On the generation of high-quality Nyquist pulses in mode-locked fiber lasers

Nyquist pulses have wide applications in many areas,from electronics to optics.Mode-locked lasers are ideal platforms to generate such pulses.However,how to generate high-quality Nyquist pulses in mode-locked lasers remains elusive.We address this problem by managing different physical effects in mode-locked fiber lasers through extensive numerical simulations.We find that net dispersion,linear loss,gain and filter shaping can affect the quality of Nyquist pulses significantly.We also demonstrate that Nyquist pulses experience similariton shaping due to the nonlinear attractor effect in the gain medium.Our work may contribute to the design of Nyquist pulse sources and enrich the understanding of pulse shaping dynamics in mode-locked lasers.

Dissipative soliton resonance within different dispersion regimes in a single mode-locked laser

Dissipative soliton resonance(DSR) was previously studied in separated mode-locked fiber lasers within different dispersion regimes including anomalous, near-zero and normal dispersion. Here we propose a method to study DSR in a single mode-locked laser in these different dispersion regimes. This is achieved by virtue of a waveshaper which can control the laser dispersion readily using software, avoiding the usual tedious cutback method. We find that dispersion has a negligible effect on DSR since the pulse duration keeps constant while dispersion is varied. Moreover, we examine the dynamics of DSR on the parameters of the SA including modulation depth and saturation power, and find that the pulse duration can be changed in a large range when the saturation power is decreased. Our numerical simulations could be important to guide relative experimental studies.

A novel dual-channel thermo-optic locking method for the whispering gallery mode microresonator

Mode locking can be effectively achieved by using the thermo-optic effects in the whispering gallery mode(WGM)optical microcavity,without the help of external equipment.Therefore,it has the advantages of small size,low integration costs,and self-locking,which shows great potential for application.However,the conventional single-channel microcavity thermal-locking method that relies solely on internal thermal balance will inevitably be disturbed by the external environment.This limitation affects the locking time and stability.Therefore,in this paper,we propose a new method for closed-loop thermal locking of a dual-channel microcavity.The thermal locking of the signal laser and the thermal regulation of the control laser are carried out respectively by synchronously drawing a dual-path tapered fiber.The theoretical model of the thermal dynamics of the dual-channel microcavity system is established,and the influence of the control-laser power on the thermal locking of the signal laser is confirmed.The deviation between the locking voltage of the signal laser and the set point value is used as a closed-loop feedback parameter to achieve long-term and highly stable mode locking of the signal laser.The results show that in the 2.63 h thermal-locking test,the locking stability is an order of magnitude higher than that of the single tapered fiber.This solution addresses the issue of thermal locking being disrupted by the external environment,and offers new possibilities for important applications such as spectroscopy and micro-optical sensor devices.

Early Treatment Outcome of Humeral Shaft Fracture Non-Union in Adults: Comparative Study of Plating versus Interlocking Nailing

Background: Fractures of humeral shaft in adults are common injuries. Humeral shafts non-union either from late presentation after initial treatment by traditional bone setters or failed non-operative orthodox care is a major problem in this part of the world. This non-union is a major treatment challenge with increased cost of care and morbidity in this part of the world. Humeral shaft non-union can be treated with locked intra-medullary nailing (LIMN) or dynamic compression plating (DCP). Study on comparison of these methods of fixation in this part of the world is scarce in literature search, hence the reason for this study. Objective: The objectives of this study are: (1) to compare early clinical outcome following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN;(2) to compare the time of radiologic fracture union of DCP with LIMN;(3) to compare complications following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN. Patients and Methods: This was a randomized control study done for 2 years in which fifty adult patients with humeral shaft non-union were recruited. The patients were grouped into 2 (P = DCP & N = LIMN). Forty five of the patients completed the follow up periods of the study and then analyzed. The P group had ORIF with DCP while the N group had ORIF with LIMN. Both groups had grafting with cancellous bones. Each patient was followed up for a period of 6 months at the time which radiographic union is expected. Any patient without clinical and/or radiographic evidence of union after six months of surgery was diagnosed as having recurrent non-union. The data generated was analyzed using SPSS Version 23. The results were presented in charts and tables. The paired t-test was used while considering p value Result: Forty five patients completed follow up. There was a male preponderance (4:1), right humerus predominated (3:2). Motor vehicular accidents were the commonest cause of the fractures (62%). Most non-union fractures occurred at the level of the middle 3rd of the humeral shaft (60%). Failed TBS treatment was the commonest indication for the osteosynthesis (71%). More patients had plating (53%) compared to 47% who had LIMN. Most patients (93.4%) had union between 3 to 6 months irrespective of fixation type with no significant statistical difference between the union rate of DCP and LIMN (p value 0.06) with similar functional outcome and complication rates irrespective of the type of fixation. Conclusion: This study showed that the success rates in term of fracture union, outcome functional grades and complication rates were not directly dependent on the types of the fixation: plating or locked intra-medullary nailing.

An injection-locking diode laser at 671 nm with a wide tuning range up to 6 GHz

We present a compact injection-locking diode laser module to generate 671 nm laser light with a high output power up to 150 m W.The module adopts a master-slave injection-locking scheme,and the injection-locking state is monitored using the transmission spectrum from a Fabry-Perot interferometer.Beat frequency spectrum measurement shows that the injection-locked slave laser has no other frequency components within the 150-MHz detection bandwidth.It is found that without additional electronic feedback,the slave laser can follow the master laser over a wide range of 6 GHz.All the elements of the module are commercially available,which favors fast construction of a complete 671-nm laser system for the preparation of cold^(6)Li atoms with only one research-grade diode laser as the seeding source.

Locked nucleic acid real-time polymerase chain reaction method identifying two polymorphisms of hepatitis B virus genotype C2 infections,rt269L and rt269I

BACKGROUND The presence of two distinct hepatitis B virus(HBV)Pol RT polymorphisms,rt269L and rt269I,could contribute to the unique clinical or virological phenotype of HBV genotype C2.Therefore,a simple and sensitive method capable of identifying both types in chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients infected with genotype C2 should be developed.AIM To develop a novel simple and sensitive locked nucleic acid(LNA)-real timepolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)method capable of identifying two rt269 types in CHB genotype C2 patients.METHODS We designed proper primer and probe sets for LNA-RT-PCR for the separation of rt269 types.Using synthesized DNAs of the wild type and variant forms,melting temperature analysis,detection sensitivity,and endpoint genotyping for LNA-RT-PCR were performed.The developed LNA-RT-PCR method was applied to a total of 94 CHB patients of genotype C2 for the identification of two rt269 polymorphisms,and these results were compared with those obtained by a direct sequencing protocol.RESULTS The LNA-RT-PCR method could identify two rt269L and rt269I polymorphisms of three genotypes,two rt269L types[‘L1’(WT)and‘L2’]and one rt269I type(‘I’)in single(63 samples,72.4%)or mixed forms(24 samples,27.6%)in 87(92.6%sensitivity)of 94 samples from Korean CHB patients.When the results were compared with those obtained by the direct sequencing protocol,the LNA-RT-PCR method showed the same results in all but one of 87 positive detected samples(98.9%specificity).CONCLUSION The newly developed LNA-RT-PCR method could identify two rt269 polymorphisms,rt269L and rt269I,in CHB patients with genotype C2 infections.This method could be effectively used for the understanding of disease progression in genotype C2 endemic areas.

Knee locking caused by osteochondroma of the proximal tibia adjacent to the pes anserinus:A case report

BACKGROUND Osteochondroma is one of the most common benign bone tumors,and it may cause bone and joint deformities and limited range of motion of an adjacent joint.The pes anserinus region is one of the most frequent sites of osteochondroma,but knee locking caused by osteochondromas in the pes anserinus region is extremely rare.CASE SUMMARY We describe a 13-year-old Japanese girl’s extra-articular knee locking that occurred when the semitendinosus tendon got caught in osteochondroma that had developed in the pes anserinus region.The osteochondroma was surgically resected.The postoperative outcome has been excellent,with no recurrence of knee locking or tumor one-year post-surgery.CONCLUSION When a young person develops knee locking,the possibility of extra-articular as well as intra-articular locking should be considered.Osteochondroma,one of the causes of extra-articular locking,can be treated with surgery with good postoperative results.

Surgical Treatment of Olecranon Fractures Using a Medartis Screw-Locked H-Shaped Plate (Medartis Trilock Olecrane Plate) at the Moulins Yzeure Hospital Center (France)

Introduction: Olecranon fractures represent approximately 10% of upper limb fractures, orthopedic treatment is often doomed to failure and surgical treatment consists of fixing the fracture sites. Patients and Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 130 patients, 90 men and 40 women, aged on average 48.7 ± 11.9 years (30 to 65) treated between 2018 and 2020 in the Orthopedics and trauma department at the Moulins-Yzeure hospital center, for olecranon fracture using the Medartis H-locked plate. The study aimed to evaluate the results of this surgical method, particularly with regard to postoperative complications. Results: Among the 130 patients, there were 90 men and 40 women, with an average age of 48.7 ± 11.9 years (30 to 65). 50% of all patients were aged over 51 years. The plate used was standard, the same for the 130 patients with the same operating technique. The left side was more affected at 53.8%, the dominant side was less affected at 46%;the majority of patients had been temporarily immobilized with a posterior cast splint before surgery. The average time between trauma and operation was 9 days with a minimum time of 1 day and a maximum of 30 days. At a maximum follow-up of 2 years postoperatively, all patients reported satisfactory results with a return to their previous activities within 60 days after surgery. Conclusion: Medartis H-locked plate osteosynthesis is a reliable solution for the surgical treatment of olecranon fractures.

Locked Posterior Shoulder Dislocation with Impression Fracture Treated All Arthroscopically with the Use of an Allograft Bone Block: A Case Report

Background: Locked posterior shoulder dislocations are uncommon and possess many difficulties in diagnosis. They are often overlooked during the initial examination and delayed diagnosis adversely affects healing process. Apart from many open treatment options, there are reports of single attempts to treat such cases arthroscopically. Purpose: We present an original case of a posterior locked dislocation of the shoulder joint with a fracture of the lesser tuberosity followed by reverse Hill-Sachs fracture, treated in a novel fashion all-arthroscopically with the use of allogenic bone graft. Method: According to Constant Shoulder Score that tries to assess functional and subjective performance of the shoulder joint before the operation and after 12 months, we achieved a leap from 11 to 84. Results: The patient restored almost full range of motion and painless movement in activities of daily life as well as during sports. Conclusion: The use of an arthroscope reduces the invasiveness of the procedure, improves visualization of the joint and allows augmentation of the bone loss without performing an open approach. We believe that this is a promising method of treatment for selected cases of locked posterior shoulder dislocation.

Phase-locked single-mode terahertz quantum cascade lasers array

We demonstrated a scheme of phase-locked terahertz quantum cascade lasers(THz QCLs)array,with a single-mode pulse power of 108 mW at 13 K.The device utilizes a Talbot cavity to achieve phase locking among five ridge lasers with first-order buried distributed feedback(DFB)grating,resulting in nearly five times amplification of the single-mode power.Due to the optimum length of Talbot cavity depends on wavelength,the combination of Talbot cavity with the DFB grating leads to better power amplification than the combination with multimode Fabry-Perot(F-P)cavities.The Talbot cavity facet reflects light back to the ridge array direction and achieves self-imaging in the array,enabling phase-locked operation of ridges.We set the spacing between adjacent elements to be 220μm,much larger than the free-space wavelength,ensuring the operation of the fundamental supermode throughout the laser's dynamic range and obtaining a high-brightness far-field distribution.This scheme provides a new approach for enhancing the single-mode power of THz QCLs.

Electric modulation of the Fermi arc spin transport via three-terminal configuration in topological semimetal nanowires

Spin–momentum locking is a key feature of the topological surface state, which plays an important role in spintronics.The electrical detection of current-induced spin polarization protected by the spin–momentum locking in nonmagnetic systems provides a new platform for developing spintronics, while previous studies were mostly based on magnetic materials.In this study, the spin transport measurement of Dirac semimetal Cd_(3)As_(2) was studied by three-terminal geometry, and a hysteresis loop signal with high resistance and low resistance state was observed. The hysteresis was reversed by reversing the current direction, which illustrates the spin–momentum locking feature of Cd_(3)As_(2). Furthermore, we realized the on–off states of the spin signals through electric modulation of the Fermi arc via the three-terminal configuration, which enables the great potential of Cd_(3)As_(2) in spin field-effect transistors.

Unlocking the Brain’s Gateway to Methamphetamine Addiction

What secret molecular key enables methamphetamine,or meth for short,to ruthlessly hijack the brain’s reward system,leading countless individuals down spiral paths of addiction?Thanks to innovative research reported this month in Nature,we finally have critical clues.

Fixation of Calcaneal Tuberosity Beavis II Fracture in Elderly Patients Using Locking Plate Combined with Tension Screw

Background:Calcaneus is the largest bone of foot and the main load-bearing structure of heel.The incidence of simple calcaneal tubercle avulsion fracture is low,accounting for about 1%to 3%of all calcaneal fractures.Beavis II fracture has large bone fracture,obvious displacement,obvious soft tissue irritation,and often leads to skin necrosis.It needs surgical treatment,reduction and fixation as soon as possible.Although open reduction and tension screw internal fixation is used for Beavis II calcaneal tubercle fracture,but the failure rate is more common.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed the surgical treatment of calcaneal tubercle Beavis II fracture over 55 years old in our hospital from January 2013 to January 2019.The patients were treated with tension screw combined with locking plate,and followed up and analyzed.Results:12 patients in this group were followed up for 12 to 36 months(mean 20 months).After operation,the fracture healed smoothly in all patients,the healing time was 8 to 12 weeks(mean 10.7 weeks),and there were no complications such as poor incision healing,fracture displacement,internal fixation loosening,fracture and so on.When the patients were followed up 18 weeks after operation,the AOFAS score was 47 to 100,with an average of 91.1,of which 8 cases were excellent,3 good and 1 poor,with an excellent and good rate of 91.7%.Conclusion:Our hospital has been treated with tension screw combined with locking plate,fixed firmly,can early functional exercise,achieved good results.

An 8-Node Plane Hybrid Element for StructuralMechanics Problems Based on the Hellinger-Reissner Variational Principle

The finite element method (FEM) plays a valuable role in computer modeling and is beneficial to the mechanicaldesign of various structural parts. However, the elements produced by conventional FEM are easily inaccurate andunstable when applied. Therefore, developing new elements within the framework of the generalized variationalprinciple is of great significance. In this paper, an 8-node plane hybrid finite element with 15 parameters (PHQ8-15β) is developed for structural mechanics problems based on the Hellinger-Reissner variational principle.According to the design principle of Pian, 15 unknown parameters are adopted in the selection of stress modes toavoid the zero energy modes.Meanwhile, the stress functions within each element satisfy both the equilibrium andthe compatibility relations of plane stress problems. Subsequently, numerical examples are presented to illustrate theeffectiveness and robustness of the proposed finite element. Numerical results show that various common lockingbehaviors of plane elements can be overcome. The PH-Q8-15β element has excellent performance in all benchmarkproblems, especially for structures with varying cross sections. Furthermore, in bending problems, the reasonablemesh shape of the new element for curved edge structures is analyzed in detail, which can be a useful means toimprove numerical accuracy.

Dual-Delay-Path Ring Oscillator with Self-Biased Delay Cells for Clock Generation

This work summarizes the structure and operating features of a high-performance 3-stage dual-delay-path (DDP) voltage-controlled ring oscillator (VCRO) with self-biased delay cells for Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) structurebased clock generation and digital system driving. For a voltage supply VDD = 1.8 V, the resulting set of performance parameters include power consumption PDC = 4.68 mW and phase noise PN@1MHz = -107.8 dBc/Hz. From the trade-off involving PDC and PN, a system level high performance is obtained considering a reference figure-of-merit ( FoM = -224 dBc/Hz ). Implemented at schematic level by applying CMOS-based technology (UMC L180), the proposed VCRO was designed at Cadence environment and optimized at MunEDA WiCkeD tool.

Unlocking Cellular Mysteries:Advancements in Single-Cell Omics Analysis with Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling

The widespread applications of single-cell technologies have generated a large amount of single-cell data,resulting in a growing need for single-cell data analysis and interpretation methods.While methods such as machine learning allow for single-cell data analysis,they cannot interpret the data very well.

Influence of Seawall Line Choice on Tide Lock Drainage in Tidal Flat Inning——Cangdongpian Inning Area on the west part of Tiaozini Sand as a case study

Most of the flood from the wide inner lowland plain discharges through tide locks on coast, and the influence of tidal flat inning projects on the tide lock drainage must be solved by seawall line choice. Taking the Cangdongpian inning area on the west side of Tiaozini Sand as a case study, the paper analyzed the compages and validity of ebb tide water to maintain the flood discharge creek below the tide lock for different projects of seawall line. Result indicates that a rational seawall line program has little influence on the flood discharge of lock during the mean tide or general spring tides, but has certain influences during a storm surge or an extreme spring tide in autumn. However it could be resolved by several times of artificial scour on the creek.

Construction monitoring of lock head base plate using distributed optical fibre sensing technique

The concrete hydration heat release process of the base plate is monitored using Roman optical time domain reflectometry（ROTDR） sensing sensors. The monitoring data shows that the internal maximum temperature of the base plate is about 54 ℃ after the concrete was cured for 120 h. The fiber Bragg grating （FBG） temperature sensors are adopted to measure the surface temperature of the concrete and the temperature results are used to compensate the data measured by the pulse-prepump Brillouin optical time-domain analyzer （PPP-BOTDA） to obtain the real concrete surface strain of the base plate. The monitoring data is analyzed to obtain a clear understanding of the strain state of the base plate under the effect of concrete hydration heat release. The monitoring results demonstrate the potential of distributed optical fibre sensing techniques as a powerful tool in real-time construction monitoring, and also provide an important insight into the design, construction and maintenance of large hydraulic structures.

Volar locking distal radius plates show better short-term results than other treatment options: A prospective randomised controlled trial

AIM To compare the outcomes of displaced distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates and with immediate postoperative mobilisation with the outcomes of these fractures treated with modalities that necessitate 6 wk wrist immobilisation.METHODS A prospective, randomised controlled single-centre trial was conducted with 56 patients who had a displaced radius fracture were randomised to treatment either with a volar locking plate(n = 29), or another treatment modality(n = 27; cast immobilisation with or without wires or external fixator). Outcomes were measured at 12 wk. Functional outcome scores measured were the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation(PRWE) Score; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and activities of daily living(ADLs). Clinical outcomes were wrist range of motion and grip strength. Radiographic parameters were volar inclination and ulnar variance.RESULTS Patients in the volar locking plate group had significantly better PRWE scores, ADL scores, grip strength and range of extension at three months compared with the control group. All radiological parameters were significantly better in the volar locking plate group at 3 mo. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that volar locking plates produced significantly better functional and clinical outcomes at 3 mo compared with other treatment modalities. Anatomical reduction was significantly more likely to be preserved in the plating group. Level of evidence: Ⅱ.

Simulation and Analysis of Flexible Solar Panels' Deployment and Locking Processes

To predict the attitude of satellite during the whole deployment process and evaluate the locking impact, a numerical flexible model of a certain satellite associated with four flexible honeycomb solar panels was established. The flexible solar panel was modeled by the finite element analysis (FEA), and the motion equations were derived by Lagrangian formulation. The locking process was based on the method of Hertzian contact, which enables one to predict the locking impact on the satellite and the subsequent oscillation of solar panels. The results reveal that locking operation has great impact on the attitude of the satellite, and the angular acceleration of satellite reaches 22.03°/s2 at the locking moment; the flexible solar panels model is feasible to predict the accurate response of the satellite during deployment and the oscillation of solar panels; the instantly impulsive force occurred during locking process is about 1.5 kN and the changing time is nearly 0.32 s. It provides an effective approach to present the flexible solar panels' deployment process and evaluate the locking impact.