Browse Articles

Triple‐Additive Strategy for Enhanced Material and Device Stability in Perovskite Solar Cells

Abstract The stability of the FAPbI 3 perovskite phase is significantly affected by internal strain. In this report, additives in the perovskite precursor solution are designed to prevent local lattice mismatch of the resulting perovskite layer. Instead of using a conventional methylammonium chloride ( Control ), triple additives ( Target ) are introduced by considering ion association and formation energy. The out‐of‐plane orientation for the (100) plane is less pronounced by the triple additives compared to the Control film with a highly enhanced preferred orientation, which reduces the strain gradient and the Pb─I bond distance. Moreover, the anisotropic atomic‐level lattice strain along (111) plane, associated with the α ‐to‐ δ phase transition, is more uniformly distributed by the triple additives. The triple‐additive strategy demonstrates exceptional phase stability under relative humidity as high as 90% and the International Summit on Organic Photovoltaic Stability (ISOS)‐L‐2 protocol. The device lifetime measured under the ISOS‐D‐1 condition shows that the Target perovskite solar cell (PSC) maintains 95% of its initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) for over 8000 h, and the best PCE of 24.50% is achieved.

Fano interference in single-molecule transistors

Quantum interference has been intensively pursued in molecular electronics to investigate and utilize coherent electron transport at the ultra-small level. An essential type of quantum interference with drastic destructive-constructive switching, known as Fano interference, has been widely reported in various kinds of nanoelectronics electronic systems, but not yet been electrostatically gating in a single-molecule device. Here, we fabricate the three-terminal single-molecule transistors based on the molecule with a long backbone and a side group to demonstrate the gate-controllable Fano interference. By applying bias and gate voltages, the two-dimensional differential conductance map shows the noncentrosymmetrical Fano patterns. Combined with the electron transport model and the first principles calculations, the resonant parameters of the Fano interference can unveil the coupling geometry of the junction and the spatial distribution of the resonant states. Our findings provide an instrumental method to induce and utilize the quantum interference behaviors at the molecular level.

New evidence from the northern Apennines, Italy, suggests a southward expansion of Echinococcus multilocularis range in Europe

Abstract Echinococcus multilocularis (Em) is a neglected zoonotic cestode circulating among wild canids and voles across the northern hemisphere, and is the aetiological agent of alveolar echinococcosis in humans. The expansion of the European distribution of this parasite has been raising public health concerns in recent decades. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of Em and other taeniids in wild carnivore faeces in the Apuan Alps Regional Park and the Monte Pisano mountain chain (northern Tuscany), a few hundred kilometres from the nearest report of Em in Italy. Using standard flotation-sieving and nested PCR of partial cox1 sequences on single harvested Taeniid eggs, we detected several Em haplotypes in red foxes and grey wolves in both study areas, suggesting limited genetic diversity. However, these findings could not be confirmed using more sensitive qPCR probes from the same samples. In addition, we report eggs of Taenia krabbei and T. hydatigena from wolves, Dipylidium caninum and Mesocestoides sp. in foxes, and T. polyacantha and Mesocestoides litteratus in both foxes and mustelids. Further investigation of the distribution of Em in the northern Apennines is necessary to assess if the presence of this potentially lethal zoonotic parasite is stable and expanding southward.

Targeting metabolic dysfunction of CD8 T cells and natural killer cells in cancer

An on‐Demand Oxygen Nano‐vehicle Sensitizing Protein and Nucleic Acid Drug Augment Immunotherapy

Abstract Hypoxia severely limits the antitumor immunotherapy for breast cancer. Although efforts to alleviate tumor hypoxia and drug delivery using diverse nanostructures achieve promising results, the creation of a versatile controllable oxygen‐releasing nano‐platform for co‐delivery with immunostimulatory molecules remains a persistent challenge. To address this problem, a versatile oxygen controllable releasing vehicle PFOB@F127@PDA (PFPNPs) is developed, which effectively co‐delivered either protein drug lactate oxidase (LOX) or nucleic acids drug unmethylated cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine oligonucleotide (CpG ODNs). Upon photothermal heating, this platform triggered oxygen release, thereby augmenting LOX‐mediated lactate detection rates, and improving T cells infiltrating and cytokine expression. Moreover, under an oxygenated tumor microenvironment (TME), PFPNPs co‐delivered with CpG ODNs effectively reprogrammed the immunosuppressive TME by repolarizing macrophages to an M1‐like phenotype, promoting dendritic cells maturation, and increasing tumor‐infiltrating T cells while decreasing the ratio of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Our study demonstrated that this controlled oxygen‐releasing platform possessed adaptive drug‐loading capabilities to meet varied immunotherapeutic demands in clinical settings.

Improved device performance in <i>in situ</i> SiNx/AlN/GaN MIS-HEMTs with <i>ex situ</i> Al2O3 passivation at elevated temperatures

In the present work, the role of ex situ Al2O3 passivation in in situ SiNx/AlN/GaN metal–insulator–semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors (MIS-HEMTs) to boost device performance and thermal stability during the high-temperature operations has been thoroughly investigated. At room temperature (RT), the MIS-HEMT fabricated with an atomic layer deposited (ALD)-Al2O3 (MIS-HEMT B) exhibits higher maximum drain current (Id,max), peak transconductance (gm,max), and lower subthreshold slope (SS) and gate leakage current compared to MIS-HEMT A fabricated without ex situ Al2O3, signifying the effectiveness of the ALD-Al2O3 layer to passivate severe surface states. Of note, when the temperature rises from 298 to 423 K, the values of Id,max and gm,max decrease noticeably, while SS and gate leakage current increase considerably in both MIS-HEMTs A and B. However, MIS-HEMT B demonstrates a lower degradation rate in various device properties at 423 K compared to MIS-HEMT A, implying that ALD-Al2O3 passivation improves thermal stability. Additionally, ALD-Al2O3 passivation reduces the interface state density from 7.48 × 1012 to 5.3 × 1012 cm−2 eV−1, highlighting its critical role in improving overall device performance.

The role of patient activation in mediating the effects of health literacy level on quality of life among patients with gastrointestinal cancers

Abstract Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers present significant health challenges, necessitating strategies to improve patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Health literacy (HL) and patient activation (PA) are key factors in patient self-management, yet their interplay and impact on HRQoL remain unclear. This study investigates the relationship between HL, PA, and HRQoL in GI cancer patients, with a focus on PA as a potential mediator between HL and HRQoL. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from the multicenter OptiScreen study. HL, PA, and HRQoL were assessed using validated instruments: the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16), the Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13D), and the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-8). Statistical analyses included correlation tests and mediation modeling. Out of 854 eligible GI cancer patients, 397 (response rate = 46%) participated in the study. HL was positively correlated with PA, r(359) = 0.37, p &lt; .001 and with physical and mental HRQoL, r(322) = 0.12, p = .035 and r(322) = 0.20, p &lt; .001, respectively. We found that the relationship between HL and mental HRQoL is fully mediated by PA (indirect effect: 0.186, 95% CI [0.016, 0.385]). Our findings highlight the crucial role of PA in enhancing mental HRQoL in GI cancer patients, suggesting that interventions targeting both HL and PA could improve patient outcomes. Future research should explore phase-specific interventions and broader psychological factors affecting patient self-management and well-being.

Supramolecular Organic Nanofiller: A New Reinforcement Strategy for Dynamic Covalent Polymer Networks Toward Upcycling of Carbon Fiber Composites

Abstract Dynamic covalent polymer networks (DCPN) provide an important solution to the challenging recyclability of thermoset elastomers. However, dynamic bonds exhibit relatively weak bond energies, considerably decreasing the mechanical properties of DCPN. Herein, a novel reinforcement strategy for DCPN involving the in situ formation of supramolecular organic nanofillers through asynchronous polymerization is proposed. Owing to the difference in the reactivity of the isocyanate groups and the gradual deblocking of aldimine, asynchronous cross‐linking of hexamethylene diisocyanate and isocyanate‐terminated prepolymer containing dynamic oxime–urethane bonds with the deblocked tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine facilitates the transition from the molecular interpenetration of chains into immiscible polymerization. This results in thermodynamic incompatibility between the hyperbranched clusters and long chains, inducing a spontaneous formation of supramolecular organic nanofillers. Compared to traditional reinforcement strategies, supramolecular organic nanofillers considerably improve the mechanical properties of DCPN. Furthermore, the supramolecular interactions between hyperbranched clusters and dynamic oxime–urethane bonds enable the network with excellent recyclability. The unique reinforcement and recyclability of the prepared DCPN allow their combination with carbon fibers (CF) to form CF composites with outstanding properties for personal‐protection applications, achieving CF composite upcycling. This study offers a novel strategy on the reinforcement of DCPN and the upcycling of high‐performance CF composites.

Loss tangent fluctuations due to two-level systems in superconducting microwave resonators

Superconducting microwave resonators are critical to quantum computing and sensing technologies. Additionally, they are common proxies for superconducting qubits when determining the effects of performance-limiting loss mechanisms such as from two-level systems (TLSs). The extraction of these loss mechanisms is often performed by measuring the internal quality factor Qi as a function of power or temperature. In this work, we investigate large temporal fluctuations of Qi at low powers over periods of 12–16 h (relative standard deviation σQi/Qi=13%). These fluctuations are ubiquitous across multiple resonators, chips, and cooldowns. We are able to attribute these fluctuations to variations in the TLS loss tangent due to two main indicators. First, measured fluctuations decrease as power and temperature increase. Second, for interleaved measurements, we observe correlations between low- and medium-power Qi fluctuations and an absence of correlations with high-power fluctuations. Agreement with the TLS loss tangent mean is obtained by performing measurements over a time span of a few hours. We hypothesize that, in addition to decoherence, due to coupling to individual near-resonant TLS, superconducting qubits are affected by these observed TLS loss tangent fluctuations.

First HPLC-UV method for the determination of homocysteine thiolactone in human urine after derivatization with 1-benzyl-2-chloropyridinium bromide

Ultra‐Fast Gallium Oxide Solar‐Blind Photodetector with Novel Thermal Pulse Treatment

Abstract Gallium oxide (Ga 2 O 3 ) emerges as a promising solar‐blind photodetector (SBPD) material if the “Response Speed (RS) dilemma” can be resolved. Devices with spatially segregated carrier generation and transport channels offer a potential solution but remain less available. This work introduces a novel thermal pulse treatment (TPT) method to achieve a vertically stratified crystalline structure and oxygen vacancies (V O ) throughout the Ga 2 O 3 film, validated through extensive characterizations. Technology Computer‐Aided Design (TCAD) simulations corroborated the critical role of V O stratification in enhancing the responsivity (R λ ) and response speed simultaneously. Consequently, the TPT‐processed SBPD exhibited exceptional performance, boasting a maximum   R λ of 312.6 A W −1 and a faster decay time of 40 µs, respectively. Moreover, the corresponding SBPD chips show significant potential for applications in solar‐blind imaging, light trajectory tracking, and solar‐blind power meters. This work thus provides a viable strategy to address the “RS dilemma” common in most wide‐bandgap materials, showcasing excellent application value.

Ultrafast Preparation of High‐Entropy NASICON Cathode Enables Stabilized Multielectron Redox and Wide‐Temperature (−50–60 °C) Workability in Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract Avoiding severe structural distortion, irreversible phase transition, and realizing the stabilized multielectron redox are vital for promoting the development of high‐performance NASICON‐type cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, a high‐entropy Na 3.45 V 0.4 Fe 0.4 Ti 0.4 Mn 0.45 Cr 0.35 (PO 4 ) 3 (HE‐Na 3.45 TMP) cathode material is prepared by ultrafast high‐temperature shock, which inhibits the possibility of phase separation and achieves reversible and stable multielectron transfer of 2.4/2.8 e − at voltage range of 2.0–4.45/1.5–4.45 V versus Na + /Na (the capacity of 137.2/162.0 mAh g −1 ). The galvanostatic charge/discharge and in‐situ X‐ray diffraction tests indicate the sequential redox reactions and approximate solid solution phase transition behavior of HE‐Na 3.45 TMP. Density functional theory calculations analyze the migration pathways and energy barriers, further confirming the superior reaction kinetics of HE‐Na 3.45 TMP. Accordingly, the HE‐Na 3.45 TMP exhibits outstanding wide temperature applicability and can operate stably in the temperature range of −50–60 °C, accompanied by a capacity retention of 92.8% after 400 cycles at −40 °C and a capacity of 73.7 mAh g −1 even at −50 °C. The assembled hard carbon//HE‐Na 3.45 TMP full‐cell offers an energy density of ≈301 Wh kg −1 based on total cathode and anode active mass, verifying the application feasibility of HE‐Na 3.45 TMP. This work provides an innovative and ultrafast pathway to rationally fabricate high‐performance cathodes for SIBs.

Observation of electronic and structural transitions in two-dimensional ferroelastic semiconductor of Nb2GeTe4 via pressure manipulation

Nb2GeTe4, a two-dimensional ferroelastic semiconductor, has garnered intense research interest due to its nontrivial physicochemical characteristics of high carrier mobility as well as extraordinary ferroelasticity and optical absorbance along with potential applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this work, the high-pressure structural, vibrational, and electrical transport properties of Nb2GeTe4 up to 60.0 GPa under different hydrostatic environments were systematically studied by Raman spectroscopy, electrical conductivity, and first-principles theoretical calculations. Under non-hydrostatic compression, Nb2GeTe4 experienced a metallization at 11.8 GPa originating from the closure of bandgap due to the considerable compression of interlayer distance and sequential an isostructural phase transition (IPT) at 26.5 GPa. The comparable metallization pressure and the pronounced delay of IPT by ∼4.0 GPa under hydrostatic condition can be reasonably interpreted by the influence of deviatoric stress. Upon decompression, the phase transition of Nb2GeTe4 was demonstrated to be reversible with the possible structural destruction under different hydrostatic environments. Moreover, Nb2GeTe4 underwent a Ohmic-to-super-Ohmic conversion at 1000 mV under high pressure, which was presumably caused by the higher sinusoidal voltage than its thermal voltage. These findings enrich our foundational comprehension on high-pressure physicochemical properties of Nb2GeTe4, thereby fostering its potential applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices.

A novel aluminum foam structure for combined excellent wave attenuation and ventilation performance

Abstract In this paper, a novel aluminum foam structure with wave attenuation and ventilation performance suitable for underground space is designed and prepared. It focuses on dynamic response of aluminum foam structure under explosion impact load and ventilation resistance at different wind speeds. Failure modes of each component are analyzed and attenuation mechanism of explosive shock wave are revealed. The results indicate that: under the synergistic action of the crushing behavior of the aluminum foam cells, the rough wall structure of the ventilation holes and the special diagonal square honeycomb-shaped structure, the wave attenuation effect of the aluminum foam structure is significantly improved. The max wave attenuation rate can reach to 99.1%. For this aluminum foam structure, the wind speeds are 4.32 m/s and 9.31 m/s while the ventilation resistances are 119.46 Pa and 641.44 Pa. It indicates its excellent ventilation performance. Therefore, the novel aluminum foam structure has a good application prospect in underground space construction.

Glucose Metabolism‐Targeted Poly(amino acid) Nanoformulation of Oxaliplatin(IV)‐Aspirin Prodrug for Enhanced Chemo‐Immunotherapy

AbstractInappropriate glucose metabolism in cancer cells is associated with immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TMEs). Although glycolysis inhibition enhances T cell‐mediated immune responses, the integrated platforms combining glycolysis inhibition with immunotherapy remain underdeveloped. To address this gap, a glucose metabolism‐targeted poly(amino acid) nanoformulation of oxaliplatin(IV)‐aspirin prodrug (NP/OXA‐ASP2) is developed to improve chemo‐immunotherapy by suppressing tumor glycolysis. This poly(amino acid) nanoparticle exhibits selective release, discharging 90.0% of OXA‐ASP2 under reductive conditions within 36 h. Furthermore, over 80% of the prodrug converts to OXA and ASP within 12 h, promoting mitochondrial damage and glycolysis inhibition, which amplifies immunogenic cell death induced by OXA. In addition, suppressing glycolytic flux reduces lactate leakage, mitigating the immunosuppressive TMEs. Together, these mechanisms contribute to stronger chemo‐immunotherapy efficacy. Compared to the OXA plus ASP formulation, NP/OXA‐ASP2 demonstrates superior performances, reducing lactate levels at the tumor site by 25.4%, increasing the proportion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes by 1.53 times, decreasing the proportion of regulatory T cells by 2.20 times, and improving 1.39‐fold of the tumor inhibition rate. These findings underscore that NP/OXA‐ASP2 is a promising platform for integrating tumor metabolic regulation with immunomodulation and holds significant potential for advancing clinical chemo‐immunotherapy.

Piezoelectric Vitamin‐Based Self‐Assemblies for Energy Generation

Abstract Structural diversity of biomolecules leads to various supramolecular organizations and asymmetric architectures of self‐assemblies with significant piezoelectric response. However, the piezoelectricity of biomolecular self‐assemblies has not been fully explored and the relationship between supramolecular structures and piezoelectricity remains poorly understood, which hinders the development of piezoelectric biomaterials. Herein, for the first time, the piezoelectricity of vitamin‐based self‐assemblies for power generation is systematically explored. X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that vitamin molecules can self‐assemble into different supramolecular structures, which exhibited tunable piezoelectric coefficients ranging from 3.8 to 42.8 pC N −1 by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Notably, vitamin B 7 D‐biotin (D‐BIO) self‐assemblies exhibited superior piezoelectricity due to low crystal symmetry and high polarization of supramolecular arrangements. The D‐BIO assemblies‐based piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) produced output voltages of ≈0.8 V under a mechanical force of 47 N, showing high mechanical durability after 5400 pressing‐releasing cycles and high stability of at least three months. The PENG‐based wearable sensor successfully detected bending motions of human limbs. Furthermore, the PENG‐based insole converted biomechanical energy into stable electrical energy upon foot movement, illuminating 12 light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). This work fills knowledge gaps in piezoelectricity of vitamin‐based self‐assemblies, providing paradigms for realizing high‐performance piezoelectric biomaterials through supramolecular engineering.

Laser-based FinFET hot-carrier degradation resolved in time-domain

Hot-carrier degradation in contemporary FinFET transistors by means of ultrafast infrared laser pulses enable the study of the evolution of excited states leading to device degradation. Here, we present results from a time-resolved optical setup where additive populations of hot-carriers are photo-injected. We report the experimental observation of damage-inducing excited states with a lifetime of 170 ± 40 fs.

Exploring the influence of a 10-week specific detraining on injury risk factors among elite young wrestlers: a prospective study

Microenvironment Mechanical Torque from ZnFe ₂ O ₄ (ZFO) Micromotors Inhibiting Tumor Migration

Abstract Mechanical force attracts booming attention with the potential to tune the tumor cell behavior, especially in cell migration. However, the current approach for introducing mechanical input is difficult to apply in vivo. How the mechanical force affects cell behavior in situ also remains unclear. In this work, an intelligent miniaturized platform is constructed with magnetic ZnFe 2 O 4 (ZFO) micromotors. The wireless ZFO can self‐assemble in situ and rotate to generate mechanical torque of biologically relevant piconewton‐scale at the target tumor site. It is observed unexpectedly that enhanced in situ mechanical rotating torque from ZFO micromotors and the active fluid inhibit the migration of highly invasive A549 tumor cells. The down‐regulation of the Piezo1 channel and the suppressed signaling of ROCK1 in mechano‐adaptive tumor cells is found to be related to the inhibition effect. With effectiveness confirmed with the zebrafish xenograft model, this platform provides a valuable toolkit for mechanobiology and force‐associated non‐invasive tumor therapy.

Femtosecond laser-plasmon interference lithography for self-organization of extremely regular nanogratings with tunable periodicity

Achieving laser-induced periodic surface structures with both excellent regularity and high tunability is a challenging task. In this study, we address this challenge by utilizing a hybrid film structure, comprising an amorphous silicon coating on a copper film, to create periodic structures through a photochemical reaction induced by laser-plasmon interference. Our experiments, corroborated by numerical simulations, demonstrate a significant decrease in structural periodicity from 1020 to 750 nm with an increase in silicon film thickness from 15 to 70 nm. This corresponds to a tuning sensitivity of 4.6 ± 0.28, which is an order of magnitude higher than that of previously reported single-layer films. This substantial tunability is due to the high refractive index of silicon, where even slight thickness variations significantly alter the effective refractive index near the metal surface, thereby modulating the plasmonic wavelength. Additionally, we investigated the influence of laser pulse durations and repetition rates on laser-induced periodic surface structure periodicity and found them to have negligible effects.