Efficient lasing at near 3μm by a Dy-doped ZBLAN fiber laser pumped at ∼1.1 μm by an Yb fiber laser

Operation of a single-clad Dy 3+-doped ZrF 4-BaF 2-LaF 3-AlF 3-NaF (ZBLAN) fiber laser operating at mid-infrared near 3 μm is presented. The laser is pumped by an Yb 3+-doped silica fiber laser centered at 1088 nm. An output of near 0.1 W with a slope efficiency of up to 23% with respect to absorbed pump power was measured. The laser performance, theoretical modeling and laser spectrum of Dy fiber laser system with respect to various cavity losses are studied. The experimental slope efficiency is more than 4.5 times higher than the previous demonstration, and is 64% of the Stokes efficiency limit. The efficiency was improved by using cavity mirrors of reflectivities of 99 and 50%. The emission central wavelength and spectral width are found to be dependent on the pump power and output coupler, reflectivity. © 2011 by Astro Ltd., published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Generation of 1.7-μJ pulses at 1.55μm by a self-modelocked all-fiber laser with a kilometers-long linear-ring cavity

We report on the record-high pulse energy of nearly 1.7 μJ obtained directly from a self-mode-locked all-fiber erbium laser with a linear-ring cavity owing its extreme elongation up to several kilometers. Specially selected telecommunication fibers, providing large normal net cavity dispersion in the vicinity of 1.55 μm, have been used for this purpose. Along with compensation for polarization instability in the longer linear arm of the cavity, such approach has ensured stable wavebreaking- free mode-locked lasing with an ultra-low pulse repetition rate of 35.1 kHz. © 2010 by Astro Ltd.

Influência da paridade, do tipo de parto e do nível de atividade física sobre a musculatura do assoalho pélvico em mulheres na pós-menopausa

The post-menopause stage is characterized by hormonal and organic alterations of ovarian failure. One of the most important of these is muscles alterations of the pelvic floor (MPF). According to current literature, in young women gynecological and obstetric factors, as well as lifestyles and habits influence that loss of function. However, there is still uncertainty about the influence of those variables in the MPF functions in post-menopause women. Thus, this study aimed at seeing if there is an influence from number of births, the type of birth and the level of physical activity on the MPF of post-menopause women. Another objective of this study was to compare MPF force in women who had had vaginal births with those who had been subjected to cesarean sections, those with different levels of physical activity and those with artificial and natural menopause in the initial and latter stages. Furthermore, the test of muscular force was compared to perineometry. Using observational, analytical and transversal observations, 100 women in the post-menopausal stage of life, between the ages of 45 and 65, were examined. They were divided according to the menopausal stage into three groups: women who had undergone hysterectomies, those in the initial stages of postmenopause and those in the late stage of postmenpause. The patients were questioned about social, demographic, gynecological and obstetric factors. All the volunteers were submitted to a physical examination where their height and weight were measured to arrive at the corporal mass index and their waist measurements were taken. The evaluation of the pelvic floor was conducted with muscular force tests and perineometry. These results were analyzed with statistical description and ANOVA statistical tests, multiple regression and Kolmogorov-Smirnov evaluations. The results showed homogeneity with regard to social demographic and anthropometric characteristics among the women in the final test sample (n=85). It was also seen that most of the women in all three groups were married (p=0.51) and catholic (p=0.13). The average per capital income varied between $R585.47 (+/-466.67) and $R1,271.83 (+/-1,748.95), with no significant difference between the groups (p=0.05). The G>6 group presented an average age between 58.95 (+/-3.96) which was significantly greater that the G<6 group´s average age (53.21+/- 3.88) (p=0.000). There was no difference between the groups´ anthropometric characteristics of weight (p=0.32), height (p=0.72) and corporal mass index (p=0.34), nor in the waist measurements (p=0.33). Furthermore, no significant difference was noted in the MPF function of women who had had normal births, cesarean sections or a combination of the two (TFM p=0.897; perineum measurement p=0.502). Likewise, no differences were seen in the MPF function of women who had one, two to three or four or more births (TFM p=0.28, perineum measurement p=0.13). Finally, no difference was perceived among those with different levels of physical activity (TFM p=0.663; perineum measurement p=0.741). Therefore, we found that the type of delivery, number of births and physical activity had no influence on the muscular function of the pelvic floor among the women studied. It is believed that decline in muscular function in post-menopause women is fundamentally related to the process of aging.

Conhecimento da doença renal crônica entre médicos conforme as diretrizes práticas

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem, with increasing prevalence in its terminal stage and one of the factors that can contribute is the failure to recognize the disease and its risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge of medical residents (MR) and medical preceptors (MP) in hospitals in the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte in Natal-RN - Brazil, on the DRC, based on the policy of the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO ). METHODS: Cross-sectional study where 64 MR (R1 = 32; R2 = 15; R3 = 17) and 63 MP answered a questionnaire divided into seven sessions that addressed aspects of the DRC since the setting up referral to a nephrologist. RESULTS: Only 20 participants (15.7%) reported using any guidelines for the management of CKD. The scores obtained by session were: Definition and classification (46.1 ± 47.8); Risk factors (70.5 ± 27.9); Laboratory evaluation (58.2 ± 8.8); Clinical action plan (57.6 ± 19.9); Reduction in proteinuria (68.3 ± 15.0); Complications (64.8 ± 19.9); Referral to a nephrologist (73.0 ± 44.6). There was a statistically significant difference between the knowledge of MR and MP in the sessions: Laboratory evaluation (MR 61.5 ± 8.4 vs 54.8 ± 7.9 MP; p <0.001); Reduction in proteinuria (73.1 ± 11.4 vs MR MP 63.5 ± 16.7; p <0.001) and Referral to a nephrologist (MR 81.2 ± 39.3 vs 64.5 ± 48.2 MP; p = 0.035). Among the MR, the R2 obtained the best score (63.9 ± 22.6 vs R1 R2 R3 71.9 ± 17.2 vs 63.5 ± 22.5, p = 0.445). It identified a low percentage of success of the doctors on the definition of CKD (MP = 46%; R1 = 40.6%; R2 = 60%; R3 = 52.9%; p = 0.623) and classification (MP = 34.9%; R1 = 53.1%, R2 = 60%; R3 = 52.9%; p = 0.158). CONCLUSION: The study showed that most doctors do not use any guidelines for clinical management of CKD and that there are gaps in knowledge on the subject, even among physicians who work in the university environment. In this sense, we propose the realization of mini-workshops for participants and students from boarding UFRN, using Case-Based Learning Strategy (CBL), with small group discussion, to strengthen the incorporation of CKD guidelines in undergraduate teaching and in clinical medical practice in general.

Conhecimento da doença renal crônica entre médicos conforme as diretrizes práticas

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem, with increasing prevalence in its terminal stage and one of the factors that can contribute is the failure to recognize the disease and its risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge of medical residents (MR) and medical preceptors (MP) in hospitals in the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte in Natal-RN - Brazil, on the DRC, based on the policy of the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO ). METHODS: Cross-sectional study where 64 MR (R1 = 32; R2 = 15; R3 = 17) and 63 MP answered a questionnaire divided into seven sessions that addressed aspects of the DRC since the setting up referral to a nephrologist. RESULTS: Only 20 participants (15.7%) reported using any guidelines for the management of CKD. The scores obtained by session were: Definition and classification (46.1 ± 47.8); Risk factors (70.5 ± 27.9); Laboratory evaluation (58.2 ± 8.8); Clinical action plan (57.6 ± 19.9); Reduction in proteinuria (68.3 ± 15.0); Complications (64.8 ± 19.9); Referral to a nephrologist (73.0 ± 44.6). There was a statistically significant difference between the knowledge of MR and MP in the sessions: Laboratory evaluation (MR 61.5 ± 8.4 vs 54.8 ± 7.9 MP; p <0.001); Reduction in proteinuria (73.1 ± 11.4 vs MR MP 63.5 ± 16.7; p <0.001) and Referral to a nephrologist (MR 81.2 ± 39.3 vs 64.5 ± 48.2 MP; p = 0.035). Among the MR, the R2 obtained the best score (63.9 ± 22.6 vs R1 R2 R3 71.9 ± 17.2 vs 63.5 ± 22.5, p = 0.445). It identified a low percentage of success of the doctors on the definition of CKD (MP = 46%; R1 = 40.6%; R2 = 60%; R3 = 52.9%; p = 0.623) and classification (MP = 34.9%; R1 = 53.1%, R2 = 60%; R3 = 52.9%; p = 0.158). CONCLUSION: The study showed that most doctors do not use any guidelines for clinical management of CKD and that there are gaps in knowledge on the subject, even among physicians who work in the university environment. In this sense, we propose the realization of mini-workshops for participants and students from boarding UFRN, using Case-Based Learning Strategy (CBL), with small group discussion, to strengthen the incorporation of CKD guidelines in undergraduate teaching and in clinical medical practice in general.

Receptores de citocinas proinflamatórias na pré-eclâmpsia

Preeclampsia is a disease specific of human pregnancy that affects 3-8% of pregnant women, and it is one of the three leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. The disease is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after the 20th week of gestation. The risk factors for this disease are not completely understood but appear to include dysregulation of the immune response arising from defects in placentation, environmental and genetic factors. This study aimed to determine whether the variation in the amount of proinflammatory cytokine receptors IL-1R2, IL-6R and TNF-αR1 would be involved in preeclampsia. They were recruited women with preeclampsia (n=24) and women who evolved during pregnancy without changes in blood pressure (n=12) were recruited. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. The cytokine receptors (IL-1R2, TNF-αR1 and IL-6R) were assessed in mononuclear cells isolated from peripheral blood using flow cytometry (Control = 8; PE = 24). C-reactive protein (CRP) was determined by CRP ultrasensitive method (Control = 7; PE = 18) was performed using sera pregnant women. Women with preeclampsia had higher weight at the beginning of the pregnancy (p=0.0171) and lower gestational age at delivery (0.0008). Classical monocytes were decreased in preeclampsia but not intermediate or non-classical monocytes. The frequency of IL-1R2 pro inflammatory cytokine receptors is decreased in women with PE only in the subpopulation of non-classical monocytes (p = 0.0011). TNF-αR1 receptor and IL-6R, had a decreased frequency in the three subpopulations of monocyte (classic, intermediate and non-classical) when compared to women with normal pregnancy. An increase in IL-1R2 receptor in TCD4+ lymphocytes, but a decrease in TNF-receptor and IL-6R in women with preeclampsia were found. No differences in the frequency of those receptors in CD3+/CD8+ in preeclampsia. There was no difference in C-reactive protein in preeclampsia. The reduction in the amount of IL-1R2, TNF- αR1 and IL-6R monocytes and lymphocytes can be involved in the regulation of inflammation observed in preeclampsia, contributing to disease.

Implementación sobre FPGA de un algoritmo de compresión de imágenes hiperespectrales bajo el estándar CCSDS 123.0-B-1

A lo largo de la historia, nuestro planeta ha atravesado numerosas y diferentes etapas. Sin embargo, desde finales del cretácico no se vivía un cambio tan rápido como el actual. Y a la cabeza del cambio, nosotros, el ser humano. De igual manera que somos la causa, debemos ser también la solución, y el análisis a gran escala de la tierra está siendo un punto de interés para la comunidad científica en los últimos años. Prueba de ello es que, cada vez con más frecuencia, se lanzan gran cantidad de satélites cuya finalidad es el análisis, mediante fotografías, de la superficie terrestre. Una de las técnicas más versátiles para este análisis es la toma de imágenes hiperespectrales, donde no solo se captura el espectro visible, sino numerosas longitudes de onda. Suponen, eso sí un reto tecnológico, pues los sensores consumen más energía y las imágenes más memoria, ambos recursos escasos en el espacio. Dado que el análisis se hace en tierra firme, es importante una transmisión de datos eficaz y rápida. Por ello creemos que la compresión en tiempo real mediante FPGAs es la solución idónea, combinando un bajo consumo con una alta tasa de compresión, posibilitando el análisis ininterrumpido del astro en el que vivimos. En este trabajo de fin de grado se ha realizado una implementación sobre FPGA, utilizando VHDL, del estándar CCSDS 123. Este está diseñado para la compresión sin pérdida de imágenes hiperespectrales, y permite una amplia gama de configuraciones para adaptarse de manera óptima a cualquier tipo de imagen. Se ha comprobado exitosamente la validez de la implementación comparando los resultados obtenidos con otras implementaciones (software) existentes. Las principales ventajas que presentamos aquí es que se posibilita la compresión en tiempo real, obteniendo además un rendimiento energético muy prometedor. Estos resultados mejoran notablemente los de una implementación software del algoritmo, y permitirán la compresión de las imágenes a bordo de los satélites que las toman.

Asthma inhaler adherence determinants in adults : systematic review of observational data

Copyright ©ERS 2014.

T1 mapping for assessment of myocardial injury and microvascular obstruction at one week post myocardial infarction

Acknowledgements This study was supported by a Medical Research Council UK grant (grant number G0800901), as a sub-study of Nitrites in Acute Myocardial Infarction. Thanks are due to Roger Staff, for invaluable advice regarding receiver operator characteristic analysis.

Asthma inhaler adherence determinants in adults : systematic review of observational data

Copyright ©ERS 2014.

T1 mapping for assessment of myocardial injury and microvascular obstruction at one week post myocardial infarction

Acknowledgements This study was supported by a Medical Research Council UK grant (grant number G0800901), as a sub-study of Nitrites in Acute Myocardial Infarction. Thanks are due to Roger Staff, for invaluable advice regarding receiver operator characteristic analysis.

Breads Fortified with Freeze-Dried Vegetables : Quality and Nutritional Attributes. Part II: Breads Not Containing Oil as an Ingredient

Acknowledgments: Funds for the study were provided by the Scottish Government's Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division and conducted as part of the Scottish Government Strategic Research programme (Diet and Health Theme of the Food Land & People Programme). The authors are grateful to Phillip Morrice, Vivian Buchan, and Donna Henderson for helping with the nutritional analysis of the breads. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Mapping the Asthma Care Process : Implications for Research and Practice

The authors would like to thank the participants to the Respiratory Effectiveness Group Adherence symposium for their comments on the model overview presented during this meeting, members of the ASTRO-LAB consortium for collaborative work on reviewing literature and performing qualitative interviews, and patients and clinicians that shared valuable insights into asthma management during the telephone interviews.

Fungicidas protetores no manejo da ferrugem da soja, processos fisiológicos e produtividade da cultura

Currently, the management recommendations for asian soybean rust (ASR) has been based on the application of protective fungicides mixed with triazoles and stronilurins. Thus, this study aimed at assessing whether the increased productivity provided by the application of protective fungicides is due solely to the fungicidal action of the product or some physiological changes in the plant and which the latter would be. The experiment was conducted from March to July 2015 at the experimental station of Udi Research and Development in Uberlândia-MG, with the cultivar 97Y07 RR. The experimental design chosen for this study was comprised of a randomized block with four replications and 16 treatments: check, fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin (116.55 + 58.45 g ha-1), azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupir (90 + 45 g ha-1), trifloxystrobin + prothioconazole (60 + 70 g ha-1), tebuconazole + picoxystrobin (100 + 60 g ha-1), picoxystrobin + cyproconazole (60 + 24 g ha-1), mancozeb (1125 g ha-1), azoxistrobina + tebuconazole + difenoconazole (60 + 75 + 120 g ha-1), azoxystrobin + tebuconazole + difenoconazole + chlorothalonil ( 60 + 120 + 75 + 1440 g ha-1), and mistures fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin + mancozeb, azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupir + mancozeb, trifloxystrobin + prothioconazole + mancozeb, tebuconazole + picoxystrobin + mancozeb, picoxystrobin + cyproconazole + mancozeb, azoxystrobin + tebuconazole + difenoconazole + mancozeb, and azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupir + chlorothalonil, from the aforesaid doses. The first application of the treatments occurred in R1, in the absence of symptoms. The number of applications, intervals and the use of adjuvants were performed according to the recommendations by manufacturers. The variables analyzed were: disease severity, concentration of chlorophylls and carotenoids, photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), internal carbon concentration (Ci), instantaneous efficiency in water use (A/E), intrinsic water use efficiency (A/gs), and carboxylation efficiency (A/C). With these data collected, this study set to date the progress curve of each variable (AUPC). At the end of the crop cycle, the average of pods per plant was quantified, grain per pod, productivity and weight of 1,000 grains. It was concluded that: the addition of mancozeb to fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupir, trifloxystrobin + prothioconazole and tebuconazole + picoxystrobin potentiated the ASR control; adding mancozebe to the mixture azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupir provided better control of the disease compared to the addition of chlorothalonil; mancozeb amounts to AUPC concentration of photosynthetic pigments and when added to axozystrobin + tebuconazole + difenoconazole, increases the AUPC for total chlorophyll concentration, as well as when chlorothalonil was added; mancozeb added to the mix fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin raised the AUPC for A/Ci and A/gs, increasing the W1,000G and crop productivity; the addition of protectors similarly reflected on the productivity of culture.

Natural history of retinopathy in children and young people with type 1 diabetes

Purpose: To describe the prevalence and natural history of retinopathy in a cohort of children and young people with type 1 diabetes attending a tertiary hospital diabetes clinic. Methods: We analysed retinopathy screening data from 2008 to 2010 on all eligible children using the 'Twinkle' diabetes database and the regional retinal screening database. Results: A total of 88% (149/169) of eligible children were screened in 2008, median age 14 years, 52% male. The prevalence of retinopathy was 19.5% (30/149). All children had background retinopathy grade R1. There was significant difference in median (range) duration of diabetes, 7.7 years (0.6–13.7) vs 5 years (0.2–12.5) (P<0.001) and median (range) HbA1C, 9.1% (7.2–14) vs 8.6% (5.6–13.1) (P=0.02), between the groups with and without retinopathy. At 2- years follow-up, 12/30 (40%) had unchanged retinopathy grade R1, 10/30 (33.3%) showed resolution of changes (R0), 1/30 progressed to maculopathy, and 7/30 had no follow-up data. Median (range) HbA1C in 2008 and 2010 for the groups with stable vs resolved changes was similar, 9.1% (7.2–14.0) and 9.2% (7–14.0) vs 9.5% (7.8–14.0) and 9.2% (8.7–14.0). Of the 119 without retinopathy in 2008, 27 (22.5%) had developed retinopathy within 2 years, including 1 with pre-proliferative retinopathy and 1 with maculopathy. There was no significant difference in HbA1c between those who progressed to retinopathy (8.7% (7.1–13.1)) (8.7% (7.1–13.1)), and those who did not (8.6% (6.3–12.2)). Conclusions: Prevalence of background retinopathy in our cohort was comparable to the previously published reports, with higher HbA1c and longer duration of diabetes being significant risk factors. On short-term follow-up, Grade 1 retinopathy is likely to resolve in a third of patients and remain unchanged in just over a third.