Emission cross section redetermination of Nd:LuAG crystals.

The emission cross section of Nd:LuAG was evaluated using two different methods: the Füchtbauer-Ladenburg equation and the threshold-slope measurements; similar results were obtained with both methods. All measurements and calculations were compared with those of Nd:YAG to reduce uncertainty. Detailed spectroscopic properties of Nd:LuAG were demonstrated. The results showed that the peak emission cross section of Nd:LuAG is approximately 20 × 10-20 cm2, approximately 2/3 the emission cross section of Nd:YAG, instead of the previously reported 9.67 × 10-20 cm2. Additionally, the corresponding saturation flux is 0.9 J/cm2. Therefore, the energy storage capacity of Nd:LuAG is not significantly improved, and it is not sufficient for large-scale amplifiers.

Potential clinical and biochemical markers for the prediction of drug-resistant epilepsy: A literature review.

Drug resistance is a major challenge in the treatment of epilepsy. Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) accounts for 30% of all cases of epilepsy and is a matter of great concern because of its uncontrollability and the high burden, mortality rate, and degree of damage. At present, considerable research has focused on the development of predictors to aid in the early identification of DRE in an effort to promote prompt initiation of individualized treatment. While multiple predictors and risk factors have been identified, there are currently no standard predictors that can be used to guide the clinical management of DRE. In this review, we discuss several potential predictors of DRE and related factors that may become predictors in the future and perform evidence rating analysis to identify reliable potential predictors.