Assessment of the Structural Vibration Effect on Plasma Current Measurement Using a Fiber Optic Current Sensor in ITER.

In this paper, we assess the effect of cryostat bridge vibrations on the plasma current measurement accuracy when using a fiber optic current sensor (FOCS) in ITER. The impact of vibrations on the light polarization state was first experimentally investigated using a miniaturized mock-up which represented a relevant part of the ITER FOCS structure. The set-up was then numerically simulated using the Jones matrix approach.

Precursor beat length and spun period measurement of a spun fiber using polarization optical frequency domain reflectometry.

In this Letter, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, nondestructive method for measuring the spun fiber parameters (precursor beat length and spun period) is presented both theoretically and experimentally. The proposed technique is based on analyzing the polarization optical frequency domain reflectometer traces. Experimental results are in agreement with the theoretical predictions.

Plasma current measurement in ITER with a polarization-OTDR: impact of fiber bending and twisting on the measurement accuracy.

Using a polarization-sensitive optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR), plasma current in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) can be measured by investigating the Faraday effect-induced polarization rotation in a spun fiber placed around the Vacuum Vessel. However, intrinsic birefringence and external effects like fiber bending and twisting generate unwanted polarization changes and decrease the measurement accuracy. In this paper, a simulation-based approach is developed, considering bending and twisting effects to assess the performance of the reflectometer in measuring plasma current at ITER.

Compact solid-state optical phased array beam scanners based on polymeric photonic integrated circuits.

Optical phased array (OPA) devices are being actively investigated to develop compact solid-state beam scanners, which are essential in fields such as LiDAR, free-space optical links, biophotonics, etc. Based on the unique nature of perfluorinated polymers, we propose a polymer waveguide OPA with the advantages of low driving power and high optical throughput. Unlike silicon photonic OPAs, the polymer OPAs enable sustainable phase distribution control during beam scanning, which reduces the burden of beamforming.

Polymeric tunable wavelength filter with two-stage cascaded tilted Bragg gratings.

Wavelength-division multiplexed optical communication systems used in 5G networks require tunable wavelength filters with narrow bandwidth for 100 GHz channel spacing, wide wavelength range to cover 16 channels, and a side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) exceeding 30 dB. To fabricate wavelength filters satisfying these specifications, tunable Bragg grating filters based on polymeric optical waveguides are proposed. The combination of mode-sorting waveguide and tilted Bragg grating enables the extraction of Bragg reflected signals to another path, without using an external circulator.

Temporal response of polymer waveguide beam scanner with thermo-optic phase-modulator array.

Solid-state light detection and ranging, capable of performing beam scanning without using any mechanical moving parts, requires a phase-modulator array. Polymers facilitate the fabrication of efficient phase modulators with low drive power, owing to their high thermo-optic (TO) effect and low thermal conductivity. We designed and fabricated a polymeric phase-modulator array and analyzed the temporal response of the TO phase modulator.

Silicon nitride optical phased array based on a grating antenna enabling wavelength-tuned beam steering.

An optical phased array (OPA) in silicon nitride (SiN) is conspicuously highlighted as a vital alternative to its counterpart in silicon. However, a limited number of studies have been conducted on this array in terms of wavelength-tuned beam steering. A SiN OPA has been proposed and implemented with a grating antenna that incorporated an array of shallow-etched waveguides, rendering wavelength-tuned beam steering along the longitudinal direction.

Optical Waveguide Tunable Phase Delay Lines Based on the Superior Thermo-Optic Effect of Polymer.

Strong thermo-optic effect of polymers is useful for fabricating tunable phase-delay devices with low power consumption and wide tuning range. However, if the temperature change is increased to extend the tuning range, an attenuation of the guided light is accompanied by the refractive index gradient across the waveguide core. For three different waveguide structures, in this study, the optimal structure of the device for a variable phase delay line was found by investigating the attenuation and interference phenomena accompanying phase modulation.

Bias-free optical current sensors based on quadrature interferometric integrated optics.

A reflective quadrature interferometer was constructed by integrating polymeric optical waveguide components, to demonstrate an optical current sensor that could operate without bias feedback control. In order to obtain two interference signals with a phase difference of 90°, half-wave and quarter-wave plates were inserted in the polymeric optical waveguide chip, and a polarization-dependent birefringence modulator was used for the initialization of the optical sensor, including detector gain adjustment. During the bias-free operation of the sensor, the measurement error was less than ± 0.

Sonography of Wrist Ganglion Cysts: Which Location Is Most Common?

Objectives: The literature states that wrist ganglion cysts are most commonly dorsal; however, our experience suggests a volar location is more common. The purpose of this study was to identify the locations of ganglion cysts of the wrist as imaged with sonography.

Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval with informed consent waived, retrospective review of wrist sonography reports from January to April 2016 was completed.

Imaging appearance following surgical decompression of the ulnar nerve.

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is the second most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper extremity. Yet, there is a paucity of literature focusing on the imaging appearance following surgical decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Diagnostic imaging studies obtained after surgical decompression at The University of Michigan were reviewed and imaging findings were documented.

Polymer waveguide WDM channel selector operating over the entire C and L bands.

A tunable channel selector operating over both the C and L bands of wavelength-division-multiplexing optical network is proposed based on a thermo-optic tunable Bragg grating device in a polymer waveguide. A tilted Bragg grating cascaded with an asymmetric Y-branch waveguide effectively implements a small Bragg-reflection wavelength filter that does not require an external circulator. To increase the operating wavelength span of the channel selector, two Bragg gratings with different periods are fabricated on a single substrate for covering C and L bands, respectively.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound: athletic injuries of the lower extremity.

Athletic injuries of the lower extremities are commonly encountered in clinical practice. While some pathology can be diagnosed on physical exam, others are a clinical dilemma with nonspecific symptomatology. In these situations, ultrasound imaging can be utilized as an exceptional diagnostic tool, offering unique advantages over other imaging modalities.

Allopregnanolone Effects on Transmission in the Brain Stem Solitary Tract Nucleus (NTS).

During pregnancy, the progesterone metabolite, allopregnanolone (ALLO), becomes elevated and has been associated with altered levels within the CNS and resulting changes in GABA receptor function. Pregnant animals poorly compensate reflexes for a decrease in blood pressure during hemorrhage. Previous works suggested that ALLO decreases baroreflex responses by central actions, however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.

GAREM1 regulates the PR interval on electrocardiograms.

PR interval is the period from the onset of P wave to the start of the QRS complex on electrocardiograms. A recent genomewide association study (GWAS) suggested that GAREM1 was linked to the PR interval on electrocardiograms. This study was designed to validate this correlation using additional subjects and examined the function of Garem1 in a mouse model.

The Long-Term Course of Outcomes for Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation following Integrated Complementary and Alternative Medicine Inpatient Treatment: A Prospective Observational Study.

A prospective observational study was conducted in 524 lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LDH) inpatients to report the long-term effects of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment. Participants received integrative CAM treatment during hospitalization, from June 2012 to May 2013, and long-term outcomes were assessed from July to August 2016. Numerical rating scales (NRSs) of back and leg pain, the Oswestry disability index (ODI), satisfaction, surgery, recurrence, and current care status were investigated.

Csk Regulates Blood Pressure by Controlling the Synthetic Pathways of Aldosterone.

Background: Blood pressure is regulated by a network of diverse physiological pathways. The C-terminal Src kinase (CSK) locus (15q24) is associated with blood pressure in various ethnic groups. It was recently reported thatCskinsufficiency increases blood pressure through Src.

CFL-1, a novel F-box protein with leucine-rich repeat may interact with UNC-10 for the regulation of defecation and daumone response in .

Previously we reported that CFL-1, the single LRR-type F-box protein in the genome, affected defecation behavior and daumone response. CFL-1 is highly homologous to the FBXL20 in mammals, which regulates synaptic vesicle release by targeting its substrate Rim1 for ubiquitin-mediated degradation. The worm homolog of Rim1 is UNC-10, a presynaptic membrane protein that triggers synaptic vesicle fusion through interaction with RAB-3 GTPase.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Tenotomy.

Of the many treatment options for tendinopathy, percutaneous tenotomy has been used throughout the body with success. With this procedure, a needle is repeatedly passed into the abnormal tendon with the goal of converting a chronic degenerative process to an acute inflammatory condition that will progress to tendon healing. Ultrasound guidance for this procedure is essential to ensure that the abnormal region of the tendon is accurately targeted.

Tumors and Tumor-like Abnormalities of the Midfoot and Forefoot.

The differential diagnosis for a midfoot or forefoot mass or mass-like abnormality includes several common benign and malignant pathologies. Evaluation with imaging can often provide a diagnosis, or at least several likely etiologies, and guide management. Determining if a mass is cystic or solid with ultrasound or MRI can limit the differential diagnosis.

Integrated-optic current sensors with a multimode interference waveguide device.

Optical current sensors based on polarization-rotated reflection interferometry are demonstrated using polymeric integrated optics and various functional optical waveguide devices. Interferometric sensors normally require bias feedback control for maintaining the operating point, which increases the cost. In order to resolve this constraint of feedback control, a multimode interference (MMI) waveguide device is integrated onto the current-sensor optical chip in this work.

Gene Silencing and Haploinsufficiency of Csk Increase Blood Pressure.

Objective: Recent genome-wide association studies have identified 33 human genetic loci that influence blood pressure. The 15q24 locus is one such locus that has been confirmed in Asians and Europeans. There are 21 genes in the locus within a 1-Mb boundary, but a functional link of these genes to blood pressure has not been reported.

Sonographic Differentiation Between Schwannomas and Neurofibromas in the Musculoskeletal System.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine key features and define a strategy for differentiation between schwannomas and neurofibromas using sonography.

Methods: This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at our hospital, and informed consent was waived. We reviewed sonograms of pathologically proven schwannomas and neurofibromas of the extremities and body wall.

Ultrasound-Guided Fenestration of Tendons About the Hip and Pelvis: Clinical Outcomes.

Objectives: Percutaneous ultrasound-guided needle fenestration has been used to treat tendinopathy of the elbow, knee, and ankle with promising results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of ultrasound-guided fenestration of tendons about the hip and pelvis.

Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective search of imaging reports from January 1, 2005, to June 30, 2011, was completed to identify patients treated with ultrasound-guided tendon fenestration about the hip or pelvis.

Integrated optic current transducers incorporating photonic crystal fiber for reduced temperature dependence.

Optical current transducers (OCT) are indispensable for accurate monitoring of large electrical currents in an environment suffering from severe electromagnetic interference. Temperature dependence of OCTs caused by its components, such as wave plates and optical fibers, should be reduced to allow temperature-independent operation. A photonic crystal fiber with a structural optical birefringence was incorporated instead of a PM fiber, and a spun PM fiber was introduced to overcome the temperature-dependent linear birefringence of sensing fiber coil.