Measurement of Coupling PDC photon sources with single-mode and multimode optical fibers

We investigate the coupling efficiency of parametric downconversion light (PDC) into single and multi-mode optical fibers as a function of the pump beam diameter, crystal length and walk-off. We outline two different theoretical models for the preparation and collection of either single-mode or multi-mode PDC light (defined by, for instance, multi-mode fibers or apertures, corresponding to bucket detection). Moreover, we define the mode-matching collection efficiency, important for realizing a single-photon source based on PDC output into a well-defined single spatial mode. We also define a multimode collection efficiency that is useful for single-photon detector calibration applications.Comment: 13 pages, 12 figure

A peer-led integrated approach for co-existing mental and addictive disorders: a longitudinal qualitative evaluation of the first UK Dual Diagnosis Anonymous

Background People with comorbid of mental illness and addictive disorders (also known as “dual diagnosis”) generally present with multiple complex needs and are often affected by seriously adverse clinical and social outcomes and poor prospects of long term recovery. Yet, individual with such comorbidity are often failed by the social and healthcare systems. This can lead to individuals feeling isolated, marginalised and hopeless. Mutual aid groups are an invaluable source of social capital for those who are most at risk of isolation, however those with co-occurring disorders can feel alienated and not able to discuss their mental health issues in traditional AA and NA groups. Inspired by the success the Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA) programme in Oregon, in 2016 the first DDA was founded to address the needs of individuals with comorbidity. DDA is an integrated peer-led group that adapts the traditional 12-steps programme by adding 5 extra steps and a workbook to specifically address mental health problems. Aims The aims of the study were: (1) to investigate the DDA attendees’ perceived impact of the programme on their quality of life and recovery progression over a period of one year; explore what elements of the programme members perceived to be have been most useful and whether they had any suggestions for improvement; (2) to investigate the perspectives of DDA founders and facilitators on the effectiveness, challengers and future prospects of DDA and of (3) to explore the commissioner’s perspective on the usefulness and feasibility of such programme. Method Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 DDA attendees (at about 3 and 9 and 12 months from the start of the programme), three DDA founders and facilitators (at about 6 and 18 months from the start of the programme) and the one NHS commissioner who funded the pilot (one interview at 18 months). Data were thematically coded independently by two investigators and compared to patterns identified by the software NVivo. Themes and sub-themes were then discussed, agreed and presented to the DDA group. The feedback received from the group was utilized to finalise and interpret the emerged patterns. A longitudinal matrix was also used to evidence the trajectory of the theme development of themes for each DDA member. Main findings overall, DDA members reported that the programme had improved their lives with regard to the following areas: 1. acceptance of self, of others and from others, 2. increased hope, 3. reduction of symptoms (mental health and addictive disorders),4. improved social functioning and advancement in self-development. Conclusions: results of the interviews from DDA members, facilitators and the commissioner converged in suggesting that the DDA programme is a valuable resource for the people with comorbidity and their community. Challenges and future developments will be discussed

Murine CD8+ T cells that specifically delete autologous CD4+ T cells expressing Vβ8 TCR: a role of the Qa-1 molecule

SummaryInteractions mediated by TCRs expressed on different T cell subsets may play a role in immunoregulation. To investigate this idea, we studied the regulation of superantigen-induced TCR Vβ-restricted responses. We asked whether the in vivo regulation of CD4+ Vβ8+ T cells following SEB injection is controlled by CD8+ T cells. We found that in mice deficient in CD8+ T cells, the down-regulation of CD4+ Vβ8+ T cells below baseline is not observed. Moreover, following SEB administration, CD8+ T cells emerge that preferentially kill subpopulations of activated CD4+ Vβ8+ but not CD4+ Vβ8- T cells in vitro. This TCR Vβ-specific cytotoxicity is dependent on β2-microglobulin and is inhibited by antisera specific for Qa-1 but not by antibody to MHC class la. These data suggest the idea that the specificity of immune regulation may involve CD8+ T cell recognition of TCR Vβ determinants and Qa-1 molecules expressed on CD4+ T cells

Audit of head injury management in Accident and Emergency at two hospitals: implications for NICE CT guidelines

BACKGROUND: The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has produced guidelines on the early management of head injury. This study audits the process of the management of patients with head injury presenting at Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments and examines the impact upon resources of introducing NICE guidelines for eligibility of a CT scan. METHODS: A retrospective audit of consecutive patients of any age, presenting at A&E with a complaint of head injury during one month in two northern District General Hospitals forming part of a single NHS Trust. RESULTS: 419 patients presented with a median age of 15.5 years, and 61% were male. 58% had a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) recorded and 33 (8%) were admitted. Only four of the ten indicators for a CT scan were routinely assessed, but data were complete for only one (age), and largely absent for another (vomiting). Using just three (incomplete) indicators showed a likely 4 fold increase in the need for a CT scan. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients who present with a head injury to Accident and Emergency departments are discharged home. Current assessment processes and associated data collection routines do not provide the information necessary to implement NICE guidelines for CT brain scans. The development of such clinical audit systems in a busy A&E department is likely to require considerable investment in technology and/or staff. The resource implications for radiology are likely to be substantial

Heterodinuclear ruthenium(II)-cobalt(III) complexes as models for a new approach to selective cancer treatment

Heterodinuclear ruthenium(ii)-cobalt(iii) complexes have been prepared as part of investigations into a new approach to selective cancer treatment. A cobalt(iii) centre bearing amine ligands, which serve as models for cytotoxic nitrogen mustard ligands, is connected by a bridging ligand to a ruthenium(ii)-polypyridyl moiety. Upon excitation of the ruthenium centre by visible light, electron transfer to the cobalt(iii) centre results in reduction to cobalt(ii) and consequent release of its ligands. We have synthesised several such structures and demonstrated their ability to release ligands upon excitation of the ruthenium centre by visible light

Noninvasive electromyometrial imaging of human uterine maturation during term labor

Electromyometrial imaging (EMMI) was recently developed to image the three-dimensional (3D) uterine electrical activation during contractions noninvasively and accurately in sheep. Herein we describe the development and application of a human EMMI system to image and evaluate 3D uterine electrical activation patterns at high spatial and temporal resolution during human term labor. We demonstrate the successful integration of the human EMMI system during subjects\u27 clinical visits to generate noninvasively the uterine surface electrical potential maps, electrograms, and activation sequence through an inverse solution using up to 192 electrodes distributed around the abdomen surface. Quantitative indices, including the uterine activation curve, are developed and defined to characterize uterine surface contraction patterns. We thus show that the human EMMI system can provide detailed 3D images and quantification of uterine contractions as well as novel insights into the role of human uterine maturation during labor progression

The B73 Maize Genome: Complexity, Diversity, and Dynamics

We report an improved draft nucleotide sequence of the 2.3-gigabase genome of maize, an important crop plant and model for biological research. Over 32,000 genes were predicted, of which 99.8% were placed on reference chromosomes. Nearly 85% of the genome is composed of hundreds of families of transposable elements, dispersed nonuniformly across the genome. These were responsible for the capture and amplification of numerous gene fragments and affect the composition, sizes, and positions of centromeres. We also report on the correlation of methylation-poor regions with Mu transposon insertions and recombination, and copy number variants with insertions and/or deletions, as well as how uneven gene losses between duplicated regions were involved in returning an ancient allotetraploid to a genetically diploid state. These analyses inform and set the stage for further investigations to improve our understanding of the domestication and agricultural improvements of maize

Caretaker Quality of Life in Rett Syndrome: Disorder Features and Psychological Predictors

ObjectiveRett syndrome is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately one in 10,000 female births. The clinical features of Rett syndrome are known to impact both patients' and caretakers' quality of life in Rett syndrome. We hypothesized that more severe clinical features would negatively impact caretaker physical quality of life but would positively impact caretaker mental quality of life.MethodsParticipants were individuals enrolled in the Rett Natural History Study with a diagnosis of classic Rett syndrome. Demographic data, clinical disease features, caretaker quality of life, and measures of family function were assessed during clinic visits. The Optum SF-36v2 Health Survey was used to assess caretaker physical and mental quality of life (higher scores indicate better quality of life). Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses were used to characterize relationships between child and caretaker characteristics and caretaker quality of life.ResultsCaretaker physical component scores (PCS) were higher than mental component scores (MCS): 52.8 (9.7) vs 44.5 (12.1). No differences were demonstrated between the baseline and 5-year follow-up. In univariate analyses, disease severity was associated with poorer PCS (P = 0.006) and improved MCS (P = 0.003). Feeding problems were associated with poorer PCS (P = 0.007) and poorer MCS (P = 0.018). In multivariate analyses, limitations in caretaker personal time and home conflict adversely affected PCS. Feeding problems adversely impacted MCS.ConclusionsCaretaker quality of life in Rett syndrome is similar to that for caretakers in other chronic diseases. Disease characteristics significantly impact quality of life, and feeding difficulties may represent an important clinical target for improving both child and caretaker quality of life. The stability of quality-of-life scores between baseline and five years adds important value