Selenocysteine-Activatable Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe for Screening of Anti-inflammatory Components in Herbs.

Inflammation, a central process in numerous diseases, plays a crucial role in hepatic disorders, arthritis, cardiac conditions, and neurodegenerative ailments. Given the lack of effective anti-inflammatory drugs, it is imperative to assess inflammation severity and explore novel therapeutics. Selenocysteine (Sec), a key mediator of selenium's biological function, is closely involved in anti-inflammatory responses.

A magneto-thermoelectric with a high figure of merit in topological insulator BiSb.

High thermoelectric performance is generally achieved by synergistically optimizing two or even three of the contradictorily coupled thermoelectric parameters. Here we demonstrate magneto-thermoelectric correlation as a strategy to achieve simultaneous gain in an enhanced Seebeck coefficient and reduced thermal conductivity in topological materials. We report a large magneto-Seebeck effect and high magneto-thermoelectric figure of merit of 1.

High-Definition, Video-Rate Triple-Channel NIR-II Imaging Using Shadowless Lamp Excitation and Illumination.

Multichannel imaging in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window offers vital and comprehensive information for complex surgical environments, yet a simple, high-quality, video-rate multichannel imaging method with low safety risk remains to be proposed. Centered at the superior NIR-IIx window of 1400-1500 nm, triple-channel imaging coordinated with 1000-1100 and 1700-1880 nm (NIR-IIc) achieves exceptional clarity and an impressive signal-to-crosstalk ratio as high as 22.10.

Controllable topological phase transition ferroelectric-paraelectric switching in a ferromagnetic single-layer MMGeX family.

Recently, the emergence of two-dimensional (2D) multiferroic materials has opened a new perspective for exploring topological states. However, instances of tuning topological phase transitions through ferroelectric (FE) polarization in 2D ferromagnetic (FM) materials are relatively rare. Here, we found that 11 single layer (SL) materials, named the MMGeX family, possess both FE and FM properties.

A low switching loss GaN trench MOSFET design utilizing a triple-shield structure.

An innovative GaN trench MOSFET featuring an ultra-low gate-drain charge (Q) is proposed, with its operational mechanisms thoroughly investigated using TCAD simulations. This novel MOSFET design introduces a triple-shield structure (BPSG-MOS) comprising three critical components: (1) a grounded split gate (SG), (2) a P+ shield region (PSR), and (3) a semi-wrapped BP layer that extends the P-shield beneath the gate and along the sidewalls of the trench gate. Both the SG and PSR effectively reduce gate-drain coupling, transforming most of the gate-drain capacitance (C) into a series combination of gate-source capacitance (C) and drain-source capacitance (C).

Unravelling nonclassical beam damage mechanisms in metal-organic frameworks by low-dose electron microscopy.

Recent advances in direct electron detectors and low-dose imaging techniques have opened up captivating possibilities for real-space visualization of radiation-induced structural dynamics. This has significantly contributed to our understanding of electron-beam radiation damage in materials, serving as the foundation for modern electron microscopy. In light of these developments, the exploration of more precise and specific beam damage mechanisms, along with the development of associated descriptive models, has expanded the theoretical framework of radiation damage beyond classical mechanisms.

Sensitive and accurate photoluminescent-multiphonon resonant Raman scattering dual-mode detection of microRNA-21 via catalytic hairpin assembly amplification and magnetic assistance.

A novel dual-mode detection method for microRNA-21 was developed. Photoluminescent (PL) and multiphonon resonant Raman scattering (MRRS) techniques were combined by using ZnTe nanoparticles as signal probes for reliable detection. The catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) strategy was integrated with superparamagnetic FeO nanoparticle clusters (NCs) to enhance sensitivity.

Ultra robust negative differential resistance memristor for hardware neuron circuit implementation.

Neuromorphic computing holds immense promise for developing highly efficient computational approaches. Memristor-based artificial neurons, known for due to their straightforward structure, high energy efficiency, and superior scalability, which enable them to successfully mimic biological neurons with electrical devices. However, the reliability of memristors has always been a major obstacle in neuromorphic computing.

Phasor-FSTM: a new paradigm for multicolor super-resolution imaging of living cells based on fluorescence modulation and lifetime multiplexing.

Multicolor microscopy and super-resolution optical microscopy are two widely used techniques that greatly enhance the ability to distinguish and resolve structures in cellular imaging. These methods have individually transformed cellular imaging by allowing detailed visualization of cellular and subcellular structures, as well as organelle interactions. However, integrating multicolor and super-resolution microscopy into a single method remains challenging due to issues like spectral overlap, crosstalk, photobleaching, phototoxicity, and technical complexity.

The impact of halogen substitution quantities on the fluorescence intensity ratio of lanthanide Schiff base complexes.

The signal intensity ratio (SIR) is a crucial factor in advancing probe technology due to its direct impact on sensitivity and precision, particularly in applications such as medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and food safety testing. However, the development of high-SIR probes is challenged by complexities in fabrication, cost, and mechanical stability. In this study, we address these limitations by investigating the role of halogen atom substitutions in modulating the intermolecular binding energy and aggregation behavior of Ce-Salen Schiff base complexes.

Advances and applications of dynamic surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for single molecule studies.

Dynamic surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is nowadays one of the most interesting applications of SERS, in particular for single molecule studies. In fact, it enables the study of real-time processes at the molecular level. This review summarizes the latest developments in dynamic SERS techniques and their applications, focusing on new instrumentation, data analysis methods, temporal resolution and sensitivity improvements, and novel substrates.

Accurate DFT simulation of complex functional materials: Synergistic enhancements achieved by SCAN meta-GGA.

Complex functional materials are characterized by intricate and competing bond orders, making them an excellent platform for evaluating the newly developed strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) density functional. In this study, we explore the effectiveness of SCAN in simulating the electronic properties of displacive ferroelectrics (BaTiO3 and PbTiO3) and magnetoelectric multiferroics (BiFeO3 and YMnO3), which encompass a broad spectrum of bonding characteristics. Due to a significant reduction in self-interaction error, SCAN manifests its improvements over the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) method in three aspects: SCAN predicts more accurate ionicity, produces more compact orbitals, and better captures d-orbital anisotropy.

High-throughput computational screening of auxetic two-dimensional metal dichalcogenides and dihalides.

Auxetic materials hold tremendous potential for many advanced applications, but candidates are quite scarce, especially at two dimensions. Here, we focus on two-dimensional (2D) metal dichalcogenides and dihalides with the chemical formula MX2 by screening structures sharing the P4̄m2 space group among 330 MX2 compounds from the computational 2D materials database. Via high-throughput first-principles computations, 25 stable MX2 (M = Mg, Ca, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ge, Cd, Sn; X = F, Cl, Br, I, O, S, Se) systems with in-plane negative Poisson's ratios (NPRs) are successfully identified.

An interface-modulating spin-valley electron beam splitter and perfect spin-valley filter in a topological-insulator junction.

This study proposes a spin-valley electron beam splitter based on the inner-edge states in a topological-insulator junction, which can allocate different ratios of spin-valley current outputs. Since the inner-edge states are associated with the "nearest path selection" mechanism, this device is referred to as the interface-modulating spin-valley electron beam splitter. Additionally, two perfect spin-valley filters in similar topological-insulator junctions are established in this study.

Li-Based Nanoprobes with Boosted Photoluminescence for Temperature Visualization in NIR Imaging-Guided Drug Release.

Lanthanide-doped fluoride nanocrystals have emerged as promising tools in biomedicine, yet their applications are still limited by their low luminescence efficiency. Herein, we developed highly efficient lithium-based core-shell-shell (CSS) nanoprobes (NPs) featuring a rhombic active domain and a spherical inert protective shell. By introducing Yb as an energy transfer bridge and optimizing the CSS design, a remarkable 1643-fold enhancement in visible emission and a 33-fold increase in NIR emission are achieved compared to original nanoparticles.

Amphibious Soft Robots Based on Programmable Actuators Fabricated by Brushing Chinese Ink on Paper.

Soft robots based on actuators that can work in both on-ground and on-water situations are environmentally adaptable and can accomplish tasks in complex environments. However, most current amphibious actuators need external stimuli to move on water and require complex preparation processes. Herein, amphibious Ink-paper/polyethylene programmable actuators and robots are proposed, which are fabricated by rapidly brushing Chinese ink on paper.

Excitation-mode-selective emission through multiexcitonic states in a double perovskite single crystal.

Low-dimensional lead-free metal halide perovskites are highly attractive for cutting-edge optoelectronic applications. Herein, we report a class of scandium-based double perovskite crystals comprising antimony dopants that can generate multiexcitonic emissions in the ultraviolet, blue, and yellow spectral regions. Owing to the zero-dimensional nature of the crystal lattice that minimizes energy crosstalk, different excitonic states in the crystals can be selectively excited by ultraviolet light, X-ray irradiation, and mechanical action, enabling dynamic control of steady/transient-state spectral features by modulating the excitation modes.

Boosting bulk photovoltaic effect in transition metal dichalcogenide by edge semimetal contact.

Oxide materials with a non-centrosymmetric structure exhibit bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) but with a low cell efficiency. Over the past few years, relatively larger BPVE coefficients have been reported for two-dimensional (2D) layers and stacks with asymmety-induced spontaneous polarization. Here, we report a crucial breakthrough in boosting the BPVE in 3R-MoS by adopting edge contact (EC) geometry using bismuth semimetal electrode.

Robust low threshold full-color upconversion lasing in rare-earth activated nanocrystal-in-glass microcavity.

Visible light microlasers are essential building blocks for integrated photonics. However, achieving low-threshold (μW), continuous-wave (CW) visible light lasing at room temperature (RT) has been a challenge because of the formidable requirement of population inversion at short wavelengths. Rare-earth (RE)-activated microcavities, featuring high-quality factor (Q) and small mode volume of whispering gallery modes, offer a great opportunity for achieving infrared-to-visible upconversion (UC) lasing.

Multispectral Integrated Black Arsenene Phototransistors for High-Resolution Imaging and Enhanced Secure Communication.

The demand for broadband, room-temperature infrared, and terahertz (THz) detectors is rapidly increasing owing to crucial applications in telecommunications, security screening, nondestructive testing, and medical diagnostics. Current photodetectors face significant challenges, including high intrinsic dark currents and the necessity for cryogenic cooling, which limit their effectiveness in detecting low-energy photons. Here, we introduce a high-performance ultrabroadband photodetector operating at room temperature based on two-dimensional black arsenene (b-As) nanosheets.

Pure Mg Cathode for Highly Efficient Single-Layer Organic Light-Emitting Diodes.

Highly efficient single-layer organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are demonstrated by using a pure Mg cathode that is seeded with a small amount of Ag nucleation sites. Bis(4-phenylthieno[3,2-]pyridinato-,C2')(acetylacetonate)iridium(III) (PO-01)-doped devices with three-, two-, and one-region doping configurations exhibit maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) values of 22.8%, 21.

Construction of a multifunctional bio-probe based on lanthanides for UCL/MR/CT multimodal imaging.

Multimodal bioimaging is beneficial for clinical diagnosis and research due to the provision of comprehensive diagnostic information. However, the design of multifunctional bio-probes aggregating multiple bioimaging functions is greatly challenging. In this study, a multifunctional bio-probe based on lanthanide-based nanomaterials SrGdF: Yb/Er/Tm(abbreviated as SGF) was developed formultimodal imaging by co-adopting apropos lanthanides and tuning their molar ratio.