Search

Droplet microlasers are micro-scale lasers that utilize liquid droplets to construct optical resonators. Due to their notable attributes of flexibility, tunability, and reconfigurability, droplet microlasers exhibit great potential for developing integrated laser devices and applications in multi-dimensional sensing. In the past decade, substantial advancements have been made in both fundamental research and forefront applications of droplet microlasers. These advancements encompass novel lasing mechanisms, the development of full-color laser displays, applications in biological sensing, and the integration into detection systems. Motivated by the remarkable capabilities and pivotal strides, this review article aims to provide a lucid and comprehensive overview of the field of droplet microlasers. First, fundamental mechanisms inherent in droplet microlasers are illustrated, including the oscillation and wavelength-tuning mechanisms. Subsequently, the primary materials utilized for the fabrication of droplet microlasers are introduced. The review then encapsulates a summary of the diverse and multifunctional applications that droplet microlasers can undertake. Finally, the article concludes by deliberating on the future perspectives of droplet microlasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first observation of stimulated emission from colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) in year 2000, tremendous progress has been made in developing solution-processed lasers from colloidal semiconductor nanostructures in terms of both understanding the fundamental physics and improving the device performance. In this review paper, we will start with a brief introduction about the fabrication of CQDs and the corresponding electronic structures. The emphasis will be put on the discussion about the optical gain and lasing from colloidal nanostructures including the gain mechanism, the main hurdles against optical gain and lasing as well as strategies to optimize the lasing performance. Afterwards, the recent advances in CQD lasers, exemplified by the achievement of continuous wave lasing, will be presented. Finally, the challenges and a perspective of the future development of lasers based on the colloidal semiconductor nanostructures will be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found playing important roles in regulating cancer progression. Human circRNA microarray was performed to screen for abnormally expressed circRNA in gastric cancer tissues. In this study, we are aimed to investigate the relationship between a new circular RNA named hsa_circ_0000520 and gastric cancer development. METHODS: The hsa_circ_0000520 levels were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in gastric tissue, cell and plasma levels, respectively. Then, the association between the expression level of hsa_circ_0000520 and the clinicopathological features of patients with gastric cancer was further analyzed. Finally, a network of hsa_circ_0000520-miRNA-mRNA interactions was predicated. RESULTS: In this study, hsa_circ_0000520 was first found to be significantly down-regulated in gastric cancer tissues, plasma and gastric cancer cell lines compared with control cases. Clinicopathological features showed that hsa_circ_0000520 level in GC tissues was negatively associated with TNM stage and in GC plasma linked with CEA expression. Finally, a total of 9 miRNAs and 9 candidate mRNA were predicted to have an interaction with hsa_circ_0000520. CONCLUSIONS: We first identified that hsa_circ_0000520 was significantly down-regulated in gastric cancer. Our study indicated hsa_circ_0000520 might serve as a novel biomarker for gastric cancer and is involved in gastric carcinoma development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pistacia weinmannifolia J. Poisson ex Franch (Anacardiaceae) is a shrub or arbor widely found in Yunnan province of China and its leaves are used as traditional Chinese medicine by herbalists. The leaves of P. weinmannifolia are rich in phenolic compounds, among which two novel gallotannins, Pistafolin A and Pistafolin B, are identified. In the present investigation, the antioxidant efficiency of Pistafolin A and Pistafolin B in preventing lipid, protein and DNA from reactive oxygen species-mediated damage was studied. Both Pistafolin A and Pistafolin B inhibited the peroxyl-radical induced lipid peroxidation of l-α-phosphatidylcholine liposomes dose-dependently and prevented the bovine serum albumin from peroxyl-induced oxidative damage. Pistafolin A and Pistafolin B also inhibited copper (II)-1,10-phenanthroline complex-induced DNA oxidative damage. Both Pistafolin A and Pistafolin B scavenged the hydrophilic 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt-free radicals and the hydrophobic 1,1-dipheny-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals effectively, suggesting they may act as hydrogen donating antioxidants. The protective effects of the two gallotannins against oxidative damage of biomacromolecules were due to their strong free radical scavenging ability. Pistafolin A with three galloyl moieties showed stronger antioxidant ability than Pistafolin B with two galloyl moieties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pistafolia A is a novel gallotannin isolated from the leaf extract of Pistacia weinmannifolia. In the present investigation, the ability of Pistafolia A to scavenge reactive oxygen species including hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anion was measured by ESR spin trapping technique. The inhibition effect on iron-induced lipid peroxidaiton in liposomes was studied. The protective effects of Pistafolia A against oxidative neuronal cell damage and apoptosis induced by peroxynitrite were also assessed. The results showed that Pistafolia A could scavenge both hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anion dose-dependently and inhibit lipid peroxidation effectively. In cerebellar granule cells pretreated with Pistafolia A, peroxynitrite-induced oxidative neuronal damage and apoptosis were prevented markedly. The antioxidant capacity of Pistafolia A was much more potent then that of the water-soluble analog of vitamin E, Trolox. The results suggested that Pistafolia A might be used as an effective natural antioxidant for the prevention and cure of neuronal diseases associated with the production of peroxynitrite and related reactive oxygen species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Soft matter‐based microlasers are widely regarded as excellent building blocks for realizing photonic interconnected networks in optoelectronic chips, owing to their flexibility and functional network topology. However, the potential of these devices is hindered by challenges such as poor lasing stability, high lasing threshold, and gaps in knowledge regarding cavity interconnection characteristics. In this study, the first demonstration of a high‐quality, low‐threshold nanoplatelets (NPLs)‐based polymer microfiber laser fabricated using capillary immersion techniques and its photonic interconnected networks are presented. CdSe/CdS@Cd1‐xZnxS core/buffer shell@graded‐shell NPLs with high optical gain characteristics are adopted as the gain medium. The study achieves a lasing threshold below 14.8 µJ cm−2, a single‐mode quality (Q)‐factor of ≈5500, and robust lasing stability in the fabricated NPLs‐based microfibers. Furthermore, the study pioneers the exploration of polygonal self‐coupling microlasers and the optical characteristics of their interconnected fiber network. Based on the signal generation mechanism observed in the photonic networks, an interconnected NPLs‐based fiber network structure achieving single‐mode lasing emission and laser mode modulation is successfully designed. The work contributes a novel method for realizing microlasers fabricated via soft‐matter technologies and provides a key foundation and new insights for unit design and programming for future photonic network systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and their van der Waals heterostructures possess great potential for optoelectronic applications thanks to their strong quantum confinement and flexibility in bandgap engineering. Photodetection based on TMDs utilizing photoconductance typically exhibits positive photoconductance resulting from the generation of photocarriers upon illumination. This study reports a SnSe2/MoS2 photodetector operating over a broadband range from deep ultraviolet to infrared wavelengths with not only a high responsivity and self‐powered feature but also ambipolar photoresponse with both positive and negative photoconductances to multi‐control parameters of wavelength, gate voltage, and laser power. The transition from positive to negative photoconductance by gate voltage and laser power indicates that charge recombination and interlayer exciton trapping result in negative photoconductance. The coexistence and controllable positive and negative photoconductance hold potential for multifunctional optoelectronic devices responding to multi‐control parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐inorganic metal halide perovskites, such as CsPbX3 (X = Br, Cl, or I), have attracted significant interest for a new generation of integrated, high‐performance optoelectronic devices. To realize the full potential of layer‐by‐layer devices, perovskite crystal thin films are preferred over crystal ingots, considering carrier loss during carrier transport. The space‐confined method is a facile way of fabricating perovskite crystal films in a geometrically confined space to break the isotropic growth. Many researchers have reported effective preparation of large‐area perovskite films using this method. However, most space‐confined methods require growth in a liquid phase (solution), which can cause uncontrollable nucleation, surface traps, and unsatisfactory device performance. In this work, a pure solid‐state space‐confined strategy to grow CsPbBr3 films for the first time without relying on solution conditions is developed. The regular shapes of CsPbBr3 films prepared by this solid‐state space‐confined strategy can function as effective multimode and single‐mode Fabry–Perot (F–P) microlasers under optical pumping. This work overcomes the challenge that the conventional space‐confined method can only be adapted to the liquid phase. It also opens a new approach for making high‐quality microlasers, which are significant for photonic integrated circuits and optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a special class of noncoding RNAs with the characteristic of covalent closed-loop structure, have been widely found in various organisms. Growing evidence has shown that circRNAs play a crucial role in regulating biological functions of cancers. However, the specific role of circRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains largely unknown.Aim: The present study aims to investigate the effects of circ-TTC17 in ESCC clinical samples as well as cells.Methods: Sanger sequencing and agarose gel electrophoresis were used to verify the specificity of circ-TTC17. Expression levels of circ-TTC17 in ESCC cells, plasma, and tissues were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A colony formation experiment, CCK-8 assay, and wound-healing assay were applied to detect the functions of circ-TTC17 in KYSE30 and KYSE450 cells. A nucleus-cytoplasm fractionation experiment was used to probe the location of circ-TTC17 in ESCC cells. Finally, a network of circ-TTC17 with its targeted miRNAs interactions and corresponding mRNAs was analyzed and framed by bioinformatics.Results: The expression level of circ-TTC17 was found to be significantly higher in ESCC cells, plasma, and tissues compared with normal cases. In vitro experiments indicated that circ-TTC17 promoted proliferation and migration of ESCC cells. Bioinformatics predictions showed that circ-TTC17 might regulate progress of ESCC by acting as a sponge for microRNAs (miRNAs).Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that upregulated circ-TTC17 plays a key role in promoting proliferation and migration of ESCC cells and has potential to become a novel biomarker for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of ESCC in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previous 1H-NMR method allowed the quantification of ephedrine alkaloids; however, there were some disadvantages. The cyclized derivatives resulted from the impurities of diethyl ether were identified and benzene was selected as the better extraction solvent. The locations of ephedrine alkaloids were confirmed with 2D NMR. Therefore, a specific 1H-NMR method has been modified for the quantification of ephedrine alkaloids. Accordingly, twenty Ephedrae Herba samples could be classified into three classes: (I) E. sinica-like species; (II) E. intermedia-like species; (III) others (lower alkaloid contents). The results indicated that ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are the major alkaloids in Ephedra plants, but the concentrations vary greatly determined by the plant species and the collection locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloidal quantum wells (CQWs) have emerged as a promising class of gain material in various optical feedback configurations. This is due to their unique excitonic features arising from their 1D quantum confinement. However, existing methods for integrating CQW onto microresonators will cause low laser quality due to uneven CQW coating. To overcome this, the use of liquid‐interface kinetically driven self‐assembly is proposed to coat ultrathin, close‐packed layers of colloidal CdSe/Cd1−xZnxS core/shell CQWs between 7 and 14 nm onto the surface of silica microsphere cavities. The fabricated CQW‐whispering‐gallery‐mode microlasers possess a commendable high quality (Q) factor of 13 000 at room temperature. Stable single‐mode lasing output is demonstrated through evanescent field coupling between a CQW‐coated microsphere and a thin uncoated microfiber in a 2D‐3D microcavity configuration. These promising results highlight the suitability of the liquid‐interface kinetically driven self‐assembly method for realizing ultrathin CQW‐coated microlasers and its high compatibility for integrating colloidal nanocrystals onto complex 3D microstructures for future miniaturized colloidal optoelectronic and photonic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this communication, we report a new class of oscillation mode, dome-shaped mode (DSM), in liquid crystal (LC) microlasers. A record high Q-factor over 24 000 is achieved in LC soft-matter microlasers. We successfully presented a proof-of-concept demonstration of red, green, blue (RGB) LC-DSM microlaser pixels with a 74% broader achievable color gamut than the standard RGB color space. Besides, the detection limit for acetone vapor molecules is as low as 0.5 ppm, confirming the excellent potential of the proposed LC-DSM microlaser in ultra-high sensitivity detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microlasers have experienced tremendous development in the past decade and become an essential part in laser evolution, as miniature lasers provide strong optical confinement and feature greatly enhanced light–matter interactions. Among all the configurations, whispering gallery mode (WGM) microcavities and microlasers exhibit outstanding optical performances with high quality factors and small mode volumes, thus ensuring low lasing thresholds. In addition, some unique properties inherent to WGM cavities, like bi‐directional propagation and an evanescent field that spans several hundred nanometers across the boundary, can be exploited for novel applications. Therefore, designing and engineering innovative WGM microcavities and microlasers has attracted increasing research interest. The fundamentals and characteristics of WGM are introduced here, and then the developments and current status of WGM microcavities and microlasers are reviewed in terms of the evolution of fabrication techniques and built‐up materials. In particular, the melting of glassy materials in early studies, top‐down and bottom‐up approaches with semiconductors, coating structures, as well as flexible, soft microresonators in recent years are presented. Finally, the application prospects of microlasers including the wavelength manipulation, sensing and microresonator coupling, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gynecomastia denotes the benign proliferation of glandular breast tissue and stands as a recognized risk factor for male breast cancer. Nonetheless, the underlying carcinogenic mechanisms orchestrating the progression from gynecomastia to cancer remain poorly understood.This study employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to meticulously dissect the cellular landscape of gynecomastia and unravel potential associations with male breast cancer at a single-cell resolution. Pseudotime and evolutionary analyses were executed to delineate the distinct features characterizing gynecomastia and male breast cancer. The TCGA database, along with cell-cell communication analysis and immunohistochemistry staining, was harnessed to validate differential gene expression, specifically focusing on CD13.From the copy number variation profiles and evolutionary tree, we inferred shared mutation characteristics (18p+ and 18q+) underpinning both conditions. The developmental trajectory unveiled an intriguing overlap between gynecomastia and malignant epithelial cells. Moreover, the differential gene CD13 emerged as a common denominator in both gynecomastia and male breast cancer when compared with normal mammary tissue. Cell-cell interaction analysis and communication dynamics within the tumor microenvironment spotlighted distinctions between CD13+ and CD13− subsets, with the former exhibiting elevated expression of FGFR1-FGF7.Our investigation provides novel insights into the evolutionary progression from gynecomastia to male breast cancer, shedding light on the pivotal role of CD13 in driving this transition. The identification of CD13 as a potential therapeutic target suggests the feasibility of CD13-targeted interventions, specifically tailored for male breast cancer treatment.Methods: Gynecomastia denotes the benign proliferation of glandular breast tissue and stands as a recognized risk factor for male breast cancer. Nonetheless, the underlying carcinogenic mechanisms orchestrating the progression from gynecomastia to cancer remain poorly understood.This study employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to meticulously dissect the cellular landscape of gynecomastia and unravel potential associations with male breast cancer at a single-cell resolution. Pseudotime and evolutionary analyses were executed to delineate the distinct features characterizing gynecomastia and male breast cancer. The TCGA database, along with cell-cell communication analysis and immunohistochemistry staining, was harnessed to validate differential gene expression, specifically focusing on CD13.From the copy number variation profiles and evolutionary tree, we inferred shared mutation characteristics (18p+ and 18q+) underpinning both conditions. The developmental trajectory unveiled an intriguing overlap between gynecomastia and malignant epithelial cells. Moreover, the differential gene CD13 emerged as a common denominator in both gynecomastia and male breast cancer when compared with normal mammary tissue. Cell-cell interaction analysis and communication dynamics within the tumor microenvironment spotlighted distinctions between CD13+ and CD13− subsets, with the former exhibiting elevated expression of FGFR1-FGF7.Our investigation provides novel insights into the evolutionary progression from gynecomastia to male breast cancer, shedding light on the pivotal role of CD13 in driving this transition. The identification of CD13 as a potential therapeutic target suggests the feasibility of CD13-targeted interventions, specifically tailored for male breast cancer treatment.Result: Gynecomastia denotes the benign proliferation of glandular breast tissue and stands as a recognized risk factor for male breast cancer. Nonetheless, the underlying carcinogenic mechanisms orchestrating the progression from gynecomastia to cancer remain poorly understood.This study employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to meticulously dissect the cellular landscape of gynecomastia and unravel potential associations with male breast cancer at a single-cell resolution. Pseudotime and evolutionary analyses were executed to delineate the distinct features characterizing gynecomastia and male breast cancer. The TCGA database, along with cell-cell communication analysis and immunohistochemistry staining, was harnessed to validate differential gene expression, specifically focusing on CD13.From the copy number variation profiles and evolutionary tree, we inferred shared mutation characteristics (18p+ and 18q+) underpinning both conditions. The developmental trajectory unveiled an intriguing overlap between gynecomastia and malignant epithelial cells. Moreover, the differential gene CD13 emerged as a common denominator in both gynecomastia and male breast cancer when compared with normal mammary tissue. Cell-cell interaction analysis and communication dynamics within the tumor microenvironment spotlighted distinctions between CD13+ and CD13− subsets, with the former exhibiting elevated expression of FGFR1-FGF7.Our investigation provides novel insights into the evolutionary progression from gynecomastia to male breast cancer, shedding light on the pivotal role of CD13 in driving this transition. The identification of CD13 as a potential therapeutic target suggests the feasibility of CD13-targeted interventions, specifically tailored for male breast cancer treatment.Conclusions: Gynecomastia denotes the benign proliferation of glandular breast tissue and stands as a recognized risk factor for male breast cancer. Nonetheless, the underlying carcinogenic mechanisms orchestrating the progression from gynecomastia to cancer remain poorly understood.This study employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to meticulously dissect the cellular landscape of gynecomastia and unravel potential associations with male breast cancer at a single-cell resolution. Pseudotime and evolutionary analyses were executed to delineate the distinct features characterizing gynecomastia and male breast cancer. The TCGA database, along with cell-cell communication analysis and immunohistochemistry staining, was harnessed to validate differential gene expression, specifically focusing on CD13.From the copy number variation profiles and evolutionary tree, we inferred shared mutation characteristics (18p+ and 18q+) underpinning both conditions. The developmental trajectory unveiled an intriguing overlap between gynecomastia and malignant epithelial cells. Moreover, the differential gene CD13 emerged as a common denominator in both gynecomastia and male breast cancer when compared with normal mammary tissue. Cell-cell interaction analysis and communication dynamics within the tumor microenvironment spotlighted distinctions between CD13+ and CD13− subsets, with the former exhibiting elevated expression of FGFR1-FGF7.Our investigation provides novel insights into the evolutionary progression from gynecomastia to male breast cancer, shedding light on the pivotal role of CD13 in driving this transition. The identification of CD13 as a potential therapeutic target suggests the feasibility of CD13-targeted interventions, specifically tailored for male breast cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed-cation lead mixed-halide perovskites simultaneously possess structural stability and high power conversion efficiency. A thorough study of both carrier and exciton dynamics is needed to understand the photophysical properties that underpin its superior photovoltaic performance. By utilizing a broadband transient absorption spectroscopy, we observe the carrier and exciton dynamics in a FA0.85Cs0.15Pb(I0.97Br0.03)3 (FCPIB) perovskite by simultaneously resolving the carrier and exciton contribution to the transient change of the absorption spectra, from which the carrier density and exciton oscillator strength can be determined. Our data reveal a quick and significant conversion of the photogenerated carriers to excitons, on top of the usual carrier recombination process. Moreover, the decay of carrier density shows a change of kinetics from a second-order recombination at high pump fluence to a third-order recombination at low pump fluence. Our analysis utilizes band anharmonicity, presents an independent determination of electronic temperature and quasi-Fermi energy, and reveals an interesting interplay among the processes of carrier cooling, exciton formation/decay and carrier recombination, all as a function of time after photoexcitation. Our work demonstrates the use of pump fluence as a knob to tune the relative populations of carriers and excitons in halide perovskite materials. Lead halide perovskites have many suitable features as materials for solar cells and a better understanding of the underlying physics will help engineer improved performance values. Here, the authors use broadband transient absorption spectroscopy to probe the excited state dynamics of mixed-halide perovskites and the role of excitons and carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloidal zinc blende II–VI semiconductor nanoplatelets (NPLs) demonstrate as a promising class of materials for optoelectronic devices due to their unique excitonic characteristics, narrow emission linewidth, and quantum well-structure. Adopting heterostructures for these nanocrystals allows tuning of their optical features and enhances their photostability, photoluminescence (PL), quantum yield (QY), and color purity for further device integration. Exchanging of carboxylate capping ligands on top and bottom [001] facets of CdSe NPLs with halide ligands is an alternative to achieve the aims of spectral tunability and improve surface passivation, but to date there have been no reports on integrating the advantages of halide ligand exchanged CdSe NPLs for device fabrication. In this work, we demonstrate green electroluminescence (EL) of bromide ligand-capped CdSe NPLs as active emitters in an electrically driven light emitting diode (LED) with a low turn-on voltage of 3.0 V. We observed EL emission at 533.1 nm with a narrow linewidth of 19.4 nm, a maximum luminance of 1276 cd/m2, and the highest external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 0.803%. These results highlight the ability of halide ligand exchange in tuning the EL properties of CdSe NPL-LEDs and potential of bromide ligand-capped CdSe NPLs in contributing to the green emission region of NPL-LEDs, demonstrating its potential for future device integration and contribution to a high color rendering index of future NPL displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic halid perovskites, such as CsPbX3 (X = Br, Cl, or I), have attracted a great deal of attention for next generation on‐chip optoelectronic devices for which high quality thin films are essential. So far, most utilized fabrication techniques for halide perovskite films have been based on solution synthesized methods, taking advantage of cost effectiveness and flexibility. Conventional solution processed thin films suffer from pinholes, poor morphology and/or low mole fraction when embedded in glass or polymer matrixes, unavoidably limiting their application‐level. Herein, we report the fabrication of high crystalline and coverage CsPbBr3 thin films by using a single‐step physical technique – pulsed laser deposition (PLD). As‐fabricated thin films demonstrate stimulated emission with low pump threshold at room temperature. Systematic investigations suggest that the mechanism of stimulated emission in our CsPbBr3 thin films originates from exciton−exciton inelastic scattering. These results not only shed light on high performance all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite films for various optoelectronic devices, but also enrich the comprehension of stimulated emission mechanism of all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, halide perovskite materials have captivated a great deal of attention for the application in optoelectronic devices. To realize the commercialization of optoelectronic devices made from this exhilarating material system, in particular to boost the efficiency and the stability, the formation mechanisms of defects, their impact on device performance and lifetime and the way to overcome them must be thoroughly investigated. In this review, the current understanding of the defect creation mechanism in as-synthesized and environment-exposed samples will be presented. The defect induced phenomenon and their impact on the material properties and device performances will be explained. The various defect characterization techniques will be summarized regarding their working principles and limitations. The defect engineering including both physical and chemical methods will be discussed in detail. We believe that although there are still unsolved puzzles in the field, the research on the defect mechanism and engineering is of great significance in making halide perovskites into real applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-photon-induced singlet fission was observed in rubrene single crystal and studied by use of femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy. The location of two-photon excited states was obtained from the nondegenerate two-photon absorption (TPA) spectrum. Time evolution of the two-photon-induced transient absorption spectra reveals the direct singlet fission from the two-photon excited states. The TPA absorption coefficient of rubrene single crystal is 52 cm/GW at 740 nm, as obtained from Z-scan measurements. Quantum chemical calculations based on time-dependent density functional theory support our experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microlasers with controllable polarization of output emission are vital for on-chip optical communications, optical sensors and optical switches. In this work, we report a high quality (Q) factor, low-threshold polymer microfiber laser and the possibility of achieving laser emission with a desired polarization. The microfiber is fabricated by direct drawing from a dye-doped polymer solution and it can generate whispering gallery mode (WGM) lasing under optical pulse excitation. When the microfiber is pumped from the side with pumping direction perpendicular to the microfiber's axis, the polarization direction of the output laser is found to be the same as that of the pump laser. Lasing emission with either transverse electric (TE) or transverse magnetic (TM) modes can be obtained and these two polarization states can be switched over by tuning the pumping laser. Furthermore, emission with both TE and TM modes can also be observed by changing the orientation of the microfiber relatively to pumping direction. Our finding provides an effective approach for achieving microlasers that have high Q lasing modes with anticipated polarization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft‐matter microlasers are an interesting part of soft‐matter photonics, which are based on liquids, liquid crystals, polymers, biological materials, and fabricated mainly by solution‐processing approaches. Soft‐matter microlasers comprehend a multitude of attractive features, including low‐cost, mechanical flexibility, wide range wavelength tunability and, in some cases, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. As such, they are recognized as versatile candidates for efficient light sources with enhanced performances and applications as ultrasensitive physical, chemical, and biological sensors. Here, the recent developments of soft‐matter microlasers are reviewed in time and the prospect in this field is provided. First, the characteristics of the representative soft‐matter microlasers are discussed with focus on their laser structures, lasing mechanisms, fabrication approaches, and gain material origins, followed by an introduction about the current cutting‐edge soft‐technologies that are applied in soft‐matter microlasers. Afterward, their potential applications as wavelength tunable sources, sensors, and displays are highlighted. Finally, the work is summarized and the prospect of soft‐matter microlasers for expanding this emerging research field is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size effect on the electronic structure and optical properties of cubic CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots is investigated by using an 8-band ${k}\cdot{p} $ model based on effective-mass envelope function theory with exciton binding energy consideration. Quantum dots with smaller size have larger bandgaps due to quantum confinement. The transition matrix element (TME) is also influenced by the size. The optical gain of such material is calculated by considering TME, Fermi factor, injected carrier density, quantum dot size, and dephasing rate. Higher density of injected carrier is needed for smaller quantum dot to get a positive optical gain. The peak of optical gain has a blue shift as the size of quantum dot decreases. When the carrier density increases for a quantum dot with certain size, a blue shift in emission peak position can be observed due to band filling effect. Smaller quantum dots have higher differential optical gain at carrier densities within certain range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have permanently altered our perspectives toward cancer recently, especially in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. • However, the roles of circRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain largely unknown. • In our study, 10 plasma samples from the patients at different TNM stages and 5 normal controls were used to detect circRNAs expression profiles in ESCC. • ESCC tissues can secret circRNAs into plasma and patients with high plasma circ-SLC7A5 are associated with high TNM stage, tending to have shorter overall survival than those with low levels. • In addition, the biological characteristics of circ-SLC7A5 including location, miRNAs binding, m6A modification were found to be related to ESCC process. • The study reveals a novel prognosis biomarker of circ-SLC7A5, providing a preliminary landscape of circRNA expression for detection of ESCC. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), resulting from the non-canonical splicing of linear pre-mRNAs, have permanently altered our perspectives toward cancer recently, especially in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. However, the roles of circRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain largely unknown. In the current study, circRNAs expression profiles are screened in ESCC, using plasma samples from 10 ESCC patients, including different TNM stages and 5 normal controls. Characteristics of circRNAs including length, types, and the possibility of binding to proteins are analyzed. Candidate tumor-related circRNAs are then quantitated in ESCC tissues, plasmas and cell lines. ESCC tissues can secret circRNAs into plasma and patients with high plasma circ-SLC7A5 are associated with high TNM stage, tending to have shorter overall survival than those with high levels. In addition, the biological characteristics of circ-SLC7A5 including location, miRNAs binding, m6A modification were analyzed. Our study reveals a novel prognosis biomarker of circ-SLC7A5, providing a preliminary landscape of circRNA expression for detection of ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microlasers play an important role in the development of photonics and optoelectronics. As the rising star in the semiconductor family, all-inorganic lead halide perovskites (ILHPs) have been recognized as promising optical gain and lasing media. However, until now, achieving duplicable and single-mode microlasers remains a taunting challenge. Herein, we fabricated rectangular-shaped ILHP microsheets by the chemical vapor deposition method. The single-crystalline nature and the atomically smooth surfaces of the sample enable the achievement of lateral-cavity Fabry–Pérot (F-P) microlasers. Specifically, the lasing characteristics including the wavelength, mode spacing, and Q-factors can be well-reproduced along the axial direction of the individual microsheet. By regulating the width of the ILHP microsheet, the desirable single-longitudinal mode F-P microlaser was eventually achieved. Our results provide an enabling coherent light source for optics-related applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CircRNA expression profiles for gastric cancer (GC) were screened using plasma samples from 10 GC patients with different TNM stages and 5 healthy individuals as controls. Results showed lower expression of circ-KIAA1244 in GC tissues, plasmas, and cells compare to normal controls. Further clinical data analysis demonstrated that a decreased expression of circ-KIAA1244 in plasmas was negatively correlated with TNM stage and lymphatic metastasis, and a shorter overall survival time of GC patients. Moreover, we found that circ-KIAA1244 could be detected in GC plasma exosomes and showed no obvious significance compared to the expression level in the corresponding plasmas. This study revealed a GC-tissues-derived circ-KIAA1244 could serve a novel circulating biomarker for detection of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we theoretically and experimentally present a precision method to simultaneously estimate the phase and amplitude variations of light based on the weak-value amplification. We demonstrate that the imaginary and real components of the weak-value correspond to the amplification of the phase and amplitude variations, respectively. If both the phase and the amplitude are varied, the phase measurement using the imaginary weak-value is not influenced by the amplitude shift and the amplitude measurement using the real weak value is not influenced by the phase shift. Thus, the tiny changes of the phase and amplitude of light can be obtained simultaneously with different post-selections, and the measurement precision reaches ∼10−6 rad. These findings may be favorable for highly sensitive optical polarization-dependent effects, including optical activity and magneto-optic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs with closed loop structures. There has been growing evidence showing that circRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of human diseases including various carcinomas. Our study is aimed to investigate the association between a new circRNA named circ-DLG1 (hsa_circ_0007203) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) carcinogenesis. Methods: The circ-DLG1 expression levels were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in cells, tissues, and plasmas. The correlation between circ-DLG1 expression and clinicopathologic features was then analyzed. The effect of circ-DLG1 expression on cell proliferation was evaluated in vitro by CCK8 assay and clone formation experiment. Finally, a network of circ-DLG1 with its targeted miRNA interactions and corresponding mRNAs was constructed. Results: circ-DLG1was found to be significantly upregulated in ESCC cells, tissues, and plasmas compared to normal cases. Furthermore, in vitro assays, TE10 and KYSE180, of the ESCC cell lines demonstrated that knockdown of circ-DLG1 reduced cell proliferation significantly. Prediction and annotation revealed that circ-DLG1 was able to sponge to 20 miRNAs and 60 corresponding target mRNAs. Conclusion: Our study indicated that upregulation of circ-DLG1 promoted esophageal cell proliferation ability and might serve as a novel biomarker for ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Adopting proper electron transport layers (ETLs) is essential to high‐performance all‐inorganic perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). However, the effect of ETLs has not been comprehensively investigated in all‐inorganic nanocrystal PeLEDs, while 2,2′,2′′‐(1,3,5‐benzenetriyl) tris‐[1‐phenyl‐1H‐benzimidazole] (TPBi) is the most common ETL. Herein, a novel strategy is proposed to enhance the efficiency of nanocrystal PeLEDs. Tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) is incorporated into TPBi to form a new ETL TPBi/Alq3/TPBi, simultaneously enabling charge balance and confinement. The green PeLED with new ETL exhibits a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 1.43%, current efficiency of 4.69 cd A−1, and power efficiency of 1.84 lm W−1, which are 191%, 192%, and 211% higher than those of PeLEDs with conventional ETL TPBi, respectively. Significantly, the EQE is 36‐fold higher than that of PeLED with high electron mobility ETL. Impressively, the full width at half‐maximum of electroluminescence emission is 16 nm, which is the narrowest among CsPbBr3 PeLEDs. The findings may present a rational strategy to enhance the device engineering of all‐inorganic PeLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive squamous cell carcinomas and is generally resistant to chemotherapy. In the present study, the cytotoxic activity of Rabdocoestin B (Rabd-B) against ESCC and the underlying mechanisms were investigated.Methods: The inhibitory effect of Rabd-B on KYSE30 and KYSE450 was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and colony formation assays in vitro. The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of cells treated with Rabd-B were determined by flow cytometry. The mechanisms underlying the effects of Rabd-B were systematically examined by Western blot. The in vivo anti-tumor ability of Rabd-B was measured in mouse xenograft models and cisplatin (DDP) was used as positive control.Results: Rabd-B efficiently induced G2/M phase arrest in ESCC cells by upregulating the Chk1/Chk2-Cdc25C axis to inhibit the G2→M transition facilitated by Cdc2/Cyclin B1. Furthermore, Rabd-B suppressed ATM/ATR phosphorylation, thereby inhibiting BRCA1-mediated DNA repair, which resulted in mitotic catastrophe and induced cell apoptosis. Rabd-B also decreased the activity of the Akt and NF-κB survival signaling pathways and ultimately initiated the caspase-9-dependent intrinsic apoptotic pathway in ESCC cells. The apoptosis induced by Rabd-B could be partially reversed by a caspase-9-specific inhibitor (Z-LEHD-FMK) and a pan-caspase inhibitor (Z-VAD-FMK). Moreover, Rabd-B effectively suppressed tumor growth in mouse xenografts which was comparable to that of DDP without significant injuries to the mice.Conclusion: Taken together, these findings indicate that Rabd-B is a promising precursor compound that may be useful as a treatment for ESCC and thus warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eriocalyxin B (EriB), a natural ent -kaurane diterpenoid presented in the plant Isodon eriocalyx var. laxiflora , has been reported to diminish angiogenesis-dependent breast tumor growth. In the present study, the effects of EriB on human breast cancer and its underlying mechanisms were further investigated. The in vitro anti-breast cancer activity of EriB was determined using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. MDA-MB-231 xenograft model of human breast cancer was also established to explore the anti-tumor effect in vivo . We found that EriB was able to induce apoptosis accompanied by the activation of autophagy, which was evidenced by the increased accumulation of autophagosomes, acidic vesicular organelles formation, the microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3B-II (LC3B-II) conversion from LC3B-I and p62 degradation. Meanwhile, EriB treatment time-dependently decreased the phosphorylation of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), leading to the inhibition of Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway. Moreover, the blockage of autophagy obviously sensitized EriB-induced cell death, which suggested the cytoprotective function of autophagy in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Interestingly, the autophagic features and apoptosis induction were prevented by reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl- l -cysteine, indicating that ROS played an essential role in the mediation of EriB-induced cell death. Furthermore, in MDA-MB-231 xenograft model, EriB displayed a significant anti-tumor effect via the activation of autophagy and apoptosis in breast tumor cells. Taken together, our findings firstly demonstrated that EriB suppressed breast cancer cells growth both in vitro and in vivo , and thus could be developed as a promising anti-breast tumor agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective treatments for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), one of the most common cancers in China, are lacking. Longikaurin A (LK-A), an ent -kauranoid diterpenoid isolated from Isodon ternifolius , has been shown to have potent cytotoxic effects on ESCC cells both in vivo and in vitro , mainly by inducing apoptosis. In this study, LK-A inhibited ESCC cells viability and induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. Moreover, LK-A was also highly effective in a KYSE-30 xenograft nude mouse model. Treatment with Z-VAD(OMe)-FMK partially attenuated LK-A-induced apoptosis. LK-A significantly induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in ESCC cells, and LK-A-induced apoptosis was attenuated by the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Furthermore, we found that treatment with LK-A activated both the JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, resulting in increases in ROS levels and apoptosis induction. Taken together, these findings indicate that LK-A exerts novel anti-tumor effects in ESCC cells by activating the JNK and p38 MAPK pathways and inducing increases in ROS production, which suggest that the compound may have potential as a clinical therapeutic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, newly engineered all-inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (IPNCs) (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I) are discovered to possess superior optical gain properties appealing for solution-processed cost-effective lasers. Yet, the potential of such materials has not been exploited for practical laser devices, rendering the prospect as laser media elusive. Herein, the challenging but practically desirable vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) based on the CsPbX3 IPNCs, featuring low threshold (9 µJ cm−2), directional output (beam divergence of ≈3.6°), and favorable stability, are realized for the first time. Notably, the lasing wavelength can be tuned across the red, green, and blue region maintaining comparable thresholds, which is promising in developing single-source-pumped full-color visible lasers. It is fully demonstrated that the characteristics of the VCSELs can be versatilely engineered by independent adjustment of the cavity and solution-processable nanocrystals. The results unambiguously reveal the feasibility of the emerging CsPbX3 IPNCs as practical laser media and represent a significant leap toward CsPbX3 IPNC-based laser devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we experimentally and theoretically demonstrate an unprecedentedly enhanced two-photon absorption in a small organic molecule by a simple introduction of an inner salt-shaped structure. Moreover, such an inner salt-shaped small molecule also exhibits superior singlet oxygen quantum yield and fascinating structure-inherent mitochondrial-targeting ability for highly efficient two-photon photodynamic therapy via a mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep tissue bioimaging with three-photon (3P) excitation using near-infrared (NIR) light in the second IR window (1.0-1.4 μm) could provide high resolution images with an improved signal-to-noise ratio. Herein, we report a photostable and nontoxic 3P excitable donor-π-acceptor system (GMP) having 3P cross-section ( σ3) of 1.78×10−80 cm6 s2 photon−2 and action cross-section ( σ3 η3) of 2.31×10−81 cm6 s2 photon−2, which provides ratiometric fluorescence response with divalent zinc ions in aqueous conditions. The probe signals the Zn2+ binding at 530 and 600 nm, respectively, upon 1150 nm excitation with enhanced σ3 of 1.85×10−80 cm6 s2 photon−2 and σ3 η3 of 3.33×10−81 cm6 s2 photon−2. The application of this probe is demonstrated for ratiometric 3P imaging of Zn2+ in vitro using HuH-7 cell lines. Furthermore, the Zn2+ concentration in rat hippocampal slices was imaged at 1150 nm excitation after incubation with GMP, illustrating its potential as a 3P ratiometric probe for deep tissue Zn2+ ion imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocomposites with organic--inorganic properties represent a new field of basic research and offer prospects for many novel applications in extremely diverse fields, due to their remarkable emerging new properties and multifunctional nature. However, controllable manipulation of their fluorescent properties in different phases is still challenging, which seriously limits the related applications of nanocomposites. In this work, a convenient protocol to fabricate organic--inorganic nanocomposites composed of stilbene chromophores and CdZnS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) pairs, with controllable fluorescent properties is presented. It is found that stable white-light emission can be achieved only in solution phase, with negligible energy transfer or reabsorption between chromophores and QDs pairs. By contrast, when the nanocomposites are deposited as blended films, they cannot give rise to white-light emission, no matter what donor/acceptor volume ratios are used. However, the blended films can exhibit near-unity efficiency (94%) of Förster resonance energy transfer from QDs to chromophores. The underlying physical mechanisms are revealed through comprehensive steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic analysis. This work suggests that the CdZnS/ZnS QDs/stilbene nanocomposites can be directly used for fluorescence sensors and probes in biological system as well as fundamental investigation of lightharvesting, and also sheds light on developing other new materials for artificial photosynthesis and optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays important roles in the tumorigenesis of multiple cancers and is a key target for drug discovery. In a screen of natural products extracted from Chinese herbs, we identified eight ent-Kaurane diterpenoids and two triterpene dilactones as novel Hh pathway antagonists. Epistatic analyses suggest that these compounds likely act at the level or downstream of Smoothened (Smo) and upstream of Suppressor of Fused (Sufu). The ent-Kauranoid-treated cells showed elongated cilia, suppressed Smo trafficking to cilia, and mitotic defects, while the triterpene dilactones had no effect on the cilia and ciliary Smo. These ent-Kaurane diterpenoids provide new prototypes of Hh inhibitors, and are valuable probes for deciphering the mechanisms of Smo ciliary transport and ciliogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly engineered ternary CdZnS/ZnS colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are found to exhibit remarkably high photoluminescence quantum yield and excellent optical gain properties. However, the underlying mechanisms, which could offer the guidelines for devising CQDs for optimized photonic devices, remain undisclosed. In this work, through comprehensive steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy studies on a series of CdZnS-based CQDs, we unambiguously clarify that CdZnS-based CQDs are inherently superior optical gain media in the blue spectral range due to the slow Auger process and that the ultralow threshold stimulated emission is enabled by surface/interface engineering. Furthermore, external cavity-free high-Q quasitoroid microlasers were produced from self-assembly of CdZnS/ZnS CQDs by facile inkjet printing technique. Detailed spectroscopy analysis confirms the whispering gallery mode lasing mechanism of the quasitoroid microlasers. This tempting microlaser fabrication method should be applicable to other solution-processed gain materials, which could trigger broad research interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven lignans with a dibenzocyclooctadiene skeleton, termed schinlignans A–G, and a 6,7-seco-homolignan, schischinone, together with seven known lignans, were isolated from the fruits of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, including HRESIMS, IR, UV, and 2D NMR (COSY, HMQC, COSY, and HMBC experiments). The stereochemistry at the chiral centers and the biphenyl moiety, were determined using ROESY, as well as via interpretation of their ECD spectra. Schinlignan G and methylgomisin O exhibited potent anti-hepatitis B virus activity against HBV DNA replication with IC 50 values of 5.13 and 5.49 μg mL −1 , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, surface ligand stripping, and infrared optoelectronic device application of NaYF4:Yb,Er–MoS2 nanocomposites are reported. NaYF4:Yb,Er–MoS2 film shows an unusual negative infrared photoresponse after SOCl2/DMF treatment, which exhibits more than two times the photoresponsivity of pure NaYF4:Yb,Er, showing great potential for the development of novel infrared optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pinhole free Zn(O,S) buffer layer was deposited on CuInSe 2 (CIS) absorber by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. Thin Zn(O,S) exhibits better power conversion efficiency (PCE) at lower thickness. Enhancement of PCE from 1.5% to 3.9% was observed for electrodeposited CIS photovoltaic device when the buffer layer thickness reduces from 50 nm to 20 nm. Although the conduction band offset (CBO) at Zn(O,S)/CIS interface are almost identical for both the 20 nm and 50 nm thick buffer layers, investigation on charge carrier dynamics reveals that the carrier lifetime for the 20 nm buffer is much longer than the 50 nm buffer. This offers a plausible explanation for the higher J sc of the device with 20 nm buffer layer compared to the device with 50 nm buffer layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an improved efficiency of polymer solar cell by incorporating single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). A power conversion efficiency of 2.66% was achieved for the device with 0.125 wt% SWCNTs, which is 16% improvement over control device without SWCNTs, primarily due to the increase in the photocurrent and fill factor. The results reveal that SWCNTs serve as effective and additional electron pathways, facilitating the electron transport and improving the interface contact between active layer and electrode. The improved contact area was evidenced by the increased root-mean-square surface roughness as SWCNTs concentration increases. However, the increased peak-to-valley value also indicates the possibility of short circuit in device, thus the concentration of SWCNTs has to be optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth of mesoporous silica on both sides of graphene oxide affords a nano‐sandwich (NS) material. A two‐photon active dye is then loaded into the mesopores of the NS followed by sealing with poly(acrylic acid). The obtained hybrid exhibits low cytotoxicity and excellent capability for two‐photon and photoacoustic dual‐mode bioimaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]