Proposal for an Optomechanical Traveling Wave Phonon-Photon Translator

In this article we describe a general optomechanical system for converting photons to phonons in an efficient, and reversible manner. We analyze classically and quantum mechanically the conversion process and proceed to a more concrete description of a phonon-photon translator formed from coupled photonic and phononic crystal planar circuits. Applications of the phonon-photon translator to RF-microwave photonics and circuit QED, including proposals utilizing this system for optical wavelength conversion, long-lived quantum memory and state transfer from optical to superconducting qubits are considered.Comment: 32 pages, 11 figure

Slot-mode-coupled optomechanical crystals

We present a design methodology and analysis of a cavity optomechanical system in which a localized GHz frequency mechanical mode of a nanobeam resonator is evanescently coupled to a high quality factor (Q>10^6) optical mode of a separate nanobeam optical cavity. Using separate nanobeams provides flexibility, enabling the independent design and optimization of the optics and mechanics of the system. In addition, the small gap (approx. 25 nm) between the two resonators gives rise to a slot mode effect that enables a large zero-point optomechanical coupling strength to be achieved, with g/2pi > 300 kHz in a Si3N4 system at 980 nm and g/2pi approx. 900 kHz in a Si system at 1550 nm. The fact that large coupling strengths to GHz mechanical oscillators can be achieved in SiN is important, as this material has a broad optical transparency window, which allows operation throughout the visible and near-infrared. As an application of this platform, we consider wide-band optical frequency conversion between 1300 nm and 980 nm, using two optical nanobeam cavities coupled on either side to the breathing mode of a mechanical nanobeam resonator

Characterization of zebrafish Rad52 and replication protein A for oligonucleotide-mediated mutagenesis

Zebrafish has become a favorite model organism not only in genetics and developmental biology, but also for the study of cancer, neuroscience and metabolism. However, strategies for reverse genetics in zebrafish are mostly limited to the use of antisense oligonucleotides, and therefore the development of other targeting methods is highly desirable. Here, we report an approach to gene targeting in this system in which single-stranded oligonucleotides and zebrafish Rad52 protein are employed. It has been proposed that a single-stranded oligonucleotide containing a mutation can be incorporated into the genome by annealing to the single-stranded region of the lagging strand of the replication fork. Rad52 is expected to accelerate the annealing step. In vitro experiments using purified truncated Rad52 proteins and replication protein A (RPA) showed that annealing of oligonucleotides is accelerated by Rad52 in the presence of RPA. We developed a simple and sensitive PCR-based method to detect point mutations in the genome. In exploratory experiments, we found that microinjection of single-stranded oligonucleotide targeted to a specific gene together with truncated Rad52 into zebrafish embryos resulted in a low level of recombinant copies in 3 of the 80 embryos tested under these conditions

Postoperative Care in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Brief Study on Expert Opinions

Background: An operation called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) can improve symptoms with success rates ranging from 67% to 98%. However, post-FESS management is still uncertain, and this expert opinion provides guidelines for managing patients after the surgery. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate postoperative care in functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: In the current descriptive cross-sectional study, a questionnaire consisting of 25 questions about pre- and post-FESS considerations in terms of medications, imaging and the follow-up period was designed and 40 expert rhinologists in this field responded to the questions. Results: Post-operative antibiotics, pre-and post-operative corticosteroids especially in the form of nasal spray, corticosteroid-soaked Gelfoam, saline irrigation in large volumes, and nasal debridement after surgery were recommended by the majority of the surveyed experts. Post-operative imaging was suggested if any adverse event is suspected. Furthermore, oral corticosteroids are suggested for exacerbations. Most of the experts recommend long-term follow-ups. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the current survey, the experts' practice not only is remarkably variable over each other but also differs from the current guidelines. Further investigations and practical workshops are strongly recommended to improve the experts’ performance in FESS