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Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has become the gold standard for evaluating coronary lesion-specific ischemia. However, FFR is an invasive method that may cause possible complications in the coronary artery and requires expensive equipment, which limits its use. Promising noninvasive diagnostic methods, such as computed tomography angiography–derived FFR (CT-FFR) and the quantitative flow ratio (QFR), have been proposed. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the QFR and CT-FFR in predicting coronary lesion-specific ischemia, with the FFR serving as the reference standard. Patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease who underwent coronary CT angiography revealing 30–90% diameter stenosis in the main coronary artery (≥ 2.0 mm reference diameter) were enrolled. The FFR was measured during invasive coronary angiography (within 15 days after coronary CT angiography). An FFR ≤ 0.8 was the reference standard for coronary lesion-specific ischemia. A total of 103 vessels from 92 consecutive patients (aged 59.8 ± 9.2 years; 60.9% were men) were evaluated. The diagnostic performance of a QFR ≤ 0.80 for predicting coronary lesion-specific ischemia demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity (92.2%, 87.2%, and 96.4%, respectively), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.987 (P < 0.0001). The diagnostic performance of a CT-FFR ≤ 0.80 for predicting coronary lesion-specific ischemia also demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity (96.1%, 95.7%, and 96.4%, respectively), with an AUC of 0.967 (P < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in the AUC between a QFR ≤ 0.80 and a CT-FFR ≤ 0.80 for predicting coronary lesion-specific ischemia (P = 0.319). There was an excellent correlation between the QFR and FFR (r = 0.856, P < 0.0001). The CT-FFR and FFR also showed a good direct correlation (r = 0.816, P < 0.0001). The QFR and CT-FFR are strongly correlated with the FFR and can provide excellent clinical diagnostic performance for coronary lesion-specific ischemia detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although robotic radical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) has been reported in some large hepatobiliary centers, biliary-enteric reconstruction (BER) remains a critical step that hampers the operation's success. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and quality of BER in robotic radical resection of HCCA and propose technical recommendations. A retrospective study was conducted on patients with HCCA who underwent minimally invasive radical resection at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital between January 2016 and July 2023. A 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM), widely used to reduce selection bias, was performed to evaluate the outcomes, especially BER-related data, between the robotic and laparoscopic surgery. Forty-six patients with HCCA were enrolled; ten underwent robotic-assisted resection, while the others underwent laparoscopic surgery. After PSM at a ratio of 1:2, 10 and 20 patients were assigned to the robot-assisted and laparoscopic groups, respectively. The baseline characteristics of both groups were generally well-balanced. The average liver resection time was longer in the robotic group than in the laparoscopic group (139.5 ± 38.8 vs 108.1 ± 35.8 min, P = 0.036). However, the former had less intraoperative blood loss [200 (50–500) vs 310 (100–850) ml], despite no statistical difference (P = 0.109). The number of residual bile ducts was 2.6 ± 1.3 and 2.7 ± 1.2 (P = 0.795), and anastomoses were both 1.6 ± 0.7 in the two groups (P = 0.965). The time of BER was 38.4 ± 13.6 and 59.1 ± 25.5 min (P = 0.024), accounting for 9.9 ± 2.8% and 15.4 ± 4.8% of the total operation time (P = 0.001). Although postoperative bile leakage incidence in laparoscopic group (40%) was higher than that in robotic group (10%), there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.204); 6.7 ± 4.4 and 12.1 ± 11.7 days were observed for tube drawing (P = 0.019); anastomosis stenosis and calculus rate was 10% and 30% (P = 0.372), 0% and 15% (P = 0.532), respectively. Neither group had hemorrhage- or bile leakage-related deaths. Robotic radical resection for HCCA may offer perioperative outcomes comparable to conventional laparoscopic procedures and tends to be advantageous in terms of anastomosis time and quality. We are optimistic about its wide application in the future with the improvement of surgical techniques and experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to construct and validate a multimodality MRI combined with ultrasound based on radiomics for the evaluation of benign and malignant breast diseases. The preoperative enhanced MRI and ultrasound images of 131 patients with breast diseases confirmed by pathology in Aerospace Center Hospital from January 2021 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 73 benign diseases and 58 malignant diseases. Ultrasound and 3.0 T multiparameter MRI scans were performed in all patients. Then, all the data were divided into training set and validation set in a 7:3 ratio. Regions of interest were drawn layer by layer based on ultrasound and MR enhanced sequences to extract radiomics features. The optimal radiomic features were selected by the best feature screening method. Logistic Regression classifier was used to establish models according to the best features, including ultrasound model, MRI model, ultrasound combined with MRI model. The model efficacy was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. The F-test based on ANOVA was used to screen out 20 best ultrasonic features, 11 best MR Features, and 14 best features from the combined model. Among them, texture features accounted for the largest proportion, accounting for 79%.The ultrasound combined with MR Image fusion model based on logistic regression classifier had the best diagnostic performance. The AUC of the training group and the validation group were 0.92 and 091, the sensitivity was 0.80 and 0.67, the specificity was 0.90 and 0.94, and the accuracy was 0.84 and 0.79, respectively. It was better than the simple ultrasound model (AUC of validation set was 0.82) or the simple MR model (AUC of validation set was 0.85). Compared with the traditional ultrasound or magnetic resonance diagnosis of breast diseases, the multimodal model of MRI combined with ultrasound based on radiomics can more accurately predict the benign and malignant breast diseases, thus providing a better basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The encoder-decoder framework based on Transformer components has become a paradigm in the field of image deblurring architecture design. In this paper, we critically revisit this approach and find that many current architectures severely focus on limited local regions during the feature extraction stage. These designs compromise the feature richness and diversity of the encoder-decoder framework, leading to bottlenecks in performance improvement. To address these deficiencies, a novel Hierarchical Patch Aggregation Transformer architecture (HPAT) is proposed. In the initial feature extraction stage, HPAT combines Axis-Selective Transformer Blocks with linear complexity and is supplemented by an adaptive hierarchical attention fusion mechanism. These mechanisms enable the model to effectively capture the spatial relationships between features and integrate features from different hierarchical levels. Then, we redesign the feedforward network of the Transformer block in the encoder-decoder structure and propose the Fused Feedforward Network. This effective aggregation enhances the ability to capture and retain local detailed features. We evaluate HPAT through extensive experiments and compare its performance with baseline methods on public datasets. Experimental results show that the proposed HPAT model achieves state-of-the-art performance in image deblurring tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver fibrosis is a predisposing factor for liver cancer. This study will investigate the predictive role of the Triglyceride-glucose and Gamma-glutamyl transferase index (TyG-GGT) as a non-invasive indicator of advanced liver fibrosis in individuals with obesity or overweight. Method: We enrolled patients who underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery as well as intraoperative liver biopsies at Zhejiang provincial people's hospital from August 2020 to March 2023. Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory data, and pathological variables of patients were collected and analysed. Then, we conducted logistics regression model to compare the performance of the TyG-GGT index with other 4 non-invasive models. Results: A total of 65 patients were included in this study. 43(66.2%) of them were female, with the mean body mass index (BMI) of 39.0 ± 7.3 kg/m2. Meanwhile, 24(36.9%) patients were diagnosed with diabetes. Advanced liver fibrosis were observed in 16.9% of patients, while liver cirrhosis was found in 4.6% of patients. The multivariable logistics regression showed that TyG-GGT was an independent risk factor of advanced liver fibrosis (OR = 6.989, P = 0.049). Additionally, compared to another 4 non-invasive liver fibrosis models (NFS = 0.66, FIB4 = 0.65, METS-IR = 0.68, APRI = 0.65), TyG-GGT exhibits the highest AUC value of 0.75. Conclusions: More than one-third of patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery are afflicted with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and a significant proportion exhibit advanced fibrosis. TyG-GGT was a potentially reliable predictor for screening individuals with overweight or obesity at high risk of advanced liver fibrosis, thus providing clinical guidance for early intervention in this targeted group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a serious complication after hepatectomy and a major cause of death. The current criteria for PHLF diagnosis (ISGLS consensus) require laboratory data of elevated INR level and hyperbilirubinemia on or after postoperative day 5. This study aims to propose a new indicator for the early clinical prediction of PHLF. Methods: The peri-operative arterial lactate concentration level ratios were derived from time points within the 3 days before surgery and within POD1, the patients were divided into two groups: high lactate ratio group (≥ 1) and low lactate ratio group (< 1). We compared the differences in morbidity rates between the two groups. Utilized logistic regression analysis to identify the risk factors associated with PHLF development and ROC curves to compare the predictive value of lactate ratio and other liver function indicators for PHLF. Results: A total of 203 patients were enrolled in the study. Overall morbidity and severe morbidity occurred in 64.5 and 12.8 per cent of patients respectively. 39 patients (19.2%) met the criteria for PHLF, including 15 patients (7.4%) with clinically relevant Post-hepatectomy liver failure (CR-PHLF). With a significantly higher incidence of PHLF observed in the lactate ratio ≥ 1 group compared to the lactate ratio < 1 group (n = 34, 26.8% vs. n = 5, 6.6%, P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that a lactate ratio ≥ 1 was an independent predictor for PHLF (OR: 3.239, 95% CI 1.097–9.565, P = 0.033). Additionally, lactate ratio demonstrated good predictive efficacy for PHLF (AUC = 0.792). Conclusions: Early assessment of peri-operative arterial lactate concentration level ratios may provide experience in early intervention of complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, which can reduce the likelihood of PHLF occurrence and improve patient prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To construct machine learning models based on radiomics features combing conventional transrectal ultrasound (B-mode) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to improve prostate cancer (PCa) detection in peripheral zone (PZ). Methods: A prospective study of 166 men (72 benign, 94 malignant lesions) with targeted biopsy-confirmed pathology who underwent B-mode and CEUS examinations was performed. Risk factors, including age, serum total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), f/t PSA, prostate volume and prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD), were collected. Time-intensity curves were obtained using SonoLiver software for all lesions in regions of interest. Four parameters were collected as risk factors: the maximum intensity (IMAX), rise time (RT), time to peak (TTP), and mean transit time (MTT). Radiomics features were extracted from the target lesions from B-mode and CEUS imaging. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to construct the model. Results: A total of 3306 features were extracted from seven categories. Finally, 32 features were screened out from radiomics models. Five models were developed to predict PCa: the B-mode radiomics model (B model), CEUS radiomics model (CEUS model), B-CEUS combined radiomics model (B-CEUS model), risk factors model, and risk factors-radiomics combined model (combined model). Age, PSAD, tPSA, and RT were significant independent predictors in discriminating benign and malignant PZ lesions (P < 0.05). The risk factors model combing these four predictors showed better discrimination in the validation cohort (area under the curve [AUC], 0.84) than the radiomics images (AUC, 0.79 on B model; AUC, 0.78 on CEUS model; AUC, 0.83 on B-CEUS model), and the combined model (AUC: 0.89) achieved the greatest predictive efficacy. Conclusion: The prediction model including B-mode and CEUS radiomics signatures and risk factors represents a promising diagnostic tool for PCa detection in PZ, which may contribute to clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With advances in tissue engineering and bioelectronics, flexible electronic hydrogels that allow conformal tissue integration, online precision diagnosis, and simultaneous tissue regeneration are expected to be the next-generation platform for the treatment of myocardial infarction. Here, we report a functionalized polyaniline-based chronological adhesive hydrogel patch (CAHP) that achieves spatiotemporally selective and conformal embedded integration with a moist and dynamic epicardium surface. Significantly, CAHP has high adhesion toughness, rapid self-healing ability, and enhanced electrochemical performance, facilitating sensitive sensing of cardiac mechanophysiology-mediated microdeformations and simultaneous improvement of myocardial fibrosis-induced electrophysiology. As a result, the flexible CAHP platform monitors diastolic-systolic amplitude and rhythm in the infarcted myocardium online while effectively inhibiting ventricular remodeling, promoting vascular regeneration, and improving electrophysiological function through electrocoupling therapy. Therefore, this diagnostic and therapeutic integration provides a promising monitorable treatment protocol for cardiac disease. Flexible electronic hydrogels that allow conformal tissue integration, online precision diagnosis, and simultaneous tissue regeneration are desired for advancing the treatment of myocardial infarction. Here, the authors report a chronological adhesive hydrogel patch integrating diagnostic and therapeutic functions through mechanophysiological monitoring and electrocoupling therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quasi-one-dimensional (1D) semiconducting nanowires (NWs), with excellent electrostatic control capability, are widely regarded as advantageous channels for the fabrication of high-performance microelectronics, memories, and sensors. For example, the latest Si field-effect-transistor (FET) technology nodes, < N5 nm, use horizontally-stacked SiNWs or nanosheet channels in a gate-all-around (GAA) configuration. However, further scaling of the top-down etching fabrication is reaching physical limits, necessitating the development of new fabrication or integration technologies in monolithic three dimensional (3D) architecture to push Moore’s law forward. These new capabilities are also critical, for implementing of more advanced non von Neumann paradigms of in-memory and neuromorphic computing. For this, a versatile and highly controllable low-temperature growth integration of orderly 1D SiNW channels is desired, as it will provide an alternative or complementary new route to fabricate a multilayer of Si CMOS logics/memories in a fully 3D stacked manner. In this study, we assess the evolution and recent progress of catalytic growth strategies for ultrathin 1D channels in-plane or planar NWs, and revisit the key mechanisms and technological milestones in geometry, lattice quality, line-shape, position, and composition controls. We aim to eventually establish a reliable catalytic growth integration strategy, suitable for the fabrication of GAA FETs and the implementation of a monolithic 3D integration architecture. Finally, we also present a summary and perspectives on the current challenges and future opportunities of monolithic growth integration of NW electronics in 3D architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death in females with gynecologic cancers. Pyroptosis is a relatively new discovered programmed cell death that is believed to be associated with inflammation. However, studies on pyroptosis-related lncRNAs in ovarian cancer are limited. In this study, we identified 29 pyroptosis-related genes and screened out 72 pyroptosis-related lncRNAs. Furthermore, the 72 lncRNAs were eliminated to 2 survival-related lncRNAs using Cox regression and Lasso regression to build an ovarian cancer prognostic prediction signature and were further validated on the test set. We adopted a riskscore from the two-gene signature, and the survival in low-risk group was higher than the high-risk group. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two risk groups were associated with tumor immunity. This study implies that pyroptosis-related genes are closely related to tumor immunity and could be potential therapeutic factors for ovarian cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the diagnostic accuracy of combined ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) in evaluating the tumor burden of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). Besides, we assessed the ability of this combination to predict the likelihood of complete resection. Methods: This retrospective study involved 504 patients diagnosed with PMP and scheduled for cytoreduction surgery. We compared tumor burden—quantified as peritoneal cancer index (PCI) by preoperative US and CT (US-CT-PCI)—with surgical findings. Next, we assessed the prognostic value of US-CT PCI and imaging features in determining the completeness of cytoreduction (CCR) score using multivariate analysis. Results: US-CT PCI demonstrated a high PCI evaluation accuracy under moderate tumor burden. Higher US-CT PCI could predict incomplete resection. In addition, we identified imaging features such as mesenteric involvement as an independent predictor of incomplete resection (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.006; p = 0.007). Conclusions: US-CT PCI allowed us to predict the completeness of cytoreductive surgery in patients with PMP. Moreover, the combined US and CT imaging detected several features indicating incomplete cytoreduction. Key Points: • Ultrasonography (US) can act as a complementary diagnostic modality in peritoneal cancer index (PCI) evaluation by combining CT in the small bowel area and US in the abdominal area. • A modified peritoneal cancer index (US-CT PCI) helps preoperatively evaluate tumor burden with high accuracy and allows to predict incomplete resection. • US-CT PCI of 20 or above and the involvement of particular structures such as mesentery, independently indicate incomplete resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial, especially for tumors larger than 5 cm. We compared the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open liver resection (OLR) for large HCC. Methods: Patients with large HCC after curative hepatectomy were enrolled. To compare the short-term outcomes, propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) were performed to reduce the effect of confounding factors, respectively. Subsequently, Cox-regression analyses were conducted to identify the independent risk factors associated with decreased recurrence-free survival (RFS) and poor overall survival (OS). Result: There were 265 patients enrolled in the final analysis: 146 who underwent OLR and 119 who underwent LLR. There was no significant difference between the OLR and LLR groups according to PSM and IPTW analysis (all P > 0.05). Multivariable analysis revealed that LLR was not independently associated with poorer OS (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.80–1.67, P = 0.448) or RFS (HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.88–1.70, P = 0.238). Conclusion: There were no significant differences in perioperative complications or long-term prognosis between LLR and OLR for large HCC, which provides evidence for standard laparoscopic surgical practice with adequate surgeon experience and careful patient selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ternary composite material containing TiO2, Bi2WO6, and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) was synthesized in this work. Herein, CQDs were derived from olive leaves using reflux method, and TiO2 was loaded through hydrothermal treatment. The as-prepared composite (Bi2WO6/CQDs/TiO2) showed excellent photocatalytic properties. The structure, morphology, and chemical composition of Bi2WO6/CQDs/TiO2 were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS. The photocatalytic performance of the composites showed it depends on the loading rate of CQDs. The highest degradation rate of RhB (92%) was achieved at 0.5% for CQDs. UV–vis DRS, photocurrent, and PL analysis results showed that, compared to Bi2WO6 and CQDs/TiO2 binary composite, the ternary composite Bi2WO6/CQDs/TiO2-0.5 exhibited better visible light response, higher photogenerated carrier separation efficiency, and consequently superior photocatalytic degradation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Positive lymph node (LN) is a key prognostic factor in radically resected gallbladder cancer (GBCA). However, only a few underwent an adequate lymphadenectomy, and the number and extent of lymph node dissection (LND) have not been standardized. This study aims to develop an en bloc and standardized surgical procedure of LND for GBCA under laparoscopy. Methods: Data of patients with GBCA underwent laparoscopic radical resection using a standardized and en bloc technique for LND were collected. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 39 patients underwent laparoscopic radical resection using standardized and en bloc technique for LND except one case (open conversion rate: 2.6%). Patients with stage T1b had significantly lower LNs involved rate than patients with stage T3 (P = 0.04), whereas median LN count in stage T1b was significantly higher than that in stage T2 (P = 0.04), which was significantly higher than that in stage T3 (P = 0.02). Lymphadenectomy with ≥ 6 LNs accounted for 87.5% in stage T1b, up to 93.3% in T2 and 81.3% in T3, respectively. All the patients in stage T1b were alive without recurrence at this writing. The 2-year recurrence-free survival rate was 80% for T2 and 25% for T3, and the 3-year overall survival rate was 73.3% for T2 and 37.5% for T3. Conclusion: The standardized and en bloc LND permits complete and radical removal of lymph stations for patients with GBCA. This technique is safe and feasible with low complication rates and good prognosis. Further studies are required to explore its value and long-term outcomes compared to conventional approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel Ni-PSF@PAO40 microcapsules (NPPMS) with high stability were prepared by using a combined processing method of electroless nickel plating and solvent volatilization. The results indicate that Ni is completely assembled on the surfaces of PSF/PAO40 microcapsules with the encapsulation capacity of NPPMS achieved at 50%. Organic solvents immersion shows that NPPMS have an excellent chemical stability. Macro thermal stability tests reveal that the softening temperature of NPPMS is increased up to over 400 °C while it becomes lower than 200 °C for PSF/PAO40 microcapsules. Furthermore, NPPMS were embedded into polyamide 6 (PA6) to prepare PA6/NPPMS composites. The cross-sectional morphology shows that NPPMS are intact in PA6 matrices. The microhardness of PA6 is effectively improved with the incorporation of NPPMS. As compared with neat PA6, the coefficient of friction (COF) for PA6/NPPMS composites with 10% NPPMS could be reduced by 87.7% (from 0.49 to 0.06) and the wear rate could be decreased by 96.8% (from 1.29×10−5 to 4.15×10−7 mm3/(N·m)). Further studies confirmed that increasing test loads and test temperatures was beneficial to improve the lubrication performance of NPPMS despite the opposite trend occurred when increasing the sliding speeds. It has been demonstrated that synergistic effects between PAO40 and Ni layer play an important role in improving the tribological properties of PA6. Therefore, NPPMS significantly improve the ability of microcapsules to resist a harsh environment, which has important scientific significance for expanding the use of microcapsules more practically in self-lubricating composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, steam-assisted gravity drainage technology has failed to meet the requirement for the large-scale development of abundant oil sands resources due to high production cost and serious environmental pollution caused by huge amounts of carbon emissions. Therefore, this paper proposes a radio frequency technology for heating oil sands and establishes a corresponding mathematical model that considers the phase transition of water. Then, a lab-scale experimental setup is designed to experimentally investigate the performance of radio frequency heating based on the phase change. Finally, the influences of phase transition of water on the temperature distribution of oil sand samples are analyzed in detail. The results show that the mathematical model of radio frequency heating can accurately predict the temperature distribution prior to the phase transition of water due to the little effect of phase transition on the thermal properties and density of oil sand samples. The failure to consider the effect of phase transition of water on electrical conductivity of oil sand in the mathematical model accounts for a large deviation between the measured temperature data and numerical results. So, in order to make the calculated temperature results more accurate, this effect should be considered during numerical simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilayer graphene as an extra carbon source was introduced into a Ti(C0.7N0.3)-based cermet, and the microstructure, fracture performance, and mechanical and frictional properties of the cermet were investigated in the current work. The results suggested that the number of undissolved Ti(C0.7N0.3) phases (dark cores) was reduced in the microstructure, while the (Ti, W, Mo) (C, N) solid solutions with more W and Mo but less Ti (bright cores) increased as the graphene content increased. Moreover, the ratio of the rim ((Ti, W, Mo) (C,N) solid solutions) thickness to the undissolved Ti(C0.7N0.3) core size gradually increased. Some high-carbon areas were found among (Ti, W, Mo) (C, N) solid solution rims when no less than 1.5 wt.% graphene was added, and it was finally confirmed that these high-carbon areas contained more graphene. When 0.75 wt.% graphene was added, the cermet with a moderate rim thickness and small dark cores had the highest flexure strength and hardness. The cermet containing excessive graphene had a high-volume fraction of high-carbon areas, and cracks propagated easily through these areas, leading to lower fracture toughness. The appropriate addition of graphene can reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate of Ti(C0.7N0.3)-based cermets at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The external-cavity diode laser is advantageous in terms of low noise, high side-mode suppression ratio, high temperature stability, simple structure, and low cost, which has been the preferred scheme to realize wide-tuning and narrow-linewidth characteristics. Thus, it has been widely used in optical communication, lidar, environmental monitoring, spectral analysis, optical coherence tomography, and other frontier fields. Herein, we introduce the technical scheme and review the development status of wide-tuning and narrow-linewidth external-cavity diode lasers in detail. Primarily, the structure, working principles, and performance characteristics of external-cavity diode lasers are deeply analyzed according to different structures. The structural characteristics, key technologies, optical performance and application fields of state-of-the-art studies in recent years are discussed. Finally, the challenges and potential development prospects of wide-tuning and narrow-linewidth external-cavity diode lasers are analyzed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessment of quality in the perioperative period is critical to ensure good patient care. Textbook outcomes (TO) have been proposed to combine several parameters into a single defined quality metric. The association of preoperative body mass index (BMI) with incidences of achieving or not achieving TO (non-TO) among patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was characterized. Methods: Patients who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy for HCC between 2015 and 2018 were identified from a multicenter database. These patients were divided into three groups based on preoperative BMI: low-BMI (≤ 18.4 kg/m2), normal-BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), and high-BMI (≥ 25.0 kg/m2). The incidences of non-TO among these three groups were compared. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify whether there was any independent association between preoperative BMI and non-TO. Results: Among 1206 patients, 100 (8.3%), 660 (54.7%), and 446 (37.0%) were in the low-BMI, normal-BMI, and high-BMI groups, respectively. The incidence of non-TO was 65.6% in the whole cohort. The incidence of non-TO was significantly higher among patients in the low- and high-BMI cohorts versus the normal-BMI cohort (75.0% and 74.7% versus 58.0%, both P < 0.01). After adjustment of other confounding factors on multivariate analysis, low-BMI and high-BMI were independently associated with higher incidences of non-TO compared with normal-BMI (OR: 1.98 and 2.27, both P < 0.05). Conclusions: Two out of three patients did not achieve TO after hepatectomy for HCC. Both preoperative low-BMI and high-BMI were independently associated with lower odds to achieve optimal TO following HCC resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diphenyl carbonate is a versatile chemical intermediate and key building block for the synthesis of polycarbonates. A facile route to prepare PbZr nanocomposites were developed using different precipitants to investigate the effect on the catalytic activity of the solid acid catalysts. The structure–performance relationship of the nanocomposites, dispersion of active components and structure stability, and the catalytic performance were thoroughly analyzed. The results showed that there existed the interaction between Zr and Pb, which induced the homogenous dispersion of Pb and high surface acid sites that could enhance the catalytic activities. Among the catalysts, PbZr–NH4OH represented the best catalytic performance and superior stability, indicating that NH4OH was more favorable compared with sodium hydroxide, ammonium carbonate and urea. The research provides a valuable reference in a wide range application of nanocomposite preparation for the effective and clean production of various carbonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment for patients with resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC). There is still no consensus on the value of lymphadenectomy despite evidence indicating lymph node (LN) status is an important prognostic indicator for postoperative long-term survival. We sought to perform a meta-analysis to summarize the current evidence on the value of lymphadenectomy among patients undergoing surgery for PHC. The PubMed (OvidSP), Embase and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies published before July 2020 that reported on lymphadenectomy at the time of surgery for PHC after curative surgery. 7748 patients from 28 studies were included in the meta-analysis. No survival benefit was identified with increased number of LN resected (all P > 0.05). Meanwhile, overall LN status was an important prognostic factor. Patients with lymph node metastasis had a pooled estimate hazard ratio of death that was over two-fold higher than patients without lymph node metastasis (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.65–2.59, P < 0.001). The examination of 5 LNs on histology was associated with better staging of lymph node status and stratification of patients into positive or negative LN groups. While the extent of LN dissection was not associated with a survival benefit, examination of more than 5 LNs better staged patients into positive or negative LN groups with a lower risk of nodal understaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HOXC-AS3 has been reported to be an oncogenic lncRNA in several types of cancer, while its role in ovarian cancer (OC) is unknown. This study aimed to explore the involvement of HOXC-AS3 in OC. The expression levels of HOXC-AS3, mature miR-96, and miR-96 precursor (premature miR-96) in OC and paired non-tumor tissues from 62 OC patients were determined by RT-qPCR. Correlations were analyzed by linear regression. The expression levels of mature miR-96 and miR-96 precursor in OC cells with the overexpression of HOXC-AS3 were determined by RT-qPCR. The roles of HOXC-AS3 and mature miR-96 in regulating the proliferation of OC cells were explored by CCK-8 assay. HOXC-AS3 was upregulated in OC, while mature miR-96 and miR-96 precursor were downregulated in OC. In OC tissues, HOXC-AS3 was inversely correlated with mature miR-96, but not miR-96 precursor. In OC cells, overexpression of HOXC-AS3 reduced the expression levels of mature miR-96, but not miR-96 precursor. Cell proliferation analysis showed that overexpression of HOXC-AS3 resulted in increased cell proliferation, while overexpression of miR-96 suppressed cell proliferation. In addition, overexpression of HOXC-AS3 attenuated the effects of overexpression of miR-96. HOXC-AS3 suppresses the formation of mature miR-96 in OC cells to promote cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane bagasse has been utilized by Ganoderma lucidum in high value, but this also produces tons of spent substrate. For comprehensive exploitation of sugarcane bagasse, this study was to evaluate the potential of mycelia extract from spent Ganoderma substrate (MESGS). In vivo assays, MESGS could alleviate acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice without toxicity. Analysis revealed that MESGS could effectively relieve the histopathological lesions of liver tissue. There are significant tendencies to descend for the levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase with the increasing doses of MESGS. Similarly, plasma creatinine levels of mice treating with MESGS were restored to 11.2~13.24 µmol/L which approached to 9.48 µmol/L of the normal control group. MESGS could mitigate symptoms of liver index raising and splenomegaly. It could be known that after acute liver injury, the mice with MESGS -treating had less side effects on liver, kidney and spleen. Meanwhile, the decreased activity of superoxide dismutase and increased malonaldehyde level were inhibited by MESGS treatment. In vitro assays, MESGS also exhibited strong antioxidant in a dose dependent manner by radicals scavenging activity with 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl and 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt. Furthermore, MESGS is rich in polysaccharide (22.13%) and polyphenolics (2.02%). These findings demonstrated that the MESGS displayed certain hepatoprotective effect on the acute liver injury by inhibiting oxidative stress. Therefore, the MESGS could be beneficial for drug development against chemical injury. It provides research basis for further improving high value conversion of sugarcane bagasse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence-based decision-making is critical to optimize the benefits and mitigate futility associated with surgery for patients with malignancies. Untreated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a median survival of only 6 months. The objective was to develop and validate an individualized patient-specific tool to predict preoperatively the benefit of surgery to provide a survival benefit of at least 6 months following resection. Methods: Using an international multicenter database, patients who underwent curative-intent liver resection for HCC from 2008 to 2017 were identified. Using random assignment, two-thirds of patients were assigned to a training cohort with the remaining one-third assigned to the validation cohort. Independent predictors of postoperative death within 6 months after surgery for HCC were identified and used to construct a nomogram model with a corresponding online calculator. The predictive accuracy of the calculator was assessed using C-index and calibration curves. Results: Independent factors associated with death within 6 months of surgery included age, Child–Pugh grading, portal hypertension, alpha-fetoprotein level, tumor rupture, tumor size, tumor number and gross vascular invasion. A nomogram that incorporated these factors demonstrated excellent calibration and good performance in both the training and validation cohorts (C-indexes: 0.802 and 0.798). The nomogram also performed better than four other commonly-used HCC staging systems (C-indexes: 0.800 vs. 0.542–0.748). Conclusions: An easy-to-use online prediction calculator was able to identify patients at highest risk of death within 6 months of surgery for HCC. The proposed online calculator may help guide surgical decision-making to avoid futile surgery for patients with HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a compact and practical scheme of building a ∼780 nm external cavity diode laser (ECDL) whose wavelength is mainly determined by an interference filter. The Lorentzian linewidth measured by the heterodyne beating between two identical lasers is 60 kHz, and the geometry size of the laser is only 71.5 mm×65 mm×40 mm. The linear cavity design is less sensitive to misalignment induced by mechanical and thermal disturbances, and in comparison to a common grating-based design, the sensitivity to vibration is substantially reduced. Due to its excellent performance, the laser design has already been applied to cold atom trapping experiments. This interference filter ECDL method can also be extended to other wavelengths and widen the application range of diode laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aims to combine carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with the good water solubility, biocompatibility, and low toxicity and nano-sized silver sulfide with excellent antibacterial effect in the synthesized composite. The composite was further treated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and conjugated with graphene oxide (GO). The as-prepared composite Ag2S–CQDs–PEI–GO exhibits a core of Ag2S with the size of 20–50 nm and the shell of CQDs with the average particle size of 1.8 nm. The core shell structure is loaded on the template of PEI–GO. Strong antibacterial effect was observed on Ag2S–CQDs composite against four strands of bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). We briefly discussed the bacteriostatic mechanism of the composite. The as-prepared composite has huge potential in the development of biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) has become an important technique for global pressure measurement on rotating surfaces such as helicopter rotor blades. Due to the temperature sensitivity of PSP, it is essential to apply accurate temperature correction method in PSP measurements. In previous studies, one-dimensional (1D) correction methods were generally adopted which only considered the radial temperature gradient on the blade. However, in the current study, it was found that the systematic error of this 1D assumption was non-negligible in large-scale experiments due to the growing chordwise temperature gradient. Accordingly, a two-dimensional (2D) temperature correction method considering both radial and chordwise temperature gradients was developed to improve the accuracy of PSP. In this method, a 2D temperature map was firstly generated based on the TSP results. Calibrations were then conducted under a series of temperature and pressure values to generate a calibration surface. According to the calibration results, the pressure and temperature fields on the rotor blade were solved directly. The proposed 2D method was validated through PSP measurements on a 2 m diameter BO-105 helicopter rotor in hover. Compared with 1D temperature correction, the results from the current method showed clearly improved agreement with the CFD results and reduced overall measurement error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a scheme for error-detected generation of an N-photon cluster state with a quantum dot (QD) embedded in a single-sided optical microcavity (QD-cavity system). The basic structure of this scheme is an error-detected controlled-phase (C-phase) gate on the hybrid electron-photon system. In this scheme, the fidelity of N-photon cluster state generation can be reached unity even if low-Q cavity and cavity leakage are considered. By using error detecting, the generation of an N-photon cluster state can be performed by repeating until success, which also leads to a high success probability, compared with other schemes assisted by the QD-cavity system. The error-detected generation of an N-photon cluster state in the highly controllable way may benefit on the quantum network in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Triassic rocks are widespread in China, and both marine and terrestrial strata are well developed. The Triassic stratigraphic architecture of China is very complex in both spatial variation of the so-called "South Marine and North Continental", i.e. the southern areas of China occupied mostly by marine facies while the northern China by terrestrial facies during the Triassic Period, and temporal transition of the "Lower Marine and Upper Continental", i.e. the lower part of the Triassic System composed mainly of marine facies and the upper part of terrestrial strata especially in South China. Although the Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) of the Permian-Triassic boundary is located in South China, the Triassic of China except for some marine Lower-Middle Triassic depositions shows significantly local characteristics and is hardly correlated with the global chronostratigraphic chart. Consequently, the Triassic of China contains not only the international research hotspots but also difficult points in stratigraphic study. This paper aims to present a brief review of the Triassic in China, including chronostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy and chemostratigraphy, and summarize an integrated Triassic stratigraphic framework of China. Accordingly, a stratigraphic correlation is proposed for the lithostratigraphic sequences among the three tectono-paleogeographic stratigraphic regions. The comprehensive study indicates that ammonoids are the classic index fossils in Triassic biostratigraphy but conodonts are more advantageous in the study and definition of the Triassic chronostratigraphic boundaries. China still has the potential to optimize the GSSPs of the Induan-Olenekian boundary and Olenekian-Anisian boundary. The correlation of the Permian-Triassic boundary between marine and terrestrial facies might be achieved with the help of the Permian-Triassic "transitional bed" and its related biotic and environmental events in association with the biostratigraphic study of conchostracan, vertebrate and plant fossils. In addition, the carbon isotopes have been proved to be one of the powerful methods in marine Triassic stratigraphic study, whereas the oxygen and strontium isotopes may be additional important bridges to establish the correlation between the marine and terrestrial strata, but as yet lacking of relevant studies in terrestrial strata. Considering the most stratigraphic intervals of the Triassic and the terrestrial Triassic in China are difficult to be correlated to the global chart, the proposed Chinese (regional) Triassic chronostratigraphic chart of marine and terrestrial stages would be of importance to the study of Chinese Triassic stratigraphy and related aspects, but the stages must be conceptually in line with international standards and studied as soon as possible in order to finalize the definition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A distributed fiber optic interferometric geophone array based on draw tower grating (DTG) array is proposed. The DTG geophone array is made by the DTG array fabricated based on a near-contact exposure through a phase mask during the fiber drawing process. A distributed sensing system with 96 identical DTGs in an equal separation of 20 m and an unbalanced Michelson interferometer for vibration measurement has been experimentally validated compared with a moving-coil geophone. The experimental results indicate that the sensing system can linearly demodulate the phase shift. Compared with the moving coil geophone, the fiber optic sensing system based on DTG has higher signal-to-noise ratio at low frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium beijerinckii is identified as a promising Clostridium strain for industrialization of acetone and butanol (AB) fermentation. It has been reported that high reducing power levels are associated with high butanol yield. In this study, we regulated reducing power by blocking NAD(P)H consumption in C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052. Gene Cbei_4110, encoding NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (nuoG), is a subunit of the electron transport chain complex I. After inactivation of gene Cbei_4110, the generated mutant strain exhibited a remarkable increase in glucose utilization ratio and enhanced butanol production to 9.5 g/L in P2 medium containing 30 g/L of glucose. NAD(P)H and ATP levels were also increased by one to two times and three to five times, respectively. Furthermore, a comparative transcriptome analysis was carried out in order to determine the mechanism involved in the enhanced activity of the Cbei_4110-inactivated mutant strain. This strategy may be extended for making industrial bio-butanol more economically attractive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various environmental changes were associated with the Permian-Triassic mass extinction at 252.2 Ma. Diverse unusual sediments and depositional phenomena have been uncovered as responses to environmental and biotic changes. Lithological and detailed conodont biostratigraphic correlations within six Permian-Triassic boundary sections in South China indicate rapid fluctuations in carbonate deposition. Four distinct depositional phases can be recognized: (1) normal carbonate deposition on the platform and slope during the latest Permian; (2) reduced carbonate deposition at the onset of the main extinction horizon; (3) expanded areas of carbonate deposition during the Hindeodus changxingsensis Zone to the H. parvus Zone; and (4) persistent mud-enriched carbonate deposition in the aftermath of the Permian-Triassic transition. Although availability of skeletal carbonate was significantly reduced during the mass extinction, the increase in carbonate deposition did not behave the same way. The rapid carbonate depositional changes, presented in this study, suggest that diverse environmental changes played key roles in the carbonate deposition of the Permian-Triassic mass extinction and onset of its aftermath. An overview of hypotheses to explain these changes implies enhanced terrestrial input, abnormal ocean circulation and various geobiological processes contributed to carbonate saturation fluctuations, as the sedimentary response to large volcanic eruptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are harmful persistent organic pollutants, while the high-molecular-weight (HMW) PAHs are even more detrimental to the environment and human health. However, microbial anaerobic degradation of HMW PAHs has rarely been reported. One facultative anaerobe Pseudomonas sp. JP1 was isolated from Shantou Bay, Shantou, China, which could degrade a variety of HMW PAHs. After 40 days cultivation with strain JP1, anaerobic biodegradation rate of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), fluoranthene, and phenanthrene was 30, 47, and 5 %, respectively. Consumption of nitrate as the electron acceptor was confirmed by N-(1-naphthyl) ethylenediamine spectrophotometry. Supplementation of sodium sulfite, maltose, or glycine, and in a salinity of 0-20 ‰ significantly stimulated anaerobic degradation of BaP. Lastly, the anaerobic degradation metabolites of BaP by strain JP1 were investigated using GC/MS, and the degradation pathway was proposed. This study is helpful for further studies on the mechanism of anaerobic biodegradation of PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universal structure and thorough analysis are proposed for a kind of (2 N + 1)th order polymer microring resonator Mach -Zehnder interferometer (MRR-MZI) electro-optic (EO) switch. Formulas and expressions of output power, insertion loss and crosstalk are derived, and detailed design and optimization are carried out. Analytical results indicate that, besides the first-order MRR-MZI EO switch ( N = 0), other devices for N ≥ 1 can all perform normal switching function, and 5 ≥ N ≥ 2 is preferred for dropping the crosstalk below −10 dB. For the four MRR EO switches ( N = 2-5), their switching voltages are 0.99, 0.73, 0.57 and 0.47 V, respectively; their insertion losses are within the range of 1.15-2.26 dB at bar state, whereas those are within the range of 1.95-2.42 dB at cross state; their crosstalks are within the range of 11.04-17.82 dB at bar state, whereas those are within the range of 10.34-12.51 dB at cross state. Compared with the traditional MZI EO switch, the voltage-length product (0.21 V mm) of this switching element is decreased by ~111.7 times under the same waveguide parameters. Therefore, due to small footprint size and extremely low switching voltage, this switching configuration can be densely integrated onto optoelectronic chips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal microbubbles generally grow directly from the heater and are spherical to minimize surface tension. We demonstrate a novel type of microbubble indirectly generated from a graphene oxide-microheater. Graphene oxide's photothermal properties allowed for efficient generation of a thermal gradient field on the microscale. A series of approximately ellipsoidal microbubbles were generated on the smooth microwire based on heterogeneous nucleation. Other dynamic behaviors induced by the microheater such as constant growth, directional transport and coalescence were also investigated experimentally and theoretically. The results are not only helpful for understanding the bubble dynamics but also useful for developing novel photothermal bubble-based devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this current study was to analyze the clinical outcomes after Discover cervical disc replacement and its effects on maintaining cervical lordosis and range of motion (ROM). The possible factors influencing postoperative ROM were analyzed. Method: 27 men and 28 women with a mean age of 46.4 ± 8.7 years were prospectively followed up for 2 years. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analog scale (VAS) and Odom's criteria. Radiographic information including segment and overall alignment, functional spinal unit (FSU) and overall ROM, and disc heights were prospectively collected during the follow-up. The correlations between the postoperative FSU ROM at last follow-up and influencing factors were analyzed. Results: Mean NDI, JOA and VAS scores showed statistical improvements at last follow-up. Anterior migration of the prosthesis was detected in six cases. Heterotopic ossification was observed in ten patients. Mean FSU angle, endplate angle of the treated level and mean overall cervical alignment were all improved significantly at last follow-up ( P < 0.001). However, mean FSU ROM of the treated segment significantly decreased postoperatively ( P = 0.008), while mean overall ROM showed no significant differences. A significant correlation was found between preoperative FSU ROM and postoperative FSU ROM by the Pearson correlation coefficient ( r = 0.325, P = 0.034). Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that preoperative FSU ROM contributed independently to a model with a coefficient of determination of 0.37 ( P = 0.034). Conclusions: In the 2 years follow-up, the Discover cervical disc arthroplasty has provided satisfactory clinical outcomes. It was able to substantially restore segment and overall cervical alignment while partially maintaining segment and overall cervical ROM. Additionally, we found that postoperative FSU ROM positively correlated with preoperative FSU ROM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generic model and thorough investigation are proposed for a novel $$1\times 2$$ polymer electro-optic (EO) switch based on one-group $$2N+1$$ vertical-turning serial-coupled microrings. For realizing boxlike flat spectrum as well as low crosstalk and insertion loss, resonance order and coupling gaps are optimized. The MRR switches with $$N \ge 1$$ reveal favorable boxlike spectrum as when compared with the simple device with only one microring ( $$N = 0$$ ). For obtaining $$<-30\,\text{ dB }$$ crosstalk under through-state, the dependency of switching voltage on $$N$$ is determined as $$7.19 \times \text{ exp }(-N/0.72) + 1.72\,(\text{ V })$$ . Under the operation voltages of 0 V (drop state) and the predicted switching voltages (through state), the device performances are analyzed, and $$1 \le N \le 10$$ is required for dropping the insertion loss (drop state) below 10 dB. The crosstalk of the ten devices ( $$N = 1-10$$ ) are $$< -19.5\,\text{ dB }$$ under drop state and $$< -28.7\,\text{ dB }$$ under through state, and the insertion losses of the devices ( $$N = 1-10$$ ) are $$< 9.715\,\text{ dB }$$ under drop state and $$< 1.573\,\text{ dB }$$ under through state. The device also has ultra-compact footprint size of only 0.33-1.06 mm, which is only 1/10-1/3 of those of our previously reported polymer EO switches based on directional coupler or Mach-Zehnder interferometer structures. Therefore, the proposed device is capable of highly integration onto optical networks-on-chip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2×2 cross/bar polymer electro-optic (EO) routing switch is proposed, which is composed of two passive channel waveguides and two active EO polymer microrings with bending radius of only 13.76 μm. Detailed structure, theory and formulation are provided to characterize the output power of the switch. For obtaining fundamental mode propagation, small bending loss and phase-matching between channel waveguide and microring resonator (MRR) waveguide, the structural parameters are optimized under the wavelength of 1550 nm. Analyses and simulations on output power and output spectra indicate that a switching voltage of 5 V is desired to realize the exchange between cross state and bar state, the crosstalk under cross state and that under bar state are about −28.8 dB and −39.9 dB, respectively, and the insertion losses under these two states are about 2.42 dB and 0.13 dB, respectively. Compared with our four EO switches reported before, this device possesses ultra-compact size of 0.233 mm×0.233 mm as well as low crosstalk and insertion loss, and therefore it can serve as a good candidate for constructing large-scale optical routers or switching arrays in photonic network-on-chip (NoC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on poled guest-host electro-optic (EO) polymer DR1/SU-8, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) EO modulator operated at 1.55 μm is proposed. For achieving high response speed and high EO modulation efficiency, both waveguide structure and electrode structure are especially optimized. The impedance match and less index mismatch are achieved. The final characteristic impedance of electrode is about 49.4 Ω, and the microwave index and the light-wave index are 1.5616 and 1.6006, respectively. The device is fabricated using wet-etching technique and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching technique, and its performance is measured at 1.55 μm. Experimental results show that when the applied voltage is tuned, the modulator can be changed from ON state to OFF state. The insertion loss at ON state is 12 dB and the extinction ratio between ON and OFF states is about 10 dB. The high response speed is in nanosecond level for a square-wave signal. Therefore, the modulator possesses potential applications in high-speed optical networks on chip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron trichloride hexahydrate has proved to be an effective catalyst for Michael addition of indole to nitroolefins under solvent-free conditions to produce the corresponding adducts with appreciable yields. Graphical Abstract: Solvent-free Michael addition of indole to nitroolefins with 0.01 mol% iron(III) chloride, affording the corresponding adduct compounds in high yields (up to 97 %) [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) electro-optic (EO) modulator based on micro-strip line (MSL) electrode and guest-host EO polymer DR1/SU-8 is experimentally demonstrated. For achieving high response speed, electrode structure is especially optimized and fabrication technology is seriously controlled. The final characteristic impedance of electrode is about 49.4 Ω, and the difference between microwave index (1.5616) and lightwave index (1.6006) is also minimized. At 1,550 nm, the insertion loss and extinction ratio are 12 and 16 dB, respectively, and under switching operation, the rise time and fall time are 16.3 and 16.7 ns, respectively. A long-term monitoring over 2000 hours at room temperature (25 °C) is performed on switching response, and a novel mathematical modeling on response time variation is established using logistic function. The rise time and fall time are observed to change from the initial value of ~16 ns to the stable value of ~28 ns within 300 and 2000 hours, respectively. The device exhibits nanosecond response time by virtue of impedance-matched electrode, small index mismatch and serious control on fabrication process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigment was extracted to decolor the sugarcane juice alcohol wastewater and its antioxidant activities were evaluated. The pigment was extracted using ion exchange fiber along with macroporous resin D-101 as the absorbent and an ethanol-water mixture (6:4, v/v) as the eluent. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents of the pigment were determined. DPPH radical scavenging ability and reducing power of 1.0 mg/mL of the pigment were approximately 78.5 and 16.8%, respectively, compared to 1.0 mg/mL of the tea polyphenol (positive control). The hydroxyl radical scavenging ability of 10.0 mg/mL of the pigment was about 92.5% compared to that of positive control. The DPPH radical scavenging ability of the pigment was enhanced significantly with thermal treatment at 70 and 100°C. The result shows the proposed procedure can be effective to decolor such wastewater and to get antioxidative pigment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multifunctional polymer asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer electro-optic switch/filter comprising two serial-cascaded phase-generating couplers and a pair of microstrip electrodes is proposed. Due to the optimization on PGC structure with the given nonlinear least square approximation method, the phase compensation condition and extinction ratio (ER) compensation condition are both realized for achieving periodic frequency response. The ON- and OFF-states voltages are 0 and 8.06 V, respectively. The device has two input ports (A1 and B1) and two output ports (A2 and B2), port A2 contains 10 channels numbered from #−7 to #2, and port B2 contains 9 channels numbered from #−7 to #1. As an optical filter (ON-state), the wavelength space of each channel is within 19.2-21 nm (standard value 20 nm) with the maximum period variation less than 1 nm. The insertion loss for channels #−7 to #2 of port A2 is within 2.69-19.3 dB, and that for channels #−7 to #1 of port B2 is within 2.09-20.2 dB. As an EO switch, the ER of each channel between ON-state and OFF-state for port A2 is more than 15.7 dB, and that for port B2 is more than 12.6 dB. Besides, as required in CWDM networks, the device also exhibits favorable thermal stability under the case of large temperature variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]