Electrically tunable on-chip quantum Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm with lithium niobate metasurfaces.

Owing to the inherent advantages of parallelism, rapid processing speed, and minimal energy consumption, optical analog computing has witnessed a progressive development. Quantum optical computing exceeds the capabilities of classical computing in terms of computational speed in numerous tasks. However, existing metamaterial-based quantum Deutsch-Jozsa (DJ) algorithm devices have large structural dimensions and are not suitable for miniaturized optical computing systems. Furthermore, most reported on-chip metasurface devices, rendered monofunctional after fabrication, do not possess sophisticated optical systems. In this work, we develop an electrically tunable on-chip DJ algorithm device on a lithium-niobate-on-insulator (LNOI) platform. The on-chip device consists of various etched slots, each with carefully designed size. By applying different external voltages to each individual unit, precise phase redistribution across the device is attainable, enabling the realization of tunable DJ algorithm. Notably, we can determine whether the oracle metasurface yields a constant or balance function by measuring the output electric field. The on-chip device is miniaturized and easy to integrate while enabling functional reconfiguration, which paves the way for numerous applications in optical computing.

Interlayer coupled dual-layer metagratings for broadband and high-efficiency anomalous reflection.

Recent progress in metagratings highlights the promise of high-performance wavefront engineering devices, notably for their exterior capability to steer beams with near-unitary efficiency. However, the narrow operating bandwidth of conventional metagratings remains a significant limitation. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a dual-layer metagrating, incorporating enhanced interlayer couplings to realize high-efficiency and broadband anomalous reflection within the microwave frequency band. The metagrating facilitated by both intralayer and interlayer couplings is designed through the combination of eigenmode expansion (EME) algorithm and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to significantly streamline the computational process. Our metagrating demonstrates the capacity to reroute a normally incident wave to +1 order diffraction direction across a broad spectrum, achieving an average efficiency approximately 90% within the 14.7 to 18 GHz range. This study may pave the way for future applications in sophisticated beam manipulations, including spatial dispersive devices, by harnessing the intricate dynamics of multi-layer metagratings with complex interlayer and intralayer interactions.

Experimental Demonstration of Controllable PT and Anti-PT Coupling in a Non-Hermitian Metamaterial.

Non-Hermiticity has recently emerged as a rapidly developing field due to its exotic characteristics related to open systems, where the dissipation plays a critical role. In the presence of balanced energy gain and loss with environment, the system exhibits parity-time (PT) symmetry, meanwhile as the conjugate counterpart, anti-PT symmetry can be achieved with dissipative coupling within the system. Here, we demonstrate the coherence of complex dissipative coupling can control the transition between PT and anti-PT symmetry in an electromagnetic metamaterial. Notably, the achievement of the anti-PT symmetric phase is independent of variations in dissipation. Furthermore, we observe phase transitions as the system crosses exceptional points in both anti-PT and PT symmetric metamaterial configurations, achieved by manipulating the frequency and dissipation of resonators. This work provides a promising metamaterial design for broader exploration of non-Hermitian physics and practical application with a controllable Hamiltonian.

Scattering characteristics of various nodular defects in a dichroic beam splitter.

Dichroic beam splitters are widely used in multi wavelength laser systems, and their scattering loss affects the signal-to-noise ratio and performance of the system. In this study, we investigate forward and backward scattering induced by nodular defects in a dichroic beam splitter. The seed size, seed position, and geometric constants of nodules exhibited distinct effects on the scattering characteristics. The modeling and simulation provide valuable insights into the relationship between the structural parameters of nodules and their scattering characteristics, offering practical guidance for various high-performance optical multilayer coatings and systems.

Calibration-free, high-precision, and robust terahertz ultrafast metasurfaces for monitoring gastric cancers.

Optical sensors, with great potential to convert invisible bioanalytical response into readable information, have been envisioned as a powerful platform for biological analysis and early diagnosis of diseases. However, the current extraction of sensing data is basically processed via a series of complicated and time-consuming calibrations between samples and reference, which inevitably introduce extra measurement errors and potentially annihilate small intrinsic responses. Here, we have proposed and experimentally demonstrated a calibration-free sensor for achieving high-precision biosensing detection, based on an optically controlled terahertz (THz) ultrafast metasurface. Photoexcitation of the silicon bridge enables the resonant frequency shifting from 1.385 to 0.825 THz and reaches the maximal phase variation up to 50° at 1.11 THz. The typical environmental measurement errors are completely eliminated in theory by normalizing the Fourier-transformed transmission spectra between ultrashort time delays of 37 ps, resulting in an extremely robust sensing device for monitoring the cancerous process of gastric cells. We believe that our calibration-free sensors with high precision and robust advantages can extend their implementation to study ultrafast biological dynamics and may inspire considerable innovations in the field of medical devices with nondestructive detection.

Biology of Rhynchaenus maculosus provides insights and implications for integrated management of this emerging pest.

Rhynchaenus maculosus is an emerging insect pest with an increasingly serious tendency. Lack of biology information results in the bottleneck of integrated management of this pest. To facilitate an available design of integrated pest management strategy, biology of R. maculosus, including voltinism, life cycle, distribution, and damage has been investigated. Results reveal that R. maculosus is oligophagous and distributes in Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces, China. This pest produces one generation per year (univoltinism) and overwinters as adults in leaf litter. From mid-April to late-April, active overwintering adults emerge from overwintering sites. The next generation of adult R. maculosus appears from mid-May to early June until mid-August to early September when the beetles move into the overwintering places. The entire time span of adult occurrence ranges from 315.6 ± 3.6 to 336.4 ± 3.2 days (Mean ± SD). Larvae undergo 3 instars with a total duration of 20 to 23 days. R. maculosus larvae feed on Q. wutaishanica and Q. mongolica without host-specific preference between the two host species, but do not harm Q. acutissim. Three species of larval parasites were collected and identified as Braconidae sp., Eulophidae sp., and Ceraphronidae sp. Biological information of R. maculosus provides essential insights for design and implementation of integrated management of this pest.

Tyrosine Hydroxylase and DOPA Decarboxylase Are Associated With Pupal Melanization During Larval-Pupal Transformation in Antheraea pernyi.

In insects, melanism plays important roles in defense, immunoreactions, and body color. The underlying molecular mechanisms of melanism in different insects are diverse and remain elusive. In contrast to another silkworm, Bombyx mori, the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi, produces melanic pupae under natural environmental conditions. DOPA and dopamine synthesis are crucial for melanin formation. Disruption of these processes reportedly influences body colors in many insects. Most research focuses on newly emerged pupae, and the larval process preceding pupation remains unknown. Due to the large size and long pupation period in A. pernyi, the entire process was studied at least every 12 h. The expression patterns of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and DOPA decarboxylase (DDC), which are involved in DOPA and dopamine synthesis in the epidermis, were evaluated during larval-pupal metamorphosis. We also performed RNA interference (RNAi) and used enzyme inhibitors to examine morphological changes. The amino acid sequences of TH and DDC share 90.91% and 86.64% identity with those of B. mori. TH and DDC expression was upregulated during the 48-72 h period prior to pupal emergence, especially at 60 h. RNAi of TH and DDC induced partial melanism in some pupae. The inhibitors 3-iodo-tyrosine (3-IT) and L-α-methyl-DOPA (L-DOPA) influenced pupal melanization. Different concentrations of inhibitors led to pupal deformity and even mortality. Four different monoamines, only DOPA and Dopamine synthezed from Tyrosine will be influenced by TH and DDC inhibitor. These results indicate that TH and DDC are key genes associated with pupal melanization during larval-pupal transformation in A. pernyi. Overall, our results suggest that TH and DDC expression alterations in a particular stage can affect body color, setting the molecular basis for artificial control of pupal melanization.

A novel dual-prodrug carried by cyclodextrin inclusion complex for the targeting treatment of colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: There is an obvious correlation between ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer, and the risk of colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis is increasing. Therefore, the combination therapy of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor drugs may show promising to inhibit colon cancer. 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) with anti-inflammatory function is effective for maintaining remission in patients with ulcerative colitis and may also reduce colorectal cancer risk. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) plays an essential role in the progression of colon cancer. Butyric acid (BA) is a kind of HDAC inhibitor and thus shows tumor suppression to colon cancer. However, the volatile and corrosive nature of BA presents challenges in practical application. In addition, its clinical application is limited due to its non-targeting ability and low bioavailability. We aimed to synthesize a novel dual-prodrug of 5-ASA and BA, referred as BBA, to synergistically inhibit colon cancer. Further, based on the fact that folate receptor (FR) is over-expressed in most solid tumors and it has been identified to be a cancer stem cell surface marker in colon cancer, we took folate as the targeting ligand and used carboxymethyl-ß-cyclodextrin (CM-ß-CD) to carry BBA and thus prepared a novel inclusion complex of BBA/FA-PEG-CM-ß-CD. RESULTS: It was found that BBA/FA-PEG-CM-ß-CD showed significant inhibition in cell proliferation against colon cancer cells SW620. It showed a pro-longed in vivo circulation and mainly accumulated in tumor tissue. More importantly, BBA/FA-PEG-CM-ß-CD gave great tumor suppression effect against nude mice bearing SW620 xenografts. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, BBA/FA-PEG-CM-ß-CD may have clinical potential in colon cancer therapy.

Newly Emerging Pest in China, Rhynchaenusmaculosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Morphology and Molecular Identification with DNA Barcoding.

The oak flea weevil, Rhynchaenusmaculosus Yang et Zhang 1991, is a newly emerging pest that severely damages oak (genus Quercus) in China. The first R. maculosus outbreak occurred in 2020 and caused spectacular damage to all oak forests in Jilin province, northeast China. The lack of key morphological characters complicates the identification of this native pest, especially in larva and pupa stages. This is problematic because quick and accurate species identification is crucial for early monitoring and intervention during outbreaks. Here, we provided the first detailed morphological description of R. maculosus at four life stages. Additionally, we used DNA barcodes from larva and pupa specimens collected from three remote locations for molecular identification. The average pairwise divergence of all sequences in this study was 0.51%, well below the 2% to 3% (K-2-parameter) threshold set for one species. All sample sequences matched the R. maculosus morphospecies (KX657706.1 and KX657707.1), with 99.23% to 100% (sequence identity, E value: 0.00) matching success. The tree based on barcodes placed the specimens into the Rhynchaenus group, and the phylogenetic relationship between 62 sequences (30 samples and 32 from GeneBank) had high congruence with the morphospecies taxa. The traditional DNA barcodes were successfully transformed into quick response codes with larger coding capacity for information storage. The results showed that DNA barcoding is reliable for R. maculosus identification. The integration of molecular and morphology-based methods contributes to accurate species identification of this newly emerging oak pest.

EIA metamaterials based on hybrid metal/dielectric structures with dark-mode-enhanced absorption.

Metamaterial analogue of electromagnetically induced absorption (EIA) has promising applications in spectroscopy and sensing. Here we propose an EIA metamaterial based on hybrid metal/dielectric structures, which are composed of a metallic wire and a dielectric block, and investigate the EIA-like effect by simulations, experiments, and the two-oscillator model. An EIA-like effect emerges in virtue of the near-field coupling between metallic wire and dielectric block, and the dielectric block exhibiting magnetic dipolar resonance makes a major contribution to the resonance absorption. The magnetic flux through the dielectric block engendered by the near filed of the metallic wire determines the coupling between dielectric block and metallic wire. With the variation of the separation between dielectric block and metallic wire, the EIA-like effect is preserved and does not convert into the EIT-like effect although the coupling and consequently the absorbance are altered. Based on the two-oscillator model, the absorption spectrum of the EIA metamaterial is quantitatively analyzed and the parameters of the oscillator system are retrieved.

Realization of a near-infrared active Fano-resonant asymmetric metasurface by precisely controlling the phase transition of Ge2Sb2Te5.

A metasurface is one of the most effectual platforms for the manipulation of complex optical fields. One of the current challenges in the field is to develop active or reconfigurable functionalities to extend its operation band which is limited by its intrinsic resonant nature. Here we demonstrate a kind of active Fano-resonant asymmetric metasurface in the near-infrared (NIR) region with heterostructures made of a layer of asymmetric split-ring resonators and a thin layer of phase-change material (PCM). In the asymmetric metasurface, significant tunability in the frequency, Q-factor and strength of the Fano resonance are all achieved by precisely controlling the phase transition of the contained PCM Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST), together with changing the geometric asymmetry of the split-ring resonators. Moreover, we provide a complete transition process of the optical properties for GST and an optimized modulation on the active Fano-resonant metasurface. Our approach to dynamically control a Fano-resonant metasurface paves the way to realizing various active photonic meta-devices involving PCM.

Polar tube structure and three polar tube proteins identified from Nosema pernyi.

Microsporidian spores contain a single polar filament that is coiled around the interior of the spore. Upon germination the polar tube (post-germination polar filament) is ejected by inversion into a host cell. The sporoplasm flows through the polar tube, directly infecting the cytoplasm of the cell. Various species of microsporidia display differences in the number of coils in the polar filament and in the amino acid sequence of the polar tube proteins (PTPs). Nosema pernyi is a lethal pathogen that causes microsporidiosis in the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi. In this study, we identified three PTPs in N. pernyi using RT-PCR and LC-MS/MS. Polar tube protein 3 was localized in the polar tube using immuno-histochemical staining and an immunofluorescence assay. Co-immunoprecipitation data and LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that some potential proteins, like immune related proteins in A. pernyi may interact with PTP3.

Controllable coherent perfect absorber made of liquid metal-based metasurface.

Coherent perfect absorber (CPA) is a novel strategy proposed and demonstrated for solving the challenge to attain efficient control of absorption by exploiting the inverse process of lasing. The operation condition of CPA results in narrow-band, which is the main limitation obstruct it from practical applications. Here, we demonstrate a CPA with tunable operation frequency employing the liquid metal made reconfigurable metasurface. The flow of liquid metal is restricted with a plastic pipe for realizing a controllable liquid metal cut-wire. The adjustable electric dipolar mode of the reconfigurable cur-wire metasurface ensures that the quasi-CPA point can be dynamically controlled; the measured CPA under proper phase modulation is in good agreement with the simulation results. The proposed CPA system involving liquid metal for dynamic control of operation frequency will have potential applications and may stimulate the exploitation of liquid based smart absorption control of optical waves.

Phase-Modulated Scattering Manipulation for Exterior Cloaking in Metal-Dielectric Hybrid Metamaterials.

Artificially structured metamaterials with metallic or dielectric inclusions are extensively studied for exotic light manipulations via controlling the local-resonant modes in the microstructures. The coupling between these resonant modes has drawn growing interest in recent years due to the advanced functional metamaterial making the microstructures more and more complex. Here, the suppression of magnetic resonance of a dielectric cuboid, an analogue to the scattering cancellation effect or radiation control system, realized with an exterior cloaking in a hybrid metamaterial system, is demonstrated. Furthermore, the significant modulation of the absorption of the dielectric resonator in the hybrid metamaterial is also demonstrated. The physical insight of the experimental results is well illuminated with a classical double-harmonic-oscillator model, from which it is revealed that the complex coupling, i.e., the phase of coupling coefficient, plays a crucial role in the overall response of the metal-dielectric hybrid system. The proposed design strategy is anticipated to form a more straightforward and efficient paradigm for practical applications based on radiation control via versatile mode couplings.

Blocking CXCR3 with AMG487 ameliorates the blood-retinal barrier disruption in diabetic mice through anti-oxidative.

Oxidative stress and blood-retinal barrier (BRB) damage induced by hyperglycemia are the principal processes involved in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3)-mediated inflammatory infiltration exists in many disease models. The main objective of the present study was to determine whether AMG487, a CXCR3 antagonist, can ameliorate BRB disruption and reactive oxygen species generation in the DR model. The retinal endothelial cell and ganglion cell ultrastructures were observed using a transmission electron microscope. The pericyte marker PDGFR-ß, tight junction occludin, and leaking albumin were evaluated. The oxidative stress level, CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), and p-p38 expression were also investigated in vivo and in vitro. The results indicated that AMG487 application might alleviate PDGFR-ß and occludin loss, and decreased the residual content of retinal albumin in the streptozocin-induced DR mouse model via the inhibition of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, in which p38 activation was also involved. Thus, CXCR3 inhibition might be a target to prevent the early stage of DR injury.

Thermally controllable Mie resonances in a water-based metamaterial.

Active control of metamaterial properties is of great significance for designing miniaturized and versatile devices in practical engineering applications. Taking advantage of the highly temperature-dependent permittivity of water, we demonstrate a water-based metamaterial comprising water cubes with thermally tunable Mie resonances. The dynamic tunability of the water-based metamaterial was investigated via numerical simulations and experiments. A water cube exhibits both magnetic and electric response in the frequency range of interest. The magnetic response is primarily magnetic dipole resonance, while the electric response is a superposition of electric dipole resonance and a smooth Fabry-Pérot background. Using temporal coupled-mode theory (TCMT), the role of direct scattering is evaluated and the Mie resonance modes are analyzed. As the temperature of water cube varies from 20 °C to 80 °C, the magnetic and electric resonance frequencies exhibit obvious blue shifts of 0.10 and 0.14 GHz, respectively.

Transcriptome sequencing to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying the cuticle liquefaction of Antheraea pernyi following Antheraea pernyi nucleopolyhedrovirus challenge.

Baculovirus causes liquefaction of insect cuticle to enhance the dissemination of progeny virions away from the host cadavers for increasing viral transmission rates. Antheraea pernyi nucleopolyhedrovirus (ApNPV) infects A. pernyi larvae with circular pus blotches formed in cuticle in the early stage of liquefaction. To investigate the formation mechanism of those pus blotches, the transcriptome profile changes of the cuticles between ApNPV-infected and non-infected A. pernyi larvae were analyzed using RNA-Seq. The transcriptome was de novo assembled using the Trinity platform. Comparison of gene expression levels revealed that a total of 2990 and 4427 unigenes were up- and down-regulated respectively in ApNPV-infected cuticle, of which 2620 and 1903 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) could be enriched in different GO terms and KEGG pathways. In this study, we focused on chitin metabolism related DEGs, and screened 10 genes involved in chitin synthesis and degradation with down-regulated trends, indicating that the chitin metabolism pathway was inhibited by ApNPV infection, which may promote liquefaction of A. pernyi cuticle. Besides, we also identified a large number of DEGs involved in immune related pathways via KEGG analysis, indicating that intense immune responses occurred in A. pernyi cuticle. Our research findings will serve as a basis for further researching the molecular mechanisms underlying cuticle liquefaction of A. pernyi induced by ApNPV infection.

Realization of switchable EIT metamaterial by exploiting fluidity of liquid metal.

Novel manipulation techniques for the propagation of electromagnetic waves based on metamaterials can only be performed in narrow operating bands, and this drawback is a major challenge for developing metamaterial-based practical applications. We demonstrate that the scattering of metamaterials can be switched and that their operating band can be tuned by introducing liquid metal in the design of functional metamaterials. The proposed liquid metal-based metamaterial is composed of a copper wire pair and a tiny pipe filled with a liquid metal, namely eutectic gallium-indium. The interference of the sharp magnetic resonance of the copper wire pair and the broad dipolar mode of the liquid metal rod lead to an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)-like spectrum. We experimentally demonstrate that this EIT-like behavior can be switched on or off by exploiting the fluidity of the liquid metal, which is useful for multi-frequency modulators. These findings will hopefully promote the development of fluid matter-based metamaterials for extending the operating band of novel electromagnetic functions.

Facile synthesis of hierarchical chrysanthemum-like copper cobaltate-copper oxide composites for enhanced microwave absorption performance.

Hierarchical chrysanthemum-like CuCo2O4-CuO composites were successfully synthesized by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method after calcination at 500 °C. Based on the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), we found that not only the morphology (from 2 dimensional to 3 dimensional) but also the crystalline structure (Cu0 + Cu2O + CoOx → CuO + CuCo2O4) of the samples could be tuned by the calcination temperature. The existed interfaces of CuCo2O4-CuCo2O4, CuCo2O4-CuO, and CuO-CuO played a key role on the attenuation of electromagnetic waves. The effective absorption frequency bandwidth is up to 4.02 GHz with a matched thickness of 2.8 mm. The CuCo2O4-CuO/paraffin composites can even exhibit bigger effective frequency bandwidth (from 4.02 to 4.65 GHz) if we turn the incident angle of electromagnetic (EM) wave to a proper value (i.e., 45°). We believe that the hierarchical chrysanthemum-like CuCo2O4-CuO composites can be a good candidate for the high-performance Co-based spinel microwave absorbers.

Controlling optical polarization conversion with Ge2Sb2Te5-based phase-change dielectric metamaterials.

Recent progress in the metamaterial-based polarization manipulation of light highlights the promise of novel polarization-dependent optical components and systems. To overcome the limited frequency bandwidth of metamaterials resulting from their resonant nature, it is desirable to incorporate tunability into metamaterial-based polarization manipulations. Here, we propose a dielectric metamaterial for controlling linear polarization conversion using the phase-change characteristic of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST), whose refractive index changes significantly when transforming from the amorphous phase to the crystalline phase under external stimuli. The polarization conversion phenomena are systematically studied using different arrangements of GST in this metamaterial. The performance of linear polarization conversion and the tunability are also analyzed and compared in three different designs. It is found that phase-change materials such as GST can be employed in dielectric materials for tunable and switchable linear polarization conversion in the telecom band. The conversion efficiency can be significantly modulated during the phase transition. Our results provide useful insights for incorporating phase-change materials with metamaterials for tunable polarization manipulation.