Self-Rolled-Up WSe2 One-Dimensional/Two-Dimensional Homojunctions: Enabling High-Performance Self-Powered Polarization-Sensitive Photodetectors.

Mixed-dimensional heterostructures integrate materials of diverse dimensions with unique electronic functionalities, providing a new platform for research in electron transport and optoelectronic detection. Here, we report a novel covalently bonded one-dimensional/two-dimensional (1D/2D) homojunction structure with robust junction contacts, which exhibits wide-spectrum (from the visible to near-infrared regions), self-driven photodetection, and polarization-sensitive photodetection capabilities. Benefiting from the ultralow dark current at zero bias voltage, the on/off ratio and detectivity of the device reach 1.5 × 103 and 3.24 × 109 Jones, respectively. Furthermore, the pronounced anisotropy of the WSe2 1D/2D homojunction is attributed to its low symmetry, enabling polarization-sensitive detection. In the absence of any external bias voltage, the device exhibits strong linear dichroism for wavelengths of 638 and 808 nm, with anisotropy ratios of 2.06 and 1.96, respectively. These results indicate that such mixed-dimensional structures can serve as attractive building blocks for novel optoelectronic detectors.

QL1209 (pertuzumab biosimilar) versus reference pertuzumab plus trastuzumab and docetaxel in neoadjuvant treatment for HER2-positive, ER/PR-negative, early or locally advanced breast cancer: A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, parallel-controlled, phase III equivalence trial.

BACKGROUND: This randomized, parallel-controlled, double-blinded, phase III equivalence study evaluated the equivalence of a proposed pertuzumab biosimilar QL1209 to the pertuzumab (Perjeta®) each with trastuzumab and docetaxel in neoadjuvant treatment of early or locally advanced breast cancer patients with HER2-positive, ER/PR-negative. METHODS: Eligible patients were randomly (1:1) assigned to receive 4 cycles of neoadjuvant QL1209 or pertuzumab each with trastuzumab and docetaxel, and adjuvant treatment. The primary endpoint was total pathologic complete response (tpCR), with equivalence margins of 0.76 to 1.32. RESULTS: Among the 585 patients enrolled, 257 and 259 patients were assigned to the QL1209 and pertuzumab groups, respectively. The tpCR rates were comparable in the QL1209 (109/255, 42.75%; 90% CI 37.65 to 47.84) and pertuzumab (117/259, 45.17%; 90% CI 40.09 to 50.26) groups. The tpCR risk ratio was 0.95 (90% CI, 0.80 to 1.11), and the 90% CI fell within the predefined equivalence margin. The most common grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse event was decreased neutrophil count (10. 9% vs. 12.7%) in the QL1209 and pertuzumab groups. CONCLUSIONS: QL1209 demonstrated equivalent efficacy and comparable safety profile to the reference pertuzumab in neoadjuvant treatment of HER2-positive, ER/PR-negative, early, or locally advanced breast cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinadrugtrials.org CTR20201073; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04629846.

Comparison of the efficacy of the convex side short fusion combined with concave side single growing rod technique and the traditional bilateral growing rod technique in the treatment of early onset scoliosis.

OBJECTIVES: The application of a growing rod technique can retain the growth and development potential of the spine and thorax while controlling the progression of scoliosis deformity. Theoretically, convex side short fusion combined with a concave side single growing rod technique can significantly reduce the asymmetric growth of the spine in the vertex region in most patients. However, the final clinical outcome of various techniques is yet to be clearly determined and compared between studies. Therefore, we compared the efficacy of these two growing rod techniques in treating early onset scoliosis. METHODS: In a retrospective study of 152 EOS patients seen between 2013.1 and 2019.12, 36 cases of EOS patients were selected for inclusion. Among the 36 cases, 11 cases were treated with convex side short fusion combined with a concave side single growing rod technique, group (A) The remaining 25 cases were treated with traditional bilateral growing rod technique, group (B) Age, gender, etiology, follow-up time, Cobb angle of main curve, T1-S1 height, coronal trunk shift, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), Cobb angle of thoracic kyphosis at last follow-up, and Cobb angle at proximal junction kyphosis of the first and last post-operation follow-up were recorded. In addition, internal fixation related complications, infection, nervous system complications were recorded as well. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between group A and group B in preoperative age, Cobb angle of main curve, coronal trunk shift, T1-S1 height, SVA, Cobb angle of thoracic kyphosis (p > 0.05). However, at the last follow-up (Group A, mean 4.4 ± 1.01 years; Group B, mean 3.6 ± 0.01 years) the Cobb angle of the main curve was less and T1-S1 height greater in group A compared with group B (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between group A and group B in the correction rate of the Cobb angle of the main curve or the growth rate of T1-S1 height (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the coronal imbalance ratio, thoracic kyphosis abnormality ratio, or the occurrence PJK ratio between group A and group B at the last follow-up (p > 0.05), but the sagittal imbalance ratio and internal fixation abnormality ratio were higher in group A than in the group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: During the treatment of EOS, both the convex side short fusion combined with concave side single growing rod technique and traditional bilateral growing rod technique can correct the Cobb angle of main curve with no significant hindering of the spinal growth observed. The traditional bilateral growing rod technique has advantages in control of the sagittal balance of the spine, and the complications associated with internal fixation were lower.

Slow-light effects based on the tunable Fano resonance in a Tamm state coupled graphene surface plasmon system.

We theoretically realize the tunable Fano resonance in a hybrid structure that allows the coupling between Tamm plasmon-polaritons (TPPs) and graphene surface plasmon-polaritons (SPPs). In this coupling system, a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR)/Ag structure is designed to generate the TPP with a narrow resonance, and the graphene SPP is excited by grating coupling with a broad resonance. The overlap of these two kinds of resonances results in the Fano resonance with a high-quality factor close to 1500. The behaviors of the Fano resonance are discussed carefully, and the results show that both the graphene Fermi level and the incidence angle can actively tune the profile of the Fano resonance. Owing to the ultrasharp spectrum of the tunable Fano resonance, our design may offer an alternative strategy for developing various optoelectronic devices such as filters, sensors, and nonlinear and slow-light devices. Finally, as an example of the potential applications, we apply the tunable Fano resonance to the slow-light effect, a high performance slow-light effect can be achieved, and the group delay can reach up to 52 ps.

Generation of symmetry-protected bound states in the continuum in a graphene plasmonic waveguide system for optical switching.

A graphene-involved plasmonic lossy system that allows coupling between surface plasmon polaritons and waveguide modes is proposed. The physical mechanism behind the hybrid resonance modes is investigated carefully through finite element method (FEM) simulations and rigorous coupled wave theory (RCWA). We demonstrate that by introducing an incident angle to break the symmetry of the structure, the bound states in the continuum (BIC) evolve to an observable quasi-BIC with new resonance dips, and the generated signals possess a very high Q-factor. Such transformation is investigated carefully by calculating the band structure of the system and the corresponding Q-factors. The results showed that the calculated results from the band structure are consistent with the simulations. In addition, the hybrid plasmonic system allows for switching modulation due to the tunability of graphene, and the max modulation depth of nearly 100% is reached. The outstanding Q-factor and dynamic tunability of this easy-to-fabricate hybrid structure may be helpful in engineering various plasmonic devices, including tunable optical switches, absorbers, sensors, etc.

Investigation of bound states in the continuum in dual-band perfect absorbers.

Enhancing the light-matter interaction of two-dimensional materials in the visible and near-infrared regions is highly required in optical devices. In this paper, the optical bound states in the continuum (BICs) that can enhance the interaction between light and matter are observed in the grating-graphene-Bragg mirror structure. The system can generate a dual-band perfect absorption spectrum contributed by guided-mode resonance (GMR) and Tamm plasmon polarition (TPP) modes. The optical switch can also be obtained by switching the TE-TM wave. The dual-band absorption response is analyzed by numerical simulation and coupled-mode theory (CMT), with the dates of each approach displaying consistency. Research shows that the GMR mode can be turned into the Fabry-Pérot BICs through the transverse resonance principle (TRP). The band structures and field distributions of the proposed loss system can further explain the BIC mechanism. Both static (grating pitch P) and dynamic parameters (incident angle θ) can be modulated to generate the Fabry-Pérot BICs. Moreover, we explained the reason why the strong coupling between the GMR and TPPs modes does not produce the Friedrich-Wintgen BIC. Taken together, the proposed structure can not only be applied to dual-band perfect absorbers and optical switches but also provides guidance for the realization of Fabry-Pérot BICs in lossy systems.

Dynamically tunable bound states in the continuum supported by asymmetric Fabry-Pérot resonance.

The dynamic regulation of quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BIC) is a research hotspot, such as incident angle, polarization angle, temperature, a medium refractive index, and medium position regulation. In this paper, a dual-band ultra-high absorber composed of upper asymmetric graphene strips and lower graphene nanoribbons can generate a symmetry-protected quasi-BIC and Fabry-Pérot resonance (FPR) mode. The band structure further demonstrates the symmetry-protected BIC. Research shows that the absorption system can withstand a relatively wide range of incidence and polarization angles. Interestingly, the quasi-BIC and FPR modes can be modulated by the Fermi levels of the graphene1 and graphene2, respectively, realizing a multifunctional switch with high modulation depth (MD > 94%), low insertion loss (IL < 0.23 dB), and large dephasing time (DT > 4.35 ps). This work provides a new approach for the dynamic regulation of quasi-BIC and stimulates the development of multifunctional switches in the absorber.

Dynamically controllable multi-switch and slow light based on a pyramid-shaped monolayer graphene metamaterial.

Graphene, a new two-dimensional (2D) material, has attracted considerable attention in recent years because of the metallic characteristics at terahertz frequencies. The phase coupling of multilayer graphene-coupled grating structures is normally used to realize multiple plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) spectral responses. However, the device becomes more complicated with the increase in the number of graphene layers. In this work, we propose a five-step-coupled pyramid-shaped monolayer graphene metamaterial and predict a dynamically controllable PIT with four transparency peaks for the first time in the monolayer graphene metamaterial. A tunable multi-switch and good slow light effect is predicted over the wide PIT window, and the maximum modulation depth is high up to 16.89 dB, which corresponds to 97.95%, while the time delay of the induced transparent window is as high as 0.488 ps, where the corresponding group refractive index is 586. The electric field distributions and quantum level theory are used to explain the physical mechanism of the PIT with four transparency peaks. The coupled mode theory (CMT) is employed to establish the mathematical model of the PIT with four transparency peaks, and the consistency between the simulated and the calculated results is nearly perfect. We believe that the pyramid-shaped monolayer graphene metamaterial could be useful in efficient filters, switches, and slow light devices.

Slow-light analysis based on tunable plasmon-induced transparency in patterned black phosphorus metamaterial.

In this paper, a tunable plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) structure based on a monolayer black phosphorus metamaterial is designed. In the structure, destructive interference between the bright and dark modes produces a significant PIT in the midinfrared band. Numerical simulation and theoretical calculation methods are utilized to analyze the tunable PIT effect of black phosphorus (BP). Finite-difference-time-domain simulations are consistent with theoretical calculations by coupled mode theory in the terahertz frequency band. We explored the anisotropy of a BP-based metasurface structure. By varying the geometrical parameters and carrier concentration of the monolayer BP, the interaction between the bright and dark modes in the structure can be effectively adjusted, and the active adjustment of the PIT effect is achieved. Further, the structure's group index can be as high as 139, which provides excellent slow-light performance. This study offers a new possibility for the practical applications of BP in micro-nano slow-light devices.

Terahertz multifunction switch and optical storage based on triple plasmon-induced transparency on a single-layer patterned graphene metasurface.

A terahertz metasurface consisting of a graphene ribbon and three graphene strips, which can generate a significant triple plasmon-induced transparency (triple-PIT), is proposed to realize a multifunction switch and optical storage. Numerical simulation triple-PIT which is the result of destructive interference between three bright modes and a dark mode can be fitted by coupled mode theory (CMT). The penta-frequency asynchronous and quatary-frequency synchronous switches can be achieved by modulating the graphene Fermi levels. And the switch performance including modulation depth (83.5% < MD < 93.5%) and insertion loss (0.10 dB < IL < 0.26 dB) is great excellent. In addition, the group index of the triple-PIT can be as high as 935, meaning an excellent optical storage is achieved. Thus, the work provides a new method for designing terahertz multi-function switches and optical storages.

Absorption and slow-light analysis based on tunable plasmon-induced transparency in patterned graphene metamaterial.

We propose a novel simple patterned monolayer graphene metamaterial structure based on tunable terahertz plasmon-induced transparency (PIT). Destructive interference in this structure causes pronounced PIT phenomenon, and the PIT response can be dynamically controlled by voltage since the existence of continuous graphene bands in the structural design. The theoretical transmission of this structure is calculated by coupled mode theory (CMT), and the results are highly consistent with the simulation curve. After that, the influence of the graphene mobility on the PIT response and absorption characteristics is researched. It is found that the absorption efficiency of our designed structure can reach up to 50%, meaning the structure is competent to prominent terahertz absorber. Moreover, the slow-light performance of this structure is discussed via analyzing the group refractive index and phase shift. It shows that the structure possesses a broad group refractive index band with ultra-high value, and the value is up to 382. This work will diversify the designs for versatile tunable terahertz devices and micro-nano slow-light devices.

Coupling effects in single-mode and multimode resonator-coupled system.

We have proposed a simple metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) waveguide system side-coupled with single-mode and multimode resonators. This proposed structure can achieve a typical dual plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) effect in the transmission spectra. The two PIT peaks exhibit opposite evolution tendencies with the increase in the depth of stubs. A multimode-coupled mode theory (M-CMT), confirmed by simulated results, is originally introduced to investigate the coupling effects of the proposed structure. Compared to the previous reported multichannel filters, the proposed structure includes obvious advantages, such as structural simplicity and ease of fabrication. In addition, the sensing characteristics of the proposed structure based on PIT effects are discussed numerically. The results demonstrate that the proposed structure is suitable for applications in multichannel filters, optical switches, and sensors.

Dynamically tunable dual plasmon-induced transparency and absorption based on a single-layer patterned graphene metamaterial.

Dual plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) and plasmon-induced absorption (PIA) are simultaneously achieved in an integrated metamaterial composed of single layer of graphene. Electric field distribution and coupled mode theory (CMT) are used to demonstrate the physical mechanism of dual PIT and PIA, and the theoretical result of CMT is highly consistent with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method simulation result. Further research shows that both the dual PIT and PIA phenomenon can be effectively modulated by the Fermi level, the carrier mobility of the graphene and the refractive index of the surrounding environment. It is meaningful that the absorption of the dual PIA spectrum can be abruptly increased to 93.5% when the carrier mobility of graphene is 0.8m2/Vs. In addition, the group index can be as high as 328. Thus, our work can pave new way for developing excellent slow-light and light absorption functional devices.

Dual dynamically tunable plasmon-induced transparency in H-type-graphene-based slow-light metamaterial.

An H-type-graphene-based slow-light metamaterial is proposed to produce a dual plasmon-induced transparency phenomenon, which can be effectively modulated by Fermi level, carrier mobility of graphene, and the medium environment. The data calculated by coupled mode theory and results of numerical simulation show prominent agreement. In addition, both the simplicity and continuity of the units of graphene-based metamaterial are extraordinary advantages. Furthermore, the slow-light characteristics of the proposed structure show that the group refractive index is as high as 237, which is more competitive than some other slow-light devices.

Dual plasmonically tunable slow light based on plasmon-induced transparency in planar graphene ribbon metamaterials.

We propose a simulated terahertz design based on planar graphene ribbons. With numerical simulation, we can achieve a very obvious dual plasmon-induced transparency phenomenon through the destructive interference in this structure. Moreover, due to the simple design of this structure and the complete continuous graphene ribbons, the Fermi level of graphene can be regulated by voltage. Thus, the dual plasmon-induced transparency phenomenon can be easily tuned in the numerical simulation. Further structural analysis shows that the two graphene chips on the side of the graphene ribbons play a crucial role in the dual plasmon-induced transparency phenomenon. As the length of the two chips is close, the dual plasmon-induced transparency phenomenon gradually becomes a single plasmon-induced transparency phenomenon. The theoretical analysis of this structure shows that this system has a very high group index, and its maximum value is 800, which is far greater than that of other types of slow light devices. This work may open up a new way for designing tunable terahertz graphene-based devices and slow light devices.

Graphene-supported ultrafine metal nanoparticles encapsulated by mesoporous silica: robust catalysts for oxidation and reduction reactions.

Graphene nanosheet-supported ultrafine metal nanoparticles encapsulated by thin mesoporous SiO2 layers were prepared and used as robust catalysts with high catalytic activity and excellent high-temperature stability. The catalysts can be recycled and reused in many gas- and solution-phase reactions, and their high catalytic activity can be fully recovered by high-temperature regeneration, should they be deactivated by feedstock poisoning. In addition to the large surface area provided by the graphene support, the enhanced catalytic performance is also attributed to the mesoporous SiO2 layers, which not only stabilize the ultrafine metal nanoparticles, but also prevent the aggregation of the graphene nanosheets. The synthetic strategy can be extended to other metals, such as Pd and Ru, for preparing robust catalysts for various reactions.

Dual and poly-nicotine and tobacco use among adolescents in the United States from 2011 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent nicotine and tobacco product use remains common despite declining smoking rates in the United States, likely due to the emergence of novel products. Concurrent use of multiple products may increase the risk of nicotine dependency and subsequent substance use. AIM: To identify patterns and trends of dual and poly nicotine and tobacco use among adolescents in the US and explore associations of dual and poly nicotine and tobacco use with sociodemographic factors. METHODS: 12 years of annual National Youth Tobacco Survey data (2011-2022) from 242,637 respondents were used to examine prevalence trends of different combinations of nicotine or tobacco product use among adolescents in the US using weighted point estimates for each year. Poisson regression models examined sociodemographic factors associated with different patterns of dual and poly-product use from 2011 to 2022. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of dual (i.e. at least two products) and poly (i.e. at least three products) use decreased between 2011 and 2021 (from 9.5 % to 2.8 % and from 5.1 % to 1.1 %, respectively), but showed signs of increase between 2021 and 2022 (3.7 % for dual and 1.7 % for poly use). The most common combinations included a combustible product with either a novel or noncombustible product. The risk for dual and poly-product use was higher among non-Hispanic Whites, males, and high school students. CONCLUSIONS: Previously declining trends in the prevalence of tobacco/nicotine dual and poly use may have been reversed. Close monitoring and targeted tobacco control policies are essential to tackle multiple product use among adolescents.

QL1604 plus paclitaxel-cisplatin/carboplatin in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer: an open-label, single-arm, phase II trial.

OBJECTIVE: QL1604 is a highly selective, humanized monoclonal antibody against programmed death protein 1. We assessed the efficacy and safety of QL1604 plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with advanced cervical cancer. METHODS: This was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase II study. Patients with advanced cervical cancer and not previously treated with systemic chemotherapy were enrolled to receive QL1604 plus paclitaxel and cisplatin/carboplatin on day 1 of each 21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles, followed by QL1604 maintenance treatment. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were enrolled and the median follow-up duration was 16.5 months. An 84.8% of patients had recurrent disease and 13.0% had stage IVB disease. The objective response rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Advanced Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 was 58.7% (27/46). The immune ORR per immune RECIST was 60.9% (28/46). The median duration of response was 9.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]=5.5-not estimable). The median progression-free survival was 8.1 months (95% CI=5.7-14.0). Forty-five (97.8%) patients experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). The most common grade≥3 TRAEs (>30%) were neutrophil count decrease (50.0%), anemia (32.6%), and white blood cell count decrease (30.4%). CONCLUSION: QL1604 plus paclitaxel-cisplatin/carboplatin showed promising antitumor activity and manageable safety profile as first-line treatment in patients with advanced cervical cancer. Programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy may be a potential treatment option for the patient population who have contraindications or can't tolerate bevacizumab, which needs to be further verified in phase III confirmatory study. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04864782.

Identification of Molecular Markers Predicting the Outcome of Anti-thrombotic Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Atrial fibrillation: Evidence from a Meta-analysis and Experimental Study.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) often coexist in clinical practice, and patients with these conditions often have a critical illness with high risk of both ischemia and bleeding. This study aims to report potential molecular markers for predicting the efficacy based on a meta-analysis of microarray data from the GEO database. In 40 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with PCI, P2RX1's effects on platelet aggregation, medication resistance, and predictive value were examined. Twenty up-regulated genes in peripheral blood samples of ACS and AF patients were down-regulated after PCI, while 7 down-regulated genes were up-regulated. ACS affected eight potential genes. P2RX1, one of the four LASSO analysis-retrieved disease characteristic genes, accurately predicted AF patients' thrombosis risk and PCI's anti-thrombotic impact. Therefore, P2RX1 may be a molecular marker to predict the effect of anti-thrombotic therapy in patients with ACS and AF after PCI.

Taxonomic study of the genus Macquartia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera, Tachinidae) from China.

Background: The genus Macquartia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera, Tachinidae) with 29 known species is a large group of Macquartiini of Tachininae and widely distributed in the Old World and the Nearctic Region. New information: In this study, Chinese specimens of Macquartia were collected and examined, sixteen species are recognised: thirteen previously described, M.brunneisqua Zhang et Li, M.chinensis Zhang et Li, M.flavifemorata Zhang et Li, M.flavipedicel Zhang et Li, M.chalconota (Meigen), M.dispar (Fallén), M.grisea (Fallén), M.macularis Villeneuve, M.nudigena Mesnil, M.picta (Meigen), M.pubiceps (Zetterstedt), M.tenebricosa (Meigen) and M.viridana Robineau-Desvoidy and three species new to science, M.barkamensis sp. n. (Sichuan), M.setifacies sp. n. (Qinghai) and M.sichuanensis sp. n. (Sichuan). An identification key to the sixteen species of Macquartia known from China is included, along with 80 anatomical figures.