An integrated nonlinear optical loop mirror in silicon photonics for all-optical signal processing

The nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) has been studied for several decades and has attracted considerable attention for applications in high data rate optical communications and all-optical signal processing. The majority of NOLM research has focused on silica fiber-based implementations. While various fiber designs have been considered to increase the nonlinearity and manage dispersion, several meters to hundreds of meters of fiber are still required. On the other hand, there is increasing interest in developing photonic integrated circuits for realizing signal processing functions. In this paper, we realize the first-ever passive integrated NOLM in silicon photonics and demonstrate its application for all-optical signal processing. In particular, we show wavelength conversion of 10 Gb/s RZ-OOK signals over a wavelength range of 30 nm with error-free operation and a power penalty of less than 2.5 dB, we achieve error-free NRZ-to-RZ modulation format conversion at 10 Gb/s also with a power penalty of less than 2.8 dB, and we obtain error-free all-optical time-division demultiplexing of a 40 Gb/s RZ-OOK data signal into its 10 Gb/s tributary channels with a maximum power penalty of 3.5 dB

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

LC–MS/MS based-comparative study of (S)-nicotine metabolism by microorganisms, mushroom and plant cultures: Parallels to its mammalian metabolic fate

The metabolic fate of nicotine using the cell cultures of microorganisms, mushroom and plants was explored using LC–MS/MS analysis. The study demonstrated parallels to phase I mammalian metabolism of nicotine and reported that nicotine was biotransformed into its N-oxide by Streptomyces fradiae culture. Moreover, it was metabolized in Pleurotus ostreatus culture into nornicotine, norcotinine and β-nicotyrine; whereas, cotinine and its 3′-hydroxylated derivative were the identified nicotine metabolic products in Pimpinella anisum cell culture. However, the microbial culture of Agaricus bisporus bioconverted nicotine into one of its derived-carcinogenic nitrosamines which is “4-(methylnitrosamino)-4-(3-pyridyl)butanal”. Mushroom and plant cell cultures were thus proven to be competent to microbial cultures in bioconverting nicotine into many of its previously reported metabolites. Convincingly, the obtained results highlighted the prospect of utilizing other species which are intrinsically-endowed with unique biocatalytic systems, such as mushrooms and plants, in the drug metabolic studies