bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Exposure to Environmental Particulate Matter on the Onset of Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Bond Milena , Tomelleri Alessandro , Reatini Maria A. , Campochiaro Corrado , Cattani Giorgio , Dagna Lorenzo , Rossini Maurizio , Dejaco Christian , Adami Giovanni 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm (PM10) and the development of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and its ischemic complications.MethodsThis was case‐crossover study on consecutive patients who received a diagnosis of GCA in three hospitals in northern Italy between 2013 and 2021. The PM10 hourly and daily average concentrations, collected in the Italian monitoring network and archived by Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, were determined using European reference. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to determine patients’ daily exposures to them. We employed conditional logistic regression to estimate the effect of exposure on GCA symptoms onset or ischemic complications.ResultsWe included 232 patients. A positive association was observed between exposure to PM10 and GCA risk, with an incremental odd of 27.1% (95% confidence interval 5.8–52.6) for every 10‐μg/m3 increase in PM10 concentration within a 60‐day period. We did not find any significant association for shorter periods or with ischemic complications. Subgroup analysis found a significantly higher incremental risk at a 60‐day lag for patients ≥70 years old. Comparing patients who were chronically exposed to high PM10 levels (26.9 ± 13.8 μg/m3) to those who were not (11.9 ± 7.9 μg/m3) revealed that only in the former group was there an association between GCA onset and increased PM10 levels in the preceding 60 days.ConclusionExposure to environmental PM10 in the preceding 60 days seems to be associated with an increased risk of developing GCA, especially in older individuals with prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution.
Potential of Photoelectric Stimulation with Ultrasmall Carbon Electrode on Neural Tissue: New Directions in Neurostimulation Technology Development
Authors: Chen Keying , Wu Bingchen , Krahe Daniela , Vazquez Alberto , Siegenthaler James R. , Rechenberg Robert , Li Wen , Cui X. Tracy , Kozai Takashi D. Y. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNeuromodulation technologies have gained considerable attention for their clinical potential in treating neurological disorders and advancing cognition research. However, traditional methods like electrical stimulation and optogenetics face technical and biological challenges that limit their therapeutic and research applications. A promising alternative, photoelectric neurostimulation, uses near‐infrared light to generate electrical pulses and thus enables stimulation of neuronal activity without genetic alterations. This study explores various design strategies to enhance photoelectric stimulation with minimally invasive, ultrasmall, untethered carbon electrodes. Employing a multiphoton laser as the near‐infrared (NIR) light source, benchtop experiments are conducted using a three‐electrode setup and chronopotentiometry to record photo‐stimulated voltage. In vivo evaluations utilize Thy1‐GCaMP6s mice with acutely implanted ultrasmall carbon electrodes. Results highlighted the beneficial effects of high duty‐cycle laser scanning and photovoltaic polymer interfaces on the photo‐stimulated voltages by the implanted electrode. Additionally, the promising potential of carbon‐based diamond electrodes are demonstrated for photoelectric stimulation and the application of photoelectric stimulation in precise chemical delivery by loading mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SNPs) co‐deposited with polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT). Together, these findings on photoelectric stimulation utilizing ultrasmall carbon electrodes underscore its immense potential for advancing the next generation of neurostimulation technology.
Amplitude‐Phase Dual‐Channel Encrypted Acoustic Meta‐Holograms
Authors: Zeng Haohan , He Zhenyu , Wu Yusen , Gao Siyuan , Mao Feilong , Fan Haiyan , Fan Xudong , Kan Weiwei , Zhu Yifan , Zhang Hui , Assouar Badreddine 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEncrypted acoustic meta‐holograms have potential applications in confidential acoustic information communication, noise control, acoustic cloaking, acoustic illusion, etc. Conventional encrypted optical and acoustic meta‐holograms only focus on the encrypted hologram in a single channel, viz. modulating spatial amplitude to project a holographic image. Here, the concept of an amplitude‐phase dual‐channel encrypted acoustic meta‐hologram (DrEAM) is proposed, capable of generating, encrypting, and decrypting both amplitude and phase holographic images. This unique concept of “phase holographic image” introduces a new degree of freedom for meta‐holograms, leading to dual‐channel encrypted acoustic holography. Acoustic metasurface with simultaneous amplitude and phase modulations is employed to realize this dual‐channel encryption. The findings may offer the possibility to increase the capacity of the encrypted acoustic meta‐holograms, which can lead to practical applications in, for example, multi‐channel acoustic field communications, complex noise control, and acoustic illusions.
A Multifunctional Rocket‐Like Microneedle System with Thrusters for Self‐Promoted Deep Drug Penetration and Combination Treatment in Melanoma
Authors: Pan Xiaohui , Kang Yixin , Zhou Shuyao , Zhang Tingting , Zheng Yaxin , Jin Qiling , Zhong Wenying , Xu Keming 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) proves highly effective in addressing melanoma, and its synergy with targeted therapy offers a promising avenue in tumor treatment. However, the therapeutic outcome is largely impeded by the challenge of current photosensitizers and targeted drugs in reaching deep tumor tissues. Herein, a dually‐layered “microneedle rocket” termed PcNP/TRA‐HA‐Tyr/CLG‐MN is designed. The upper layer of the microneedle (MN) is composed of photodynamically active mesoporous silica nanoparticles, featuring photosensitizers covalently bonded to them. Within the mesopores of these nanoparticles lies trametinib (TRA), a compound that specifically targets the hyperactive MEK pathway present in melanoma cells. The lower layer is composed of an enzyme‐mediated hyaluronic acid‐tyramine hydrogel (HA‐Tyr/CLG) with collagenase (CLG), serving as rocket thrusters for remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) in tumor microenvironment. Among the three types of MNs prepared, the PcNP/TRA‐HA‐Tyr(II)/CLG‐MN exhibits the deepest penetration in tumor tissues and the longest retention time in vivo. Notably, the administrations of PcNP/TRA‐HA‐Tyr(II)/CLG‐MN alongside light irradiation significantly suppress the growth of A375‐xenografted tumors in mice. Together, the strategy of combining mesoporous silica nanoparticles, enzymatically cross‐linked hydrogels and CLG‐mediated ECM remodeling enables deep drug penetration and efficacious combination treatment against melanoma, showcasing significant potential in the realm of cancer nanomedicine.
Gallium Nanostructure‐Based Microneedle Patch for Multidrug‐Resistant Bacterial Wound Healing: Enhanced Metal Release and NIR Photothermal Effect
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhang Na , Feng Weichen , Chen Sen , Zhu Xiyu , Shan Xiaohui , Yuan Ruizhi , Yuan Bo , Wang Hongzhang , Zhou Gang , Liu Jing , Sun Xuyang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBacterial infections, especially caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria, pose a big challenge to the healthcare system. As a group of historic agents, metals with broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity are regarded as promising alternatives to tackle antibiotic resistance. Among them, gallium ions have presented encouraging antibacterial effects in research and preclinic studies. However, utilization of gallium ions has difficulty in achieving high targeting and long‐term effectiveness. With the renaissance of liquid metal, here, a novel and facile antibacterial gallium nanostructure is proposed in which polydopamine‐modified gallium nanocore serves as an ion reservoir for enhanced metal ion release and the surface also permits secondary reaction, allowing for in situ formation of Ag nanoparticles to improve the antibacterial property, ROS generation, and photothermal performance. Notably, ≈100% bacterial killing efficacy can be achieved when combined with NIR laser irradiation. The in vivo treatment results of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)‐infected mice demonstrate that the microneedle patch loaded with nanoparticles exhibits outstanding bacterial elimination and inflammation alleviation, and promotes angiogenesis and collagen deposition, further accelerating wound healing. This gallium‐based nanostructure offers an effective nanoplatform for antibacterial treatments and combinatory strategies, which holds significant promise for refractory multidrug‐resistant bacteria and related infections.
Miniaturized Hard Carbon Nanofiber Aerogels: From Multiscale Electromagnetic Response Manipulation to Integrated Multifunctional Absorbers
Authors: Shao Gaofeng , Xu Rupan , Chen Yu , Yu Gaoyuan , Wu Xiaodong , Quan Bin , Shen Xiaodong , Huang Xiaogu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe multiscale structural engineering strategy presents a powerful method for tailoring the structural attributes of materials at various levels, enabling the flexible control and manipulation of their electromagnetic properties. Nonetheless, orchestrating the multiscale architecture of polymer‐derived carbon aerogels specifically for microwave absorption poses significant challenges. Herein, aramid‐derived hard carbon nanofiber aerogel microspheres (CNFAMs) featuring a hierarchical skin‐core structure are fabricated through a wet‐spinning technique, combined with reprotonation‐mediated self‐assembly and carbonization processes. The presence of large‐scale voids between neighboring microspheres and the microscale porosity within the microspheres themselves improves impedance matching and promotes microwave reflection and scattering. The distinct graphitic domains and defects serve as pivotal elements for conduction and polarization losses, significantly impacting microwave attenuation. By meticulously tailoring the macroscale dimensions, microscale porous architecture, and nanoscale domains, the optimized CNFAMs demonstrate a remarkable absorption bandwidth of 9.62 GHz at an ultralow filling of 0.97 wt%. Additionally, the implementation of application‐oriented microwave absorption through the innovative integration of polysilsesquioxane‐CNFAMs in a host–guest aerogel is explored. This composite system brings together broadband absorption, superhydrophobicity, thermal insulation, resistance to freezing, and robust tolerance to harsh environments. Such a multifaceted approach is designed to tackle the growing challenges associated with complex electromagnetic environments effectively.
Stair‐Stepping Mechanical Metamaterials with Programmable Load Plateaus
Authors: Zeng Chengjun , Liu Liwu , Hu Yunqiang , Zhao Wei , Xin Xiaozhou , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMaterials with target load plateaus offer the potential for developing innovative vibration suppression and isolation systems for applications such as satellite platforms, submarines, and electric vehicles. However, implementing these materials can pose significant challenges. In this study, stair‐stepping mechanical metamaterials with programmable load plateaus are presented, which are created via a three‐level (unit, module, and 3D object) construction strategy. The strategy inspired by the inverse design concept achieves tunability in the number and properties of load plateaus within the force–displacement profiles of the metamaterials. This approach even yields appealing stair‐stepping response patterns, as validated by experiments and finite element simulations. Promisingly, programming the unit from its initial configuration to a “zero stiffness” configuration enables these metamaterials excellent vibration isolation performance. Furthermore, two reversible methods are proposed for switching among various unit configurations, namely shape memory programming and supporting payload. This innovative design strategy for programmable load plateaus opens up new possibilities for creating metamaterials with customized force–displacement responses. It also provides opportunities to incorporate multimodal vibration isolation capabilities into precision devices.
Highly Luminescent Shell‐Less Indium Phosphide Quantum Dots Enabled by Atomistically Tailored Surface States
Authors: Gwak Namyoung , Shin Seungki , Yoo Hyeri , Seo Gyeong Won , Kim Seongchan , Jang Hyunwoo , Lee Minwoo , Park Tae Hwan , Kim Byong Jae , Lim Jaehoon , Kim Soo Young , Kim Sangtae , Hwang Gyu Weon , Oh Nuri 
Published: July 2024

AbstractContrary to the prevailing notion that shell structures arise from the intricate chemistry and surface defects of InP quantum dots (QDs), an innovative strategy that remarkably enhances the luminescence efficiency of core‐only InP QDs to over 90% is introduced. This paradigm shift is achieved through the concurrent utilization of group 2 and 3 metal‐derived ligands, providing an effective remedy for surface defects and facilitating charge recombination. Specifically, a combination of Zn carboxylate and Ga chloride is employed to address the undercoordination issues associated with In and P atoms, leading to the alleviation of in‐gap trap states. The intricate interplay and proportional ratio between Ga‐ and Zn‐containing ligands play pivotal roles in attaining record‐high luminescence efficiency in core‐only InP QDs, as successfully demonstrated across various sizes and color emissions. Moreover, the fabrication of electroluminescent devices relying solely on InP core emission opens a new direction in optoelectronics, demonstrating the potential of the approach not only in optoelectronic applications but also in catalysis or energy conversion by charge transfer.
Trace Small Molecular/Nano‐Colloidal Multiscale Electrolyte Additives Enable Ultra‐Long Lifespan of Zinc Metal Anodes
Authors: Xiao Xuemei , Ye Xiaoman , Wu Zhijing , Wu Xin , Yu Juezhi , Gu Lin , Liu Sheng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractElectrolyte additives are efficient to improve the performance of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs), yet the current electrolyte additives are limited to fully water‐soluble additives (FWAs) and water‐insoluble additives (WIAs). Herein, trace slightly water‐soluble additives (SWAs) of zinc acetylacetonate (ZAA) were introduced to aqueous ZnSO4 electrolytes. The SWA system of ZAA is composed of a FWA part and a WIA part in a dynamic manner of dissolution equilibrium. The FWA part exists as soluble small molecules, which efficiently regulate Zn2+ ion solvation structure, while the WIA part exists as insoluble nano‐colloids, which in‐situ form a thick and robust solid electrolyte interface film on zinc metal anodes (ZMAs). Such small molecular/nano‐colloidal multiscale electrolyte additives of ZAA are capable to not only improve ionic conductivity and transference number but also inhibit corrosion, hydrogen evolution, and Zn dendrite on ZMAs. The SWA‐based Zn∥Zn half battery delivers a superb cumulative plating capacity of 15 Ah cm−2 under 1 mAh cm−2 and 20 mA cm−2, and the SWA‐based NH4V4O10∥Zn pouch cell obtains a capacity retention of 67.8% within 4000 cycles under 4 A g−1. The study provides innovative insights for rational design of electrolyte additives, which may pave the way for the practicality of AZIBs.
Fluctuating Flame from Suspending Ferrimagnetic Core/Shell Al@Fe3O4 Nanoparticles in a Magnetic Field
Authors: Maini Shina , Wang Anqi , Wen John Z. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCore–shell fuel@oxidizer nanocomposite can combust in oxygen‐starved environment. A ferrimagnetic reactive particle, being successfully engineered, allows for manipulation using an external magnetic field and facilitates target heat or gas production. This research reports on interesting flame dynamics of newly synthesized core–shell Al@Fe3O4 nanoparticles under the influence of a magnetic field. Serving as an oxidizer and a functional ferrimagnetic component, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are grown in situ on nano‐sized Al (n‐Al) particles. Electron microscopic images demonstrate nearly monodispersed IONPs ≈7 nm decorating the surface of n‐Al. X‐ray diffractogram and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirm the formation of Fe3O4. Thermal analysis suggests the as‐prepared core–shell particles predominantly go through a solid‐state reaction mechanism that exhibits 30% lower activation energy compared to physically‐mixed nanocomposite (215.0 vs 310.8 kJ mol−1). The core/shell particles can be ignited and combust under laser irradiation with or without the effect of a magnetic field. When suspended in the middle of the tube by the magnetic field, an interesting combustion process is observed, highlighting a grow‐shrink‐grow flame resulted from the interactions between the combustion products and the external magnetic field, as well as backfiring at the bottom of the sample without major changes in burning rate and ignition delay.
Electrically‐Driven Light Source Embedded in a GaP Nanowaveguide for Visible‐Range Photonics on Chip
Authors: Lebedev Denis V. , Solomonov Nikita A. , Fedorov Vladimir V. , Sharov Vladislav A. , Kirilenko Demid A. , Gritchenko Anton S. , Melentiev Pavel N. , Balykin Victor I. , Shkoldin Vitaly A. , Bogdanov Andrey A. , Makarov Sergey V. , Golubok Alexander O. , Mukhin Ivan S. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe key components of photonic integrated circuits are nanoscale optica emitters and nanowaveguides. III‐V semiconductor nanostructures are considered as the most promising material platform for these components due to highly efficient luminescence and high refractive index, but the problem of emission coupling with waveguide is to be solved. In this work, the use of GaP nanowires (NWs) with different types of doping (GaP:Si or GaP:Be) is proposed as optical waveguides with directly integrated electrically‐driven light sources, solving the problem of emission‐to‐waveguide coupling. Single NWs are integrated with electrodes and pump electroluminescence by a tunnel junction allowing to study emission properties with nanoscale spatial resolution. Basing on the experiments on scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), electron microscopy, time‐resolved photoluminescence micro‐spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and STM‐induced electroluminescence, it is proven that GaP NWs exhibit different integrated light‐source on doping type of NWs. GaP:Be NWs contain inclusion of the crystalline wurtzite phase with a direct bandgap, and, thus, these NW regions can be considered as electrically‐driven nanoscale sources of light monolithically integrated into GaP NW‐based waveguides. Meanwhile, GaP:Si NWs work as optical waveguides capable of efficient light generation over the entire length of NW. The developed designs are promising for construction of integrated photonic circuits.
Near‐Field Nanospectroscopy and Mode Mapping of Lead Telluride Hoppercubes
Authors: Nandi Sukanta , Shimoni Tamir , Yitzchaik Eyal , Lewi Tomer 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLead chalcogenides are compelling materials for nanophotonics and optoelectronics due to their high refractive indices, extreme thermo‐optic coefficients, and high transparency in the mid‐infrared (MIR). In this study, PbTe hoppercubes (HC, face‐open box cubes) are synthesized and explored for their MIR resonant characteristics. Single‐particle microspectroscopy uncovered deep‐subwavelength light localization, with a spectral response dominated by both fundamental and multiple high‐order Mie‐resonant modes. Nanoimaging mapping using scattering‐type scanning near‐field optical microscopy (s‐SNOM) reveals that the scattering at the center of the HC is reduced by more than five times compared to the edges. 2D‐Hyperspectral scans conducted using a low‐power broadband MIR source and nanometer spatial resolutions provided information on the local amplitude and phase‐resolved near‐fields, including amplitude and phase mapping of higher order modes with measured Q‐factors of close to 100. Employing s‐SNOM to characterize complex resonant nanophotonic structures holds implications for quantum sensing, IR photodetection, non‐linear generation, and ultra‐compact high‐Q metaphotonics.
Material‐Constrained Optimization of Liquid Crystal‐Based Holograms
Authors: Ropač Peter , Hsiao Yu‐Tung , Berteloot Brecht , Ravnik Miha , Beeckman Jeroen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA novel material‐constrained method for the design of liquid crystal optical devices – computer‐generated liquid crystal‐based holograms – and their manufacture using photo‐patterning is demonstrated. The developed topology optimization method is compared to the Gerchberg‐Saxton algorithm, and key advantages and disadvantages are outlined. The key novelties and advantages of the method are that it accounts for the natural relaxation and material properties of the liquid crystal and that it can account for different material or manufacturing constraints, such as maximum optical axis gradients. The viability of the method is applied for different binary and greyscale target images of varying complexity, target image sizes, and algorithms that account for the material properties of the liquid crystal. Finally, with the topology optimization design approach and photo‐patterning, it is possible to produce high‐accuracy and high‐contrast liquid crystal‐based computer‐generated holograms.
Brillouin Zone Folding Metasurface for Near Perfect Circular Dichroism
Authors: Yan Xiao‐Fei , Xie Yong‐Jun , Chen Sai , Wu Pei‐Yu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPlanar chiral metasurfaces have demonstrated their proficiency in manipulating chiral light‐matter interactions for diverse applications. Nevertheless, it proves arduous to simultaneously attain elevated quality factors and potent chirality response. In this work, a planar chiral metasurface is proposed, that supports Brillouin zone folding‐induced bound states in the continuum (BZF‐BICs) featuring a high‐Q factor resonance and near‐perfect circular dichroism response. By introducing periodic perturbation and breaking symmetry, the BZF‐BICs exhibit a folded band structure and decreased radiative channels, leading to a superior quality factor relative to unfolded quasi‐BICs. Exploiting the topological nature of BZF‐BICs, the polarization singularity is eradicated, resulting in the appearance of two elliptical eigenstate polarizations. Consequently, an almost perfect circular dichroism response is demonstrated due to the selective coupling between the eigenstate and the incident light. Furthermore, it is revealed that the symmetry of the distribution of eigenstates in the BZF‐BICs lattice is determined by the perturbed cell, and the more intricate orthogonal polarization states can be distinguished through the Brillouin zone design, enabling the splitting of complex polarization state beams. This study presents an innovative method for creating easily fabricated chiral metasurfaces and holds promise for applications in biochemical sensing, emission, lasing, quantum optics, and nonlinear optics.