BINA

A synergistic stabilization effect in a Nb-doped P2-type single crystal cobalt-free layered oxide cathode material, offering remarkable cycling stability and high-power performance for Na-ion batteries have unveiled in this study. The introduction of Nb in the transition metal layer not only reduces the electronic band gap but also enhances electronic conductivity and mitigates ionic diffusion energy barriers. The induction of a robust Nb-O bond expedites electron and Na+ transfer, contributing to the stabilization of the host structure is further confirmed through the density functional theory calculations, including electron localization function (ELF) and crystal orbital Hamiltonian population (COHP). To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a homogeneous distribution of niobium throughout the single crystal, specifically doped at the nickel site within the bulk, without inducing atomic-scale surface …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

In this research, we present a novel approach to achieving super-resolution in silicon using the plasma dispersion effect (PDE) that temporarily controls the complex refractive index of matter. By employing a laser vortex pump beam, which is absorbed in the silicon, we can shape the complex refractive index as a gradient index (GRIN) lens, enabling the focusing of a laser probe beam within the material. Our study introduces a single beam at a wavelength of 775 nm for both the pump and the probe beams, offering tunable focusing capabilities and the potential to attain higher spatial resolution. These findings hold significant promise for applications in nanoelectronics and integrated circuit failure analysis, paving the way for advanced semiconductor imaging and analysis techniques.

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).

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 effect of doping concentration on the temperature performance of the novel split-well resonant-phonon (SWRP) terahertz quantum-cascade laser (THz QCL) scheme supporting a clean 4-level system design was analyzed using non-equilibrium Green’s functions (NEGF) calculations. Experimental research showed that increasing the doping concentration in these designs led to better results compared to the split-well direct-phonon (SWDP) design, which has a larger overlap between its active laser states and the doping profile. However, further improvement in the temperature performance was expected, which led us to assume there was an increased gain and line broadening when increasing the doping concentration despite the reduced overlap between the doped region and the active laser states. Through simulations based on NEGF calculations we were able to study the contribution of the different …

Efimov trimers are exotic three-body quantum states that emerge from the different types of three-body continua in the vicinity of two-atom Feshbach resonances. In particular, as the strength of the interaction is decreased to a critical point, an Efimov state merges into the atom-dimer threshold and eventually dissociates into an unbound atom-dimer pair. Here we explore the Efimov state in the vicinity of this critical point using coherent few-body spectroscopy in 7Li atoms using a narrow two-body Feshbach resonance. Contrary to the expectation, we find that the 7Li Efimov trimer does not immediately dissociate when passing the threshold, and survives as a metastable state embedded in the atom-dimer continuum. We identify this behavior with a universal phenomenon related to the emergence of a repulsive interaction in the atom-dimer channel which reshapes the three-body interactions in any system …

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 …

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.

Liposomes, self-assembled lipid-based nanoparticles, have gained significant attention due to their versatility and potential applications in various biomedical fields. They serve as promising platforms for targeted drug delivery, imaging, and therapeutics. Among the various types of liposomes, radiolabeled liposomes have attracted considerable interest due to their unique capabilities in both therapy and imaging. In therapy, radiolabeled liposomes can effectively transport therapeutic radioactive agents directly to disease sites, allowing for precise and localized treatment. In imaging, radiolabeling enables non-invasive visualization and tracking of liposomes, providing valuable diagnostic information. In this study, we present a technique for surface radiolabeling of liposomes, achieved by introducing a chelating agent onto the liposome surface and optimizing radiolabeling conditions for desired radionuclides …

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have garnered significant attention in biomedical applications, particularly as versatile platforms for drug delivery and targeted therapy. The conjugation of GNPs with antibodies offers a promising strategy to enhance their specificity and efficacy in various therapeutic approaches. In this study, we focus on synthesizing different types of GNPs conjugated with antibodies and investigate the influence of various synthesis methods on nanoparticle characterization. The results demonstrated that different synthesis methods lead to different degrees of antibody conjugation on the GNP surface and to varied efficiency on biosystems. This work has the potential to outline design principles that could positively affect the development of targeted nanotherapeutics for various biomedical applications.