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Semiconductor laser arrays have been investigated experimentally and theoretically from the viewpoint of temporal and spatial coherence for the past forty years. In this work, we are focusing on a rather novel complex collective behavior, namely chimera states, where synchronized clusters of emitters coexist with unsynchronized ones. For the first time, we find such states exist in large diode arrays based on quantum well gain media with nearest-neighbor interactions. The crucial parameters are the evanescent coupling strength and the relative optical frequency detuning between the emitters of the array. By employing a recently proposed figure of merit for classifying chimera states, we provide quantitative and qualitative evidence for the observed dynamics. The corresponding chimeras are identified as turbulent according to the irregular temporal behavior of the classification measure.

The conditions leading to flat dispersionless frequency bands in truly one-dimensional parity-time ( P T ) symmetric metamaterials comprised of split‐ring resonators (SRRs) arranged in a binary pattern are obtained analytically. In this paradigmatic system, in which the SRRs are coupled through both electric and magnetic dipole-dipole forces, flat-bands may arise from tailoring its natural parameters (such as, e.g., the coupling coefficients between SRRs) and not from geometrical effects. For sets of parameters which values are tailored to flatten the upper band of the spectrum, the solution of the corresponding quadratic eigenvalue problem reveals the existence of compact, two-site localized eigenmodes. Numerical simulations confirm the existence and the dynamic stability of such modes, which can be formed through the evolution of single-site initial excitations without disorder or nonlinearity.

We investigate wave transport properties of parity-time (PT) symmetric lattices that are periodically modulated along the direction of propagation. We demonstrate that in the regime of unbroken PT-symmetry, the system Floquet-Bloch modes may interfere constructively leading to either controlled oscillations or power absorption and unlimited amplification occurring exactly at the phase-transition point. The differential power response is affected by the overlap of the gain and loss system distribution with wave intensity pattern that is formed through Rabi oscillations engaging the coupled Floquet-Bloch modes.

Background The EORTC QLQ-STO22 (QLQ-STO22) is a firmly established and validated measure of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for people with gastric cancer (GC), developed over two decades ago. Since then there have been dramatic changes in treatment options for GC. Also, East Asian patients were not involved in the development of QLQ-STO22, where GC is most prevalent and the QLQ-STO22 is widely used. A review with appropriate updating of the measure was planned. This study aims to capture HRQoL issues associated with new treatments and the perspectives of patients and health care professionals (HCPs) from different cultural backgrounds, including East Asia. Methods A systematic literature review and open-ended interviews were preformed to identify potential new HRQoL issues relating to GC. This was followed by structured interviews where HCPs and patients reviewed the QLQ-STO22 alongside new issues regarding relevance, importance, and acceptability. Results The review of 267 publications and interviews with 104 patients and 18 HCPs (48 and 9 from East Asia, respectively) generated a list of 58 new issues. Three of these relating to eating small amounts, flatulence, and neuropathy were recommended for inclusion in an updated version of the QLQ-STO22 and covered by five additional questions. Conclusions This study supports the content validity of the QLQ-STO22, suggesting its continued relevance to patients with GC, including those from East Asia. The updated version with additional questions and linguistic changes will enhance its specificity, but further testing is required.

Quantum bits (qubits) are at the heart of quantum information processing schemes. Currently, solid-state qubits, and in particular the superconducting ones, seem to satisfy the requirements for being the building blocks of viable quantum computers, since they exhibit relatively long coherence times, extremely low dissipation, and scalability. The possibility of achieving quantum coherence in macroscopic circuits comprising Josephson junctions, envisioned by Legett in the 1980’s, was demonstrated for the first time in a charge qubit; since then, the exploitation of macroscopic quantum effects in low-capacitance Josephson junction circuits allowed for the realization of several kinds of superconducting qubits. Furthermore, coupling between qubits has been successfully achieved that was followed by the construction of multiple-qubit logic gates and the implementation of several algorithms. Here it is demonstrated that induced qubit lattice coherence as well as two remarkable quantum coherent optical phenomena, i.e., self-induced transparency and Dicke-type superradiance, may occur during light-pulse propagation in quantum metamaterials comprising superconducting charge qubits. The generated qubit lattice pulse forms a compound ”quantum breather” that propagates in synchrony with the electromagnetic pulse. The experimental confirmation of such effects in superconducting quantum metamaterials may open a new pathway to potentially powerful quantum computing.

The combinatorial frequency generation (CFG) in active periodic semiconductor-dielectric structures has been explored through illumination by a pair of pump waves with dissimilar frequencies and incidence angles. We study the influence of gain on linear refraction properties of the stack and on the efficiency of the mixing processes by the system with the resistive character of nonlinearity. We demonstrate that the introduction of gain dielectric material inside the stack not only compensates for losses caused by the collisions of the electrons in semiconductor media but also improves the efficiency of the CFG. We show that in systems with weak asymmetry of linear response we can get significant nonreciprocity of nonlinear interaction.

PurposeCutaneous toxicities from novel anticancer treatments are an emerging problem in dermato-oncology. However, the prevalence of those toxicities and necessity of skin consultations are currently unknown. The purpose of our study was to perform an epidemiologic analysis of cutaneous toxicities that were referred to our cutaneous toxicity clinic in Athens, Greece.MethodsAll patients examined at the oncodermatology department over a 42-month period were included. Gender, age, type of cancer, type of antineoplastic treatment, and type of toxicity were recorded and analyzed.ResultsFour hundred fifty-nine patients (182 males, 277 females) with mean age (SD) 60.6 years (13.05) were included in the analysis. Six hundred seventy-two cutaneous toxicities were recorded. Chemotherapy-induced toxicities were the most commonly recorded incidents, with taxanes being the most commonly involved agent. Immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) have steadily increased over the past 3 years. Treatment modifications due to skin toxicities were more common in patients treated with targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors than in those treated with chemotherapy. The toxicities that led to the most treatment modifications were acneiform eruptions and perionychias. The most common IRAEs recorded were psoriasis in 11 patients, followed by pruritus, macular rash, and lichenoid-type eruptions. In addition, 4 interesting cases of IRAEs are discussed.ConclusionAntineoplastic treatments can lead to a wide range of cutaneous toxicities. Our study underlines the need for a multidisciplinary approach in oncologic patients. The dermatologists’ role is crucial in effectively managing those reactions and preventing antineoplastic drug dose adjustments or discontinuation of treatment.

Background Kidney cancer is a lethal neoplasm that affects several thousands of people every year. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common histologic type. Recent developments in the therapeutic approach include antiangiogenic targeted approaches and Immunotherapy. Thus, the therapeutic algorithm of RCC patients and the survival outcomes have changed dramatically. Methods Herein we present a retrospective study of the patients treated in our Department with an antiangiogenic agent -Axitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor- as a third or further line treatment. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS, including the available clinicopathological data of the patients included. Results Axitinib was found to be active in patients who received this treatment beyond second line. The toxicity profile of this regimen did not reveal any unknown adverse events. Conclusions Our real world data reflect that axitinib is a safe and effective option, even beyond the second line.

Introduction/BackgroundOvarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies. Primary Debulking Surgery (PDS) followed by chemotherapy has been the standard of care. However, two randomized trials have demonstrated that Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy(NACT) followed by Interval Debulking Surgery(IDS) is not inferior to PDS. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis to determine patterns of practice in our institution.MethodologyMedical records of women with epithelial OC treated at Alexandra Hospital from 2011 to 2016 were retrospectively identified. Clinicopathological data, treatment and survival data were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier Survival curves were generated using IBM SPSS version 20; survival differences were estimated using the long-rank test.Results198 patients were identified. Median age was 60.8 years. 169 patients had serous carcinoma, 10 clear cell, 10 endometrial, 3 mucous and 4 adenocarcinoma. 171 had advanced (stage III/IV) disease. PDS was performed in 128 patients, while 70 received NACT. 48 performed IDS, while 6 had LDS. No surgery was performed in 16 patients. With a median follow-up of 27.3 months, mPFS was 21.8 months and mOS was 58.5 months. Patients treated with NACT-IDS had statistical significant shorter mPFS and mOS than those treated with PDS (PFS: 16.2 m vs 25.9 m P<0.001 and OS 44.4 m vs Not Reached, P=0.05). NACT-IDS retained its statistical significance as an adverse prognostic factor in multivariate analysis when controlled for stage, grade and histology of the disease (P=0.003). No statistical significant difference in the percentage of patients with platinum resistant disease among PDS and IDS was identified.ConclusionNACT followed by IDS is frequently used in the treatment of ovarian cancer patients in a tertiary centre in Greece and was correlated with adverse outcome. A selection bias favoring NACT for patients with high risk for perioperative morbidity may affect the results of this retrospective analysis. Large randomized trials to address this issue are underway.DisclosureNothing to disclose.

Introduction/BackgroundTreatment of elderly patients with neoplasia is challenging due to the frailty of the patients, existing comorbidities and increased number of concomitant medications. In addition, elderly patients are usually underrepresented in clinical trials. Age is a known prognostic factor in ovarian cancer but optimal treatment of elderly patients has not been determined. We undertook a retrospective analysis to determine clinical practice in advanced stage ovarian cancer patients older than 75 years of age.MethodologyMedical records of women with high grade serous and endometrial ovarian cancer, stage III and IV, treated at Alexandra Hospital from 2011 to 2016 were retrospectively identified. Clinicopathological data, treatment and survival data were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier Survival curves were generated using IBM SPSS version 20; survival differences were estimated using the long-rank test.ResultsIn total, 158 patients were identified with a median age of 61.1 years. Among them 20 (12.7%) were older than 75 years of age at diagnosis (range 75.03–92.72 years). First line Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) were statistically significant worse in elderly patients in comparison to the younger ones (mPFS 13.4 months vs 21.9 months, P<0.001 and mOS 25.3 months vs 51,5 months, P<0.001). However, elderly patients were characterized by worse ECOG-PS, more frequent treatment with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy followed by Interval Debulking Surgery, more frequently denied debulking surgery, and received monotherapy with platinum as frontline treatment, while were less frequently tested for BRCA mutations. In contrast, there was no statistical significant difference in the outcome of the debullking surgery in comparison to the younger patients. Age over 75 years retained its statistical significance for OS when adjusted for all other reported prognostic factors.ConclusionElderly ovarian cancer patients have worse prognosis independent of treatment. Comprehensive geriatric assessment should be performed for the optimal treatment of these patients.DisclosureNothing to disclose.