Light at the Heart of Time: How Photoreceptors Entrain the Circadian Clock.

Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies have caused tremendous disease burden around the world; however, conventional therapy strategies, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, have achieved limited efficacy in the diagnosis and treatment. In further exploration of GI tumors, the complexity and heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been increasingly recognized. Appropriate strategies to modulate the TME are necessary to enhance the therapeutic effect. Photosensitizers (PSs) are chemical substances that are activated at specific wavelengths of light to initiate photodynamic effects. Nanotechnology provides a platform for the targeted delivery of PSs and small-molecule drugs, enabling precise targeting and remodeling of the TME. In this review, we summarize the principles and mechanisms of photochemical reactions and elaborate on the effect of photochemical nanoplatforms in modulating the TME of GI tumors. Finally, we discuss the potential value of photochemical nanoplatforms for diagnosing GI malignancies.

Lilly is evaluating biofluorescent particulate counting (BFPC) technology to simultaneously replace conventional active and passive (continuous) microbiological air monitoring as well as total non-viable particulate monitoring in Grade A critical filling zones. Microorganisms produce naturally fluorescent compounds, such as riboflavins and NADH, which emit detectable fluorescence when excited by a laser at specific wavelengths. BFPC is a non-culture-based technology specifically designed for real-time detection and quantification of airborne microbes based on excitation/detection of the unique fluorescence given off by those cellular components. Expected benefits implementation include: Enabling real-time discard strategies to reduce sterility assurance riskImproved process knowledge associated with environmental and contamination control.Streamlining of filling line design and monitoring through replacement of all existing conventional microbiological and particulate sampling equipment.Reduced EM media quantities required in Grade A filling zones.Elimination of inherent interventions required to perform passive and active microbiological air monitoring.Improved data integrity for EM sampling results through automation.To establish equivalence/superiority of BFPC, Lilly performed in situ bioaerosol testing to assess the microbial detection efficiencies of BFPC technology versus the recovery efficiencies of conventional culture-based microbial air recovery methods.

Color filters are extensively applied in the fields of display and lighting. Although various color filters have been designed to date, very few studies have been devoted to dynamic color filtering that can enable a wealth of advanced functionalities. Herein, we demonstrate a dynamic color filter based on the optical interference of Fabry-Pérot (F-P) and actively tunable optical properties of vanadium dioxide (VO2). The color filter is constructed by sputtering a VO2 film on a polished Al sheet, exhibiting a continuum of customized colors depending on the VO2 thickness. Dynamic color filtering is promoted by the insulator-metal transition (IMT) of VO2, enabling not only the generation of two distinct color states but also the realization of continuous color modulation. Additionally, this filter exhibits tunable broadband near-perfect absorption in the visible and near-infrared regions. Upon VO2 phase transition, the absorption peak can be modulated across a large spectral range, and the absorption intensity at a specific wavelength can be switched with a large on-off ratio, and the largest absorption contrast and modulation depth (MD) reach ∼63.1% and ∼4.8 dB, respectively. Benefiting from the dynamically tunable optical properties, a temperature perception device and wavelength-selective dynamic absorber are demonstrated, revealing the great potential of such a device for applications in color decoration, temperature sensing, adaptive optical camouflage, optical switches, etc. The structurally simple, photolithography-free, and scalable fabrication processes provide great convenience for low-cost and robust optoelectronic devices based on color filters.

Various factors that influence chlorophyll levels in indoor plants were analysed. The input dataset consisted of 52 samples, which represent 10 distinct plant types. To non-invasively measure the chlorophyll content in plant leaves, Soil-Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) sensor was used, measuring the absorbance of specific light wavelengths, allowing for the assessment of chlorophyll concentration. The dataset was supplemented by covariates from soil electrical conductivity (EC) sensing at depths of 5 cm, 10 cm, and 15 cm, along with the multispectral Plant-O-Meter sensor. Four covariates in the model, including plant type, EC (5 cm), EC (15 cm), and normalized difference red-edge index (NDRE), showed minimal correlation with other variables, highlighting their independence. To predict leaf chlorophyll content, Random Forest and Extreme Gradient Boosting machine learning models were utilized, with Random Forest achieving higher average coefficient of determination of 0.458. The study underscored the potential of a complementary dataset for evaluating the complex relationship among root-soil dynamics and leaf for optimizing indoor plant health.

In the past two decades, important progress has allowed a better understanding of how light signals are perceived by plants, not only as a source of energy for photosynthesis but also as environmental cues that modulate growth, development, and stress responses. These advances open up promising prospects for light-based treatments in agriculture. This review synthesizes recent scientific findings on the application of specific wavelengths (from ultraviolet to infrared) to improve crop yield, quality, and resilience. The analysis focuses on controlled environment agriculture, where most experimental data have been generated and where the integration of lighting strategies is technically more feasible compared to open-field settings. Preharvest: we explore how spectral quality, intensity, and duration can be used to modulate plant growth, photosynthesis, defense pathways, and the accumulation of nutritional compounds. Postharvest: the focus shifts to how light can help maintain visual and nutritional quality, regulate ripening, limit pathogen development, and extend shelf-life. The review emphasizes plant photoreceptors and signal transduction pathways, as well as technical parameters such as spectrum selection, application timing, and lighting configuration. A selection of recent patents illustrates how fundamental research is being translated into deployable, energy-efficient lighting technologies for sustainable crop management.

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), an amino acid precursor of protoporphyrin IX, is used in the photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) of bladder cancer because it emits fluorescence at specific wavelengths. Severe hypotension has been reported in patients undergoing 5-ALA-based PDD. Previous studies have mainly focused on hypotension occurring immediately after 5-ALA administration. Persistent hypotension lasting beyond the day of administration has also been reported, indicating a need for continued postoperative management. However, the risk factors associated with persistent 5-ALA-induced hypotension remain unclear. This retrospective study aimed to identify the risk factors for persistent hypotension following 5-ALA administration. Among 263 patients who received 5-ALA for PDD of bladder cancer at Yamaguchi University Hospital between April 2018 and March 2022, 183 developed hypotension and were included in the analysis. Patients were classified into a persistent hypotension group (n = 30), comprising those with continued hypotension the following day, and a nonpersistent group (n = 153). Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were comparable between the groups. In contrast, preoperative hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the persistent group (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified preoperative hemoglobin levels as an independent risk factor for persistent hypotension (odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-0.97). A hemoglobin concentration of 12.9 g/dL was determined as the cutoff value for predicting the incidence of persistent hypotension using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Although further validation is required, these findings suggest that the preoperative hemoglobin level may serve as a potential indicator for risk stratification of persistent hypotension induced by 5-ALA.

We present measurements of enhanced quantum efficiency (QE) in thin film alkali antimonide photocathodes from optical interference in the cathode-substrate multilayer. Modulations in the spectral response are observed over a range of visible wavelengths and are shown to increase the QE by more than a factor of two at specific wavelengths. We present a model describing the QE modulations based on the three step photoemission process incorporating cases of both constant density of states and density functional theory-derived density of states and show that the calculated results are in good agreement with the measurements. Model predictions demonstrate that QE can be enhanced by more than a factor of 5 by optimization of cathode and substrate layer thicknesses. Additionally, these calculations reveal that optical interference can yield higher quantum efficiencies in thin films compared to thick, optically dense films. We model the QE vs excitation wavelength of multiple alkali antimonide compounds at different thicknesses. We then discuss the advantages of this interference effect for electron accelerators.

The electronic structure and optical properties (such as the dielectric function, refractive index, absorption and reflectivity) of Cubic BaTiO 3 co-doped with Yb at site A and transition metal elements M (M = Rh, Ru, Zr, Pt, Pd) at site B were studied using the first-principles calculations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT). It is suggested that the energy band gap width increases from 3.15 eV for pure BaTiO 3 (BT) to 3.86 eV for Ba 0.875 Yb 0.125 Ti 0.875 Zr 0.125 O 3 . Impurity levels near Fermi level across Fermi surface were introduced by B-site transition metals (such as Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru, Tc and V) doping in Ba 0.875 Yb 0.125 TiO 3 . The doping system with 12.5% Pd, Pt, Rh and Ru respectively doped at the B site of Ba 7 YbTi 8 O 24 exhibits enhanced reflectivity, reaching up to ~30% at specific visible wavelengths (e.g., 2.5 eV), which represents an increase of 15-30 percentage points compared to pure BaTiO 3 over the 1.6-3.1 eV range. The peak values of the refractive index are enhanced by 10-25%, and the corresponding photon energies are blue-shifted by 0.3-1.2 eV. Transition metal doping increases the static dielectric constant, with the largest value reaching 7.7867 for the Pt-doped system, a ~27% increase over the pure phase (6.13).

Abstract Polyol lipids (PLs) are biosurfactants produced by Aureobasidium pullulans , offering a promising, sustainable alternative to conventional surfactants from crude oil or palm oil. Online monitoring of product formation allows rapid process intensification. In this study, a new online monitoring method for PL formation is presented. Extracellular PL production was characterized in shake flasks using online monitoring of the respiratory activity. Three distinct phases of the process were identified: growth, PL production on glucose, and PL production on pullulan. With PL being fluorescent, an online fluorescence monitoring was developed. Therefore, 2D fluorescence spectra were recorded of PL solutions, revealing characteristic fluorescence. Based on these findings, specific wavelength combinations were evaluated for their online monitoring suitability during microtiter plate cultivations. Fluorescence measured at 540/580 nm (λ ex /λ em ) correlates well with the amount of PLs produced. Online fluorescence monitoring of PL-producing and non-producing strains revealed strong differences in fluorescence signals, validating the chosen wavelength combination. The here presented online product analytics minimizes analysis time, supports miniaturized and parallelized strain comparisons, and not at least may contribute to future process intensification.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading global cause of mortality, with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) being a primary treatment. However, in-stent restenosis (ISR) affects 15%-30% of cases, driven by vascular injury, inflammation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation. While drug-eluting stents reduce ISR rates, late complications persist. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a potential adjunctive treatment, modulating inflammation and cell behavior, but its effects on endothelial cells miRNA regulation remain unclear. This study investigated LLLT's impact on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration, proliferation, and miR-143 expression, a key regulator and potential biomarker in vascular restenosis. HUVECs were cultured and exposed to 532 and 633 nm lasers at varying durations (10-200 s). Cell migration was assessed via scratch wound assays, with imaging at 1, 5-, 12-, 24-, and 48-h post-irradiation. Proliferation and viability were quantified using image analysis (MATLAB). For gene expression, irradiated cells were incubated for 24 h, followed by RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and qRT-PCR to measure miR-143 levels. The 532 nm laser inhibited HUVEC migration most effectively at 10 s, minimizing cytotoxicity. In contrast, the 633 nm laser required longer exposure (200 s) for comparable inhibition but induced delayed miR-143 upregulation after 24 h, suggesting epigenetic modulation. Both wavelengths influenced cell behavior in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with 532 nm offering rapid effects and 633 nm potentially exerting longer-term genetic regulation. LLLT at specific wavelengths differentially modulates endothelial cell migration and miR-143 expression, highlighting its potential as a non-invasive strategy to mitigate restenosis. The 532 nm laser provides immediate anti-migratory effects, while 633 nm may offer sustained benefits via miRNA regulation. Further research should optimize parameters and validate these findings in vivo to advance LLLT as a complementary therapy for vascular interventions.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment modality that uses photosensitizers, specific wavelengths of light, and oxygen to selectively destroy pathological tissues. This therapeutic approach has demonstrated efficacy in multiple oral conditions, including potentially malignant disorders, benign mucosal lesions, and infectious diseases. PDT offers advantages such as selective tissue targeting, functional preservation, reduced morbidity, and favorable cosmetic outcomes. Despite promising clinical results, challenges remain in terms of protocol standardization, photosensitizer selection, and long-term efficacy assessment. This review examines the current evidence on PDT applications in oral medicine and identifies future research directions.

UV-induced phosphorescence from the lowest triplet state T1 of tryptophan (Trp) residues is widely used to monitor the structural dynamics of host proteins on long time scales. Probing the intrinsic properties of this optically "dark" state requires studies of Trp isolated in the gas phase, which are challenging due to low sample concentrations and the need to monitor the triplet over extended time scales. We discovered that excitation of cold, protonated noncovalent TrpH+-(H2O)n complexes (n ≥ 6) by UV light of specific wavelengths induces evaporation of two water molecules and promotes tryptophan to the triplet state. Subsequent photofragmentation dynamic, monitored by mass spectrometry and ion spectroscopy, yields rate constants for intrinsic triplet-state quenching via phosphorescence and reverse intersystem crossing. The T1 lifetime is approximately 1 s at 7 K and is dominated by phosphorescence; it decreases to tens of milliseconds at ∼40 K and is estimated to be ∼10 ms at room temperature.

A novel unimolecular platform based on an intramolecular charge transfer-active hydrazone probe was developed to construct versatile, opto-chemically driven molecular logic devices. The probe exhibited dual-channel responses: a ∼13.5-fold fluorescence quenching at 442 nm with CN- and a 35 nm red-shift with Hg2+. These discrete responses enabled the fabrication of XOR, INHIBIT, and XNOR logic gates at specific wavelengths (440, 355, and 395 nm, respectively), facilitating a molecular half-subtractor and comparator. Time-dependent optical transitions with Cu2+ and Hg2+ inputs produced dynamic gate switching (TRANSFER to OR, N-TRANSFER to IMPLICATION). Furthermore, multianalyte combinations with F-, CN-, and Hg2+ enabled the creation of a 3-input, 3-output Boolean circuit. Threshold-guided absorbance (e.g., >0.15 for ON) ensured quantifiable logic states. The reversible nature of ion binding, demonstrated using EDTA, enhances reusability. This work advances tunable, multigate molecular computing for next-generation bio-optoelectronic interfaces.

Abstract A wire grid polarizer consists of periodically arranged metal wires, and the pitch between these wires is a critical parameter that determines the wavelength range in which polarization occurs. In this study, we introduced and further developed an undercut-assisted lithography strategy, through which highly uniform metal gratings with a line width of 1 µm were successfully fabricated. To fundamentally eliminate problems that could arise during the lift-off process of the grating structures, a controlled wet-etching step was proposed to intentionally form an undercut in the layer beneath the photoresist. This prevented conformal sidewall deposition of the metal, thereby enabling the achievement of a highly uniform sub-micrometer-scale pattern. The proposed method exhibited versatility across diverse metals (e.g., Au and Ti) and substrates (e.g., quartz and Si), underscoring its robustness and scalability. Moreover, the fabricated metal gratings demonstrated polarization characteristics in the infrared (IR) region (&gt; 10 µm), suggesting their potential application as IR polarizers. Distinct differences in the transmittance profiles were observed between the parallel and perpendicular stacking orientations beyond the specific onset wavelengths, confirming the polarization characteristics of the metal gratings. A clear linear correlation was evident between the grating pitch and the polarization onset wavelength, which was consistent with optical theory. Additionally, no such effect was observed for the nonmetal gratings, confirming that the polarization originated from the free-electron response in the metal wires. The uniform metal patterning within periodically structured SiO 2 frameworks fabricated via undercut-assisted lithography, will provide a practical and robust route for various application fields.

Optical amplifiers are fundamental to modern photonics, enabling long-distance communications1, precision sensing2,3 and quantum information processing4,5. Erbium-doped amplifiers dominate telecommunications but are restricted to specific wavelength bands1,6, whereas semiconductor amplifiers offer broader coverage but suffer from high noise and nonlinear distortions7. Optical parametric amplifiers (OPAs) promise broadband, quantum-limited amplification across arbitrary wavelengths8. However, their miniaturization and deployment have been hampered by watt-level power requirements. Here we demonstrate an integrated OPA on thin-film lithium niobate that achieves >17 dB gain with <200 mW input power-an order of magnitude improvement over previous demonstrations. Our second-harmonic-resonant design enhances both pump generation efficiency (95% conversion) and pump power utilization through recirculation, without sacrificing bandwidth. The resonant architecture increases the effective pump power by nearly an order of magnitude compared with conventional single-pass designs, while also multiplexing the signal and pump. We demonstrate flat near-quantum-limited noise performance over 110 nm. Our low-power architecture enables practical on-chip OPAs for next-generation quantum and classical photonics.

High dimensional spectral datasets, such as near infrared (NIR) spectra, often suffer from multicollinearity and lack of interpretability when analyzed using conventional regression methods that treat all predictors as a single undifferentiated block. However, few studies have systematically explored how structured, blockwise feature relationships within spectral data can be exploited to enhance prediction accuracy and interpretability. Addressing this research gap, the present study introduces a multiblock feature selection framework based on Elastic Net regression for analyzing high dimensional spectral data from the corn.mat dataset. The dataset comprises NIR spectra divided into five logical wavelength blocks, each independently modeled to predict moisture content. The Elastic Net regularization balances variable selection and multicollinearity handling, while the multiblock structure enables block level comparison and interpretability. Performance metrics, including the coefficient of determination (R 2 ) and Mean Squared Error (MSE), are computed per block to assess predictive relevance. A suite of visualization tools bar charts, dot plots, line graphs, radar plots, and bubble plots illustrates the comparative contribution of each block to overall model performance. Results indicate that certain spectral regions, particularly specific wavelength blocks, contribute disproportionately to prediction accuracy, providing valuable insights for dimensionality reduction and model transparency. The proposed blockwise Elastic Net framework effectively identifies the most informative spectral regions, improving both predictive performance and interpretability. This methodology not only facilitates robust modeling in chemometric and agricultural applications but also offers a scalable analytical tool for complex, multivariate datasets. Beyond this case study, it can be applied to domains such as remote sensing, biomedical signal processing, and multi-omics analysis, where structured, high-dimensional data are prevalent. Ultimately, the study demonstrates how mathematical modeling and multiblock regularization can guide sustainable agricultural regulation and optimize crop quality assessment.

The development of Yb3+-doped fiber lasers operating at short wavelength (<1030 nm) is crucial for applications in quantum science and precision metrology, but is hindered by the low gain and severe reabsorption of conventional host materials in this spectral region. Exploring high-gain fibers tailored for this band offers a material-based solution. Here, we propose a rational design strategy for developing a multi-component fluorophosphate (FP) glass fiber, aiming at addressing the challenges of devitrification and spectral property modulation. The methodology begins with selecting a highly stable host matrix from the glass-forming region, followed by engineering the rare-earth local environment using modifier cations, guided by molecular dynamics simulations and Raman spectroscopy. The custom-designed Yb3+-doped FP glass exhibits a blueshifted emission peak at 1013 nm, a broad effective linewidth of 86.1 nm, a prolonged fluorescence lifetime of 2.38 ms, and a large Stark splitting of 812 cm-1, which results in high gain (6.56 dB/cm at 1064 nm and 9.09 dB/cm at 1013 nm). To validate its performance, a single-frequency fiber laser (SFFL) was constructed using only a 9 mm segment of this active fiber, achieving single-longitudinal-mode operation at 1013.4 nm with a narrow linewidth of 4.5 kHz, a low pump threshold of 8.3 mW, and exceptional stability (RMS instability<0.8% over 1.5 hours). This work presents a high-gain medium for narrow-linewidth, short-wavelength SFFLs and demonstrates a generalizable design-to-device pipeline for other high-gain fibers targeting specific operational wavelengths.

Benefiting from the excellent optothermal properties of diamond crystals and the absence of spatial hole burning effects in stimulated Raman scattering, diamond Raman lasers hold significant advantages in achieving high-performance, single-frequency laser output. Moreover, they also demonstrate great potential in generating single-frequency vortex beams at a special wavelength. In this work, we demonstrate a single-frequency diamond Raman vortex laser by introducing simple off-axis cavity mirror misalignment into a two-mirror standing-wave diamond Raman oscillator. We calculate and analyze the output modes and transmitted signals of the diamond Raman oscillator under different off-axis conditions. Experimentally, we demonstrate resonant pumping of the diamond Raman oscillator under different off-axis conditions using the Pound–Drever–Hall frequency stabilization technique. This facilitated the generation of the single-frequency fundamental HG00 mode as well as higher-order HG01 and HG02 modes, each with low thresholds. Through extra-cavity astigmatic mode conversion, we further generated diamond-based vortex beams with topological charges of 1 and 2. Benefiting from the inherent advantages of diamond Raman lasers, this system holds significant potential for wavelength extension and power scaling of single-frequency vortex laser beams.

Introduction The productive and morphological effects of monocramatic light applied during Pleurotus cultivation are not well known; a deep understanding of the light’s effect could be suitable for a production protocol of this crop in a protected environment. Methods This study investigates the effects of different light wavelengths and substrates on the production and nutritional values of Pleurotus ostreatus . Using two substrates—wheat straw (WS) and a mixture of wheat straw and cottonseed hulls (WS+CH)—the experiment evaluated productive traits, morphological characteristics, and biofortification potential under five lighting conditions: red, blue, red-blue, white, and dark. Results and Discussion The results demonstrated significant influences of both light and substrate treatments on yield and quality. Higher production was observed under blue, red-blue and white light treatments (&amp;gt; 0.300 kg kg -1 ) compared to red and dark lights. Blue light also enhanced cap size and yield. In contrast, red light was less effective in improving production but increased vitamin D2 biosynthesis. The WS+CH substrate under red light achieved the highest vitamin D 2 content (123 µg kg -1 dry weight). Nutritional analysis revealed that protein content ranged from 19.8% to 27.3%, with WS+CH outperforming WS (25.4% vs 19.8%). Glutamic and aspartic acids were the prevalent amino acids, which may contribute to the umami flavor, whereas histidine and valine levels were significantly increased by blue light treatments. In conclusion, controlled application of specific light wavelengths during cultivation significantly enhances both the morphological development and nutritional quality of Pleurotus ostreatus , demonstrating benefits beyond post-harvest treatment. Blue and red light play complementary roles in promoting fruiting body growth and biofortification. Additionally, the choice of substrate substantially influences yield and nutritional composition, underscoring its critical role in optimizing mushroom production systems.