Quantitative mapping of smooth topographic landscapes generated using thermal scanning-probe lithography.

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is a powerful technique for mapping nanoscale surface properties through tip-sample interactions. Thermal scanning-probe lithography (tSPL) is an advanced SPM variant that uses a silicon tip on a heated cantilever to sculpt and measure the topography of polymer films with nanometer precision. The surfaces produced by tSPL-smooth topographic landscapes-allow mathematically defined contours to be fabricated on the nanoscale, enabling sophisticated functionalities for photonic, electronic, chemical and biological technologies.

Analysis of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Settled Dust by Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Method Validation and Application to Vietnamese House and Road Dusts.

Information about perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) like perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and sulfonates (PFSs) in settled dust from emerging and developing countries is still limited, partly due to the lack of efficient analytical methods. In this study, a reliable, simple, and cost-effective analytical procedure was developed and validated to determine 12 PFCAs and 4 PFSs in dust samples. The samples were ultrasonicated with methanol, followed by a dispersive sorbent clean-up step with graphitized carbon and quantification by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method.

Fourier-Tailored Light-Matter Coupling in van der Waals Heterostructures.

Dielectric structures can support low-absorption optical modes, which are attractive for engineering light-matter interactions with excitonic resonances in two-dimensional (2D) materials. However, the coupling strength is often limited by the electromagnetic field being confined inside the dielectric, reducing the spatial overlap with the active excitonic material. Here, we demonstrate a scheme for enhanced light-matter coupling by embedding excitonic tungsten disulfide (WS) within dielectric hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), forming a van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure that optimizes the field overlap and alignment between excitons and optical waveguide modes.

Development of BACE2-IN-1/tranylcypromine-based compounds to induce steroidogenesis-dependent neuroprotection.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes a significant burden on global healthcare systems, especially affecting younger populations, where it is a leading cause of disability and mortality. Current treatments for TBI mainly focus on preventing further brain damage and controlling symptoms. However, despite these approaches, several clinical needs remain unmet.

Regenerating MXene by a Facile Chemical Treatment Method.

A popular substance in the MXene family, titanium carbide (TiCT), has received substantial attention mainly due to its high metallic conductivity, easy solution processability, and environment friendliness. However, the poor oxygen resistance nature of MXene has prevented its practical applications from being realized. Despite significant attempts to improve the oxidative stability of MXenes, a comprehensive understanding of the oxidation mechanism is still elusive, thus leaving an optimal strategy for recycling oxidized MXene in question.