fields. This chapter gives an overview of the current state of research on how to make biodegradable IONPs, how to engineer their surfaces, and how to make them work for drug delivery and other biomedical applications. Because these nanoparticles are biodegradable, they will break down and leave the body in a safe way, reducing worries about toxicity. Also, the surface of IONPs can be changed to make them more stable, biocompatible, and able to target specific cells or tissues. This makes it easier for drugs to get to where they need to go. The review talks about how natural polymers, peptides, and targeting ligands are used to change the surface, as well as how these changes affect the physicochemical properties and …

Here we propose a not pupil‐dependent microsaccades tracking technique and a novel detection method. We present a proof of concept for detecting microsaccades using a non‐contact laser‐based photonic system recording and processing the temporal changes of speckle patterns scattered from an eye sclera. The data, simultaneously recorded by the speckle‐based tracker (SBT) and the video‐based eye tracker (Eyelink), was analyzed by the frequently used detection method of Engbert and Kliegl (E&K) and by advanced machine learning detection (MLD) techniques. We detected 93% of microsaccades in the SBT data out of microsaccades detected in the Eyelink data with the E&K method. By utilizing MLD, a precision of 86% was achieved. The findings of our study demonstrate a potential improvement in measuring tiny eye movements, such as microsaccades, using speckle‐based eye tracking and, thus …

Pharmaceutical waste and contaminants pose a significant global concern for water and food safety. The detection of piperidine, a common residue in drug and supplement synthesis, is critical due to its toxic nature to both humans and animals. In this study, we develop a plasmonic-based detector for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements. The plasmonic device is composed of triangular cavities, milled in silver thin film and protected by 5 nm of SiO2 layer. Due to the confined and enhanced electromagnetic field, remarkable sensitivity to piperidine with concentration of 10-8M in water is achieved. Despite the relative small polarizability of piperidine, high sensitivity is observed even when using a low numerical aperture of 0.3., attributing to the directional scattring from our plasmonic device. Thus, It offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional high numerical aperture used in SERS, and the …

List of participants Page 1 List of participants Dr Vibin Abraham, University of Michigan, USA Professor Ali Alavi, Max Planck Institute, Germany Mr Damiano Aliverti, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Germany Mr Marcus Allen, King's College London, United Kingdom Mr Kemal Atalar, King's College London, United Kingdom Mr Kenneth Berard, Brown University, USA Professor Timothy Berkelbach, Columbia University and Flatiron Institute, USA Dr George Booth, King's College London, United Kingdom Dr Hugh Burton, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom Miss Lila Cadi Tazi, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom Professor Garnet Chan, Caltech, USA Dr Agisilaos Chantzis, Syngenta Limited, United Kingdom Professor Ji Chen, Peking University, China Mr Luca Craciunescu, Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom Dr Yael Cytter, Rafael ltd., Israel Dr Jiri Czernek, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech …

Coupling superconducting (SC) contacts to light-emitting layers can lead to remarkable effects, as seen in inorganic quantum-well LEDs with superconducting contacts, where an enhancement in radiative recombination was observed. Additional dramatic effects were theorized if both electrodes are SC, such as correlated emission and 2-photon entanglement. Motivated by this and by the question if proximity induced SC is possible in organic light emitting materials, we studied the electronic properties of stacked SC-organic-SC devices. Our structures consisted of Nb (bottom) and NbN (top) SC electrodes and a spin-coated light emitting semiconductor polymer, MEH-PPV. Sputtering the SC directly on the polymer causes pinhole, which we prevent by ultra-slow deposition of a 5 nm aluminum film, before depositing the top SC in-situ. The Al protects the organic film from damage and pinhole formation, while preserving SC in the top electrodes due to proximity effect between Al and NbN. Electrical transport measurements of the completed junctions indicate that indeed, the top and bottom contacts are superconducting and the protected MEH-PPV layer is pinholefree, as supported by HR-TEM and EDS. Most important, we find that as the temperature is decreased below the critical temperature of the SCs, the device shows evidence for proximity effect in the MEH-PPV and for a Josephson effect in the device.

Nanocomposite materials, integrating nanoscale additives into a polymer matrix, hold immense promise for their exceptional property amalgamation. This study delves into the fabrication and characterization of polyetherimide (PEI) nanocomposite strings fortified with multiwall WS2 nanotubes. The manufacturing process capitalizes on the preferential alignment of WS2 nanotubes along the string axis, corroborated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical measurements unveil a remarkable acceleration of strain hardening in the nanocomposite strings, chiefly attributed to the WS2 nanotubes. Structural analyses via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) reveal intriguing structural alterations during tensile deformation. Notably a semi-crystalline framework ~100 nm in diameter surrounding the WS2 nanotubes emerges, which is stabilized by the π-π interactions between the PEI …

The time-multiplexing super resolution concept requires post-processing for extracting the super-resolved image. Moreover, to perform the post-processing image restoration one needs to know the exact high-resolution encoding pattern. Both of these limiting conditions are overcome by the method and experiment reported in this Letter.

Lithiated transition metal oxides are the most important cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. Many efforts have been devoted in recent years to improving their energy density, stability, and safety, as demonstrated by thousands of publications. However, the commercialization of several promising materials is limited due to obstacles like stability limitations. To overcome the limitations of energetically high‐voltage or high‐capacity cathode materials, unconventional solutions for their surface engineering were suggested; among them, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites have been employed. MOFs possess favorable characteristics for stabilization goals, including manageable structures, topological control, high porosity, large surface area, and low density. This review article explores promising strategies for improving the electrochemical behavior of favorable cathode materials through surface …

Single atom platinum catalysts, characterized by isolated Pt atoms dispersed on suitable supports, exhibit high hydrogen evolution catalytic mass activity. The activity is usually limited by the low density of Pt atoms on the substrate. Herein, we report on a single step synthesis from organometallic precursors of Ni and Pt which yields a high density of Pt atoms on Ni nanoparticles dispersed on carbon support. The spontaneous formation of Pt single atoms on the surface of Ni has not been reported in a single step reaction and is a unique feature of the organometallic route. This route allowed us to increase the atomic ratio of single Pt atoms to Ni up to 10% compared to 2% in previous reports. Single Pt atoms on Ni catalyst display high hydrogen evolution reaction activity of 660 mA/mgPt (9 times more than commercial Pt) and stability as HER catalysts compared with commercial Pt/C catalysts.

Achieving selectivity of ligands towards guanine-quadruplexes (GQs) is a prerequisite for their implementation in a cellular environment. Herein, we explored the binding properties of the hemopeptide microperoxidase-11 (MP-11) towards different GQs and configurations. The peptide-heme interplay promoted selective ligand binding for c-MYC GQ by uncaging and binding it from duplex DNA. The spectroscopic studies here provide versatile tools to probe the binding mode of MP-11 to GQ frameworks.

Verena A. Neufeld opened a general discussion of the paper by Andreas Grüneis: In Table 6 of your article (https://doi. org/10.1039/d4fd00085d), EX top-fcc with CCSD (cT) is 0.41 eV which is similar in magnitude to the (cT)-corr. contribution (− 0.44 eV). How con dent can we be about the EX top and EX fcc comparison at the CCSD (cT) level since full con guration interaction could lower EX top-fcc further?Andreas Grüneis responded: Thank you for raising this important point. On the one hand, we agree that the large triples contribution indicate that higherorder correlation effects could be important. If possible, one should try to apply FCIQMC or other cost-effective and accurate approaches to this system and provide benchmark numbers for CC. On the other hand, the reasonable agreement with the experimentally measured adsorption energy suggests, that higherorder effects could potentially cancel out or are …

Fe single atoms in N‐doped C (Fe‐N‐C) present the most promising replacement for carbon‐supported Pt‐based catalysts for the O2 reduction reaction at the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, it remains unclear how the I/C ratio affects Fe‐N‐C degradation and the stability of single Fe atom active sites (FeNx). Here, an accelerated stress test (AST) protocol is combined with emerging electrochemical techniques for a porous Fe‐N‐C in PEMFC with a range of I/C ratios. The PEMFC current density degradation rates are found to be comparable; however, with increased I/C ratio the additional FeNx sites accessed are more stable, as shown by their higher active site stability number (electrons passed per FeNx lost) at the end of the AST protocol. Meanwhile, the initial rate of TOF decay is suppressed with increasing I/C. Electrochemical process changes are studied via distribution …

Tissue Optics and Photonics III Page 1 PROCEEDINGS OF SPIE Volume 13010 Proceedings of SPIE 0277-786X, V. 13010 SPIE is an international society advancing an interdisciplinary approach to the science and application of light. Tissue Optics and Photonics III Valery V. Tuchin Walter C. Blondel Zeev Zalevsky Editors 9–11 April 2024 Strasbourg, France Sponsored by SPIE Cooperating Organisations Photonics 21 (Germany) EOS—European Optical Society (Germany) Published by SPIE Tissue Optics and Photonics III, edited by Valery V. Tuchin, Walter CPM Blondel, Zeev Zalevsky, Proc. of SPIE Vol. 13010, 1301001 · © 2024 SPIE 0277-786X · doi: 10.1117/12.3037614 Proc. of SPIE Vol. 13010 1301001-1 Page 2 The papers in this volume were part of the technical conference cited on the cover and title page. Papers were selected and subject to review by the editors and conference program committee. Some …

Calcium (Ca) metal batteries, due to the high crustal abundance and potential for dendrite-free cycling of Ca, are promising alternatives to current lithium batteries. Ca deposition in aprotic organic electrolytes had been stalled by ion-blocking passivation layers on the Ca metal. This limitation has recently been overcome by using borate-based electrolyte solutions, but the electrode/electrolyte interfacial chemistry enabling reversible Ca metal deposition remains unclear. This study elucidates the formation and dynamic evolution of passivation layers upon immersion of Ca metal electrodes and during electrochemical Ca deposition/dissolution processes in a representative calcium tetrakis(hexafluoroisopropyloxy)-borate (Ca[B(hfip)4]2) and glyme electrolyte solution. Upon ageing, a native passivation layer comprising porous Ca metal and a Ca ion conducting solid–electrolyte interphase is formed. In subsequent …

Cobalt toxicity is difficult to detect and therefore often underdiagnosed. The aim of this study was to explore the pathophysiology of cobalt-induced oxidative stress in the brain and its impact on structure and function. Thirty-five wild-type C57B16 mice received intraperitoneal cobalt chloride injections: a single high dose with evaluations at 24, 48, and 72 h (n= 5, each) or daily low doses for 28 (n= 5) or 56 days (n= 15). A part of the 56-day group also received minocycline (n= 5), while 10 mice served as controls. Behavioral changes were evaluated, and cobalt levels in tissues were measured with particle-induced X-ray emission. Brain sections underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electron microscopy, and histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular analyses. High-dose cobalt caused transient illness, whereas chronic daily low-dose administration led to longterm elevations in cobalt levels accompanied by brain inflammation. Significant neurodegeneration was evidenced by demyelination, increased blood–brain barrier permeability, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Treated mice exhibited extended latency periods in the Morris water maze test and heightened anxiety in the open field test. Minocycline partially mitigated brain injury. The observed signs of neurodegeneration were dose-and time-dependent. The neurotoxicity after acute exposure was reversible, but the neurological and functional changes following chronic cobalt administration were not.

We present two distinct types of ‘smart’ surfaces designed for facilitating the quantitative exploration of dynamic processes occurring at sub-wavelength distances from interfaces, using far-field optical techniques. Based on evanescent waves in excitation and/or emission, we achieve an axial localization precision of about 10 nm. The first type of substrate incorporates nanocavities in a thin metallic film, enhancing and confining the electromagnetic field to a tiny volume. The second sample consists of a thin fluorescent film sandwiched between transparent spacer and capping layers deposited on a glass coverslip. The emission pattern from this film codes detailed information about the local fluorophore environment, namely, the refractive index, defects, reciprocal lattice, and the axial distance of the molecular emitter from the surface. An application to axial metrology in total internal reflection fluorescence and axial …

Optical properties determine how light interacts with biological tissues. The current methods for measuring these optical properties are influenced by both deep and superficial skin layers. Polarization‐based methods have been proposed in order to determine the influence of deep layer scattering. Polarized light allows for the separation of ballistic photons from diffuse ones, enhancing image contrast and resolution while providing additional tissue information. The Q‐sensing technique captures co‐polarized I∥$$ \left({I}_{\parallel}\right) $$ and cross‐polarized I⊥$$ \left({I}_{\perp}\right) $$ signals, making it possible to isolate the superficial scattering. However, the random structure of tissues leads to rapid depolarization of the polarized light. Detecting where the light becomes depolarized aids in sensing abnormalities within the tissues. Hence, this research focuses on identifying where depolarization occurs …

Traumatic injuries, neurodegenerative diseases and oxidative stress serve as the early biomarkers for neuronal damages, impedes angiogenesis and subsequently neuronal growth. In this line, the present work is aimed to develop angiogenesis/neurogenesis properties imprinted poly(N-acryloylglycine)-co-(acrylamide)-co-(N-acryloylglutamate) hydrogel [p(NAG-Ac-NAE)]. As constituents of this polymer to modulate the vital role in biological functions, inhibitory neurotransmitter glycine regulates neuronal homeostasis, and glutamatergic signalling regulates angiogenesis. The p(NAG-Ac-NAE) is highly-branched, biodegradable and shows pH-responsive with very high swelling behavior upto 6188%. Mechanical stability (G’, 2.3-2.7kPa) of this hydrogel is commendable in differentiation of the mature neurons. This hydrogel is biocompatible in HUVEC cells and proliferative in PC12 cells (152.7±13.7 %), whereas …

The practical realization of Nickel‐rich layered oxide cathode materials such as LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) is hampered by several structural and interfacial instabilities over prolonged cycling. Several reports have proposed surface passivation via an artificial cathode electrolyte interphase (ACEI) as a promising method for mitigating the parasitic reactions affecting NMC811 while simultaneously improving its electrochemical performance over prolonged cycling. Herein, we report an in‐house designed (tBuMe2Si)2Zn single source precursor for developing SixZnyOz ternary CEI thin films on NMC811 via molecular layer deposition (MLD) in combination with O3 or H2O as oxidizing agent. We demonstrate that the single precursor (tBuMe2Si)2Zn avoids the need for two different precursors (Si & Zn). In‐depth spectroscopic studies reveal the mechanism of the formation of organosiloxane/zinc‐oxide composite …

Quantum tunneling (QT) is not an effect often considered in chemistry, and rightfully so. However, in many cases it is significant, and in some cases it is even considerable. In this chapter we will describe the basic tenets of QT with a focus on catalysis, followed by some of the most important tools to study and compute them. The chapter goes on to address the title of the chapter by discussing several clear cases of QT for hydrogen-based reactions in organometallic, enzymatic, astrochemical, and organic systems. The insights highlighted in the chapter showcase the importance of QT in specific catalyzed reactions and help uncover the instances that are worth of attention.

Pharmaceutical waste and contaminants pose a significant global concern for water and food safety. The detection of piperidine, a common residue in drug and supplement synthesis, is critical due to its toxic nature to both humans and animals. In this study, we develop a plasmonic-based detector for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements. The plasmonic device is composed of triangular cavities, milled in silver thin film and protected by 5 nm of SiO2 layer. Due to the confined and enhanced electromagnetic field, remarkable sensitivity to piperidine with concentration of 10-8M in water is achieved. Despite the relative small polarizability of piperidine, high sensitivity is observed even when using a low numerical aperture of 0.3., attributing to the directional scattring from our plasmonic device. Thus, It offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional high numerical aperture used in SERS, and the …