Signum phase mask differential microscopy

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a differential microscopy method to obtain simultaneous amplitude, phase, and quantitative polarization gradient imaging in a single experimental embodiment. A full-field optical spatial differentiator is achieved in a relatively simple setup by placing a glass cover slip as a Signum phase mask in the Fourier plane of a standard 4-f imaging system and accordingly named Signum phase mask differential microscopy. The longstanding requisite of polarized light to obtain the spatial differentiation of the field at the object plane is eliminated in our scheme and, hence, leads to the emergence of quantitative differential polarization contrast imaging by integrating polarization degree of freedom as an additional contrast agent in the framework of differential microscopy. Implementation of the proposed differential imaging scheme in high-resolution microscopy is experimentally demonstrated alongside its functionality for a broad wavelength range. Simultaneous acquisition of differential phase, amplitude, and polarization (anisotropy) gradient imaging in a rather elementary optical setup enables a low-cost multi-functional differential microscopy system that is anticipated to emerge as a revolutionary tool in label-free imaging and optical image processing

Inhomogeneous polarization evolution resolves a fundamental issue in non-Hermitian transverse optical beam shifts

Depending on the system parameters, the transverse optical beam shift in reflection can be non-Hermitian with real eigenvalues and non-orthogonal eigenstates. We reveal that such an unusual resemblance with typical PT (parity-time)-symmetric systems originates from the beam's momentum domain polarization evolution. Specifically, for partial reflection, the momentum domain inhomogeneous polarization evolution of the beam is at the heart of all the peculiarities in the corresponding eigenspectrum of the transverse shift operator. These findings put forward the notion of novel non-Hermitian spin-orbit photonics and enable common polarization optical elements to act as PT-symmetric non-Hermitian systems

Penilaian Kinerja Keuangan Koperasi di Kabupaten Pelalawan

This paper describe development and financial performance of cooperative in District Pelalawan among 2007 - 2008. Studies on primary and secondary cooperative in 12 sub-districts. Method in this stady use performance measuring of productivity, efficiency, growth, liquidity, and solvability of cooperative. Productivity of cooperative in Pelalawan was highly but efficiency still low. Profit and income were highly, even liquidity of cooperative very high, and solvability was good

Juxtaposing BTE and ATE – on the role of the European insurance industry in funding civil litigation

One of the ways in which legal services are financed, and indeed shaped, is through private insurance arrangement. Two contrasting types of legal expenses insurance contracts (LEI) seem to dominate in Europe: before the event (BTE) and after the event (ATE) legal expenses insurance. Notwithstanding institutional differences between different legal systems, BTE and ATE insurance arrangements may be instrumental if government policy is geared towards strengthening a market-oriented system of financing access to justice for individuals and business. At the same time, emphasizing the role of a private industry as a keeper of the gates to justice raises issues of accountability and transparency, not readily reconcilable with demands of competition. Moreover, multiple actors (clients, lawyers, courts, insurers) are involved, causing behavioural dynamics which are not easily predicted or influenced. Against this background, this paper looks into BTE and ATE arrangements by analysing the particularities of BTE and ATE arrangements currently available in some European jurisdictions and by painting a picture of their respective markets and legal contexts. This allows for some reflection on the performance of BTE and ATE providers as both financiers and keepers. Two issues emerge from the analysis that are worthy of some further reflection. Firstly, there is the problematic long-term sustainability of some ATE products. Secondly, the challenges faced by policymakers that would like to nudge consumers into voluntarily taking out BTE LEI

Severe early onset preeclampsia: short and long term clinical, psychosocial and biochemical aspects

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific disorder commonly defined as de novo hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks gestational age. It occurs in approximately 3-5% of pregnancies and it is still a major cause of both foetal and maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide1. As extensive research has not yet elucidated the aetiology of preeclampsia, there are no rational preventive or therapeutic interventions available. The only rational treatment is delivery, which benefits the mother but is not in the interest of the foetus, if remote from term. Early onset preeclampsia (<32 weeks’ gestational age) occurs in less than 1% of pregnancies. It is, however often associated with maternal morbidity as the risk of progression to severe maternal disease is inversely related with gestational age at onset2. Resulting prematurity is therefore the main cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in patients with severe preeclampsia3. Although the discussion is ongoing, perinatal survival is suggested to be increased in patients with preterm preeclampsia by expectant, non-interventional management. This temporising treatment option to lengthen pregnancy includes the use of antihypertensive medication to control hypertension, magnesium sulphate to prevent eclampsia and corticosteroids to enhance foetal lung maturity4. With optimal maternal haemodynamic status and reassuring foetal condition this results on average in an extension of 2 weeks. Prolongation of these pregnancies is a great challenge for clinicians to balance between potential maternal risks on one the eve hand and possible foetal benefits on the other. Clinical controversies regarding prolongation of preterm preeclamptic pregnancies still exist – also taking into account that preeclampsia is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the Netherlands5 - a debate which is even more pronounced in very preterm pregnancies with questionable foetal viability6-9. Do maternal risks of prolongation of these very early pregnancies outweigh the chances of neonatal survival? Counselling of women with very early onset preeclampsia not only comprises of knowledge of the outcome of those particular pregnancies, but also knowledge of outcomes of future pregnancies of these women is of major clinical importance. This thesis opens with a review of the literature on identifiable risk factors of preeclampsia

Measurement of associated W plus charm production in pp collisions at √s=7 TeV

Peer reviewe

Signum phase mask differential microscopy

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a differential microscopy method to obtain simultaneous amplitude, phase, and quantitative polarization gradient imaging in a single experimental embodiment. A full-field optical spatial differentiator is achieved in a relatively simple setup by placing a glass cover slip as a Signum phase mask in the Fourier plane of a standard 4-f imaging system and accordingly named Signum phase mask differential microscopy. The longstanding requisite of polarized light to obtain the spatial differentiation of the field at the object plane is eliminated in our scheme and, hence, leads to the emergence of quantitative differential polarization contrast imaging by integrating polarization degree of freedom as an additional contrast agent in the framework of differential microscopy. Implementation of the proposed differential imaging scheme in high-resolution microscopy is experimentally demonstrated alongside its functionality for a broad wavelength range. Simultaneous acquisition of differential phase, amplitude, and polarization (anisotropy) gradient imaging in a rather elementary optical setup enables a low-cost multi-functional differential microscopy system that is anticipated to emerge as a revolutionary tool in label-free imaging and optical image processing