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Abstract Optoelectronic synapses, leveraging the integration of classic photo-electric effect with synaptic plasticity, are emerging as building blocks for artificial vision and photonic neuromorphic computing. However, the fundamental working principles of most optoelectronic synapses mainly rely on physical behaviors while missing chemical-electric synaptic processes critical for mimicking biorealistic neuromorphic functionality. Herein, we report a photoelectrochemical synaptic device based on p-AlGaN/n-GaN semiconductor nanowires to incorporate chemical-electric synaptic behaviors into optoelectronic synapses, demonstrating unparalleled dual-modal plasticity and chemically-regulated neuromorphic functions through the interplay of internal photo-electric and external electrolyte-mediated chemical-electric processes. Electrical modulation by implementing closed or open-circuit enables switching of optoelectronic synaptic operation between short-term and long-term plasticity. Furthermore, inspired by transmembrane receptors that connect extracellular and intracellular events, synaptic responses can also be effectively amplified by applying chemical modifications to nanowire surfaces, which tune external and internal charge behaviors. Notably, under varied external electrolyte environments (ion/molecule species and concentrations), our device successfully mimics chemically-regulated synaptic activities and emulates intricate oxidative stress-induced biological phenomena. Essentially, we demonstrate that through the nanowire photoelectrochemical synapse configuration, optoelectronic synapses can be incorporated with chemical-electric behaviors to bridge the gap between classic optoelectronic synapses and biological synapses, providing a promising platform for multifunctional neuromorphic applications.

Abstract Highly integrated optoelectronic and photonic systems underpin the development of next-generation advanced optical and quantum communication technologies, which require compact, multiwavelength laser sources at the telecom band. Here, we report on-substrate vertical emitting lasing from ordered InGaAs/InP multi-quantum well core–shell nanowire array epitaxially grown on InP substrate by selective area epitaxy. To reduce optical loss and tailor the cavity mode, a new nanowire facet engineering approach has been developed to achieve controlled quantum well nanowire dimensions with uniform morphology and high crystal quality. Owing to the strong quantum confinement effect of InGaAs quantum wells and the successful formation of a vertical Fabry–Pérot cavity between the top nanowire facet and bottom nanowire/SiO2 mask interface, stimulated emissions of the EH11a/b mode from single vertical nanowires from an on-substrate nanowire array have been demonstrated with a lasing threshold of ~28.2 μJ cm−2 per pulse and a high characteristic temperature of ~128 K. By fine-tuning the In composition of the quantum wells, room temperature, single-mode lasing is achieved in the vertical direction across a broad near-infrared spectral range, spanning from 940 nm to the telecommunication O and C bands. Our research indicates that through a carefully designed facet engineering strategy, highly ordered, uniform nanowire arrays with precise dimension control can be achieved to simultaneously deliver thousands of nanolasers with multiple wavelengths on the same substrate, paving a promising and scalable pathway towards future advanced optoelectronic and photonic systems.

IntroductionMindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been widely used for improving psychological symptoms and sleep quality in breast cancer patients and has a positive impact on posttraumatic growth and immunology. Moreover, MBSR is increasingly being used in cancer-related fatigue (CRF) intervention studies for breast cancer patients, but conflicting results also exist.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of MBSR on CRF in patients with breast cancer.MethodsA comprehensive computer search of the Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China Biomedical Document Service System, China Knowledge Infrastructure Engineering, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and VIP databases was performed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before April 10, 2023, were identified. The primary outcome was cancer-related fatigue associated with breast cancer. Two researchers independently screened the studies, extracted the data, and evaluated the methodological quality of the studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Meta-analysis of the outcome indicators was performed using STATA 16.0 software.ResultsA total of 13 studies were included, including 1992 patients (997 patients in the MBSR group and 1015 patients in the control group). Compared with conventional care, MBSR significantly alleviated the symptoms of CRF in breast cancer patients (SMD=-0.32, 95% CI [-0.42, -0.22], z=6.54, p

Abstract Avalanche or carrier-multiplication effect, based on impact ionization processes in semiconductors, has a great potential for enhancing the performance of photodetector and solar cells. However, in practical applications, it suffers from high threshold energy, reducing the advantages of carrier multiplication. Here, we report on a low-threshold avalanche effect in a stepwise WSe2 structure, in which the combination of weak electron-phonon scattering and high electric fields leads to a low-loss carrier acceleration and multiplication. Owing to this effect, the room-temperature threshold energy approaches the fundamental limit, E thre ≈ E g, where E g is the bandgap of the semiconductor. Our findings offer an alternative perspective on the design and fabrication of future avalanche and hot-carrier photovoltaic devices.

Abstract More attention has gone to researching the cancer-related fatigue (CRF)–sleep disturbance (SD)–psychological distress (PD) symptom cluster in breast cancer patients during the chemotherapy period, but the change trend and heterogeneous development track in the whole treatment stage remain unclear, and it is also unclear whether the appearance of and changes in one symptom cause changes in other symptoms and quality of life (QoL). This study, using breast cancer patients’ data collected through a validated questionnaire, examined the relationships between SD, CRF, PD, and QoL using latent growth modeling analyses. CRF developmental trajectories showed an upward trend over five surveys (slope = 0.649, P

Abstract Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life‐threatening acute complication of diabetes characterized by the accumulation of ketone bodies in the blood. Breath acetone, a ketone, directly correlates with blood ketones. Therefore, monitoring breath acetone can significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of diabetes care. In this work, the design and fabrication of an InP/Pt/chitosan nanowire array‐based chemiresistive acetone sensor is reported. By incorporation of chitosan as a surface‐functional layer and a Pt Schottky contact for efficient charge transfer processes and photovoltaic effect, self‐powered, highly selective acetone sensing is achieved. The sensor has exhibited an ultra‐wide acetone detection range from sub‐ppb to >100 000 ppm level at room temperature, covering those in the exhaled breath from healthy individuals (300–800 ppb) to people at high risk of DKA (>75 ppm). The nanowire sensor has also been successfully integrated into a handheld breath testing prototype, the Ketowhistle, which can successfully detect different ranges of acetone concentrations in simulated breath samples. The Ketowhistle demonstrates the immediate potential for non‐invasive ketone monitoring for people living with diabetes, in particular for DKA prevention.

IntroductionCancer-related distress can be described as a complex and unpleasant combination of psychological (such as cognitive, behavioral, and emotional), social, and spiritual challenges that may impact an individual’s ability to effectively cope with the physical symptoms of cancer and its treatment. Existing literature has confirmed psychological distress (PD) as an important sequela of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, the incidence and risk factors for PD in adult female patients with breast cancer remain unclear; therefore, focusing on the PD of female breast cancer patients is meaningful, as they are at highest risk of contracting breast cancer, and might differ in their coping styles from men.ObjectiveThis review aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors for PD in adult woman patients with breast cancer, and to help guide targeted intervention to prevent distress.MethodPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAL, PsycINFO, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database, the Chinese Biomedical Database, and Weipu Database were searched for data regarding the incidence and risk factors of PD in adult women with breast cancer.ResultsThe prevalence of PD, assessed using the distress thermometer, ranged between 11.2%–86.7%, and a meta-analysis of 47 studies with 15,157 adult female breast cancer patients showed that the pooled prevalence was 52.0%. Further, this study identified 40 risk factors. However, owing to the inclusion of at least two studies for a certain risk factor, 10 risk factors were merged for the meta-analysis. Independent risk factors included higher education level, late-stage tumor, emotional concerns, no medical insurance, modified radical mastectomy, and history of depression; age and neuroticism were not associated with PD; and higher monthly income was revealed as a protective factor against it.ConclusionThe incidence of PD in female patients with breast cancer is high and it involves 10 risk factors, though some are controversial owing to insufficient evidence. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of PD and develop risk factor-based holistic intervention programs to reduce its incidence.Systematic review registrationThe protocol of this study has been registered in the database PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42023433578).

Objectives Examining fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among breast cancer survivors and their spouses, and the protective effect of family resilience on FCR among couples affected by breast cancer.Design Cross-sectional survey design.Setting Ten general grade IIIa (>500 beds) hospitals in southwest China.Participants Overall, 392 early breast cancer survivors and their spousal caregivers (N=392) were recruited from cancer centres in hospitals.Primary and secondary outcome measures Spouses’ and survivors’ FCR were the primary outcome measures. Family resilience and perceived stress were the secondary outcome measures. Using a convenience sampling method, we collected data on-site using paper questionnaires. The Chinese version of the Family Resilience Assessment Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Fear of Progression Questionnaire Short Form and Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form for spouses were used to evaluate the outcomes.Results The model accounted for 66.3% and 53.6% of the variance in spouses’ FCR and survivors’ FCR, respectively. Family resilience directly negatively affected perceived stress and spouses’ and survivors’ FCR (β=−0.22; β=−0.13; β=−0.19). Perceived stress was a partial mediator of the association between family resilience and survivors’ FCR (β=−0.070; 95% CI :−0.151 to –0.022). Spouses’ FCR partially mediated the association between family resilience and survivors’ FCR (β=−0.048; 95% CI= −0.092 to –0.015). Perceived stress and spouses’ FCR played a significant chain-mediated role between family resilience and survivors’ FCR (β=−0.061; 95% CI: −0.119 to –0.022).Conclusions Family-centred approaches to reducing survivors’ perceived stress can improve the psychological well-being of couples affected by breast cancer and ultimately reduce FCR. Medical staff should consider the psychological feelings of survivors and their spousal caregivers when devising the intervention plan, which should address the families’ potential and mobilise family and community resources for increasing family resilience.

Miniaturized light sources at telecommunication wavelengths are essential components for on-chip optical communication systems. Here, we report the growth and fabrication of highly uniform p-i-n core-shell InGaAs/InP single quantum well (QW) nanowire array light emitting diodes (LEDs) with multi-wavelength and high-speed operations. Two-dimensional cathodoluminescence mapping reveals that axial and radial QWs in the nanowire structure contribute to strong emission at the wavelength of ~1.35 and ~1.55 μm, respectively, ideal for low-loss optical communications. As a result of simultaneous contributions from both axial and radial QWs, broadband electroluminescence emission with a linewidth of 286 nm is achieved with a peak power of ~17 μW. A large spectral blueshift is observed with the increase of applied bias, which is ascribed to the band-filling effect based on device simulation, and enables voltage tunable multi-wavelength operation at the telecommunication wavelength range. Multi-wavelength operation is also achieved by fabricating nanowire array LEDs with different pitch sizes on the same substrate, leading to QW formation with different emission wavelengths. Furthermore, high-speed GHz-level modulation and small pixel size LED are demonstrated, showing the promise for ultrafast operation and ultracompact integration. The voltage and pitch size controlled multi-wavelength high-speed nanowire array LED presents a compact and efficient scheme for developing high-performance nanoscale light sources for future optical communication applications.

Abstract Avalanche and surge robustness involve fundamental carrier dynamics under high electric field and current density. They are also prerequisites of any power device to survive common overvoltage and overcurrent stresses in power electronics applications such as electric vehicles, electricity grids, and renewable energy processing. Despite tremendous efforts to develop the next-generation power devices using emerging ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors, the lack of effective bipolar doping has been a daunting obstacle for achieving the necessary robustness in these devices. Here we report avalanche and surge robustness in a heterojunction formed between the ultra-wide bandgap n-type gallium oxide and the wide-bandgap p-type nickel oxide. Under 1500 V reverse bias, impact ionization initiates in gallium oxide, and the staggered band alignment favors efficient hole removal, enabling a high avalanche current over 50 A. Under forward bias, bipolar conductivity modulation enables the junction to survive over 50 A surge current. Moreover, the asymmetric carrier lifetime makes the high-level carrier injection dominant in nickel oxide, enabling a fast reverse recovery within 15 ns. This heterojunction breaks the fundamental trade-off between robustness and switching speed in conventional homojunctions and removes a key hurdle to advance ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor devices for power industrial applications.

Abstract Background An accurate assessment of teaching needs is necessary to ensure targeted teacher training programs are developed and implemented to improve teaching outcomes. The assessment of teaching needs from different perspectives helps to identify teaching needs more accurately. Therefore, based on the different perspectives of teachers and students, this study aimed to identify and evaluate the needs of community practice teachers by measuring discrepancies between perceived teaching importance and actual teaching performance, with a focus on the influencing factors. Methods A survey was circulated to 220 teachers in 36 community health service centers and 695 students in 6 medical schools in Southwest China. The participants anonymously completed the teacher or student version of the Chinese version of the Teacher Teaching Needs Questionnaire, which is predominantly used to assess the teaching needs of teachers. Both versions of the questionnaire include 27 items, covering 3 dimensions (including teaching skills, teaching environments, and teaching contents). The ordinal logistic regression was conducted to explore the factors that influenced teaching needs. Results The teachers and students produced overall self-evaluated teaching needs scores of 0.61 and 0.62 respectively. The teachers from provincial capital cities and low-educated teachers had teaching needs that are lower (OR = 0.641,95% CI: 0.461–0.902, OR = 15.352, 95% CI: 1.253–26.815, separately). Teachers with 10 years of experience. Compared with teachers who self-evaluated their teaching outcomes as poor, those who reported extremely excellent (OR = 0.362, 95% CI: 0.220–0.701), excellent (OR = 0.638, 95% CI: 0.426–1.102), and ordinary (OR = 0.714, 95% CI: 0.508–1.034) teaching outcomes had lower teaching needs. Compared with teachers who self-evaluated their teaching abilities as poor, those who reported extremely excellent (OR = 0.536, 95% CI: 0.313–0.934), excellent (OR = 0.805, 95% CI: 0.518–1.269), and ordinary (OR = 0.737, 95% CI: 0.413–1.322) teaching abilities had lower teaching needs. Conclusions Greater assistance should be provided to teachers with lower levels of education, fewer than three years of teaching experience, and who are located in non-capital cities, as these individuals require additional efforts to strengthen competencies. The education department should pay more attention to teacher feedback on practical outcomes and teaching abilities, as this can be used to devise the best teacher development plans. Trial registration Not applicable.

Abstract Narrowband red, green, blue self-filtering perovskite photodetectors and a broadband white photodetector are incorporated into a single pixel imaging camera to mimic the long-, medium-, and short-wavelength cone cells and rod cells in human visual system, leading to the demonstration of high-resolution color images in diffuse mode.

A substantial proportion of more than 50% of breast cancer survivors, who remain undiagnosed with lymphedema, encounter a daily struggle with the presence of multiple and concomitant lymphedema associated symptoms (i.e., lymphedema symptoms). The-Optimal-Lymph-Flow (TOLF) program was developed based on physiological-cognitive-behavioral principles to educate breast cancer survivors on effective self-care strategies. Physiologically, TOLF program was designed to stimulate lymphatic system to enhance lymph flow, thereby alleviating lymphedema symptoms and mitigating the risk and severity of lymphedema. The dataset presented in this article was obtained from a randomized clinical trial (RCT) that assessed the preventive effects of the TOLF program in improving lymphedema symptom experience and optimizing lymph fluid status among breast cancer survivors who were at higher risk for lymphedema.Between January 2019 and June 2020, a RCT was conducted to recruit 92 eligible participants who were assigned randomly to either the TOLF group (intervention) or the arm mobility group (control). Demographic and clinical data were collected at baseline and updated over the study period. Outcome data were collected at baseline and three months after intervention. Study outcomes included lymphedema symptom experience (i.e., number, severity, distress of lymphedema symptoms, and impact on daily activities) and lymph fluid status. The Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Symptom Experience Index (BCLE-SEI) was utilized to assess lymphedema symptoms and circumferential arm measurement was utilized to estimate limb volume differences (a surrogate for lymph fluid status). The dataset based on the RCT allowed confirmation of positive effects of the TOLF intervention during early postoperative period. The dataset can be further utilized as a benchmark reference in clinical settings or experimental research to determine the effects of optimal lymphatic exercise dosage on lymphedema risk reduction and symptom alleviation as well as provide a basis for future research related to this topic.

Background: Statins, a first-line therapeutic option for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), have prompted concerns regarding dysglycemia and diabetes, thus posing a dilemma in treating patients with prediabetes. Xuezhikang (XZK) decreases blood cholesterol levels without affecting glucose metabolism, and may serve as a potential substitute. Methods: The XTREME study is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multi-center trial evaluating whether XZK 1200 mg/d, compared with atorvastatin 20 mg/d, has favorable effects on HbA1c levels after 24 weeks of treatment in patients with dyslipidemia and prediabetes. After a 1-week run-in period for adherence assessment, the study will randomly assign (1:1) 392 patients meeting the protocol inclusion criteria to one of two treatment groups: an experimental group (XZK 1200 mg/day) or a control group (atorvastatin 20 mg/day). All participants will be recruited from approximately 20 Chinese medical centers. The last participant is planned to be recruited before December 2023. The primary endpoint will be change in HbA1c level from baseline to 24 weeks, or before anti-diabetic therapy initiation within 24 weeks. The key secondary outcomes will include other biomarkers reflecting blood glucose or lipid metabolism. Discussion: Delaying diabetes is desirable for individuals with prediabetes. The XTREME trial presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate whether XZK might provide an alternative to statins for patients with dyslipidemia and prediabetes.

As a coastal city with rapid urbanization and high-intensity human activities, Shenzhen, China has carried out a series of comprehensive treatments for water pollution control and ecological restoration in recent years. However, the restoration effect is mainly reflected in the improvement of water quality and riparian landscape, and there is still a big gap in reaching the river’s ecological restoration goals. Therefore, it is necessary to make a full investigation and evaluation of river aquatic systems that focuses on the restoration of aquatic communities and ecosystem health. We surveyed forty-seven sampling sites in nine basins to investigate water quality and aquatic organisms (algae and macroinvertebrates) during the low-water period in 2019. Under the guidance of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), the urban river ecosystem health assessment system, with a total of twenty indicators from six criteria layers, was established. We addressed the bioremediation objectives in this system and aquatic organism indicators as high-weight characteristic indicators. The results showed that the degradation of the river ecosystem in Shenzhen is serious, which is mainly reflected in the simple structure of the aquatic biological community and the low biodiversity. Only one “healthy” sample site, accounting for 2% of the total sampling sites; six sites of “sub-health” level, accounting for 13%; twenty-four “poor” sample points, accounting for 51%; sixteen “extremely poor” sample points, accounting for 34%. From the perspective of spatial distribution, the river ecological status of Daya Bay Basin and Dapeng Bay Basin is good, which is at the level of “health” to “sub-health”; the Guanlan River Basin, Maozhou River Basin, Shenzhen River Basin, Shenzhen Bay Basin, Pingshan River Basin, and most of the Longgang River Basin are of “poor to extremely poor” grade; the Pearl Estuary basin is of “extremely poor” grade. This assessment system can be used as an effective tool to monitor the ecological health status, especially the enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystem function of rivers. Moreover, it could provide important decision-making guidance for river management affected by high-intensity human activities.

A novel polarity-switchable photoelectrochemical photodetector based on III-nitride/MoSxcore-shell nanowires is constructed. Such unique device architecture provides a new route for multiple-band spectrally distinctive photodetection.

Abstract Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) could simultaneously provide gain medium and optical cavity for performing nanoscale lasers with easy integration, ultracompact footprint, and low energy consumption. Here, we report III–V semiconductor NW lasers can also be used for self-frequency conversion to extend their output wavelengths, as a result of their non-centrosymmetric crystal structure and strongly localized optical field in the NWs. From a GaAs/In0.16Ga0.84As core/shell NW lasing at 1016 nm, an extra visible laser output at 508 nm is obtained via the process of second-harmonic generation, as confirmed by the far-field polarization dependence measurements and numerical modeling. From another NW laser with a larger diameter which supports multiple fundamental lasing wavelengths, multiple self-frequency-conversion lasing modes are observed due to second-harmonic generation and sum-frequency generation. The demonstrated self-frequency conversion of NW lasers opens an avenue for extending the working wavelengths of nanoscale lasers, even to the deep ultraviolet and THz range.

BackgroundMany breast cancer survivors face long-term postoperative challenges as a result of developing lymphedema symptoms and chronic lymphedema. The-Optimal-Lymph-Flow (TOLF) program is an intervention based on physiological-cognitive-behavioral principles that teaches patients self-management strategies to activate lymphatic system and promote lymph flow to decrease lymphatic pain, reduce the risk and severity of lymphedema.ObjectiveThe purpose of this pilot clinical trial was to evaluate the use of TOLF program as an early intervention on improving lymphedema symptom experience (i.e., symptom number, symptom severity, symptom distress, and the impact of symptoms on patients’ activities of daily living) and optimizing lymph fluid levels (measured by the arm volume differences) among breast cancer survivors.MethodsThis study is a parallel, randomized clinical trial. A total of 92 breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to either the TOLF intervention group or the control group focusing on promoting arm mobility. Data were collected at baseline and end of the trial at the 3-month post intervention. The Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Symptom Experience Index was used to measure lymphedema symptom experience. Anthropometric measurements were used for circumferential arm measurements. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the trial outcomes.ResultsSignificant improvements of lymphedema symptom experience were found in patients in the TOLF intervention group in comparison with patients in control group: the number of lymphedema symptoms (P

Abstract Background Mediterranean diet (MediDiet) had been reported to be beneficial to human health. However the relationship between diet pattern and outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment was scarcely researched. This study was aimed to explore the correlation between MediDiet pattern of infertile women and their clinical outcomes of IVF cycles. Methods An observational prospective cohort study was conducted in the reproductive center from September 2016 to December 2017. Seven hundred infertile women about to undergo IVF treatment were asked to conduct a questionnaire survey. Patients were assigned to higher MediDiet adherence group or lower MediDiet adherence group according to their Mediterranean diet scores. Laboratory parameters and clinical outcomes were compared and those were different between groups were further analyzed for their relationship with MediDiet adherence. Results A total of 590 women were finally included in the study. According to MediDiet scores, 228 participants were categorized as higher MediDiet adherence group and 362 others as lower MediDiet adherence group. No significant differences were found in baseline characteristics between groups. Higher MediDiet adherence group showed larger number of embryos available (8.40 ± 5.26 vs 7.40 ± 4.71, P = 0.028). Clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate were similar between the two groups. In further correlation tests and multivariate linear regression analysis, number of fertilized oocytes and embryo yield were positively correlated to MediDiet adherence of participants. Conclusion Infertile women with greater adherence to Mediterranean diet pattern were likely to obtain more embryos available in IVF cycle.

Objective To evaluate the clinical performance of cantilevered resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (CRBFPDs) in single tooth replacement in elderly patients at Qingdao Stomatological Hospital. Methods In total, 186 CRBFPDs in 153 patients were made from cobalt-chrome alloy. Panavia F 2.0 was used as a luting agent after air-abrasion. Restoration were evaluated at 3-month intervals with regard to function, esthetics, and possible complications. Results CRBFPDs were evaluated after intervals of 12 to 40 months. The average clinical service time (i.e., length of time in situ at examination, including re-cementation after debonding) was 26.2 ± 13.6 months. Among these CRBFPDs, 87 (46.8%) were bridges in the maxilla, while 99 (53.2%) were bridges in the mandible. Most CRBFPDs (184, 98.9%) survived throughout the study period, while two (1.1%) were regarded as failed. The majority of debonded bridges had been used to replace the maxillary central incisor (60%). Conclusion Our findings confirm the successful clinical performance of CRBFPDs with tooth preparation designs involving mesial and distal vertical grooves in elderly patients.

Semiconductor nanowire arrays have been demonstrated as promising candidates for nanoscale optoelectronics applications due to their high detectivity as well as tunable photoresponse and bandgap over a wide spectral range. In the infrared (IR), where these attributes are more difficult to obtain, nanowires will play a major role in developing practical devices for detection, imaging and energy harvesting. Due to their geometry and periodic nature, vertical nanowire and nanopillar devices naturally lend themselves to waveguide and photonic crystal mode engineering leading to multifunctional materials and devices. In this paper, we computationally develop theoretical basis to enable better understanding of the fundamental electromagnetics, modes and couplings that govern these structures. Tuning the photonic response of a nanowire array is contingent on manipulating electromagnetic power flow through the lossy nanowires, which requires an intimate knowledge of the photonic crystal modes responsible for the power flow. Prior published work on establishing the fundamental physical modes involved has been based either on the modes of individual nanowires or numerically computed modes of 2D photonic crystals. We show that a unified description of the array key electromagnetic modes and their behavior is obtainable by taking into account modal interactions that are governed by the physics of exceptional points. Such models that describe the underlying physics of the photoresponse of nanowire arrays will facilitate the design and optimization of ensembles with requisite performance. Since nanowire arrays represent photonic crystal slabs, the essence of our results is applicable to arbitrary lossy photonic crystals in any frequency range.

Abstract Intermediate band solar cells (IBSCs) are conceptual and promising for next generation high efficiency photovoltaic devices, whereas, IB impact on the cell performance is still marginal due to the weak absorption of IB states. Here a rational design of a hybrid structure composed of ZnTe:O/ZnO core-shell nanowires (NWs) with Al bowtie nanoantennas is demonstrated to exhibit strong ability in tuning and enhancing broadband light response. The optimized nanowire dimensions enable absorption enhancement by engineering leaky-mode dielectric resonances. It maximizes the overlap of the absorption spectrum and the optical transitions in ZnTe:O intermediate-band (IB) photovoltaic materials, as verified by the enhanced photoresponse especially for IB states in an individual nanowire device. Furthermore, by integrating Al bowtie antennas, the enhanced exciton-plasmon coupling enables the notable improvement in the absorption of ZnTe:O/ZnO core-shell single NW, which was demonstrated by the profound enhancement of photoluminescence and resonant Raman scattering. The marriage of dielectric and metallic resonance effects in subwavelength-scale nanowires opens up new avenues for overcoming the poor absorption of sub-gap photons by IB states in ZnTe:O to achieve high-efficiency IBSCs.

Until now, efforts to enhance the performance of nanolasers have focused on reducing the rate of non-radiative recombination. Here, Burgess et al.employ controlled impurity doping to increase the rate of radiative recombination.

Recently, III-V semiconductor nanowires have been widely explored as promising candidates for high-performance photodetectors due to their one-dimensional morphology, direct and tunable bandgap, as well as unique optical and electrical properties. Here, the recent development of III-V semiconductor-based single nanowire photodetectors for infrared photodetection is reviewed and compared, including material synthesis, representative types (under different operation principles and novel concepts), and device performance, as well as their challenges and future perspectives.

Understanding the relationship between land use and surface water quality is necessary for effective water management. We estimated the impacts of catchment-wide land use on water quality during the dry and rainy seasons in the Dongjiang River basin, using remote sensing, geographic information systems and multivariate statistical techniques. The results showed that the 83 sites can be divided into three groups representing different land use types: forest, agriculture and urban. Water quality parameters exhibited significant variations between the urban-dominated and forest-dominated sites. The proportion of forested land was positively associated with dissolved oxygen concentration but negatively associated with water temperature, electrical conductivity, permanganate index, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen and chlorophyll-a. The proportion of urban land was strongly positively associated with total nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen concentrations. Forested and urban land use had stronger impacts on water quality in the dry season than in the rainy season. However, agricultural land use did not have a significant impact on water quality. Our study indicates that urban land use was the key factor affecting water quality change, and limiting point-source waste discharge in urban areas during the dry season would be critical for improving water quality in the study area.

The phytoplankton community in the river is closely related to the location of the river and the impact of human activities. To summarize the patterns of phytoplankton community changes in rivers and to analyze the reasons for these patterns and differences, we sampled the three tributaries of the Dongjiang River at different latitudes in the dry and rainy season for three years. The results showed that the three rivers were mesotrophic, lightly eutrophic and moderately eutrophic respectively. From the south to the north, the water temperature and nutrition showed an increasing trend. In two different seasons, the differences in the water temperature and dissolved oxygen were clear. In the dry season, results of the multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis indicated that the phytoplankton community structures in the Li River and Qiuxiang River were similar. Regardless of the number of species, the cell abundance or the dominance index, Bacillariophyta were found to be dominant. Chlorophyta was dominant in the Danshui River. In the rainy season, Bacillariophyta, Bacillariophyta-Chlorophyta and Chlorophyta-Cyanophyta became the dominant types in the Li River, Qiuxiang River and Danshui River, respectively. These different patterns in phytoplankton community variation were affected by both the water quality and temperature.

Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common ovarian estrogen producing tumors, leading to symptoms of excessive estrogen such as endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial adenocarcinoma. These tumors have malignant potential and often recur. The etiology of GCT is unknown. TGFα is a potent mitogen for many different cells. However, its function in GCT initiation, progression and metastasis has not been determined. The present study aims to determine whether TGFα plays a role in the growth of GCT cells. KGN cells, which are derived from an invasive GCT and have many features of normal granulosa cells, were used as the cellular model. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR results showed that the ErbB family of receptors is expressed in human GCT tissues and GCT cell lines. RT-PCR results also indicated that TGFα and EGF are expressed in the human granulosa cells and the GCT cell lines, suggesting that TGFα might regulate GCT cell function in an autocrine/paracrine manner. TGFα stimulated KGN cell DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, cell viability, cell cycle progression, and cell migration. TGFα rapidly activated EGFR/PI3K/Akt and mTOR pathways, as indicated by rapid phosphorylation of Akt, TSC2, Rictor, mTOR, P70S6K and S6 proteins following TGFα treatment. TGFα also rapidly activated the EGFR/MEK/ERK pathway, and P38 MAPK pathways, as indicated by the rapid phosphorylation of EGFR, MEK, ERK1/2, P38, and CREB after TGFα treatment. Whereas TGFα triggered a transient activation of Akt, it induced a sustained activation of ERK1/2 in KGN cells. Long-term treatment of KGN cells with TGFα resulted in a significant increase in cyclin D2 and a decrease in p27/Kip1, two critical regulators of granulosa cell proliferation and granulosa cell tumorigenesis. In conclusion, TGFα, via multiple signaling pathways, regulates KGN cell proliferation and migration and may play an important role in the growth and metastasis of GCTs.