Theoretical Scenarios Research Articles

Clinical Challenges in Treating Cancer Associated Thrombosis: A Clinically Oriented Review.

Managing cancer associated thrombosis (CAT) is a significant clinical challenge due to several factors such as increased bleeding tendency, frailty, and drug - drug interactions. For many years, the drug of choice for treating CAT was low molecular weight heparin (LMWH); Recently, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) entered to the therapeutic milieu of CAT. However, due to the large diversity among patients with CAT in clinical and laboratory characteristics not all patients will equally benefit from treatment with DOACs. Furthermore, several subgroups of patients with CAT have specific characteristics that influence the anticoagulant decision-making process. In this review, we present four different theoretical clinical case scenarios, each representing a different challenge that is associated with thrombosis management; brain metastasis, malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract, drug-drug interactions (DDI) and thrombocytopenia. By reviewing current literature, we suggest our clinical approach for managing these cases in the era of DOACs. (1) The management of patients with brain tumors and CAT is challenging due to increased risk for both intracranial hemorrhage and recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE). Both LMWH and DOACs are optional treatment in this setting. (2) There are conflicting data regarding the bleeding risk in patients with GI malignancies. Treatment with LMWH should be considered specifically in patients with advanced disease and unresectable tumors. (3) There is a paucity of data regarding DDI in patients with CAT. However, caution should be exercised when prescribing DOACs to patients receiving concurrent medications that either affect DOAC metabolism or influence bleeding risk. (4) The management of patients with CAT and thrombocytopenia depends on the severity of thrombocytopenia and the timing of the thrombotic event.

Tleco: A Toolkit for Modeling Radiative Signatures from Relativistic Outflows

A wide range of astrophysical sources exhibit extreme and rapidly varying electromagnetic emission indicative of efficient nonthermal particle acceleration. Understanding these sources often involves comparing data with a broad range of theoretical scenarios. To this end, it is beneficial to have tools that enable not only fast and efficient parametric investigation of the predictions of a specific scenario but also the flexibility to explore different theoretical ideas. In this paper, we introduce Tleco, a versatile and lightweight toolkit for developing numerical models of relativistic outflows, including their particle acceleration mechanisms and resultant electromagnetic signature. Built on the Rust programming language and wrapped into a Python library, Tleco offers efficient algorithms for evolving relativistic particle distributions and for solving the resulting emissions in a customizable fashion. Tleco uses a fully implicit discretization algorithm to solve the Fokker–Planck equation with user-defined diffusion, advection, cooling, injection, and escape and offers prescriptions for radiative emission and cooling. These include, but are not limited to, synchrotron, inverse-Compton, and self-synchrotron absorption. Tleco is designed to be user friendly and adaptable to model particle acceleration and the resulting electromagnetic spectrum and temporal variability in a wide variety of astrophysical scenarios, including, but not limited to, gamma-ray bursts, pulsar wind nebulae, and jets from active galactic nuclei. In this work, we outline the core algorithms and proceed to evaluate and demonstrate their effectiveness. The code is open source and available in the GitHub repository: https://github.com/zkdavis/Tleco.

Measuring Stimulus Information Transfer Between Neural Populations through the Communication Subspace.

Sensory processing arises from the communication between neural populations across multiple brain areas. While the widespread presence of neural response variability shared throughout a neural population limits the amount of stimulus-related information those populations can accurately represent, how this variability affects the interareal communication of sensory information is unknown. We propose a mathematical framework to understand the impact of neural population response variability on sensory information transmission. We combine linear Fisher information, a metric connecting stimulus representation and variability, with the framework of communication subspaces, which suggests that functional mappings between cortical populations are low-dimensional relative to the space of population activity patterns. From this, we partition Fisher information depending on the alignment between the population covariance and the mean tuning direction projected onto the communication subspace or its orthogonal complement. We provide mathematical and numerical analyses of our proposed decomposition of Fisher information and examine theoretical scenarios that demonstrate how to leverage communication subspaces for flexible routing and gating of stimulus information. This work will provide researchers investigating interareal communication with a theoretical lens through which to understand sensory information transmission and guide experimental design.

Closing in on possible scenarios for infinite-layer nickelates: Comparison of dynamical mean-field theory with angular-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

Conflicting theoretical scenarios for infinite-layer nickelate superconductors have been hotly debated, particularly regarding whether only a single Ni-3dx2−y2 band is relevant at low energies besides electron pockets or whether multiorbital physics including Ni-3dz2 is instead essential. The first scenario has emerged from density-functional theory plus dynamical mean-field theory (DFT + DMFT) calculations. Comparing the previous DFT + DMFT spectra to recent angular-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) experiments, we find excellent agreement for both the Fermi surface and the strongly renormalized quasiparticle bands, supporting the first scenario. Our key findings further suggest that the “waterfalls” observed in ARPES might emerge from the quasiparticle-to-Hubbard-band crossover, and that additional spectral weight close to the A pocket likely originates from the Ni-3dxy orbital. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Searching for long-lived light neutralinos and axionlike particles at the SHiNESS experiment

Recently, Soleti [] proposed a new experiment called SHiNESS at the upcoming European Spallation Source (ESS) facility, making use of the 2-GeV proton beam there impinging on a fixed target, in order to search for hidden sterile neutrinos that could lie in different mass ranges and arise with distinct signatures. Such signatures include excesses in electron-positron pairs that may originate from displaced decays of long-lived particles (LLPs). At the ESS, the dominant sources of such LLPs are decays at rest of π+ mesons and μ+ leptons. We choose to investigate theoretical scenarios of long-lived light neutralinos in the R-parity-violating supersymmetry and long-lived weak-violating electrophilic axionlike particles, as these LLPs can be produced from decays of π+ and μ+. Since the π+’s and μ+’s decay at rest at the ESS, we compute the spectra of the therefrom produced LLPs and thus estimate the expected sensitivity reach of SHiNESS to the LLPs in these two scenarios. Our calculation shows that in multiple relevant benchmark scenarios, SHiNESS can probe large parameter regions of these models beyond the existing bounds, in just a couple of years of data-collection time. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Combining tree-ring growth and carbon isotope data enhances the understanding of climate sensitivity and physiological responses for Chinese fir in a common garden

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) is one of China's most important tree species, and possible adverse factors affecting its growth and physiology is of particular concern for climate change adaptation. In this context, growth performance (BAI: basal area increment and MAXD: maximum density), climate sensitivity, and the relative contributions of climatic and physiological determinants to growth were evaluated across the 30 Chinese fir provenances using a combination of dendroclimatology and carbon isotope analysis (δ13C). Over the past 27 years, intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) increased significantly by 12.71–33.56 %, while radial growth decreased (−63.38 % to −88.93 %). Strong growth decreases reflected increasing water stress due to climate warming, which was not offset by greater iWUE. A similar trend was observed in the theoretical gas exchange scenario as a response to increasing Ca as stomata opened and Ci increased proportionally to Ca. This study identified temperature and relative humidity as determinants of growth and physiology. However, meteorological factors (temperature, relative humidity, and sunshine hours) contributed much less to growth than physiological factors (iWUE). Variation in performance and climate sensitivity among populations significantly correlated with the mean annual temperature of the seed source origin. In general, seed sources from warmer and more humid climates in the center region grew faster and had higher iWUE. Provenances from drier climates had slower growth, higher wood density, and higher carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) compared to those from wetter climate conditions. Compared to provenances from cooler regions, the seed sources from warmer climates were less sensitive to temperature but more sensitive to sunshine hours for BAI and MAXD. These results contribute to a better understanding of the climate sensitivity and physiological responses of the Chinese fir provenances to long-term changing climate.

Solvation and its influence on the electronic structure and pharmacological activity of 2-fluoro-6-trifluromethyl acetophenone

The molecular framework and vibrational spectra of 2′-Fluoro-6′-Trifluoromethyl Acetophenone (MA3) in diverse solvent environments are being studied using quantum chemistry methods like DFT. The structure was successfully optimized using gas phase and solvent phases such as ethanol, diethyl sulfoxide, chloroform, and diethyl ether. Using FT-Raman and FT-IR techniques, both theoretical and experimental scenarios were examined. The IEFPCM model was used to explore the electronic properties, including HOMO-LUMO gaps, UV–Vis spectra, NBO, Mulliken analysis, and MEP, in various solvents. The TD-DFT approach and IEFPCM model were utilized to replicate the UV spectra. The Fukui function helped locate reactive sites and understand chemical interactions. Comprehensive topological analysis using Multiwfn – 3.8 suite integrated RDG, ALIE, ELF, and LOL to identify key binding sites and weak interactions. The molecular docking studies highlighted the compound’s binding affinities with target proteins, showcasing its potential pharmacological applications. This research underscores the critical role of solvation in determining the electronic and structural properties of MA3, paving the way for its application in drug development and other fields.

A novel bi-level decision-making approach based on game theory for mechanism design

This study addresses the bi-level multi-objective optimization problems raised in reliability-based robust design optimization (RBRDO) of engineering applications through establishing a state-of-the-art game theoretic scenario. A novel bi-level decentralized decision-making approach is proposed using the synergy of RBRDO, game theory, Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), and genetic programming (GP). The application of the proposed approach is elaborated in a case study of robust synthesis of high-speed path-generating four-bar mechanisms. The four performance criteria, namely, accuracy ( TE), robustness ([Formula: see text] TE and [Formula: see text]2 TE), reliability ( f G) at the upper level, and quality of motion ( TA) at the lower level are assigned to four players so that each of whom is in charge of one objective criterion. The peak input driving torque ( T S) is associated with the upper-level problem. The GP meta-model is used to capture the Stackelberg protocol that is, constructing the follower’s rational reaction set (RRS) and the Nash bargaining function is hired to model the cooperative behavior. The obtained results show a considerable enhancement in reliability and robust behavior of mechanism, while the deterministic criteria of accuracy and quality of motion are preserved.

CIR-DE: A chaotic individual regeneration mechanism for solving the stagnation problem in differential evolution

Stagnant evolution is a problem frequently encountered by the population in differential evolution (DE). Aiming at the stagnation phenomenon, a comprehensive interpretation is provided in this paper. Our experiment confirms that the individuals that continuously stop evolving can be classified into two categories: global and local stagnant individuals, whose causes and exhibited characteristics are associated with the search behavior of the population. Based on the above findings, we propose a chaotic individual regeneration framework (CIR) for DEs. In the CIR-DE, a monitor is designed to recognize different types of stagnant individuals by evaluating the whole population’s convergence speed and specific individual’s location. Besides, two chaotic regeneration techniques are proposed to guide the above two types of individuals away from stagnation using the knowledge from solution and objective spaces. The CIR framework is implemented in nine representative DEs and tested in the CEC 2014, CEC 2017, CEC 2022 theoretical benchmarks and five real-world problems. The results reveal that our framework can significantly improve original DEs’ performance and alleviate stagnation in both theoretical and practical scenarios. The CIR framework also shows strong competitiveness compared to the other stagnation-related frameworks and the state-of-the-art DE variants.

Implementation of the Gauss-Kronrod Quadrature Method (G7, K15) on 2D Gravity Anomaly Modeling in Basins with a Polynomial Variation of Density Distribution with Depth

Forward modeling of 2D gravity anomalies, considering density contrasts that vary polynomially with depth, was performed to examine basin structures. This process involved two main stages: deriving analytical formulas and executing numerical integration. The Gauss-Kronrod Quadrature Method, utilizing 7 Gauss points and 15 Kronrod points, was employed to precisely compute these integrals. Initial modeling applied to theoretical basement scenarios with fixed density contrasts showed gravity anomalies that accurately reflected the curvature of the basement. To validate the approach, it was then applied to real-world cases including the Sebastian Vizcaino Basin, San Jacinto Graben, and Sayula Basin. By incorporating suitable density contrasts, modeling lengths, and basement curvature shapes, the results revealed that both fixed-density and depth-variable density models produced gravity anomalies with patterns consistent with the actual basement curvature. These findings validate the modeling technique’s effectiveness in representing real geological features accurately. The study confirms that the Gauss-Kronrod Quadrature Method (G7, K15) is robust for analyzing 2D gravity anomalies, providing a reliable tool for understanding the influence of varying density contrasts on gravity responses.

Trends in the treatment of human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma in Slovakia.

The optimal treatment of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) is currently a subject of clinical research. This questionnaire study investigated current trends in the treatment of HPV-associated (HPV+) OPC in Slovakia with the incorporation of deintensification of oncological treatment into routine clinical practice outside of clinical trials. The Slovak Cooperative Head and Neck Cancer Group (SCHNCG) developed a questionnaire aimed at identifying trends in the oncological treatment of HPV+ OPC intended for all radiation oncology (RO) facilities in Slovakia. Specialists in the field of RO responded to general questions about the character of their individual institutions as well as to 4 theoretical clinical scenarios (case reports) regarding the treatment of HPV+ OPC, focusing primarily on the applied dose of radiotherapy (RT), the extent of target volumes, and the type of concurrent chemotherapy (CHT). The questionnaire study involved 35 RO specialists from 14 institutions in Slovakia. Regarding primary chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in T1N1M0 HPV+ OPC, 16 respondents (45.7%) would consider de-escalation of the RT dose to <70 Gy. In the case of postoperative RT in pT1pN1M0 HPV+ OPC with negative resection margins (R0) and absent extracapsular extension (ECE), 4 physicians (11.4%) would consider de-escalation of the RT dose to <60 Gy in the tumor bed area, while the majority of the treating specialists (n=19, 54.3%) would omit concurrent CHT. In the case of primary RT in elderly patient with T2N1M0 HPV+ OPC, the same number of physicians (n=16, 45.7%) would consider de-escalation of the RT dose to <70 Gy, and 14 respondents (40.0%) would completely omit CHT. In a high-risk patient with T2N3M0 HPV+ OPC with a complete response after 3 cycles of induction chemotherapy (iCHT), none of the respondents would indicate a reduction in the RT dose to the area of the original tumor and lymphadenopathy to <60 Gy. The doses and extent of irradiated volumes in the treatment of HPV+ OPC in Slovakia vary among different institutions. The tendency to de-escalate RT doses and reduce doses of concurrent systemic therapy in Slovakia is high and there was also an observed trend to reduce the extent of radiation treatment fields.

Quark flavor violation and axion-like particles from top-quark decays at the LHC

We study axion-like particles (ALPs) with quark-flavor-violating couplings at the LHC. Specifically, we focus on the theoretical scenario with ALP-top-up and ALP-top-charm interactions, in addition to the more common quark-flavor-diagonal couplings. The ALPs can thus originate from decays of top quarks which are pair produced in large numbers at the LHC, and then decay to jets. If these couplings to the quarks are tiny and the ALPs have O10\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{O}(10) $$\\end{document} GeV masses, they are long-lived, leading to signatures of displaced vertex plus multiple jets, which have the advantage of suppression of background events at the LHC. We recast a recent ATLAS search for the same signature and reinterpret the results in terms of bounds on the long-lived ALP in our theoretical scenario. We find that the LHC with the full Run 2 dataset can place stringent limits, while at the future high-luminosity LHC with 3 ab−1 integrated luminosity stronger sensitivities are expected.

The effect of education with case-based scenario simulation on interns' proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Introduction: this research examines the impact of case-based scenario simulation instruction on intern physicians' proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Objectives: to compare the effectiveness of conventional teaching methods versus case-based scenario simulation techniques on the CPR skills of intern doctors. Method: the study involved 62 intern doctors at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, divided into two groups of 31: control and observation. The instruction period lasted three months, with the control group receiving conventional teaching and the observation group using case-based scenario simulations. Post-instruction, the groups were assessed on course content, the impact of training, and satisfaction levels. Results: the observation group showed significantly better performance in theoretical knowledge, scenario simulation, and practical exams compared to the control group. The passing rates for chest compression, electric defibrillation exams, total mastery of theoretical knowledge, and overall practical competence were all higher in the observation group. Additionally, the overall satisfaction rate and evaluation of the teaching effect were significantly greater in the observation group. Conclusions: case-based scenario simulation teaching positively influences the CPR skills of intern doctors and is an effective method to improve teaching outcomes and trainee satisfaction

Surveying the Onset and Evolution of Supermassive Black Holes at High-z with AXIS

The nature and origin of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) remain an open matter of debate within the scientific community. While various theoretical scenarios have been proposed, each with specific observational signatures, the lack of sufficiently sensitive X-ray observations hinders the progress of observational tests. In this white paper, we present how AXIS will contribute to solving this issue. With an angular resolution of 1.5″ on-axis and minimal off-axis degradation, we designed a deep survey capable of reaching flux limits in the [0.5–2] keV range of approximately 2 × 10−18 erg s−1 cm−2 over an area of 0.13 deg2 in approximately 7 million seconds (7 Ms). Furthermore, we planned an intermediate depth survey covering approximately 2 deg2 and reaching flux limits of about 2 × 10−17 erg s−1 cm−2 in order to detect a significant number of SMBHs with X-ray luminosities (LX) of approximately 1042 erg s−1 up to z∼10. These observations will enable AXIS to detect SMBHs with masses smaller than 105 M⊙, assuming Eddington-limited accretion and a typical bolometric correction for Type II AGN. AXIS will provide valuable information on the seeding and population synthesis models of SMBHs, allowing for more accurate constraints on their initial mass function (IMF) and accretion history from z∼0–10. To accomplish this, AXIS will leverage the unique synergy of survey telescopes such as the JWST, Roman, Euclid, Vera Rubin Telescope, and the new generation of 30 m class telescopes. These instruments will provide optical identification and redshift measurements, while AXIS will discover the smoking gun of nuclear activity, particularly in the case of highly obscured AGN or peculiar UV spectra as predicted and recently observed by the JWST in the early Universe.

Considerations for legal, ethical, and effective practice in dementia research.

Dementia represents a potentially overwhelming health burden, both for the UK and worldwide. Addressing this fast-growing issue is a key priority for the government, health service and the public. Advances in care including the development of efficacious disease-modifying, and eventually curative, treatments can only be achieved through effective dementia research. Specifically, research directly involving participants with dementia is essential to further understanding. However, working with cognitively impaired participants with and without capacity to consent to research presents unique ethical and legal challenges. For clinicians and scientists on the frontline of dementia research, scenarios frequently arise that pose such challenges. A lack of guidance for a consistent approach in navigating these scenarios limits researchers' ability to proceed with confidence. This represents a threat to the rights and wishes of research participants as well as the field at large, as it may lead to studies being unnecessarily terminated or, worse, poor practice. In this article, we take a multiprofessional approach, informed by carer input, to these issues. We review the relevant ethical and legal literature relating to the conduct of non-interventional research studies in patients with dementia. This includes a thorough recap of the Mental Capacity Act (2005), which provides a legal framework in England and Wales for conducting research with participants who lack capacity to consent. We also discuss the important, but sometimes incomplete, role of research ethics committees in guiding researchers. We then present and discuss a series of case vignettes designed to highlight areas of incomplete coverage by existing governance. These vignettes describe theoretical scenarios informed by our own real-word experiences of encountering ethical issues when conducting dementia research. They include scenarios in which participants demonstrate varying degrees of understanding of the research they are involved in and ability to communicate their wishes and feelings. Building on these vignettes, we then provide a checklist for researchers to work through when presented with similar scenarios. This checklist covers the key ethical, legal and practical considerations that we have argued for. Taken together, this article can act as a guide, previously lacking in the literature, for colleagues in the field to enable much needed ethical, legal and effective research.

Bi-level game theoretic approach for robust design: A case study of path-generating four-bar

This study addresses the bi-level multi-objective optimization problems (MOP) that raise in robust design and optimization of engineering systems through establishing a state-of-the-art game theoretic scenario. A novel leader-follower decentralized decision-making scenario is proposed, leveraging the synergy of game theory, Robust Design Optimization (RDO), Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The proposed algorithm can be employed for optimum robust Pareto design of a wide range of dynamical systems. In order to achieve a robust design, both the mean and variance of each objective function are considered as players in a multi-agent game setting. In this approach, both Stackelberg and cooperative games are utilized to model the behaviors of the players. Genetic Programming (GP) meta-models are employed to capture the Stackelberg protocol between two levels specifically for constructing the follower's rational reaction set (RRS). Additionally, the Nash bargaining function is -utilize to model the cooperative behaviors among players in each level. The proposed approach is applied and demonstrated through a case study involving multi-objective robust design of planar four-bar linkages. In this manner, four objective functions are assigned to four players within the system. Each player is responsible for optimizing a specific objective criterion, namely the mean of tracking error (TE), variance of tracking error, mean of transmission angle and variance of transmission angle (TA) of the linkage. As a result, the four-objective optimization problem of mechanism is transformed into a single-objective robust synthesis problem. The comparisons of the results show a significant enhancement in the robust behavior of the linkage, while ensuring that deterministic criteria such as quality of motion and precision are preserved.

The finding of anisotropic compatibility of grain boundaries in a directionally solidified superalloy

The anisotropic compatibility of grain boundaries (GBs) is found in a directionally solidified superalloy, when loading is aligned with (L sample) or transverse (T sample) to the grain growth direction. The greater compatibility of GBs is shown in the L sample by calculating the parameter m′ of the GBs using two developed models. The first model considers the theoretical scenario that grains grow along the perfect [001] orientation, and the compatibility between the neighbouring grains with all kinds of orientation difference is calculated. The second model, termed as Schmid-factor-tolerance model, considers the effects of asymmetrical slip systems caused by the deviation of grain growth direction from the [001] orientation in a real microstructure. Validation of the model is achieved through fatigue tests, demonstrating its capability to interpret and predict the crack initiation behaviours at grain boundaries. Combined with the fatigue tests to illustrate the anisotropic fracture behaviours of the L and T specimens, it shows that the intergranular cracks are more likely to occur in the T specimen with poor compatibility, which proves the capability of predicting the intergranular cracks for the Schmid-factor-tolerance model.

Modelling of carbon flows in the value chain of packaging plastics in the context of sustainable carbon management

The low share of plastic recycling means significant losses for the economy as well as for the environment, especially for plastic packaging materials since they are the largest end-use market for plastics and characterized by a typical short first-use cycle. The main polymers used in packaging applications are basic polymers, such as PE, PP, PS and PET, which consist mainly of fossil carbon locked up in polymer form. This study attempts to map carbon flows across the packaging plastics value chain with the goal to optimize carbon fixation in relevant polymers over multiple life cycles and minimize carbon loss to the atmosphere via CO2 emissions. Evaluating these carbon balances in the production, consumption and end-of-life treatment phase of these polymers provides more insight in the carbon losses during their life cycle. Three case studies were considered; (1) a baseline route (BASE), representing the current linear plastics economy model which is benchmarked with two theoretical sustainable scenarios: (2) an electrified (ELEC) and (3) a biobased (BIO) route. Specific parameters and assumptions in these three cases were adapted, such as feedstock type, recycling rate, type of recycling etc. Improved recycling rates and advanced recycling methods were applied in the sustainable cases and had a positive effect on carbon retention in products. Allowing a numerical comparison, a method was developed to quantify this carbon retention via the half lifetime of carbon in materials over multiple life cycles. The half lifetime evolved from 0.3 year in the BASE route to 2.0 and 2.6 years in the BIO and ELEC route, respectively. However, even these sustainable, optimized routes remained insufficient to embed carbon in plastic products for many years without too much carbon loss. It is inevitable that an enhanced (carbon) circularity in these routes comes by a certain energy cost; about 46 GJ more energy was required per extra recycled ton carbon in the ELEC route (compared to BASE). But at the same time this intensified carbon conservation leads to a CO2 emission reduction potential of 80 %. The present work illustrates the potential of chemical recycling, and carbon capture and utilization (CCU) techniques for end-of-life treatment of plastic packaging products, but additional process development and process intensification in all facets of the value chain are needed to minimize carbon leakage over multiple lifecycles. Hence, waste management policy could be an important instrument to support further enhancement in plastics circularity.

Quantum materials engineering by structured cavity vacuum fluctuations

A paradigm shift in the research of optical cavities is taking place, focusing on the properties of materials inside cavities. The possibility to affect changes of material groundstates with or without actual photon population inside cavities is an avenue that promises a novel view of materials science and provides a new knob to control quantum phenomena in materials. Here, we present three theoretical scenarios where such groundstate quantum phase transitions are predicted by the coupling of the matter to mere vacuum fluctuations of the cavity, as a realizations of cavity materials engineering in the dark.

Diffractive deep neural networks: Theories, optimization, and applications

Optical neural networks (ONN) are experiencing a renaissance, driven by the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, as arithmetic pressures are progressively increasing the demand for optical computation. Diffractive deep neural networks (D2NN) are the important subclass of ONN, providing a novel architecture for computation with trained diffractive layers. Given that D2NN directly process light waves, they inherently parallelize multiple tasks and reduce data processing latency, positioning them as a promising technology for future optical computing applications. This paper begins with a brief review of the evolution of ONN and a concept of D2NN, followed by a detailed discussion of the theoretical foundations, model optimizations, and application scenarios of D2NN. Furthermore, by analyzing current application scenarios and technical limitations, this paper provides an evidence-based prediction of the future trajectory of D2NN and outlines a roadmap of research and development efforts to unlock its full potential.