Reversible Transition Between Thermodynamically Stable Phases with Low Density of Oxygen Vacancies on SrTiO3_3(110) Surface

The surface reconstruction of SrTiO$_3$(110) is studied with scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The reversible phase transition between (4$\times$1) and (5$\times$1) is controlled by adjusting the surface metal concentration [Sr] or [Ti]. Resolving the atomic structures of the surface, DFT calculations verify that the phase stability changes upon the chemical potential of Sr or Ti. Particularly, the density of oxygen vacancies is low on the thermodynamically stabilized SrTiO$_3$(110) surface.Comment: Accepted by Physical Review Letter

Electronic Structures of SiC Nanoribbons

Electronic structures of SiC nanoribbons have been studied by spin-polarized density functional calculations. The armchair nanoribbons are nonmagnetic semiconductor, while the zigzag nanoribbons are magnetic metal. The spin polarization in zigzag SiC nanoribbons is originated from the unpaired electrons localized on the ribbon edges. Interestingly, the zigzag nanoribbons narrower than $\sim$4 nm present half-metallic behavior. Without the aid of external field or chemical modification, the metal-free half-metallicity predicted for narrow SiC zigzag nanoribbons opens a facile way for nanomaterial spintronics applications.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figure

Laser-induced forward transfer based laser bioprinting in biomedical applications

Bioprinting is an emerging field that utilizes 3D printing technology to fabricate intricate biological structures, including tissues and organs. Among the various promising bioprinting techniques, laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) stands out by employing a laser to precisely transfer cells or bioinks onto a substrate, enabling the creation of complex 3D architectures with characteristics of high printing precision, enhanced cell viability, and excellent technical adaptability. This technology has found extensive applications in the production of biomolecular microarrays and biological structures, demonstrating significant potential in tissue engineering. This review briefly introduces the experimental setup, bioink ejection mechanisms, and parameters relevant to LIFT bioprinting. Furthermore, it presents a detailed summary of both conventional and cutting-edge applications of LIFT in fabricating biomolecule microarrays and various tissues, such as skin, blood vessels and bone. Additionally, the review addresses the existing challenges in this field and provides corresponding suggestions. By contributing to the ongoing development of this field, this review aims to inspire further research on the utilization of LIFT-based bioprinting in biomedical applications

CircularRNA_0119872 regulates the microRNA-582- 3p/E2F transcription factor 3 pathway to promote the progression of malignant melanoma

OBJECTIVES: Malignant melanoma (MM) is an invasive tumor that poses a threat to patient health. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulators of MM carcinogenesis. In this study, we investigated the expression characteristics and biological functions of, and mechanism underlying, circ_0119872 expression in MM. METHODS: Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to examine the circ_0119872, microRNA (miR)-582-3p, and E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) mRNA expression levels in MM tissues and cell lines. Western blotting was performed to quantify E2F3 protein expression. MM cells with circ_0119872 knockdown were established, and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and transwell assays were utilized to examine the function of circ_0119872 and its effects on the malignant characteristics of MM cells. The MiRDB and TargetScan databases were used to predict the target genes of miR-582-3p. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was used to explore the biological functions of the target genes of miR582-3p. Additionally, a dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment was performed to verify the targeting relationship between circ_0119872 and miR-582-3p as well as that between miR-582-3p and E2F3. RESULTS: Circ_0119872 was remarkably upregulated in MM tissues and cell lines. Circ_0119872 knockdown suppressed the cell proliferation and metastasis In addition, miR-582-3p was identified as a downstream target of circ_0119872. The target genes of miR-193a-3p are involved in melanogenesis and cancer-related signaling pathways. Mechanistically, circ_0119872 facilitated MM progression by adsorbing miR-582-3p and upregulating E2F3 expression. CONCLUSION: Circ_0119872 is an oncogenic circRNA that participates in the promotion of MM progression by regulating the miR-582-3p/E2F3 axis