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Encoding and processing quantum information in the time-of-arrival of photons offer significant advantages for quantum information science and technology. These advantages include ease of experimental realization, robustness over photon state transmission, and compatibility with existing telecommunication infrastructure. Additionally, time-of-arrival encoding has the potential for high-rate quantum communication and holds promise for the future development of quantum internet. This review explores the generation, processing, and applications of time-encoded quantum states, focusing on both single-photon states, energy–time entanglement, and time-bin entanglement. We summarize the nonlinear optics platforms and advanced laser and modulation techniques utilized for photon sources that enable quantum information encoding onto the photons' time-of-arrival. We also highlight advanced quantum state processing methods in the time domain, including the Franson interferometry, optical switch-based schemes, and state-of-the-art measurement and detection schemes that allow for high-speed and multi-dimensional quantum operations. Finally, we review the mainstream implementations mainly including the quantum communication demonstrations and outline future directions for developing practical quantum networks leveraging time-encoded photon states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum memory, which maps photonic quantum information into a stationary medium and retrieves it at a chosen time, plays a vital role in the advancement of quantum information science. In particular, the scalability of a quantum memory is a central challenge for quantum network that can be overcome by using integrated devices. Quantum memory with an integrated device is highly appealing since it not only expands the number of memories to increase data rates, but also offers seamless compatibility with other on-chip devices and existing fiber network, enabling scalable and convenient applications. Over the past few decades, substantial efforts have been dedicated to achieving integrated quantum memory using rare earth ions doped solid-state materials, color centers, and atomic gases. These physical platforms are the primary candidates for such devices, where remarkable advantages have been demonstrated in achieving high-performance integrated quantum memory, paving the way for efficiently establishing robust and scalable quantum network with integrated quantum devices. In this paper, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of integrated quantum memory, encompassing its background and significance, advancement with bulky memory system, fabrication of integrated device, and its memory function considering various performance metrics. Additionally, we will address the challenges associated with integrated quantum memory and explore its potential applications. By analyzing the current state of the field, this review will make a valuable contribution by offering illustrative examples and providing helpful guidance for future achievements in practical integrated quantum memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To advance the full potential of quantum networks one should be able to distribute quantum resources over long distances at appreciable rates. As a consequence, all components in such networks need to have large multimode capacity to manipulate photonic quantum states. Towards this end, a photonic quantum memory with a large multimode capacity, especially one operating at telecom wavelength, remains an important challenge. Here we optimize the preparation of atomic frequency combs and demonstrate a spectro-temporally multiplexed quantum memory in a 10-m-long cryogenically cooled erbium doped silica fibre. Our multiplexing storage has five spectral channels - each 10 GHz wide with 5 GHz separation - with up to 330 temporal modes in each, thus resulting in a simultaneous storage of 1,650 modes of heralded single photons with a 1000-fold increasing in coincidence detection rate with respect to single mode storage. Our results could pave the way for high speed quantum networks compatible with the infrastructure of fibre optical communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial for a special issue of the journal Nanomaterials titled "Nano-Optics and Nano-Optoelectronics: Challenges and Future Trends." The editorial highlights the importance of nano-optics and nano-optoelectronics in investigating light at the nanometer scale and the interaction of nanometer-scale objects with light. The field has seen extensive research in the past decade, with promising applications in various areas such as optical communication, sensing, imaging, medicine, and green energy. The special issue includes sixteen papers that discuss recent advances in nanostructures and nanomaterials, as well as practical nano-optical and nano-optoelectronic technologies. The articles cover topics such as metastructures, metalenses, nanoparticles, layered 2D materials, and nano-semiconductors, and explore their applications in photodetectors, solar cells, modulators, light emitters, and nanofabrication. The issue also includes reviews on nano-related infrared absorption technology and neuromorphic photonics devices. Overall, the special issue provides valuable insights into the latest developments and future trends in nano-optics and nano-optoelectronics. [Extracted from the article]

Two-dimensional (2D) bismuth oxyhalides (BiOX) have attracted much attention as potential optoelectronic materials. To explore their application diversity, we herewith systematically investigate the tunable properties of 2D BiOX using first-principles calculations. Their electronic and optical properties can be modulated by changing the number of monolayers, applying strain, and/or varying the halogen composition. The band gap shrinks monotonically and approaches the bulk value, the optical absorption coefficient increases, and the absorption spectrum redshifts as the layer number of 2D BiOX increases. The carrier transport property can be improved by applying tensile strain, and the ability of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution can be obtained by applying compressive strain. General strain engineering will be effective in linearly tuning the band gap of BiOX in a wide strain range. Strain, together with halogen composition variation, can tune the optical absorption spectrum to be on demand in the range from visible to ultraviolet. This suggests that 2D BiOX materials can potentially serve as tunable novel photodetectors, can be used to improve clean energy techniques, and have potential in the field of flexible optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with α‐synuclein aggregation and dopaminergic neuron loss in the midbrain. There is evidence that psychological stress promotes PD progression by enhancing glucocorticoids‐related oxidative damage, however, the mechanisms involved are unknown. The present study demonstrated that plasma membrane phospholipid peroxides, as determined by phospholipidomics, triggered ferroptosis in dopaminergic neurons, which in turn contributed to stress exacerbated PD‐like motor disorder in mice overexpressing mutant human α‐synuclein. Using hormonomics, we identified that stress stimulated corticosteroid release and promoted 15‐lipoxygenase‐1 (ALOX15)‐mediated phospholipid peroxidation. ALOX15 was upregulated by α‐synuclein overexpression and acted as a fundamental risk factor in the development of chronic stress‐induced parkinsonism and neurodegeneration. Further, we demonstrated the mechanism by which corticosteroids activated the PKC pathway and induced phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein‐1 (PEBP1) to form a complex with ALOX15, thereby facilitating ALOX15 to locate on the plasma membrane phospholipids. A natural product isolated from herbs, leonurine, was screened with activities of inhibiting the ALOX15/PEBP1 interaction and thereby attenuating membrane phospholipid peroxidation. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that stress increases the susceptibility of PD by driving membrane lipid peroxidation of dopaminergic neurons and suggest the ALOX15/PEBP1 complex as a potential intervention target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi‐wavelength quantum light sources are extremely desired in establishing communication links among multiple users for realizing quantum networks. Despite recent impressive advances, developing such a quantum light source with high quality remains challenging. Here a multi‐wavelength quantum light source using a silicon nitride micro‐ring with a free spectral range of 200 GHz is demonstrated. The generation of eight‐wavelength‐paired photon pairs is ensured in a wavelength range of 25.6 nm. With device optimization and noise‐rejecting filters, this source enables the generation of heralded single‐photons at a rate of 62 kHz with gh(2)(0)=0.014±0.001$g^{(2)}_{\text{h}}(0)=0.014\pm 0.001$ and the generation of energy‐time entangled photons with a visibility of 99.39±0.45%$99.39\pm 0.45\%$ in the Franson interferometer. These results, at room temperature and telecom wavelength, in a CMOS‐compatible platform, represent an important step toward integrated quantum photonic devices, which pave the way for realizing a large‐scale quantum network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mode interactions have recently become the focus of intense research in micro/nanoelectromechanical systems (M/NEMS) due to their ability to improve device performance and explore the frontiers of fundamental physics. Understanding and controlling coupling between vibrational modes are critical for the development of advanced M/NEMS devices. This review summarizes the recent advances in studies of coupling between multiple modes in M/NEMS resonators, focusing especially on experimental developments and practical applications. First, depending on spatial distribution of interacting modes, this review divides the coupled mechanism in three types: intermode, near‐neighbor, and long‐range coupling. Then, several fundamental physics approaches based on mechanical‐mode coupling, including linear and nonlinear coupling, modal localization, synchronization, and phonon manipulation are reviewed. This review also introduces sensing applications by using coupled mechanical modes. Finally, the state‐of‐the‐art open questions and challenges are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures is an effective strategy for tuning and improving the characters of 2D-material-based devices. Four trilayer vdW heterostructures, BP/BP/MoS2, BlueP/BlueP/MoS2, BP/graphene/MoS2 and BlueP/graphene/MoS2, were designed and simulated using the first-principles calculation. Structural stabilities were confirmed for all these heterostructures, indicating their feasibility in fabrication. BP/BP/MoS2 and BlueP/BlueP/MoS2 lowered the bandgaps further, making them suitable for a greater range of applications, with respect to the bilayers BP/MoS2 and BlueP/MoS2, respectively. Their absorption coefficients were remarkably improved in a wide spectrum, suggesting the better performance of photodetectors working in a wide spectrum from mid-wave (short-wave) infrared to violet. In contrast, the bandgaps in BP/graphene/MoS2 and BlueP/graphene/MoS2 were mostly enlarged, with a specific opening of the graphene bandgap in BP/graphene/MoS2, 0.051 eV, which is much larger than usual and beneficial for optoelectronic applications. Accompanying these bandgap increases, BP/graphene/MoS2 and BlueP/graphene/MoS2 exhibit absorption enhancement in the whole infrared, visible to deep ultraviolet or solar blind ultraviolet ranges, implying that these asymmetrically graphene-sandwiched heterostructures are more suitable as graphene-based 2D optoelectronic devices. The proposed 2D trilayer vdW heterostructures are prospective new optoelectronic devices, possessing higher performance than currently available devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bladder cancer (BC) is a familiar malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. The effect of treatment is unsatisfactory after the metastasis and invasion of BC. Hence, more studies should be carried out to explore the metastasis of BC. RT‐qPCR or/and western blot was conducted to evaluate miR‐494‐3p, KLF9, and RGS2 expression. Cell proliferation and invasion were estimated by MTT assay and transwell assay, respectively. Cell migration was tested by wound healing assay and transwell assay. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to validate the interplay between miR‐494‐3p and KLF9 mRNA. The interaction between KLF9 and RGS2 promoter was verified using dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. miR‐494‐3p expression was upregulated, whereas KLF9 and RGS2 were downregulated in BC cells. miR‐494‐3p inhibition was competent to limit the growth of BC cells. KLF9 knockdown abolished the miR‐494‐3p depletion‐mediated inhibitory growth of BC cells. Mechanistically, we found that KLF9 was a downstream gene of miR‐494‐3p and could bind to the promoter region of RGS2 to promote the expression of RGS2. Moreover, RGS2 knockdown abrogated the suppressive effects of miR‐494‐3p knockdown on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells. Notably, miR‐494‐3p inhibition obstructed the tumor growth in nude mice. miR‐494‐3p silencing inhibited the progression of BC by regulating the KLF9/RGS2 axis in vitro and in vivo, which laid the foundation for experiments of miR‐494‐3p in BC and provided therapeutic targets for BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) materials provide a new strategy for developing photodetectors at the nanoscale. The electronic and optical properties of black phosphorus (BP), indium selenide (InSe) monolayer and BP/InSe heterojunction were investigated via first-principles calculations. The geometric characteristic shows that the BP, InSe monolayer and BP/InSe heterojunction have high structural symmetry, and the band gap values are 1.592, 2.139, and 1.136 eV, respectively. The results of band offset, band decomposed charge and electrostatic potential imply that the heterojunction structure can effectively inhibit the recombination of electron–-hole pairs, which is beneficial for carrier mobility of photoelectric devices. Moreover, the optical properties, including refractive index, reflectivity, electron energy loss, extinction coefficient, absorption coefficient and photon optical conductivity, show excellent performance. These findings reveal the optimistic application potential for future photoelectric devices. The results of the present study provide new insight into challenges related to the peculiar behavior of the aforementioned materials with applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum networks play an extremely important role in quantum information science, with application to quantum communication, computation, metrology, and fundamental tests. One of the key challenges for implementing a quantum network is to distribute entangled flying qubits to spatially separated nodes, at which quantum interfaces or transducers map the entanglement onto stationary qubits. The stationary qubits at the separated nodes constitute quantum memories realized in matter while the flying qubits constitute quantum channels realized in photons. Dedicated efforts around the world for more than 20 years have resulted in both major theoretical and experimental progress toward entangling quantum nodes and ultimately building a global quantum network. Here, the development of quantum networks and the experimental progress over the past two decades leading to the current state of the art for generating entanglement of quantum nodes based on various physical systems such as single atoms, cold atomic ensembles, trapped ions, diamonds with nitrogen‐vacancy centers, and solid‐state host doped with rare‐earth ions are reviewed. Along the way, the merits are discussed and the potential of each of these systems toward realizing a quantum network is compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-opto-electro-mechanical systems (NOEMS), considered as new platforms to study electronic and mechanical freedoms in the field of nanophotonics, have gained rapid progress in recent years. NOEMS offer exciting opportunities to manipulate information carriers using optical, electrical, and mechanical degrees of freedom, where the flow of light, dynamics of electrons, and mechanical vibration modes can be explored in both classical and quantum domains. By exploiting NOEMS concepts and technologies, high speed and low-power consumption switches, high-efficiency microwave-optical conversion devices, and multiple quantum information processing functions can be implemented through on-chip integration. This review will introduce the principles of NOEMS, summarize the recent developments, and important achievements, and give a prospect for the further applications and developments in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) materials and their corresponding van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures are considered as promising candidates for highly efficient solar cell applications. A series of 2D HfX2 (X = Cl, Br, I) monolayers are proposed, via first-principle calculations. The vibrational phonon spectra and molecular dynamics simulation results indicate that HfX2 monolayers possess dynamical and thermodynamical stability. Moreover, their electronic structure shows that their Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof(HSE06)-based band values (1.033–1.475 eV) are suitable as donor systems for excitonic solar cells (XSCs). The material's significant visible-light absorbing capability (∼105 cm−1) and superior power conversion efficiency (∼20%) are demonstrated by establishing a reasonable type II vdW heterostructure. This suggests the significant potential of HfX2 monolayers as a candidate material for XSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drag anchor is one of the most commonly used anchorage foundation types. The prediction of embedded trajectory in the process of drag anchor installation is of great importance to the safety design of mooring system. In this paper, the ultimate anchor holding capacity in the seabed soil is calculated through the established finite element model, and then the embedded motion trajectory is predicted applying the incremental calculation method. Firstly, the drag anchor initial embedded depth and inclination angle are assumed, which are regarded as the start embedded point. Secondly, in each incremental step, the incremental displacement of drag anchor is added along the parallel direction of anchor plate, so the displacement increment of drag anchor in the horizontal and vertical directions can be calculated. Thirdly, the finite element model of anchor is established considering the seabed soil and anchor interaction, and the ultimate drag anchor holding capacity at new position can be obtained. Fourthly, the angle between inverse catenary mooring line and horizontal plane at the attachment point at this increment step can be calculated through the inverse catenary equation. Finally, the incremental step is ended until the angle of drag anchor and seabed soil is zero as the ultimate embedded state condition, thus, the whole embedded trajectory of drag anchor is obtained. Meanwhile, the influences of initial parameter changes on the embedded trajectory are considered. Based on the proposed method, the prediction of drag anchor trajectory and the holding capacity of mooring position system can be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Transition-metal phosphides (TMPs) are good electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to their high catalytic efficiency and low cost. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) deposited on top of TMPs could make them even better for the HER by increasing the surface area and the number of active sites. Here we report a method to synthesize CQD-modified manganese–nickel phosphide (CQDs/MnxNi5−xP4) for efficient and stable HER activity using inexpensive raw materials. In 0.5 M H2SO4, CQDs/MnxNi5−xP4 requires a low overpotential of only 31 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2, as well as having a low Tafel slope of 41.0 mV dec−1, a large exchange current density of 1.753 mA cm−2, and good stability, making it better than most reported transition-metal-based catalysts. Moreover, CQDs/MnxNi5−xP4 also displays high activity and stability in alkaline solution, revealing that the ancillary role played by CQDs could be beneficial under both acidic and alkaline conditions. Based on our results, we believe that CQDs have great potential to be applied to other materials with various morphologies and structures for designing high-performance HER catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol), a monoterpene, has been widely reported for the anti-inflammatory effects. Our previous data confirmed that 1,8-cineole ameliorated the inflammatory phenotype of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by mediating NF-κB expression in vitro. At present, we investigated the protection effects of 1,8-cineole on vascular endothelium in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute inflammatory injury mice and the potential mechanisms involved in the protection in HUVECs. Results from enzyme linked immunosorbent assays revealed that 1,8-cineole suppressed the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 and increased the expression of IL-10 in the serum of LPS-induced mice. 1,8-Cineole reduced the inflammatory infiltration and the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecular 1 (VCAM-1) in the sections of thoracic aorta in LPS-induced acute inflammatory mice. Western blotting indicated that 1,8-cineole significantly decreased the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and increased the expression of PPAR-γ in the thoracic aorta tissue. 1,8-Cineole increased the expression of PPAR-γ in LPS-induced HUVECs. 1,8-Cineole and rosiglitazone reduced the protein and mRNA levels of VCAM-1, E-selectin, IL-6, and IL-8 in LPS-induced HUVECs, which could be reversed by the action of GW9662 (inhibitor of PPAR-γ). 1,8-Cineole and rosiglitazone blocked the LPS-induced IκBα degradation and NF-κB p65 nucleus translocation, which could be reversed by the pretreatment of GW9662 or silence of PPAR-γ gene. In conclusion, 1,8-cineole attenuated LPS-induced vascular endothelial cells injury via PPAR-γ dependent modulation of NF-κB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known for its high mortality rate worldwide. Based on intensive studies, microRNA (miRNA) expression functions in tumor suppression. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the contribution of miR-146a-5p to radiosensitivity in HCC through the activation of the DNA damage repair pathway by binding to replication protein A3 (RPA3). First, the limma package of R was performed to differentially analyze HCC expression chip, and regulative miRNA of RPA3 was predicted. Expression of miR-146a-5p, RPA3, and DNA damage repair pathway-related factors in tissues and cells was determined. The effects of radiotherapy on the expression of miR-146a-5p and RPA3 as well as on cell radiosensitivity, proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis were also assessed. The results showed that there exists a close correlation between miR-146a and the radiotherapy effect on HCC progression through regulation of RPA3 and the DNA repair pathway. The positive rate of ATM, pCHK2, and Rad51 in HCC tissues was higher when compared with that of the paracancerous tissues. SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cell proliferation were significantly inhibited following 8 Gy 6Mv dose. MiR-146a-5p restrained the expression of RPA3 and promoted the expression of relative genes associated with the DNA repair pathway. In addition, miR-146a-5p overexpression suppresses cell proliferation and enhances radiosensitivity and cell apoptosis in HCC cells. In conclusion, the present study revealed that miR-146a-5p could lead to the restriction of proliferation and the promotion of radiosensitivity and apoptosis in HCC cells through activation of DNA repair pathway and inhibition of RPA3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on an experiment which reported that SiO2 films were extensively used as passivation layers and electric insulation layers in silicon integrated circuit devices. Details on the experiment; Information on the silicon integrated circuit fabrication processes; Results and discussion on the experiment.

Compares the electroluminescence (EL) from Si+ implanted SiO2 thin film prepared by thermal oxidation with photoluminescence (PL) properties. Effective way to fabricate Si based visible light emitting materials; Enhancement of mechanical and thermal stability of materials; Mechanism of PL; Prevention of the fabrication of efficient light emitting diodes.

Logistical supply is costly for the deepwater oil and gas exploitation, thereby it is necessary to develop a novel power supply solution to improve the offshore structure’s self-holding capacity. The two-body point absorbers, as a renewable energy device, have achieved a rapid development. Heave plate is used to constrain the truss’s motion in the two-body point absorber, and the floater moves along the truss up and down. This two-body point absorber can be considered to be an essentially mass-spring-damper system. And it is well known that the heave plates have been widely used in the Spar platform to suppress the heave motions. So if the two-body point absorber can be modified to combine with offshore floating structures, this system can not only offer electric power to support operations or daily lives for the platform, but also control the large motions in the vertical plane. Following this concept, a novel tuned heave plate (THP) system is proposed for the conventional semi-submersible platform. In order to investigate the dynamic performances of the single THP, two experiments are conducted in this paper. First, the hydrodynamic coefficients of the heave plates are studied, and then the THP experiments are carried out to analyze its dynamic performance. It can be concluded that this THP is feasible and achieves the design objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Han Chinese people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using a Chinese version of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (SLEQOL-C) and explore the factors influencing HRQOL of people with SLE. Participants were Han Chinese people with SLE. The SLEQOL-C and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to estimate the HRQOL. Disease activity was determined using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and fatigue using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F). Participant factors included age, gender, educational background, disease duration, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and complement C3 and C4 levels. The results showed that higher SLEQQL-C scores correlated with lower SF-36 both measures are essential for HRQQL prediction. The SLEQOL-C scores were correlated with educational level,age, FACIT-F score, SLEDAI score, and ESR, which suggests that poor educational background, old-age, and increased fatigue, disease activity, and ESR might represent poor HRQOL. Although disease duration did not significantly correlate with the scores on the SLEQOL-C; those whose disease duration was 12-24 months had higher SLEQOL-C summary scores and physical functioning, symptoms, and treatment subscale scores than did those whose duration was less than 6 months. The FACIT-F score, education level, age, disease duration, SLEDAI score, and ESR contributed to SLEQOL-C scores. The SLEQOL-C is reliable for assessing HRQOL of Han Chinese people with SLE. Fatigue, educational level, age, disease duration, ESR, and disease activity mainly influenced HRQOL of SLE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnO nanobelts (NBs) have unique structural and functional properties which attract great attention in gas detecting. In this work, Eu doping is adopted to improve the gas sensitivity of pure SnO, especially to enhance the response to one single gas. The Eu-doped SnO NBs, pure-SnO NBs, and their single NB devices are fabricated by simple techniques. The sensing properties of the two sensors have been experimentally investigated. It is found that the two sensors possess long-term stability with rapid response performance, and Eu doping improves the electronic performance and the gas-sensing response, particularly to acetone. In addition, the effects aroused by Eu have been theoretically calculated, which indicates that Eu doping enhances the sensing performance of SnO. Consequently, Eu-doped SnO NBs show great potential applications in the detection of acetone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new structure of 1.55-μm pillar cavity is proposed. Consisting of InP-air-aperture and InGaAsP layers, this cavity can be fabricated by using a monolithic process, which was difficult for previous 1.55-μm pillar cavities. Owing to the air apertures and tapered distributed Bragg reflectors, such a pillar cavity with nanometer-scaled diameters can give a quality factor of 10-10 at 1.55 μm. Capable of weakly and strongly coupling a single quantum dot with an optical mode, this nanocavity could be a prospective candidate for quantum-dot single-photon sources at 1.55-μm telecommunication band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs), a statistical method is advanced to establish the quantitative correlation between the controllability of structure parameters in fabrication process and the homogeneity of device characteristics. With randomly varying structure parameters introduced, it is easy to learn how significant any parameter is to the device performance. By simply setting different parameters fluctuating independently and simultaneously, the collective effect of multiparameters can be obtained and a design tradeoff between various structure parameters can be straightly carried out. For a typical InGaAsP/InP SPAD, it is seen that device homogeneity with excess-bias fluctuation within 50% requires uncertainty in layer thickness and doping density to be smaller than about 3%, whereas device homogeneity better than 10% requires epitaxial precision better than 0.5%, a challenging level. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene have been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated yet. Homer family protein Homer1b/c is expressed widely in the central nervous system and plays important roles in neurological diseases. In this study, we explored whether Homer1b/c was involved in SOD1 mutation-linked ALS. Results: In vitro studies showed that the SOD1 G93A mutation induced an increase of Homer1b/c expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in NSC34 cells. Knockdown of Homer1b/c expression using its short interfering RNA (siRNA) (si-Homer1) protected SOD1 G93A NSC34 cells from apoptosis. The expressions of Homer1b/c and apoptosis-related protein Bax were also suppressed, while Bcl-2 was increased by lithium and valproic acid (VPA) in SOD1 G93A NSC34 cells. In vivo, both the mRNA and protein levels of Homer1b/c were increased significantly in the lumbar spinal cord in SOD1 G93A transgenic mice compared with wild type (WT) mice. Moreover, lithium and VPA treatment suppressed the expression of Homer1b/c in SOD1 G93A mice. Conclusion: The suppression of SOD1 G93A mutation-induced Homer1b/c upregulation protected ALS against neuronal apoptosis, which is a novel mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of lithium and VPA. This study provides new insights into pathogenesis and treatment of ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To observe the effect of rapamycin (RAPA) on liver function in rat liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods Rat liver ischemia-reperfusion model was established. Sham group only underwent abdomen opening and dissection of the hepatic portal after anesthesia while operation group had blood supply blocked. RAPA group had intravenousinjection of 5 mg/kg slowly 5 min before liver ischemia and reperfusion. Rats in sham group and operation group were given normal saline of the same volume. At 2, 6 and 24 h after reperfusion, each group had peripheral serum tested for liver function and liver specimen pathology detected. Results ALT, AST, MDA, TNF-ɑ and IL-1 at different times were significantly higher in operation group and RAPA group than in sham group (P<0.05). ALT, AST, MDA, TNF-ɑ and IL-1 at different times were lower in RAPA group than in operation group (P<0.05). In operation group, ALT, AST, MDA, TNF-ɑ and IL-1 at 24 h were higher than those at 2 h and 6 h (P<0.05) . ALT, AST, MDA, TNF-ɑ and IL-1 at 6h were higher than those at 2 h (P<0.05). In RAPA group, ALT, AST, TNF-ɑ and IL-1 at 6 h and 24 h were higher than those at 2 h (P<0. 05). SOD activity was lower in operation group and RAPA group than in sham group. SOD at 6 h and 24 h was (51.42±5.19) IU/L and (49. 11±5. 07)IU/L in operation group and (59. 17±5. 62)IU/L and (58. 34 ±5. 20)IU/L in RAPA group, respectively, which were higher than those at 2 h (P<0.05). Conclusion RAPA can effectively improve hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury and thus has a significanlly protective effect on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The vitreous has been shown to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation because it induces fibroblast-like morphology, enhanced migration and invasion in retinal pigment epithelial cells in proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Rac1 is the principal mediator of cell migration. In the current study, the relationship between Rac1 and cell migration, and invasion in vitreous-transformed retinal pigment epithelial cells was investigated using NSC23766, a specific inhibitor of Rac guanosine-5′-triphosphatase activity, and the involvement of a Rac1 guanosine-5′-triphosphatase-dependent pathway was detected. Design One-way design with multiple levels and repeated measurement design. Participants and Samples The vitreous humor was collected from 20 healthy donor eyes and the retinal pigment epithelial cells were obtained from 9 healthy donor eyes. Methods Human low-passage retinal pigment epithelial cells were treated with normal medium or 25% vitreous medium. Rac1 activity was measured using a pull-down assay. The cytotoxicity of NSC23766 was measured using the trypan blue dye exclusion test. Cell migration was measured using a wound healing assay. Cell invasion was determined using a transwell invasion assay. Protein expression of Rac1 and phosphorylation of LIM kinase 1 and cofilin were detected by Western blot analysis. Main Outcome Measures Cell migration, invasion, Rac1 activity and phosphorylation of LIM kinase 1 and cofilin. Results Rac1guanosine-5′-triphosphatase was activated in vitreous-transformed retinal pigment epithelial cells. A Rac inhibitor suppressed vitreous-induced migration and invasion in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Cofilin phosphorylation was activated by vitreous treatment but blocked by NSC23766. Conclusions Rac1 mediates vitreous-transformed retinal pigment epithelial cells' plasticity of mesenchymal movement via Rac1 guanosine-5′-triphosphatase-dependent pathways that modulate LIM kinase 1 and cofilin activity. Rac inhibition may be considered a novel treatment for proliferative vitreoretinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the association between p53 codon 72 polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk, a meta-analysis published in 2007 was updated with new data. Relevant literature was retrieved by searching PubMed and statistical analysis conducted using Review Manager software. Twenty-eight case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis, with 6,859 cases and 9,277 controls. The pooled results for all included studies showed that patients with gastric cancer had a borderline lower frequency of the Arg/Arg phenotype (odds ratio (OR) = 0.91, 95 % CI = 0.83-1.00, p = 0.04). When stratified for race, the difference in Arg/Arg frequency was significant among Asians (OR = 0.87, 95 % CI = 0.78-0.97, p = 0.01). On stratifying the various studies we found that, among Asians: (i) patients with cardial gastric cancer had a significantly higher frequency of the Pro/Pro genotype (OR = 1.35, 95 % CI = 1.03-1.77, p = 0.04) than those with non-cardial gastric cancer; (ii) patients with advanced (stage III/IV) gastric cancer had a significantly higher frequency of Arg/Arg (OR = 1.30, 95 % CI = 1.06-1.61, p = 0.01) than those with early (stage I/II) cancer; and (iii) patients with metastasis had a significantly higher frequency of Pro/Pro (OR = 3.31, 95 % CI = 1.31-8.41) than those without metastasis. Our study suggests that, among Asians, the p53 codon 72 Arg/Arg genotype is associated with a modestly decreased risk of gastric cancer, and that this difference in genotype distribution may be associated with cancer stage, location, differentiation and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Gene therapy can provide a possible avenue in organ transplantation to treat acute allograft rejection. This study was designed to investigate the effect of adenovirus-mediated human IL-10 (hIL-10) gene transfer on the apoptosis of infiltrating lymphocytes and examine the efficacy of hIL-10 gene transfer in combination with subtherapeutic doses of cyclosporine A (CsA) in a rat liver transplantation model. Methods: Inbred male DA and LEW rats were used for liver donors and recipients, respectively. The rats were divided into saline, Ad-lacZ, CsA, Ad-hIL-10 and Ad-hIL-10 + CsA groups. Graft survival, histopathological, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry were performed in liver specimens obtained from different time points after transplantation in the 5 groups. Results: Ad-hIL-10 pretreatment inhibited allograft rejection, prolonged the survival of hepatic allografts, and downregulated the expression of IFN-γ and IL-2 mRNA, with simultaneous upregulation of IL-4 mRNA. In addition, Ad-hIL-10 pretreatment upregulated the expression of Fas mRNA in the isolated graft-infiltrating lymphocytes and induced graft-infiltrating lymphocyte apoptosis. A single subtherapeutic dose of CsA acted synergistically with it. Conclusion: hIL-10 gene therapy induced alloreactive lymphocyte apoptosis via Fas/FasL pathway. hIL-10 gene transfection in combination with subtherapeutic doses of CsA facilitates the long-term survival of liver grafts. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis has not been well demonstrated by the lack of the most convincing evidence concerning a single cell capable of giving rise to a tumor. The scarcity in quantity and improper approaches for isolation and purification of CSCs have become the major obstacles for great development in CSCs. Here we adopted suspension culture combined with anticancer regimens as a strategy for screening breast cancer stem cells (BrCSCs). BrCSCs could survive and be highly enriched in non-adherent suspension culture while chemotherapeutic agents could destroy most rapidly dividing cancer cells and spare relatively quiescent BrCSCs. Methods: TM40D murine breast cancer cells were cultured in serum-free medium. The expression of CD44+CD24- was measured by flow cytometry. Cells of passage 10 were treated in combination with anticancer agents pacilitaxel and epirubicin at different peak plasma concentrations for 24 hours, and then maintained under suspension culture. The rate of apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry with Annexin-V fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide (PI) double staining method. Selected cells in different amounts were injected subcutaneously into BALB/C mice to observe tumor formation. Results: Cells of passage 10 in suspension culture had the highest percentage of CD44+CD24- (about 77 percent). A single tumor cell in 0.35 PPC could generate tumors in 3 of 20 BALB/C mice. Conclusion: Suspension culture combined with anticancer regimens provides an effective means of isolating, culturing and purifying BrCSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, recent progress in magnesium matrix composite technologies is reviewed. The conventional and new processes for the fabrication of magnesium matrix composites are summarized. The composite microstructure is subsequently discussed with respect to grain refinement, reinforcement distribution, and interfacial characteristics. The mechanical properties of the magnesium matrix composites are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]