bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
All‐Dielectric Metawaveguide Ring Resonators with Deeply Sub‐Diffractive Mode Volumes
Authors: Gafsi Saddam , Ryckman Judson D. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractWhispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators provide an essential platform for various optical applications but are typically limited to mode volumes V ≈2πR(λ0/2n)2 where R is the bend radius and n is the refractive index. Here, the theory, simulation, and experimental realization of WGM resonators capable of achieving deeply sub‐diffractive mode volumes are presented, V << 2πR(λ0/2n)2, while preserving high Q factors. Rather than relying on plasmonics to reduce the mode volume, the work relies on all‐dielectric metamaterial waveguides that support localized field enhancements within the high index medium. Combined with the excitation of standing wave rather than traveling wave WGM resonances, it is shown how the mode volume of a silicon microring resonator can be reduced by factors >10 – 100 depending upon nanostructure dimensions and choice of cladding. The analysis further suggests a lower bound for the sub‐diffractive all‐dielectric mode volume, Vmin’, which scales in proportion to the mode order m times the refractive index raised to the seventh power, i.e.: Vmin’ ≈mn−7. Experimentally, these sub‐diffractive WGM devices are shown to support standing wave resonances while maintaining high intrinsic quality factors ≈104–105. These metawaveguide ring resonators present a promising WGM platform for interfacing wavelength‐scale optics with sub‐wavelength matter.
Preparation and Evaluation of RGD‐Conjugated Crosslinked PVA Tissue Engineered Vascular Scaffold with Endothelial Differentiation and Its Impact on Vascular Regeneration In Vivo
Authors: Li Xiafei , Zhang Xuewei , Wang Yameng , Ji Shenglu , Zhao Ziwei , Yin Jianshen , Yang Tuo , Feng Xin , Chen Hongli , Li Wenbin , Wang Xianwei , Jing Changqin , Ding Dan , Zhao Liang 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPVA has emerged as a prevalent material for the construction of vascular tissue engineering scaffolds. Nonetheless, the integration of 3D crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) scaffolds featuring arginine‐glycine‐aspartate (RGD) binding remains a rarity in tissue engineering. In the present study, a PVA‐4‐azidobenzoic acid (AZ)‐RGD scaffold is prepared based on cross‐linking of two distinct PVA derivatives: one featuring photoreactive azides for ultraviolet (UV)‐crosslinking and the other incorporating RGD peptides. The results show that the PVA‐AZ‐RGD scaffold has good blood compatibility and biomechanical properties, with hydrophilic properties, and a hydrolysis rate of 27.31% at 12 weeks. Notably, the incorporation of RGD peptides significantly bolsters the attachment and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the scaffolds, compared to non‐RGD‐conjugated controls. Furthermore, RGD conjugation markedly accelerates endothelialization of MSCs following 15 days of endothelial culture. Post‐transplantation, the PVA‐AZ‐RGD scaffold exhibits favorable blood flow patency, minimal immune rejection, promotes endothelialization and smooth muscle cell proliferation, and facilitates the development of extracellular matrix, ultimately contributing to the formation of regenerative artificial blood vessels. These comprehensive findings underscore the promising potential of RGD‐integrated, crosslinked PVA scaffolds for applications in vascular tissue engineering.
Adjusting Morphology, Structure, and Mechanical Properties of Electrospun High‐Molecular‐Weight Poly(l‐Lactic‐Acid) Nanofibrous Yarns Through Hot Stretching Treatment
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Jiang Jiayi , Liu Hailei , Liu Fei , Shao Huarong , Chen Shaojuan , Wu Shaohua 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAn integrated strategy that combines innovative electrospinning technique with traditional hot‐stretching post‐treatment is designed and implemented to generate high‐molecular‐weight poly(l‐lactic‐acid) (hmwPLLA, Mw = 2 80 000 Da) electrospun nanofiber‐constructed yarns (ENCYs). The internal fiber diameter within the hmwPLLA ENCYs is found to increase gradually with the increase of hmwPLLA solution concentration. The hmwPLLA ENCY generated from a concentration of 10% (w v−1) is demonstrated with uniform morphology with an average fiber diameter of 737.7 ± 72.2 nm and an average yarn diameter of 454.9 ± 3.5 µm. Compared with the unstretched hmwPLLA ENCY, increasing the hot‐stretching temperature can significantly enhance the fiber orientation and crystallinity. Moreover, the mechanical properties of stretched ENCYs are obviously enhanced compared with the unstretched control. The fiber orientation and crystallinity of stretched ENCYs are also found to be significantly improved with the increase of hot stretching rate, further resulting in the obvious increase of breaking strength and Young's modulus. Importantly, the braided textiles made from stretched hmwPLLA ENCYs exhibited great biocompatibility by effectively guiding the cell alignment and supporting the cell adhesion and proliferation. In summary, the high performance hmwPLLA ENCYs show great potential for the future design and development of advanced biomedical textiles.
Fabrication and Characterization of Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive Hydrogels with Robust Mechanical Properties, Good Self‐Healing, and Substrate Adhesiveness Using a Traditional Chemical Crosslinker and Initiator‐Free Approach
Authors: Kalulu Mulenga , Oderinde Olayinka , Mwanza Christopher , Ogungbesan Shephrah O. , Hussain Muzammal , Fu Guodong 
Published: February 2025

AbstractHydrogels are essential in various applications, including biomedical fields, robotics, sensors, and wearable technologies. Traditional fabrication methods often involve chemical crosslinkers and initiators, which can introduce toxicity and limit practical use. This study presents an innovative approach to creating multifunctional, multi‐stimuli‐responsive hydrogels without using these traditional components. By polymerizing AMPS, DMAA, and MAA monomers using environmentally friendly AlCl3·6H2O as a crosslinker via UV polymerization, the study produces hydrogels exhibiting good mechanical properties such as tensile strength (3.02 ± 0.12 MPa), toughness (20.01 ± 1.8 J m−3), superior stretchability (2182.4 ± 114% elongation), and good compression resistance in addition to possessing self‐healing capabilities, ionic conductivity, and responsiveness to temperature, pH, and ionic strength. This innovative technique represents a significant advancement toward developing sustainable hydrogels suitable for diverse biomedical, robotic, and sensor, technology applications.
GSH‐Responsive Semiconducting Polymer as a Nanotheranostic Platform for NIR‐II Imaging‐Guided Chemo‐Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Wang Ben , Zhang Yujing , Ji Yuquan , Yang Guangzhao , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhou Yi , Yu Siyang , Yin Haotong , Zhou Hui , Yin Chao , Fan Quli 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe development of multifunctional nanotheranostic platforms with stimuli‐responsive capabilities holds significant potential for enhancing cancer diagnosis and treatment. Herein, a glutathione (GSH)‐responsive semiconducting polymer (SP) nanotheranostic system, SP/DOX‐SS‐PEG nanoparticles (NPs), is presented, designed for combined near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) fluorescence imaging (FI) and chemo‐photothermal therapy. The amphiphilic SP (SP‐SS‐PEG) is synthesized through a multi‐step reaction sequence, including Suzuki coupling, amidation, and thiol‐disulfide exchange reactions, and subsequently encapsulates the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) through self‐assembly, resulting in the formation of GSH‐responsive SP/DOX‐SS‐PEG NPs. These SP/DOX‐SS‐PEG NPs exhibit high photothermal stability and significant GSH‐triggered DOX release. In vitro studies demonstrate that SP/DOX‐SS‐PEG NPs display enhanced cellular uptake and robust cytotoxicity against 4T1 cancer cells under 808 nm laser irradiation. Upon intravenous injection in tumor‐bearing mice, NIR‐II FI reveals efficient tumor accumulation and prolonged retention of the NPs. In vivo anti‐tumor efficacy studies indicate that SP/DOX‐SS‐PEG NPs combined with 808 nm laser irradiation achieve the most significant inhibition of tumor growth, with minimal systemic toxicity. Taken together, these findings highlight the promising potential of SP/DOX‐SS‐PEG NPs as a multifunctional platform for precision cancer theranostics, integrating efficient NIR‐II imaging, GSH‐triggered drug release, and dual chemo‐photothermal therapy.
Using Gas Molecules to Assemble Value‐Added Materials through Dynamic Gas‐Bridged Bond
Authors: Liang Xin , Wang Yangyang , Wang Yixin , Yan Qiang 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe conversion and utilization of greenhouse gases and other polluting gases in a green way represents a crucial strategy for developing C1 chemistry and mitigating the dual crises of energy scarcity and the greenhouse effect. As a class of polyatomic molecules with a relatively simple structure, gas molecules are directly involved in the assembled process as the building blocks, converting them into polymer assemblies under mild and low energy consumption, and constructing recyclable functional assembled materials, which is of great significance to enrich the building block of assembly and promote the sustainable value‐added of gas. The dynamic gas bridge is a new way of combining gas with other molecules, it provides the possibility for gas conversion and dynamic assembly. This perspective systematically introduces the formation mechanism and unique physicochemical properties of the dynamic gas bridge, and discusses the latest research progress of dynamic gas‐bridged chemistry with a particular focus on three key aspects: gas‐regulated assembled system, gas‐constructed assembled materials, and green and efficient catalysis. Finally, a perspective on critical challenges and future directions of assembled materials based on dynamic gas bridge chemistry are also highlighted.
Separability and Estimates for Eigenvalues and Singular Numbers of a Class of Hyperbolic‐Type Differential Operators
Authors: Muratbekov Mussakan , Muratbekov Madi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we study the spectral properties of a class of differential operators of hyperbolic type with variable unbounded coefficients. We find conditions for the existence of a resolvent and maximum regularity of solutions. We also find conditions that ensure the compactness of the resolvent. We obtain two‐sided estimates of approximation numbers (c‐numbers). In addition, we give an example showing how to find estimates of eigenvalues using estimates of approximation numbers.
A Compact and Continuously Tunable 360° Phase Shifter Using Cascaded Transformer‐Based 180° Reflection‐Type and Switched‐Type Phase‐Shift‐Cell
Authors: Pu Jia‐Yang , Xu Jin , Su Jia‐Hao , Zhao Ming , Liu Fang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis article presents a design method for compact and continuously tunable 360° phase shifter (PS). The proposed structure consists of a 180° reflection‐type phase shifter (RTPS) cascaded with a 180° switched‐type phase shifter (STPS). RTPS consists of a transformer‐based 90° coupler and Γ‐π reflection loads. STPS consists of a transformer and a single‐pole double‐throw (SPDT). For experimental verification, a compact and continuously tunable 360° PS with a center frequency of 1.5 GHz was designed and fabricated. From the measurement results, the proposed 360° PS provides a tunable phase shift range (PSR) of 0°–360°, with an the insertion loss (IL) of 2.85 ± 0.7 dB, which has a circuit size of 0.031 λg2.
Introducing New Products via Social Media Influencers: Pricing and Commission Strategies
Authors: Li Zhenhao , Liang Liping 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTFirms are increasingly leveraging social media influencers to enhance customer awareness of their products and generate sales. In this paper, we develop a two‐period model to investigate a firm's strategy for introducing a product via an influencer. In a promotional campaign conducted in the first period, the influencer exerts an effort to sell the product to her followers, who may disseminate the product information to non‐followers via word‐of‐mouth (WOM). In the subsequent selling period, the firm sells the product directly. We explore how factors relating to the influencer affect the firm's decisions. We find that the firm's pricing and commission contract decisions for the promotional campaign depend on the difference between the WOM effect of followers who do or do not make purchases, rather than the individual effect of each group. The firm generally offers a base pay plus sales‐based commission to influencers with high reservation payoffs and a pure sales‐based commission contract to those with low reservation payoffs. The influencer with a medium‐sized follower base receives the highest commission rate and exerts the largest promotion effort, while the firm may charge her followers the highest price. Moreover, the firm may not be better off using an influencer with a larger follower base. Additionally, we demonstrate the robustness of our major findings when there exists the network effect in the product diffusion process.
Preparation and study of methacrylic acid copolymer‐modified acrylate resins and their composites
Authors: Qin Yufang , Wang Jun , Yang Shuang , Chen Xi , Zhu Jiangjin , Zhu Weirong 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIn recent years, thermoplastic acrylate resins have been widely used due to their excellent properties, but the thermoplastic resin has a high melt viscosity, which makes it difficult to achieve a good impregnation effect with fibers. In this paper, methacrylic acid (MAA) copolymer‐modified acrylate resin composites are prepared by an in‐situ polymerization/reactive chain growth impregnation process. This process improves the intermolecular forces and the interfacial bonding between resin and fiber by introducing strong polar groups of carboxylate, thus significantly improving the overall performance of the resin matrix and its glass‐fiber (GF)–reinforced composites. Compared to the unmodified resin polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), the tensile strength was increased by 14.54%, tensile modulus by 23.36%, flexural strength by 20.05%, flexural modulus by 21.62%, impact toughness by 35.98%, and Tg by 15.42%. Compared with the unmodified composite GF/PMMA, tensile strength increased by 53.68%, tensile modulus by 38.94%, flexural strength by 24.75%, flexural modulus by 7.68%, and tensile shear strength increased by 21.44%.Highlights
MAA‐modified acrylate resin composites were prepared by in situ polymerization;
Mechanical properties of resins were enhanced due to the formation of hydrogen bonds;
Interfacial properties of composites were enhanced due to the introduction of COOH.
Improvement of toughness and road performance of unsaturated polyester resin asphalt pavement crack sealant through liquid rubber/nanoclay hybrid toughening
Authors: Zhang Hongliang , Zhu Kongfa , Kang Haonan , Wei Tongjun , Yuan Chengzhi 
Published: February 2025

AbstractTo more effectively repair cracks and reduce maintenance costs, an unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) sealant, RMUP, hybrid toughened by liquid nitrile rubber and nanomontmorillonite, was developed. The optimal preparation procedure was proposed based on the results of an orthogonal test concerning the impacts of preparation procedure parameters (sequence of modifier addition, stirring speed, and time) on its mechanical properties. The adaptability and effectiveness of RMUP for repairing pavement cracks were assessed through a series of performance tests on composite specimens repaired by RMUP sealant, including bonding performance test, low‐temperature cracking resistance test, water‐induced damage resistance test, and fatigue resistance test, as well as contrastive analysis with other available sealants. Furthermore, the toughening mechanisms involved in RMUP were elucidated with the aid of FTIR and SEM to characterize its molecular structure and fractography. The results demonstrate that RMUP sealant has superior bonding and shear strength, measuring 0.86 and 1.04 MPa, respectively, and shows favorable applicability in crack repair. The sealant can effectively and durably bond cracked pavement structures and yield repaired pavement structures with excellent resistance against water‐induced damage and fatigue. The fractography reveals that the increased toughness of RMUP is attributed to the additive toughening effect of rubber particles and nanomontmorillonite. In addition, the cross‐linking of nitrile rubber molecular chains with UPR polymer chains and the intercalation of UPR polymer chains into nano‐montmorillonite galleries further contribute to the enhanced toughness of the UPR matrix.Highlights
The addition order of modifiers impacts the mechanical properties of composites.
RMUP effectively and durably bonds cracked pavement structures.
The cross‐linking of liquid nitrile rubber with the matrix polymer chains improves composite flexibility.
The clay–polymer intercalation structure promotes the matrix's toughness.
Multiple toughening mechanisms coexist in RMUP and have an additive toughening effect.
The Influence of Irradiation Wavelength on the Growth of Polymer Brushes by SI‐PET‐RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Mérai László , Rymsha Khrystyna , Yadav Jyoti , Pester Christian W. , Fery Andreas , Besford Quinn A. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAn effective method to produce well‐defined polymer brushes with high spatial, temporal, and sequence control is to employ a photoredox catalyst in photo‐mediated polymerization. Generally, the excitation wavelength is chosen as the absorption maximum of the photocatalyst, however, it is not clear if that corresponds to the best photochemical activity for producing polymer brushes. Herein, we systematically examine wavelength‐by‐wavelength resolved polymer brush growth using surface‐initiated photoinduced electron transfer‐reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (SI‐PET‐RAFT), of four monomer types. The absorption spectra of the water‐soluble photocatalyst (ZnTPPS44−) and the brush growth at each irradiation wavelength were examined as photochemical activity plots. Our results show a striking disparity between the absorbance of the photoredox catalyst and the maximum brush height. Moreover, the photochemical activity with wavelength was highly dependent on the nature of the monomer used. In addition to displaying a strong wavelength selectivity, a characteristic red‐shift in the brush height relative to the lowest possible energy transition of the photocatalyst's absorbance spectrum was observed. We anticipate this work will better inform on wavelength choice for SI‐PET‐RAFT polymerization of polymer brushes.
Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Among Algerian Cancer Patients: Validity of the Arabic DSM‐5 PTSD Checklist (PCL‐5) and Associated Factors
Authors: Sabah Aiche , Hammadi Fethi , Lee Chiu‐Hsiang , Aljaberi Musheer A. , van Dijk Monique , Lin Chung‐Ying , Griffiths Mark D. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundCancer patients are at risk of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) throughout their treatment journey due to serious challenges (e.g., complex surgical interventions, severe pain, and side effects from chemotherapy or radiation therapy). This may worsen patients’ health and negatively impact their overall treatment journey and well‐being. However, this area remains understudied in Algeria. Therefore, there is a need to understand the levels of PTSD symptoms and the associated factors among Algerian patients. To ensure accurate assessment and diagnosis, a validation study was conducted to confirm that the PTSD measurement instrument used was culturally appropriate for the Algerian context. The study’s main objectives were to (i) determine the prevalence of PTSD among cancer patients in Algeria, (ii) validate the Arabic DSM‐5 PTSD Checklist (PCL‐5) among Algerian cancer patients, and (iii) explore the associations between demographic and clinical factors and PTSD among this population.MethodsThe present study was cross‐sectional and comprised 370 cancer patients. All participants were patients receiving treatment in oncology wards across various hospitals. All participants completed the PCL‐5. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structure of the PCL‐5.ResultsThe PCL‐5 was found to have a four‐factor structure. Out of the 370 participants, 154 (41.6%) had PCL‐5 scores below the cutoff of 31, indicating lower levels of PTSD symptoms; 216 participants (58.4%) had scores above this threshold, suggesting a likelihood of PTSD. Moreover, PTSD was significantly associated with patients' low educational attainment and more advanced stages of their disease.ConclusionsThe findings indicated moderate to high PTSD symptoms among cancer patients in Algeria. Moreover, the Arabic PCL‐5 demonstrated good psychometric properties confirming that it is a reliable and valid tool for assessing PTSD symptoms among Algerian cancer patients.
The Landscape of Supportive Care Needs Among Prostate Cancer Patients in New Zealand: A Cross‐Ethnic Analysis
Authors: Xiao Hui , Baxter G. David , Liu Lizhou , Hoeta Tobias , Wibowo Erik 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is a significant health burden within New Zealand (NZ). Survival gains from prostate cancer have created a shift in focus from survival towards quality of life (QoL) and supportive care during extended survivorship.MethodWe launched a nation‐wide cross‐sectional survey and recruited three cohorts of 1000 men with prostate cancer (men diagnosed with prostate cancer within 1 year, between 1 and 3 years, and between 3 and 5 years) as well as an additional Māori men group (N = 4000 in total). The survey instruments measured quality of life, supportive care needs, and care service utilization.ResultsAnalysis of 1075 responses revealed that Māori men experienced lower quality of life and reported greater unmet supportive care needs. Information and psychology needs were mostly reported in both Māori and non‐ Māori groups. Key predictors of these needs included mental health conditions, hormonal imbalances, and employment status.ConclusionThe study highlights significant ethnic disparities in the supportive care needs of New Zealand prostate cancer survivors (PCS), emphasizing the necessity for tailored, culturally sensitive healthcare interventions. Addressing the complex determinants of these needs is crucial for enhancing the well‐being of all PCS.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsActively seeking health information and mental health counselling would significantly benefit PCS by reducing unmet supportive care needs and improving overall quality of life. This approach encourages survivors to take an active role in their healthcare, potentially leading to better health outcomes and enhanced well‐being.
Thermal Behavior of Explosive Fireballs as a Function of Charge Size
Authors: Ritchie Cole , Dean Steven W , McNesby Kevin L , Benjamin Richard A , Pantoya Michelle L. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTPost‐detonation fireball temperatures were measured as a function of charge size for pentolite spheres ranging from 13 to 165 g using video pyrometry. The charges were detonated in an open environment with diagnostics positioned to monitor the optical emission intensity as a function of time. The emission data was analyzed for temperature and a threshold intensity was used to identify the thermal growth and decay of a fireball as a function of explosive charge size. Experiments used three‐color imaging pyrometry (i.e., spatially and temporally resolved measurements) and spectrograph‐based pyrometry (i.e., spatially averaged measurements over a broader spectral range) to calculate temperatures. Results show fireball growth and decay rates are similar for the larger charge masses (55 and 165 g) and reduced by about 50% for the smaller charge mass (13 g). When the data are normalized spatially and temporally, the scaling of thermal growth and decay are nearly identical.