Loss-induced switching between electromagnetically induced transparency and critical coupling in a chalcogenide waveguide.

Optical loss is generally perceived to be an adverse effect in integrated optics. Herein, in contrast, we propose a mechanism to harness the loss in a coupled ${\rm {high-}}{\! Q}$ resonators system to realize on-chip electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). The increasing loss of one of the coupled resonators results in a difference in ${Q}$ factor, leading to EIT generation. This optical loss-induced EIT is studied analytically using the coupled-mode theory and demonstrated experimentally in chalcogenide coupled microring resonators. By taking advantage of the chalcogenide phase change materials that feature exceptional optical property contrasts, we further demonstrate the loss-induced mechanism to realize fast and nonvolatile responses between the EIT state and the critical coupling state in a monolithically integrated chip. Our results provide a new perspective to harvest the negative loss effect of coupled resonators for tunable photonic devices, which might shed new light on the design ideology for on-chip slow-light optical components.

Melatonin Plays a Critical Protective Role in Nicotine-Related Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Aim: Smoking is a major risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Among the components of smoke, nicotine is known to exert pro-atherosclerotic, prothrombotic, and proangiogenic effects on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The current study was designed to investigate the mechanisms through which nicotine induces vascular wall dysfunction and to examine whether melatonin protects against nicotine-related AAA. Methods: In this study, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure melatonin and TNF-α levels, as well as total antioxidant status (TAS), in patients with AAA. We established a nicotine-related AAA model and explored the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of melatonin. Tissue histopathology was used to assess vascular function, while western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect protein expression. Results: We observed melatonin insufficiency in the serum from patients with AAA, particularly smokers. Moreover, melatonin level was positively correlated with antioxidant capacity. In the in vivo model, nicotine accelerated AAA expansion and destroyed vascular structure. Furthermore, OPN, LC3II, p62, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), NF-κB p65, TNF-α, phosphorylated AKT, and phosphorylated mTOR levels were increased, in vivo, following nicotine treatment, while SM22α and α-SMA levels were reduced. Additionally, melatonin attenuated the effects of nicotine on AAA and reversed changes in protein expression. Moreover, melatonin lost its protective effects following bafilomycin A1-mediated inhibition of autophagy. Conclusion: Based on our data, melatonin exerts a beneficial effect on rats with nicotine-related AAA by downregulating the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, improving autophagy dysfunction, and restoring the VSMC phenotype.

[Forensic Validation of the Goldeneye™ DNA ID 25A Kit].

OBJECTIVE: To test and estimate the forensic application of Goldeneye™ DNA ID 25A Kit. METHODS: The kit was validated by a series of tests for accuracy, sensitivity, consistency, peak height balance, stability, and mixed samples through measured blood samples and other samples in routine casework. RESULTS: The peak height balance of the different loci was ≥ 42%. The genotyping results of the positive control DNA was accurate. The complete STR genotyping result could be obtained from 0.125 ng positive control DNA. CONCLUSION: Goldeneye™ DNA ID 25A Kit is suitable for criminal cases and DNA database in forensic practice.

[A sort of meliorative method for testing DNA from sperm smear].

OBJECTIVE: To establish an effective method for testing DNA from the sperm smear. METHODS: We did exploratory research for ninety-one cases of the sperm smear which were accumulated by our laboratory during working hours. Chelex extraction method was used to extract DNA. The digested solution of sperm was purified and concentrated by using Silicon bead. STR loci were typed after PCR amplification by Profile Plus kit. RESULTS: Although there were a few sperm cells on the slide, it is easy to obtain good DNA typing result from it because the amalgamative method we used was high effective for DNA extraction. CONCLUSION: The DNA analysis of sperm smear could offer satisfactory typing results which would be useful in case.