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.

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.

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.

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.

Dynamic behaviors of rockslides subjected to brittle failure of locked segments

Locked segments are recognized as a critical role that controls the stability of rock slopes but remain an unclear and challenging problem with respect to their role incorporated into the failure mechanism.In order to study the effect of the locked segments on the initial failure process of rockslides,thirty-six groups of locked segment specimens with three different lithologies were prepared,direct shear tests were carried out to obtain the accelerations caused by brittle failure of the locked segment specimens.Experiment results showed that the maximum accelerations caused by the brittle failure of locked segment specimens was 2.91 g in the horizontal direction,and 3.18 g in the vertical direction.We took the Wangjiayan rockslide in 2008 Wenchuan earthquake as an example,the critical balance condition of the sliding mass under combined effect of gravity and accelerations induced by brittle failure of locked segment was analyzed,which indicated that the initial failure process of the Wangjiayan rockslides was notably influenced by the existence of the locked segment.The departure acceleration and direction of the Wangjiayan rockslide were proposed.The study results can provide a new insight into the understanding of the initial failure mechanism of rockslides with locked segments.

Locking plates for distal fibula fractures in young and elderly patients:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Ankle fractures are common injuries in the young and elderly populations.To prevent post-traumatic arthritis,an anatomic reconstruction of the ankle structure is mandatory.Open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice among orthopaedics.Conventional plates allow stability of the fracture if bone quality is present.Locking plates might offer an advantage for the treatment of lateral malleolar fracture in patients with comminution,severe instability,distal fractures,or osteoporotic bone.Our hospital introduced a new locking plate for fracture of the distal fibula.AIM To evaluate locking plates in terms of outcomes and complications in young and elderly patients.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a total of 67 patients treated for displaced distal fibula fractures.Demographic data,number of comorbidities,use of inter fragmentary screw,complication,time of fracture healing,partial or full weight bearing,and reoperation were recorded for all patients.Clinical outcome was assessed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society clinical scoring system.Radiographs were obtained at 4,8,12,16,20,and 24 wk until radiographic union was obtained.RESULTS All patients displayed complete bony union on radiographic assessment,and no patients developed any serious complications.We observed two superficial infections,one delayed wound healing,and two plate intolerances.Significant differences were observed between the two age groups in terms of radiographic healing(11.9 wk in younger patients vs 13.7 wk in older patients;P=0.011)and in the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score at 6 mo after surgery(88.2 in younger patients vs 86.0 in older patients;P=0.001)and at 12 mo after surgery(92.6 in younger patients vs 90.0 in older patients;P=0.000).CONCLUSION Locking plates provide a stable and rigid fixation in multifragmentary and comminuted fractures or in the presence of poor bone quality.

Perspectives of spin-valley locking devices

Valleytronics is an emerging field of research which utilizes the valley degree of freedom to encode information.However,it is technically nontrivial to produce a stable valley polarization and to achieve efficient control and manipulation of valleys.Spin–valley locking refers to the coupling between spin and valley degrees of freedom in the materials with large spin–orbit coupling(SOC)and enables the manipulation of valleys indirectly through controlling spins.Here,we review the recent advances in spin–valley locking physics and outline possible device implications.In particular,we focus on the spin–valley locking induced by SOC and external electric field in certain two-dimensional materials with inversion symmetry and demonstrate the intriguing switchable valley–spin polarization,which can be utilized to design the promising electronic devices,namely,valley-spin valves and logic gates.

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.

Triggering,clicking,locking and crepitus of the finger:A comprehensive overview

Triggering,locking,clicking,and crepitus of the fingers are common symptoms patients present with.Even though crepitus and triggering can occur as part of the same underlying diagnosis,it is important to differentiate between them,as they usually indicate different possible diagnoses.The differential diagnoses that should be considered include trigger finger,metacarpophalangeal joint(MCPJ)arthritis,fractures or dislocations,extensor digitorum communis subluxation or dislocation,locked MCPJ,avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head,and Dupuytren’s disease.A thorough clinical examination with appropriate special investigations can permit the clinician to make the correct diagnosis.Appropriate management of a confirmed diagnosis is successful in providing symptomatic improvement.

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.

Locke’s Tolerance Theory and the Workmanship Argument

John Locke’s tolerance theory involves the core issue of the relationship between reason and belief in the philosophy of religion.However,there is always controversy over whether the scope of adaptation of this theory is within a religion,between religions,or in a broader field.Considering that the overall moral approach of Locke’s philosophy requires the workmanship argument as a defense,and examining it from this point of view,it can be found that Locke’s efforts to transcend Creationism with this argument have resulted in a successful breakthrough,which makes tolerance not only a religion topic,but also a social principle.

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.

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.

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.

Fast-Lock Low-Jitter PLL with a Simple Phase-Frequency Detector

A fast-locking, low-jitter, phase-locked loop （PLL） with a simple phase-frequency detector is proposed. The phase-frequency detector is composed of only two XOR gates. It simultaneously achieves low jitter and short locking time. The voltage-controlled oscillator within the PLL consists of four-stage ring oscillators which are coupled to each other and oscillate with the same frequency and a phase shift of 45. The PLL is fabricated in 0. 1Stem CMOS technology. The measured phase noise of the PLL output at 500kHz offset from the 5GHz center frequency is - 102.6dBc/Hz. The circuit exhibits a capture range of 280MHz and a low RMS jitter of 2.06ps. The power dissipation excluding the output buffers is only 21.6roW at a 1.8V supply.