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Space division multiplexing (SDM) is promising to enhance capacity limits of optical networks. Among implementation options, few-mode fibres (FMFs) offer high efficiency gains in terms of integratability and throughput per volume. However, to achieve low insertion loss and low crosstalk, the beam launching should match the fiber modes precisely. We propose an all-optical data-driven technique based on multiplane light conversion (MPLC) and neural networks (NNs). By using a phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM), spatially separated input beams are transformed independently to coaxial output modes. Compared to conventional offline calculation of SLM phase masks, we employ an intelligent two-stage approach that considers knowledge of the experimental environment significantly reducing misalignment. First, a single-layer NN called Model-NN learns the beam propagation through the setup and provides a digital twin of the apparatus. Second, another single-layer NN called Actor-NN controls the model. As a result, SLM phase masks are predicted and employed in the experiment to shape an input beam to a target output. We show results on a single-passage configuration with intensity-only shaping. We achieve a correlation between experiment and network prediction of 0.65. Using programmable optical elements, our method allows the implementation of aberration correction and distortion compensation techniques, which enables secure high-capacity long-reach FMF-based communication systems by adaptive mode multiplexing devices.

Multi- and few-mode fibers (FMFs) promise to enhance the capacity of optical communication networks by orders of magnitude. The key for this evolution was the strong advancement of computational approaches that allowed inherent complex light transmission to be surpassed, learned, or controlled, reined in by modal crosstalk and mode-dependent losses. However, complex light transmission through FMFs can be learned by a single hidden layer neural network (NN). The emerging developments in NNs additionally allow the implementation of novel concepts for security enhancements in optical communication. Once the transmission characteristics of FMFs are learned, it is possible to survey the incoming and outgoing light fields via monitoring channels during data transmission. If an eavesdropper tries to gain unauthorized access to the FMF, its transmission properties are impaired through sensitive modal crosstalk. This process is registered by the NN and thus the eavesdropper is revealed. With our solution, the security of optical communication can be improved.

In less than nine months, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) killed over a million people, including >25,000 in New York City (NYC) alone. The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 highlights clinical needs to detect infection, track strain evolution, and identify biomarkers of disease course. To address these challenges, we designed a fast (30-minute) colorimetric test (LAMP) for SARS-CoV-2 infection from naso/oropharyngeal swabs and a large-scale shotgun metatranscriptomics platform (total-RNA-seq) for host, viral, and microbial profiling. We applied these methods to clinical specimens gathered from 669 patients in New York City during the first two months of the outbreak, yielding a broad molecular portrait of the emerging COVID-19 disease. We find significant enrichment of a NYC-distinctive clade of the virus (20C), as well as host responses in interferon, ACE, hematological, and olfaction pathways. In addition, we use 50,821 patient records to find that renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors have a protective effect for severe COVID-19 outcomes, unlike similar drugs. Finally, spatial transcriptomic data from COVID-19 patient autopsy tissues reveal distinct ACE2 expression loci, with macrophage and neutrophil infiltration in the lungs. These findings can inform public health and may help develop and drive SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic, prevention, and treatment strategies.

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused thousands of deaths worldwide, including >18,000 in New York City (NYC) alone. The sudden emergence of this pandemic has highlighted a pressing clinical need for rapid, scalable diagnostics that can detect infection, interrogate strain evolution, and identify novel patient biomarkers. To address these challenges, we designed a fast (30-minute) colorimetric test (LAMP) for SARS-CoV-2 infection from naso/oropharyngeal swabs, plus a large-scale shotgun metatranscriptomics platform (total-RNA-seq) for host, bacterial, and viral profiling. We applied both technologies across 857 SARS-CoV-2 clinical specimens and 86 NYC subway samples, providing a broad molecular portrait of the COVID-19 NYC outbreak. Our results define new features of SARS-CoV-2 evolution, nominate a novel, NYC-enriched viral subclade, reveal specific host responses in interferon, ACE, hematological, and olfaction pathways, and examine risks associated with use of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. Together, these findings have immediate applications to SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics, public health, and new therapeutic targets., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest Nathan Tanner and Bradley W. Langhorst are employees at New England Biolabs.

One of the major reasons for failure after total joint arthroplasty is aseptic loosening of the implant. At articulating surfaces, defined as the interface between implant and surrounding bone cement, wear particles can be generated and released into the periprosthetic tissue, resulting in inflammation and osteolysis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the extent to which osteoblasts and macrophages are responsible for the osteolytic and inflammatory reactions following contact with generated wear particles from Ti‑6Al‑7Nb and Co‑28Cr‑6Mo hip stems. To this end, human osteoblasts and THP‑1 monocytic cells were incubated with the experimentally generated wear particles as well as reference particles (0.01 and 0.1 mg/ml) for 48 h under standard culture conditions. To evaluate the impact of these particles on the two cell types, the release of different bone matrix degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), and relevant cytokines were determined by multiplex enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays. Following incubation with wear particles, human osteoblasts showed a significant upregulation of MMP1 and MMP8, whereas macrophages reacted with enhanced MMP3, MMP8 and MMP10 production. Moreover, the synthesis of TIMPs 1 and 2 was inhibited. The osteoblasts and macrophages also responded with modified expression of the inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)‑6, IL‑8, monocyte chemoattractant protein‑1 and vascular endothelial growth factor. These results demonstrate that the release of wear particles affects the release of proinflammatory cytokines and has a negative impact on bone matrix formation during the first 48 h of particle exposure. Human osteoblasts are directly involved in the proinflammatory cascade of bone matrix degradation. The simultaneous activation and recruitment of monocytes/macrophages boosted osteolytic processes in the periprosthetic tissue. By the downregulation of TIMP production and the concomitant upregulation of MMPs as a response to particle exposure, bone formation around implants may be suppressed, resulting in implant failure.

Because of their excellent physical properties nonresorbable thermoplastic polymers have become more important for the field of reconstructive surgery. Aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of laser sintered polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with incorporated osteoconductive and bioactive bone substitution materials on osteoblasts in vitro. Human osteoblasts (hFOB 1.19) were seeded onto laser sintered PEEK samples containing nano-sized carbon black, beta-tricalciumphosphate (beta-TCP), and bioactive glass 45S5. Osteoblasts were investigated for cell viability, cell proliferation and cell morphology. A constant proliferation of osteoblasts could be observed on all samples with the highest values for bioactive glass containing samples at day 7 (OD 1.76 +/- 0.22) and day 14 (OD 3.75 +/- 0.31) and lowest values for beta-TCP containing probes throughout the study compared with the PEEK pure control group. Highest cell viability was observed for Bioglass containing probes (95.5 +/- 3.32)% whereas osteoblasts seeded on beta-TCP containing probes showed reduced viability (84.4 +/- 4.32)%. Laser sintered PEEK implants seem to be attractive candidates for use as bone substitutes for reconstructive surgery because of their biocompatibility, individual shape, and the possibility of compounding bioinert polymer powder with osteoconductive and bioactive materials which might benefit bone formation in vivo., (2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Subclinical and clinical cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in hospital personnel were recorded over a five-year period. Although our data indicate the existence of "high-risk areas" like laboratories, dialysis units or surgical wards, it was found that 50% of all HBV infections were observed outside these areas. During the same period, most of our inpatients were monitored for HBs-antigenemia. It could be demonstrated that more than 50% of all cases of HBs-antigenemia were not known before and were treated primarily for other reasons than for hepatitis B. As a consequence from our data and from the screening for environmental HBs-antigen on laboratory surfaces it may be concluded for the hospital routine: Even minimal contaminations with blood should be avoided, all personnel should be vaccinated against HBs-antigen, HBs-antigen should be determined in every inpatient to detect inapparent virus carriers.