Radiative transfer model and validation for infrared management optical properties of porous polymer materials incorporating impacts of micro-voids.

In order to characterize the infrared (IR) radiation absorption and/or emission performances of functional porous polymers which claim to have healthcare functions due to IR excitation and emission by processing technologies, a radiative transfer model was constructed based on the principle of IR radiation, the Beer-Lambert law, the Fresnel's formula and Planck's law. The theoretical analysis was conducted for the IR management optical properties of the porous sheet polymer materials, including IR reflection, transmission, absorption and emission behaviours during the dynamic process of IR radiation. A modeling method for characterization and revealing of IR management optical properties and optical and thermal transfer behaviours of the reflection and transmission was then investigated from the structural parameters and the temperature rise characteristics of the porous sheet polymer materials during the dynamic IR radiation process. The model was validated by comparing the predicted values from the radiative transfer model with the measured values from the test results of the validation experiments of eight typical porous sheet polymers in an experimental setup. The model was modified by consideration of the influences of two types of micro-voids defects represented by the porosity of micro structure and the thickness compression ratio. The micro-voids defects factors were added to the structural parameters, and therefore the model was improved and the maximum prediction errors of the transmission and reflection surfaces were mostly less than 10%. The radiative transfer model provides the theoretical fundamentals for the evaluation and guidance of IR management optical performances for new products design, development, fabrication and processing in industrial application of functional porous polymers.

Insight into the shaping of microbial communities in element sulfur-based denitrification at different temperatures.

Nitrate pollution is an important cause of eutrophication and ecological disruption. Recently, element sulfur-based denitrification (ESDeN) has attracted increasing attention because of its non-carbon source dependence, low sludge yield, and cost-effectiveness. Although the denitrification performance of sulfur autotrophic denitrifying bacteria at different temperatures has been widely studied, there are still many unknown factors about the adaptability and the shaping of microbial community. In this study, we comprehensively understood the shaping of ESDeN microbial communities under different temperature conditions. Results revealed that microbial communities cultivated at temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 35 °C could be classified as high-temperature (35 °C), middle-temperature (30, 25 and 20 °C), and low-temperature (15 and 10 °C) communities. Dissolved oxygen in water was an important factor that, in combination with temperature, shaped microbial community structure. According to network analysis, the composition of keystone taxa was different for the three groups of communities. Some bacteria that did not have sulfur compound oxidation function were identified as the "keystone species". The abundances of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur metabolism of the three microbial communities were significantly changed, which was reflected in that the high-temperature and middle-temperature communities were dominated by dark oxidation of sulfur compounds and dark sulfide oxidation, while the low-temperature community was dominated by chemoheterotrophy and aerobic chemoheterotrophy. The fact that the number of microorganisms with dark oxidation of sulfur compounds capacity was quite higher than that of microorganisms with dark sulfur oxidation capacity suggested that the sulfur bioavailability at different temperatures, especially low temperature, was the main challenge for the development of efficient ESDeN process. This study provided a biological basis for developing a high-efficiency ESDeN process to cope with temperature changes in different seasons or regions.

3.5 W long-wave infrared ZnGeP2 optical parametric oscillator at 9.8 µm.

We demonstrated a high-power long-wave infrared optical parametric oscillator at 9.8 µm based on a type-I phase-matching ${{\rm ZnGeP}_2}$ZnGeP2 crystal. By using a ${Q}$Q-switched 2091 nm Ho:YAG laser with pulse repetition frequency of 10 kHz as the pump source, the maximum average output power of 3.51 W at 9.8 µm was achieved with incident pump power of 90 W, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 4.81% and conversion efficiency at maximum pump power of 3.9%. The pulse width of 19.6 ns and linewidth of 142 nm were obtained at maximum output level. In addition, the beam quality factor ${M^2}$M2 was measured to be ${\sim}{2.2}$∼2.2.

Classification of induced malaria case in an elimination setting: investigation of transfusion-transmitted malaria cases.

BACKGROUND: Since the National Malaria Elimination Action Plan was launched in China in 2010, local malaria transmission has decreased rapidly. Zero indigenous cases were reported since 2017. However, after 2010, the proportion of imported cases in China increased from 45.7% in 2010 to 99.9% in 2016, and almost all provinces of China have reported imported cases in recent years. Prevention of the reintroduction of malaria into China is crucial for the maintenance of its malaria-free status. Hence, it is of utmost importance to correctly identify the source of malaria infections within the country. CASE INTRODUCTION AND RESPONSE: In 2016 and 2017, three laboratory-confirmed cases of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum were identified in patients with no previous travel history to endemic areas were reported in Jiangsu Province, China, where malaria due to P. falciparum was eliminated about 30 years ago. These were diagnosed after 41, 31 and 39 days of seeking treatment, respectively, and all of them had received blood transfusions. Further investigations indicated that two of the cases had received blood from foreign students (from Indonesia and Ghana), and the other had received blood from an individual who had worked in Equatorial Guinea. All three blood donors were traced, and found to be carrying asymptomatic P. falciparum infections by microscopic examination and PCR. Furthermore, five polymorphic microsatellite markers (C1M4, C4M62, C13M13, C14M17, and C13M63) were typed and used to link parasites from the donors with those of the transfusion-receiving patients. CONCLUSIONS: Three transfusion-transmitted malaria cases were identified in China, all of which were due to the transfusion of blood donated by individuals who had contracted malaria outside the country. These cases can provide a reference for those faced with similar challenges in malaria case identification and classification in other regions. In addition, a stricter screening policy including the use of appropriate detection methods for malaria parasites should be developed and adopted for blood donation in regions undergoing malaria elimination.

Environmental tobacco smoke and cancer risk, a prospective cohort study in a Chinese population.

Few prospective cohort studies have investigated associations between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and other cancer sites, in addition to lung cancer. We assessed these associations in a population-based prospective cohort study started from 2008 to 2011 with average of 9.1 years of follow-up, in Minhang district, Shanghai, China. The study included a total of 23,415 participants (8388 men, 15,027 women) and 205,515 person-years. Epidemiological data were collected by a standardized questionnaire including ETS exposure. Newly diagnosed patients with primary cancers and deaths were identified by record linkage system with the Shanghai Cancer Registry and Shanghai Vital Statistics. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models, adjusting for potential confounders. During the study period, a total of 1462 patients with diagnoses of primary cancers were identified. Among all participants and non-smokers, ETS was associated with an increased risk of all smoking-related cancers (all: adjusted HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05-1.43 and non-smokers: 1.24, 1.02-1.49), lung cancer (1.29, 0.98-1.71 and 1.27, 0.91-1.77), and stomach cancer (1.86, 1.21-2.85 and 1.75, 1.05-2.91), respectively. Furthermore, associations for lung and stomach cancers were the strongest among non-smoking females. The joint effects of both ETS and active smoking were strongest for all cancers, all smoking-related cancers, lung cancer, and stomach cancer. No clear interactions were observed. These results suggest that ETS exposure may increase the risk of smoking-related cancers in a Chinese population. Further studies on the relationship between ETS exposure and specific cancer sites are warranted to replicate our findings.

High repetition rate 102 W middle infrared ZnGeP2 master oscillator power amplifier system with thermal lens compensation.

We demonstrate a 102 W middle infrared ZnGeP2 (ZGP) optical parametric amplifier (OPA) pumped by a 2097-nm Q-switched Ho:YAG laser at a pulse repetition frequency of 10 kHz. The seed middle infrared laser was produced by a ZGP optical parametric oscillator. Its average power was 28.4 W pumped by a 50 W 2097-nm laser. By thermal lens compensation, the beam factor M2 reduced from 3.1 to 2.1. When the incident Ho pump power was 120 W, the middle infrared ZGP OPA yielded the maximum average output power of 102 W and slope efficiency of 61.7%. The overall optical conversion efficiency of 60% from Ho to middle infrared was obtained for the whole middle infrared laser system. In addition, at the maximum average output power, the beam quality factors of the middle infrared ZGP OPA were measured to be about 2.7 and 2.8 for horizontal and vertical directions, respectively.

231 W dual-end-pumped Ho:YAG MOPA system and its application to a mid-infrared ZGP OPO.

A high-efficiency and high-brightness Ho:YAG master-oscillator power-amplifier (MOPA) system dual-end pumped by Tm:YLF lasers was demonstrated. The maximum output power of 231 W at a wavelength of 2090.7 nm was achieved with pulse repetition frequency of 10 kHz and pulse width of 22.9 ns, corresponding to pulse energy of 23.1 mJ and peak power of ∼1 MW. The extraction efficiency of the amplifier system was more than 60%. The beam quality factor M2 was measured to be ∼1.05. Using the Ho:YAG MOPA system as the pump source, the ZnGeP2 optical parametric oscillator delivered an output power of 110 W, corresponding to slope efficiency of 62%.

[Clinical manifestations and genetic diagnosis of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia].

The clinical manifestations of five children with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) were retrospectively analyzed and their gene mutations were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing and chromosome microarray. The 5 patients consisted of 4 males and 1 female and the age of onset was 6-9 years. Dyskinesia was induced by sudden turn movement, scare, mental stress, or other factors. These patients were conscious and had abnormal posture of unilateral or bilateral extremities, athetosis, facial muscle twitching, and abnormal body posture. The frequency of onset ranged from 3-5 times a month to 2-7 times a day, with a duration of <30 seconds every time. Electroencephalography showed no abnormality in these patients. Three patients had a family history of similar disease. The high-throughput sequencing results showed that a heterozygous mutation in the PRRT2 gene, c.649_650insC (p.R217PfsX8), was found in two patients; the mutation c.436C>T (p.P146S) was found in one patient; a splice site mutation, IVS2-1G>A, was found in one patient. The two mutations c.436C>T and IVS2-1G>A had not been reported previously. The chromosome microarray analysis was performed in one patient with negative results of gene detection, and the chromosome 16p11.2 deletion (0.55 Mb) was observed. Low-dose carbamazepine was effective for treatment of the 5 patients. PKD is a rare neurological disease. The detection of the PRRT2 gene by multiple genetic analysis can help the early diagnosis of PKD.

High power, tunable mid-infrared BaGa4Se7 optical parametric oscillator pumped by a 2.1 µm Ho:YAG laser.

We, for the first time, demonstrate a tunable mid-infrared BaGa4Se7-based optical parametric oscillator pumped by a acousto-optical Q-switched Ho:YAG laser at 2090.6 nm. Up to 1.55 W of average power was generated in the 3-5 µm range, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 14.4% and a slope efficiency of 19.9%. The mid-IR radiation spectra were also seriously researched at different phase-matched angles. The tunable range was 3.49-4.13 µm for the signal, and 5.19-4.34 µm for the idler.

Cancer incidence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a population-based cohort study in Shanghai.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been suggested to increase the risk of cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of common cancers in Chinese patients with T2DM. METHODS: A population-based retrospective cohort study including 36,379 T2DM patients was conducted in Minhang District of Shanghai, China, during 2004 to 2010. All T2DM patients were enrolled from the standardized management system based on local electronic information system. Newly-diagnosed cancer cases were identified by record-linkage with the Shanghai Cancer Registry. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the risk of cancers among T2DM patients. RESULTS: Overall crude incidence rate (CIR) of cancers was 955.21 per 105 person-years in men and 829.57 per 105 person-years in women. Increased risk of cancer was found in both gender, with an SIR being 1.28 (95% CI = 1.17-1.38) in men and 1.44 (95% CI =1.32-1.55) in women. Increased risk of colon (SIR = 1.97; 95% CI = 1.49 to 2.46), rectum (1.72; 1.23 to 2.21), prostate (2.87; 2.19 to 3.56), and bladder cancers (1.98, 1.28 to 2.68) were observed in men and elevated risk of colon (1.67; 1.25 to 2.08), breast (1.66; 1.38 to 1.95), and corpus uteri cancers (2.87; 2.03 to 3.71) were observed in women. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that Chinese patients with T2DM may have an increased risk of some cancers, and the increase may vary by sub-sites of cancers.

[Radiosynthesis and preliminary evaluation of 5-([11C]methyloxy)-L-tryptophan as PET tumor imaging].

The PET tracer 5-([11C]methyloxy)-L-tryptophan (5-(11)CMTP) was prepared by nucleophilic fluorination and alkylation reaction via a two-step procedure in order to develop specific tumor probe. The biodistribution and microPET imaging of 5-(11)CMTP were executed. The results unveiled that the overall radiochemical yield with no decay correction was (14.6 ±7.2) %, the radiochemical purity was more than 95% and high uptake and long retention time of 5-(11)CMTP in liver, kidney and blood were observed but low uptake in brain and muscle were found, furthermore, high uptake of 5-(11)CMTP in tumor tissue was observed. It seems that 5-(11)CMTP will be a potential amino acid tracer for tumors imaging with PET.

A 41-W ZnGeP2 optical parametric oscillator pumped by a Q-switched Ho:YAG laser.

We reported a high-power ZnGeP2 (ZGP) optical parametric oscillator (OPO) pumped by a Q-switched Ho:YAG laser. The maximum output power of the ZGP OPO was 41.2 W at 107.0 W incident Ho pump power, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 44.6%. The ZGP OPO produced 16-ns mid-IR pulse laser in the 3.74-3.98 µm and 4.38-4.76 µm spectral regions simultaneously. The beam quality was measured to be M²<4.37. The continuous wave maximum average output power of the Ho:YAG laser was 128 W, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 65.8%.

Research on safety of single-stage multisegmental thoracolumbar percutaneous balloon vertebroplasty.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective study evaluating the safety of single-stage multisegmental thoracolumbar percutaneous balloon vertebroplasty (PVP). OBJECTIVE: To discuss the safety of single-stage multisegmental thoracolumbar PVP. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The PVP is a minimally invasive surgery. It is mainly used in the treatment of individuals with serious back pain caused by osteoporotic compression fracture, vertebral metastatic tumors, symptomatic vertebral hemangioma, and multiple myeloma. METHODS: A total of 50 patients underwent the PVP on 3 or more vertebras compared with 50 cases of PVP on 1 or 2 vertebras. Assessment indexes of safety were: operation time, intraoperative blood pressure change, intraoperative oxyhemoglobin saturation change, intraoperative mental state of patients, postoperative x-ray examination, and results of computed tomography and complications. RESULTS: (1) Average operation time of group A was 125 minutes and that of group B was 56 minutes. (2) Change in arterial pressure of group A was more significant compared with group B, when assessed using the χ test. (3) Pain intensity of group A was compared with group B and a statistical difference was seen only in the patients who underwent PVP on 3 or more vertebras on the first day after surgery. (4) Change in oxyhemoglobin saturation (decreased under 90%) of group A was found to be more significant compared with group B, when assessed using the χ test. (5) No statistical difference in emotional state was found between the 2 groups. (6) There were 4 cases of perivertebral leakage, 1 case of intrapulmonary leakage, and 2 cases of symptoms of intercostal nerve stimulation in group A and 3 cases of perivertebral leakage, 1 case of intrapulmonary leakage, and 1 case of symptoms of intercostal nerve stimulation in group B. CONCLUSIONS: High risk exists in single-stage multisegmental thoracolumbar percutaneous vertebroplasty, especially during puncture and bone cement injection, which may cause wide fluctuation of blood pressure and reduce oxygen saturation sharply; however, the surgery is safe to a certain extent, although it requires close intraoperative supervision and shortened operation time.

The role of Foxo3a in neuron-mediated cognitive impairment.

Cognitive impairment (COI) is a prevalent complication across a spectrum of brain disorders, underpinned by intricate mechanisms yet to be fully elucidated. Neurons, the principal cell population of the nervous system, orchestrate cognitive processes and govern cognitive balance. Extensive inquiry has spotlighted the involvement of Foxo3a in COI. The regulatory cascade of Foxo3a transactivation implicates multiple downstream signaling pathways encompassing mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis, collectively affecting neuronal activity. Notably, the expression and activity profile of neuronal Foxo3a are subject to modulation via various modalities, including methylation of promoter, phosphorylation and acetylation of protein. Furthermore, upstream pathways such as PI3K/AKT, the SIRT family, and diverse micro-RNAs intricately interface with Foxo3a, engendering alterations in neuronal function. Through several downstream routes, Foxo3a regulates neuronal dynamics, thereby modulating the onset or amelioration of COI in Alzheimer's disease, stroke, ischemic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury. Foxo3a is a potential therapeutic cognitive target, and clinical drugs or multiple small molecules have been preliminarily shown to have cognitive-enhancing effects that indirectly affect Foxo3a. Particularly noteworthy are multiple randomized, controlled, placebo clinical trials illustrating the significant cognitive enhancement achievable through autophagy modulation. Here, we discussed the role of Foxo3a in neuron-mediated COI and common cognitively impaired diseases.

Spectral properties and laser performance of Ho:Sc2SiO5 crystal at room temperature.

Holmium doped scandium silicate (Ho:SSO) bulk crystal grown by Czochralski technique is reported. The absorption cross section of 4.8 × 10(-21) cm2 at pumping wavelength 1940 nm and emission cross section of 5.56 × 10(-21) cm2 at lasing wavelength 2112 nm were calculated, respectively. Lifetime was measured to be 1.51 ms at 300 K and 0.92 ms at 77 K. Continuous-wave laser was operated by using a diode-pumped Tm:YAP laser as pump source with central wavelength of 1940 nm. Output power of 385 mW at 2112 nm was primarily obtained.

[Effect of 0.004% travoprost and 2% carteolol on intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension after laser peripheral iridotomy or trabeculectomy in primary angle-closure glaucoma].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect of 0.004% travoprost and 2% carteolol in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) after laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) or trabeculectomy in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). METHODS: Clinical case control trial. 52 consecutive PACG patients (52 eyes) with IOP > 21 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) after LPI or trabeculectomy were enrolled. 24 patients received topical application of 0.004% travoprost (once daily) and 28 received 2% carteolol (twice daily). IOP lowering effect of travoprost and carteolol before and after treatment was measured by Goldmann tonometer and compared using t-test. The relationship of IOP lowering effect and the degree of angle open was performed by gonioscope and analyzed using Spearman rank correlation. RESULTS: Compared with pre-treatment, the IOP was significantly reduced in 24 patients (24 eyes) in 0.004% travoprost group [pre-treatment: (24.67 ± 3.08) mm Hg, post-treatment: (18.58 ± 2.71) mm Hg; t = 6.600, P < 0.05], while significantly reduced in 28 patients (28 eyes) received 2% carteolol [pre-treatment: (23.57 ± 1.60) mm Hg, post-treatment: (19.57 ± 1.60) mm Hg; t = 5.130, P < 0.05]. 0.004% travoprost group is more significant in both quantity and percentage of IOP lowering than 2% carteolol (t = 2.533, 2.532; P < 0.05). There was no correlation between the IOP lowering effect and the degree of angle open in both groups (0.004% travoprost r = 0.145, 0.009; P > 0.05; 2% carteolol r = 0.090, 0.183, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both of 0.004% travoprost and 2% carteolol reduce IOP in patients with OHT after LPI or trabeculectomy in PACG. 0.004% travoprost is more effective than 2% carteolol in IOP lowering. However, the decrease of IOP is not acted through the alteration of anterior chamber angle in both study groups.

[Relationship between snails and recent water level in different marshlands in Xingzi County, Jiangxi Province].

OBJECTIVE: To study the longitudinal change of data on Oncomelania hupensis surveillance in different marshlands and the impact of recent water level in Xingzi County, Jiangxi Province. METHODS: All information including water level of hydrometric station and the data of snails at the marshlands of Xiguanhu, Majiawan and Ximiaoqian was collected to explore the longitudinal change of snails and analyze the relationship between snail distribution and recent water level with Spearman rank correlation analysis. RESULTS: The highest proportion of frames with living snails and living snail densities at Majiawan and Ximiaoqian was 89.66% (442/493) in 2002 and 66.72% (872/1 307) in 2007, 8.33 in 2001 and 7.39 snails per frame in 2006, respectively, and the lowest was 13.26% (126/950) in 2010 and 4.60% (55/1 195) in 2005, 0.42 in 2010 and 0.22 snails per frame in 2002, respectively, and tended to decrease gradually after 2007. At Majiawan, infected snails were found in 2005 and 2009, the density and proportion of infected snails were 0.0033 and 0.0025 snails per frame, 0.09% (3/3 306) and 0.22% (3/1 389). Infected snails were found in Ximiaoqian in 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2009, the highest density and proportion of infected snails were 0.005 0 snails per frame and 0.88% (6/684) in 2005. Infected snails were found in Xiguanhu in 2002 and 2003 with a density and proportion of 0.0029 and 0.0027 snails per frame, 0.10% (1/974) and 0.32% (1/312), respectively. The correlation analysis between proportion of frames with living snails and density at Xiguanhu with the average water level of the first and second month before snail survey showed statistical significance, the correlation coefficient was 0.76, 0.71, 0.82 and 0.78 (P<0.05), respectively. The correlation between proportion of frames with living snails and density at Majiawan showed no statistical significance with the average water level of recent three months before snail survey. The proportion of frames with living snails and density at Xiguanhu were negatively correlated with the average water level of the first and second month before snail survey, the correlation coefficient was -0.67, -0.75, -0.79 and -0.72 (P<0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: The change trend of snail indicators in different marshlands in the County and impact of water level in recent three months on snail population are both different, and the snail control strategy in marshlands should therefore be adjusted.

Climate and soil properties regulate the vertical heterogeneity of minor and trace elements in the alpine topsoil of the Hengduan Mountains.

Soil minor and trace elements are vital regulators of ecological processes that sustain alpine ecosystem functions. In this study, the vertical pattern and driving factors of element concentrations in alpine soils of the Tibetan Plateau were investigated. Three snow mountains (Meili, Baima, and Haba) part of the Hengduan Mountain range, were selected as the study area to determine the vertical distribution of 12 typical elements (Cr, Ni, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ca, Sr, As, and Se) in topsoil with increasing and decreasing elevation, as well as the dominant driving factors of their spatial heterogeneity. Results showed that all elements, except Se, showed strong vertical heterogeneity, among which Cr, Ni, Cu, and Fe showed peak concentrations at 2700-3000 m; the highest concentrations of Mn and Zn were at 3200 m and 2700 m, with Cd and Pb at 2500 m. Ca and Sr levels gradually decreased with increasing elevation. According to the structural equation model and random forest analysis, the vertical heterogeneity of soil elements is directly regulated by the variability of climate and soil properties due to changes in elevation. A three-way PERMANOVA further quantized the contributions of climate and soil properties on vertical heterogeneity of all soil elements, which were 35.2 % and 50.5 %, respectively. This study used various statistical tools to reveal the dominant factors affecting the vertical heterogeneity of soil elements. These findings provided a scientific overview of element distribution on the Tibetan Plateau and significant references for the vertical distribution of elements in the topsoil of other snow mountains worldwide.

Surgical management of duodenal Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: The case of Crohn's disease involving the duodenum is rare, and its surgical management requires a thorough understanding. AIM: To investigate the surgical management of duodenal Crohn's disease. METHODS: We systematically reviewed patients diagnosed with duodenal Crohn's disease who underwent surgery in the Department of Geriatrics Surgery of the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 1, 2004, to August 31, 2022. The general information, surgical procedures, prognosis, and other information of these patients were collected and summarized. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients were diagnosed with duodenal Crohn's disease, where 6 cases had primary duodenal Crohn's disease, and 10 had secondary duodenal Crohn's disease. Among patients with primary disease, 5 underwent duodenal bypass and gastrojejunostomy, and 1 received pancreaticoduodenectomy. Among those with a secondary disease, 6 underwent closure of duodenal defect and colectomy, 3 received duodenal lesion exclusion and right hemicolectomy, and 1 underwent duodenal lesion exclusion and double-lumen ileostomy. CONCLUSION: Crohn's disease involving the duodenum is a rare condition. Different surgical management should be applied for patients with Crohn's disease presenting with different clinical manifestations.

103 W in-band dual-end-pumped Ho:YAG laser.

An efficient 2 µm in-band pumped Ho:YAG laser was demonstrated. The resonator involves two Ho:YAG crystals, each of which was dual-end-pumped by two orthogonally polarized diode-pumped Tm:YLF lasers. The maximum continuous wave output power of 103 W was achieved, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 67.8% with respect to the incident pump power and an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 63.5%. Under Q-switched mode, we obtained 101 W laser output at 30 kHz, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 66.2%. The beam quality or M2 factor was found to be less than 2.