bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive analysis of inflammatory markers in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients
Authors: Zabini Diana , Heinemann Akos , Foris Vasile , Nagaraj Chandran , Nierlich Patrick , Bálint Zoltán , Kwapiszewska Grazyna , Lang Irene M. , Klepetko Walter , Olschewski Horst , Olschewski Andrea
Published: July 2014

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is associated with chronic inflammation but the pathological mechanisms are largely unknown. Our study aimed to simultaneously profile a broad range of cytokines in the supernatant of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) surgical material, as well as prospectively in patients with CTEPH to investigate whether circulating cytokines are associated with haemodynamic and physical characteristics of CTEPH patients.

Herein, we show that PEA specimens revealed a significant upregulation of interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (IP)-10, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)1α and RANTES compared to lung tissue from healthy controls.

In prospectively collected serum, levels of IL-6, IL-8, IP-10, monokine induced by interferon-γ (MIG) and MIP1α were significantly elevated in CTEPH patients compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. In serum of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients, only IP-10 and MIG were significantly increased. In CTEPH but not in IPAH, IP-10 was negatively correlated with cardiac index, 6-min walking distance and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity.In vitro, IP-10 significantly increased migration of freshly isolated adventitial fibroblasts.

Our study is the first to show that IP-10 secretion is associated with poor pulmonary haemodynamics and physical capacity in CTEPH and might be involved in the pathological mechanism of PEA tissue formation.
Pyrosequencing reveals transient cystic fibrosis lung microbiome changes with intravenous antibiotics
Authors: Smith Daniel J. , Badrick Alison C. , Zakrzewski Martha , Krause Lutz , Bell Scott C. , Anderson Gregory J. , Reid David W.
Published: July 2014

Chronic airway infection in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) is polymicrobial and the impact of intravenous antibiotics on the bacterial community composition is poorly understood. We employed culture-independent molecular techniques to explore the early effects ofi.v.antibiotics on the CF airway microbiome.

DNA was extracted from sputum samples collected from adult subjects with CF at three time-points (before starting treatment, and at day 3 and day 8–10 ofi.v.antibiotics) during treatment of an infective pulmonary exacerbation. Microbial community profiles were derived through analysis of bacterial-derived 16S ribosomal RNA by pyrosequencing and changes over time were compared.

59 sputum samples were collected during 24 pulmonary exacerbations from 23 subjects. Between treatment onset and day 3 there was a significant reduction in the relative abundance ofPseudomonasand increased microbial diversity. By day 8–10, bacterial community composition was similar to pre-treatment. Changes in community composition did not predict improvements in lung function.

The relative abundance ofPseudomonasfalls rapidly in subjects with CF receivingi.v.antibiotic treatment for a pulmonary exacerbation and is accompanied by an increase in overall microbial diversity. However, this effect is not maintained beyond the first week of treatment.
One-year mortality in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation: multicenter evaluation of the ProVent score
Authors: Leroy Guillaume , Devos Patrick , Lambiotte Fabien , Thévenin Didier , Leroy Olivier
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Current severity-of-illness indexes are unable to assess the long-term prognosis of patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. A prognostic scoring system (Prognosis for Prolonged Ventilation score - ProVent - score) seems able to evaluate one-year mortality of such patients. However, testing of the model outside the developers' centers has not been reported. So, it is unclear how the ProVent score performs in non-US and non-tertiary ICUs. The goal of our study was to evaluate its performances in a French multicenter, community hospital-based setting.

Methods

In three primary ICUs, 201 patients requiring mechanical ventilation for at least 21 days were enrolled in a retrospective cohort study. ICU mortality was abstracted from medical records and, for patients discharged alive from the ICU, one-year mortality was determined by telephone calls to patients’ general practitioners.

Results

One-year mortality was 60% (n = 120). On day 21 of ventilation, ProVent score value was 0 in 19 patients (9%), 1 in 63 patients (31%), 2 in 64 patients (32%), 3 in 37 patients (18%), and ≥4 in 18 patients (9%), respectively. For ProVent score values ranging from 0 to ≥4, one-year mortality rates were 21%, 43%, 67%, 78%, and 94%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for the ProVent score was 0.74 (95% confidence interval 0.671 to 0.809). Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that only three variables (age ≥65 years, vasopressors, and hemodialysis) were independently associated with one-year mortality in our population. In assigning one point to each variable, we created a French ProVent score. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistic was 1.36 (DF = 6, P = 0.857) and the AUC of the ROC curve was 0.742 (95% confidence interval 0.673 to 0.810). One-year mortality rates for French ProVent score ranging from 0 to 3 were 34.6%, 70.9%, 83.3% and 100%, respectively (P <0.0001).

Conclusions

The ProVent score is able, even in non-US ICUs and in community hospitals, to accurately identify among patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation those who are at high risk of one-year mortality. Its simplification appears possible. However, further validation of this French ProVent score in a larger external sample is indicated.
Paleokarst in the Grosmont Formation and reservoir implications, Saleski, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Russel-Houston Jen , Gray Ken
Published: July 2014

We delineated a bitumen-rich paleokarsted carbonate reservoir of the Upper Devonian (Frasnian) Grosmont Formation with a high-resolution 3D seismic survey tied to core and petrophysical log data from 35 wells within a [Formula: see text] study area in northern Alberta, Canada. There were two laterally continuous karst facies: a solution-enhanced vuggy dolostone that resulted from the carbonate dissolution of body fossils and a stratiform breccia that resulted from the dissolution of interbedded evaporites. Three laterally discontinuous karst facies were identified: sinkhole fills, collapsed paleocaves, and solution valley fills. We measured 368 subcircular features (sinkholes and collapsed paleocaves) having a median circle-equivalent diameter of 69 m and representing 5.5% of the total study area. Sinkhole fills include Cretaceous-aged sandstone, mudstone, and coal. Collapsed paleocaves were filled with matrix-supported breccia that had clasts of disoriented blocks of dolomite and a matrix of disaggregated dolomite and Cretaceous-aged mudstone. The paleocaves and sinkholes formed in the solution-enhanced karst facies of the Grosmont C at the interface of an interpreted ancient vadose-phreatic mixing zone. The marine deepwater deposition of the Clearwater Formation during the Albian filled the depressions created by the mechanical collapse of the paleocaves and provided a seal for thermal operations. The fracture density inferred from seismic amplitude variation with angle and azimuth analysis and corroborated by well data showed that fractures are ubiquitous and were enhanced during meteoric karst. The high-vertical permeability resulting from solution-enhanced fractures, the laterally predictable flow units, and a competent seal make this an ideal reservoir for thermal bitumen recovery.
Variation in Medicaid Coverage for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Preussler Jaime M. , Farnia Stephanie H. , Denzen Ellen M. , Majhail Navneet S.
Published: July 2014

Findings highlight substantial variation in Medicaid coverage for HCT by state, which may increase disparities in access for already medically underserved populations.
Workforce Profile for Allied Health Professions in Queensland Public Health Cancer Care Services With Linear Accelerators
Authors: Passfield Juanine , McQueen Liam , Hulcombe Julie
Published: July 2014

The authors' findings support identifying and establishing alternative denominators for allied health workforce requirements in cancer care beyond those of expert knowledge, opinion, and consensus.
Radiation Oncology Services in the Modern Era: Evolving Patterns of Usage and Payments in the Office Setting for Medicare Patients From 2000 to 2010
Authors: Shen Xinglei , Showalter Timothy N. , Mishra Mark V. , Barth Sanford , Rao Vijay , Levin David , Parker Laurence
Published: July 2014

The authors conclude that the cost of radiation oncology services increased from 2000 to 2010 not only as a result of IMRT, but also with significant contribution from increased overall complexity of care.
Radiation Oncology: A Perspective on Health Reform and Value-Based Initiatives
Authors: Mohideen Najeeb , Kavanagh Brian D. , Beyer David , Madhani Sheila , Steinberg Michael L.
Published: July 2014

The American Society for Radiation Oncology Payment Reform Action Plan is a three-phased proactive plan to ensure predictable and fair reimbursement for radiation oncology treatment.
APPROXIMATING MATHEMATICAL MODEL DEVELOPMENT ACCORDING TO POINT EXPERIMENTAL DATA THROUGH “CUT-GLUE” METHOD
Authors: Neydorf Rudolf Anatolyevich
Published: July 2014

A solution to the problem on describing experimentally obtained dependences is considered. The autho r’s method is based upon getting some local approximations of fragments of these relations, and their additive reduction to a single analytical expression. This effect is determined using special “allocating” functions limitin g the domain of non zero definition for each of the approximation functions. The method is called “cut - glue” according to the applied principles. The closest analogue of the proposed method is spline approximation. However, the “cut - glue” method is much more adaptable, as it is bonded to neither the number of spline - approximable points, nor the function order approximating the areas. The order of the polynomial approximant, or another approximating function, as well as its structure for each site, can be arbitrary. Another advantageous difference of “cut - glue” approximation consists in a single a nalytic notation of the whole piecewise function instead of defining a vector spline - function through a cu mbersome system of equations. This effect has been achieved using an analytical function approximatin g and par ametrically arbitrarily approaching the Heaviside step function. The analytical and numerical studies of the properties and the effects of applying the proposed method are resulted. The obtained results are illustrated w ith the specific technical sample applications of the method to practical pr oblems, tabular and graphical data.
STOCHASTIC SIMULATION MODELING OF CELL TELOMERE SHORTENING MECHANISMS IN AGEING AND DISTURBANCE DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES
Authors: Butov Alexander Alexandrovich , Karev Mikhail Andreyevich , Khrustalev Sergey Alexandrovich
Published: July 2014

Some issues of applying the stochastic simulation modeling to the description and stud ying of DNA’s end structures (telomeres) shortening mechanisms are considered. The aim of this research is to study — on the base of the st ochastic and simulation modeling — processes in the cells leading to the telomeres’ length shortening, and as a co nse quence, to decreasing the proliferative capacity, and developing pathologies including oncologic one s. The mat hematical model is described in the semimartingale terms. The analysis of the modeling results is bas ed on their comparison to the biological expe riments data. The formed cell distribution in accordance to their telomeres’ length is compared with the e x perimental data obtained through the tests performed with human fibroblast - culture using Levy — Prokhorov metric. The study results can be used in bi omedical research on ageing, and on developing var ious pathologies, as well as in solving a number of problems in the field of gero n tology.
Устойчивость процесса алмазного выглаживания
Authors: Zakovorotniy Vilor Lavrentyevich , Khanukayev Maxim Mikhaylovich
Published: July 2014

Рассматривается проблема устойчивости траекторий формообразующих движений при алмазном выглажив ании. Предлагаются уравнения динамики, н а основе анализа которых определены механизмы и условия пот ери устойчивости. При анализе устойчивости рассматривается уравнение в вариациях относительно точки равновесия, задаваемой технологическими режимами и внешней постоянной силой, определяющей внедр ен ие наконечника в заготовку. На основе этого предлаг а ется способ настройки технологической системы по динамическим параметрам. Он позволяет выбрать рациональные значения усилия прижима алмазного нак онечника к обрабатываемой детали , его геометрию, параметры инструмента и технологические режимы . П оказано, что по мере сбл и жения наконечника инструмента с заготовкой система становится более склонной к потере устойчивости. Потеря устойчивости зависит также от радиуса алмазного наконечника и технологич еских режимов .
Diversity of Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) in Java based on Planting Sites
Authors: WIRAWAN SRI ROSSATI SETYA
Published: July 2014

The research was to find out similarity among soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) cultivars in Java based on site planting by morphological taxonomy evidences. Fresh samples of soybean were collected from 20 sites in Java and 20 samples were collected in every site. Soybean was observed at flowering and seed maturing time. The similarity wasdetermined by Euclidean distance and clustered by average linkage. The result showed that soybean from Bantul wassplit by another 19 cultivars. The remaining cultivars were split into two groups. The first, i.e.: Tangerang, Garut, Wonogiri, Klaten, and Sukoharjo, and the second, i.e. Tuban, Wonosari, Pasuruan, Pati, Karawang, Yogyakarta, Sumedang, Purwokerto, Wates, Bojonegoro, Lumajang, Ngawi, Sleman, and Sukabumi. They were split into several little groups. The cultivars between Tuban and Wonosari, Ngawi and Sleman, also Tangerang and Garut had closed relationships.

Keywords: soybean, planting site, relationship.
Problems of Biodiversity Management in Indonesia
Authors: ASTIRIN OKID PARAMA
Published: July 2014

Indonesia is an archipelago of 17.508 islands with land width of 1.9 millions km2 and sea of 3.1 millions km2, having many types of habitat and become one of biodiversity center in the world. There are about 28.000 plants species, 350.000 animals species and about 10.000 microbes predicted lived endemically in Indonesia. The country that represents only 1.32% of the world having 10% of total flowering plants, 12% of mammals, 16% reptiles and amphibian, 17% birds, 25% fishes and 15% of insects in the world. Most of the biodiversity were not investigated and utilized yet. The direct use of the biodiversity is not any risk, and in addition, between government, society and industries sometime does not have the same view and attitude. Habitat destruction and over-exploitation have caused Indonesia having long list of endangered species including 126 birds, 63 mammals and 21 reptiles. The extinction of some species occurred just few years ago like trulek jawa (Vanellus macropterus), insectivore bird (Eutrichomyias rowleyi) in North Sulawesi, and tiger sub species (Panthera tigris) in Java and Bali. It seems that now is time for all Indonesians to introspect and look for the way that can be used for preserving biodiversity.Â© 2001 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKeywords: biodiversity, Indonesia, endangered species
Demonstration and power scaling of edge-pumped zig-zag slab lasers
Authors: Rutherford T. S. , Tulloch W. M. , Gustafson E. K. , Byer R. L.
Published: July 2014

We have generated 127 W with 42% optical efficiency in a Nd:YAG edge-pumped, conduction-cooled, zig-zag slab laser. Based on this result, we present power scaling calculations which predict efficient operation up 100 kW power levels in Yb:YAG.
A 900 W High-Brightness Diode-Pumped Nd:YAG Phase-Conjugated Laser
Authors: Ho James G. , Pierre Randall J. , Morais Joseph , Poylio James , Long William , Weber Mark , Valley Marcy M.
Published: July 2014

A short-pulse, single-mode, diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser based on phase-conjugated MOPA architecture produces 928 Watts at 2500 Hz with BQ~ 1.1 xDL.
Performance of widely tunable Yb:YAG microchip lasers
Authors: Saikawa Jiro , Kurimura Sunao , Pavel Nicolaie , Shoji Ichiro , Taira Takunori
Published: July 2014

We developed a tunable intracavity frequency-doubled Yb:YAG microchip laser and applied this tunable green laser to wavelength-multiplexed holographic memory. The tunable Yb:YAG green laser output a maximum power of 520 mW and a tuning range of 22.4 nm with single frequency. Moreover, we improved tuning range of fundamental oscillation and maximum tuning range of 84.5 nm (λ =1024.1~1108.6 nm) was obtained. Additionally, we investigate edge-pumped YbrYAG microchip lasers to achieve high power and brightness laser performances.
Heavy metal oxide and chalcogenide glasses as new hosts for Er3+ and Er3+/Pr3+ mid-IR fiber lasers
Authors: Coleman D J , Jackson S D , Golding P S , King T A , Park Se Ho , Shin Yong Beom , Heo Jong
Published: July 2014

Low phonon energy non-fluoride glasses are potentially useful hosts for a 2.7µm erbium doped fiber laser. A characterization of the optical properties of Er
3+
doped and Er
3+
, Pr
3+
codoped bulk samples of heavy metal oxide and chalcogenide glasses is presented. Absorption spectra have been measured and energy level lifetimes of the erbium ions have been determined by directly pumping the relevant level with an optical parametric oscillator. The glasses have good transmission in the IR out to 8µm. Praseodymium codoping is shown to strongly deactivate the lower laser level which is likely to improve the efficiency of the 2.7µm laser transition.
Characterization of highly neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet crystals
Authors: Urata Y. , Hua R. , Wada S. , Tashiro H. , Deng P.
Published: July 2014

We have measured the optical properties of 2 and 3 at. % neodymium- doped yttrium aluminum garnet crystals. Higher absorption coefficients at 809 nm peak were proportional to the doping level. Even in 3 at.% doping, the fluorescence lifetime was still longer than that of 1%-YVO4. With longitudinal pumping, both samples exhibited good properties in lasing.
Generation of 5-7 µm Radiation in AgGaSe2 and ZnGeP2 Optical Parameteric Oscillators Pumped with a 2.94-µm ErrYAG Laser
Authors: Shori Ramesh K. , Stafsudd Oscar M. , Prasad Narasimha S. , Catella Gary , Schunemann Peter G.
Published: July 2014

A 2.936 µm ErrYAG laser is used to pump AgGaSe2 and ZnGeP2 OPOs to efficiently generate radiation in the 5-7 µm regions. Idler wavelength energy exceeding 2 mJ/pulse with a 15% slope efficiency is obtained.
Acousto-Optic Mode-Locking of a Cr2+:ZnSe Laser
Authors: Carrig Timothy J. , Wagner Gregory J. , Sennaroglu Alphan , Jeong Jay Y. , Pollock Clifford R.
Published: July 2014

Acousto-optic mode-locking of a Cr2+:ZnSe laser that produces 4.4 psec duration, transform-limited, Gaussian shaped pulses is described. The laser outputs 82 mW of output power at an 81 MHz pulse repetition frequency.
1W continuous-wave laser generation and excited state absorption measurements in Cr2+:ZnSe
Authors: Podlipensky A.V. , Shcherbitsky V. G. , Kuleshov N. V. , Levchenko V. I. , Yakimovich V. N. , Diening A. , Mond M. , Kück S. , Huber G.
Published: July 2014

Excited state absorption spectra were measured for Cr2+:ZnSe in the spectral range between 1.2 and 3 µm at room temperature. Stimulated emission band was observed from 2 to 3 µm with peak cross section of 8×10−19 cm2 at 2400 nm. Excited state absorption was shown to be negligible in the pump and laser range. Efficient continuous wave laser operation of Cr2+:ZnSe laser was demonstrated with output power as high as 1W at 1670 mW of absorbed power.
10 mJ cladding-pumped Tm-doped silica fiber laser operating in gain-switched mode
Authors: Dickinson B. C. , Jackson S. D. , King T. A.
Published: July 2014

A cladding-pumped Tm-doped silica fiber laser operating in a gain-switched, moderate output energy regime at a wavelength of approximately 2 µm is reported. When pumped with the output of a flashlamp-pumped Ti:sapphire laser, a maximum total output energy of 10.1 mJ per pump pulse is produced at a slope efficiency of 30 % (with respect to launched pump energy) and at an optical-to-optical efficiency of 17%. In addition, the laser has been continuously tuned using an intracavity prism over a range of 109 nm, from 1909 nm to 2018 nm.
Optimization of Cr2+:CdSe for Efficient Laser Operation
Authors: McKay Jason , Krause Debra , Schepler Kenneth L.
Published: July 2014

Cr2+:CdSe samples with transverse Cr2+ concentration gradients were used to determine optimum concentration for pulsed laser performance. Beyond the optimum concentration, scattering degrades laser performance. An optimized resonator produced 320 mW at 2.6-µm with 38% incident and 50% absorbed power conversion efficiency.
Laser Propulsion: R & D of Double-Stage Solid State Laser Space Engine
Authors: Protasov Yuri S. , Protasov Yuri Yu.
Published: July 2014

Laser thrusters (LT) take an active interest for photon energetics (studied the processes of generation, transportation and conversion of coherent (laser) and thermal (wideband) radiation).
New data on the phase-matching properties of YCa4O(BO3)3
Authors: Umemura N. , Yoshida K. , Furuya H. , Mori Y. , Sasaki T. , Takaoka E. , Kato K.
Published: July 2014

YCa4O(BO3)3 has been found to be 90° phase-matchable for type-1 SHG at 0.8325 µ m along z. In addition, we report the new experimental data on the phase-matching properties of YCa4O(BO3)3 together with the improved Sellmeier's equations that reproduce well our new experimental results.
First-Principle Calculation of Peak Energies and Intensities in Optical Absorption Spectrum of Cr4+:Ca2GeO4
Authors: Ishii Takugo , Ogasawara Kazuyoshi , Tanaka Isao , Adachi Hirohiko
Published: July 2014

Peak energies and intensities in absorption spectrum of Cr4+:Ca2GeO4 were calculated from first principles by the DV-ME method recently developed by us. The low C
s
symmetry at Cr4+ site was directly considered in geometry of cluster models, and dependence on the model size was investigated with [CrO4]4−, [CrCa6O26]36−, and [CrCa9Ge2O37]44− models. The best agreement with experimental spectrum was obtained in the largest [CrCa9Ge2O37]44− model on the peak splittings which originate from the low symmetry, on the spectral anisotropy, and on the relative intensity. The result indicates that the covalent bonding between ligands and outside cations should not be neglected.
The nature of the residual absorption in the Y3Al5O12:Cr4+ crystal Q-switch
Authors: Okhrimchuk A. G. , Shestakov A. V.
Published: July 2014

Linear residual losses in various saturable YAG:Cr4+ crystal absorbers are investigated. It is proposed, that the residual losses belong to (Cr4+-Me2+) complexes, and its generation is more probable in the crystals with the Ca co-dopant, than in the crystals with the Mg co-dopant. The bonding energy for the (Cr4+ - Ca2+) complex is estimated to be 0.6 eV, and its absorption cross section at 1.06 µm is about 3•10−18 cm2.
Selecting Materials for Radiation Balanced Lasers
Authors: Bowman Steven R. , Mungan Carl E.
Published: July 2014

Well-characterized solid-state laser materials are evaluated for performance in radiation balanced laser systems. New figures-of-merit are developed and applied to ytterbium doped materials. Superior performance is predicted for high cross section tungstate materials. Photothermal deflection experiments on samples of Yb3+ doped KGd(WO4)2 confirm anti-Stokes fluorescence cooling. Observations of optical cooling in this high figure-of-merit material confirm the potential of this approach for laser power scaling.
Spectroscopy and Laser Operation ofMonoclinic Crystals KY(WO4)2+15%Tm
Authors: Bagayev S. N. , Vatnik S. M. , Majorov A. P. , Pavlujk A. A. , Plakushchev D. V.
Published: July 2014

Thulium and thulium-holmium-doped crystals are currently used in all-solid-state 2pm laser sources [1-5] which are very attractive in a number of application, including various remote sensing and medical technology.
Spectroscopic Properties and Laser Performances of Yb3+:Y2SiO5, a New Infrared Laser Material
Authors: Gaumé Romain , Haumesser Paul-Henri , Viana Bruno , Aka Gérard , Vivien Daniel , Scheer Emmanuel , Bourdon Pierre , Ferrand Bernard , Jacquet Michelle , Lenain Nicole
Published: July 2014

Yb:Y2SiO5 (Yb:YSO) single crystals have been elaborated by the Czochralski process. The spectroscopic properties as well as the laser potential of this new material have been investigated. Laser tests have been performed on uncoated samples under Ti-Sapphire pumping, providing an optical-to-optical efficiency of 30%, with thresholds of about 80 mW. Similar results have been demonstrated under diode pumping, with an optical-to-optical efficiency of around 30%, but higher threshold of 300 mW.
Miniature sources of subnanosecond 1.4 - 4.3-µm pulses with high peak power
Authors: Zayhowski J. J. , Wilson A. L.
Published: July 2014

Microchip-laser-pumped optical parametric generators have been packaged in 10-cm-long × 2.5-cm-diameter stainless-steel cans. These devices convert the 1.064-µm output of the laser into radiation at preselected wavelengths between 1.4 and 4.3 µm with quantum efficiencies >40%, resulting in mid-ir pulses of <200-ps duration with peak signal powers >140 kW. The optical head includes a heater that can be used to temperature tune the devices over several 10s to 100s of nm.
Quasi-phasematched frequency conversion in thick allepitaxial, orientation-patterned GaAs films
Authors: Eyres L. A. , Tourreau P. J. , Pinguet T. J. , Ebert C. B. , Harris J. S. , Fejer M. M. , Gerard B. , Lallier E.
Published: July 2014

CO2 laser frequency doubling was demonstrated in 200-µm-thick orientation-patterned GaAs films with vertical antiphase domains grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy on epitaxial orientation templates.
High-power narrowband mid-IR laser based on pulsed difference-frequency generation in PPLN
Authors: Seiter Michael , Sigrist Markus W.
Published: July 2014

A compact difference-frequency laser for spectroscopic applications using a diode-pumped pulsed Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm as pump and a cw diode laser around 1540 nm as signal source is reported. With 240-µW signal and 4.6-kW pump power incident on an uncoated 50-mm-long PPLN crystal, the novel mixing scheme exhibits a 65-times higher conversion efficiency than its all- cw-pumped counterpart resulting in a mid-infrared peak power of 0.22 W. The freuquency conversion process is discussed in detail including effects like optical parametric amplification. Continuous tunability in the 3-4-µm wavelength region and a laser linewidth of only 280 MHz combined with >600-W mid-IR peak (17-mW average) power are obtained when 4-mW signal (tunable from 15001620 nm) and 6.1-kW pump power are incident on an antireflection-coated 50- mm-long PPLN crystal.
Compact high power mid-IR spectroscopic source based on difference frequency generation in PPLN
Authors: Tittel F. K. , Lancaster D. G. , Richter D.
Published: July 2014

An all solid-state, fiber coupled spectroscopic source based on difference frequency generation (DFG) in periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) is reported that generates up to 0.7 mW continuous wave (cw), tunable mid-infrared power at 3.3 µm with a linewidth of < 60 MHz.
Co2+-doped spinels saturable absorber Q-switches for 1.3-1.6 µm solid state lasers
Authors: Yumashev K.V. , Denisov I. A. , Kuleshov N.V.
Published: July 2014

The Q-switching of Nd3+:YAlO3 laser, operating at 1.34 µm, was demonstrated using Co2+:LiGa5O8 and Co2+ :MgAl2O4 saturable absorber Q-switches. The absorption cross sections at 1.34 µm and 1.54 µm and bleaching relaxation time of the Co2+:LiGa5O8 and Co2+ :MgAl2O4 Q-switches was measured.
Bulk InAs mirror as a THz-radiation intra-cavity emitter in a femtosecond mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser
Authors: Liu Zhenlin , Ono Shingo , Ohtake Hideyuki , Sarukura Nobuhiko , Liu Tze-An , Huang K. F. , Pan Ci-Ling
Published: July 2014

THz radiation is generated from bulk InAs shallow-incidence-angle mirror inside the cavity of a mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser. The magnetic field is also applied for radiation enhancement.
Structural characteristics and second order nonlinear optical properties of borate crystals
Authors: Xue D. , Betzler K. , Hesse H.
Published: July 2014

From the chemical bond viewpoint, the second order nonlinear optical (NLO) responses of some typical borate crystals with various crystal structures have been quantitatively studied. The correlations between structural characteristics and second order NLO properties of selected borate crystals are discussed. Calculations show that the isolated BO3 infrastructure is advantageous for borate crystals with large NLO responses. On the contrary, borate crystals with the BO4 or B
x
O
y
infrastructure forming various six-member B-O rings may be expected to be materials with smaller NLO responses.
A phase-coherent 3:1 frequency divider based on a doubly resonant optical parametric oscillator
Authors: Douillet A. , Zondy J.-J. , Santarelli G. , Makdissi A. , Clairon A.
Published: July 2014

Accurate phase-locked 3: 1 division of an optical frequency was achieved (3ω→2ω+ω), by using continuous-wave, diode laser pumped, doubly resonant optical parametric oscillators (DRO). A periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) is used as a nonlinear crystal. The generated idler wave (2.53µm) is externally frequency doubled and the resulting beat with the signal wave (1.26µm) used to phase-lock the DRO. A fractional frequency stability of 2×10−17 of the division process has been achieved for 100 s integration time.
Principles and limitations of a quarter-wave plate for reducing the depolarization loss from thermally induced birefringence in Nd:YAG lasers
Authors: Hua Renzhong , Wada Satoshi , Tashiro Hideo
Published: July 2014

Using a Jones-vector formalism, we theoretically and experimentally investigated the principles of a quarter-wave plate for reducing the depolarization loss in a Nd:YAG laser with polarized output. The laser is able to benefit from an extra decrement of the depolarization loss, the maximum value of which is 6.25%.
Power Performance of a Continuous-Wave Cr2+ :ZnSe Laser at 2.4 7 µm
Authors: Sennaroglu Alphan , Konca A. Ozgun , Pollock Clifford R.
Published: July 2014

Continuous-wave power performance of a Cr2+:znSe laser was investigated at 2.474 µm. End pumped by a 1.583-µm NaCl:OH laser, the resonator with a 3% transmitting output coupler produced as high as 250 mW of output power with a slope efficiency of 24.2%. Analysis of the laser efficiency data shows that the magnitude of the excited-state absorption cross section is less than 5% of the emission cross section in agreement with spectroscopic results. Numerical calculations further predict the optimum crystal length and absorption coefficient to be 2.5 cm and 0.49 cm−1, respectively, for continuous-wave operation.
32 fs KTP Optical Parametric Oscillator with Chirped Mirrors
Authors: Zhang X. P. , Giessen H. , Hebling J. , Rühle W. W. , Kuhl J.
Published: July 2014

We obtained 32 fs pulses at 1180 nm with a spectral FWHM of 53 nm and a repetition rate of 80 MHz from an optical parametric oscillator with chirped mirrors that was pumped by a modelocked Ti:Sapphire laser.
Mode-locked operation of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser with polarization switching in SHG crystal
Authors: Louis S. , Couderc V. , Louradour F. , Kermene V. , Barthélémy A.
Published: July 2014

We present the mode-locked operation of a flash-lamp pumped Nd:YAG laser using for the first time nonlinear polarization rotation in type II (KTP) and in type I crystal (KNbO3). The mode-locking regime is self-starting and produced pulses of 20 to 35 ps duration.
Expanding the male ideal: The need for diversity in men’s fashion advertisements
Authors: Barry Ben
Published: July 2014

While an emerging stream of scholarship has focused on women’s perceptions of body diversity in fashion advertising, few studies have investigated men’s responses to diverse male models. Interviews with 30 men were conducted to examine how they interpret male models of various sizes, ages and races in fashion advertisements as well as how these models influence their body image and perceptions of the advertisement. Analysis revealed that men identified with models whom they shared physical traits, expressed aversion towards idealized bodies, rejected muscularity as a symbol of masculinity, and wanted to see more diverse models in fashion advertising. Participants expressed body anxiety and negative perceptions of advertisements when they viewed idealized models, whereas they communicated body satisfaction and favourable perceptions of advertising when the models reflected their bodies. Results from this study elucidate how men evaluate and respond to male models in fashion advertising and particularly highlight the influence of viewer – model similarity on men’s responses to models. Menswear brands are advised to cast models that reflect the diversity of their target market in order to foster body confidence and advertising effectiveness.
A CAD System for Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Nowinski Wieslaw L. , Qian Guoyu , Hanley Daniel F.
Published: July 2014

Computer-aided detection/diagnosis (CAD) is a key component of routine clinical practice, increasingly used for detection, interpretation, quantification and decision support. Despite a critical need, there is no clinically accepted CAD system for stroke yet. Here we introduce a CAD system for hemorrhagic stroke. This CAD system segments, quantifies, and displays hematoma in 2D/3D, and supports evacuation of hemorrhage by thrombolytic treatment monitoring progression and quantifying clot removal. It supports seven-step workflow: select patient, add a new study, process patient's scans, show segmentation results, plot hematoma volumes, show 3D synchronized time series hematomas, and generate report. The system architecture contains four components: library, tools, application with user interface, and hematoma segmentation algorithm. The tools include a contour editor, 3D surface modeler, 3D volume measure, histogramming, hematoma volume plot, and 3D synchronized time-series hematoma display. The CAD system has been designed and implemented in C++. It has also been employed in the CLEAR and MISTIE phase-III, multicenter clinical trials. This stroke CAD system is potentially useful in research and clinical applications, particularly for clinical trials.
Transport model for disordered organic nanocomposites
Authors: Vercik Andrés
Published: July 2014

Electric transport in disordered media is usually explained in terms of different transport regimes, such as SCLC (Space Charge Limited Current) or TCLC (Trap Charge Limited Current) regimes. These models lead to exponential dependencies of the current on voltage, e.g., quadratic for SCLC or higher order for TCLC, with transition regions between them where fitting is poor. Alternatively, a statistical distribution in space and energy of the disordered traps, e.g., Gaussian or exponential, allows explaining transport in disordered materials. In this work, we propose a modeling based on the density of states (DOS) function, fitted from normalized differential conductivity curves obtained from experimental current-voltage curves. In general a Gaussian function is used for low energies whereas one or more exponential functions are used for higher energies. The proposed model is used to reproduce experimental current-voltage curves of organic nanocomposites, with gold and silver nanoparticles within chitosan matrixes. A unique expression is obtained for a very accurate fitting the experimental current-voltage characteristics in the whole voltage range without transition regions.
Antibacterial Activity of Sea Cucumbers Harvested from Karimunjawa
Authors: Pringgenies Delianis
Published: July 2014

This research was conducted to discover bioactive compounds in sea cucumbers collected from Karimunjawa as anti-microbial agents against several pathogenic bacteria.  Five sea cucumbers species used in this study were Teripang Gamat (Stichopus variegatus), Teripang Nanas (Stichopus chloronotus), Teripang Getah (Bohadschia mamorata), Teripang Emas (Stichopus herrmanni) and Teripang Babi (Bohadschia argus). Sea cucumbers extract were subjected to a series of anti-microbial tests using Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Vibrio anguila, Vibrio voinivica, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas sp. Results showed that in the preliminary study, tissue extract of Bohadschia mamorata and Bohadschia argus were able to suppress the growth of all tested bacteria. Further study used these two sea cucumber extracts, and the results show that Bohadschia mamorata extract at 10 mg/ml showed the largest antibacterial (2.18 mm) towards the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas sp., while the smallest antibacterial zone (0.63 mm) was against the growth of Bacillus subtilis. At the concentration level of 20 mg/ml Bohadschia argus extract showed the highest antibacterial zone of 3.68 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and the lowest inhibition zone (1.75 mm) against Pseudomonas sp.
Chitosan Composite of Crab Shell and Hydroxyapatite of Tuna Fish Bone as Biomaterials for Guided Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Wikanta Thamrin , Erizal Erizal , Sugiyono Sugiyono
Published: July 2014

The needs of membrane biomaterials to prevent the migration process of epithelial cells into the bony area after tooth withdrawal process, for filler the holed tooth and to cure gingivitis have increased significantly. In this study, a biomembranes composed of chitosan (CTS) and hydroxyapatite (HA) were prepared. CTS was made of crab shell and HA was made of tuna fish bone. There were 4 groups of treatments, i.e.: K0: only 4 g CTS as a control; K1: combination of 4 g CTS and 2 g HA; K2: combination of 4 g CTS and 4 g HA; and K3: combination of 4 g CTS and 6 g HA. The dried and solid membrane was soaked in 5% Na2SO3 for 1 hour, and then dried in oven at 60 0C for 24 hours. The composite membrane properties, i.e.: water absorption, biodegradation, tensile strength, elongation at break, functional group (by FTIR), and microstructure (by SEM) were evaluated. Result showed that the increasing of HA content in membrane will decreasing the water absorption. The increasing of HA content in membrane and soaking time in Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS), can increase in biodegradation rate. The biodegradation rate of membrane was about 4.44-6.01% during 27 days of soaking time. The increasing soaking time in PBS can decrease the tensile strength of membrane at about 18.33%-21.17% and decreased the elongation at break at about 26.64%-59.94%. FT-IR analysis indicated that there was a crosslinking between a CTS-HA composite membrane and Na2SO3. Among all the composites studied, CTS-HA (4/2 g/g) composite membrane is the best one for Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR).
Drinking with an Unsealed Tube: Fluid Uptake Along the Butterfly Proboscis
Authors: Kwauk Karena J , Hasegawa Daniel K , Lehnert Matthew S , Beard Charles E , Gerard Patrick D , Kornev Konstantin G , Adler Peter H
Published: July 2014

Most adult Lepidoptera depend on a proboscis for fluid uptake. Although the proboscis has been regarded as a sealed tube with fluid uptake restricted to the distal end, recent evidence indicates that it is permeable along its entire length in at least some species. We, therefore, tested the effectiveness of the seal during feeding in four species of butterflies. Feeding rates in monarchs (Danaus plexippus L.), painted ladies (Vanessa cardui L.), and tiger swallowtails (Papilio glaucus L.) did not differ significantly when the proboscises were straightened and fully, versus partially, submersed in 1 or 15% sucrose solutions. To explore these results, we tested fluid uptake along the nearly transparent proboscises of buckeye butterflies (Junonia coenia Hübner) by applying colored droplets of water to the legular seam between the paired galeae. Colored fluid appeared in the food canal of straightened and naturally flexed proboscises within 10 s, regardless of whether the chemosensilla were stimulated with sugar. Statistically significant entry of fluid, however, occurred ≈30 s after droplets were applied and only if the proboscis was naturally flexed and stimulated with sucrose. The results suggest that fluid uptake along the length of the proboscis is influenced by changes in legular spacing when the butterfly naturally bends the proboscis and on activation of the cibarial pump when chemosensilla are stimulated with sugar.
Flow and turbulence in vegetation in a channel
Authors: Montakhab Amir , Yusuf Badronnisa , Folkard Andrew M.
Published: July 2014

The distribution of aquatic vegetation within conveyance channels plays a key role in the determination of their hydraulic characteristics, especially where the vegetation is patchy, as is commonly found in nature. This paper reports the results of a laboratory flume study on flow and turbulence conditions caused by patches of the emergent rush Lepironia articulata. Acoustic Doppler velocimeter measurements were taken within and downstream of single- and multiple-patch configurations of this plant, and the effects of varying incident flow rate (0·16–0·32 m/s) and stem-scale porosity (12–4% solid volume fraction) were investigated. The results showed that flow encountering a single patch formed a turbulent wake downstream of the vegetation. Within this wake, the Reynolds stress increased downstream initially, and then decayed. When a second patch was positioned within the region of maximum Reynolds stress, the Reynolds stress decreased by between 25 and 50%. The amount of this reduction was dependent on the porosity of the vegetation and the flow rate, and was greater at lower flow rates and porosities. These changes in turbulent flow fields around patches of emergent vegetation are likely to be important in determining sediment budgets in their vicinity.
Plant diversity effects on soil microbial functions and enzymes are stronger than warming in a grassland experiment
Authors: Steinauer Katja , Tilman David , Wragg Peter D. , Cesarz Simone , Cowles Jane M. , Pritsch Karin , Reich Peter B. , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Eisenhauer Nico
Published: July 2014

Anthropogenic changes in biodiversity and atmospheric temperature significantly influence ecosystem processes. However, little is known about potential interactive effects of plant diversity and warming on essential ecosystem properties, such as soil microbial functions and element cycling. We studied the effects of orthogonal manipulations of plant diversity (one, four, and 16 species) and warming (ambient, +1.5°C, and +3°C) on soil microbial biomass, respiration, growth after nutrient additions, and activities of extracellular enzymes in 2011 and 2012 in the BAC (biodiversity and climate) perennial grassland experiment site at Cedar Creek, Minnesota, USA. Focal enzymes are involved in essential biogeochemical processes of the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles. Soil microbial biomass and some enzyme activities involved in the C and N cycle increased significantly with increasing plant diversity in both years. In addition, 16‐species mixtures buffered warming induced reductions in topsoil water content. We found no interactive effects of plant diversity and warming on soil microbial biomass and growth rates. However, the activity of several enzymes (1,4‐β‐glucosidase, 1,4‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase, phosphatase, peroxidase) depended on interactions between plant diversity and warming with elevated activities of enzymes involved in the C, N, and P cycles at both high plant diversity and high warming levels. Increasing plant diversity consistently decreased microbial biomass‐specific enzyme activities and altered soil microbial growth responses to nutrient additions, indicating that plant diversity changed nutrient limitations and/or microbial community composition. In contrast to our expectations, higher plant diversity only buffered temperature effects on soil water content, but not on microbial functions. Temperature effects on some soil enzymes were greatest at high plant diversity. In total, our results suggest that the fundamental temperature ranges of soil microbial communities may be sufficiently broad to buffer their functioning against changes in temperature and that plant diversity may be a dominant control of soil microbial processes in a changing world.
Commentary: Incorporating Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Periodontal Clinical Trials
Authors: McGuire Michael K. , Scheyer E. Todd , Gwaltney Chad
Published: July 2014

The authors review patient‐reported outcome (PRO) metrics for dentistry, and in particular, periodontics. The PRO commentary for periodontics includes a review of split‐mouth, randomized, controlled clinical trial results that specifically tracked pain at different sites over time after intervention and provided guidelines for peak pain time points and evidence for referred pain assessment when studying soft tissue augmentation procedures. Both the questions that are asked of patients and the timing of those questions are important study design considerations. The authors suggest PRO methodology for periodontal clinical trials that can be used to identify information important to patients and clinicians.
Path Analysis for Selection of Saccharification‐Efficient Sugarcane Genotypes through Agronomic Traits
Authors: Baffa David Carlos F. , de A. Costa Paulo M. , da Silveira Gustavo , Lopes Francis Júlio F. , Barbosa Márcio Henrique P. , Loureiro Marcelo E. , Cruz Cosme Damião , Peternelli Luiz Alexandre
Published: July 2014

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) bagasse is recognized as a promising feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production. The development of high‐quality crop cultivars through plant breeding is a way to improve feedstock quality. This study aimed to directly and indirectly quantify the effects of agronomic characteristics on the saccharification of sugarcane bagasse samples and to identifying the characteristics that can be used as reliable tools for the selection of genotypes for a better biofuel feedstock. The lignin content was determined in bagasse samples of 286 clones from 13 half‐sib families. Twenty clones showing a more contrasting lignin content were analyzed for the cellulose and hemicellulose composition in bagasse. They differed statistically for cellulose and hemicellulose contents and also for the efficiency of cellulose to glucose conversion. Clones with the highest dry biomass content also had the highest fiber content and were grouped among the clones exhibiting the highest lignin content. Lignin content was statistically significant and positively correlated with fiber (r = 0.485, p < 0.05) and plant biomass (r = 0.654, p < 0.01), and hemicellulose content was statistically significant and positively correlated with number of internodes (r = 0.623, p < 0.01). Lignin content and plant biomass had large negative direct effects (0.405 and 0.784, respectively) on glucose released by enzymatic hydrolysis. Variation among clones for plant productivity parameters and chemical composition of bagasse could be exploited by breeding to increase the amount of cellulosic ethanol produced. Lignin content and plant biomass were the most important components with direct and negative influences on the conversion of cellulose to glucose.