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Generating 2D diffraction orders with uniform or tailored intensity distribution is highly desired for various applications including depth perception, parallel laser fabrication and optical tweezer. However, previous strategies lack the abilities to tailor multiple parameters of output light in different diffraction orders simultaneously. While such ability plays an important role in achieving various different functionalities parallelly. Here, we demonstrate a method for encoding arbitrary phase profiles to different diffraction orders with controllable polarization states by applying double-phase method into elaborately designed metasurface. Sixteen independent holograms that generated by GS algorithm are successfully encoded into 4 × 4 uniformly distributed diffraction orders. Hence, the predefined holographic images can be observed at the Fourier plane. Meanwhile, the corresponding polarization states of different orders are manipulated according to their Fourier coefficients. For verifying the polarization state of each holographic image, we calculate the Stokes parameter of each order from measured intensity distributions in the experiment. The proposed method provides an effective way to tailor multiple properties of output diffraction orders. Meanwhile, it may promote the realization of achieving various functionalities parallelly such as spectral-polarization imaging or phase-polarization detection and enhance the capabilities of optical communication systems.

Objective To investigate the expression of lncRNA HOTAIR, HOTAIR, CRNDE and AFAP1-AS1 in lung cancer patients with bone metastasis (LCWBM), and to elucidate the diagnostic value of lncRNAs for LCWBM. Methods Serum was collected from 38 LCWBM patients and 38 lung cancer without bone metastasis (LCWOBM) patients. Questionnaires were used to collect basic information of patients. Fasting peripheral venous blood of patients was collected to separate serum. qRT-PCR was used to measure the expression levels of four serum lncRNAs, and their diagnostic value for LCWBM was analyzed. Results The expression of serum HOTAIR was decreased in LCWBM patients, compared with LCWOBM patients (P < 0.05); the AUC of serum HOTAIR diagnosing LCWBM was 0.722 (sensitivity was 70.0%, specificity was 81.3%). And the level of serum HOTTIP was significantly increased in LCWBM patients, compared with LCWOBM patients (P < 0.05); AUC of serum HOTTIP diagnosing LCWBM was 0.784 (sensitivity was 100.0%, specificity was 45.5%). The AUC of serum HOTAIR combined with HOTTIP diagnosing LCWBM was 0.818 (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 87.5%, 72.7%, 70.0% and 88.9%, respectively). Conclusion Serum lncRNA HOTAIR and HOTTIP might be potential diagnostic biomarkers for bone metastases in lung cancer patients.

Single pixel imaging as an alternative to traditional imaging methods, has attracted extensive attention in various research fields. Metasurfaces with subwavelength unit cells and compact footprint can be used as a substitute for traditional optical elements. In this work, we propose a single pixel imaging scheme based on metasurface composed of photon sieves, where spatial modulation is realized through shifting. Spatial multiplexing capability is demonstrated by this shifting mode, which can obtain more patterns in limited space and greatly increase the mask capacity. Benefited from the simple structure and easy manufacture of photon sieves, large capacity metasurface can be manufactured. Meanwhile, metasurfaces can simplify the single pixel imaging system, leading to the system miniaturization and integration. In addition, numerical and optical experiments prove that our proposal can operate at the range from the entire visible light to near-infrared light. Such scheme provides a new way for single pixel imaging and would be applied in microscopic imaging, dynamic imaging, hyperspectral imaging, and so on.

To meet the growing demand for photonic integration and device miniaturization, planar diffractive Fresnel zone plates (FZPs) are widely applied in integrated optical systems. However, challenges remain in fabricating FZPs with high efficiency and satisfying the requirement for cross-scale fabrication. This paper details a high efficiency method for fabricating ultrathin FZPs of different scales on metal films by using holographic femtosecond lasers. The FZPs are split into a series of element patterns that are printed in order by using corresponding modulated femtosecond pulses. The fabricated FZPs are spliced by the printed element structures with no FZP size limitation in theory. FZPs with an area varying across three orders of magnitude are presented to demonstrate the capability of cross-scale fabrication. The fabricated FZPs possess an excellent broadband focusing and imaging ability in the visible spectrum. Furthermore, the fabrication of other functional ultrathin lenses, such as axial multifocal zone plates, petal-like zone plates, and FZP arrays, is described, revealing the wide potential for the flexible and scalable fabrication method in on-chip integrated optical systems.

ObjectivesThe association between coffee consumption and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between coffee intake and components of MetS.MethodA cross-sectional survey including 1,719 adults was conducted in Guangdong, China. Data on age, gender, education level, marriage status, body mass index (BMI), current smoking and drinking status and breakfast habit, coffee consumption type, and daily servings were derived based on 2-day, 24-h recall. MetS were assessed according to the International Diabetes Federation definition. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between the coffee consumption type, daily servings, and the components of MetS.ResultsRegardless of the coffee type, compared with non-coffee consumers, coffee consumers had higher odds ratios (ORs) of the elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) in both men [OR: 3.590; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 2.891–4.457] and women (OR: 3.590; 95% CI: 2.891–4.457). In women, the risk of elevated blood pressure (BP) was 0.553 times (OR: 0.553; 95% CI: 0.372–0.821, P = 0.004) for people who drank total coffee > 1 serving/day than for non-coffee drinkers.ConclusionIn conclusion, regardless of type, coffee intake is associated with an increased prevalence of FBG in both men and women, but has a protective effect on hypertension only in women.

With the drafting of the 6G white paper, terahertz (THz) modulators reshow profound significance in wireless communication, data storage, and imaging. Active tuning of THz waves through hybrid meta-structure incorporated with smart materials has attracted keen interest due to the deliberate structural design and dynamic transition of material properties. However, until now, these meta-devices have usually been responsive to a single driving field, such as electrical, thermal, or optical stimuli, which hinders their applicability for multidimensional manipulation of THz waves. Herein, to the best of our knowledge, a Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3–silicon hybrid meta-modulator to achieve opposite tuning of the amplitude characteristic with two different types of stimuli is proposed for the first time. When driven by an external voltage, the proposed meta-modulator exhibits enhanced transmittance. In contrast, the transmission coefficient gradually decays as the external current increases. This outstanding performance is systematically studied by analyzing the carrier transport in the meta-structure as well as the change in the dielectric constant. Our research provides a novel idea for the development of actively tunable THz meta-devices and paves the way for robust multifunctionality in electrically controlled THz switching, and biosensors.

Purpose: Technical advantages embraced by blockchain, such as distributed ledger, P2P networks, consensus mechanisms and smart contracts, are highly compatible with addressing the security issues of transferring and storing judicial documents and obtaining the feedback and evaluation of judicial translation services in cases with foreign elements. Therefore, based on this, a consortium blockchain-based model for supervising the overall process of judicial translation services in cases with foreign elements is proposed. Design/methodology/approach: Some judicial documents are required to be translated when there are language barriers in cases with foreign elements. The purpose of this paper is expected to address security issues, which is ignored, in the process of translating judicial documents. Findings: The experimental results show that the model constructed in this paper can effectively guarantee the security and privacy of transferring and storing translated judicial documents in cases with foreign elements, and realize the credibility and traceability of feedbacks and evaluations of judicial translation services. In addition, the underlying network communications is stable and the speed for processing data can meet the requirements of practical application. Originality/value: The research in this paper provides an innovative scheme for judicial translation services in cases with foreign elements. The model constructed is conducive to protecting the security of the transfer and storage of judicial documents and improving the efficiency and modernization ability of hearing cases with foreign elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the diagnosis and clinical features of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome (TINU) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Retrospective chart review. Results: Before the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2017 to March 2019), 1/561 (0.18%) new patient was diagnosed with TINU. During the pandemic (March 2020 to March 2022), 15/581 (2.58%) new patients were diagnosed with TINU. We found a significant increase in TINU cases during the pandemic (P=0.0005). Various posterior segment findings were observed in 2/3 (66.7%) patients before the pandemic and 13/15 (86.7%) patients during the pandemic, including disc edema, chorioretinal scars, disc leakage, and peripheral vascular leakage. Conclusion: This is the first study reporting an increased number of TINU during the COVID-19 pandemic. With most of the American population now exposed to COVID-19, a large multi-center epidemiological study would be helpful to investigate any association of COVID-19 disease or vaccination with TINU in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a sight threatening disease that can lead to legal blindness. Verteporfin photodynamic therapy is the main treatment for chronic CSCR, however, there has been a critical worldwide shortage of verteporfin. Other medical treatments have been attempted with variable efficacy. Interferons have shown efficacy in treating uveitis and associated macular edema. We report 2 cases of treatment refractory chronic CSCR successfully treated with subcutaneous injection of interferon alpha with significant anatomical and functional improvement. To our knowledge, this is the first report observing the therapeutic potential of systemic interferon alpha in the treatment of chronic CSCR. A large randomized controlled clinical trial would help to better evaluate the safety and efficacy of systemic PEG-IFNα2a in treating chronic CSCR, and further define the optimal dose, treatment interval and duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of Ni-P coating on the interfacial reactions in Cu/Al dissimilar metal brazing, a chemical plating method was employed to nickel plate T2 copper, followed by brazing of the Cu/Al joints using the induction brazing technique with BAl88Si flux-cored filler metal. Scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction were utilized for microstructural observation and phase analysis of the joints. Mechanical testing was performed to analyze the influence of the coating on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Cu/Al joints, while also exploring the interface formation mechanism of different brazing joints during the brazing process. The results reveal the formation of intermetallic compounds Cu9Al4 and CuAl2 at the interface of uncoated joints, whereas intermetallic compounds Al2Ni and Al3Ni are formed at the interface of the coated joints. The tensile strength of uncoated joints reaches to 56.4 MPa, outperforming that of coated joints. Brittle fractures occurre in all joints, with the fracture location transitioning from the interface of CuAl2 and the α-Al solid solution in uncoated joints to the Al3Ni intermetallic compound in coated joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a wide range of applications such as healthcare treatment, environmental monitoring, food processing and storage, and semiconductor chip manufacturing, relative humidity (RH) sensing is required. However, traditional fiber-optic humidity sensors face the challenges of miniaturization and indirectly obtaining humidity values. Here, we propose and demonstrate an optical barcode technique by cooperating with RH meta-tip, which can predict the humidity values directly. Such RH meta-tip is composed of fiber-optic sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect and graphene oxide film as humidity sensitizer. While SPR sensor is composed of multimode fiber (MMF) integrated with metallic metasurface. Dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm is used to obtain the warp path distance (WPD) sequence between the measured reflection spectrum and the spectra of the precalibrated database. The distance sequence is transformed into a pseudo-color barcode, and the humidity value is corresponded to the lowest distance, which can be read by human eyes. The RH measurement depends on the collective changes of the reflection spectrum rather than tracking a single specific resonance peak/dip. This work can open up new doors to the development of a humidity sensor with direct RH recognition by human eyes.