Narrow linewidth distributed feedback lasers utilizing distributed phase shift.

This study proposes and experimentally demonstrates a distributed feedback (DFB) laser with a distributed phase shift (DPS) region at the center of the DFB cavity. By modeling the field intensity distribution in the cavity and the output spectrum, the DPS region length and phase shift values have been optimized. Experimental comparisons with lasers using traditional π-phase shifts confirm that DFB lasers with optimized DPS lengths and larger phase shifts (up to 15π) achieve stable single longitudinal mode operation over a broader current range, with lower threshold current, higher power slope efficiency, and a higher side mode suppression ratio (SMSR).

Do the biological characteristics of trout (Salmo trutta) smolts influence their spring migration timing and maiden marine sojourn duration?

Anadromous salmonids migrate seaward to exploit feeding and growth opportunities in marine habitats, yet how smolt biological characteristics influence their marine migratory behavior remains poorly understood. This study used 9 years of trout (Salmo trutta) population monitoring data from 15,595 tagged age-0+ parr, 1033 smolts detected migrating downstream in spring, and 99 adults detected returning from their first marine migration to the River Frome (Dorset, UK) to investigate the influence of smolt biological characteristics on their migration timing and maiden marine sojourn duration. Age-specific differences in the influence of smolt length on migration timing were found, with longer 1-year-old smolts emigrating later than their shorter counterparts within the same age class, but the opposite association existed for 2-year-old smolts.

Multi-methods process evaluation of the SToP (See, Treat, Prevent) trial: a cluster randomised, stepped wedge trial to support healthy skin.

Background: Healthy skin is important for maintaining overall physical and cultural health and wellbeing. However, remote-living Australian Aboriginal children contend with disproportionally high rates of (Strep A) infected impetigo. The SToP Trial was a large stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial of See, Treat, and Prevent (SToP) skin health activities implemented between 2019 and 2022 in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, during which a decrease in impetigo was observed.

When softer sounds are more distracting: Task-irrelevant whispered speech causes disruption of serial recall.

Two competing accounts propose that the disruption of short-term memory by irrelevant speech arises either due to interference-by-process (e.g., changing-state effect) or attentional capture, but it is unclear how whispering affects the irrelevant speech effect.