Polarization Modulation Research Articles

Interleukin-4 from curcumin-activated OECs emerges as a central modulator for increasing M2 polarization of microglia/macrophage in OEC anti-inflammatory activity for functional repair of spinal cord injury

Microglia/macrophages are major contributors to neuroinflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) injury and exhibit either pro- or anti-inflammatory phenotypes in response to specific microenvironmental signals. Our latest in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that curcumin-treated olfactory ensheathing cells (aOECs) can effectively enhance neural survival and axonal outgrowth, and transplantation of aOECs improves the neurological outcome after spinal cord injury (SCI). The therapeutic effect is largely attributed to aOEC anti-inflammatory activity through the modulation of microglial polarization from the M1 to M2 phenotype. However, very little is known about what viable molecules from aOECs are actively responsible for the switch of M1 to M2 microglial phenotypes and the underlying mechanisms of microglial polarization. Herein, we show that Interleukin-4 (IL-4) plays a leading role in triggering the M1 to M2 microglial phenotype, appreciably decreasing the levels of M1 markers IL‑1β, IL‑6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and elevating the levels of M2 markers Arg-1, TGF-β, IL-10, and CD206. Strikingly, blockade of IL-4 signaling by siRNA and a neutralizing antibody in aOEC medium reverses the transition of M1 to M2, and the activated microglia stimulated with the aOEC medium lacking IL-4 significantly decreases neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth. In addition, transplantation of aOECs improved the neurological function deficits after SCI in rats. More importantly, the crosstalk between JAK1/STAT1/3/6-targeted downstream signals and NF-κB/SOCS1/3 signaling predominantly orchestrates IL-4-modulated microglial polarization event. These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of aOECs driving the M1-to-M2 shift of microglia and shed light on new therapies for SCI through the modulation of microglial polarization.

Ultrafast All‐Optical Control of Light Chirality with Nanostructured Graphene

AbstractUltrafast nanophotonics is a rapidly growing area of study focused on creating nanodevices that can modulate the properties of light at, to this date, unparalleled speed. To facilitate the growth of this field, there is a growing need for compact metamaterial designs for the manipulation of the amplitude, phase, and polarization of light. One promising strategy involves leveraging the optical nonlinearity of nanostructured materials to alter their permittivity by interacting with high‐intensity ultrashort laser pulses. This study showcases how such requirements can be met through the utilization of 2D materials, particularly graphene. The nonlinear optical response of a graphene nanorectangle array is theoretically modeled to achieve all‐optical, fully reversible, broadband, and ultrafast dynamic control of light chirality. This is achieved by taking advantage of the energy relaxation dynamics of coherently excited localized plasmons supported by the metasurface, and the transient increase in electron temperature in graphene. Using finite‐difference time‐domain simulations, ultrafast dynamic tuning between circular and linearly polarized light is demonstrated. The proposed platform gives promise for ultrathin, CMOS‐compatible nanophotonic systems that can provide high‐speed, room‐temperature modulation of light polarization.

Super-resolution reconstruction for subsurface defects of optical elements based on CdSe/ZnS quantum dots fluorescence dichroism

The subsurface defects (SSD) of optical elements have a significant impact on the service life and laser damage threshold of the inertial confinement nuclear fusion optical system. Due to the optical diffraction limit, fluorescence microscopy has limited image resolution for detecting SSD in optical elements, making it challenging to meet the requirements for precision detection. A super-resolution method is proposed in this paper for detecting SSD in optical elements based on the fluorescence polarization characteristics of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots fluorescence dichroism. By enhancing the imaging sparsity of adjacent fluorophores through a polarization modulated excitation laser and utilizing the fluorescence polarization modulation algorithm, the resolution is achieved beyond the optical diffraction limit. The results demonstrate that the proposed method in this paper can obtain super-resolution images of SSD in optical elements with at least a two-fold increase in lateral resolution. This approach effectively improves detection accuracy for SSD and holds significant guiding significance. In addition, it also has application value for assessing the quality of high-precision optical elements.

LncRNA MEG3 Reduces the Ratio of M2/M1 Macrophages Through the HuR/CCL5 Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Tumor-associated macrophages play a crucial role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between long coding RNA (lncRNA) maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR), and messenger RNA C-C motif chemokine 5 (CCL5) in the modulation of M1 and M2 macrophage polarization in HCC. To induce M1 or M2 polarization, LPS/IFNγ- or IL4/IL13 were used to treat bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs). The localization of MEG3 in M1 and M2 macrophages was assessed using fluorescence in situ hybridization assay. Expression levels of MEG3, HuR, CCL5, M1, and M2 markers were measured by RT-qPCR or immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the proportion of F4/80+CD206+ and F4/80+CD68+ cells. RNA pulldown assay was performed to detect the binding of lncRNA MEG3 and HuR. The impacts of HuR on CCL5 stability and activity of CCL5 promoter were evaluated using actinomycin D treatment and luciferase reporter assay. Cell migration, invasiveness, and angiogenesis were assessed using transwell migration and invasion assays and a tube formation assay. A mixture of Huh-7 cells and macrophages were injected into nude mice to explore the effect of MEG3 on tumorigenesis. MEG3 promoted M1-like polarization while dampening M2-like polarization of BMDMs. MEG3 bound to HuR in M1 and M2 macrophages. HuR downregulated CCL5 by inhibiting CCL5 transcription in macrophages. In addition, overexpression of MEG3 suppressed cell metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis by obstructing macrophage M2 polarization. MEG3 inhibited tumorigenesis in HCC via promotion of M1-like polarization and inhibition of M2-like polarization. Rescue experiments showed that depletion of CCL5 in M2 macrophages reversed MEG3-induced suppressive effect on cell migration, invasion, and tube formation. MEG3 suppresses HCC progression by promoting M1-like while inhibiting M2-like macrophage polarization via binding to HuR and thus upregulating CCL5.

Abstract 1602 MyD88-Dependent Modulation of Macrophage Polarization by Simvastatin During Simulated Periodontal Inflammation

Abstract 1602 MyD88-Dependent Modulation of Macrophage Polarization by Simvastatin During Simulated Periodontal Inflammation

CLASS Angular Power Spectra and Map-component Analysis for 40 GHz Observations through 2022

Measurement of the largest angular scale (ℓ < 30) features of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization is a powerful way to constrain the optical depth to reionization and search for the signature of inflation through the detection of primordial B-modes. We present an analysis of maps covering 73.6% of the sky made from the 40 GHz channel of the Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS) from 2016 August to 2022 May. Taking advantage of the measurement stability enabled by front-end polarization modulation and excellent conditions from the Atacama Desert, we show this channel achieves higher sensitivity than the analogous frequencies from satellite measurements in the range 10 < ℓ < 100. Simulations show the CLASS linear (circular) polarization maps have a white noise level of 125(130)μKarcmin . We measure the Galaxy-masked EE and BB spectra of diffuse synchrotron radiation and compare to space-based measurements at similar frequencies. In combination with external data, we expand measurements of the spatial variations of the synchrotron spectral energy density (SED) to include new sky regions and measure the diffuse SED in the harmonic domain. We place a new upper limit on a background of circular polarization in the range 5 < ℓ < 125 with the first bin showing D ℓ < 0.023 μKCMB2 at 95% confidence. These results establish a new standard for recovery of the largest-scale CMB polarization from the ground and signal exciting possibilities when the higher sensitivity and higher-frequency CLASS channels are included in the analysis.

Switchable diode effect in 2D van der Waals ferroelectric CuCrP2S6

Two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectrics has emerged as a promising building block for nonvolatile memory devices. In this work, we demonstrate the out-of-plane ferroelectricity of 2D CuCrP2S6 (CCPS) at the room temperature and the switchable diode effect in 2D CCPS-based ferroelectric nanodevices. The spontaneous out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization switching and hysteresis loops are directly evidenced by the piezoresponse force microscopy. The intrinsic ferroelectricity originates from the non-centrosymmetric structure of 2D CCPS, which is confirmed by optical second-harmonic generation technique. A ferroelectric tunnel junction was built up by using 2D CCPS as a function layer. The observed diode-like forward rectification effect of CCPS diode is opposite to the direction of remnant polarization, which is attributed to the ferroelectric polarization modulation of Schottky barrier. Our work highlights the great potential of 2D CCPS in ultrathin ferroelectric memory device and motivates the development of multifunctional nanodevices.

The Role of Hyaluronan/Receptor for Hyaluronan-Mediated Motility Interactions in the Modulation of Macrophage Polarization and Cartilage Repair

Hyaluronan (HA), a negatively charged linear glycosaminoglycan, is a key macromolecular component of the articular cartilage extracellular matrix. The differential effects of HA are determined by a spatially/temporally regulated display of HA receptors, such as CD44 and Receptor for Hyaluronan Mediated Motility (RHAMM). HA signaling through CD44 with RHAMM has been shown to stimulate inflammation and fibrotic processes. This study shows an increased expression of RHAMM in pro-inflammatory macrophages. Interfering with HA/RHAMM interactions using a 15mer RHAMM-mimetic, HA binding peptide (P15-1) together with high molecular weight (HMW)HA reduced the expression and release of inflammatory markers and increased the expression of anti-inflammatory markers in pro-inflammatory macrophages. Interfering with HA/RHAMM interactions in vivo during the regeneration of a full thickness cartilage defect after microfracture surgery in rabbits using three intra-articular injections of P15-1 together with HMWHA reduced the number of pro-inflammatory macrophages and increased the number of anti-inflammatory macrophages in the injured knee joint and greatly improved the repair of the cartilage defect compared to intra-articular injections of HMWHA alone. These findings suggest that HA/RHAMM interactions play a key role in cartilage repair/regeneration via stimulating inflammatory and fibrotic events, including increasing the ratio of pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory macrophages. Interfering with these interactions reduced inflammation and greatly improved cartilage repair.

First-principles study of spintronics properties in black phosphorus materials

This paper presents a study on the electronic structure and spin properties of Transition Metal (TM) series doped Black Phosphorus (BP) using density functional theory (DFT) computations. The results indicate that the doped-Cr atom has the lowest formation energy in the BP system compared to other defects. Intrinsic defects do not induce magnetism in the BP material. However, the six types of TM atoms (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Ni) can lead to localized magnetic states in the system. Furthermore, researches on applying strain to the BP system have found that it will induce spin polarization in Co-doped system when applying 8% strain. Magnetic Couplings investigation demonstrate that Fe–Fe interactions exhibit ferromagnetic behavior in the BP system, with a Curie temperature above the room temperature at the d1 or d4 distance. These findings are significant to gain deeper insights into material spin polarization and magnetic modulation in functional materials and provide valuable references for the future development of spintronics.

Sub-Diffraction Readout Method of High-Capacity Optical Data Storage Based on Polarization Modulation.

The big data era demands an efficient and permanent data storage technology with the capacity of PB to EB scale. Optical data storage (ODS) offers a good candidate for long-lifetime storage, as the developing far-field super-resolution nanoscale writing technology improves its capacity to the PB scale. However, methods to efficiently read out this intensive ODS data are still lacking. In this paper, we demonstrate a sub-diffraction readout method based on polarization modulation, which experimentally achieves the sub-diffraction readout on Disperse Red 13 thin film with a resolution of 500 nm, exceeding the diffraction limit by 1.2 times (NA = 0.5). Differing from conventional binary encoding, we propose a specific polarization encoding method that enhances the capacity of ODS by 1.5 times. In the simulation, our method provides an optical data storage readout resolution of 150 nm, potentially to 70 nm, equivalent to 1.1 PB in a DVD-sized disk. This sub-diffraction readout method has great potential as a powerful readout tool for next-generation optical data storage.

Macrophage modulation in activation process induced immune thrombocytopenia

The immune system operates like an orchestra that harmoniously maintains the homeostasis balance while protecting from external or internal pathogens attack. Inflammation is one of the key critical immune defenses to eradicate pathogens and encourage tissue repair and recovery by activating the host’s immune and non-immune cells. As a part of the immune response during inflammation, blood platelets serve various functions; however, their activation and involvement in inflammation can also contribute to pathological conditions, such as thrombosis, which results in myocardial infarction, stroke, and venous thromboembolism. Activated platelets can mobilize and release intracellular granules (alpha and dense granules), which include secondary mediators like chemokine PF4/CXCL4. In contrast to most other chemokines, PF4 participates in several long-term regulatory processes, such as cell differentiation, survival, and proliferation. However, recent findings suggest that PF4 is also responsible for modulating macrophage polarization, which can substantially impact the development of induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia. This review aims to explain how PF4 induced vascular problems by modulation of macrophage development during immunological thrombocytopenia. A literature search using the keywords PF4, CXCL4, macrophage M4, platelet macrophage M4, and induced immune thrombocytopenia was done using the following databases: Google Scholar, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and Scopus for articles published from 2000 to 2023. The literature study was done to find the connection between platelet activation, macrophage modulation, and vascular problems such as atherosclerosis and thromboembolism in induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia. Several recent studies on PF4, macrophage modulation, and vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia were carefully reviewed. This review concludes that macrophage polarization modulation is promising in managing vascular problems in patients with induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia.

Atom-based optical polarization modulator.

In this work, we employ 87Rb atoms as rotation media to manipulate the polarization of optical fields in both magnetic and magnetic-free environments. Employing the nonlinear magneto-optical rotation mechanism, we achieve a state-of-the-art magneto-optical rotation coefficient of 1.74×108 rad⋅T-1⋅m-1 which is four orders of magnitude higher than commonly employed materials. Additionally, in a magnetic-free environment, we achieve all-optical cross-polarization modulation between the pump and probe light via Rb atoms. The nonlinear magneto-optical rotation configuration introduces inventive techniques for a new type of magneto-optical modulator while the all-optical configuration paves the way for exploring photonic integrated circuit (PIC) devices free from disruptions caused by electrical or magnetic crosstalk.

Engineering Ferroelectric‐/Ion‐Modulated Conductance in 2D vdW CuInP2S6 for Non‐Volatile Digital Memory and Artificial Synapse

AbstractTwo‐dimensional (2D) ferroionics is appealing in performing complex artificial intelligence tasks due to the interesting property of coexistence of ferroelectricity and ionic activities. CuInP2S6 (CIPS), as a typical 2D ferroionic material, is highly conducive to rich functions of information devices due to the displacement of Cu+ inducing both ferroelectricity and ionic conductivity. However, the coupling and modulation of polarization and ion migration in CIPS for multifunctional information devices has not been fully explored. Here, this study demonstrates that digital memory and synaptic simulations are realized in Au/CIPS/Au device via engineering ferroelectric polarization reversal and the long‐distance migration of the Cu+ to change conductive modes. Steep resistive switching behavior based on ion‐migration is observed with a high on/off ratio of over 108, long retention time (&gt;2 × 104 s), and current compliance engineered multilevel resistance states, demonstrating reliable nonvolatile high‐density memory characteristics. Based on the continuous modulation of polar order, the key synaptic behaviors are successfully simulated. Moreover, by the co‐modulation of polarization state and ions migration, the paired‐pulse facilitation, paired‐pulse depression, and potentiation following depression are achieved. These results suggest that CIPS is a promising candidate for constructing high‐performance, function‐enriched devices for data storage, information processing, and neuromorphic computing.

Longitudinal polarization manipulation based on all-dielectric terahertz metasurfaces

Polarization modulation of electromagnetic waves plays an important role in the field of optics and optoelectronics. Current polarization optics are typically limited to the modulation in a single transverse plane. However, manipulating polarization along the longitudinal direction is also important for full-space polarization modulation. Here, we propose two kinds of all-dielectric terahertz metasurfaces for longitudinally spatial polarization manipulation. The metasurfaces are capable of controlling polarization along the propagation path, namely: i) a longitudinal bifocal metalens with different polarization states at each focal point, and ii) a versatile metalens can simultaneously generate a uniformly polarized focused beam and a vector beam with varying polarization along the propagation path. Furthermore, the measurement of the dielectric thickness is demonstrated based on the polarization modulation feature of the metalens. The proposed metasurfaces allow for effective polarization state alteration along the propagation path, exhibiting significant potential for applications in versatile light–matter interactions, optical communications, and quantum optics.

Ultracompact polarization multiplexing meta-combiner for augmented reality display.

Augmented reality (AR) display, as a next-generation innovative technology, is revolutionizing the ways of perceiving and communicating by overlaying virtual images onto real-world scenes. However, the current AR devices are often bulky and cumbersome, posing challenges for long-term wearability. Metasurfaces have flexible capabilities of manipulating light waves at subwavelength scales, making them as ideal candidates for replacing traditional optical elements in AR display devices. In this work, we propose and fabricate what we believe is a novel reflective polarization multiplexing gradient metasurface based on propagation phase principle to replace the optical combiner element in traditional AR display devices. Our designed metasurface exhibits different polarization modulations for reflected and transmitted light, enabling efficient deflection of reflected light while minimizing the impact on transmitted light. This work reveals the significant potential of metasurfaces in next-generation optical display systems and provides a reliable theoretical foundation for future integrated waveguide schemes, driving the development of next-generation optical display products towards lightweight and comfortable.

Thymoquinone regulates microglial M1/M2 polarization after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via the TLR4 signaling pathway

Acute ischemic stroke followed by microglia activation, and the regulation of neuroinflammatory responses after ischemic injury involves microglia polarization. microglia polarization is involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory responses and ischemic stroke-related brain damage. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an anti-inflammatory agent following ischemic stroke onset. However, the significance of TQ in microglia polarization following acute ischemic stroke is still unclear. We predicted that TQ might have neuroprotective properties by modulating microglia polarization. In this work, we mimicked the clinical signs of acute ischemic stroke using a mouse middle cerebral artery ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) model. It was discovered that TQ treatment decreased I/R-induced infarct volume, cerebral oedema, and promoted neuronal survival, as well as improved the histopathological changes of brain tissue. The sensorimotor function was assessed by the Garica score, foot fault test, and corner test, and it was found that TQ could improve the motor deficits caused by I/R. Secondly, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, immuno-fluorescence, ELISA, and western blot were used to detect the expression of M1/M2-specific markers in microglia to explore the role of TQ in the modulation of microglial cell polarization after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. We found that TQ was able to promote the polarization of microglia with extremely secreted inflammatory factors from M1 type to M2 type. Furthermore, TQ could block the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway via Hif-1α activation which subsequently may attenuate microglia differentiation following the cerebral ischemia, establishing a mechanism for the TQ's beneficial effects in the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model.

Polarity Modulation Enhances Electrocatalytic Reduction of Nitrate by Iron Nanocatalysts

Polarity Modulation Enhances Electrocatalytic Reduction of Nitrate by Iron Nanocatalysts

First-trimester urinary extracellular vesicles as predictors of preterm birth: an insight into immune programming.

Background: The programming of innate and adaptive immunity plays a pivotal role in determining the course of pregnancy, leading to either normal term birth (TB) or preterm birth (PB) through the modulation of macrophage (M1/M2) differentiation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in maternal blood, harboring a repertoire of physiological and pathological messengers, are integral players in pregnancy outcomes. It is unknown whether urinary EVs (UEVs) could serve as a non-invasive mechanistic biomarker for predicting PB. Methods: This study investigated first-trimester UEVs carrying M1 messengers with altered immune programming, aiming to discern their correlation to subsequent PB. A birth cohort comprising 501 pregnant women, with 40 women experiencing PB matched to 40 women experiencing TB on the same day, was examined. First-trimester UEVs were isolated for the quantification of immune mediators. Additionally, we evaluated the UEV modulation of "trained immunity" on macrophage and lymphocyte differentiations, including mRNA expression profiles, and chromatin activation modification at histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3). Results: We found a significant elevation (p < 0.05) in the particles of UEVs bearing characteristic exosome markers (CD9/CD63/CD81/syntenin) during the first trimester of pregnancy compared to non-pregnant samples. Furthermore, UEVs from PB demonstrated significantly heightened levels of MCP-1 (p = 0.003), IL-6 (p = 0.041), IL-17A (p = 0.007), IP-10 (p = 0.036), TNFα (p = 0.004), IL-12 (p = 0.045), and IFNγ (p = 0.030) relative to those from TB, indicative of altered M1 and Th17 differentiation. Notably, MCP-1 (>174pg/mL) exhibited a sensitivity of 71.9% and specificity of 64.6%, and MCP-1 (>174pg/mL) and IFNγ (>8.7pg/mL) provided a higher sensitivity (84.6%) of predicting PB and moderate specificity of 66.7%. Subsequent investigations showed that UEVs from TB exerted a significant suppression of M1 differentiation (iNOS expression) and Th17 differentiation (RORrT expression) compared to those of PB. Conversely, UEVs derived from PB induced a significantly higher expression of chromatin modification at H3K4me3 with higher production of IL-8 and TNFα cytokines (p < 0.001). Implications: This pioneering study provides critical evidence for the early detection of altered M1 and Th17 responses within UEVs as a predictor of PB and early modulation of altered M1 and Th17 polarization associated with better T-cell regulatory differentiation as a potential prevention of subsequent PB.

The Simons Observatory: Development and Optical Evaluation of Achromatic Half-Wave Plates

The Simons Observatory (SO) experiment is a cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiment located in the Atacama Desert, Chile. The SO’s small aperture telescopes (SATs) consist of three telescopes designed for precise CMB polarimetry at large angular scales. Each SAT uses a cryogenic rotating half-wave plate (HWP) as a polarization modulator to mitigate atmospheric 1/f noise and other systematics. To realize efficient polarization modulation over the observation bands, we fabricated an achromatic HWP (AHWP) consisting of three sapphire plates with anti-reflection coatings. The AHWP is designed to have broadband modulation efficiency and transmittance. This paper reports on the design and the preliminary characterization of the AHWPs for SATs.

Modulation of macrophage polarity with carboxymethyl chitin gated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles for elevating anti-tumor chemotherapy

The weak immunity of tumors after chemotherapy could cause tumor metastasis and progression. Therefore, to overcome the dilemma of obvious immune deficiency caused by chemotherapy, a nanosystem (N-IL-12/DOX/α-TOS) consisted of thioketal (TK) bonds linked-hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) coated with carboxymethyl chitin (CMCH) by electrostatic interaction, and surface-functionalized glucose-regulated protein 78 binding peptide was prepared for loading doxorubicin (DOX), IL-12 and α-tocopheryl succinate (α-TOS). N-IL-12/DOX/α-TOS displayed a mean size of 275 nm after encapsulated DOX, IL-12 and α-TOS with loading contents of 2.04 × 10−4, 4.01 × 10−2 and 7.12 × 10−2, respectively. The drug-free nanoparticles (NPs) showed good biocompatibility to both 4 T1 cells and RAW264.7 macrophages. N-IL-12/DOX/α-TOS could achieve localized release of IL-12, DOX and α-TOS by pH and H2O2 trigger in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Moreover, the combined therapy by N-IL-12/DOX/α-TOS remarkably elevated the anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy, enhanced immune responses via promoting tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) polarization into tumoricidal M1 phenotypes, and decreased lung metastasis with reduced side effects. N-IL-12/DOX/α-TOS exhibited as a promising strategy for combining chemotherapy and local macrophage modulation-immunotherapy for anti-tumor therapy.