Supraspinal facilitation of painful stimuli by glutamatergic innervation from the retrosplenial to the anterior cingulate cortex.

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is recognized as a pivotal cortical region involved in the perception of pain. The retrosplenial cortex (RSC), located posterior to the ACC, is known to play a significant role in navigation and memory processes. Although the projections from the RSC to the ACC have been found, the specifics of the synaptic connections and the functional implications of the RSC-ACC projections remain less understood.

Exploring Surface State and Exciplex Dominated Aggregation Induced Electrochemiluminescence of Graphene Quantum Dots Prepared Via Electrochemical Exfoliation.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as promising materials for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) applications due to their unique optical and electronic properties. In this study, GQDs were synthesized via electrochemical exfoliation of graphite in a constant current density mode, enabling scalable production with controlled size and surface functionalization. GQDs-4 and GQDs-20, synthesized at applied current densities of 4 mA/cm2 and 20 mA/cm2 to the graphite electrode, respectively, were investigated on roles of surface states and exciplex dominated aggregation-induced emission (AIE) in their ECL performance.

Exploring van der Waals Cuprate Superconductors Using a Hybrid Microwave Circuit.

The advent of two-dimensional van der Waals materials is a frontier of condensed matter physics and quantum devices. However, characterizing such materials remains challenging due to the limitations of bulk material techniques, necessitating the development of specialized methods. Here, we investigate the superconducting properties of BiSrCaCuO flakes by integrating them with a hybrid superconducting microwave resonator.

Realizing zero-threshold population inversion plasmonic doping.

Lowering the population inversion threshold is key to leveraging quantum dots (QDs) for nanoscale lasing and laser miniaturization. However, optical realization of population inversion in QDs has an inherent limitation: the number of excited electrons per QD is bound by the absorbed photons. Here we show that one can break this population limit and realize near-zero threshold inversion plasmonic doping.

Knock-out mouse models and single particle ICP-MS reveal that SP-D and SP-A deficiency reduces agglomeration of inhaled gold nanoparticles in vivo without significant changes to overall lung clearance.

The role of surfactant proteins A and D (SP-A and SP-D) in lung clearance and translocation to secondary organs of inhaled nanoparticles was investigated by exposing SP-A and SP-D knockout (AKO and DKO) and wild type (WT) mice nose-only for 3 hours to an aerosol of 20 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Animals were euthanised at 0-, 1-, 7- and 28-days post-exposure. Analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) of the liver and kidneys showed that extrapulmonary translocation was below the limits of detection.

A linearly polarized AC-driven perovskite light emitting device with nanoscale metal contact.

Electroluminescent (EL) devices consisting of a single metal-semiconductor contact and a gate effect structure have garnered significant attention in the field of perovskite light-emitting devices. This interest is largely due to the thermal stability of the active layer and the simplicity of the device structure. However, the application of these devices in large-area light-emitting applications is hindered by the inherently low carrier mobility in perovskite materials.

Vertical flow immunoassay for multiplex mycotoxins based on photonic nitrocellulose and SERS nanotags.

Here, we report a SERS based VFA using PNC as a sensing substrate for highly sensitive multiplex mycotoxins detection. The PNC was fabricated by filtration-based self-assembled monodisperse SiO NPs on a filter membrane as a template, and the obtained PNC had an ordered complementary inverse opal structure. In parallel, three kinds of Raman dyes encoding Au@Ag, Au@Ag and Au@Ag SERS nanotags were synthesized for the detection of OTA, AFB1 and ZON.

Quantitative assessment of the generalizability of a brain tumor Raman spectroscopy machine learning model to various tumor types including astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma.

Significance: Maximal safe resection of brain tumors can be performed by neurosurgeons through the use of accurate and practical guidance tools that provide real-time information during surgery. Current established adjuvant intraoperative technologies include neuronavigation guidance, intraoperative imaging (MRI and ultrasound), and 5-ALA for fluorescence-guided surgery.

Aim: We have developed intraoperative Raman spectroscopy as a real-time decision support system for neurosurgical guidance in brain tumors.

A reconfigurable entanglement distribution network suitable for connecting multiple ground nodes with a satellite.

Satellite-based quantum communication channels are important for ultra-long distances. Given the short duration of a satellite pass, it can be challenging to efficiently connect multiple users of a city-wide network while the satellite is passing over that area. We propose a network with dual-functionality: during a brief satellite pass, the ground network is configured as a multipoint-to-point topology where all ground nodes establish entanglement with a satellite receiver.

The role of energy deposition on the luminescence sensitization in porphyrin-functionalized SiO/ZnO nanoparticles under X-ray excitation.

Hybrid nanoscintillators, which feature a heavy inorganic nanoparticle conjugated with an organic emitter, represent a promising avenue for advancements in diverse fields, including high-energy physics, homeland security, and biomedicine. Many research studies have shown the suitability of hybrid nanoscintillators for radiation oncology, showing potential to improve therapeutic results compared to traditional protocols. In this work, we studied SiO/ZnO nanoparticles functionalized with porphyrin as a photosensitizer, capable of producing cancer cytotoxic reactive oxygen species for possible use in radio-oncological therapeutics.

Plasmonic heating by indium tin oxide nanoparticles: spectrally enabling decoupled near-infrared theranostics.

All-optical theranostic systems are sought after in nanomedicine, since they combine in a single platform therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities. Commonly in these systems the therapeutic and diagnostic/imaging functions are accomplished with plasmonic photothermal agents and luminescent nanoparticles (NPs), respectively. For maximized performance and minimized side effects, these two modalities should be independently activated, , in a decoupled way, using distinct near infrared (NIR) wavelengths: a radiation window wherein photon-tissue interaction is reduced.

Weak Antilocalization and Negative Magnetoresistance of the Gate-Tunable PbTe Thin Films.

We have systematically studied the electromagnetic transport properties of PbTe thin films under gate voltage modulation. The system demonstrates pronounced electron-electron interactions exclusively within the gate voltage range where only hole carriers are present. Furthermore, the Berry phase is utilized to qualitatively elucidate the transition between weak antilocalization (WAL) and weak localization (WL) through the regulation of gate voltage and temperature.

Interfacial Work Function Modulation of Wide Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cell for Efficient Perovskite/CIGS Tandem Solar Cell.

Wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells (PVSCs), a promising top-cell candidate for high-performance tandem solar cells, often suffer from larger open-circuit voltage (V) deficits as the bandgap increases. Surface passivation is a common strategy to mitigate these V deficits. However, understanding the mechanisms underlying the differences in passivation effects among various types of molecules remains limited, which is crucial for developing universal interface passivation strategies and guiding the design of passivation molecules.

Enhanced Efficiency and Stability of Tin Halide Perovskite Solar Cells Through MOF Integration.

Tin halide perovskites are promising candidates for lead-free perovskite solar cells due to their ideal bandgap and high charge-carrier mobility. However, poor crystal quality and rapid degradation in ambient conditions severely limit their stability and practical applications. This study demonstrates that incorporating UiO-66, a zirconium-based MOF, significantly enhances the performance and stability of tin halide perovskite solar cells (TPSCs).

Hybrid Plasmonic Symmetry-Protected Bound state in the Continuum Entering the Zeptomolar Biodetection Range.

Photonics bound states in the continuum (BICs) are peculiar localized states in the continuum of free-space waves, unaffected by far-field radiation loss. Although plasmonic nano-antennas squeeze the optical field to nanoscale volumes, engineering the emergence of quasi-BICs with plasmonic hotspots remains challenging. Here, the origin of symmetry-protected (SP) quasi-BICs in a 2D system of silver-filled dimers, quasi-embedded in a high-index dielectric waveguide, is investigated through the strong coupling between photonic and plasmonic modes.

Lighting the Path to Precision Healthcare: Advances and Applications of Wearable Photonic Sensors.

Recent advancements in wearable photonic sensors have marked a transformative era in healthcare, enabling non-invasive, real-time, portable, and personalized medical monitoring. These sensors leverage the unique properties of light toward high-performance sensing in form factors optimized for real-world use. Their ability to offer solutions to a broad spectrum of medical challenges - from routine health monitoring to managing chronic conditions, inspires a rapidly growing translational market.

Photocontrolled Bionic Micro-Nano Hydrogel System used Novel Functional Strategy for Cell Delivery and Large-Scale Corneal Repair.

Reproducing the microstructure of the natural cornea remains a significant challenge in achieving the mechanical and biological functionality of artificial corneas. Therefore, the development of cascade structures that mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), achieving both macro-stability and micro-structure, is of critical importance. This study proposes a novel, efficient, and general photo-functionalization strategy for modifying natural biomaterials.

Overcoming the thermal limits of photon counting CT resolution using focal spot multiplexing: A feasibility study.

Background: The spatial resolution of new, photon counting detector (PCD) CT scanners is limited by the size of the focal spot. Smaller, brighter focal spots would melt the tungsten focal track of a conventional X-ray source.

Purpose: To propose focal spot multiplexing (FSM), an architecture to improve the power of small focal spots and thereby enable higher resolution clinical PCD CT.

Improved display and detection of small renal stones using photon-counting detector CT compared to conventional energy-integrating detector CT.

Purpose: To compare same-day photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) to conventional energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) for detection of small renal stones (≤ 3 mm).

Methods: Patients undergoing clinical dual-energy EID-CT for known or suspected stone disease underwent same-day research PCD-CT. Patients with greater than 10 stones and no visible stones under 3 mm were excluded.

Single soliton microcomb combined with optical phased array for parallel FMCW LiDAR.

The frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) technology combined with optical phased array (OPA) is promising for the all-solid-state light detection and ranging (LiDAR). We propose and experimentally demonstrate a silicon integrated OPA combined with an optical frequency microcomb for parallel LiDAR system. For realizing the parallel wavelengths emission consistent with Rayleigh criterion, the wide waveguide beyond single mode region combined with the bound state in the continuum (BIC) effect is harnessed to obtain an ultra-long optical grating antenna array.

Gold-Cerium bimetallic Star-Shaped nanoplatform for synergistic tumor therapy with nanozyme Catalytic/Photothermal/Chemotherapy.

A gold-cerium bimetallic asteroid nanoplatform (CeO@GNSs/Myr-HA) was obtained by electrostatically adsorbing ultra-small cerium dioxide (CeO) onto gold nanostars (GNSs) and further loading myricetin (Myr) and hyaluronic acid (HA). This nanoplatform exhibited three types of enzymatic properties-that is, GOD (glucose-oxidase), POD (peroxidase) and GSH-Ox (glutathione oxidase) mimicking catalytic activities. These enzymatic properties work together to effectively induce apoptosis in tumor cells.

Protocol for investigating astrocytic mitochondria in neurons of adult mice using two-photon microscopy.

Under pathological conditions, astrocytes can transfer mitochondria to neurons, where they exert neuroprotective effects. In this context, we present a protocol for capturing astrocytic mitochondria in neurons of adult mice using a two-photon microscope. We describe an approach for constructing a mouse model with combined labeling of astrocytic mitochondria and neurons.

[Formula: see text]-roaming dynamics in the formation of [Formula: see text] following two-photon double ionization of ethanol and aminoethanol.

Roaming reactions involving a neutral fragment of a molecule that transiently wanders around another fragment before forming a new bond are intriguing and peculiar pathways for molecular rearrangement. Such reactions can occur for example upon double ionization of small organic molecules, and have recently sparked much scientific interest. We have studied the dynamics of the [Formula: see text]-roaming reaction leading to the formation of [Formula: see text] after two-photon double ionization of ethanol and 2-aminoethanol, using an XUV-UV pump-probe scheme.

Metasurface higher-order poincaré sphere polarization detection clock.

Accurately and swiftly characterizing the state of polarization (SoP) of complex structured light is crucial in the realms of classical and quantum optics. Conventional strategies for detecting SoP, which typically involves a sequence of cascaded optical elements, are bulky, complex, and run counter to miniaturization and integration. While metasurface-enabled polarimetry has emerged to overcome these limitations, its functionality predominantly remains confined to identifying SoP within the standard Poincaré sphere framework.

Solvent-dripping modulated 3D/2D heterostructures for high-performance perovskite solar cells.

The controlled growth of two-dimensional (2D) perovskite atop three-dimensional (3D) perovskite films reduces interfacial recombination and impedes ion migration, thus improving the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Unfortunately, the random orientation of the spontaneously formed 2D phase atop the pre-deposited 3D perovskite film can deteriorate charge extraction owing to energetic disorder, limiting the maximum attainable efficiency and long-term stability of the PSCs. Here, we introduce a meta-amidinopyridine ligand and the solvent post-dripping step to generate a highly ordered 2D perovskite phase on the surface of a 3D perovskite film.