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High-κ KBe2BO3F2 dielectric material with wide bandgap for two-dimensional electronics

Association between cardiovascular disease and non-melanoma skin cancer: The mediation effect of obesity and inflammation

Background Although the association between CVD and various cancers has been extensively studied, its relationship with NMSC remains ambiguous. Previous studies have shown that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an independent risk factor for tumorigenesis. However, the relationship between CVD and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential relationship between CVD and NMSC and whether obesity and inflammation mediate the association. Methods 7424 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2015 to 2018 were included. Diagnosis of CVD and NMSC was determined by questionnaire combined with self-reported. Inflammatory markers and obesity indices assessed were SIRI, SII, BMI, and WWI. Logistic regression and Pearson correlation analyses were applied to investigate the relationship between the above key variables. Results Logistic regression results showed that CVD was a risk factor for NMSC (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.01 ~ 3.34, p = 0.048); however, there was no statistically significant association between CVD subgroups and NMSC. In addition, SIRI, BMI, and WWI partially mediated the association between CVD and NMSC (p < .001), but SII did not alter the relationship (p > 0.05). Bootstrap test confirmed the stability of the results of the mediation analysis. Conclusion CVD increases the risk of developing NMSC, and obesity and inflammation partially mediate the relationship. Weight loss and control of inflammation may be beneficial in reducing the prevalence of CVD and NMSC.

On-state performance enhancement of copolymer-based organic field effect transistors enabled by an organic metal salt dopant

Organic field effect transistors (OFETs) based on copolymers are promising for flexible and stretchable electronics, yet their large-scale application is often limited by relatively poor performance. This work demonstrates a universal and effective doping strategy employing the organic metal salt lithium tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl) borate ethyl etherate (Li-TPFPB) to significantly enhance the on-state performance of copolymer OFETs. Employing a simple solution mixing method with an optimized doping ratio (3 wt. %), multiple key device parameters are improved simultaneously without compromising the on/off ratio. This improvement is proven to be universal across different copolymer semiconductors and metal electrodes combinations. Systematic investigations reveal that the performance improvement primarily originates from a substantial reduction in trap density within the copolymer semiconductor at optimal doping ratios, which facilitates more efficient charge transport. However, excessive doping (>3 wt. %) leads to increased structural disorder and trap density, causing device degradation. This study not only identifies Li-TPFPB as an effective dopant for OFETs but also provides a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of doping ratio dependent performance, paving a simple route toward high-performance, solution-processed OFETs.

Spatiotemporally engineered tumor-derived extracellular vesicle-based scaffold vaccine for personalized cancer immunotherapy

Separable behavior of magnetic heat capacity and thermal expansion in Ni, and their relation

The magnetic phase in Ni shows an endothermic peak in heat capacity and a positive peak of thermal expansion near magnetic phase transition. The relation between heat capacity and thermal expansion of the magnetic transition is not yet studied. In this study, we apply the new heat capacity model to explain the thermal properties in Ni with magnetic phase transition. The starting and ending temperatures of the magnetic transition are first accurately determined only with experimental heat capacity and thermal expansion. The heat capacity and thermal expansion of the magnetic transition, separated from the total heat capacity and thermal expansion by the perfected model, show a linear relation. The separable behavior and the linear relation of thermal properties in Ni are helpful to further understand the thermodynamic properties of multi-phase solids.

Biologically inspired microlens array camera for high-resolution wide field-of-view imaging

Abstract Natural vision employs diverse strategies to achieve wide field-of-view imaging critical for environmental awareness. Here we report spatially offset ellipsoidal microlens array camera, inspired by the angular sampling strategy of Xenos peckii for high-resolution wide field-of-view imaging. The camera features optical units with spatially offset-coupled apertures and ellipsoidal microlenses onto a single planar sensor within a 0.94 mm total track length. Direction-specific spatial offsets and asymmetric microlens curvatures substantially reduce aberrations across a 140° field-of-view. Digital calibration and image stitching reconstruct complex surfaces such as microfluidic channels, dental phantoms, and human faces, producing one-megapixel images with 1.1-pixel error. This ultrathin camera provides high-resolution and wide field-of-view imaging of real-world targets in confined spaces for applications in machine vision, mobile imaging, and healthcare monitoring.

Improved uniformity of nanoscale phase change material pitch line for high-density data storage

The optical proximity effect (OPE) in the lithography process always causes variation in the critical dimension of the array patterns as the geometrical dimension is reduced. To achieve a high uniform phase change material pitch line array on a 300 mm wafer with a linewidth down to sub-100 nm, the sub-resolution assist feature (SRAF) is employed to mitigate the OPE in the immersion lithography process in this work. The correction effect of the width of SRAF is simulated and verified by experimental results. The focus-energy matrix is designed, which demonstrates that the incorporation of 30 nm-wide SRAF yields a favorable correction to the main feature without printing the assist feature in the final pattern. With 30 nm-wide SRAF and elevated exposure energy, the phase change material pitch line array is scaled down to around 60 nm-wide while maintaining structural integrity. This work suggests a promising pathway to optimize the uniformity of nanoscale phase change material arrays by the implementation of SRAF, which is beneficial to achieve high-density phase change material structures. It maintains the consistency in geometrical dimension of the phase change material array and thus in the switching performance.

Electrified interfacial oxygen-down water boosts efficient and durable electrolysis

Three-dimensional inhomogeneous characteristics of low-frequency plasma oscillations in wall-less Hall thrusters

The low-frequency plasma oscillations in a wall-less Hall thruster are investigated via three-dimensional particle-in-cell-Monte Carlo collision simulations. The breathing oscillation exhibits three-dimensional azimuthal non-uniformity, initiating from a localized ionization onset region. Ionization subsequently propagates in the −E × B direction and, more rapidly, in the E × B direction due to electron drift, covering the anode surface in an extremely short time. Azimuthally, rotating spokes show structural variation with axial position: near the anode, ionization stably rotates toward regions of higher neutral density, while farther axially, spokes connect radially to the central ionization zone and rotate synchronously. These results underscore the intrinsic three-dimensionality of both axial and azimuthal oscillations in E × B devices with three-dimensional magnetic fields.

Metal-organic framework-confined Co3O4 for humidity-immune ozone decomposition

On-chip acoustic manipulation of single or arrayed microparticles via standing Scholte waves

Contactless acoustic manipulation of suspended particles via radiation force control is a promising approach for microfluidic applications. Here, we introduce a method that uses standing Scholte waves to precisely transport and position microparticles within a disposable, low-cost microfluidic chip. The device, fabricated without cleanroom facilities, integrates a single piezoelectric transducer with a glass-based microchannel to generate tunable Scholte wave patterns through dynamic frequency modulation. Stepwise frequency adjustments enable controllable particle transport with micrometer-scale accuracy, allowing reversible trapping at any transverse location or propulsion to the channel boundary. Particle speeds are voltage-tunable from 0 to ∼60 μm/s (0–24 Vpp). Measured Scholte wave velocities (1200–1500 m/s) agree with dispersion modeling, validating the design. This approach establishes Scholte wave-based acoustomicrofluidics as an energy-efficient platform for active particle manipulation, overcoming limitations of conventional surface and bulk acoustic wave systems.

Intrinsically chiral exciton polaritons in an atomically-thin semiconductor

Abstract Photonic bound states in the continuum (BICs) have emerged as a versatile tool for enhancing light-matter interactions by strongly confining light fields. Chiral BICs are photonic resonances with a high degree of circular polarisation, which hold great promise for spin-selective applications in quantum optics and nanophotonics. Here, we demonstrate a novel application of a chiral BIC for inducing strong coupling between the circularly polarised photons and spin-polarised (valley) excitons (bound electron-hole pairs) in atomically-thin transition metal dichalcogenide crystals (TMDCs). By placing monolayer WS 2 onto the BIC-hosting metasurface, we observe the formation of intrinsically chiral, valley-selective exciton polaritons, evidenced by circularly polarised photoluminescence (PL) at two distinct energy levels. The PL intensity and degree of circular polarisation of polaritons exceed those of uncoupled excitons in our structure by an order of magnitude. Our microscopic model shows that this enhancement is due to folding of the Brillouin zone creating a direct emission path for high-momenta polaritonic states far outside the light cone, thereby providing a shortcut to thermalisation (energy relaxation) and suppressing depolarisation. Moreover, while the polarisation of the upper polariton is determined by the valley excitons, the lower polariton behaves like an intrinsic chiral emitter with its polarisation fixed by the BIC. Therefore, the spin alignment of the upper and lower polaritons ( ↑ ↓ and ↑ ↑ ) can be controlled by σ + and σ − circularly polarised optical excitation, respectively. Our work introduces a new type of chiral light-matter quasi-particles in atomically-thin semiconductors and provides an insight into their energy relaxation dynamics.

Three-layer work-function gate for suppressing floating-body effects on vertical-channel DRAM access transistors

In vertical-channel transistors used as access transistors in high-density dynamic random-access memory, the body becomes electrically floating, leading to a floating-body effect (FBE) that degrades data retention. Most previous studies have focused on reducing gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) at the storage node junction to improve “1” state retention, while leaving the “0” state retention unaddressed. This work introduces a three-layer work function (WF) gate structure that symmetrically suppresses the FBE for both states. Low-WF layers are positioned at both ends of the channel to symmetrically suppress GIDL, whereas a high-WF layer in the center maintains channel depletion and thereby prevent retention degradation. Mixed-mode TCAD simulations of single-, dual-, and three-layer WF gates under both dynamic and static retention conditions demonstrate that the proposed design effectively suppresses the FBE in both the “1” and “0” states.

Author Correction: Self-configuring high-speed multi-plane light conversion

Neutral Octa‐Adamantane Chalcogenidometalate Clusters via Amine Complexation and Organotin Termination for Nanolithography

Abstract Supertetrahedral chalcogenidometalate clusters, inspired by zinc‐blende‐type quantum dots, integrate both chemical and geometrical uniqueness. However, their inherent negative charge and rigid T d symmetry restrict configurational diversity and functional utility. Herein, a synergistic strategy combining polyamine coordination and butyltin termination is employed to synthesize neutral chalcogenidometalate supertetrahedral clusters. Two distinct classes are presented: (1) tetra‐adamantane clusters (TA‐amine; amine = tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine (TAEA), triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA)) with 14 metal sites and (2) octa‐adamantane clusters (OA‐X; X═S/Se) with 20 metal sites—the largest neutral supertetrahedral clusters known to date. The OA‐X clusters exhibit unprecedented C 2v geometry, deviating from conventional T d , thereby validating the efficacy of polyamine‐arylstannane synergy in advancing cluster chemistry. Charge neutrality and peripheral organic shells confer exceptional solubility and stability in some common solvents, enabling the fabrication of high‐quality films for nanopatterning. Electron beam lithography (EBL) reveals that OA‐X‐based films enable 50 nm line patterning, with the OA‐Se version demonstrating the higher sensitivity—a result attributable to the large photoabsorption cross‐section of selenium. Solubility‐switching behavior is attributed to radiation‐induced phase transitions from discrete clusters to chalcogenidometalate nanoparticles. This work bridges molecular precision with functional material design, offering insights into charge‐neutral cluster engineering for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) nanolithography.

Persistent rotation of particles driven by non-inertial Brownian motion

The unidirectional spontaneous rotation of particles caused by Brownian motion rectified by the Coriolis force is reported. Fine magnetic particles dispersed in a revolving liquid were observed using the Barnett effect, and we found that the particles rotated much faster than the liquid. The observed spontaneous extra rotation is attributed to the breaking of the time-reversal symmetry of the Coriolis force, which rectified the random Brownian motion affected by viscosity. Our model considering molecular fluctuations in the medium reproduced the experiments well. The present results also suggest that all objects floating in fluids on Earth rotate spontaneously because of fluctuations.

Cryogenic neuromorphic circuits using gate-controlled negative differential resistance in silicon carbide

Sound velocities, shear modulus, and yield strength of tungsten to 141 GPa

Tungsten is an elemental metal known for its high melting point and hardness, but experimental information about its mechanical properties at high pressures is limited. Here, longitudinal sound velocity, VL, of tungsten compressed in a diamond anvil cell up to P = 141 GPa was measured using picosecond laser ultrasonics. Thus, the range of static pressures for which its VL is known was extended by more than one order of magnitude, corresponding to a 31% increase in density compared with that at atmospheric pressure. We have found that the VL grows monotonically with pressure and reaches 7.75 ± 0.18 km/s at P = 141 GPa. Applying an earlier published equation of state, ρ(P), we derived the pressure-dependent shear modulus, G(P), and transversal sound velocity, VT(P), of tungsten. Both parameters continuously increase with pressure, but their growth rates diminish upon compression. Based on these data, the evolution of tungsten ductility/brittleness with pressure was assessed using Pugh's ratio, B/G, and a transition from intermediate- to weakly-brittle state was recognized. Combining our G(P) with previously measured yield strength of tungsten at high pressures, σy(P), the ratio ∂σy/∂G = 0.017 ± 0.002 was established, and σy ∼ 7.5 GPa at P = 141 GPa was estimated from linear extrapolation. Finally, we have found that the linear dependence of VL on density, known as Birch's law, holds for tungsten up to the maximal pressure of our work.

Sequential sequencing reveals the architecture and complexity of genomic variants in patients with Alport syndrome

Counter-rotating electromagnetic generator with planetary gear amplification for low-frequency wave energy harvesting

Ocean wave energy represents a promising renewable resource with high energy density. However, its inherently low-frequency, stochastic, and multi-directional characteristics pose significant challenges for efficient energy harvesting. In this study, a pendulum-type counter-rotating electromagnetic generator (CREMG) is proposed to address these issues. The CREMG integrates a planetary gear system and dual one-way bearings. The one-way bearings convert irregular bidirectional pendulum motion into unidirectional rotation, and the planetary gear system amplifies the rotation by a 1:4 transmission ratio, collectively enhancing energy conversion efficiency. Experimental results show that the proposed CREMG delivers a maximum RMS power of 304.46 mW at an optimal load resistance of 5000 Ω, with a 1 F capacitor charged to 3.44 V within 400 s, corresponding to a harvested energy of 5.92 J. To further validate its practical potential, the CREMG was used to power a customized wireless sensing circuit for temperature and humidity monitoring under random excitations. Overall, this work demonstrates a compact and efficient solution for low-frequency wave energy harvesting, offering a viable pathway toward self-powered marine sensing and autonomous ocean monitoring systems.