2D fin field-effect transistors integrated with epitaxial high-k gate oxide.

Precise integration of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors and high-dielectric-constant (k) gate oxides into three-dimensional (3D) vertical-architecture arrays holds promise for developing ultrascaled transistors1-5, but has proved challenging. Here we report the epitaxial synthesis of vertically aligned arrays of 2D fin-oxide heterostructures, a new class of 3D architecture in which high-mobility 2D semiconductor fin Bi2O2Se and single-crystal high-k gate oxide Bi2SeO5 are epitaxially integrated. These 2D fin-oxide epitaxial heterostructures have atomically flat interfaces and ultrathin fin thickness down to one unit cell (1.2 nm), achieving wafer-scale, site-specific and high-density growth of mono-oriented arrays. The as-fabricated 2D fin field-effect transistors (FinFETs) based on Bi2O2Se/Bi2SeO5 epitaxial heterostructures exhibit high electron mobility (µ) up to 270 cm2 V-1 s-1, ultralow off-state current (IOFF) down to about 1 pA µm-1, high on/off current ratios (ION/IOFF) up to 108 and high on-state current (ION) up to 830 µA µm-1 at 400-nm channel length, which meet the low-power specifications projected by the International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS)6. The 2D fin-oxide epitaxial heterostructures open up new avenues for the further extension of Moore's law.

Carbon nanotube electron blackbody and its radiation spectra.

An optical blackbody is an ideal absorber for all incident optical radiation, and the theoretical study of its radiation spectra paved the way for quantum mechanics (Planck's law). Herein, we propose the concept of an electron blackbody, which is a perfect electron absorber as well as an electron emitter with standard energy spectra at different temperatures. Vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays are electron blackbodies with an electron absorption coefficient of 0.95 for incident energy ranging from 1 keV to 20 keV and standard electron emission spectra that fit well with the free electron gas model. Such a concept might also be generalized to blackbodies for extreme ultraviolet, X-ray, and γ-ray photons as well as neutrons, protons, and other elementary particles.

All-Optical Control of Vortex Lasing in Silicon-Organic Lattices.

This paper reports a silicon-organic hybrid lattice that can lase with vortex emission and allow all-optical control. We combine an array of amorphous silicon nanodisks with gain from dye molecules in organic solvents to generate vortex lasing from bound states in the continuum under pulsed optical pumping. Irradiating the device with an additional continuous wave green laser beam can cause optical heating in silicon and lead to negative change in the refractive index of the organic solvents; meanwhile, the green laser beam can provide additional gain. Dynamic tuning of the lasing wavelength is achieved by varying the intensity of the controlling beam. Furthermore, the vortex beam lasing can be switched to single-lobed beam lasing by moving the controlling spot to break the in-plane symmetry within the pumping spot. Our findings could shed new light on active silicon topological devices.

Unidirectional Lasing from Mirror-Coupled Dielectric Lattices.

This paper reports how a hybrid system composed of transparent dielectric lattices over a metal mirror can produce high-quality lattice resonances for unidirectional lasing. The enhanced electromagnetic fields are concentrated in the cladding of the periodic dielectric structures and away from the metal. Based on a mirror-image model, we reveal that such high-quality lattice resonances are governed by bound states in the continuum resulting from destructive interference. Using hexagonal arrays of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on a silica-coated silver mirror, we observed lattice resonances with quality factors of up to 2750 in the visible regime. With the lattice resonances as optical feedback and dye solution as the gain medium, we demonstrated unidirectional lasing under optical pumping, where the array size was down to 100 µm × 100 µm. Our scheme can be extended to other spectral regimes to simultaneously achieve strongly enhanced surface fields and high quality factors.

Palladium-Catalyzed Ligand-Controlled Switchable Hetero-(5 + 3)/Enantioselective [2σ+2σ] Cycloadditions of Bicyclobutanes with Vinyl Oxiranes.

For nearly 60 years, significant research efforts have been focused on developing strategies for the cycloaddition of bicyclobutanes (BCBs). However, higher-order cycloaddition and catalytic asymmetric cycloaddition of BCBs have been long-standing formidable challenges. Here, we report Pd-catalyzed ligand-controlled, tunable cycloadditions for the divergent synthesis of bridged bicyclic frameworks. The dppb ligand facilitates the formal (5+3) cycloaddition of BCBs and vinyl oxiranes, yielding valuable eight-membered ethers with bridged bicyclic scaffolds in 100% regioselectivity. The Cy-DPEphos ligand promotes selective hetero-[2σ+2σ] cycloadditions to access pharmacologically important 2-oxabicyclo[3.1.1]heptane (O-BCHeps). Furthermore, the corresponding catalytic asymmetric synthesis of O-BCHeps with 94-99% ee has been achieved using chiral (S)-DTBM-Segphos, representing the first catalytic asymmetric cross-dimerization of two strained rings. The obtained O-BCHeps are promising bioisosteres for ortho-substituted benzenes.

Genome-wide study identifies novel genes associated with bone toxicities in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Bone toxicities are common among paediatric patients treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with potentially major negative impact on patients' quality of life. To identify the underlying genetic contributors, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) in 260 patients of European-descent from the DFCI 05-001 ALL trial, with validation in 101 patients of European-descent from the DFCI 11-001 ALL trial. We identified a significant association between rs844882 on chromosome 20 and bone toxicities in the DFCI 05-001 trial (p = 1.7 × 10-8). In DFCI 11-001 trial, we observed a consistent trend of this variant with fracture. The variant was an eQTL for two nearby genes, CD93 and THBD. In TWAS, genetically predicted ACAD9 expression was associated with an increased risk of bone toxicities, which was confirmed by meta-analysis of the two cohorts (meta-p = 2.4 × 10-6). In addition, a polygenic risk score of heel quantitative ultrasound speed of sound was associated with fracture risk in both cohorts (meta-p = 2.3 × 10-3). Our findings highlight the genetic influence on treatment-related bone toxicities in this patient population. The genes we identified in our study provide new biological insights into the development of bone adverse events related to ALL treatment.

An Efficient MnO2 Photocathode with an Excellent SnO2 Electron Transport Layer for Photo-Accelerated Zinc Ion Batteries.

Photo-accelerated rechargeable batteries play a crucial role in fully utilizing solar energy, but it is still a challenge to fabricate dual-functional photoelectrodes with simultaneous high solar energy harvesting and storage. This work reports an innovative photo-accelerated zinc-ion battery (PAZIB) featuring a photocathode with a SnO2@MnO2 heterojunction. The design ingeniously combines the excellent electronic conductivity of SnO2 with the high energy storage and light absorption capacities of MnO2. The capacity of the SnO2@MnO2-based PAZIB is ≈598 mAh g-1 with a high photo-conversion efficiency of 1.2% under illumination at 0.1 A g-1, which is superior to that of most reported MnO2-based ZIB. The boosting performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of enhanced photogenerated carrier separation efficiency, improved conductivity, and promoted charge transfer by the SnO2@MnO2 heterojunction, which is confirmed by systematic experiments and theoretical simulations. This work provides valuable insights into the development of dual-function photocathodes for effective solar energy utilization.

Prevalence and risk factors of colorectal neoplasia in individuals aged 40-49 years: Findings from screening program in China.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in individuals under 50 is increasing worldwide. We conducted an analysis of colonoscopy findings in high-risk individuals under 50 in the CRC screening program in Tianjin, China, to determine the detection rate and risk factors of advanced adenomas (AA), advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN), colorectal neoplasia (CN). METHODS: Our study investigated individuals aged 40-49 who underwent CRC screening and completed colonoscopy, 2012-2020, while the 50-54 age group served as a control. We compared the detection rates of AA, ACN, and CN among three age groups using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses, and investigated the risk factors associated with AA, ACN, and CN among individuals aged 40-49. RESULTS: We found a gradual increase in the detection rate of AA, ACN, and CN among individuals aged 40-54. The detection rates for AA (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.41-0.81), ACN (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.43-0.77), and CN (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.56-0.74) were lower in individuals aged 40-44 compared to 45-49. The detection rates of AA (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.87-1.34) and ACN (OR 1.12; 95% CI 0.93-1.35) in individuals aged 45-49 were comparable with 50-54. Besides, lifestyle factors, BMI, and FIT are not associated with the detection rates of AA, ACN, and CN among individuals aged 40-49. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals screening data in individuals under 50, indicating comparable detection rates of AA and ACN in individuals aged 45-49 and 50-54. These findings provide valuable data support for optimizing the optimal age to initiate screening.

PEG modification increases thermostability and inhibitor resistance of Bst DNA polymerase.

Polyethylene glycol modification (PEGylation) is a widely used strategy to improve the physicochemical properties of various macromolecules, especially protein drugs. However, its application in enhancing the performance of enzymes for molecular biology remains underexplored. This study explored the PEGylation of Bst DNA polymerase, determining optimal modification reaction conditions. In comparison to the unmodified wild-type counterpart, the modified Bst DNA polymerase exhibited significantly improved activity, thermal stability, and inhibitor tolerance during loop-mediated isothermal amplification. When applied for the detection of Salmonella in crude samples, the modified enzyme demonstrated a notably accelerated reaction rate. Therefore, PEGylation emerges as a viable strategy for refining DNA polymerases, helping in the development of novel molecular diagnostic reagents.

Fluorescent α-Conotoxin [Q1G, ΔR14]LvIB Identifies the Distribution of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor in the Rat Brain.

α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are mainly distributed in the central nervous system (CNS), including the hippocampus, striatum, and cortex of the brain. The α7 nAChR has high Ca2+ permeability and can be quickly activated and desensitized, and is closely related to Alzheimer's disease (AD), epilepsy, schizophrenia, lung cancer, Parkinson's disease (PD), inflammation, and other diseases. α-conotoxins from marine cone snail venom are typically short, disulfide-rich neuropeptides targeting nAChRs and can distinguish various subtypes, providing vital pharmacological tools for the functional research of nAChRs. [Q1G, ΔR14]LvΙB is a rat α7 nAChRs selective antagonist, modified from α-conotoxin LvΙB. In this study, we utilized three types of fluorescein after N-Hydroxy succinimide (NHS) activation treatment: 6-TAMRA-SE, Cy3 NHS, and BODIPY-FL NHS, labeling the N-Terminal of [Q1G, ΔR14]LvΙB under weak alkaline conditions, obtaining three fluorescent analogs: LvIB-R, LvIB-C, and LvIB-B, respectively. The potency of [Q1G, ΔR14]LvΙB fluorescent analogs was evaluated at rat α7 nAChRs expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Using a two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC), the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of LvIB-R, LvIB-C, and LvIB-B were 643.3 nM, 298.0 nM, and 186.9 nM, respectively. The stability of cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed that after incubation for 12 h, the retention rates of the three fluorescent analogs were 52.2%, 22.1%, and 0%, respectively. [Q1G, ΔR14]LvΙB fluorescent analogs were applied to explore the distribution of α7 nAChRs in the hippocampus and striatum of rat brain tissue and it was found that Cy3- and BODIPY FL-labeled [Q1G, ΔR14]LvΙB exhibited better imaging characteristics than 6-TAMARA-. It was also found that α7 nAChRs are widely distributed in the cerebral cortex and cerebellar lobules. Taking into account potency, imaging, and stability, [Q1G, ΔR14]LvΙB -BODIPY FL is an ideal pharmacological tool to investigate the tissue distribution and function of α7 nAChRs. Our findings not only provide a foundation for the development of conotoxins as visual pharmacological probes, but also demonstrate the distribution of α7 nAChRs in the rat brain.

The therapeutic effect of radiotherapy combined with systemic therapy compared to radiotherapy alone in patients with simple brain metastasis after first-line treatment of limited-stage small cell lung cancer: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the therapeutic effect of radiotherapy (RT) plus systemic therapy (ST) with RT alone in patients with simple brain metastasis (BM) after first-line treatment of limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC). METHODS: The patients were treated at a single center from January 2011 to January 2022. BM only without metastases to other organs was defined as simple BM. The eligible patients were divided into RT alone (monotherapy arm) and RT plus ST (combined therapy arm). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to examine factors associated with increased risk of extracranial progression. After 1:1 propensity score matching analysis, two groups were compared for extracranial progression-free survival (ePFS), PFS, overall survival (OS), and intracranial PFS (iPFS). RESULTS: 133 patients were identified and 100 were analyzed (monotherapy arm: n = 50, combined therapy arm: n = 50). The ePFS of the combined therapy was significantly longer than that of the monotherapy, with a median ePFS of 13.2 months (95% CI, 6.6-19.8) in combined therapy and 8.2 months (95% CI, 5.7-10.7) in monotherapy (P = 0.04). There were no statistically significant differences in PFS (P = 0.057), OS (P = 0.309), or iPFS (P = 0.448). Multifactorial analysis showed that combined therapy was independently associated with better ePFS compared with monotherapy (HR = 0.617, P = 0.034); more than 5 BMs were associated with worse ePFS compared with 1-5 BMs (HR = 1.808, P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with RT alone, combined therapy improves ePFS in patients with simple BM after first-line treatment of LS-SCLC. Combined therapy and 1-5 BMs reduce the risk of extracranial recurrence.

Development and Application of Unmanned Aerial High-Resolution Convex Grating Dispersion Hyperspectral Imager.

This study presents the design and development of a high-resolution convex grating dispersion hyperspectral imaging system tailored for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing applications. The system operates within a spectral range of 400 to 1000 nm, encompassing over 150 channels, and achieves an average spectral resolution of less than 4 nm. It features a field of view of 30°, a focal length of 20 mm, a compact volume of only 200 mm × 167 mm × 78 mm, and a total weight of less than 1.5 kg. Based on the design specifications, the system was meticulously adjusted, calibrated, and tested. Additionally, custom software for the hyperspectral system was independently developed to facilitate functions such as control parameter adjustments, real-time display, and data preprocessing of the hyperspectral camera. Subsequently, the prototype was integrated onto a drone for remote sensing observations of Spartina alterniflora at Yangkou Beach in Shouguang City, Shandong Province. Various algorithms were employed for data classification and comparison, with support vector machine (SVM) and neural network algorithms demonstrating superior classification accuracy. The experimental results indicate that the UAV-based hyperspectral imaging system exhibits high imaging quality, minimal distortion, excellent resolution, an expansive camera field of view, a broad detection range, high experimental efficiency, and remarkable capabilities for remote sensing detection.

Research on the Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology of Taxus × media.

Taxus × media, belonging to the genus Taxus of the Taxaceae family, is a unique hybrid plant derived from a natural crossbreeding between Taxus cuspidata and Taxus baccata. This distinctive hybrid variety inherits the superior traits of its parental species, exhibiting significant biological and medicinal values. This paper comprehensively analyzes Taxus × media from multiple dimensions, including its cultivation overview, chemical composition, and multifaceted applications in the medical field. In terms of chemical constituents, this study delves into the bioactive components abundant in Taxus × media and their pharmacological activities, highlighting the importance and value of these components, including paclitaxel, as the lead compounds in traditional medicine and modern drug development. Regarding its medicinal value, the article primarily discusses the potential applications of Taxus × media in combating tumors, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, and treating diabetes. By synthesizing clinical research and experimental data, the paper elucidates the potential and mechanisms of its primary active components in preventing and treating these diseases. In conclusion, Taxus × media demonstrates its unique value in biological research and tremendous potential in drug development.

Research Progress in Skin Aging and Immunity.

Skin aging is a complex process involving structural and functional changes and is characterized by a decrease in collagen content, reduced skin thickness, dryness, and the formation of wrinkles. This process is underpinned by multiple mechanisms including the free radical theory, inflammation theory, photoaging theory, and metabolic theory. The skin immune system, an indispensable part of the body's defense mechanism, comprises macrophages, lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and mast cells. These cells play a pivotal role in maintaining skin homeostasis and responding to injury or infection. As age advances, along with various internal and external environmental stimuli, skin immune cells may undergo senescence or accelerated aging, characterized by reduced cell division capability, increased mortality, changes in gene expression patterns and signaling pathways, and altered immune cell functions. These changes collectively impact the overall function of the immune system. This review summarizes the relationship between skin aging and immunity and explores the characteristics of skin aging, the composition and function of the skin immune system, the aging of immune cells, and the effects of these cells on immune function and skin aging. Immune dysfunction plays a significant role in skin aging, suggesting that immunoregulation may become one of the important strategies for the prevention and treatment of skin aging.

Research Progress on Bioactive Factors against Skin Aging.

The relentless pursuit of effective strategies against skin aging has led to significant interest in the role of bioactive factors, particularly secondary metabolites from natural sources. The purpose of this study is to meticulously explore and summarize the recent advancements in understanding and utilization of bioactive factors against skin aging, with a focus on their sources, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential. Skin, the largest organ of the body, directly interacts with the external environment, making it susceptible to aging influenced by factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and oxidative stress. Among various interventions, bioactive factors, including peptides, amino acids, and secondary metabolites, have shown promising anti-aging effects by modulating the biological pathways associated with skin integrity and youthfulness. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these bioactive compounds, emphasizing collagen peptides, antioxidants, and herbal extracts, and discusses their effectiveness in promoting collagen synthesis, enhancing skin barrier function, and mitigating the visible signs of aging. By presenting a synthesis of the current research, this study aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of these bioactive factors in developing innovative anti-aging skin care solutions, thereby contributing to the broader field of dermatological research and offering new perspectives for future studies. Our findings underscore the importance of the continued exploration of bioactive compounds for their potential to revolutionize anti-aging skin care and improve skin health and aesthetics.

Toxicological and Pharmacological Activities, and Potential Medical Applications, of Marine Algal Toxins.

Marine algal toxins have garnered significant attention in the research community for their unique biochemical properties and potential medical applications. These bioactive compounds, produced by microalgae, pose significant risks due to their high toxicity, yet offer promising therapeutic benefits. Despite extensive research identifying over 300 marine algal toxins, including azaspiracids, brevetoxins, cyclic imines, and yessotoxins, gaps remain in the understanding of their pharmacological potential. In this paper, we critically review the classification, bioactive components, toxicology, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms of these toxins, with a particular focus on their clinical applications. Our motivation stems from the increasing interest in marine algal toxins as candidates for drug development, driven by their high specificity and affinity for various biological receptors. We aim to bridge the gap between toxicological research and therapeutic application, offering insights into the advantages and limitations of these compounds in comparison to other bioactive substances. This review not only enhances the understanding of marine algal toxins' complexity and diversity, but also highlights their extensive application potential in medicine and bioscience, providing a foundation for future research and development in this field.

Exploring the Regulatory Dynamics of BrFLC-Associated lncRNA in Modulating the Flowering Response of Chinese Cabbage.

Vernalization plays a crucial role in the flowering and yield of Chinese cabbage, a process intricately influenced by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Our research focused on lncFLC1, lncFLC2a, and lncFLC2b, which emerged as key players in this process. These lncRNAs exhibited an inverse expression pattern to the flowering repressor genes FLOWERING LOCUS C 1 (BrFLC1) and FLOWERING LOCUS C 2 (BrFLC2) during vernalization, suggesting a complex regulatory mechanism. Notably, their expression in the shoot apex and leaves was confirmed through in fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Furthermore, when these lncRNAs were overexpressed in Arabidopsis, a noticeable acceleration in flowering was observed, unveiling functional similarities to Arabidopsis's COLD ASSISTED INTRONIC NONCODING RNA (COOLAIR). This resemblance suggests a potentially conserved regulatory mechanism across species. This study not only enhances our understanding of lncRNAs in flowering regulation, but also opens up new possibilities for their application in agricultural practices.

Research Progress on Taxus Extraction and Formulation Preparation Technologies.

Taxus, as a globally prevalent evergreen tree, contains a wealth of bioactive components that play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical field. Taxus extracts, defined as a collection of one or more bioactive compounds extracted from the genus Taxus spp., have become a significant focus of modern cancer treatment research. This review article aims to delve into the scientific background of Taxus extracts and their considerable value in pharmaceutical research. It meticulously sifts through and compares various advanced extraction techniques such as supercritical extraction, ultrasound extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, solid-phase extraction, high-pressure pulsed electric field extraction, and enzymatic extraction, assessing each technology's advantages and limitations across dimensions such as extraction efficiency, extraction purity, economic cost, operational time, and environmental impact, with comprehensive analysis results presented in table form. In the area of drug formulation design, this paper systematically discusses the development strategies for solid, liquid, and semi-solid dosage forms based on the unique physicochemical properties of Taxus extracts, their intended medical uses, and specific release characteristics, delving deeply into the selection of excipients and the critical technical issues in the drug preparation process. Moreover, the article looks forward to the potential directions of Taxus extracts in future research and medical applications, emphasizing the urgency and importance of continuously optimizing extraction methods and formulation design to enhance treatment efficacy, reduce production costs, and decrease environmental burdens. It provides a comprehensive set of preparation techniques and formulation optimization schemes for researchers in cancer treatment and other medical fields, promoting the application and development of Taxus extracts in pharmaceutical sciences.

Advancements in the Cultivation, Active Components, and Pharmacological Activities of Taxus mairei.

Taxus mairei (Lemée and H.Lév.) S.Y.Hu, indigenous to the southern regions of China, is an evergreen tree belonging to the genus Taxus of the Taxaceae family. Owing to its content of various bioactive compounds, it exhibits multiple pharmacological activities and has been widely applied in clinical medicine. This article comprehensively discusses the current state of cultivation, chemical constituents, applications in the pharmaceutical field, and the challenges faced by T. mairei. The paper begins by detailing the ecological distribution of T. mairei, aiming to provide an in-depth understanding of its origin and cultivation overview. In terms of chemical composition, the article thoroughly summarizes the extracts and monomeric components of T. mairei, unveiling their pharmacological activities and elucidating the mechanisms of action based on the latest scientific research, as well as their potential as lead compounds in new drug development. The article also addresses the challenges in the T. mairei research, such as the difficulties in extracting and synthesizing active components and the need for sustainable utilization strategies. In summary, T. mairei is a rare species important for biodiversity conservation and demonstrates significant research and application potential in drug development and disease treatment.