Ultrafast Permittivity Engineering Enables Broadband Enhancement and Spatial Emission Control of Harmonic Generation in ZnO.

Moderate efficiencies of nonlinear optical processes can be one of the challenges limiting even more widespread applications. Here we demonstrate a broadband and giant enhancement of nonlinear processes in ZnO through ultrafast permittivity engineering. A remarkable enhancement of the second and third harmonic generation of up to 2 orders of magnitude can be observed over a broadband range of driving wavelengths.

Intercomparison of Indexable Cutting Inserts' Wear Progress and Chip Formation During Machining Hardened Steel AISI 4337 and Austenitic Stainless Steel AISI 316 L.

This article deals with a mutual comparison of indexable cutting inserts of the CNMG 120408 type from two different manufacturers during the machining of hardened steel AISI 4337 and austenitic stainless steel AISI 316 L. The main goal is to analyse the different wear processes depending on the difference in the manufacturer's design and also depending on the properties of the different machined materials. The progress of the wear of the main spine of the tool, the types of wear and the service life of the cutting edge were monitored, with the achievement of the critical value VB = 300 µm being the standard.

Mid-infrared optical parametric chirped-pulse amplifier at 50 W and 38 fs pumped by a high-power Yb-InnoSlab platform.

High-power Yb:InnoSlab lasers are proliferating into multiple modern application areas of laser physics ranging from plasma physics and nanolithography to driving optical parametric amplifiers for high-harmonic generation and attosecond science. Here, we present, the layout, design and first results of an optical parametric chirped-pulse amplifier system pumped by a kW-level average power Yb-InnoSlab laser. We describe the layout and concepts of the pump lasers, with particular attention to the specific design principles required for our application.

Breaking Abbe's diffraction limit with harmonic deactivation microscopy.

Nonlinear optical microscopy provides elegant means for label-free imaging of biological samples and condensed matter systems. The widespread areas of application could even be increased if resolution was improved, which the famous Abbe diffraction limit now restrains. Super-resolution techniques can break the diffraction limit but most rely on fluorescent labeling.

Near-Unity All-Optical Modulation of Third-Harmonic Generation with a Fano-Resonant Dielectric Metasurface.

We demonstrate all-optical modulation with a near-unity contrast of nonlinear light generation in a dielectric metasurface. We study third-harmonic generation from silicon Fano-resonant metasurfaces excited by femtosecond pulses at 1480 nm wavelength. We modulate the metasurface resonance by free carrier excitation induced by absorption of an 800 nm pump pulse, leading to up to 93% suppression of third-harmonic generation.

Enhancing the efficiency of high-order harmonics with two-color non-collinear wave mixing in silica.

The emission of high-order harmonics from solids under intense laser-pulse irradiation is revolutionizing our understanding of strong-field solid-light interactions, while simultaneously opening avenues towards novel, all-solid, coherent, short-wavelength table-top sources with tailored emission profiles and nanoscale light-field control. To date, broadband spectra in solids have been generated well into the extreme-ultraviolet (XUV), but the comparatively low conversion efficiency in the XUV range achieved under optimal conditions still lags behind gas-based high-harmonic generation (HHG) sources. Here, we demonstrate that two-color high-order harmonic wave mixing in a fused silica solid is more efficient than solid HHG driven by a single color.

Toward Complete All-Optical Intensity Modulation of High-Harmonic Generation from Solids.

Optical modulation of high-harmonics generation in solids enables the detection of material properties, such as the band structure, and promising new applications, such as super-resolution imaging in semiconductors. Various recent studies have shown optical modulation of high-harmonics generation in solids, in particular, suppression of high-harmonics generation has been observed by synchronized or delayed multipulse sequences. Here we provide an overview of the underlying mechanisms attributed to this suppression and provide a perspective on the challenges and opportunities regarding these mechanisms.

A bridge between trust and control: computational workflows meet automated battery cycling.

Compliance with good research data management practices means trust in the integrity of the data, and it is achievable by full control of the data gathering process. In this work, we demonstrate tooling which bridges these two aspects, and illustrate its use in a case study of automated battery cycling. We successfully interface off-the-shelf battery cycling hardware with the computational workflow management software AiiDA, allowing us to control experiments, while ensuring trust in the data by tracking its provenance.

Inaccuracy of Initial Clinical Mobility Assessment in Venous Thromboembolism Risk Stratification.

Background: Venous thromboembolism risk increases in hospitals due to reduced patient mobility. However, initial mobility evaluations for thromboembolism risk are often subjective and lack standardization, potentially leading to inaccurate risk assessments and insufficient prevention.

Methods: A retrospective study at a quaternary academic hospital analyzed patients using the Padua risk tool, which includes a mobility question, and the Johns Hopkins-Highest Level of Mobility (JH-HLM) scores to objectively measure mobility.

XUV Absorption Spectroscopy and Photoconversion of a Tin-Oxo Cage Photoresist.

Extreme ultraviolet lithography has recently been introduced in high-volume production of integrated circuits for manufacturing the smallest features in high-end computer chips. Hybrid organic/inorganic materials are considered as the next generation of photoresists for this technology, but detailed knowledge about the response of such materials to the ionizing radiation used (13.5 nm, 92 eV) is still scarce.

Following the Nonthermal Phase Transition in Niobium Dioxide by Time-Resolved Harmonic Spectroscopy.

Photoinduced phase transitions in correlated materials promise diverse applications from ultrafast switches to optoelectronics. Resolving those transitions and possible metastable phases temporally are key enablers for these applications, but challenge existing experimental approaches. Extreme nonlinear optics can help probe phase changes, as higher-order nonlinearities have higher sensitivity and temporal resolution to band structure and lattice deformations.

Transient High-Harmonic Spectroscopy in an Inorganic-Organic Lead Halide Perovskite.

High-harmonic generation is the frequency upconversion of an intense femtosecond infrared laser in a material. In condensed-phase high-harmonic generation, laser-driven currents of coherently excited charge carriers map the electronic structure onto the emitted light. This promises a thus far scarcely explored potential of condensed-phase time-resolved high-harmonic spectroscopy for probing carrier dynamics.

Enhancing C product selectivity in electrochemical CO reduction by controlling the microstructure of gas diffusion electrodes.

We fabricate polymer-based gas diffusion electrodes with controllable microstructure for the electrochemical reduction of CO, by means of electrospinning and physical vapor deposition. We show that the microstructure of the electrospun substrate is affecting the selectivity of a Cu catalyst, steering it from H to CH and other multicarbon products. Specifically, we demonstrate that gas diffusion electrodes with small pores ( mean pore size 0.

Development and Degeneration of the Intervertebral Disc-Insights from Across Species.

Back pain caused by intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration has a major socio-economic impact in humans, yet historically has received minimal attention in species other than humans, mice and dogs. However, a general growing interest in this unique organ prompted the expansion of IVD research in rats, rabbits, cats, horses, monkeys, and cows, further illuminating the complex nature of the organ in both healthy and degenerative states. Application of recent biotechnological advancements, including single cell RNA sequencing and complex data analysis methods has begun to explain the shifting inflammatory signaling, variation in cellular subpopulations, differential gene expression, mechanical loading, and metabolic stresses which contribute to age and stress related degeneration of the IVD.

Metal-Organic Framework as a Fluorescent and Colorimetric Dual-Signal Readout Biosensor Platform for the Detection of a Genetic Sequence from the SARS-CoV-2 Genome.

The quest for the development of high-accuracy, point-of-care, and cost-effective testing platforms for SARS-CoV-2 infections is ongoing as current diagnostics rely on either assays based on costly yet accurate nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) or less selective and less sensitive but rapid and cost-effective antigen tests. As a potential solution, this work presents a fluorescence-based detection platform using a metal-organic framework (MOF) in an effective assay, demonstrating the potential of MOFs to recognize specific targets of the SARS-CoV-2 genome with high accuracy and rapid process turnaround time. As a highlight of this work, positive detection of SARS-CoV-2 is indicated by a visible color change of the MOF probe with ultrahigh detection selectivities down to single-base mismatch nucleotide sequences, thereby providing an alternative avenue for the development of innovative detection methods for diverse viral genomes.

Intervertebral disc degeneration-Current therapeutic options and challenges.

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is a normal part of aging. Due to the spine's declining function and the development of pain, it may affect one's physical health, mental health, and socioeconomic status. Most of the intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) therapies today focus on the symptoms of low back pain rather than the underlying etiology or mechanical function of the disc.

Silent cerebral infarction during immune TTP remission: prevalence, predictors, and impact on cognition.

Immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) survivors have increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including strokes, and report persistent cognitive difficulties during remission. We conducted this prospective study involving iTTP survivors during clinical remission to determine the prevalence of silent cerebral infarction (SCI), defined as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of brain infarction without corresponding overt neurodeficits. We also tested the hypothesis that SCI is associated with cognitive impairment, assessed using the National Institutes of Health ToolBox Cognition Battery.

Computational workflows for perovskites: case study for lanthanide manganites.

Robust computational workflows are important for explorative computational studies, especially for cases where detailed knowledge of the system structure or other properties is not available. In this work, we propose a computational protocol for appropriate method selection for the study of lattice constants of perovskites using density functional theory, based strictly on open source software. The protocol does not require a starting crystal structure.

Harmonization and standardization of nucleus pulposus cell extraction and culture methods.

Background: In vitro studies using nucleus pulposus (NP) cells are commonly used to investigate disc cell biology and pathogenesis, or to aid in the development of new therapies. However, lab-to-lab variability jeopardizes the much-needed progress in the field. Here, an international group of spine scientists collaborated to standardize extraction and expansion techniques for NP cells to reduce variability, improve comparability between labs and improve utilization of funding and resources.

and oxaloacetate in nucleus pulposus stromal cell somatic reprogramming and survival.

Regenerative medicine aims to repair degenerate tissue through cell refurbishment with minimally invasive procedures. Adipose tissue (FAT)-derived stem or stromal cells are a convenient autologous choice for many regenerative cell therapy approaches. The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a suitable target.

Alert-Triggered Patient Education Versus Nurse Feedback for Nonadministered Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Doses: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Many hospitalized patients are not administered prescribed doses of pharmacologic venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Methods and Results In this cluster-randomized controlled trial, all adult non-intensive care units (10 medical, 6 surgical) in 1 academic hospital were randomized to either a real-time, electronic alert-triggered, patient-centered education bundle intervention or nurse feedback intervention to evaluate their effectiveness for reducing nonadministration of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Primary outcome was the proportion of nonadministered doses of prescribed pharmacologic prophylaxis.

Effectiveness of a Patient Education Bundle on Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Administration by Sex.

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent cause of preventable harm among hospitalized patients. Many prescribed prophylaxis doses are not administered despite supporting evidence. We previously demonstrated a patient-centered education bundle improved VTE prophylaxis administration broadly; however, patient-specific factors driving nonadministration are unclear.

Extreme-Ultraviolet Excited Scintillation of Methylammonium Lead Bromide Perovskites.

Inorganic-Organic lead halide materials have been recognized as potential high-energy X-ray detectors because of their high quantum efficiencies and radiation hardness. Surprisingly little is known about whether the same is true for extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) radiation, despite applications in nuclear fusion research and astrophysics. We used a table-top high-harmonic generation setup in the XUV range between 20 and 45 eV to photoexcite methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr) and measure its scintillation properties.

Laboratory and Analytical Device Standard (LADS): A Communication Standard Based on OPC UA for Networked Laboratories.

In a similar vein to Industry 4.0 in manufacturing industries, digitisation is making inroads in the laboratory industry in the form of Laboratory 4.0, or networked laboratories.