Browse Articles

Self-aligned plasmonic-nanofluidic system by continuous laser manufacturing

The plasmonic−nanofluidic system incorporates the nanoplasmonic metal structure with nanofluidic channel, exhibiting improved performance in optofluidic sensing. However, the device requires sophisticated nanofabrication, which is the main bottleneck for the practical applications. Here, we proposed a self-aligned plasmonic-nanofluidic device, in which both nanochannel and plasmonic nanostructures are readily fabricated and self-aligned by using only one step of direct laser writing. Specifically, we use a single gold subwavelength nanochannel to simultaneously apply both spatial confinement and plasmonic enhancement. Furthermore, instead of using an ultrafast laser, we demonstrate the feasibility of drilling nanochannels on suspended substrate using continuous lasers. In contrast to conventional plasmonic nanochannels with plasmonic enhancement only under transverse magnetic (TM) mode laser, our sample presents obvious plasmonic effects under both TM and transverse electric mode lasers, which is beneficial for improving the overall signal. Our method has great potential in the widespread adoption of the plasmonic-nanofluidic system.

Spatiotemporal survival analysis for movement trajectory tracking in virtual reality

Abstract We present a novel method for analyzing response trajectory tracking data. Limiting behavioral experiments to discrete, key-press response measures, such as reaction times and accuracy, is unsatisfactory for observing the ongoing dynamics of cognition. We assessed the utility of continuous response tracking in Virtual Reality (VR) by comparing it to key-press responses in a classical N-back matching task. For elucidatory purposes, in both classical and VR versions of the task we first worked through analyses of discrete measures, before drawing information from the continuous trajectory tracking data in VR. Classical ANOVAs reproduced effects of visual working memory load in an N-back task. Violations of ANOVA assumptions suggested effects were buried in the noise; some of these were revealed in subsequent survival analyses, namely frequency neglect (a strong preference for match responses despite the infrequency of this response category) in the fast responses and category frequency-tuned response in the slow responses. Spatiotemporal survival analysis (StSA), our newly proposed method of analyzing response trajectories, revealed that all these effects also occur in the VR conditions. In addition, initial divergences towards the wrong responses were corrected later in the course of trajectories in the non-Match trials. While the StSA method is theory-free and can be used for exploratory purposes, we present examples of hypothesis testing in StSA.

4.2 V O3‐Layered Cathodes in Sodium‐Ion Pouch Cells Enabled by an Intermolecular‐Reinforced Ether Electrolyte

AbstractTo fulfill the requirements for practical applications, it is urgent to boost the gravimetric energy density of sodium‐ion batteries. An effective way is to increase the charging voltage of O3‐type layered cathodes preferably to 4.2 V versus Na/Na+ (VNa). Nevertheless, it is extremely challenging to achieve stable cycling of the cathodes at such a high cut‐off voltage. Here a novel electrolyte strategy to design an intermolecular‐reinforced electrolyte (IRE) is presented, utilizing meticulously protected ether molecules, which facilitates stable high‐voltage cycling of the commercially viable NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 (NFM). While the NFM with the IRE exhibits a high specific capacity of ≈158 mAh g−1 at 4.2 VNa (130 mAh g−1 at 4.0 VNa), the aggressive cathode surface can still be effectively stabilized by the formation of favorable thin and inorganic‐rich cathode−electrolyte interfaces. Remarkably, under a high cut‐off voltage of 4.2 VNa, an industrial ampere‐hour‐level NFM||hard carbon pouch cell with the IRE electrolyte shows an excellent long‐term cycling stability with 82.8% capacity retention after 800 cycles, largely outperforming the localized high‐concentration electrolyte (82.9% after 200 cycles).

Intermittent or Continuous Panitumumab Plus Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Irinotecan for First-Line Treatment of <i>RAS</i> and <i>BRAF</i> Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The IMPROVE Trial

PURPOSE To investigate whether intermittent treatment after an induction phase of first-line schedule of fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) plus panitumumab (PAN) prevents or delays the onset of resistance and improves safety and compliance with treatment in patients with unresectable RAS / BRAF wild-type (wt) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS IMPROVE (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04425239 ) was an open-label, multicenter, randomized phase II noncomparative trial. Patients with unresectable RAS / BRAF wt mCRC were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive FOLFIRI plus PAN continuously until progression (arm A) or intermittently, with treatment-free intervals (arm B) until progression on treatment, toxicity, or death. The primary end point was progression-free survival on treatment (PFSot) at 12 months. Assuming a null hypothesis of median PFSot time ≤7 months and target PFSot ≥10 months, 65 patients per arm were needed to achieve 80% power and 10% type I error, according to the binomial test. RESULTS Between May 2018 and June 2021, 69 patients were randomly assigned to arm A and 68 to arm B. The median number of treatment cycles was 13 in arm A and 16 in arm B. At a median follow-up of 43.2 months (IQR, 35.0-50.5), median PFSot was 11.2 and 17.5 months with 12-month PFSot rates of 45.7% and 58.5%, for arms A and B, respectively. The overall response rates were 68.1% and 61.2%, and median overall survival rates were 36.3 and 35.1 months in arms A and B, respectively. The overall rate of grade &gt;2 skin PAN-related adverse events was 30.3% in arm A and 17.9% in arm B. CONCLUSION Intermittent FOLFIRI plus PAN after the induction phase was feasible, and the primary end point was met with reduced toxicity while allowing patients more time off treatment.

Ultrafast quasiparticle relaxation dynamics in the topological materials LaSbTe and CeSbTe

We utilize ultrafast time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy to investigate photoinduced quasiparticle dynamics in the topological materials LaSbTe and CeSbTe. Our results reveal that the relaxation dynamics in both materials are characterized by two distinct decay channels. In LaSbTe, the amplitude of the photoinduced reflectivity related to the first decay channel exhibits two pronounced peaks at 163 and 280 K, whereas in CeSbTe, a single peak emerges at 165 K. These observations are strongly indicative of charge-density-wave phase transition(s). Notably, the temperature dependence of the relaxation time for this decay process in CeSbTe deviates from that in LaSbTe, probably due to the influence of 4f electrons. For the second decay process, LaSbTe exhibits behaviors dominated by phonon-assisted electron–hole recombination, while CeSbTe demonstrates a slower relaxation at low temperatures, possibly due to the imbalance between electron- and hole-type carriers. Furthermore, two coherent phonon modes around 1 and 3 THz are identified in both LaSbTe and CeSbTe. Remarkably, the phonon amplitudes in CeSbTe exhibit an unusual decrease with decreasing temperature until a very low temperature, which can potentially be ascribed to spin–phonon interactions. These findings reveal nonequilibrium charge dynamics and collective excitation in LaSbTe and CeSbTe, offering insights into the underlying physics of topological materials.

Modeling methodology for thermo-structural analysis of V-NAND flash memory structure

Phase II Study of Acalabrutinib, Venetoclax, and Obinutuzumab in a Treatment-Naïve Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Population Enriched for High-Risk Disease

PURPOSE The AMPLIFY trial recently established fixed-duration acalabrutinib, venetoclax, and obinutuzumab (AVO) as a new standard-of-care option for patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with wild-type TP53 ; however, due to the chemoimmunotherapy control arm, AMPLIFY excluded patients with high-risk TP53 aberration, for whom current standards of care are continuous Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy or alternatively fixed-duration venetoclax-based doublets. AVO has not previously been evaluated in patients with CLL with TP53 aberration. METHODS This investigator-sponsored, multicenter, phase II study enrolled patients with treatment-naïve CLL enriched for high-risk CLL, defined by TP53 aberration (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03580928 ). Patients received acalabrutinib, obinutuzumab, and then venetoclax, with each treatment introduced sequentially and in combination, with the duration guided by measurable residual disease (MRD). Patients who achieved undetectable MRD (uMRD) after either 15 or 24 cycles could discontinue treatment. The primary end point was complete remission (CR) with bone marrow uMRD (BM-uMRD) at the start of cycle 16. RESULTS Seventy-two patients were accrued, including 45 patients with TP53 aberration. The CR with BM-uMRD rates at the start of cycle 16 were 42% in patients with TP53 aberration and 42% in all-comers, and the BM-uMRD rates were 71% and 78%, respectively. Hematologic toxicities were mainly low grade, and cardiovascular toxicities and bleeding complications were infrequent. After a median follow-up of 55.2 months, 10 patients had progressed, including four with transformation, and three patients died. Four-year progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with or without TP53 aberration were 70%/96% and 88%/100%, respectively. CONCLUSION AVO was highly active and well tolerated in patients with previously untreated high-risk CLL, supporting its use as a new standard-of-care treatment option.

Charge localization in optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications: Computational perspective

Charge localization is an important phenomenon that influences various material properties, including excited-state energetics, charge transport, catalytic activity, and recombination. As such, it has significant implications for optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications. In this Perspective, we begin by addressing the methodological challenges associated with modeling localized charges, highlighting their complexity and the need for accurate computational approaches. We then discuss how charge localization impacts the performance of solar cells and photocatalysts, providing specific examples to illustrate these effects. Connections between theoretical predictions and experimental observations are explored to underline the importance of integrating modeling and experiments. Finally, we outline future research directions, emphasizing the development of advanced methods to better capture localized charge behavior and its role in materials design.

A familial study of a de novo FGG gene mutation causing congenital hypofibrinogenaemia and intervention during pregnancy and childbirth

Creating Single Atomic Coordination for Hypoxia‐Resistant Pyroptosis Nano‐Inducer to Boost Anti‐Tumor Immunotherapy

Abstract General synthesis and mechanical understanding of type I nano‐photosensitizers are of great importance for hypoxia‐resistant pyroptosis inducers. Herein, a simple solvothermal treatment is developed to convert non‐photosensitive small molecules (hemin) into uniform carbon nanodots (HNCDs) with strong type I photodynamic activity and red fluorescence emission. These HNCDs inherit the single atomic Fe–N 4 center of hemin while creating sp 2 ‐hybridized carbon surroundings, which synergistically modulated the energy level and electron transfer for converting the type II photodynamic process to type I. After encapsulating HNCDs with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to facilitate in vivo applications, the resulting BSA nanoparticles (HB) can image tumors and significantly induce the pyroptosis of tumor cells even under an extremely hypoxic environment (2% O 2 ). This evokes a strong antitumor immune response, effectively restraining tumor growth and lung metastasis in triple‐negative breast cancer mice, with good biocompatibility. This work introduces an applicable pyroptosis nano‐inducer to combat hypoxic tumors and highlights the regulation of Fe–N 4 centers to develop hypoxia‐resistant type I nano‐photosensitizers for cancer treatment.

Axillary Surgery for Patients With Residual Isolated Tumor Cells (ypN0i+) After Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy for Early Breast Cancer

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology , to patients seen in their own clinical practice .

Multifunctional VO2 metasurface thermal emitter with switchable radiation bandwidth and direction

The controllability of the spectral width and intensity of long-wave infrared (LWIR) emission is essential for various applications, including optical stealth, infrared radiation sources, and infrared lasers. Here, we proposed a multifunctional LWIR metasurface emitter with a switchable radiation state, which consists of germanium (Ge) rectangular pair resonators placed on a vanadium oxide (VO2) film. By manipulating the reversible metal-to-insulator phase transition of phase change material VO2, the spatial and spectral emission characteristics could be dynamically controlled. The high loss of metallic VO2 enables broadband emission in the LWIR band. The average emissivity in the 8–12 μm range reaches 91.3% and exhibits wide-angle emission properties. When the VO2 is transformed to the insulating phase, the coupling effect of the symmetry-breaking rectangle with two quasi-bound states in the continuum modes enhances the emission intensity of VO2 at a selective wavelength. This results in narrowband emission with a high-quality factor (Q-factor) and high directional selectivity. Notably, the emission peak's linewidth is only 28 nm, with a Q-factor of 293, and the average emissivity in the 8–12 μm range drops to 9.4%. Overall, the proposed metasurface device achieves an LWIR emissivity switching ratio of 9.7 between its two operating modes, showcasing significant differences in spectral and spatial radiation characteristics.

Adoption of nature based solutions for energy transition in rural households of Northern Nigeria

2D AgTiPS₆: a Cross‐Stacked In‐Plane Anisotropic Semiconductor for Broadband and Polarization‐Sensitive Photodetection

Abstract2D anisotropic materials, typically consisting of 1D distorted chains arranged in parallel or anti‐parallel patterns, are gaining attention for their potential in anisotropic electronic and optoelectronic devices. 2D anisotropic materials with cross‐stacked interconnected 1D chains will show improved anisotropy and stability. Nonetheless, to date, no 2D anisotropic materials featuring cross‐stacked motifs have been experimentally realized. This work identifies AgTiPS6 atomic layers, the 2D in‐plane anisotropic material with cross‐stacked structural motifs, as an n‐type semiconductor with a 1.0 eV band gap. Significantly, the unique cross‐stacked configuration of 2D AgTiPS6 results in a significant in‐plane anisotropy, with electrical and optoelectrical anisotropies measuring 5.44 and 2.44, respectively, as well as an axially orientation selectivity. Meanwhile, a broadband response from visible (Vis, 405 nm) to middle infrared (MIR, 10.6 µm) is achieved in the AgTiPS6‐based photodetector, with the photoresponse above the bandgap attributed to photothermoelectric effect. Furthermore, 2D AgTiPS6 has demonstrated environmental stability exceeding 12 months and a laser damage threshold exceeding 10 W cm−2, attributed to its extra‐thick monolayer (1.32 nm). This work introduces a novel in‐plane anisotropic material, expanding the repertoire of 2D anisotropic materials and offering potential for the development of anisotropic electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Integration of Through‐Sapphire Substrate Machining with Superconducting Quantum Processors

Abstract A sapphire machining process integrated with intermediate‐scale quantum processors is demonstrated. The process allows through‐substrate electrical connections, necessary for low‐frequency mode‐mitigation, as well as signal‐routing, which are vital as quantum computers scale in qubit number, and thus dimension. High‐coherence qubits are required to build fault‐tolerant quantum computers and so material choices are an important consideration when developing a qubit technology platform. Sapphire, as a low‐loss dielectric substrate, has shown to support high‐coherence qubits. In addition, recent advances in material choices such as tantalum and titanium‐nitride, both deposited on a sapphire substrate, have demonstrated qubit lifetimes exceeding 0.3 ms. However, the lack of any process equivalent of deep‐silicon etching to create through‐substrate‐vias in sapphire, or to inductively shunt large dies, has limited sapphire to small‐scale processors, or necessitates the use of chiplet architecture. Here, a sapphire machining process that is compatible with high‐coherence qubits is presented. This technique immediately provides a means to scale quantum processing units (QPUs) with integrated mode‐mitigation, and provides a route toward the development of through‐sapphire‐vias, both of which allow the advantages of sapphire to be leveraged as well as facilitating the use of sapphire‐compatible materials for large‐scale QPUs.

Annual Versus Biennial Mammographic Screening

Achieving high mobility and enhanced illumination stability in InPrO homojunction thin-film transistors

Amorphous oxide semiconductor thin-film transistors (TFTs) are widely used in display technology, yet balancing high mobility with illumination stability is challenging. In this article, we report a homojunction TFT based on Pr-doped In2O3 (InPrO), where the oxygen partial pressure is modulated to control device's mobility and stability significantly. Combining the characteristic of enhanced mobility at low oxygen partial pressure and the enhanced recombination role of Pr at high oxygen partial pressure, compatibility between high mobility and high illumination stability is achieved. This InPrO homojunction TFT exhibits excellent electrical characteristics, including a mobility of 50 cm2/Vs, a threshold voltage of 0.1 V, an Ion/off of 108, and a subthreshold swing of 0.1 V/dec. It also demonstrates enhanced stability, with threshold voltage shifts of −0.6 V for negative bias stress, 1.0 V for positive bias stress, and −0.9 V for negative bias illumination stress. This work provides a pathway for advancing AOS TFTs in transparent display technologies.

Wearable cardioverter defibrillator after ICD-system explantation: data from a multicenter registry

Abstract Data on the use of the wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) among patients after cardiac implantable electronic device explantation of 1- to 3-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator systems (ICD) are sparse. Accordingly, several guidelines give a different recommendation regarding WCD indication in this cohort. We aimed to study the baseline characteristics and outcome of patients treated with WCD after ICD explantation. The primary outcome is appropriate WCD shock. Within a multicenter registry 109 patients received a WCD to bridge the time after ICD-system explantation until reimplantation due to a persistent ICD-indication. The mean follow-up was 824 ± 773 days. In addition to ventricular tachyarrhythmias and/or WCD shocks during WCD wear time, also the rate of rehospitalization for ventricular tachyarrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, stroke and congestive heart failure after ICD-reimplantation was evaluated. Patients had a mean age of 65 ± 14 years, and were hospitalized for 21 ± 15 days. The index left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was at baseline 35.7 ± 14.1% and 35.7 ± 14.2% at short-term follow-up. Mean wear time of the WCD was 61 ± 46 days after ICD-system explantation. During that time an appropriate WCD shock was documented in 7.3% of patients. Up to 80.6% of patients after ICD-system explantation were re-implanted. The rates of rehospitalization due to ventricular tachyarrhythmias, heart failure and atrial fibrillation were 7.3%, 6.8% and 4.1%, respectively. After ICD-reimplantation the rate of appropriate shocks was 12/89 (13.4%). Occurrence of malignant ventricular tachyarrythmia after ICD-system explantation is high and the use of WCD among these patients could be beneficial in preventing sudden cardiac death.

Ordering‐Structured Antiferroelectric Composite Ceramics for Energy Storage Applications

AbstractDielectric capacitors possessing high power density and ultrashort discharge time are valuable for high‐power energy storage applications. However, achieving high energy storage density remains challenging due to the limited breakdown strength of dielectric ceramics. In this study, inspired by the layered architecture of natural nacre and with the guidance of phase‐field simulations, a strategy of constructing a nacre‐like layered structure is proposed to improve the breakdown strength and energy storage density of the ceramics. This unique structure is formed by controlling the morphology and ordering of high‐voltage‐resistant fillers in a ceramic matrix. The (Pb0.98La0.02)(Zr0.7Sn0.3)0.995O3‐Al2O3 antiferroelectric composite ceramics, containing 5vol% parallel‐aligned Al2O3 plates, demonstrate a remarkable enhancement in breakdown strength from 390 to 570 kV cm−1. Of particular importance is that an ultrahigh recoverable energy storage density of up to 13.2 J cm−3 is achieved, representing a 50% enhancement compared to the pure ceramic (8.7 J cm−3). The parallel‐aligned Al2O3 plates are strongly bound together with the ceramic matrix, effectively blocking charge migration and controlling the breakdown path, thus greatly enhancing the voltage endurance of the composite ceramics. This work provides an innovative approach to designing high‐performance composite ceramics for next‐generation energy storage applications.

Surface Modification of 3D Biomimetic Shark Denticle Structures for Drag Reduction

Abstract Shark skin features superhydrophilic and riblet‐textured denticles that provide drag reduction, antifouling, and mechanical protection. The artificial riblet structures exhibit drag reduction capabilities in turbulent flow. However, the effects of the surface wettability of shark denticles and the cavity region underneath the denticle crown on drag reduction remain insufficiently explored. Here, 3D printing is utilized to fabricate realistic staggered and overlapped denticle arrays, modified to achieve superhydrophilic, superhydrophobic, and hybrid configurations, including external riblets hydrophilic/internal cavities hydrophobic (ELIB), and vice versa (EBIL). Denticles of varying heights are also fabricated. The results indicate that superhydrophobic, ELIB, and EBIL denticles outperform superhydrophilic ones in reducing drag, achieving a peak drag reduction rate of ≈20%. Notably, shorter denticles further improve drag reduction. Reduced vortex formation within the underneath cavity correlates with improved drag reduction. These vortices can function similarly to rolling bearings while facilitating momentum exchange and increasing skin friction drag. Superhydrophobic or partially superhydrophobic denticles (ELIBD/EBILD) mitigate this effect. This study suggests that sharks may secrete mucus on specific sections of their denticles to further reduce vorticity and drag, offering novel insights into the biomimetic design of shark denticles for optimized drag reduction.