Near-infrared and mid-infrared light emission of boron-doped crystalline silicon.

The bottleneck in achieving fully integrated silicon photonics lies in silicon-based light-emitting devices that are compatible with standard CMOS technology. Dislocation loops created by implanting boron into silicon and annealing represent an enticing strategy to transform highly inefficient silicon into a luminescent material. However, the emission at telecommunication wavelength suffers from the strong thermal quenching effect, resulting in low efficiency at room temperature. Here, we applied a new deep cooling process to address this issue. Interestingly, we find that electrons and holes recombine through defects emitting two photons, one in near infrared (NIR, 1.3∼1.6 µm) and the other in mid-infrared band (MIR, around 3.5 µm). The photoluminescence intensity at NIR increases three fold when the temperature increases from 77 K to 300 K. Furthermore, the NIR light emission of reverse biased silicon diodes was significantly enhanced compared to forward bias, emitting the maximum output power of 42 nW at 60 mA. The results offer new opportunities for the development of infrared light sources in integrated circuits.

First Family Case of Hemoglobinopathy Titusville in China with Falsely Low SpO2 and Unmeasurable SaO2.

BACKGROUND: Normal hemoglobin is a tetrameric structure, consisting of two alpha-globin chains and two nonalpha (beta, gamma, delta) chains. Hemoglobinopathies occur when the presence of gene mutations affect the molecular structure or expression of the globin chains. METHODS: We reported the case of a 9-year-old Chinese girl who presented with abnormal low oxygen saturation values on pulse oximetry and no oximetry results were obtained during blood gas analysis (BGA). RESULTS: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis demonstrated that the presence of a low oxygen affinity hemoglobin variant, characterized as hemoglobin Titusville, was proven by gene sequencing. The patient's mother and aunt also carry the hemoglobin variant, representing the first Chinese family case reported. CONCLUSIONS: Hemoglobin Titusville is a rare genetic hemoglobin structural defect. early diagnosis can help patients and clinicians avoid unnecessary anxiety and costly or excessive clinical investigations.

Current treatment strategies targeting histone deacetylase inhibitors in acute lymphocytic leukemia: a systematic review.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a hematological malignancy that primarily affects children. Long-term chemotherapy is effective, but always causes different toxic side effects. With the application of a chemotherapy-free treatment strategy, we intend to demonstrate the most recent results of using one type of epigenetic drug, histone deacetylase inhibitors, in ALL and to provide preclinical evidence for further clinical trials. In this review, we found that panobinostat (LBH589) showed positive outcomes as a monotherapy, whereas vorinostat (SAHA) was a better choice for combinatorial use. Preclinical research has identified chidamide as a potential agent for investigation in more clinical trials in the future. In conclusion, histone deacetylase inhibitors play a significant role in the chemotherapy-free landscape in cancer treatment, particularly in acute lymphocytic leukemia.

miR-539-5p targets BMP2 to regulate Treg activation in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia through TGF-ß/Smads/MAPK.

MicroRNAs (mRNAs) were believed to play an important role in cancers, and this study aimed to explore the mechanism of miRNA regulating Treg in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Firstly, the differentially expressed miRNAs and target genes significantly associated with Tregs were screened out by high-throughput sequencing, and their enrichment pathways were analyzed. The binding relationship between miRNA and target genes was further verified, and the effects of miRNA on the proliferation and apoptosis of B-ALL Nalm-6 cells and Treg activation were analyzed. Results showed that differentially expressed miR-539-5p was significantly under-expressed, and its target gene BMP2 was significantly over-expressed in B-ALL, and significantly enriched in the TGF-ß1 pathway. In addition, both miR-539-5p and BMP2 were significantly correlated with Treg activity in B-ALL. In vitro experiments further confirmed that miR-539-5p could directly target BMP2. The low expression of miR-539-5p in B-ALL significantly promoted BMP2 expression to promote the proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of Nalm-6 cells. Furthermore, the high expression of BMP2 in B-ALL could cooperate with TGF-ß1 to promote the activation of human CD4+CD25-T cells to Treg, and significantly activate the TGF-ß/Smads/MAPK pathway. In vivo experiments also confirmed that overexpression of miR-539-5p significantly inhibited BMP2 to suppress Treg activation and Smad1 and Smad2 phosphorylation, and finally inhibit the B-ALL process. In conclusion, miR-539-5p was significantly under-expressed in B-ALL and could target BMP2 to promote its expression, and the overexpressed BMP2 further promoted Treg activation in B-ALL by regulating TGF-ß/Smads/MAPK pathway.

N6-methyladenosine demethylase FTO related to hyperandrogenism in PCOS via AKT pathway.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was known as the common endocrine disease in women, featured as hyperandrogenism, ovulation disorders, etc. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), a m6A demethylase, is abnormal in the occurrence of ovarian diseases. However, the mechanism of FTO in the pathogenesis of PCOS is still unclear. METHODS: The level of FTO in clinical samples, PCOS rat with hyperandrogenism and granulosa cells (GCs) lines effected by DHT were investigated by ELISA, qRT-PCR, WB, and IHC, while m6A RNA methylation level was studied by m6A Colorimetric and androgen level was tested through ELISA. Changes in steroid hormone synthetase and androgen receptor (AR)/prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in vitro were visualized by WB after transient transfection silenced FTO. The effect of DHT combined with FTO inhibitor meclofenamic acid (MA) on FTO, AR/PSA, and AKT phosphorylation were also demonstrated by WB. The co-localization of FTO and AR in KGN cells was analyzed by confocal microscopy, and the physiological interaction between FTO and AR was studied by Co-IP assay. The effect of FTO-specific inhibitor MA, AKT phosphorylation inhibitor LY294002, and the combined them on GCs proliferation and cell cycle were evaluated by drug combination index, EDU assay, and flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS: FTO expression was upregulated in follicular fluid and GCs in PCOS patients clinically. The high FTO expression in patients was negative with the level of m6A, but positive with the level of androgen. The upregulation of FTO was accompanied with a decrease in the level of m6A in PCOS rat with hyperandrogenism. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) promoted the FTO expression and inhibited m6A content as a dose-dependent way in vitro. In contrast, suppression of FTO with siRNA attenuated the expression of steroid hormone synthetase such as CYP11A1, CYP17A1, HSD11B1, HSD3B2 except CYP19A1 synthetase, ultimately inducing the decrease of androgen level. Suppression of FTO also decreased the biological activity of androgen through downregulation AR/PSA. MA treatment as the specific FTO antagonist decreased cell survival in time- and dose-dependent way in GCs lines. Correspondingly, MA treatment decreased the expression of FTO, AR/PSA expression, and AKT phosphorylation in the presence of DHT stimulation. Additionally, we also speculate there is a potential relation between FTO and AR according to FTO was co-localized and interacted with AR in KGN cells. Compared with AKT phosphorylation inhibitor LY294002 or MA alone, LY294002 combined with MA synergistically inhibited cell survival and increased G2/M phase arrest in GC line. CONCLUSIONS: We first evaluated the correlation of FTO and m6A in PCOS clinically, and further explored the mechanism between FTO and hyperandrogenism in PCOS animal and cell models. These findings contributed the potential therapy by targeting the FTO for hyperandrogenism in PCOS.

Confusion in the monitoring of coagulation function in pregnant and neonate patients with severe disease: A case reports and brief literature review.

RATIONALE: Different populations have their own unique physiological and pathological characteristics. However, in specialized maternal and child hospitals, there is currently a lack of standardized methods for assessing coagulation dysfunction, both domestically and internationally. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 19-day-old neonate was transferred to neonatal intensive care unit with cyanosis, nasal bleeding for 6 hours, and a consciousness disorder for 5 hours. A 33-year-old woman presented with hydramnios and a 39 + 3week intrauterine pregnancy. All indicators before delivery were normal, but postpartum hemorrhage occurred after delivery. DIAGNOSES: We retrospectively analyzed 1 neonate with pulmonary hemorrhage accompanied by thrombocytopenia and 1 pregnant patient with amniotic fluid embolism. INTERVENTIONS: The new coagulation indicators, such as thrombin-antithrombin complex, plasmin-alpha 2 antiplasmin complex, thrombomodulin, and tissue plasminogen activator-plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 complex, have been indicated to be valuable. In neonates, it is necessary to continuously monitor special items combined with specific therapeutic agents, such as tranexamic acid. In cases where postpartum hemorrhage occurs with low fibrinogen levels, it is essential to effectively identify patients with severe amniotic fluid embolism from a high incidence of specimen clotting. OUTCOMES: The neonate's oxygen saturation stabilized, and after 5 days of treatment with low molecular weight heparin, thrombin-antithrombin complex and plasmin-alpha 2 antiplasmin complex returned to normal levels. The pregnant began to remove the remaining thrombus, the patient's condition recovered, and she had a good prognosis. LESSONS: For pregnant and neonatal critical illnesses, it is necessary to develop personalized coagulation monitoring programs that provide realistic and reasonable treatment recommendations. Such programs should consider the unique physiological and pathological characteristics of different populations to ensure effective management of critically ill patients.

Down-regulation of the FTO gene in follicular fluid of infertile women with ovarian endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate FTO concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) of women with ovarian endometriosis (OE) and controls women without OE undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: FTO concentrations in FF were measured in 74 patients (37 in the control group and 37 in the OE group) by ELISA. We measured the expression of FTO in GCs of 40 patients (19 in the control group and 21 in the OE group) by RT-qPCR. The level of m6A in GCs was measured in 20 patients (10 in the control group and 10 in the OE group) by colorimetry. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, FTO concentrations in FF (6.92 ± 0.44 vs. 5.67 ± 0.40 ng/ml) (p <.05) and FTO mRNA level in GCs of OE group were decreased significantly (p <.05), and the level of m6A was increased (0.21 ± 0.01 vs. 0.17 ± 0.03 ng) (p >.05). CONCLUSIONS: The FTO concentrations in FF of infertility women with OE are decreased, which may be related to the impaired oocyte quality in endometriosis patients.

Characterization of caffeoyl shikimate esterase gene family identifies CsCSE5 as a positive regulator of Podosphaera xanthii and Corynespora cassiicola pathogen resistance in cucumber.

KEY MESSAGE: CsCSE genes might be involved in the tolerance of cucumber to pathogens. Silencing of the CsCSE5 gene resulted in attenuated resistance of cucumber to Podosphaera xanthii and Corynespora cassiicola. Caffeoyl shikimate esterase (CSE), a key enzyme in the lignin biosynthetic pathway, has recently been characterized to play a key role in defense against pathogenic infection in plants. However, a systematic analysis of the CSE gene family in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) has not yet been conducted. Here, we identified eight CsCSE genes from the cucumber genome via bioinformatic analyses, and these genes were unevenly distributed on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, and 5. Results from multiple sequence alignment indicated that the CsCSE proteins had domains required for CSE activity. Phylogenetic analysis of gene structure and protein motifs revealed the conservation and diversity of the CsCSE gene family. Collinearity analysis showed that CsCSE genes had high homology with CSE genes in wax gourd (Benincasa hispida). Cis-acting element analysis of the promoters suggested that CsCSE genes might play important roles in growth, development, and stress tolerance. Expression pattern analysis indicated that CsCSE5 might be involved in regulating the resistance of cucumber to pathogens. Functional verification data confirmed that CsCSE5 positively regulates the resistance of cucumber to powdery mildew pathogen Podosphaera xanthii and target leaf spot pathogen Corynespora cassiicola. The results of our study provide information that will aid the genetic improvement of resistant cucumber varieties.

Effects of Hemolysis on Routine Coagulation Tests when Tested on an Optical Coagulation Analyzer.

BACKGROUND: The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommends rejecting hemolyzed samples for coagulation tests. Sysmex CS5100 analyzer using an optical method is commonly used in laboratories. The influence of hemolysis on coagulation test has rarely been studied when tested on Sysmex CS5100. Determining this influence is necessary. METHODS: Freshly collected samples were artificially hemolyzed to simulate the hemolysis processes. Coagulation tests were conducted on a Sysmex CS5100 coagulation analyzer. Detection values before and after hemolysis were compared. RESULTS: The results showed that after hemolysis detection, the prothrombin time (PT) statistically decreased, while the partial thromboplastin time (APTT) statistically increased. There were no significant differences in fibrinogen (Fg), thrombin time (TT), D-dimer (DD) or fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs). Antithrombin activity was elevated in hemolyzed samples. CONCLUSIONS: Although differences in PT and APTT were statistically significant, there was no need for rejection of hemolyzed samples due to insufficient clinical effects when tested on Sysmex CS5100 analyzer. Falsely elevated AT result may lead to misdiagnosis in patients with severe diseases, which should be carefully considered.

The possibility of automatic capillary blood testing in routine blood tests: an evaluation of the automatic mode of the Mindray BC-7500 CRP Auto Hematology Analyzer for capillary blood testing.

Background: Capillary blood is a common specimen type used for infant blood routine tests. Until now, this specimen type could only be tested with the manual mode in hematology analyzers. Manual sample mixing and loading increases the amount labor force and can be more easily affected by human factors. This study was designed to investigate the proficiency of the automatic mode of the Mindray BC-7500 CRP Auto Hematology Analyzer for capillary blood testing. Methods: The complete blood count (CBC) results for capillary blood were compared between the automatic and manual modes. Special types of samples, including samples with high or low volume, thalassemia red cells, high fibrinogen, high hematocrit (HCT), or high triglyceride levels, were compared and evaluated. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to define the agreement between the 2 modes. The industry standard Analytical Quality Specifications for Routine Tests in Clinical Hematology (WS/T 406-2012), published by the National Health Commission of China, was used to evaluate the correlation between the results from the 2 modes. Results: There was good correlation between the automatic and manual modes for every type of sample, and the ICCs were all higher than 0.9. Except for high HCT or high triglyceride samples, there were no differences found between the 2 modes based on the WS/T 406-2012 standard. Conclusions: This new automatic mode utilized in the Mindray BC-7500 CRP Auto Hematology Analyzer for capillary blood yielded the same results as the manual mode except in the case of samples with high HCT or triglycerides. Capillary blood might be routinely tested automatically with hematology analyzers in the near future, which might reduce the labor required and improve standardization.

Cytokine network imbalance in children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at diagnosis.

Immune imbalance has been proved to be involved in the pathogenesis of hematologic neoplasm. However, little research has been reported altered cytokine network in childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) at diagnosis. Our study aimed to evaluate the cytokine network in peripheral blood of newly diagnosed pediatric patients with B-ALL. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-17A in 45 children with B-ALL and 37 healthy control children were measured by cytometric bead array, while the level of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) in the serum was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients showed a significant increase in IL-6 (p < 0.001), IL-10 (p < 0.001), IFN-γ (p = 0.023) and a significant reduction in TGF-ß1 (p = 0.001). The levels of IL-2, IL-4, TNF and IL-17A were similar in the two groups. Higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines were associated with febrile in patients without apparent infection by using unsupervised machine learning algorithms. In conclusion, our results indicated a critical role for aberrant cytokine expression profiles in the progression of childhood B-ALL. Distinct cytokine subgroups with different clinical features and immune response have been identified in patients with B-ALL at the time of diagnosis.

Nonlinear absorption and integrated photonics applications of MoSSe.

This study explores the wavelength-dependent and pulse-width-dependent nonlinear optical properties of liquid-phase exfoliated molybdenum sulfide selenide (MoSSe) nanosheets. The saturable absorption response of MoSSe nanosheets in the visible region is better than that in the near-infrared region, and the response under 6-ns pulse excitation is better than that of a 380-fs pulse. Furthermore, based on the first-principles calculations, we designed a phase modulator and optimized its structure by integrating a monolayer MoSSe into a silicon slot waveguide. The simulation results revealed that the phase shift could achieve a high optical extinction. Consequently, MoSSe exhibits satisfactory nonlinear optical properties and an excellent potential for applications in optoelectronic devices.

Systematic analysis of expression profiles and prognostic significance of the FGF gene family in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a malignant tumor with one of the highest associated mortality rates worldwide, and a 5-year survival rate of <5%. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) serve important roles in numerous cellular functions, and dysregulation of FGFs contributes to various cancer types. However, there are few reports on the function of FGFs in PAAD. The Assistant for Clinical Bioinformatics database, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, Kaplan-Meier plotter and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource were utilized to perform the protein-protein interaction network, functional enrichment, univariate Cox regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox, differential expression, prognostic value and immune cell infiltration analyses of FGFs in patients with PAAD. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to verify the predictive value of the model. A total of 22 FGF genes were identified. Based on the results of LASSO Cox regression analysis, a total of six genes, including FGF2, FGF8, FGF9, FGF13, FGF17 and FGF22, were selected for the establishment of the prognostic gene signature. High transcriptional levels of FGF17 and FGF22 were significantly associated with long overall survival. The expression of FGFs was associated with the infiltration of various immune cells. According to univariate and multivariate analyses, FGF2 and FGF8 may be useful independent prognostic biomarkers for the prognosis of patients with PAAD. IHC demonstrated that FGF2 and FGF8 were more highly expressed in PAAD tissues compared with that in normal tissues. The present findings offer a novel understanding for the selection of FGF prognostic biomarkers in PAAD.

Atomically Thin Delta-Doping of Self-Assembled Molecular Monolayers by Flash Lamp Annealing for Si-Based Deep UV Photodiodes.

Delta doping (δ-doping) can find a wide range of applications in advanced metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors, deep UV photodetectors, quantum devices, and others. In this work, we formed a δ-doping layer in silicon by employing flash lamp annealing to treat the PCl3 monolayers grafted on silicon surfaces. The δ-doping layer is atomically thin (<1 nm). Low-temperature Hall measurements show that the δ-doping layer is in a metallic state and exhibits a weak localization phenomenon, implying that a two-dimensional electron gas is formed. When we form such an n-type δ-doping layer on a highly doped p-type Si substrate, a highly sensitive solar-blind UV photodetector is created, which traditionally was only possible by using wide band gap semiconductors such as gallium nitride (GaN) or silicon carbide (SiC).

[Effect of strontium ranelate on chondrogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells].

PURPOSE: The aim of present study was to explore the effect of strontium ranelate (SrR) on the proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS: Rat BMSCs were isolated and cultured in chondrogenic differentiation medium containing 0.25-2.0 mmol/L strontium ranelate. CCK-8 assay was used to study the influence of cell proliferation. Toluidine blue staining and alizarin blue staining were used to observe chondrogenic differentiation. Quantitative hydroxyproline (Hyp) activity assay was conducted. PCR and Western blots were used to detect the expression of related genes and proteins. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software package. RESULTS: 0.25 mmol/L strontium ranelate did not inhibit the proliferation of BMSCs and promote the expression of chondroitin sulfate and proteoglycan. Hyp assay showed a higher content of collagen fibers in extracellular matrix in 0.25 mmol/L SrR treatment group. PCR and WB also showed up-regulated expression of Sox-9, Col-Ⅱ gene and protein, Aggrecan protein, and suppressed expression of MMP-9 gene. CONCLUSIONS: 0.25 mmol/L SrR could significantly promote chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

The anti-inflammation effect of strontium ranelate on rat chondrocytes with or without IL-1ß in vitro.

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) is a common disease with a high level of inflammation in the joint micro-environment and cartilage degradation. Anti-inflammation and cartilage regeneration are the key therapies for TMJ-OA, but currently, there are no novel medicines or treatments that can control its pathogenic progression. Strontium ranelate (SrR) is an anti-osteoporosis drug and is now considered a promising anti-OA drug, but the anti-inflammatory effect of SrR remains to be elucidated. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effect of SrR in a normal or high IL-1ß environment was observed. Cell viability under the treatment of SrR was tested using Cell Counting Kit-8. Toluidine blue staining, immunofluorescence staining, hydroxyproline assay, PCR assay and western blotting were used to detect the expression of collagen (Col)II, proteoglycans (PG) and aggrecan as a reflection of extracellular matrix synthesis and MMP-9,13 hydroxyproline was used as an inflammation indicator. IL-1ß of 10 ng/ml was added to the culture medium as inflammation environment and the tests of those biomarkers were done again. Then, the changes in ß-catenin were also studied by immunofluorescence staining, PCR assay and western blotting to explore the possible involvement of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. The results showed a significant inhibition of MMP-9, MMP-13, ß-catenin and promotion of Col-II, PG and aggrecan in normal chondrocytes. The presence of IL-1ß markedly upregulated the expression of MMP-9, MMP-13 and ß-catenin while suppressing Col-II and PG and SrR partially reversed this trend. In conclusion, SrR decreased MMPs but promoted Col-II, aggrecan and PG synthesis in rat chondrocytes with or without the presence of IL-1ß and SrR attenuated the IL-1ß-induced increase in ß-catenin, thus reducing the inflammatory reaction.

Non-specific electrocardiographic ST-T abnormalities predict mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of non-specific ST-segment and/or T-wave abnormalities in electrocardiography (ECG) for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (CVM) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: All patients who started PD between November 1, 2005, and February 28, 2017, at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were enrolled. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and CVM. The Kaplan-Meier method and a log-rank test were used for the survival analysis. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the risk factors for all-cause mortality and CVM. Results: A total of 724 eligible PD patients were enrolled, including 401 (55.4%) men. In total, 153 (21.1%) patients died during a mean follow-up period of 27 (interquartile range, 13-41) months, and cardiovascular death was responsible for 84 of these deaths. The patients with non-specific ST-T abnormalities (NSSTTAs) had lower overall and cardiovascular survival rates compared to those free from any ECG abnormalities. According to the multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, (NSSTTAs) are independent risk factors for all-cause mortality and CVM, the hazard ratios are 1.81 (95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.95; p = 0.017) and 2.86 (95% confidence interval, 1.52-5.37; p = 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Non-specific ST-T abnormalities can serve as risk markers of all-cause and CVM in PD patients.

Longer Time Intervals From Symptom Onset to Diagnosis Affect the Overall Survival in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential for effective cancer control and have been widely analyzed in childhood cancer. However, few studies have described the time to diagnosis and treatment in children with ALL. This study investigated delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation and their impact on survival. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 419 patients 0 to 14 years old at a tertiary hospital between 2011 and 2015. The optimal cutoff values for delays were determined by X-tile software. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models were used to evaluate the impact of delays on survival. RESULTS: The median diagnosis, treatment, and total delays were 21 (interquartile range [IQR]: 11-35), 4 (IQR: 2-7), and 26 (IQR: 16-43) days, respectively. The results of multivariate analyses showed that diagnosis delay, risk stratification, and minimal residual disease level were independent predictors for treatment outcome in childhood ALL. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that a longer time to diagnosis negatively affected the clinical outcome of childhood ALL. Reducing the time to diagnosis could help to improve survival in these patients.

Analytical Transient Responses and Gain-Bandwidth Products of Low-Dimensional High-Gain Photodetectors.

Low-dimensional photodetectors, in particular those in photoconductive mode, often have extraordinarily high photogain. However, high gain always comes along with a slow frequency response. The gain-bandwidth product (GBP) is a figure of merit to evaluate the performance of a photodetector. Whether the high-gain photoconductors can outperform standard PIN photodiodes in terms of GBP remains an open question. In this article, we derived the analytical transient photoresponses of nanowire photoconductors which were validated with the simulations and experiments. Surprisingly, the fall transients do not follow a simple time-dependent exponential function except for some special cases. Given the analytical photogains that were established previously, we derived the theoretical GBP of high-gain nanowire photoconductors. Analysis of the analytical GBP indicates that nanoscale photoconductors, although having extremely high gain, will never outperform typical PIN photodiodes in terms of GBP.

Extended infrared responses in Er/O-hyperdoped Si at room temperature.

Silicon photonics has become the preferred candidate for technologies applicable to multifarious fields. However, the applications are strictly limited by the intrinsic in-band photo effect of silicon. Herein, near-infrared photodetectors that break through the silicon bandgap by Er/O hyperdoping are fabricated, potentially extending their applications into telecommunications, low-light-level night vision, medical treatment, and others. Er/O-hyperdoped silicon was achieved as an infrared light absorption layer through ion implantation. The lattice damage caused by ion implantation was repaired by a deep cooling process in which high-temperature samples were cooled by helium flushing cooled by liquid nitrogen. Traditional junction and metallization processes were performed to form a photodiode. We demonstrate that the device has a spectral range up to the wavelength of 1568 nm, a maximum responsivity of 165 µA/W at 1310 nm, and 3 dB cutoff bandwidth up to 3 kHz. Finally, temperature-dependent optical-electrical characteristics were measured to demonstrate the activation mechanism of Er/O in silicon. This Letter proves silicon's potential in realizing extended infrared detection at room temperature, and it provides a possible way to fabricate infrared optoelectronics and signal processing integrated chips on a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) platform.