Mid-infrared ellipsometry enhanced by means of localized electromagnetic states of a one-dimensional photonic crystal.

This study explores the potential of Bloch surface waves (BSWs) at the interface of a finite one-dimensional photonic crystal (1D-PC) and vacuum, exploiting spectroscopic ellipsometry in a range that encompasses the mid-infrared (4000 cm to 200 cm). BSWs can be excited in both σ and π polarizations, which in the ellipsometric configuration can be detected at the same time, presenting distinct advantages for sensor applications targeting the growth of thin solid films and molecular monolayers, surface-adsorbed gas molecules, and liquid droplets. Compared to other sensing techniques exploiting mid-infrared vibrational absorption lines for chemical-specific sensitivity, like waveguides, nano-antenna arrays, metasurfaces, attenuated total reflectance (ATR) in crystals or in optical fibers, the present approach features high field enhancements, strong field confinement, and large quality factors of the resonances, all while relying on a rather simple and potentially low-cost configuration.

Insight into the Propagation of Interface Acoustic Waves in Rotated YX-LiNbO/SU-8/Si Structures.

The propagation of interface acoustic waves (IAWs) along rotated YX-LiNbO/SU-8/ZX-Si structures is theoretically investigated to identify the Y-rotation angles that support the efficient propagation of low-loss modes guided along the structure's interface. A three-dimensional finite element analysis was performed to simulate IAW propagation in the layered structure and to optimize design parameters, specifically the thicknesses of the platinum (Pt) interdigital transducers (IDTs) and the SU-8 adhesive layer. The simulations revealed the existence of two types of IAWs travelling at different velocities under specific Y-rotated cuts of the LiNbO half-space.

Mapping Excited-State Decay Mechanisms in Acetylacetone by Sub-20 fs Time-Resolved Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

Excited-State Intramolecular Hydrogen Transfer (ESIHT) is one of the fastest chemical reactions, occurring on the order of tens of femtoseconds and playing a critical role in light-driven biological processes and technological applications. Here, we investigate the early stages of coupled nuclear-electron dynamics using acetylacetone (AcAc) as a model system exhibiting ESIHT. We employ ultraviolet-extreme ultraviolet (UV-XUV) time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (tr-PES) with sub-20 fs resolution in combination with high-level dynamically correlated simulations (CASPT2) to map the electronic relaxation pathways and vibrational modes driving this process.

Structural Properties and Stability of Proteins in Dihydrolevoglucosenone/Water Mixtures.

Dihydrolevoglucosenone (DHL) shows great promise as an alternative to conventional toxic organic solvents widely used for industrial purposes. In this framework, evaluating the potential of DHL (commercially known as Cyrene) as a solvent for dissolving proteins is of great importance. Here, the effect of DHL/water mixtures on protein stability and solubility has been assessed.

Organ-on-chip immunostaining method for three-dimensional identification and study of immune cells responding to drug-treated tumor cells.

Epigenetic deregulation is implied in cancer initiation and resistance to antitumor drugs. In melanoma, aberrant DNA hypermethylation is frequently observed, resulting in the silencing of several genes involved in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, tumor growth and drug resistance. DNA hypomethylating agents have been recently evaluated in both preclinical and clinical studies as a strategy to restore tumor suppressor genes and to increase immune recognition by tumors, highlighting their potential in pre-clinical models of melanoma.

Aggressive B-cell lymphomas retain ATR-dependent determinants of T-cell exclusion from the Germinal Center Dark Zone.

The germinal center (GC) dark zone (DZ) and light zone (LZ) represent distinct anatomical regions in lymphoid tissue where B-cell proliferation, immunoglobulin diversification, and selection are coordinated. Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphomas (DLBCL) with DZ-like gene expression profiles exhibit poor outcomes, though reasons are unclear and are not directly related to proliferation. Physiological DZs exhibit an exclusion of T-cells, prompting exploration for whether T-cell paucity contributes to DZ-like DLBCL.

The Trajectories of Neuromuscular Aging (TRAJECTOR-AGE Clinical Trial): Study Rationale and Methodological Protocol.

Objectives: To examine the structural, metabolic, and functional trajectories of neuromuscular decline in aging and identify key mechanisms and early biomarkers to guide interventions preserving function and independence.

Design: The TRAJECTOR-AGE project is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study conducted over 2 years across multiple centers in Italy.

Setting And Participants: Community-dwelling, physically and cognitively healthy middle-aged (50-60 years) and older (> 70 years) adults are recruited.

Raman Gas Sensor for Hydrogen Detection via Non-Dispersive and Dispersive Approaches.

The current solicitude in hydrogen production and its utilization as a greenhouse-neutral energy vector pushed deep interest in developing new and reliable systems intended for its detection. Most sensors available on the market offer reliable performance; however, their limitations, such as restricted dynamic range, hysteresis, reliance on consumables, transducer-sample interaction, and sample dispersion into the environment, are not easily overcome. In this paper, a non-dispersive Raman effect-based system is presented and compared with its dispersive alternative.

The Role of the Critical Coronoid Angle in Simple Elbow Dislocation: A Computed Tomography-Based Index to Stratify Elbow Dislocation Risk.

Elbow primary stability is guaranteed by the anatomical congruency between the humeral trochlea and the greater sigmoid notch (GSN). Elbow dislocation typically occurs in a semi-extended position, but computed tomography (CT) scans are typically acquired at 90° of elbow flexion, which may misleadingly suggest that the apex of the coronoid aligns with the trochlear center of rotation. This study aims to evaluate the anatomical features of the coronoid and GSN in a dislocated versus non-dislocated group, demonstrating that a more prominent coronoid process is more commonly observed in elbows without dislocation compared to those with dislocation.

Effect of RNA on the supramolecular architecture of α-synuclein fibrils.

Structural changes associated with protein aggregation are challenging to study, requiring the combination of experimental techniques providing insights at the molecular level across diverse scales, ranging from nanometers to microns. Understanding these changes is even more complex when aggregation occurs in the presence of molecular cofactors such as nucleic acids and when the resulting aggregates are highly polymorphic. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying protein aggregates since it combines the label-free sensitivity to the cross-β architecture, an inherent feature of protein supramolecular aggregates, with the possibility to reach nanoscale sensitivity by leveraging atomic force microscopy (AFM)-assisted detection.

Enhanced Quantum Magnetometry with a Femtosecond Laser-Written Integrated Photonic Diamond Chip.

Ensemble negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond are promising quantum sensors. To optimize their sensitivity, it is crucial to increase the number of spins sampled and maximize their coupling to the detection system without degrading their spin properties. In this paper, we demonstrate enhanced quantum magnetometry via a buried laser-written waveguide in diamond with 4.

Isotope Effect on the Few-Femtosecond Relaxation Dynamics of the Ethylene Cation.

Few-femtosecond extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) pulses with tunable energy are employed to initiate the Jahn-Teller structural rearrangement in the ethylene cation. We report on a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of an unusual isotope effect on the low-energy competing H/D-loss and H/D-loss channels observed in the ultrafast dynamics induced by an EUV-pump pulse and probed by an infrared (IR) pulse. The relative production yields of CD, CD, and CD exhibit pronounced oscillations with a period of ∼50 fs as a function of the pump-probe delay, while the oscillatory patterns are less pronounced for CH.

Two-photon polymerization of miniaturized 3D scaffolds optimized for studies on glioblastoma multiforme in spaceflight-like microgravity conditions.

The obtainment of innovative models recalling complex tumour architectures and activitiesis a challenging drive in the understanding of pathology molecular bases, yet it is a crucial path to the identification of targets for advanced oncotherapy. Cell environment recapitulation by 3D scaffolding and gravitational unloading of cell cultures represent powerful means in tumour biomimicry processes, but their simultaneous adoption has consistently been explored only in the latest decade. Here, an unprecedented bioengineering approach capitalizing on spaceflight biology practice is proposed for modelling of glioblastoma multiforme, a highly aggressive neoplasm that affects the central nervous system and has poorly effective pharmacological and radiological countermeasures.

Immunogenic Cell Death Inducers in Cancer Immunotherapy to Turn Cold Tumors into Hot Tumors.

The combination of chemotherapeutic agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, its success is often limited by insufficient immune priming in certain tumors, including pediatric malignancies. In this report, we explore clinical trials currently investigating the use of immunogenic cell death (ICD)-inducing chemotherapies in combination with ICIs for both adult and pediatric cancers.

Microcalcifications in breast cancer tissue studied by X-ray absorption, emission, scattering and diffraction.

Microcalcifications (MC) are observed in various tissues and in relation to several diseases. For breast cancer, recent studies have reported differences in the nature of the MC and correlations to the degree of malignancy of the neoplasm. Here, investigations of benign, ductal carcinoma (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) breast MC using X-ray fluorescence, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and wide-angle X-ray scattering are reported.

Giant Light Emission Enhancement in Strain-Engineered InSe/MS (M = Mo or W) van der Waals Heterostructures.

Two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures (HSs) offer unlimited possibilities for playing with layer number, order, and twist angle. The realization of high-performance optoelectronic devices, however, requires the achievement of specific band alignments, -space matching between conduction and valence band extrema, and efficient charge transfer between the constituent layers. Fine-tuning mechanisms to design ideal HSs are lacking.

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.

Interface Acoustic Waves in 128° YX-LiNbO/SU-8/Overcoat Structures.

The propagation of interface acoustic waves (IAWs) in 128° YX-LiNbO/SU-8/overcoat structures was theoretically studied and experimentally investigated for different types of overcoat materials and thicknesses of the SU-8 adhesive layer. Three-dimensional finite element method analysis was performed using Comsol Multiphysics software to design an optimized multilayer configuration able to achieve an efficient guiding effect of the IAW at the LiNbO/overcoat interface. Numerical analysis results showed the following: (i) an overcoat faster than the piezoelectric half-space ensures that the wave propagation is confined mainly close to the surface of the LiNbO, although with minimal scattering in the overcoat; (ii) the presence of the SU-8, in addition to performing the essential function of an adhesive layer, can also promote the trapping of the acoustic energy toward the surface of the piezoelectric substrate; and (iii) the electromechanical coupling efficiency of the IAW is very close to that of the surface acoustic wave (SAW) along the bare LiNbO half-space.

A 3D millifluidic model of a dermal perivascular microenvironment on a chip.

The process of angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in skin regeneration, ensuring the provision of nutrients and oxygen to the nascent tissue, thanks to the formation of novel microvascular networks supporting functional tissue regeneration. Unfortunately, most of the current therapeutic approaches for skin regeneration lack vascularization, required to promote effective angiogenesis. Thus, tridimensional models, complemented with specific biochemical signals, can be a valuable tool to unravel the neovascularization mechanisms and develop novel clinical strategies.

Membrane-targeted push-pull azobenzenes for the optical modulation of membrane potential.

We introduce a family of membrane-targeted azobenzenes (MTs) with a push-pull character as a new tool for cell stimulation. These molecules are water soluble and spontaneously partition in the cell membrane. Upon light irradiation, they isomerize from trans to cis, changing the local charge distribution and thus stimulating the cell response.

Application of a Multi-Gas Detector for Monitoring Gas Composition in Minced Beef During Storage.

This study aims to assess the capability of using a specially designed device to monitor changes in gas concentration (CO, NH, HS, and O) in the atmosphere above the minced beef meat, during storage at refrigerated temperature. With its array of sensing channels, the multi-gas detector device facilitates the detection of precise gas concentrations in sensitive environments, enabling the monitoring of various processes occurring within stored meat. To delve into the connection between microbial activity and gas emissions during storage, fluctuations in microbial populations in the meat were observed, focusing on prevalent meat microbiota such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and .

Crosstalk and communication of cancer-associated fibroblasts with natural killer and dendritic cells: New frontiers and unveiled opportunities for cancer immunotherapy.

Natural killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells (DCs) are critical mediators of anti-cancer immune responses. In addition to their individual roles, NK cells and DCs are involved in intercellular crosstalk which is essential for the initiation and coordination of adaptive immunity against cancer. However, NK cell and DC activity is often compromised in the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Real-time impedance-activated dielectrophoretic actuation for reconfigurable manipulation of single flowing particles.

This work presents an innovative all-electrical platform for selective single-particle manipulation. The platform combines microfluidic impedance cytometry for label-free particle characterization and dielectrophoresis for contactless multi-way particle separation. The microfluidic chip has a straightforward coplanar electrode layout and no particle pre-focusing mechanism is required.

Nanochannels in Fused Silica through NaOH Etching Assisted by Femtosecond Laser Irradiation.

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is increasingly drawing attention as a highly selective etchant for femtosecond laser-modified fused silica. Unprecedented etching contrasts between the irradiated and pristine areas have enabled the fabrication of hollow, high-aspect-ratio structures in the bulk of the material, overcoming the micrometer threshold as the minimum feature size. In this work, we systematically study the effect of NaOH solutions under different etching conditions (etchant concentration, temperature, and etching time) on the tracks created by tightly focused femtosecond laser pulses to assess the best practices for the fabrication of hollow nanostructures in bulk fused silica.