Strain-Tunable Hyperbolic Exciton Polaritons in Monolayer Black Arsenic with Two Exciton Resonances.

Hyperbolic polaritons have been attracting increasing interest for applications in optoelectronics, biosensing, and super-resolution imaging. Here, we report the in-plane hyperbolic exciton polaritons in monolayer black-arsenic (B-As), where hyperbolicity arises strikingly from two exciton resonant peaks. Remarkably, the presence of two resonances at different momenta makes overall hyperbolicity highly tunable by strain, as the two exciton peaks can be merged into the same frequency to double the strength of hyperbolicity as well as light absorption under a 1.5% biaxial strain. Moreover, the frequency of the merged hyperbolicity can be further tuned from 1.35 to 0.8 eV by an anisotropic biaxial strain. Furthermore, electromagnetic numerical simulation reveals a strain-induced hyperbolicity, as manifested in a topological transition of iso-frequency contour of exciton polaritons. The good tunability, large exciton binding energy, and strong light absorption exhibited in the hyperbolic monolayer B-As make it highly suitable for nanophotonics applications under ambient conditions.

Exosomal long non-coding RNA TRPM2-AS promotes angiogenesis in gallbladder cancer through interacting with PABPC1 to activate NOTCH1 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal angiogenesis is crucial for gallbladder cancer (GBC) tumor growth and invasion, highlighting the importance of elucidating the mechanisms underlying this process. LncRNA (long non-coding RNA) is widely involved in the malignancy of GBC. However, conclusive evidence confirming the correlation between lncRNAs and angiogenesis in GBC is lacking. METHODS: LncRNA sequencing was performed to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs. RT-qPCR, western blot, FISH, and immunofluorescence were used to measure TRPM2-AS and NOTCH1 signaling pathway expression in vitro. Mouse xenograft and lung metastasis models were used to evaluate the biological function of TRPM2-AS during angiogenesis in vivo. EDU, transwell, and tube formation assays were used to detect the angiogenic ability of HUVECs. RIP, RAP, RNA pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter system, and mass spectrometry were used to confirm the interaction between TRPM2-AS, IGF2BP2, NUMB, and PABPC1. RESULTS: TRPM2-AS was upregulated in GBC tissues and was closely related to angiogenesis and poor prognosis in patients with GBC. The high expression level and stability of TRPM2-AS benefited from m6A modification, which is recognized by IGF2BP2. In terms of exerting pro-angiogenic effects, TRPM2-AS loaded with exosomes transported from GBC cells to HUVECs enhanced PABPC1-mediated NUMB expression inhibition, ultimately promoting the activation of the NOTCH1 signaling pathway. PABPC1 inhibited NUMB mRNA expression through interacting with AGO2 and promoted miR-31-5p and miR-146a-5p-mediated the degradation of NUMB mRNA. The NOTCH signaling pathway inhibitor DAPT inhibited GBC tumor angiogenesis, and TRPM2-AS knockdown enhanced this effect. CONCLUSIONS: TRPM2-AS is a novel and promising biomarker for GBC angiogenesis that promotes angiogenesis by facilitating the activation of the NOTCH1 signaling pathway. Targeting TRPM2-AS opens further opportunities for future GBC treatments.

Near-field directionality governed by asymmetric dipole-matter interactions.

Directionally molding the near-field and far-field radiation lies at the heart of nanophotonics and is crucial for applications such as on-chip information processing and chiral quantum networks. The most fundamental model for radiating structures is a dipolar source located inside homogeneous matter. However, the influence of matter on the directionality of dipolar radiation is oftentimes overlooked, especially for the near-field radiation. As background, the dipole-matter interaction is intrinsically asymmetric and does not fulfill the duality principle, originating from the inherent asymmetry of Maxwell's equations, i.e., electric charge and current density are ubiquitous but their magnetic counterparts are non-existent to elusive. We find that the asymmetric dipole-matter interaction could offer an enticing route to reshape the directionality of not only the near-field radiation but also the far-field radiation. As an example, both the near-field and far-field radiation directionality of the Huygens dipole (located close to a dielectric-metal interface) would be reversed if the dipolar position is changed from the dielectric region to the metal region.

TCM targets ferroptosis: potential treatments for cancer.

Ferroptosis is caused by the accumulation of cellular reactive oxygen species that exceed the antioxidant load that glutathione (GSH) and phospholipid hydroperoxidases with GSH-based substrates can carry When the antioxidant capacity of cells is reduced, lipid reactive oxygen species accumulate, which can cause oxidative death. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulatory necrosis pathway, has emerged as a new modality of cell death that is strongly associated with cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the main methods of cancer treatment. However, resistance to these mainstream anticancer drugs and strong toxic side effects have forced the development of alternative treatments with high efficiency and low toxicity. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), especially herbs or herbal extracts, can inhibit tumor cell growth and metastasis by inducing ferroptosis, suggesting that they could be promising agents for cancer treatment. This article reviews the current research progress on the antitumor effects of TCMs through the induction of ferroptosis. The aim of these studies was to elucidate the potential mechanisms of targeting ferroptosis in cancer, and the findings could lead to new directions and reference values for developing better cancer treatment strategies.

PP4R1 promotes glycolysis and gallbladder cancer progression through facilitating ERK1/2 mediated PKM2 nuclear translocation.

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a common solid tumor of the biliary tract with a high mortality rate and limited curative benefits from surgical resection. Here, we aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of GBC from the perspective of molecular mechanisms and determined that protein phosphatase 4 regulator subunit 1 (PP4R1) is overexpressed in GBC tissues and contributes to poor prognosis. Through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrated that PP4R1 overexpression improved tumorigenesis in GBC cells. Further mechanistic exploration revealed that PP4R1 directly interacts with pyruvate kinase-M2 (PKM2), a key regulator of glycolysis. PP4R1 promotes the extracellular signal-related kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2)-mediated PKM2 nuclear translocation, thereby participating in the regulation of tumor glycolysis. Interestingly, we determined that PP4R1 strengthens the interaction between ERK1/2 and PKM2. Furthermore, PP4R1 enhanced the suppressive effects of the ERK inhibitor SCH772984 on GBC. In conclusion, our data showed that PP4R1 is a promising biomarker associated with GBC and confirmed that PP4R1 regulates PKM2-mediated tumor glycolysis, which provides a metabolic growth advantage to GBC cells, thereby promoting GBC tumor growth and metastasis1.

ZFP64 Promotes Gallbladder Cancer Progression through Recruiting HDAC1 to Activate NOTCH1 Signaling Pathway.

The lack of meaningful and effective early-stage markers remains the major challenge in the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer (GBC) and a huge barrier to timely treatment. Zinc finger protein 64 (ZFP64), a member of the zinc finger protein family, is considered to be a promising predictor in multiple tumors, but its potential effect in GBC still remains unclear. Here, we identified that ZFP64 was a vital regulatory protein in GBC. We found that ZFP64 expressed higher in GBC gallbladder carcinoma tissues than in normal tissues and was positively correlated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, ZFP64 was responsible for the migration, invasion, proliferation, anti-apoptosis, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of GBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, through Co-IP assay, we confirmed that ZFP64 recruits HDAC1 localized to the promoter region of NUMB for deacetylation and therefore inhibits NUMB expression. The downregulation of NUMB enhanced the activation of the Notch1 signaling pathway, which is indispensable for the GBC-promotion effect of ZFP64 on GBC. In conclusion, ZFP64 regulated GBC progression and metastasis through upregulating the Notch1 signaling pathway, and thus ZFP64 is expected to become a new focus for a GBC prognostic marker and targeted therapy.

Zα domain proteins mediate the immune response.

The Zα domain has a compact α/ß architecture containing a three-helix bundle flanked on one side by a twisted antiparallel ß sheet. This domain displays a specific affinity for double-stranded nucleic acids that adopt a left-handed helical conformation. Currently, only three Zα-domain proteins have been identified in eukaryotes, specifically ADAR1, ZBP1, and PKZ. ADAR1 is a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding protein that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine residues to inosine, resulting in changes in RNA structure, function, and expression. In addition to its editing function, ADAR1 has been shown to play a role in antiviral defense, gene regulation, and cellular differentiation. Dysregulation of ADAR1 expression and activity has been associated with various disease states, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disorders. As a sensing molecule, ZBP1 exhibits the ability to recognize nucleic acids with a left-handed conformation. ZBP1 harbors a RIP homotypic interaction motif (RHIM), composed of a highly charged surface region and a leucine-rich hydrophobic core, enabling the formation of homotypic interactions between proteins with similar structure. Upon activation, ZBP1 initiates a downstream signaling cascade leading to programmed cell death, a process mediated by RIPK3 via the RHIM motif. PKZ was identified in fish, and contains two Zα domains at the N-terminus. PKZ is essential for normal growth and development and may contribute to the regulation of immune system function in fish. Interestingly, some pathogenic microorganisms also encode Zα domain proteins, such as, Vaccinia virus and Cyprinid Herpesvirus. Zα domain proteins derived from pathogenic microorganisms have been demonstrated to be pivotal contributors in impeding the host immune response and promoting virus replication and spread. This review focuses on the mammalian Zα domain proteins: ADAR1 and ZBP1, and thoroughly elucidates their functions in the immune response.

Self-Powered Dynamic Glazing Based on Nematic Liquid Crystals and Organic Photovoltaic Layers for Smart Window Applications.

Dynamic windows allow monitoring of in-door solar radiation and thus improve user comfort and energy efficiency in buildings and vehicles. Existing technologies are, however, hampered by limitations in switching speed, energy efficiency, user control, or production costs. Here, we introduce a new concept for self-powered switchable glazing that combines a nematic liquid crystal, as an electro-optic active layer, with an organic photovoltaic material. The latter aligns the liquid crystal molecules and generates, under illumination, an electric field that changes the molecular orientation and thereby the device transmittance in the visible and near-infrared region. Small-area devices can be switched from clear to dark in hundreds of milliseconds without an external power supply. The drop in transmittance can be adjusted using a variable resistor and is shown to be reversible and stable for more than 5 h. First solution-processed large-area (15 cm2) devices are presented, and prospects for smart window applications are discussed.

A Novel Bifunctional µOR Agonist and σ1R Antagonist with Potent Analgesic Responses and Reduced Adverse Effects.

Bifunctional ligands possessing both µOR agonism and σ1R antagonism have shown promise in producing strong analgesic effects with reduced opioid-related side effects. However, the µOR agonism activity of most dual ligands diminishes compared with classical opioids, raising concern about their effectiveness in managing nociceptive pain. In this study, a new class of dual µOR agonist/σ1R antagonist was reported. Through structure-activity relationship analyses, we identified the optimal compound, 4x, which displayed picomolar µOR agonism activity (EC50: 0.6 ± 0.2 nM) and good σ1R inhibitory activity (Ki: 363.7 ± 5.6 nM) with excellent selectivity. Compound 4x exhibited robust analgesic effects in various pain models, with significantly reduced side effects. Importantly, compound 4x also possessed good safety profiles and no abnormalities were observed in biological parameters even under a high dosage. Our findings suggest that 4x may be a promising lead compound for developing safer opioids and warrants further in-depth studies.

Controllable preparation of carboxymethyl cellulose/LaF3:Eu3+ composites and its application in anti-counterfeiting.

In this experiment, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was used as raw material, rare earth chloride was used as inorganic nano luminescent material to prepare a series of lanthanide rare earth ions-doped composite materials. The photoluminescent materials were prepared via in-situ chemical deposition of rare earth ions onto CMC surface with the help of carboxyl groups contained on the surface of CMC. The structure, fluorescence properties, surface morphology, surface elements, crystalline structure and thermal stability of CMC before and after surface modification were characterized by FT-IR spectra (FTIR), photoluminescence spectra (PL), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA), respectively. The results showed that CMC/LaF3:Eu3+ composites were successfully prepared, and the fluorescence intensity can be organically controlled by the reaction temperature, doping ratio and doping concentration of rare earth ions. The method has mild reaction conditions, facile process without expensive material equipment. Moreover, the as-prepared transparent anti-counterfeiting film possessed good fluorescence intensity, transparency and excellent mechanical properties, which can be used for large-scale functional packaging films.

Electronic structures and physical properties of double perovskite A2CoNbO6 (A = Sr, Ba) crystals.

The crystal structures, mechanical properties, lattice dynamics, electronic structures and optical properties of Sr2CoNbO6 and Ba2CoNbO6 have been studied by the first principles of density functional theory. The theoretically obtained crystal parameters of Sr2CoNbO6 and Ba2CoNbO6 are consistent with their experimental ones. Both Sr2CoNbO6 and Ba2CoNbO6 belong to the [Formula: see text] space group at the low-temperature limit and have very weak elastic anisotropy. The former is slightly brittle while the latter is more brittle. Their electronic structures are similar to each other, and Co-3d and O-2p  orbitals constitute the top valence bands while Co-3d orbitals form the bottom conduction bands. Sr2CoNbO6 and Ba2CoNbO6 are indirect band gap semiconductors, and their band gaps are respectively 2.916 and 3.050 eV. The close band gaps are mainly dominated by the similar [Formula: see text] octahedrons in their crystal structures. The electron transitions from O-2p  orbitals in the valence bands to Co-3d orbitals in the conduction bands play important roles in the optical properties of Sr2CoNbO6 and Ba2CoNbO6. Due to the same point group, Sr2CoNbO6 and Ba2CoNbO6 have the same five active lattice vibration modes of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and one static lattice vibration mode of [Formula: see text], and the typical displacement patterns are also analyzed in detail.

Elastic, electronic and optical properties of new 2D and 3D boron nitrides.

The current work investigates a novel three-dimensional boron nitride called bulk B4N4 and its corresponding two-dimensional monolayer B4N4 based on the first-principles of density functional theory. The phonon spectra prove that bulk B4N4 and monolayer B4N4 are dynamically stable. The molecular dynamics simulations verify that bulk B4N4 and monolayer B4N4 have excellent thermal stability of withstanding temperature up to 1000 K. The calculated elastic constants state that bulk B4N4 and monolayer B4N4 are mechanically stable, and bulk B4N4 has strong anisotropy. The theoretically obtained electronic structures reveal that bulk B4N4 is an indirect band-gap semiconductor with a band gap of 5.4 eV, while monolayer B4N4 has a direct band gap of 6.1 eV. The valence band maximum is mainly contributed from B-2p and N-2p orbits, and the conduction band minimum mainly derives from B-2p orbits. The electron transitions from occupied N-2p states to empty B-2p states play important roles in the dielectric functions of bulk B4N4 and monolayer B4N4. The newly proposed monolayer B4N4 is a potential candidate for designing optoelectronic devices such as transparent electrodes due to its high transmissivity.

Electronic, Optical, and Lattice Dynamical Properties of Tetracalcium Trialuminate (Ca4Al6O13).

The electronic, optical, and lattice dynamical properties of tetracalcium trialuminate (Ca4Al6O13) with a special sodalite cage structure were calculated based on the density functional theory. Theoretical results show that Ca4Al6O13 is ductile and weakly anisotropic. The calculated Young's modulus and Poisson ratio are 34.18 GPa and 0.32, respectively. Ca4Al6O13 is an indirect-gap semiconductor with a band gap of 5.41 eV. The top of the valence band derives from O 2p states, and the bottom of conduction band consists of Ca 3d states. Transitions from O 2p, 2s states to empty Ca 4s, 3d and Al 3s, 3p states constitute the major peaks of the imaginary part of the dielectric function. Ca4Al6O13 is a good UV absorber for photoelectric devices due to the high absorption coefficient and low reflectivity. The lattice vibration analysis reveals that O atoms contribute to the high-frequency portions of the phonon spectra, while Ca and Al atoms make important contributions to the middle- and low-frequency portions. At the center of the first Brillouin zone, lattice vibrations include the Raman active modes (E, A1), infrared active mode (T2), and silentmodes (T1, A2). Typical atomic displacement patterns were also investigated to understand the vibration modes more intuitively.