Compact optical 90° hybrid based on a wedge-shaped 2 × 4 MMI coupler and a 2 × 2 MMI coupler on a thin-film lithium niobate platform.

We performed an experimental demonstration of a wedge-shaped optical 90° hybrid coupler on the thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform, utilizing a paired-interference-based 2 × 4 multimode interference (MMI) coupler and a general-interference-based 2 × 2 MMI coupler. The fabricated optical 90° hybrid coupler has a compact footprint with a width of 18 µm and a length of 134 µm. In a coherent receiving system, the hybrid coupler directly connects to the balanced photodiode array, eliminating the need for waveguide crossings or cascaded phase shifters.

OsMADS5 interacts with OsSPL14/17 to inhibit rice root elongation by restricting cell proliferation of root meristem under ammonium supply.

Nitrogen (N) is a vital major nutrient for rice (Oryza sativa). Rice responds to different applications of N by altering its root morphology, including root elongation. Although ammonium ( ) is the primary source of N for rice, is toxic to rice roots and inhibits root elongation.

Effects of Aquatic Training and Bicycling Training on Leg Function and Range of Motion in Amateur Athletes with Meniscal Allograft Transplantation during Intermediate-Stage Rehabilitation.

Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is a treatment modality for restoring knee function in patients with irreversible meniscal injury. Strengthening programs to promote functional recovery are treated with caution during the intermediate rehabilitation phase following MAT. This study analyzed the effects of aquatic training (AQT) and bicycling training (BCT) during the intermediate stage of rehabilitation in amateur athletes that underwent MAT.

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2) and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases (TIMP-2) in Male Inguinal Hernia Patients at Different Ages.

Background: Collagen metabolism, controlled by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), might be related to inguinal hernia formation. It was reported that the incidence of inguinal hernia and the recurrence rate after inguinal hernia repair were higher in the elderly. The objective of the research was to assess the amounts of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in patients at different ages in order to examine the relationship between age and inguinal hernia occurrence.

Mid-infrared polarization rotator based on a SiN-CaF hybrid plasmonic waveguide with asymmetric metal claddings.

In this paper, a - hybrid plasmonic waveguide (HPW) with an asymmetric metal cladding is designed for the mid-infrared polarization rotator (PR). The mode characteristics and polarization rotation performances of the - HPW-based PR are simulated by using the finite element method. Operating at the wavelength of 3.

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2) and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases (TIMP-2) in Patients with Inguinal Hernias.

Background: The development of inguinal hernia might be related with collagen metabolism, which was regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in anterior rectus sheath fascia to investigate the function of them in inguinal hernia formation.

Methods: The study enrolled 48 primary inguinal hernia patients: 32 participants had indirect inguinal hernia and 16 patients suffered direct inguinal hernia.

Randomized Trial Comparing Self-Gripping Mesh with Polypropylene Mesh in Female Lichtenstein Hernioplasty.

Several randomized trials comparing self-gripping mesh with polypropylene (PL) mesh in Lichtenstein hernioplasty revealed that the self-gripping mesh significantly reduced the operation time. In these studies, some enrolled only male patients, and in others, the proportion of women was extremely low. The aim of this research was to compare outcomes after self-gripping mesh repair with PL mesh secured with sutures in female Lichtenstein hernioplasty.

Prospective Analysis of Epigastric, Umbilical, and Small Incisional Hernia Repair Using the Modified Kugel Oval Patch.

The study was performed to determine the complication and recurrence rate using the modified Kugel oval patch for small ventral hernia repair. Another aim of the study was to find risk factors for recurrence in patients with this repair. Seventy-three patients underwent ventral hernia repair with the modified Kugel oval patch between April 2013 and February 2015.