Smart antennas have received great attention for their potentials to enable communication and perception functions at the same time.However,realizing the function synthesis remains an open challenge,and most existing ...Smart antennas have received great attention for their potentials to enable communication and perception functions at the same time.However,realizing the function synthesis remains an open challenge,and most existing system solutions are limited to narrow operating bands and high complexity and cost.Here,we propose an externally perceivable leakywave antenna(LWA)based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons(SSPPs),which can realize adaptive real-time switching between the“radiating”and“non-radiating”states and beam tracking at different frequencies.With the assistance of computer vision,the smart SSPP-LWA is able to detect the external target user or jammer,and intelligently track the target by self-adjusting the operating frequency.The proposed scheme helps to reduce the power consumption through dynamically controlling the radiating state of the antenna,and improve spectrum utilization and avoid spectrum conflicts through intelligently deciding the radiating frequency.On the other hand,it is also helpful for the physical layer communication security through switching the antenna working state according to the presence of the target and target beam tracking in real time.In addition,the proposed smart antenna can be generalized to other metamaterial systems and could be a candidate for synaesthesia integration in future smart antenna systems.展开更多
Phonon polaritons(PhPs)exhibit directional in-plane propagation and ultralow losses in van der Waals(vdW)crystals,offering new possibilities for controlling the flow of light at the nanoscale.However,these PhPs,includ...Phonon polaritons(PhPs)exhibit directional in-plane propagation and ultralow losses in van der Waals(vdW)crystals,offering new possibilities for controlling the flow of light at the nanoscale.However,these PhPs,including their directional propagation,are inherently determined by the anisotropic crystal structure of the host materials.Although in-plane anisotropic PhPs can be manipulated by twisting engineering,such as twisting individual vdW slabs,dynamically adjusting their propagation presents a significant challenge.The limited application of the twisted bilayer structure in bare films further restricts its usage.In this study,we present a technique in which anisotropic PhPs supported by bare biaxial vdW slabs can be actively tuned by modifying their local dielectric environment.Excitingly,we predict that the iso-frequency contour of PhPs can be reoriented to enable propagation along forbidden directions when the crystal is placed on a substrate with a moderate negative permittivity.Besides,we systematically investigate the impact of polaritonic coupling on near-field radiative heat transfer(NFRHT)between heterostructures integrated with different substrates that have negative permittivity.Our main findings reveal that through the analysis of dispersion contour and photon transmission coefficient,the excitation and reorientation of the fundamental mode facilitate increased photon tunneling,thereby enhancing heat transfer between heterostructures.Conversely,the annihilation of the fundamental mode hinders heat transfer.Furthermore,we find the enhancement or suppression of radiative energy transport depends on the relative magnitude of the slab thickness and the vacuum gap width.Finally,the effect of negative permittivity substrates on NFRHT along the[001]crystalline direction ofα-MoO3 is considered.The spectral band where the excited fundamental mode resulting from the negative permittivity substrates is shifted to the first Reststrahlen Band(RB 1)ofα-MoO_(3) and is widened,resulting in more significant enhancement of heat flux from RB 1.We anticipate our results will motivate new direction for dynamical tunability of the PhPs in photonic devices.展开更多
This paper is the continuation of our previous research in which we studied such aspects of CARS spectroscopy in dipole-active crystals by polaritons as the regimes of coherent simultaneous propagation of three waves ...This paper is the continuation of our previous research in which we studied such aspects of CARS spectroscopy in dipole-active crystals by polaritons as the regimes of coherent simultaneous propagation of three waves (anti-Stokes, Stokes, and the pump field) to increase the efficiency of CARS as a spectroscopic method. In our previous research, we have shown the possibility of the existence of simultons at all frequencies of interacting waves. All interacting waves were supposed to be linearly polarised and plane, the medium was assumed to be nonmagnetic, and the medium was transparent at frequencies of anti-Stokes, Stokes, and the pump field (laser). The purpose of the present paper is to consider the energy carried by electromagnetic waves and its relationship with the gain factor and velocity of the simultons.展开更多
Active control of surface plasmon polaritons(SPPs)is highly desired for nanophotonics.Here we employ a phase change material Ge_(2)Sb_(2)Te_(5)(GST)to actively manipulate the propagating direction of SPPs at the telec...Active control of surface plasmon polaritons(SPPs)is highly desired for nanophotonics.Here we employ a phase change material Ge_(2)Sb_(2)Te_(5)(GST)to actively manipulate the propagating direction of SPPs at the telecom wavelength.By utilizing the phase transition-induced refractive index change of GST,coupled with interference effects,a nanoantenna pair containing GST is designed to realize switchable one-way launching of SPPs.Devices based on the nanoantenna pairs are proposed to manipulate SPPs,including the direction tuning of SPP beams,switchable SPP focusing,and switchable cosine–Gauss SPP beam generating.Our design can be employed in compact optical circuits and photonics integration.展开更多
The system of shortened Maxwell’s equations simulating the processes of evolution of the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) by polaritons in anisotropic dipole-active crystals is obtained. The theory was developed for...The system of shortened Maxwell’s equations simulating the processes of evolution of the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) by polaritons in anisotropic dipole-active crystals is obtained. The theory was developed for the case of cubic crystals which become anisotropic due to the deformation of the dielectric constant by the linearly polarized pump wave. The pump field is a linearly polarized plane electromagnetic wave. We report the results of the theoretical investigation of the possibility of the existence of a regime of pulse propagation as simultaneous travel of solitary waves in coherent anti-Stokes stimulated Raman scattering by polaritons in anisotropic crystals. The emphasis was made on the existence of both Stokes and anti-Stokes pulses propagating with two stable and perpendicular to the direction of travel polarizations. We showed the theoretical possibility of simultaneous propagation of pulses not only at frequencies of Stokes and anti-Stokes waves but the pump frequency as well. We obtained the expression for the gain factor g. It is also shown that the expression for g is consistent with the experimental results for the spectra of ZnS.展开更多
The properties of surface magnetoplasmon polaritons(SMPPs)in a symmetric structure,composed of two semi-infinite regions of high-density two-dimensional electron gas(2DEG)separated by a thin film in Voigt configuratio...The properties of surface magnetoplasmon polaritons(SMPPs)in a symmetric structure,composed of two semi-infinite regions of high-density two-dimensional electron gas(2DEG)separated by a thin film in Voigt configuration,are investigated.The normal and absorption dispersion relations for the transverse magnetic polarization are derived by correlating Maxwell’s equation and the boundary conditions.It is demonstrated that the features of SMPPs are greatly influenced by the external magnetic field,collision frequency of 2DEG,the dielectric constant,and the thickness of the thin film,suggesting that the locations and propagation lengths of SMPPs can be governed accordingly.It is shown that the symmetry of the physical geometry preserves the symmetry of the dispersion relations of SMPPs.Furthermore,it is discovered that as the external magnetic field increases,the penetration depth of SMPPs decreases,while their energy loss reduces,implying that plasmons can propagate for longer distances.Additionally,it is observed that SMPPs in the symmetric configuration have a longer lifetime than those in the asymmetric configuration.展开更多
We investigate the transfer of phosphorescent energy between co-assembled metallophosphors in crystalline nanostructures [Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 57 7820(2018) and J. Am. Chem. Soc. 140 4269(2018)]. Neither Dexter's...We investigate the transfer of phosphorescent energy between co-assembled metallophosphors in crystalline nanostructures [Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 57 7820(2018) and J. Am. Chem. Soc. 140 4269(2018)]. Neither Dexter's nor Forster's mechanism of resonance energy transfer(RET) could account fully for the observed rates, which exceed 85% with significant temperature dependence. But there exists an alternative pathway on RET mediated by intermediate states of resonantly confined exciton–polaritons. Such a mechanism was used to analyze artificial photosynthesis in organic fluorescents [Phys.Rev. Lett. 122 257402(2019)]. For metallophosphors, the confined modes act as extended states lying between the molecular S_(1) and T_(1) states, offering a bridge for the long-lived T_(1) excitons to migrate from donors to acceptors. Population dynamics with parameters taken entirely based on experiments fits the observed lifetimes of phosphorescence across a broad range of doping and temperature.展开更多
Jute mallow is a nutritious leafy vegetable. The leaves are rich in proteins, vitamins and essential amino acids. Molecular characterization of Jute mallow with focus on improvement of leaf yield is scarcely reported....Jute mallow is a nutritious leafy vegetable. The leaves are rich in proteins, vitamins and essential amino acids. Molecular characterization of Jute mallow with focus on improvement of leaf yield is scarcely reported. In the present study, inter sequence simple repeats (ISSR) molecular markers were employed to assess genetic diversity and relationships of 83 accessions of Jute mallow from different parts of Africa and Asia conserved at the World Vegetable Center East and Southern Africa. A total of 89 bands were amplified by 8 ISSR primers. Number of polymorphic bands per primer ranged from 2 to 6 with an average of 2.75 bands per primer. Polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.390 to 0.760 with average of 0.53. Average Nei’s gene diversity (h) and Shannon’s information index (I) were 0.335 and 0.494 respectively. The highest pairwise genetic distance was 0.431 observed in a population from East Africa accessions. PC1 and PC2 axis explained 21.69% and 11.66% of the total variation respectively. UPGMA cluster analysis grouped the accessions into six main clusters at genetic similarity coefficient of 0.53 as standard value for classification. These results have important implications for jute mallow breeding and conservation.展开更多
Deeply subwavelength lasers(or nanolasers)are highly demanded for compact on-chip bioimaging and sensing at the nanoscale.One of the main obstacles for the development of single-particle nanolasers with all three dime...Deeply subwavelength lasers(or nanolasers)are highly demanded for compact on-chip bioimaging and sensing at the nanoscale.One of the main obstacles for the development of single-particle nanolasers with all three dimensions shorter than the emitting wavelength in the visible range is the high lasing thresholds and the resulting overheating.Here we ex-ploit exciton-polariton condensation and mirror-image Mie modes in a cuboid CsPbBr3 nanoparticle to achieve coherent emission at the visible wavelength of around 0.53μm from its ultra-small(≈0.007μm3 or≈λ3/20)semiconductor nanocav-ity.The polaritonic nature of the emission from the nanocavity localized in all three dimensions is proven by direct com-parison with corresponding one-dimensional and two-dimensional waveguiding systems with similar material parameters.Such a deeply subwavelength nanolaser is enabled not only by the high values for exciton binding energy(≈35 meV),re-fractive index(>2.5 at low temperature),and luminescence quantum yield of CsPbBr3,but also by the optimization of po-laritons condensation on the Mie resonances with quality factors improved by the metallic substrate.Moreover,the key parameters for optimal lasing conditions are intermode free spectral range and phonons spectrum in CsPbBr3,which govern polaritons condensation path.Such chemically synthesized colloidal CsPbBr3 nanolasers can be potentially de-posited on arbitrary surfaces,which makes them a versatile tool for integration with various on-chip systems.展开更多
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogens are a significant public health problem, and their treatment primarily relies on antibiotic therapy. However, the increasing global development of antibiotic resi...Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogens are a significant public health problem, and their treatment primarily relies on antibiotic therapy. However, the increasing global development of antibiotic resistance necessitates updating diagnostic techniques to ensure higher sensitivity and specificity, especially with advancements in science and medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of UTIs and antibiotic resistance profiles through urine culture, as well as to identify Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Acinetobacter spp. in urine samples using a molecular approach with multiplex real-time PCR. From May 3 to July 25, 2023, at the Pietro Annigoni Biomolecular Research Center (CERBA) and Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (HOSCO), 209 urine samples collected from patients with suspected UTIs were analyzed using both urine culture and multiplex real-time PCR. Among the 209 patients, 52.15% were male and 47.85% female, with an average age of 46.87 ± 21.33 years. Urine cultures revealed an overall UTI prevalence of 23.44%, with a prevalence of 8.13% in men versus 15.31% in women (P = 0.023). The bacterial prevalence rates were as follows: Escherichia coli (12.92%), Klebsiella spp. (7.18%), Enterobacter cloacae (1.44%), Staphylococcus aureus (0.96%), and other bacteria. Klebsiella spp. demonstrated 100% resistance to Amoxicillin and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid, while Escherichia coli showed 96.2% and 65.4% resistance to Amoxicillin and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid, respectively. PCR analysis of the target bacteria revealed mono-infection prevalence rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.39%), Klebsiella oxytoca (7.79%), and Acinetobacter spp. (7.79%), along with a co-infection prevalence rate of Klebsiella pneumoniae/Acinetobacter spp. (1.30%). This study demonstrated that PCR, with its high sensitivity and specificity, could effectively distinguish Klebsiella pneumoniae from Klebsiella oxytoca and detect Acinetobacter spp. in less than 24 hours—something urine culture alone could not achieve. The relative ease of automating urine PCR testing, combined with its diagnostic accuracy and rapid turnaround time, makes it a valuable addition to modern medical practice for the laboratory diagnosis of UTIs.展开更多
Understan ding the mechanism of harmful algal bloom formation is vital for effectively preventing algal bloom outbreaks in coastal environments.Karenia spp.blooms in the East China Sea show a significant correlation w...Understan ding the mechanism of harmful algal bloom formation is vital for effectively preventing algal bloom outbreaks in coastal environments.Karenia spp.blooms in the East China Sea show a significant correlation with nutrient regimes.However,the impact of key components of nutrients,especially dissolved organic nitrogen(DON),on the blooms of Karenia spp.is not clear.Quantitative research is still lacking.In this study,the cruise observations,field mesocosm-flask culture experiments,and a multinitrogen-tri-phytoplankton-detritus model(NTPD) are combined to reveal the quantitative influence of nutrient regimes on the shift of Prorocentrum donghaiense and Karenia spp.in the East China Sea.It has a synchronism rhythm of diatom-P.donghaienseKarenia spp.-diatom loop in the field culture experiment,which is consistent with the results of the cruise observation.The results showed that the processes of terrigenous DON(TeDON) and dissolved inorganic nitrogen(DIN:NO_(3)^(-)-N,NH_(4)^(+)-N) absorption promoted P.donghaiense to become the dominant algae in the community;whereas the processes of DON from P.donghaiense absorption promoted Karenia spp.to become the dominant algae in ambient DIN exhaustion.In addition,the three-dimensional fluorescence components of humus C,tyrosine and fulvic acid can indicate the processes of growth and extinction of P.donghaiense and Karenia spp.,respectively.This study infers that P.donghaiense and Karenia spp.regime shift mechanism associated with the nutrient regime in coastal waters,which provides a scientific basis for the environmental management of coastal eco system health.展开更多
Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is one of the most important fruits classified as exotic fruits imported into Cameroon. To have an inventory of its cultivation in Cameroon, a survey study was carried out among eight farms ...Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is one of the most important fruits classified as exotic fruits imported into Cameroon. To have an inventory of its cultivation in Cameroon, a survey study was carried out among eight farms of Fragaria spp. from January 2021 to February 2022. The plant was introduced in Cameroon in 2018. There are 13 varieties of Fragaria spp. currently cultivated. Among these 13 varieties, eleven are hybrids of Fragaria x ananassa (“Amiga”, “Amine”, “Camarosa”, “Chandler”, “Charlotte”, “Elsanta”, “Gariguette”, “Madame Moutot”, “Ostara”, “Ruby gem” and “San Andreas”), and two of the hybrids of Fragaria vesca (“Maestro” and “Mara des bois”). The cropping system, irrigation system, and type of fertilizers applied differ from one strawberry farm to another. Biofertilizers (such as mycorrhizal), inorganic and organic fertilizers are actually used to improve production. The potential annual production of strawberries from January 2021 to February 2022, estimated based on the survey data, was 21.216 tons for all growers. Among these eight production farms, the Lolodorf BIO Farm presents 6000 kg (six tons) of strawberries and 100,000 stolons (seedlings) produced, from seven varieties of Fragaria spp. cultivated, with 6 varieties which are hybrids variety Fragaria x ananassa (“Amiga”, “Amine”, “Chandler”, “Gariguette”, “Madame Moutot”, and “Ruby gem”), and one which is a hybrid of Fragaria vesca (“Mara des bois”). Certain diseases were also observed and recorded depending on the growing areas.展开更多
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain(NP)is the primary symptom of various neurological condi-tions.Patients with NP often experience mood disorders,particularly depression and anxiety,that can severely affect their normal live...BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain(NP)is the primary symptom of various neurological condi-tions.Patients with NP often experience mood disorders,particularly depression and anxiety,that can severely affect their normal lives.Microglial cells are as-sociated with NP.Excessive inflammatory responses,especially the secretion of large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines,ultimately lead to neuroinflam-mation.Microglial pyroptosis is a newly discovered form of inflammatory cell death associated with immune responses and inflammation-related diseases of the central nervous system.METHODS Two models,an in vitro lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated microglial cell model and a selective nerve injury model using BTX-A and SPP1 knockdown treatments,were used.Key proteins in the pyroptosis signaling pathway,NLRP3-GSDMD,were assessed using western blotting,real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,and immunofluorescence.Inflammatory factors[interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α]were assessed using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay.We also evaluated microglial cell proliferation and apoptosis.Furthermore,we measured pain sensation by assessing the delayed hind paw withdrawal latency using thermal stimulation.RESULTS The expression levels of ACS and GSDMD-N and the mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1βwere enhanced in LPS-treated microglia.Furthermore,SPP1 expression was also induced in LPS-treated microglia.Notably,BTX-A inhibited SPP1 mRNA and protein expression in the LPS-treated microglia.Additionally,depletion of SPP1 or BTX-A inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in LPS-treated microglia,whereas co-treatment with BTX-A enhanced the effect of SPP1 short hairpin(sh)RNA in LPS-treated microglia.Finally,SPP1 depletion or BTX-A treatment reduced the levels of GSDMD-N,NLPRP3,and ASC and suppressed the production of inflammatory factors.CONCLUSION Notably,BTX-A therapy and SPP1 shRNA enhance microglial proliferation and apoptosis and inhibit microglial death.It improves pain perception and inhibits microglial activation in rats with selective nerve pain.展开更多
Resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans through feces or contaminated meat from local chickens. Bacterial strains were isolated from the intestinal contents of 400 local chicken samples from various sales site...Resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans through feces or contaminated meat from local chickens. Bacterial strains were isolated from the intestinal contents of 400 local chicken samples from various sales sites. These strains were then characterized using bacteriological and biochemical methods to identify resistant strains. In a study conducted in Ouagadougou, we systematically collected chicken fecal samples from 20 locations across the city, followed by isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. using specific enrichment and culture methods, as well as Escherichia coli. Bacterial strains were characterized using antibiotic resistance profiles were determined through agar diffusion tests, revealing sensitivity or resistance to a range of antibiotics based on established scientific criteria. The results showed that out of the 400 samples collected, 81.25% and 63.5% were contaminated by Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., respectively. Among these, 86.15% of identified Escherichia coli and 50.78% of Salmonella spp. displayed resistance to at least one tested antibiotic. Among 280 Escherichia coli isolates identified resistant to at least one antibiotic, 31.07% were resistant to cefotaxime (CTX), 20.35% to ceftazidime (CAZ), 21.07% to ceftriaxone (CTR), 75% to amoxicillin clavulanic acid (AMC), 23.57% aztreoname (ATM) and 27.14% were resistant to imipenem (IMP). In the case of the 129 Salmonella spp. isolates resistant to at least one tested antibiotic, 34.88% were resistant to CTX;41.08% to CAZ;35.65% to CTR, 92% to AMC, 39.53% to ATM and finally 47.28% were resistant to IMP. Our study revealed high prevalence of resistance in bacterial strains isolated from local chickens sold outdoors in Ouagadougou. These findings raise significant public health concerns, due to the possible transmission of these resistant strains to humans through the consumption of contaminated meat, thus complicating the treatment of bacterial infections.展开更多
基金supports from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.62288101,and 61971134)National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant Nos.2021YFB3200502,and 2017YFA0700200)+2 种基金the Major Project of the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(Grant No.BK20212002)the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities(Grant No.2242021R41078)the 111 Project(Grant No.111-2-05).
文摘Smart antennas have received great attention for their potentials to enable communication and perception functions at the same time.However,realizing the function synthesis remains an open challenge,and most existing system solutions are limited to narrow operating bands and high complexity and cost.Here,we propose an externally perceivable leakywave antenna(LWA)based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons(SSPPs),which can realize adaptive real-time switching between the“radiating”and“non-radiating”states and beam tracking at different frequencies.With the assistance of computer vision,the smart SSPP-LWA is able to detect the external target user or jammer,and intelligently track the target by self-adjusting the operating frequency.The proposed scheme helps to reduce the power consumption through dynamically controlling the radiating state of the antenna,and improve spectrum utilization and avoid spectrum conflicts through intelligently deciding the radiating frequency.On the other hand,it is also helpful for the physical layer communication security through switching the antenna working state according to the presence of the target and target beam tracking in real time.In addition,the proposed smart antenna can be generalized to other metamaterial systems and could be a candidate for synaesthesia integration in future smart antenna systems.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52106099 and 51576004)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(No.ZR2022YQ57)the Taishan Scholars Program.
文摘Phonon polaritons(PhPs)exhibit directional in-plane propagation and ultralow losses in van der Waals(vdW)crystals,offering new possibilities for controlling the flow of light at the nanoscale.However,these PhPs,including their directional propagation,are inherently determined by the anisotropic crystal structure of the host materials.Although in-plane anisotropic PhPs can be manipulated by twisting engineering,such as twisting individual vdW slabs,dynamically adjusting their propagation presents a significant challenge.The limited application of the twisted bilayer structure in bare films further restricts its usage.In this study,we present a technique in which anisotropic PhPs supported by bare biaxial vdW slabs can be actively tuned by modifying their local dielectric environment.Excitingly,we predict that the iso-frequency contour of PhPs can be reoriented to enable propagation along forbidden directions when the crystal is placed on a substrate with a moderate negative permittivity.Besides,we systematically investigate the impact of polaritonic coupling on near-field radiative heat transfer(NFRHT)between heterostructures integrated with different substrates that have negative permittivity.Our main findings reveal that through the analysis of dispersion contour and photon transmission coefficient,the excitation and reorientation of the fundamental mode facilitate increased photon tunneling,thereby enhancing heat transfer between heterostructures.Conversely,the annihilation of the fundamental mode hinders heat transfer.Furthermore,we find the enhancement or suppression of radiative energy transport depends on the relative magnitude of the slab thickness and the vacuum gap width.Finally,the effect of negative permittivity substrates on NFRHT along the[001]crystalline direction ofα-MoO3 is considered.The spectral band where the excited fundamental mode resulting from the negative permittivity substrates is shifted to the first Reststrahlen Band(RB 1)ofα-MoO_(3) and is widened,resulting in more significant enhancement of heat flux from RB 1.We anticipate our results will motivate new direction for dynamical tunability of the PhPs in photonic devices.
文摘This paper is the continuation of our previous research in which we studied such aspects of CARS spectroscopy in dipole-active crystals by polaritons as the regimes of coherent simultaneous propagation of three waves (anti-Stokes, Stokes, and the pump field) to increase the efficiency of CARS as a spectroscopic method. In our previous research, we have shown the possibility of the existence of simultons at all frequencies of interacting waves. All interacting waves were supposed to be linearly polarised and plane, the medium was assumed to be nonmagnetic, and the medium was transparent at frequencies of anti-Stokes, Stokes, and the pump field (laser). The purpose of the present paper is to consider the energy carried by electromagnetic waves and its relationship with the gain factor and velocity of the simultons.
文摘Active control of surface plasmon polaritons(SPPs)is highly desired for nanophotonics.Here we employ a phase change material Ge_(2)Sb_(2)Te_(5)(GST)to actively manipulate the propagating direction of SPPs at the telecom wavelength.By utilizing the phase transition-induced refractive index change of GST,coupled with interference effects,a nanoantenna pair containing GST is designed to realize switchable one-way launching of SPPs.Devices based on the nanoantenna pairs are proposed to manipulate SPPs,including the direction tuning of SPP beams,switchable SPP focusing,and switchable cosine–Gauss SPP beam generating.Our design can be employed in compact optical circuits and photonics integration.
文摘The system of shortened Maxwell’s equations simulating the processes of evolution of the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) by polaritons in anisotropic dipole-active crystals is obtained. The theory was developed for the case of cubic crystals which become anisotropic due to the deformation of the dielectric constant by the linearly polarized pump wave. The pump field is a linearly polarized plane electromagnetic wave. We report the results of the theoretical investigation of the possibility of the existence of a regime of pulse propagation as simultaneous travel of solitary waves in coherent anti-Stokes stimulated Raman scattering by polaritons in anisotropic crystals. The emphasis was made on the existence of both Stokes and anti-Stokes pulses propagating with two stable and perpendicular to the direction of travel polarizations. We showed the theoretical possibility of simultaneous propagation of pulses not only at frequencies of Stokes and anti-Stokes waves but the pump frequency as well. We obtained the expression for the gain factor g. It is also shown that the expression for g is consistent with the experimental results for the spectra of ZnS.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.11975175).
文摘The properties of surface magnetoplasmon polaritons(SMPPs)in a symmetric structure,composed of two semi-infinite regions of high-density two-dimensional electron gas(2DEG)separated by a thin film in Voigt configuration,are investigated.The normal and absorption dispersion relations for the transverse magnetic polarization are derived by correlating Maxwell’s equation and the boundary conditions.It is demonstrated that the features of SMPPs are greatly influenced by the external magnetic field,collision frequency of 2DEG,the dielectric constant,and the thickness of the thin film,suggesting that the locations and propagation lengths of SMPPs can be governed accordingly.It is shown that the symmetry of the physical geometry preserves the symmetry of the dispersion relations of SMPPs.Furthermore,it is discovered that as the external magnetic field increases,the penetration depth of SMPPs decreases,while their energy loss reduces,implying that plasmons can propagate for longer distances.Additionally,it is observed that SMPPs in the symmetric configuration have a longer lifetime than those in the asymmetric configuration.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 16Z103060007) (PA)。
文摘We investigate the transfer of phosphorescent energy between co-assembled metallophosphors in crystalline nanostructures [Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 57 7820(2018) and J. Am. Chem. Soc. 140 4269(2018)]. Neither Dexter's nor Forster's mechanism of resonance energy transfer(RET) could account fully for the observed rates, which exceed 85% with significant temperature dependence. But there exists an alternative pathway on RET mediated by intermediate states of resonantly confined exciton–polaritons. Such a mechanism was used to analyze artificial photosynthesis in organic fluorescents [Phys.Rev. Lett. 122 257402(2019)]. For metallophosphors, the confined modes act as extended states lying between the molecular S_(1) and T_(1) states, offering a bridge for the long-lived T_(1) excitons to migrate from donors to acceptors. Population dynamics with parameters taken entirely based on experiments fits the observed lifetimes of phosphorescence across a broad range of doping and temperature.
文摘Jute mallow is a nutritious leafy vegetable. The leaves are rich in proteins, vitamins and essential amino acids. Molecular characterization of Jute mallow with focus on improvement of leaf yield is scarcely reported. In the present study, inter sequence simple repeats (ISSR) molecular markers were employed to assess genetic diversity and relationships of 83 accessions of Jute mallow from different parts of Africa and Asia conserved at the World Vegetable Center East and Southern Africa. A total of 89 bands were amplified by 8 ISSR primers. Number of polymorphic bands per primer ranged from 2 to 6 with an average of 2.75 bands per primer. Polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.390 to 0.760 with average of 0.53. Average Nei’s gene diversity (h) and Shannon’s information index (I) were 0.335 and 0.494 respectively. The highest pairwise genetic distance was 0.431 observed in a population from East Africa accessions. PC1 and PC2 axis explained 21.69% and 11.66% of the total variation respectively. UPGMA cluster analysis grouped the accessions into six main clusters at genetic similarity coefficient of 0.53 as standard value for classification. These results have important implications for jute mallow breeding and conservation.
基金supported by the Federal Program'Priority 2030'and NSFC(Project 62350610272)A.K.Samusev acknowledges Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft-project No.529710370。
文摘Deeply subwavelength lasers(or nanolasers)are highly demanded for compact on-chip bioimaging and sensing at the nanoscale.One of the main obstacles for the development of single-particle nanolasers with all three dimensions shorter than the emitting wavelength in the visible range is the high lasing thresholds and the resulting overheating.Here we ex-ploit exciton-polariton condensation and mirror-image Mie modes in a cuboid CsPbBr3 nanoparticle to achieve coherent emission at the visible wavelength of around 0.53μm from its ultra-small(≈0.007μm3 or≈λ3/20)semiconductor nanocav-ity.The polaritonic nature of the emission from the nanocavity localized in all three dimensions is proven by direct com-parison with corresponding one-dimensional and two-dimensional waveguiding systems with similar material parameters.Such a deeply subwavelength nanolaser is enabled not only by the high values for exciton binding energy(≈35 meV),re-fractive index(>2.5 at low temperature),and luminescence quantum yield of CsPbBr3,but also by the optimization of po-laritons condensation on the Mie resonances with quality factors improved by the metallic substrate.Moreover,the key parameters for optimal lasing conditions are intermode free spectral range and phonons spectrum in CsPbBr3,which govern polaritons condensation path.Such chemically synthesized colloidal CsPbBr3 nanolasers can be potentially de-posited on arbitrary surfaces,which makes them a versatile tool for integration with various on-chip systems.
文摘Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogens are a significant public health problem, and their treatment primarily relies on antibiotic therapy. However, the increasing global development of antibiotic resistance necessitates updating diagnostic techniques to ensure higher sensitivity and specificity, especially with advancements in science and medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of UTIs and antibiotic resistance profiles through urine culture, as well as to identify Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Acinetobacter spp. in urine samples using a molecular approach with multiplex real-time PCR. From May 3 to July 25, 2023, at the Pietro Annigoni Biomolecular Research Center (CERBA) and Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (HOSCO), 209 urine samples collected from patients with suspected UTIs were analyzed using both urine culture and multiplex real-time PCR. Among the 209 patients, 52.15% were male and 47.85% female, with an average age of 46.87 ± 21.33 years. Urine cultures revealed an overall UTI prevalence of 23.44%, with a prevalence of 8.13% in men versus 15.31% in women (P = 0.023). The bacterial prevalence rates were as follows: Escherichia coli (12.92%), Klebsiella spp. (7.18%), Enterobacter cloacae (1.44%), Staphylococcus aureus (0.96%), and other bacteria. Klebsiella spp. demonstrated 100% resistance to Amoxicillin and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid, while Escherichia coli showed 96.2% and 65.4% resistance to Amoxicillin and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid, respectively. PCR analysis of the target bacteria revealed mono-infection prevalence rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.39%), Klebsiella oxytoca (7.79%), and Acinetobacter spp. (7.79%), along with a co-infection prevalence rate of Klebsiella pneumoniae/Acinetobacter spp. (1.30%). This study demonstrated that PCR, with its high sensitivity and specificity, could effectively distinguish Klebsiella pneumoniae from Klebsiella oxytoca and detect Acinetobacter spp. in less than 24 hours—something urine culture alone could not achieve. The relative ease of automating urine PCR testing, combined with its diagnostic accuracy and rapid turnaround time, makes it a valuable addition to modern medical practice for the laboratory diagnosis of UTIs.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract No.42130403the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities under contract No.202362003the National Key Research&Development Program of China under contract No.2017YFC1404300。
文摘Understan ding the mechanism of harmful algal bloom formation is vital for effectively preventing algal bloom outbreaks in coastal environments.Karenia spp.blooms in the East China Sea show a significant correlation with nutrient regimes.However,the impact of key components of nutrients,especially dissolved organic nitrogen(DON),on the blooms of Karenia spp.is not clear.Quantitative research is still lacking.In this study,the cruise observations,field mesocosm-flask culture experiments,and a multinitrogen-tri-phytoplankton-detritus model(NTPD) are combined to reveal the quantitative influence of nutrient regimes on the shift of Prorocentrum donghaiense and Karenia spp.in the East China Sea.It has a synchronism rhythm of diatom-P.donghaienseKarenia spp.-diatom loop in the field culture experiment,which is consistent with the results of the cruise observation.The results showed that the processes of terrigenous DON(TeDON) and dissolved inorganic nitrogen(DIN:NO_(3)^(-)-N,NH_(4)^(+)-N) absorption promoted P.donghaiense to become the dominant algae in the community;whereas the processes of DON from P.donghaiense absorption promoted Karenia spp.to become the dominant algae in ambient DIN exhaustion.In addition,the three-dimensional fluorescence components of humus C,tyrosine and fulvic acid can indicate the processes of growth and extinction of P.donghaiense and Karenia spp.,respectively.This study infers that P.donghaiense and Karenia spp.regime shift mechanism associated with the nutrient regime in coastal waters,which provides a scientific basis for the environmental management of coastal eco system health.
文摘Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is one of the most important fruits classified as exotic fruits imported into Cameroon. To have an inventory of its cultivation in Cameroon, a survey study was carried out among eight farms of Fragaria spp. from January 2021 to February 2022. The plant was introduced in Cameroon in 2018. There are 13 varieties of Fragaria spp. currently cultivated. Among these 13 varieties, eleven are hybrids of Fragaria x ananassa (“Amiga”, “Amine”, “Camarosa”, “Chandler”, “Charlotte”, “Elsanta”, “Gariguette”, “Madame Moutot”, “Ostara”, “Ruby gem” and “San Andreas”), and two of the hybrids of Fragaria vesca (“Maestro” and “Mara des bois”). The cropping system, irrigation system, and type of fertilizers applied differ from one strawberry farm to another. Biofertilizers (such as mycorrhizal), inorganic and organic fertilizers are actually used to improve production. The potential annual production of strawberries from January 2021 to February 2022, estimated based on the survey data, was 21.216 tons for all growers. Among these eight production farms, the Lolodorf BIO Farm presents 6000 kg (six tons) of strawberries and 100,000 stolons (seedlings) produced, from seven varieties of Fragaria spp. cultivated, with 6 varieties which are hybrids variety Fragaria x ananassa (“Amiga”, “Amine”, “Chandler”, “Gariguette”, “Madame Moutot”, and “Ruby gem”), and one which is a hybrid of Fragaria vesca (“Mara des bois”). Certain diseases were also observed and recorded depending on the growing areas.
文摘BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain(NP)is the primary symptom of various neurological condi-tions.Patients with NP often experience mood disorders,particularly depression and anxiety,that can severely affect their normal lives.Microglial cells are as-sociated with NP.Excessive inflammatory responses,especially the secretion of large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines,ultimately lead to neuroinflam-mation.Microglial pyroptosis is a newly discovered form of inflammatory cell death associated with immune responses and inflammation-related diseases of the central nervous system.METHODS Two models,an in vitro lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated microglial cell model and a selective nerve injury model using BTX-A and SPP1 knockdown treatments,were used.Key proteins in the pyroptosis signaling pathway,NLRP3-GSDMD,were assessed using western blotting,real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,and immunofluorescence.Inflammatory factors[interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α]were assessed using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay.We also evaluated microglial cell proliferation and apoptosis.Furthermore,we measured pain sensation by assessing the delayed hind paw withdrawal latency using thermal stimulation.RESULTS The expression levels of ACS and GSDMD-N and the mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1βwere enhanced in LPS-treated microglia.Furthermore,SPP1 expression was also induced in LPS-treated microglia.Notably,BTX-A inhibited SPP1 mRNA and protein expression in the LPS-treated microglia.Additionally,depletion of SPP1 or BTX-A inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in LPS-treated microglia,whereas co-treatment with BTX-A enhanced the effect of SPP1 short hairpin(sh)RNA in LPS-treated microglia.Finally,SPP1 depletion or BTX-A treatment reduced the levels of GSDMD-N,NLPRP3,and ASC and suppressed the production of inflammatory factors.CONCLUSION Notably,BTX-A therapy and SPP1 shRNA enhance microglial proliferation and apoptosis and inhibit microglial death.It improves pain perception and inhibits microglial activation in rats with selective nerve pain.
文摘Resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans through feces or contaminated meat from local chickens. Bacterial strains were isolated from the intestinal contents of 400 local chicken samples from various sales sites. These strains were then characterized using bacteriological and biochemical methods to identify resistant strains. In a study conducted in Ouagadougou, we systematically collected chicken fecal samples from 20 locations across the city, followed by isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. using specific enrichment and culture methods, as well as Escherichia coli. Bacterial strains were characterized using antibiotic resistance profiles were determined through agar diffusion tests, revealing sensitivity or resistance to a range of antibiotics based on established scientific criteria. The results showed that out of the 400 samples collected, 81.25% and 63.5% were contaminated by Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., respectively. Among these, 86.15% of identified Escherichia coli and 50.78% of Salmonella spp. displayed resistance to at least one tested antibiotic. Among 280 Escherichia coli isolates identified resistant to at least one antibiotic, 31.07% were resistant to cefotaxime (CTX), 20.35% to ceftazidime (CAZ), 21.07% to ceftriaxone (CTR), 75% to amoxicillin clavulanic acid (AMC), 23.57% aztreoname (ATM) and 27.14% were resistant to imipenem (IMP). In the case of the 129 Salmonella spp. isolates resistant to at least one tested antibiotic, 34.88% were resistant to CTX;41.08% to CAZ;35.65% to CTR, 92% to AMC, 39.53% to ATM and finally 47.28% were resistant to IMP. Our study revealed high prevalence of resistance in bacterial strains isolated from local chickens sold outdoors in Ouagadougou. These findings raise significant public health concerns, due to the possible transmission of these resistant strains to humans through the consumption of contaminated meat, thus complicating the treatment of bacterial infections.
