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Comprehensive Summary: Construction of helicenes by inducing heteroatoms has regarded as an effective strategy to enhance the chiroptical properties. We report a facile synthesis of a multiple helicene based on four indoles with two electron‐rich NBN‐coved edges. The structure of the NBN‐coved multiple helicene was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, revealing a twisted double [5]helicene motif with a saddle‐shaped skeleton. This NBN‐coved helicene showed strong green fluorescence with good photoluminescence quantum yield. Both theoretical calculations and experimental investigation have been exploited to probe the impact of electron‐rich NBN units on aromaticity and photophysical properties of the helicene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the Charles Todd Oration 2024, delivered by Will Irving on 17 October 2024 in Sydney. It outlines, from a Telstra-internal viewpoint, the various proposed network enhancements that eventually led to Australia's National Broadband Network. It then draws lessons for the future from this history and the current state of telecommunications in Australia. The question-and-answer session after the Oration is also summarised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Construction of helicenes by inducing heteroatoms has regarded as an effective strategy to enhance the chiroptical properties. We report a facile synthesis of a multiple helicene based on four indoles with two electron‐rich NBN‐coved edges. The structure of the NBN‐coved multiple helicene was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, revealing a twisted double [5]helicene motif with a saddle‐shaped skeleton. This NBN‐coved helicene showed strong green fluorescence with good photoluminescence quantum yield. Both theoretical calculations and experimental investigation have been exploited to probe the impact of electron‐rich NBN units on aromaticity and photophysical properties of the helicene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MRE11, RAD50, and NBN genes encode the MRN complex sensing DNA breaks and directing their repair. While carriers of biallelic germline pathogenic variants (gPV) develop rare chromosomal instability syndromes, the cancer risk in heterozygotes remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of 53 studies in patients with different cancer diagnoses to better understand the cancer risk. We found an increased risk (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval) for gPV carriers in NBN for melanoma (7.14; 3.30–15.43), pancreatic cancer (4.03; 2.14–7.58), hematological tumors (3.42; 1.14–10.22), and prostate cancer (2.44, 1.84–3.24), but a low risk for breast cancer (1.29; 1.00–1.66) and an insignificant risk for ovarian cancer (1.53; 0.76–3.09). We found no increased breast cancer risk in carriers of gPV in RAD50 (0.93; 0.74–1.16; except of c.687del carriers) and MRE11 (0.87; 0.66–1.13). The secondary burden analysis compared the frequencies of gPV in MRN genes in patients from 150 studies with those in the gnomAD database. In NBN gPV carriers, this analysis additionally showed a high risk for brain tumors (5.06; 2.39–9.52), a low risk for colorectal (1.64; 1.26–2.10) and hepatobiliary (2.16; 1.02–4.06) cancers, and no risk for endometrial, and gastric cancer. The secondary burden analysis showed also a moderate risk for ovarian cancer (3.00; 1.27–6.08) in MRE11 gPV carriers, and no risk for ovarian and hepatobiliary cancers in RAD50 gPV carriers. These findings provide a robust clinical evidence of cancer risks to guide personalized clinical management in heterozygous carriers of gPV in the MRE11, RAD50, and NBN genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Metal oxide nanoparticles are currently used widely in many aspects of human and animal life with broad prospects for biomedical purposes. The present work was carried out to investigate the effects of orally administrated TiO2NPs, ZnONPs, IONs and Al2O3NPs on the mRNA expression level of CYP 1A1 and NBN in the rat liver. Materials and Methods Four groups of male Albino rats were given their respective treatment orally for 60 days in a dose of 1/20 of the LD50 TiO2NPs (600 mg/Kg b.wt/day), ZnONPs (340 mg/Kg b.wt/day), IONs (200 mg/kg b.wt/day) and Al2O3NPs (100 mg/Kg b.wt/day) and a fifth group served as a control group. Rresults The mRNA level of CYP 1A1 and NBN showed up-regulation in all the NPs-treated groups relative to the control group. ZnONPs group recorded the highest expression level while the TiO2NPs group showed the lowest expression level transcript. Conclusion:The toxic effects produced by these nanoparticles were more pronounced in the case of zinc oxide, followed by aluminum oxide, iron oxide nanoparticles and titanium dioxide, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationship between the superconducting properties, electrical properties, sputtering process parameters, and post-growth annealing of NbN films. Four series of NbN films were deposited by DC magnetron sputtering using different process parameters. With the assistance of a four-probe method, the superconducting performance presented first an increase and then a decreasing trend as the resistance of the prepared films increased, which could be attributed to the variation of the N/Nb ratio in the films. This correlation implied that it is very challenging to fabricate films with both high Tc and high resistance or high Tc and low resistance by adjusting the sputtering process parameters. In order to overcome these bottlenecks, a series of films were deposited on Si, GaN/Si, SiN/Si, AlN/Si, and AlN/sapphire substrates, and the film deposited on Si was annealed at 900 °C. Annealing reduced the stress of the films on the buffer layer and increased the grain size and crystallinity of the films, except for the films on the GaN/Si substrates. This resulted in a significant decrease in the resistivity of the film and a significant increase in the superconducting transition temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a milestone in achieving large-scale, ultrathin (~5 nm) superconducting NbN thin films on 300 mm Si wafers using a high-volume manufacturing (HVM) industrial physical vapor deposition (PVD) system. The NbN thin films possess remarkable structural uniformity and consistently high superconducting quality across the entire 300 mm Si wafer, by incorporating an AlN buffer layer. High-resolution X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses unveiled enhanced crystallinity of (111)-oriented δ-phase NbN with the AlN buffer layer. Notably, NbN films deposited on AlN-buffered Si substrates exhibited a significantly elevated superconducting critical temperature (~2 K higher for the 10 nm NbN) and a higher upper critical magnetic field or Hc2 (34.06 T boost in Hc2 for the 50 nm NbN) in comparison with those without AlN. These findings present a promising pathway for the integration of quantum-grade superconducting NbN films with the existing 300 mm CMOS Si platform for quantum information applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An NbN coating was produced on AISI 316L steel using reactive DC magnetron sputtering. The effects of oxidation of the NbN coating in air on the microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, contact angle and bioactivity were investigated. Phase composition was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), the coatings' cross-sectional microstructure and thickness including surface morphology using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), microhardness via the Vickers method, corrosion by means of a potentiodynamic polarisation test in Ringer's solution and bioactivity by observation in an SBF solution, while the contact angle was studied using a goniometer. The NbN coating and the oxidised coating were shown to demonstrate a Ca/P ratio close to that of hydroxyapatite, as well as increased microhardness and corrosion resistance. The best combination of mechanical, corrosion, bioactivity and hydrophilic properties was demonstrated by the air oxidised NbN coating, which featured an orthorhombic Nb2O5 structure in the top, surface layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is characterized by radio- and chemoresistance contributing to treatment failure and poor prognosis. There is evidence that a common inherited variation related to DNA damage signaling and repair may modulate individual DNA repair capacity and the results of anticancer treatment. This study evaluated the impact of a panel of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in key genes involved in DNA double-strand break response and repair on three clinical endpoints in HNC patients undergoing radiotherapy and cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy. We identified variants independently associated with therapy outcome and disease progression. Our findings suggest that these germline variants may be potential biomarkers to be used together with conventional clinical factors for better risk stratification in HNC patients receiving DNA-damaging therapy, which may provide a basis for future treatment modifications. Radiotherapy and cisplatin-based chemotherapy belong to the main treatment modalities for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and induce cancer cell death by generating DNA damage, including the most severe double-strand breaks (DSBs). Alterations in DSB response and repair genes may affect individual DNA repair capacity and treatment sensitivity, contributing to the therapy resistance and poor prognosis often observed in HNSCC. In this study, we investigated the association of a panel of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 20 DSB signaling and repair genes with therapy results and prognosis in 505 HNSCC patients treated non-surgically with DNA damage-inducing therapies. In the multivariate analysis, there were a total of 14 variants associated with overall, locoregional recurrence-free or metastasis-free survival. Moreover, we identified 10 of these SNPs as independent predictors of therapy failure and unfavorable prognosis in the whole group or in two treatment subgroups. These were MRE11 rs2155209, XRCC5 rs828907, RAD51 rs1801321, rs12593359, LIG4 rs1805388, CHEK1 rs558351, TP53 rs1042522, ATM rs1801516, XRCC6 rs2267437 and NBN rs2735383. Only CHEK1 rs558351 remained statistically significant after correcting for multiple testing. These results suggest that specific germline variants related to DSB response and repair may be potential genetic modifiers of therapy effects and disease progression in HNSCC treated with radiotherapy and cisplatin-based chemoradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is devoted to the study of metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) structures based on n-HgCdTe (MCT) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) in the NBνN configuration, intended for the development of infrared (IR) detectors with reduced dark currents for MWIR and LWIR spectral ranges. Seven types of MIS structures have been studied by the admittance spectroscopy method. It is shown that the measurements of the frequency dependences of the impedance of MIS devices make it possible to accurately determine the differential resistance of the barrier structure. It has been established that for one of the studied structures, the values of the differential resistance are determined by the bulk component of the dark current, while the surface leakage component does not significantly affect the measured impedance. It is shown that if the problem of passivation of mesa structures is solved, it is possible to fabricate efficient MWIR and LWIR nBn, NBνN detectors based on MBE HgCdTe with high threshold parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to look into the effect of two probiotics as feed additives: Biosol (lipotropic factor containing probiotics) and/or Zemos, and to determine the best regimen for using both probiotics to improve growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters, and transcription of some growth and immunity-related genes in broiler chickens. A commercial hatchery provided 400 one-day-old Cobb broiler chicks. The chicks were divided into four equal groups at random, each with 100 birds. Group 1 served as a negative control. Group 2 was given Probiotic 1(Biosol) in drinking water at a dose of 120 g/10,000 chick each day. Group 3 received probiotic 2 (Zemos) at a dose of 0.25 mL/L of drinking water for 3 days/week. Group 4 was given combined probiotics (Biosol + Zemos), with the same weekly dose of each probiotic alternatively. During the experiment, all chickens were fed and hydrated ad libitum and exposed to 24 h of light. Our findings revealed that chicks fed on diets supplemented with Biosol and Biosol + Zemos showed an increase in body weight gain and lower feed conversion rates. Total protein levels were elevated while cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped, whereas, no effect was detected in the uric acid levels among those groups. Furthermore, the carcass traits of Biosol and Biosol + Zemos increased as a result of the dietary supplementations, however, the weight of the drumstick showed no difference among the four groups. Both probiotics influenced the cecal count of lactobacilli, total aerobes, E. coli, and Enterococci in, as well as the transcript levels of the MTOR, SMYD, TLR-4, and NBN genes. It is possible to conclude that supplementing broilers with probiotics and Biosol, in particular, can increase their growth performance, and improve the biochemical characteristics of the blood and transcript levels of the genes under investigation.Highlights Supplementation of the broiler diet with probiotics is essential Biosol and Zemos increased the growth performance Both probiotics improved the biochemical blood parameters Biosol up-regulated growth and immunity related genes

Different additives' influence on electric conductivity of 'dielectric/conductor'-type composites (namely, polycrystalline cBN-based composites contained cBN as a dielectric phase and NbN as a conductor phase) is investigated. Investigated samples are obtained by the application of HPHT (high pressure-high temperature) sintering (P = 7.7 GPa, T = 2000°C). Electrical-resistance dependences on the temperature and applied voltage are measured for all samples. Obtained results' analysis shows that all sintered samples have a semiconductor nature of conductivity. It is interesting that addition dielectrics (Al2O3, Si3N4) as well as semiconductor (SiC) leads to the electric-conductivity improve (drop in electrical resistance) for cBN--NbN composites in some degree (despite the lower electrical conductivity of these substances). Alumina whiskers' addition to cBN--NbN composites leads to a more significant drop in electrical resistance compared to powder particles' addition (from 1.85 to 0.72 Ohm-cm for samples with whiskers (Al2O3w) and from 1.35 to 0.17 Ohm-cm for samples with Al2O3 powder). Hence, as concluded, the sample electrical conductivity is affected by both the additive particles' morphology and the grain boundaries' state of the sintered poly- crystalline ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hereditary genetic mutations are a significant risk factor for malignant transformation of cells and cancer development. Hereditary genetic mutations account for 15 to 25 % of all ovarian carcinomas. Purpose of the study: to summarize data on hereditary ovarian malignancies, namely: genetic defects, features of the clinical course, treatment options, and disease prevention. Material and methods. A systemic search was undertaken using PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library databases for publications from 1999 to 2021. Results. The review describes the main genetic defects and hereditary cancer syndromes predisposing to the development of hereditary malignant ovarian tumors. The features of the clinical course and response to drug therapy have been presented. This article summarizes clinical guidelines of the professional communities (National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), American Society Of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and European Society For Medical Oncology (ESMO). These guidelines contain early detection strategies and approaches to prevent the development of cancers in mutation carriers. Conclusion. Detection of hereditary cancer syndromes is important for patients and their families. Recognizing hereditary predisposition to cancer is important to allow timely surveillance and preventative interventions for both patients and family members.

• An interface control method is proposed to improve the material quality of InAs/InAsSb superlattices. • Mid-wavelength InAs/InAsSb nBn infrared detector with AlAs/AlSb barrier is demonstrated. • Dark current models are used to extract the minority carrier lifetime of InAs/InAsSb superlattices. We report our study to optimize the growth of mid-wavelength InAs/InAsSb nBn infrared detectors through interface control method with AlSb/AlAs superlattices as electron barrier. The dark current model was employed to investigate the dominant dark current mechanism at various operating temperatures. We extracted the minority carrier lifetime of InAs/InAsSb material grown by different interface growth methods. Electrical and optical characterizations indicated superior performance of the device grown by migration-enhanced epitaxy (MEE) with a 3 s As and Sb soak time. With −0.3 V applied bias and 150 K operating temperature, the optimal device shown a dark current density of 8.95 × 10−6 A/cm2 and peak specific detectivity of 7.12 × 1011 cm Hz1/2/W at 3.8 µm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design and characterization measurements performed on kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) produced on sapphire and polycrystalline diamond substrates are presented. Designed as part of a nuclear fusion polarimetric diagnostic, the foreseen plasma‐probing frequency of the final devices is 1.3 THz with a maximum response time under 10 ms and cross‐polarization target accuracy of 1%. These detectors are based on superconducting micro‐resonators that undergo de‐tuning upon absorption of radiation. The main characteristics of the devices include polarization sensitiveness and lumped‐elements multi‐pixel configuration produced from photo‐lithographed niobium nitride (NbN) thin films. The direct current (DC) and microwave characterization measurements highlight large differences in the thin film quality, with the superconductor deposited on diamond showing reduced critical temperature, lower critical current density, and increased values of the kinetic inductance. This difference is likely due to the higher lattice constant and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between film and substrate in the case of diamond, with the different surface finish quality of the crystalline samples available also playing a role. The devices on both substrates show a bolometric response to THz radiation that fulfills the requirement guidelines and represent a good starting point to optimize the design for the application at hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are non-pathogenic microorganisms that are potentially important non-antibiotic alternatives. This study aimed to compare novel multi-strain and single-strain Bacillus probiotics and their respective influences on broiler chickens’ performance, gut health, litter quality, immune response, and NBN and TLR gene expression. A total of 1200 Arbor-Acres 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated into three treatments (T1 was a control, T2 was supplemented with a combined Bacillus coagulans (2 × 109 cfu/g) and Bacillus licheniformis (8 × 109 cfu/g) probiotic strains (0.2 kg/ton of feed), and T3 was supplemented with Bacillus licheniformis (3.2 × 109 cfu/g) probiotic (0.5 kg/ton of feed) with eight replicas of each. Supplementing the broiler diet with either the single-strain (T3) or the multi-strain (T2) Bacillus-based probiotic raised the overall birds’ body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and European production efficiency factor compared to the control (T1), with a significant enhancement achieved by the multi-strain Bacillus product (P = 0.005). T2 and T3 exhibited significantly improved cholesterol, Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase levels than the control (P ≤ 0.05). The transcript levels of both NBN and TLR genes were upregulated in the liver in the T2 and T3 groups. The T2 group experienced significant reductions in gut bacterial counts, especially for Clostridia, and recorded the lowest litter moisture and nitrogen. In conclusion, supplementing broiler diets with probiotics of multiple Bacillus strains increased production profitability by promoting bird growth, improving feed intake, enhancing gut mucosa and immune organs, and upregulating genes responsible for immunity. All these inhibit the overgrowth of enteric pathogens and sustain litter quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superconducting nanofilms are tunable systems that can host a 3D–2D dimensional crossover leading to the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) superconducting transition approaching the 2D regime. Reducing the dimensionality further, from 2D to quasi-1D superconducting nanostructures with disorder, can generate quantum and thermal phase slips (PS) of the order parameter. Both BKT and PS are complex phase-fluctuation phenomena of difficult experiments. We characterized superconducting NbN nanofilms thinner than 15 nm, on different substrates, by temperature-dependent resistivity and current–voltage (I-V) characteristics. Our measurements evidence clear features related to the emergence of BKT transition and PS events. The contemporary observation in the same system of BKT transition and PS events, and their tunable evolution in temperature and thickness was explained as due to the nano-conducting paths forming in a granular NbN system. In one of the investigated samples, we were able to trace and characterize the continuous evolution in temperature from quantum to thermal PS. Our analysis established that the detected complex phase phenomena are strongly related to the interplay between the typical size of the nano-conductive paths and the superconducting coherence length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to look into the effect of two probiotics as feed additives: Biosol (lipotropic factor containing probiotics) and/or Zemos, and to determine the best regimen for using both probiotics to improve growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters, and transcription of some growth and immunity-related genes in broiler chickens. A commercial hatchery provided 400 one-day-old Cobb broiler chicks. The chicks were divided into four equal groups at random, each with 100 birds. Group 1 served as a negative control. Group 2 was given Probiotic 1(Biosol) in drinking water at a dose of 120 g/10,000 chick each day. Group 3 received probiotic 2 (Zemos) at a dose of 0.25 mL/L of drinking water for 3 days/week. Group 4 was given combined probiotics (Biosol + Zemos), with the same weekly dose of each probiotic alternatively. During the experiment, all chickens were fed and hydrated ad libitum and exposed to 24 h of light. Our findings revealed that chicks fed on diets supplemented with Biosol and Biosol + Zemos showed an increase in body weight gain and lower feed conversion rates. Total protein levels were elevated while cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped, whereas, no effect was detected in the uric acid levels among those groups. Furthermore, the carcass traits of Biosol and Biosol + Zemos increased as a result of the dietary supplementations, however, the weight of the drumstick showed no difference among the four groups. Both probiotics influenced the cecal count of lactobacilli, total aerobes, E. coli, and Enterococci in, as well as the transcript levels of the MTOR, SMYD, TLR-4, and NBN genes. It is possible to conclude that supplementing broilers with probiotics and Biosol, in particular, can increase their growth performance, and improve the biochemical characteristics of the blood and transcript levels of the genes under investigation. Supplementation of the broiler diet with probiotics is essential Biosol and Zemos increased the growth performance Both probiotics improved the biochemical blood parameters Biosol up-regulated growth and immunity related genes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unipolar barrier architecture is designed to enhance the photodetector's sensitivity by inducing highly asymmetrical barriers, a higher barrier for blocking majority carriers to depressing dark current, and a low minority carrier barrier without impeding the photocurrent flow through the channel. Depressed dark current without block photocurrent is highly desired for uncooled Long-wave infrared (LWIR) photodetection, which can enhance the sensitivity of the photodetector. Here, an excellent unipolar barrier photodetector based on multi-layer (ML) graphene (G) is developed, WSe 2 , and PtSe 2 (G-WSe 2 -PtSe 2 ) van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure, in which extremely low dark current of 1.61×10 -13 A, a record high light on/off ≈10 9 are demonstrated at 0 V. Notably, the device exhibits ultrafast response speed with rise time τ r = 699 ns and decay time τ d = 452 ns and high-power conversion efficiency (η) of 4.87%. The heterostructure demonstrates a broadband photoresponse from 365 nm to LWIR 10.6 µm at room temperature. Notably, the G-WSe 2 -PtSe 2 nBn device demonstrates high photoresponsivity (R) of 1.8 AW -1 with 10.6 µm laser at 1 V bias in ambient air. This unipolar barrier device architecture offers an alternative way for highly sensitive free space communication., (© 2025 The Author(s). Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Abstract Objective Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most common cancers in children for which the exact pathogenesis is not yet known. Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in different DNA repair genes are reported to be associated with ALL risk. This study aimed to determine the association between XRCC1 (rs1799782) and NBN (rs1805794, rs709816) SNVs and childhood ALL risk in a sample of the Iranian population. Fifty children with ALL and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy children were included in this case–control study. Genotyping of the mentioned SNVs was done by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. Results The prevalence of all three SNVs in XRCC1 and NBN genes did not differ between the patient and control groups, and these polymorphisms were not associated with childhood ALL risk (P > 0.05). HRM was a practical method for the detection of SNVs in XRCC1 and NBN genes. We found no significant association between XRCC1 (rs1799782) and NBN (rs1805794, rs709816) SNVs and childhood ALL risk.

In the present study, we further analyzed the data obtained in our previous study, where we investigated the cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of 34 progressive prostate cancer patients via targeted sequencing. Here, we studied the occurrence and prognostic impact of sequence variants according to their clinical pathological significance (CPS) or their functional impact (FI) in 23 DNA damage repair (DDR) genes with a focus on the ATM serine/threonine kinase gene (ATM). All patients had at least one DDR gene with a CPS or FI variant. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the group with a higher number of CPS variants in DDR genes had a shorter time to treatment change (TTC) compared to the group with a lower number of CPS variants (p = 0.038). Analysis of each DDR gene revealed that CPS variants in the ATM gene and FI variants in the nibrin (NBN) gene showed a shorter TTC (p = 0.034 and p = 0.042). In addition, patients with CPS variants in the ATM gene had shorter overall survival (OS; p = 0.022) and disease-specific survival (DSS; p = 0.010) than patients without these variants. Interestingly, patients with CPS variants in seven DDR genes possessed a better OS (p = 0.008) and DSS (p = 0.009), and patients with FI variants in four DDR genes showed a better OS (p = 0.007) and DSS (p = 0.008). Together, these findings demonstrated that the analysis of cfDNA for gene variants in DDR genes provides prognostic information that may be helpful for future temporal and targeted treatment decisions for advanced PCa patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural similarity between NbNx and AlN facilitates the integration of superconductors into semiconductor optoelectronic devices. The abrupt interface between wide‐bandgap AlN and superconducting NbNx is essential for future nitride quantum devices, such as Josephson junction‐based quantum bits. In this study, the fundamental properties of NbNx epitaxially grown at various temperatures on atomically flat AlN/sapphire template substrates are investigated. It is found that with increasing epitaxial growth temperature, the nitrogen content of NbNx films grown on AlN decreases, resulting in a change in crystal structure from δ‐ to β‐ via ε‐ and γ ‐type. Microstructural analysis reveals that NbNx thin films epitaxially grown at high temperatures crystallize into a pure hexagonal β‐type and have atomically flat surface and the same in‐plane lattice constant as AlN. The technology for growing high‐purity NbNx films with flat interfaces and surfaces on AlN can contribute to the integration of nitride semiconductors and superconductor hybrid devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrathin (5–50 nm) epitaxial superconducting niobium nitride (NbN) films were grown on AlN-buffered c-plane Al2O3 by an industrial scale physical vapor deposition technique at 400°C. Both X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis show high crystallinity of the (111)-oriented NbN films, with a narrow full-width-at-half-maximum of the rocking curve down to 0.030°. The lattice constant decreases with decreasing NbN layer thickness, suggesting lattice strain for films with thicknesses below 20 nm. The superconducting transition temperature, the transition width, the upper critical field, the irreversibility line, and the coherence length are closely correlated to the film thickness.

Abstract Background Breast cancer in men accounts for fewer than 1 % of all breast cancer cases diagnosed in men and women. Genes which predispose to male breast cancer include BRCA1 and BRCA2. The role of other genes is less clear. In Poland, 20 founder mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2, NBN, RECQL are responsible for the majority of hereditary breast cancer cases in women, but the utility this genes panel has not been tested in men. Methods We estimated the prevalence of 20 alleles in six genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2, NBN, RECQL) in 165 Polish male breast cancer patients. We compared the frequency of selected variants in male breast cancer cases and controls. Results One of the 20 mutations was seen in 22 of 165 cases (13.3%). Only one BRCA1 mutation and two BRCA2 mutations were found. We observed statistically significant associations for PALB2 and CHEK2 truncating mutations. A PALB2 mutation was detected in four cases (OR = 11.66; p

In wire-based directed energy deposition (DED), super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) typically encounters issues including coarse grains, a contradictory relationship between strength and ductility, and inferior wear resistance properties. Herein, we report the introduction of micron-sized NbN particles into DEDed SDSS to achieve an optimized combination of fine microstructure, high strength, impressively larger ductility and better wear resistance. During the DED process, NbN inoculant dissolves and re-precipitates, forming fine NbN and σ particles around 100 nm in size. These NbN particles act as nucleation sites for equiaxed grains, refining both ferrite and austenite. In addition, Nb and N elements left from NbN dissolution enhance the solution strengthening effect. These factors collectively boost hardness and strength in DEDed SDSS. Furthermore, the high Nb level in DEDed SDSS facilitates a dense Cr 2 O 3 layer formation on the specimen surface during wear tests, enhancing wear resistance. Increased Nb and N also lower stacking fault energy (SFE) of SDSS austenite, promoting the occurrence of deformation twinning, and the improvement of work hardening and ductility during plastic deformation. This work shows the great potential of wire-arc DED technology to fabricate SDSS with unique microstructures, excellent wear resistance, and an exceptional combination of strength and ductility for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-based lubrication has attracted wide attention as an oil-free lubrication method owing to its greener and cleaner lubrication means. However, due to operating in the water environment, most moving parts would inevitably suffer from abrasion, rusting, and aging problems. Developing a novel solid-water composite system with ultra-low friction and wear will open new possibilities for innovative lubrication material research and development. Here, we first revealed the water-based lubrication behavior of a high-hardness niobium nitride coating (NbN). In a three-phase contact environment (water, air, and NbN), oxidation and hydrolytic reactions of NbN result in the formation of "colloidal solutions", containing Nb2O5 colloidal particles between the tribo-pairs. Utilizing the double electric layer repulsion and weak shear action of the "colloidal solution", NbN achieves ultra-low friction and wear; the corresponding values are as low as 0.058 and 1.79 × 10−10 mm3·N−1·m−1, respectively. In addition, other VB transition metal nitrides (VB TMNs) exhibit the same low friction feature as NbN in the three-phase contact environment; the friction coefficients are even lower than those in an oil-based environment. The water-based lubrication of VB TMNs provides a new reliable scheme for optimizing solid-water composite lubrication systems without additives and is expected to be applied in environments with high humidity or insufficient water coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Family history is one of the risk factors for pancreatic cancer. It is suggested that patients with pancreatic cancer who have a familial history harbor germline pathogenic variants of BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2), PALB2, or ATM. Recently, some germline variants of familial pancreatic cancers (FPCs), including PALB2, have been detected. Several countries, including Japan, perform screening workups and genetic analysis for pancreatic cancers. We have been carrying out active surveillance for FPC through epidemiological surveys, imaging analyses, and genetic analysis. Case presentation Here, we present the case of a female patient harboring pathogenic variants of PALB2 and NBN, with a family history of multiple pancreatic cancer in her younger brother, her aunt, and her father. Moreover, her father harbored a PALB2 pathogenic variant and her daughter harbored the same NBN pathogenic variant. Given the PALB2 and NBN variants, we designed surveillance strategies for the pancreas, breast, and ovary. Conclusions Further studies are required to develop strategies for managing FPCs to facilitate prompt diagnosis before their progression.

Background Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal that adversely affects both human and animal health. Chronic cadmium exposure causes serious kidney damage. The current study investigated the protective role of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced renal injury. Method One hundred and twenty male albino rats were divided into 6 equal groups. Group (C): considered as control group which was given distilled water orally. Group (NC.1 and NC.5): rats were injected i.p. with nanoceria at a dose of (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg b.wt), respectively, twice a week for 2 weeks starting at the 15th day of the study. Group (Cd): rats were received CdCl2 orally (10 mg/kg b.wt) daily for 28 days. Groups (Cd + NC.1 and Cd + NC.5): rats were given CdCl2 orally (10 mg/kg b.wt) for 28 days and CeO2NPs by i.p. injection at a dose of (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg b.wt), respectively, twice a week for 2 weeks started at the 15th day of the experiment. Results The Cd group exhibited a significant increase in the serum levels of IL-1β, KIM-1, Cys-C, and β2-MG, downregulation of the antioxidant initiator genes such as Nrf-2, and up-regulation of apoptosis markers such as nibrin gene (NBN). Urine examination showed a high level of microalbuminuria, abnormal physical, chemical, and microscopical changes in comparison with control groups. Conculsion Remarkably, posttreatment with CeO2NPs showed significant improvement in kidney histopathological picture and relieved the alterations in kidney biomarkers, inflammatory markers, urine abnormalities, and expressions of different genes as Nrf-2 and NBN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

InAs/InAsSb type-II strained layer superlattice high-operating temperature barrier infrared detector (HOT-BIRD) focal plane arrays (FPAs) were fabricated for mid-wavelength infrared hyperspectral imaging applications on the CubeSat Infrared Atmospheric Sounder (CIRAS). At 115 K, a $5.4 ~\mu \text{m}$ cutoff FPA demonstrated a mean quantum efficiency of 53% in the 3- $5 ~\mu \text{m}$ band, and a mean dark current density of $1.7\,\,\times10$ −7 A/cm2. The mean noise equivalent differential temperature (NEDT) is 22.9 mK for 300 K background and f/7.8 optics, with an NEDT operability of 99.94%. The FPA meets the hyperspectral imaging requirements of CIRAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three different coatings, namely TiAlN, TiAlN (external)/NbN (internal) and NbN (external)/TiAlN (internal), were deposited on cemented carbides by arc ion plating. The comparative investigation conducted in this study elucidates the effect of the NbN layer and coating systems on the growth, mechanical properties, and tribological performance of the coatings. The results showed that the surface of the TiAlN and TiAlN/NbN coatings was smoother when TiAlN served as the external layer. The NbN/TiAlN coating, wherein NbN formed the external layer, had a much rougher but more symmetrical surface. With the introduction of the NbN layer, the increased micro stress induced a lower adhesion strength in the TiAlN/NbN and NbN/TiAlN coatings. The TiAlN/NbN and NbN/TiAlN coatings exhibited higher hardness and hardness/effective elastic modulus (H/E*). During the friction test, when the temperature was elevated to 700 °C, the tribological performance of the monolayer TiAlN coating was the lowest because of the TiO 2 -induced breakage of the dense tribo-oxide film. The NbN layer participated in the formation of a NbO x film at elevated temperatures, which was responsible for the high tribological performance of the two bilayer coatings. When the NbN layer was on the outermost layer and in direct contact with the elevated temperature atmosphere, the NbN/TiAlN coating generated a tribo-oxide film with high integrity, and its coefficient of friction decreased by 27% of that at room temperature. Therefore, the NbN/TiAlN coating exhibited the highest wear resistance at 700 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a 62-year-old patient with uterine carcinosarcoma associated with a germline mutation in the NBN gene which is involved in the homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway. This patient responded well to several different treatment strategies including platinum-based chemotherapy twice, PARP inhibitor therapy and immunotherapy, and is currently alive and with disease control, more than four years after diagnosis. This case is the first report of uterine carcinosarcoma associated with a germline mutation in NBN and highlights how specific genomic alterations may guide treatment decisions that may alter the natural history of an otherwise devastating disease.

Objective: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most common cancers in children for which the exact pathogenesis is not yet known. Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in different DNA repair genes are reported to be associated with ALL risk. This study aimed to determine the association between XRCC1 (rs1799782) and NBN (rs1805794, rs709816) SNVs and childhood ALL risk in a sample of the Iranian population. Fifty children with ALL and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy children were included in this case–control study. Genotyping of the mentioned SNVs was done by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. Results: The prevalence of all three SNVs in XRCC1 and NBN genes did not differ between the patient and control groups, and these polymorphisms were not associated with childhood ALL risk (P > 0.05). HRM was a practical method for the detection of SNVs in XRCC1 and NBN genes. We found no significant association between XRCC1 (rs1799782) and NBN (rs1805794, rs709816) SNVs and childhood ALL risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the current state of research in the field of creating unipolar semiconductor barrier structures based on various materials for infrared photodetector arrays, which make it possible to reduce the dark currents and thereby improve the threshold characteristics and ensure operation at high cooling temperatures. The main ways of minimizing a barrier for holes in the valence band are considered by the example of a photosensitive structure based on the n-CMT layer. It is shown that the nBn barrier structures are an alternative for creating photodiode sensing matrices for the mid- and far-infrared photodetector arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the use of clinical prognostic factors (PSA, T-category and Gleason score), 20-60% of localized prostate cancers (PCa) fail primary local treatment. Herein, we determined the prognostic importance of main sensors of the DNA damage response (DDR): MRE11A, RAD50, NBN, ATM, ATR and PRKDC. We studied copy number alterations in DDR genes in localized PCa treated with image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT; n=139) versus radical prostatectomy (RadP; n=154). In both cohorts, NBN gains were the most frequent genomic alteration (14.4 and 11% of cases, respectively), and were associated with overall tumour genomic instability (p

Abstract Background Solid tumours are less oxygenated than normal tissues. This is called tumour hypoxia and leads to resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The molecular mechanisms underlying such resistance have been investigated in a range of tumour types, including the adult brain tumours glioblastoma, yet little is known for paediatric brain tumours. Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumour in children. We aimed to elucidate the impact of hypoxia on the sensitivity of MB cells to chemo- and radiotherapy. Methods We used two MB cell line (D283-MED and MEB-Med8A) and a widely used glioblastoma cell line (U87MG) for comparison. We applied a range of molecular and cellular techniques to measure cell survival, cell cycle progression, protein expression and DNA damage combined with a transcriptomic micro-array approach in D283-MED cells, for global gene expression analysis in acute and chronic hypoxic conditions. Results In D283-MED and U87MG, chronic hypoxia (5 days), but not acute hypoxia (24 h) induced resistance to chemotherapy and X-ray irradiation. This acquired resistance upon chronic hypoxia was present but less pronounced in MEB-Med8A cells. Using transcriptomic analysis in D283-MED cells, we found a large transcriptional remodelling upon long term hypoxia, in particular the expression of a number of genes involved in detection and repair of double strand breaks (DSB) was altered. The levels of Nibrin (NBN) and MRE11, members of the MRN complex (MRE11/Rad50/NBN) responsible for DSB recognition, were significantly down-regulated. This was associated with a reduction of Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) activation by etoposide, indicating a profound dampening of the DNA damage signalling in hypoxic conditions. As a consequence, p53 activation by etoposide was reduced, and cell survival enhanced. Whilst U87MG shared the same dampened p53 activity, upon chemotherapeutic drug treatment in chronic hypoxic conditions, these cells used a different mechanism, independent of the DNA damage pathway. Conclusion Together our results demonstrate a new mechanism explaining hypoxia-induced resistance involving the alteration of the response to DSB in D283-MED cells, but also highlight the cell type to cell type diversity and the necessity to take into account the differing tumour genetic make-up when considering re-sensitisation therapeutic protocols.

Background: Breast cancer in men accounts for fewer than 1 % of all breast cancer cases diagnosed in men and women. Genes which predispose to male breast cancer include BRCA1 and BRCA2. The role of other genes is less clear. In Poland, 20 founder mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2, NBN, RECQL are responsible for the majority of hereditary breast cancer cases in women, but the utility this genes panel has not been tested in men.Methods: We estimated the prevalence of 20 alleles in six genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2, NBN, RECQL) in 165 Polish male breast cancer patients. We compared the frequency of selected variants in male breast cancer cases and controls.Results: One of the 20 mutations was seen in 22 of 165 cases (13.3%). Only one BRCA1 mutation and two BRCA2 mutations were found. We observed statistically significant associations for PALB2 and CHEK2 truncating mutations. A PALB2 mutation was detected in four cases (OR = 11.66; p < 0.001). A CHEK2 truncating mutation was detected in five cases (OR = 2.93;p = 0.02).Conclusion: In conclusion, we recommend that a molecular test for BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 and CHEK2 recurrent mutations should be offered to male breast cancer patients in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrathin (5–50 nm) epitaxial superconducting niobium nitride (NbN) films were grown on AlN-buffered c-plane Al2O3 by an industrial scale physical vapor deposition technique at 400°C. Both X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis show high crystallinity of the (111)-oriented NbN films, with a narrow full-width-at-half-maximum of the rocking curve down to 0.030°. The lattice constant decreases with decreasing NbN layer thickness, suggesting lattice strain for films with thicknesses below 20 nm. The superconducting transition temperature, the transition width, the upper critical field, the irreversibility line, and the coherence length are closely correlated to the film thickness. This work realized high quality ultrathin epitaxial NbN films by an industry-scale PVD technology at low substrate temperature, which opens up new opportunities for quantum devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) is a fundamental problem restricting the commercialization of lithium–sulfur batteries. A polar conductive substrate serving as the sulfur positive host is proven to be an excellent strategy for the efficient immobilization and rapid conversion of LiPSs. Herein, a heterostructure material of niobium nitride nanowires encapsulated in carbon (NbN-NW@C) as a positive host for the sulfur cathode was designed and investigated. First-principles calculation confirms the existence of a strong chemical interaction between NbN-NW and LiPSs, which catalytically promotes the mutual conversion of LiPSs and insoluble Li2S/Li2S2, thus enhancing the redox reaction kinetics. The carbon layer with an adjustable thickness effectively improves the adsorption capacity of the host for LiPSs, and N2 adsorption–desorption shows that the maximum specific surface area of NbN-NW@C-800 is 81.0 m2 g–1. Besides, the metallic property of NbN-NW facilitates electron transmission and improves sulfur utilization. Benefiting from the rational design of the electrode structure, the cathode exhibits excellent cycle stability (the capacity retention is 81.8% after 100 cycles) and rate properties (783 mAh g–1 at 1 C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact superconducting magnetic energy storage system (SMES) produced by Si micro fabrication technologies has been proposed to improve electricity storage volume density, w, in the sub-Wh/L range of conventional SMESs and to produce them at a low cost by mass production. In parallel with the experimental development reported previously, a series of trials was performed to estimate a feasible value of w based on the calculation of the magnetic field generated by the compact SMES by improving the calculation models step by step. In this work, the experimentally obtained magnetic flux density dependence of superconductive critical current density was taken into consideration for the first time in this series of trials, together with the additional improvement of the calculation models. The results of the estimation indicated that a compact SMES produced by the proposed concept can attain a w in the Wh/L range or more, ranking with or surpassing that of presently used capacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system (CNS) embryonal tumors (WHO grade IV) are a heterogeneous group of rare, poorly differentiated neuroepithelial malignant neoplasms that commonly occur in children, and they have a poor prognosis. The 2016 WHO (World Health Organization) classification of CNS tumors created a major shift in paradigm of the classification of embryonal tumors. However, some cases were still difficult to classify. Further integrative genomic analysis is needed to improve the precise classification, diagnosis and treatment of CNS embryonal tumors. Herein, we firstly report a case of CNS embryonal tumor harboring the pathogenic CIC–LEUTX gene fusion. A 2-year-old male infant presented with a solid cystic mass in the left temporal lobe-basal ganglia and left parietal lobe (maximum diameter, 75 mm) and underwent gross tumor resection. The tumor was classified as a poorly differentiated embryonal neoplasm of neuroectodermal origin that lacked specific features and rosettes. By immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were strongly positive for synaptophysin, and the Ki67 proliferation index was high (>50%). FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization) results indicated no change in the copy number at the 19q13.42 C19MC locus. Next generation sequencing showed a CIC–LEUTX gene fusion, a somatic TSC2 c.G2714A mutation, and a heterozygous germline NBN c.C127T mutation. One month after surgery, there was recurrence of the intracranial tumor (maximum diameter, 55 mm) as well as spinal cord implantation metastasis. The patient received chemotherapy (CTX+CBP+VCR/DDP+VP-16), radiotherapy, and a drug targeting the TSC2 gene (everolimus). At the time of this writing, the patient is alive without evidence of disease for 11 months. This is the first report of the CIC–LEUTX gene fusion in a case of CNS embryonal tumor.

Background: Family history is one of the risk factors for pancreatic cancer. It is suggested that patients with pancreatic cancer who have a familial history harbor germline pathogenic variants of BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2), PALB2, or ATM. Recently, some germline variants of familial pancreatic cancers (FPCs), including PALB2, have been detected. Several countries, including Japan, perform screening workups and genetic analysis for pancreatic cancers. We have been carrying out active surveillance for FPC through epidemiological surveys, imaging analyses, and genetic analysis. Case presentation: Here, we present the case of a female patient harboring pathogenic variants of PALB2 and NBN, with a family history of multiple pancreatic cancer in her younger brother, her aunt, and her father. Moreover, her father harbored a PALB2 pathogenic variant and her daughter harbored the same NBN pathogenic variant. Given the PALB2 and NBN variants, we designed surveillance strategies for the pancreas, breast, and ovary. Conclusions: Further studies are required to develop strategies for managing FPCs to facilitate prompt diagnosis before their progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium hydride, as a potential solid state hydrogen carrier has attracted great attention around the world especially in the energy storage domain due to the high hydrogen storage capacity and the good cycling stability. But kinetic and thermodynamic barriers also impede the practical application and development of MgH 2. Nanoscale catalysts are deemed to be the most effective measure to overcome the kinetic barrier and lower the temperature required for hydrogen release in MgH 2. NbN nanoparticles (~20 nm) with intrinsic Nb3+-N and Nb5+-N were prepared using the molten salt method and used as catalysts in the MgH 2 system. It is found that the NbN nanoparticles exhibit a superior catalytic effect on de/rehydrogenation kinetics for the MgH 2 /Mg system. About 6.0 wt% hydrogen can be liberated for the MgH 2 +5NbN sample within 5 min at 300 °C, and it takes 12 min to desorb the same amount of hydrogen at 275 °C. Meanwhile, the MgH 2 +5NbN sample can absorb 6.0 wt% hydrogen within 16 min at 150 °C, and absorb 5.0 wt% hydrogen within 24 min even at 100 °C. Particularly, the catalyzed samples exhibit excellent hydrogen absorption/desorption kinetic stability. After multiple cycles, there is no kinetic attenuation and the hydrogen capacity remains at about 6.0 wt%. It is demonstrated that the NbN nanoparticles with intrinsic multiple valence can be the critical effect in improving the hydrogen storage kinetics of MgH 2. The stability of Nb 4 N 3 phase and Nb3+-N and Nb5+-N valence states can ensure a stable catalytic effect in the system. NbN nanoparticles (~20 nm) with intrinsic multiple valence (Nb5+-N/Nb3+-N) were prepared and great catalytic effect and excellent cycle stability was acquired in the NbN doped MgH 2 system. Image 1 • Great catalytic activities are acquired in nanoscale NbN doped MgH 2. • Excellent kinetic performance and great kinetic cycle stability in MgH 2 system. • Phase stability and intrinsic multiple valance guarantee the catalytic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system (CNS) embryonal tumors (WHO grade IV) are a heterogeneous group of rare, poorly differentiated neuroepithelial malignant neoplasms that commonly occur in children, and they have a poor prognosis. The 2016 WHO (World Health Organization) classification of CNS tumors created a major shift in paradigm of the classification of embryonal tumors. However, some cases were still difficult to classify. Further integrative genomic analysis is needed to improve the precise classification, diagnosis and treatment of CNS embryonal tumors. Herein, we firstly report a case of CNS embryonal tumor harboring the pathogenic CIC – LEUTX gene fusion. A 2-year-old male infant presented with a solid cystic mass in the left temporal lobe-basal ganglia and left parietal lobe (maximum diameter, 75 mm) and underwent gross tumor resection. The tumor was classified as a poorly differentiated embryonal neoplasm of neuroectodermal origin that lacked specific features and rosettes. By immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were strongly positive for synaptophysin, and the Ki67 proliferation index was high (>50%). FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization) results indicated no change in the copy number at the 19q13.42 C19MC locus. Next generation sequencing showed a CIC – LEUTX gene fusion, a somatic TSC2 c.G2714A mutation, and a heterozygous germline NBN c.C127T mutation. One month after surgery, there was recurrence of the intracranial tumor (maximum diameter, 55 mm) as well as spinal cord implantation metastasis. The patient received chemotherapy (CTX+CBP+VCR/DDP+VP-16), radiotherapy, and a drug targeting the TSC2 gene (everolimus). At the time of this writing, the patient is alive without evidence of disease for 11 months. This is the first report of the CIC – LEUTX gene fusion in a case of CNS embryonal tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In designing national strategies for genetic testing, it is important to define the full spectrum of pathogenic mutations in prostate cancer (PCa) susceptibility genes. To investigate the frequency of mutations in PCa susceptibility genes in Polish familial PCa cases and to estimate gene‐related PCa risks and probability of aggressive disease, we analyzed the coding regions of 14 genes by exome sequencing in 390 men with familial prostate cancer and 308 cancer‐free controls. We compared the mutation frequencies between PCa cases and controls. We also compared clinical characteristics of prostate cancers between mutation carriers and noncarriers. Of the 390 PCa cases, 76 men (19.5%) carried a mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2, NBN, ATM, CHEK2, HOXB13, MSH2 or MSH6 genes. No mutations were found in BRIP1, PTEN, TP53, MLH1, PMS2 and SPOP. Significant associations with familial PCa risk were observed for CHEK2, NBN, ATM, and HOXB13. High‐grade (Gleason 8‐10) tumors were seen in 56% of BRCA2, NBN or ATM carriers, compared to 21% of patients who tested negative for mutations in these genes (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 2.0‐10.7, P =.0003). In summary, approximately 20% of familial prostate cancer cases in Poland can be attributed to mutations in eight susceptibility genes. Carriers of mutations in BRCA2, NBN and ATM develop aggressive disease and may benefit from intensified screening and/or chemotherapy. What's new? Genetic susceptibility plays an important role in prostate cancer (PCa). In designing genetic‐testing strategies for PCa screening, it is important to define the full spectrum of pathogenic mutations that increase PCa risk. In this study, the authors found that approximately 20% of familial prostate cancer cases in Poland can be attributed to mutations in eight susceptibility genes. In addition, carriers of mutations in BRCA2, NBN and ATM are more likely to develop aggressive disease. These patients may benefit from intensified screening and/or chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexavelant chromium (Cr (V1)) is a widely distributed environmental pollutant inducing damage in different organs of human and animals. The current study was designed to investigate the mechanistic role of rosmarinic acid (RA) to diminish chromium‐induced hepatorenal oxidative damage and preneoplastic lesions in rats. Plant material was collected, identified, and extracted. The isolated RA was elucidated relying on the nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data. Twenty‐eight male Wistar rats received the following materials daily via oral gavage for 60 days; (Gp1): normal saline, (Gp2) 25 mg/kg.bwt RA, (Gp3) 10 mg/kg.bwt potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), (Gp4) K2Cr2O7 + RA. All rats were euthanized at the end of the experiment by cervical dislocation and the liver and kidney were collected. Prolonged continuous exposure of rats to chromium‐induced oxidant/antioxidant imbalance manifested by significant elevation of malondialdehyde with reduction in reduced glutathione levels. Remarkable histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney tissue sections were recorded and confirmed by overexpression of the immunohistochemical staining of caspase‐3, placental glutathione‐S transferase, proliferating cell nuclear antigen together with a significant downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid‐2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene and upregulation of nibrin gene. Observable improvements in the entire toxicopathological parameters were recorded in group cotreated with RA. Our findings revealed that Cr‐induced preneoplastic lesions on the liver and kidney tissues of rats when exposed daily for long period of time, as well as confirmed the ability of RA to alleviate this toxicity through upregulation of Nrf2 pathway and its powerful antioxidant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest in the exploration of the nitride material family for radically scaled, high frequency, ultrasonic devices by epitaxial growth techniques. Furthermore, the introduction of epitaxial growth techniques to conventional nitride‐based acoustic technology opens the door to exciting new families of structures for phonon confinement. As the need for higher frequency communications increases, both piezoelectrics and electrodes must scale to smaller dimensions. It has recently become possible to epitaxially grow single‐crystalline, wurtzite AlN/NbN piezoelectric/metal heterostructures. The epitaxial NbN films maintain high crystalline quality and electrical conductivity down to several nanometers thickness. This study demonstrates preliminary results on the feasibility of an all‐epitaxial bulk acoustic wave technology by growing and characterizing the radio frequency (RF) properties of an epitaxial AlN/NbN heterostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]