Search

An optical isolator for transverse electric (TE) polarized light is demonstrated by adhesive bonding of a ferrimagnetic garnet die on top of a 380 nm thick silicon waveguide circuit. Polarization rotators are implemented in the arms of a nonreciprocal Mach-Zehnder interferometer to rotate the polarization to transverse magnetic in the nonreciprocal phase shifter regions. Calculation of the nonreciprocal phase shift (NRPS) as a function of bonding layer thickness experienced by the TM mode in the interferometer arms is presented, together with the simulation of the robustness of the polarization rotator. Experimentally, 32 dB isolation is measured at 1540.5 nm wavelength using a magnetic field transverse to the light propagation directions. This paves the way to the cointegration of laser diodes and optical isolators on a silicon photonics platform.

Many novel materials and device designs have been proposed as photonic analogs to electrical diodes over the last four decades. This paper seeks to revisit these materials and designs as advanced technologies may enable experimental realization that was not possible upon conception of several of these designs. The background behind integration challenges, including waveguide birefringence, fabrication tolerances, garnet/semiconductor mismatch, and optimized interfaces will hopefully spark new ideas that will finally enable the realization of integrated optical isolators and circulators. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and food neophobia present significant challenges in pediatric healthcare, particularly among children with food allergies (FAs). These eating disorders, characterized by the persistent avoidance or restriction of food, can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies and psychosocial impairments. The presence of FAs further complicates these eating behaviors, as the fear of allergic reactions exacerbates avoidance and restrictive patterns. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on ARFID and food neophobia, focusing on their definitions, characteristics, and the unique challenges they present in the context of FAs. The review explores the critical role of healthcare professionals, especially nurses, in integrating psychological and clinical care to improve outcomes for affected children. A multidisciplinary approach, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Family-Based Therapy (FBT), is emphasized as essential in addressing the complex needs of these patients. The review also highlights the need for standardized treatment protocols and further research on the long-term outcomes of these disorders, aiming to enhance therapeutic strategies and family support systems. Effective management of ARFID and food neophobia in the context of FAs requires a holistic and integrated approach to mitigate the profound impacts on a child's growth, development, and overall well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is recognized as an exceptionally aggressive cancer that both highly lethal and unfavorable prognosis. The mitochondrial metabolism pathway is intimately involved in oncogenesis and tumor progression, however, much remains unknown in this area. In this study, the bioinformatic tools have been used to construct a prognostic model with mitochondrial metabolism-related genes (MMRGs) to evaluate the survival, immune status, mutation profile, and drug sensitivity of PAAD patients. Method: Univariate Cox regression and LASSO regression were used to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and multivariate Cox regression was used to develop the risk model. Kaplan–Meier estimator was employed to identify MMRGs signatures associated with overall survival (OS). ROC curves were utilized to evaluate the model's performance. Maftools, immunedeconv and CIBERSORT R packages were applied to analyze the gene mutation profiles and immune status. The corresponding sensitivity to pharmaceutical agents was assessed using oncoPredict R packages. Results: A prognostic model with five MMRGs was developed, which defined the patients as high-risk showed lower survival rates. There was good consistency among individuals categorized as high-risk, showing elevated rates of genetic alterations, particularly in the TP53 and KRAS genes. Furthermore, these patients exhibited increased levels of immunosuppression, characterized by an increased presence of macrophages, neutrophils, Th2 cells, and regulatory T cells. Additionally, high-risk patients showed increased sensitivity to Sabutoclax and Venetoclax. Conclusion: By utilizing a gene signature associated with mitochondrial metabolism, a prognostic model has been established which could be a highly efficient method for predicting the outcomes of PAAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular histones are crucial damage-associated molecular patterns involved in the development and progression of multiple critical and inflammatory diseases, such as sepsis, pancreatitis, trauma, acute liver failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, vasculitis and arthritis. During the past decade, the physiopathologic mechanisms of histone-mediated hyperinflammation, endothelial dysfunction, coagulation activation, neuroimmune injury and organ dysfunction in diseases have been systematically elucidated. Emerging preclinical evidence further shows that anti-histone strategies with either their neutralizers (heparin, heparinoids, nature plasma proteins, small anion molecules and nanomedicines, etc.) or extracorporeal blood purification techniques can significantly alleviate histone-induced deleterious effects, and thus improve the outcomes of histone-related critical and inflammatory animal models. However, a systemic evaluation of the efficacy and safety of these histone-targeting therapeutic strategies is currently lacking. In this review, we first update our latest understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of histoneinduced hyperinflammation, endothelial dysfunction, coagulopathy, and organ dysfunction. Then, we summarize the latest advances in histone-targeting therapy strategies with heparin, anti-histone antibodies, histone-binding proteins or molecules, and histone-affinity hemoadsorption in pre-clinical studies. Finally, challenges and future perspectives for improving the clinical translation of histone-targeting therapeutic strategies are also discussed to promote better management of patients with histone-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteoglycans (PGs), which have glycosaminoglycan chains attached to their protein cores, are essential for maintaining the morphology and function of healthy body tissues. Extracellular PGs perform various functions, classified into the following four categories: i) the modulation of tissue mechanical properties; ii) the regulation and protection of the extracellular matrix; iii) protein sequestration; and iv) the regulation of cell signaling. The depletion of PGs may significantly impair tissue function, encompassing compromised mechanical characteristics and unregulated inflammatory responses. Since PGs play critical roles in the function of healthy tissues and their synthesis is complex, the development of PG mimetic molecules that recapitulate PG functions for tissue engineering and therapeutic applications has attracted the interest of researchers for more than 20 years. These approaches have ranged from semisynthetic graft copolymers to recombinant PG domains produced by cells that have undergone genetic modifications. This review discusses some essential extracellular PG functions and approaches to mimicking these functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain dynamics associated with design creativity tasks are largely unexplored. Despite significant strides, there is a limited understanding of the brainbehavior during design creation tasks. The objective of this paper is to review the concepts of creativity and design creativity as well as their differences, and to explore the brain dynamics associated with design creativity tasks using electroencephalography (EEG) as a neuroimaging tool. The paper aims to provide essential insights for future researchers in the field of design creativity neurocognition. It seeks to examine fundamental studies, present key findings, and initiate a discussion on associated brain dynamics. The review employs thematic analysis and a forward and backward snowball search methodology with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to select relevant studies. This search strategy ensured a comprehensive review focused on EEG-based creativity and design creativity experiments. Different components of those experiments such as participants, psychometrics, experiment design, and creativity tasks, are reviewed and then discussed. The review identifies that while some studies have converged on specific findings regarding EEG alpha band activity in creativity experiments, there remain inconsistencies in the literature. The paper underscores the need for further research to unravel the interplays between these cognitive processes. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking an understanding of current literature, principal discoveries, and areas where knowledge remains incomplete. It highlights both positive and foundational aspects, identifies gaps, and poses lingering questions to guide future research endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a portable multi-fluorescence detection system for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) using an indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent glass heater by improving a previously developed device. By changing the optical design and the material of the heating part, the quantitative performance and the stability of temperature control were improved. We demonstrated the basic performance of the developed device for genetic tests using LAMP by conducting discrimination tests for human genome DNA. We also showed that quantitative analysis of human genomic DNA is possible at initial DNA concentrations of 2.11 × 10²– 2.11 × 104 ng/µL using the developed device. This genetic testing device is smaller and lighter (60 × 90 × 70 mm³, 178 g) than conventional testing devices, giving it considerable potential to facilitate rapid and efficient on-site genetic testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a well‐known entity in gastrointestinal and ovarian tumors of mucinous histology. It has important implications on prognosis depending on whether seen in conjunction with a benign or a malignant tumor. In the current report, we describe a case of PMP in a case of advanced endocervical adenocarcinoma of the cervix which was managed surgically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) refer to a heterogeneous category of diseases with defects in the number and/or function of components of the immune system. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency is the most prevalent IEI characterized by low serum level of IgA and normal serum levels of IgG and/or IgM. Most of the individuals with IgA deficiency are asymptomatic and are only identified through routine laboratory tests. Others may experience a wide range of clinical features including mucosal infections, allergies, and malignancies as the most important features. IgA deficiency is a multi-complex disease, and the exact pathogenesis of it is still unknown. Areas covered: This review compiles recent research on genetic and epigenetic factors that may contribute to the development of IgA deficiency. These factors include defects in B-cell development, IgA class switch recombination, synthesis, secretion, and the long-term survival of IgA switched memory B cells and plasma cells. Expert opinion: A better and more comprehensive understanding of the cellular pathways involved in IgA deficiency could lead to personalized surveillance and potentially curative strategies for affected patients, especially those with severe symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of magnetic garnets in new technologies such as spintronic devices requires fine-structured thin films. Classical fabrication techniques for these materials, typically physical vapor deposition methods, lead to excellent magnetic behavior. However, availability and scalability for potential applications are well restricted. In this study, we propose an innovative approach to fabricating Yttrium Iron Garnet thin films with precise thickness control achieved through iterative layer deposition via a chemical synthesis route. Remarkably, the iterative deposition process results in films exhibiting exceptional crystallinity. Magnetic characterization provides saturation magnetization and coercivity values on par with those reported in literature, summed to narrow ferromagnetic resonance lines. Therefore, in this work we demonstrate the viability of polymer assisted deposition as a promising alternative thinking about scalability to conventional deposition techniques for this material. Notably, our findings reveal energy conversion efficiencies comparable to those achieved with materials synthesized via physical vapor deposition methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal sarcomas pose major challenges to researchers and clinicians due to their rarity and heterogeneity. Xenografting human cells or tumor fragments in rodents is a mainstay for the generation of cancer models and for the preclinical trial of novel drugs. Lately, though, technical, intrinsic and ethical concerns together with stricter regulations have significantly curbed the employment of murine patient-derived xenografts (mPDX). In alternatives to murine PDXs, researchers have focused on embryonal systems such as chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and zebrafish embryos. These systems are time- and cost-effective hosts for tumor fragments and near-patient cells. The CAM of the chick embryo represents a unique vascularized environment to host xenografts with high engraftment rates, allowing for ease of visualization and molecular detection of metastatic cells. Thanks to the transparency of the larvae, zebrafish allow for the tracking of tumor development and metastatization, enabling high-throughput drug screening. This review will focus on xenograft models of musculoskeletal sarcomas to highlight the intrinsic and technically distinctive features of the different hosts, and how they can be exploited to elucidate biological mechanisms beneath the different phases of the tumor's natural history and in drug development. Ultimately, the review suggests the combination of different models as an advantageous approach to boost basic and translational research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the biological properties of newly synthesized cements based on calcium phosphate with a commercially used cement, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Strontium (Sr)-, Copper (Cu)-, and Zinc (Zn)-doped hydroxyapatite (miHAp) powder was obtained through hydrothermal synthesis and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) was produced by mixing miHAp powder with a 20 wt.% citric acid solution, followed by the assessment of its compressive strength, setting time, and in vitro bioactivity. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was added to the CPC, resulting in CPCA. Biological tests were conducted on CPC, CPCA, and MTA. The biocompatibility of the cement extracts was evaluated in vitro using human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and in vivo using a zebrafish model. Antibiofilm and antimicrobial effect (quantified by CFUs/mL) were assessed against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. None of the tested materials showed toxicity, while CPCA even increased hDPSCs proliferation. CPCA showed a better safety profile than MTA and CPC, and no toxic or immunomodulatory effects on the zebrafish model. CPCA exhibited similar antibiofilm effects against S. mutans and L. rhamnosus to MTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma with vascular invasion has a poor prognosis and inconsistent treatment evidence. Studies of portal vein tumor thrombus are relatively frequent; however, limited case studies of bile duct tumor thrombus and hepatic vein tumor thrombus exist. In this review, we also focus on bile duct tumor thrombus and hepatic vein tumor thrombus and review the current published studies. Vascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma involves tumor plugs in the main trunk of the portal vein, bile ducts, and veins, and it indicates poor prognosis. It is often associated with portal hypertension, which requires evaluation and management. Treatment includes hepatic resection, systemic pharmacotherapy, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Recurrence rates post-hepatic resection are high, and systemic drug therapy often has limited therapeutic potential in patients with a poor hepatic reserve. Single therapies are generally inadequate, necessitating combining multiple therapies with adjuvant and systemic pharmacotherapy before and after hepatectomy. This narrative review will provide an overview of the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with vascular invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a scarcity of prospective clinical research evidence regarding the utilization of transvaginal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) as a treatment option for ovarian cysts. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of employing vNOTES for the management of ovarian cysts. Methods: Our study included women between the ages of 18 and 70 who intended to undergo surgical intervention for benign lesions. Stratified blocked randomization was employed to allocate participants into groups. The main objective was to assess whether the assigned group adhered to the recommended surgical technique for ovarian cystectomy or adnexectomy, without any deviation to alternative surgical methods. Results: A total of 196 patients were included in the study, with all surgeries in each group being conducted according to the assigned procedures. Among them, the ovarian cystectomy layer included 58 cases in the vNOTES group and 58 cases in the conventional laparoscopy (CL) groups. The adnexectomy layer included 40 cases in the vNOTES group and 40 cases in the CL group. Utilizing a sensitivity analysis, the two-sided 95% lower confidence limit was determined to be 5.5% for the disparity in proportions between the vNOTES groups and CL groups. These lower limits fell below the predetermined non-inferiority margin of 10%. Conclusions: The study findings demonstrate that vNOTES was not inferior to CL in terms of adnexectomy or ovarian cystectomy. vNOTES can be considered a more minimally invasive surgical approach, as it results in reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and absence of visible incisions. Overall, vNOTES proves to be a safe, feasible, and less invasive treatment option. Trial registration: This study retrospectively registered with the China Clinical Trial Registry with the registration number ChiCTR2100052223(22-10-2021). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its release in November 2022, ChatGPT has become a focal point of discussion among scholars and practitioners. This study investigates the role of ChatGPT in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writing through a systematic review of the 20 most pertinent articles. Inclusion and exclusion of references were based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Findings suggest that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education is an evolving process that significantly impacts how EFL students learn to write. This systematic review highlights both the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting ChatGPT for EFL writing. On one hand, ChatGPT offers innovative ways to enhance writing skills, providing instant feedback and diverse writing prompts. On the other hand, challenges such as dependency on AI and the need for critical thinking skills remain. Based on the synthesized literature, recommendations for EFL teaching were proposed, emphasizing a balanced approach to integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into writing curricula and creating a community of practice among teachers and students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid emulsions are used as adjuvant drugs to alleviate intractable cardiovascular collapse induced by drug toxicity. We aimed to examine the effect of lipid emulsions on labetalol-induced vasodilation and the underlying mechanism in the isolated rat aorta. We studied the effects of endothelial denudation, NW-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), calmidazolium, methylene blue, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), and lipid emulsions on labetalol-induced vasodilation. We also evaluated the effects of lipid emulsions on cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) formation, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, and endothelial calcium levels induced by labetalol. Labetalol-induced vasodilation was higher in endothelium-intact aortas than that in endothelium-denuded aortas. l-NAME, calmidazolium, methylene blue, and ODQ inhibited labetalol-induced vasodilation in endothelium-intact aortas. Lipid emulsions inhibited labetalol-induced vasodilation in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortas. l-NAME, ODQ, and lipid emulsions inhibited labetalol-induced cGMP formation in endothelium-intact aortas. Lipid emulsions reversed the stimulatory and inhibitory eNOS (Ser1177 and Thr495) phosphorylation induced by labetalol in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and inhibited the labetalol-induced endothelial calcium increase. Moreover, it decreased labetalol concentration. These results suggest that lipid emulsions inhibit vasodilation induced by toxic doses of labetalol, which is mediated by the inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide release and reduction of labetalol concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photonic switches play a vital role in optical communications and computer networks for establishing and releasing connections of optical signals. With the growing demand for ultra‐compact switches in high‐speed optical computing and communications, thermally reconfigurable optical switches have gained significant attention. These switches offer simplicity, ease of fabrication, and leverage a wide range of thermo‐optic materials. Silicon remains an ideal platform for making photonic devices including the switches due to its compatibility with complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technology and cost‐effectiveness. The article presents a drop cast sub‐stoichiometric vanadium oxide (VO2−x) nanoparticles combined with a silicon ridge waveguide to make a compact thermally reconfigurable optical switch with low transition temperature and accelerated phase transition. Furthermore, the design achieves high modulation depth in addition to its scalability and simplicity. This study demonstrates the potential of solution‐based VO2−x nanoparticles in combination with silicon waveguides for efficient optical switch design for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) was the first virus to be studied in detail and, for many years, TMV and other tobamoviruses, particularly tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and tobamoviruses infecting pepper (Capsicum spp.), were serious crop pathogens. By the end of the twentieth and for the first decade of the twenty-first century, tobamoviruses were under some degree of control due to introgression of resistance genes into commercial tomato and pepper lines. However, tobamoviruses remained important models for molecular biology, biotechnology and bio-nanotechnology. Recently, tobamoviruses have again become serious crop pathogens due to the advent of tomato brown rugose fruit virus, which overcomes tomato resistance against TMV and ToMV, and the slow but apparently inexorable worldwide spread of cucumber green mottle mosaic virus, which threatens all cucurbit crops. This review discusses a range of mainly molecular biology-based approaches for protecting crops against tobamoviruses. These include cross-protection (using mild tobamovirus strains to 'immunize' plants against severe strains), expressing viral gene products in transgenic plants to inhibit the viral infection cycle, inducing RNA silencing against tobamoviruses by expressing virus-derived RNA sequences in planta or by direct application of double-stranded RNA molecules to non-engineered plants, gene editing of host susceptibility factors, and the transfer and optimization of natural resistance genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: BRCA1/2 mutations in breast cancer cells impair homologous recombination and promote alternative end joining (Alt-EJ) for DNA-damage repair. DNA polymerase theta, encoded by POLQ, plays a crucial role in Alt-EJ, making it a potential therapeutic target, particularly in BRCA1/2-mutant cancers. Methionine restriction is a promising approach to target cancer cells due to their addiction to this amino acid. The present study investigated the expression of POLQ in BRCA1/2 wild-type and BRCA1-mutant breast cancer cells under methionine restriction. Materials and Methods: POLQ mRNA expression was measured using qRT-PCR in BRCA1/2 wild-type (MDAMB-231) and BRCA1- mutant (HCC1937 and MDA-MB- 436) breast-cancer cells under normal, or serum-restricted, or serum- and methionine-restricted conditions. Results: Compared to BRCA1/2 wild-type cells, BRCA1-mutant cells displayed significantly higher basal POLQ expression in normal medium. Methionine restriction further increased POLQ expression in the BRCA1-mutant cells but decreased it in the BRCA1/2 wild-type cells. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that methionine restriction showed differential effects on POLQ expression, potentially impacting Alt-EJ activity, in BRCA1/2 wild-type and BRCA1- mutant breast-cancer cells. Further investigation is needed to explore the potential of combining methionine restriction with DNA-repair inhibitors, such as PARP inhibitors, to overcome drug resistance in BRCA1/2 mutant cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anterior gradient protein 2 (AGR2) plays a crucial role in facilitating the formation of protein disulfide bonds within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Research suggests that AGR2 can function as an oncogene, with its heightened expression linked to the advancement of hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers through invasion and metastasis. Notably, AGR2 not only serves as a pro-oncogenic agent but also as a downstream targeting protein, indirectly fostering cancer progression. This comprehensive review delves into the established functions and expression patterns of AGR2, emphasizing its pivotal role in cancer progression, particularly in hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies. Furthermore, AGR2 emerges as a potential cancer prognostic marker and a promising target for immunotherapy, offering novel avenues for the treatment of hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers and enhancing patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biomechanical and biochemical properties of connective tissues are determined by the composition and quality of their extracellular matrix. This, in turn, is highly dependent on the function and organisation of the secretory pathway. The Golgi complex plays a vital role in directing matrix output by co-ordinating the posttranslational modification and proteolytic processing of matrix components prior to their secretion. These modifications have broad impacts on the secretion and subsequent assembly of matrix components, as well as their function in the extracellular environment. In this Review, we highlight the role of the Golgi in the formation of an adaptable, healthy matrix, with a focus on proteoglycan and procollagen secretion as example cargoes. We then discuss the impact of Golgi dysfunction on connective tissue in the context of human disease and ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct bonding of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) on silicon without the use of an intermediate bonding layer is demonstrated and characterized using scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. During the bonding experiment, the garnet is reduced in the presence of oxide-free silicon. As a result, a 5 nm thick SiOamorphous-YIG bilayer is formed and welds the garnet to silicon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonreciprocity between two signal fields is regarded as a key function in future quantum networks and modern communication technologies. Here, we theoretically propose a scheme of nonreciprocal devices between signal fields in two different arbitrarily frequency domains in a hybrid cavity opto-electromechanical system. The model consists of a microwave cavity and an optical cavity, respectively, coupled with two different mechanical oscillators, which are coupled together by the tunable Coulomb interaction and driven by the external electrical fields. We study the nonreciprocal response between two different frequency fields. Nonreciprocal transmission is based on multichannel quantum interference to break time-reversal symmetry. The perfect nonreciprocity is shown in the certain conditions. By adjusting the Coulomb interaction, the phase differences, and strength of the electrically driven fields on the mechanical oscillators, we find that nonreciprocity can be modulated and even transformed into perfect nonreciprocity and reciprocity. These results provide a new insight into the design of nonreciprocal devices and present the potential applications in quantum information processing and quantum networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On-chip integration of nonreciprocal photonic devices is considered a “fundamental challenge” and the “missing link” for silicon photonics. Hybrid integration of magneto-optical (MO) materials in silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs) shows promising potential to solve this challenge. In the past decade, the performance of silicon-integrated isolators and circulators based on hybrid integrated MO thin films has been significantly improved in terms of low insertion loss, high isolation ratio, and compact footprint. Accordingly, novel integrated magneto-photonic devices have emerged, including nonvolatile MO switch/memory, on-chip magnetometers, quantum nonreciprocal photonic devices, and topologically nontrivial lasers. In this paper, we review recent progress of on-chip nonreciprocal photonic devices based on hybrid integration of MO thin films on silicon. The configuration, operation principle, and key metrics of different types of integrated MO nonreciprocal photonic devices are summarized. In addition, the progress of on-chip electromagnets and novel MO devices are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal emission is typically associated with a blackbody at a temperature above absolute zero, which exchanges energy with its environment in the form of radiation. Blackbody thermal emission is largely incoherent both spatially and temporally. Using principles in nanophotonics, thermal emission with characteristics that differ considerably from those of a blackbody has been demonstrated. In particular, by leveraging intrinsic properties of emerging materials or via nanostructuring at the wavelength or sub-wavelength scale, one can gain control over the directionality, temporal coherence, and other more exotic properties of thermal radiation. Typically, however, these are fixed at the time of fabrication. Gaining dynamic control of thermal emission requires exploiting external mechanisms that actively modulate radiative properties. Numerous applications can benefit from such thermal emission control, for example, in solar energy harvesting, thermo-photovoltaic energy conversion, radiative cooling, sensing, spectroscopy, imaging, and thermal camouflage. In this Tutorial, we introduce thermal emission in two domains: the far-field and the near-field, and we outline experimental approaches for probing thermal radiation in both ranges. We discuss ways for tailoring the spatial and temporal coherence of thermal emission and present available mechanisms to actively tune these characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, thin films of ruthenium-doped and cerium-doped yttrium iron garnet were deposited on silicon using solgel chemistry. Doped YIG could be produced in phase pure form up to a precursor stoichiometry of Y3Ru0.1Fe4.9O12 and Ce0.7Y2.3Fe5O12. Both dopants significantly increase the coercivity and anisotropy field of the materials either due to domain wall pinning or increased spin–orbit coupling from the dopant. To delineate these two effects, the dynamic magnetic properties were studied using strip line ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). The FMR linewidth was separated into intrinsic loss and inhomogeneous line broadening. Inhomogeneous line broadening was found to dominate the magnetic losses in all the films likely due to magnon scattering off grain boundaries, but the Gilbert damping remained fairly low. By comparing the two dopants, it was found that Gilbert damping increased more in Ce:YIG films than in Ru:YIG films. This finding was corroborated by changes in the anisotropy field of the films, indicating a larger contribution from spin–orbit coupling from cerium than from ruthenium. Surprisingly, while magnetic loss globally increased with higher substitution, adding a small amount of dopant actually reduced the inhomogeneous line broadening in both sets of films. This was corroborated by crystallite size. The damping in Ru:YIG also decreased with a small amount of the dopant, which has been predicted by Kittel for doped garnets. Thus, it follows that there is an ideal doping regime where solgel YIG can be doped at low levels without increasing magnetic loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sarcopenia and inflammation on the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods: Eighty patients who had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer between July 2010 and December 2023 were included in this study. The psoas muscle index was used to assess sarcopenia. The C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, prognostic nutritional index, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were used to calculate the preoperative inflammatory marker levels. The prognostic factors for overall survival were determined using Cox regression analysis. Results: Twenty-four patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia showed a significant association with advanced tumor stage. Univariate analysis revealed a significant reduction in overall survival in patients with a prognostic nutritional index of <45, C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio of ≥0.047, cancer antigen 19–9 levels of ≥130 U/mL, sarcopenia, lymph node metastasis, and vascular invasion. Multivariate analysis revealed that a C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio of ≥0.047 (hazards ratio, 3.383; 95% confidence interval: 1.384–8.689; p< 0.001), cancer antigen 19–9 levels of ≥130 U/mL (hazards ratio, 2.720; 95% confidence interval: 1.291–6.060; p = 0.008), sarcopenia (hazards ratio, 3.256; 95% confidence interval: 1.535–7.072; p = 0.002) and vascular invasion (hazards ratio, 2.092; 95% confidence interval: 1.057–4.170; p = 0.034) were independent predictors of overall survival. Overall survival in the sarcopenia and high C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio groups was significantly poorer than that in the non-sarcopenia and low C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and sarcopenia or high C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio groups. Conclusion: Sarcopenia and a high C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio are independent prognostic factors in patients with pancreatic cancer after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Thus, sarcopenia may have a better prognostic value when combined with the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Companion robots are aimed to mitigate loneliness and social isolation among older adults by providing social and emotional support in their everyday lives. However, older adults' expectations of conversational companionship might substantially differ from what current technologies can achieve, as well as from other age groups like young adults. Thus, it is crucial to involve older adults in the development of conversational companion robots to ensure that these devices align with their unique expectations and experiences. The recent advancement in foundation models, such as large language models, has taken a significant stride toward fulfilling those expectations, in contrast to the prior literature that relied on humans controlling robots (i.e., Wizard of Oz) or limited rule-based architectures that are not feasible to apply in the daily lives of older adults. Consequently, we conducted a participatory design (co-design) study with 28 older adults, demonstrating a companion robot using a large language model (LLM), and design scenarios that represent situations from everyday life. The thematic analysis of the discussions around these scenarios shows that older adults expect a conversational companion robot to engage in conversation actively in isolation and passively in social settings, remember previous conversations and personalize, protect privacy and provide control over learned data, give information and daily reminders, foster social skills and connections, and express empathy and emotions. Based on these findings, this article provides actionable recommendations for designing conversational companion robots for older adults with foundation models, such as LLMs and vision-language models, which can also be--applied to conversational robots in other domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social insects live in closely related family groups but face risks of intrusion and infection by pathogenic and parasitic microbes. To cope with the microbes invading their nests and feeding sites, social insects produce various types of antimicrobial substances. Subterranean termites occupy microbe-rich decaying wood and soil at high density, expanding their nest area by exploring and feeding on wood outward from the royal chamber (room for kings and queens). Although antimicrobial agents have been identified in many termite species, few studies have investigated those used by foraging workers in decaying wood under development, which is richer in microbes than the well-sterilized royal chamber and its surroundings. Here, we report that phenylacetic acid, an antifungal aromatic compound, is secreted by foraging workers of the Japanese subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus. The compound was detected by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of ethyl acetate extracts of shelter papers infested with the workers, and antimicrobial tests demonstrated that it inhibits the germination and/or mycelial growth of the entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana) and the termite egg-mimicking fungus Athelia termitophila. Our study provides new insights into the antimicrobial defense mechanisms of termites, including by combining different types of antimicrobial substances secreted by different castes, and thus the survival strategy of entomopathogenic and parasitic fungi in termite nests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect-transmitted plant viruses are a major threat to global agricultural crop production. Receptors play a prominent role in the interplay between host-pathogen and vector interaction. The virus–vector relationship involves both viral and vector receptors. Receptors-like kinases (RLKs) and receptor-like proteins play a crucial role in plant immunity, which acts as a basal defense. Pathogens can evade or block host recognition by their effector proteins to inhibit pathogen recognition receptor (PRR)-mediated signaling. Intriguingly, RLKs are also known to interact with viral proteins and impact plant susceptibility against viruses, while the endocytic receptors in vectors assist in the binding of the virus to the vectors. Unlike other receptors of fungi and bacteria which have three different domains located from extracellular or intracellular to perceive a multitude of molecular patterns, the characterization of viral receptors is quite complex and limited since the virus is directly injected into plant cells by insect vectors. Little is known about these receptors. Unraveling the receptors involved in virus entry and transmission within the vector will provide vital information in virus–vector interactions. This review focuses on efforts undertaken in the identification and characterization of receptors of plant viruses within the host and vector. This will lead to a better understanding of the cellular mechanism of virus transmission and spread, and further suggests new alternative tools for researchers to develop an integrated approach for the management of viral diseases and associated vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive forms of brain tumor, characterized by a daunting prognosis with a life expectancy hovering around 12–16 months. Despite a century of relentless research, only a select few drugs have received approval for brain tumor treatment, largely due to the formidable barrier posed by the blood–brain barrier. The current standard of care involves a multifaceted approach combining surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy. However, recurrence often occurs within months despite these interventions. The formidable challenges of drug delivery to the brain and overcoming therapeutic resistance have become focal points in the treatment of brain tumors and are deemed essential to overcoming tumor recurrence. In recent years, a promising wave of advanced treatments has emerged, offering a glimpse of hope to overcome the limitations of existing therapies. This review aims to highlight cutting-edge technologies in the current and ongoing stages of development, providing patients with valuable insights to guide their choices in brain tumor treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As modern technologies, particularly home assistant devices and sensors, become more integrated into our daily lives, they are also making their way into the domain of energy management within our homes. Homeowners, now acting as prosumers, have access to detailed information at 15-min or even 5-min intervals, including weather forecasts, outputs from renewable energy source (RES)-based systems, appliance schedules and the current energy balance, which details any deficits or surpluses along with their quantities and the predicted prices on the local energy market (LEM). The goal for these prosumers is to reduce costs while ensuring their home's comfort levels are maintained. However, given the complexity and the rapid decision-making required in managing this information, the need for a supportive system is evident. This is particularly true given the routine nature of these decisions, highlighting the potential for a system that provides personalized recommendations to optimize energy consumption, whether that involves adjusting the load or engaging in transactions with the LEM. In this context, we propose a recommendation system powered by large language models (LLMs), Scikit-llm and zero-shot classifiers, designed to evaluate specific scenarios and offer tailored advice for prosumers based on the available data at any given moment. Two scenarios for a prosumer of 5.9 kW are assessed using candidate labels, such as Decrease, Increase, Sell and Buy. A comparison with a content-based filtering system is provided considering the performance metrics that are relevant for prosumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In social insect colonies, selfish behaviour due to intracolonial conflict among members can result in colony-level costs despite close relatedness. In certain termite species, queens use asexual reproduction for within-colony queen succession but rely on sexual reproduction for worker and alate production, resulting in multiple half-clones of a single primary queen competing for personal reproduction. Our study demonstrates that competition over asexual queen succession among different clone types leads to the overproduction of parthenogenetic offspring, resulting in the production of dysfunctional parthenogenetic alates. By genotyping the queens of 23 field colonies of Reticulitermes speratus, we found that clone variation in the queen population reduces as colonies develop. Field sampling of alates and primary reproductives of incipient colonies showed that overproduced parthenogenetic offspring develop into alates that have significantly smaller body sizes and much lower survivorship than sexually produced alates. Our results indicate that while the production of earlier and more parthenogenetic eggs is advantageous for winning the competition for personal reproduction, it comes at a great cost to the colony. Thus, this study highlights the evolutionary interplay between individual-level and colony-level selection on parthenogenesis by queens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we developed a novel electrochemical protocol that enables the functionalization of inherently inert C(sp3)−H bonds. In this protocol, one‐electron oxidation of acetic acid was used to successfully generate methyl radical, which cleaves the benzylic C(sp3)−H bonds of the substrates via a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process, and further reaction with the formed species yields the targeted C(sp3)−H functionalized products. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of the use of acetic acid in a HAT process. Notably the reaction has environment‐friendly and fine atom economy nature: the reaction is driven by the electrochemical conditions in the absence of expensive or hazardous reagents, producing only gaseous small molecules, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane, as side products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilized a diverse Capsicum accessions (5658) sourced from various species and geographical regions, deposited at the National Agrobiodiversity Center, Genebank. We employed 19 SNP markers through a Fluidigm genotyping system and screened these accessions against eight prevalent diseases of pepper. This study revealed accessions resistant to individual diseases as well as those exhibiting resistance to multiple diseases, including bacterial spot, anthracnose, powdery mildew, phytophthora root rot, and potyvirus. The C. chacoense accessions were identified as resistant materials against bacterial spot, anthracnose, powdery mildew, and phytophthora root rot, underscoring the robust natural defense mechanisms inherent in the wild Capsicum species and its potential uses as sources of resistance for breeding. C. baccatum species also demonstrated to be a promising source of resistance to major pepper diseases. Generally, disease-resistant germplasm has been identified from various Capsicum species. Originating from diverse locations such as Argentina, Bolivia, and the United Kingdom, these accessions consistently demonstrated resistance, indicating the widespread prevalence of disease-resistant traits across varied environments. Additionally, we selected ten pepper accessions based on their resistance to multiple diseases, including CMV, Phytophthora root rot, potyviruses, and TSWV, sourced from diverse geographical regions like Hungary, Peru, the United States, and the Netherlands. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into disease resistance in Capsicum, crucial for fostering sustainable agricultural practices and advancing crop improvement through breeding strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Earth and planetary science, Pb isotopic composition is well known to play a key role in deciphering the origin and evolution of materials because they provide unique chronological and/or indigenous regional information as a radiogenic daughter nuclide from U and Th. To determine such an isotopic composition, mass spectrometers have been widely used over several decades, which requires a destructive/consuming treatment such as sputtering, laser ablation and thermal ionization. Here, we first report the non-destructive Pb isotopic measurement of natural galena (PbS) using the energy shift of muon-induced characteristic X-rays. The observed Pb isotopic composition of the natural galena is in good agreement with that obtained by conventional mass spectrometry. Such a muon-based Pb isotopic analysis method is expected to be applied to identify the production area of archaeological artefacts (e.g. bronze products), where non-destructive analysis is highly desirable compared to conventional mass spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) has traditionally been performed using a face mask in neonatal resuscitation, face mask ventilation for delivering PPV has a high failure rate due to mask leaks, airway obstruction, or gastric inflation. Furthermore, face mask ventilation is compromised during chest compressions. Endotracheal intubation in neonates requires a high skill level, with a first-attempt success rate of <50%. Laryngeal masks can transfer positive pressure more effectively even during chest compressions, resulting in a lower PPV failure rate compared to that of face masks in neonatal resuscitation. In addition, inserting a laryngeal mask is easier and more accessible than endotracheal intubation, and mortality rates do not differ between the 2 methods. Therefore, in neonatal resuscitation, laryngeal masks are recommended in infants with gestational age >34 weeks and/or with a birth weight >2 kg, in cases of unsuccessful face mask ventilation (as a primary airway device) or endotracheal intubation (as a secondary airway device, alternative airway). In other words, laryngeal masks are recommended when endotracheal intubation fails as well as when PPV cannot be achieved. Although laryngeal masks are commonly used in anesthetized pediatric patients, they are infrequently used in neonatal resuscitation due to limited experience, a preference for endotracheal tubes, or a lack of awareness among the healthcare providers. Thus, healthcare providers must be aware of the usefulness of laryngeal masks in depressed neonates requiring PPV or endotracheal intubation, which can promptly resuscitate these infants and improve their outcomes, resulting in decreased morbidity and mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni nanowire array electrodes with an extremely large surface area were made through an electrochemical reduction process utilizing an anodized alumina template with a pore length of 320 µm, pore diameter of 100 nm, and pore aspect ratio of 3200. The electrodeposited Ni nanowire arrays were preferentially oriented in the (111) plane regardless of the deposition potential and exhibited uniaxial magnetic anisotropy with easy magnetization in the axial direction. With respect to the magnetic properties, the squareness and coercivity of the electrodeposited Ni nanowire arrays improved up to 0.8 and 550 Oe, respectively. It was also confirmed that the magnetization reversal was suppressed by increasing the aspect ratio and the hard magnetic performance was improved. The electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution on the electrodeposited Ni nanowire arrays was also investigated and the hydrogen overvoltage was reduced down to ~0.1 V, which was almost 0.2 V lower than that on the electrodeposited Ni films. Additionally, the current density for hydrogen evolution at −1.0 V and −1.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl increased up to approximately −580 A/m2 and −891 A/m2, respectively, due to the extremely large surface area of the electrodeposited Ni nanowire arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely poor prognostic disease. Even though multidisciplinary treatment for PDAC has developed, supportive therapies, such as nutritional therapy or perioperative rehabilitation to sustain and complete aggressive treatment, have not yet been well-established in PDAC. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between the combined index using psoas muscle mass index (PMI) values and controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score and prognosis. Methods: We included 101 patients diagnosed with PDAC who underwent radical pancreatectomy with regional lymphadenectomy. The cut-off value was set at the first quartile (male, 6.3 cm2/m2; female 4.4 cm2/m2), and patients were classified into high PMI and low PMI groups. A CONUT score of 0 to 1 was classified as the normal nutritional status group, and 2 or more points as the malnutritional status group. Patients were further divided into three groups: high PMI and normal nutrition (good general condition group), low PMI and low nutrition (poor general condition group), and none of the above (moderate general condition group). We performed a prognostic analysis of overall survival (OS), stratified according to PMI values and CONUT scores. Results: In the poor general condition group, the proportion of elderly people over 70 years of age was significantly higher than that in the other groups (p < 0.001). The poor general condition group had a significantly worse prognosis than the good and moderate general condition groups (p = 0.012 and p = 0.037). The 5-year survival rates were 10.9%, 22.3%, and 36.1% in the poor, moderate, and good general condition groups, respectively. In multivariate analysis, poor general condition, with both low PMI and malnutrition status, was an independent poor prognostic factor for postoperative OS (hazard ratio 2.161, p = 0.031). Conclusions: The combination of PMI and CONUT scores may be useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with PDAC after radical surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: We investigated whether dietary interventions, i.e. a fasting mimicking diet (FMD, Prolon®) or glycocalyx mimetic supplementation (EndocalyxTM) could stabilize microvascular function in Surinamese South-Asian patients with type 2 diabetes (SA-T2DM) in the Netherlands, a patient population more prone to develop vascular complications. Subjects/methods: A randomized, placebo controlled, 3-arm intervention study was conducted in 56 SA-T2DM patients between 18 and 75 years old, for 3 consecutive months, with one additional follow up measurement 3 months after the last intervention. Sublingual microcirculation was assessed with SDF-imaging coupled to the GlycoCheckTM software, detecting red blood cell velocity, capillary density, static and dynamic perfused boundary region (PBR), and the overall microvascular health score (MVHS). Linear mixed models and interaction analysis were used to investigate the effects the interventions had on microvascular function. Results: Despite a temporal improvement in BMI and HbA1c after FMD the major treatment effect on microvascular health was worsening for RBC-velocity independent PBRdynamic, especially at follow-up. Glycocalyx supplementation, however, reduced urinary MCP-1 presence and improved both PBRdynamic and MVHSdynamic, which persisted at follow-up. Conclusions: We showed that despite temporal beneficial changes in BMI and HbA1c after FMD, this intervention is not able to preserve microvascular endothelial health in Dutch South-Asian patients with T2DM. In contrast, glycocalyx mimetics preserves the microvascular endothelial health and reduces the inflammatory cytokine MCP-1. Clinical study registration: NCT03889236. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]