Optical properties of a waveguide-mediated chain of randomly positioned atoms

We theoretically study the optical properties of an ensemble of two-level atoms coupled to a one-dimensional waveguide. In our model, the atoms are randomly located in the lattice sites along the one-dimensional waveguide. The results reveal that the optical transport properties of the atomic ensemble are influenced by the lattice constant and the filling factor of the lattice sites. We also focus on the atomic mirror configuration and quantify the effect of the inhomogeneous broadening in atomic resonant transition on the scattering spectrum. Furthermore, we find that initial bunching and persistent quantum beats appear in photon-photon correlation function of the transmitted field, which are significantly changed by filling factor of the lattice sites. With great progress to interface quantum emitters with nanophotonics, our results should be experimentally realizable in the near future.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures, Accepted for publication in Optics Expres

Self-testing of a single quantum system from theory to experiment

Self-testing allows one to characterise quantum systems under minimal assumptions. However, existing schemes rely on quantum nonlocality and cannot be applied to systems that are not entangled. Here, we introduce a robust method that achieves self-testing of individual systems by taking advantage of contextuality. The scheme is based on the simplest contextuality witness for the simplest contextual quantum system—the Klyachko-Can-Binicioğlu-Shumovsky inequality for the qutrit. We establish a lower bound on the fidelity of the state and the measurements as a function of the value of the witness under a pragmatic assumption on the measurements. We apply the method in an experiment on a single trapped 40Ca+ using randomly chosen measurements and perfect detection efficiency. Using the observed statistics, we obtain an experimental demonstration of self-testing of a single quantum system

A systematic scoping review of approaches to teaching and assessing empathy in medicine

10.1186/s12909-021-02697-6BMC Medical Education21129

Harmony rules in Chinese backpacker groups

Despite recognition that Chinese backpackers travel in small self-organised groups, studies have yet to examine how group dynamics affect the travel experience. Multi-sited ethnography and netnography were deployed to follow Chinese backpackers in Europe to explore their group dynamics. The findings reveal that Chinese backpackers sustain hierarchical group relations by applying cultural attributes of 'respect for authority' and 'keqi'. A conflict-free status is achieved by following the codes of 'guanxi' and 'conformity'. Harmony is practiced to either develop harmonious relationships or resolve potential discord. This study contributes to the literature on harmony by synthesising relevant cultural attributes to understand their applications in group dynamic. It furthermore contributes to the literature on backpacker tourism and self-organised travel group dynamics

Phased-array Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Prostate with Correlation to Radical Prostatectomy Specimens: Local Experience

To evaluate local experience of phased-array magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the staging of locally advanced prostate carcinoma with comparison to clinical staging. Methods: The study population was 21 patients who underwent preoperative MRI with pelvic phased-array coils followed by radical prostatectomy. The MRI findings were correlated with completely embedded serially sliced and whole-mounted sections of the prostate gland and clinical staging. Results: Overall accuracy of 57.1% was obtained, with specificity of 90.0% and sensitivity of 27.3%. All but one case of locally advanced disease missed by MRI was microscopic. Clinical staging in these cases also achieved accuracy of 57.1%, specificity of 90.0% and sensitivity of 27.3%. Conclusions: MRI with a phased-array coil has high specificity but low sensitivity for detection of extraprostatic disease. Phased-array MRI does not image microscopic tumour extension. It did not perform better than clinical staging and is not recommended for routine staging

Algorithm-based approach to hypervascular pancreatic lesions

Incidental pancreatic lesions are increasingly being detected due to the increasing use of cross-sectional imaging such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. These pancreatic lesions can be broadly categorised into hypervascular and hypovascular lesions by comparing the degree of lesion enhancement to the background pancreatic parenchymal enhancement. For practicality, we define pancreatic lesions as hypervascular when they show enhancement greater or equal to that of the pancreatic parenchyma on either CT or MR imaging vis-a-vis hypovascular lesions, which characteristically enhance less than the background pancreatic parenchyma. Hypovascular lesions have been widely described, including ductal adenocarcinoma and chronic focal pancreatitis.(1) A few prior published reviews related to hypervascular pancreatic masses have focused on the differential entities or their malignant potential.(2,3) To the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of an algorithm-based approach that enables general radiologists to prospectively differentiate the various hypervascular pancreatic lesions, as presented in this pictorial essay. We further discuss the pertinent radiologic pathologic features of each differential diagnosis and illustrate them using individual case examples.Published versio

Primary Colorectal Cancer : Use of Kinetic Modeling of Dynamic Contrast-enhanced CT Data to Predict Clinical Outcome

To compare four different tracer kinetic models for the analysis of dynamic contrast material–enhanced computed tomographic (CT) data with respect to the prediction of 5-year overall survival in primary colorectal cancerPeer reviewe

Imaging features of renal complications after crizotinib treatment for non–small-cell lung cancer: a case report

Crizotinib has been approved for the treatment of advanced ALK-positive non–small cell lung cancer. Its use is associated with the development of complex renal cysts. However, there is limited literature regarding imaging features of renal cystic disease during crizotinib therapy and its complications or progression. Here, we describe a case of a patient with ALK-positive advanced non–small cell lung cancer who developed complex renal cyst during crizotinib treatment. The renal cyst is complicated by infection and abscess formation. Subsequent renal biopsy, antibiotics treatment, and open drainage of loculated renal abscess showed no malignant cells and contributed to the diagnosis. The imaging features should be recognized as renal cystic disease of crizotinib treatment and not to be mistaken as new metastasis and disease progression

Changing self-concept in the time of COVID-19: a close look at physician reflections on social media.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed the healthcare landscape drastically. Stricken by sharp surges in morbidity and mortality with resource and manpower shortages confounding their efforts, the medical community has witnessed high rates of burnout and post-traumatic stress amongst themselves. Whilst the prevailing literature has offered glimpses into their professional war, no review thus far has collated the deeply personal reflections of physicians and ascertained how their self-concept, self-esteem and perceived self-worth has altered during this crisis. Without adequate intervention, this may have profound effects on their mental and physical health, personal relationships and professional efficacy.MethodsWith mentions of the coronavirus pervading social media by the millions, this paper set out to collate and thematically analyse social media posts containing first-person physician reflections on how COVID-19 affected their lives and their coping mechanisms. A consistent search strategy was employed and a PRISMA flowchart was used to map out the inclusion/exclusion criteria.ResultsA total of 590 social media posts were screened, 511 evaluated, and 108 included for analysis. Salient themes identified include Disruptions to Personal Psycho-Emotional State, Disruptions to Professional Care Delivery, Concern for Family, Response from Institution, Response from Society and Coping Mechanisms.ConclusionIt is evident that the distress experienced by physicians during this time has been manifold, multi-faceted and dominantly negative. Self-concepts were distorted with weakened self-esteem and perceived self-worth observed. The Ring Theory of Personhood (RToP) was adopted to explain COVID-19's impact on physician personhood as it considers existential, individual, relational and social concepts of the self. These entwined self-concepts serve as 'compensatory' to one another, with coping mechanisms buffering and fortifying the physician's overall personhood. With healthcare institutions playing a vital role in providing timely and targeted support, it was further proposed that a comprehensive assessment tool based on the RToP could be developed to detect at-risk physicians and evaluate the presence and effectiveness of established support structures