Frequency division multiplexing readout of a transition edge sensor bolometer array with microstrip-type electrical bias lines

We demonstrate multiplexed readout of 43 transition edge sensor (TES) bolometers operating at 90 mK using a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) readout chain with bias frequencies ranging from 1 to 3.5 MHz and a typical frequency spacing of 32 kHz. We improve the previously reported performance of our FDM system by two important steps. First, we replace the coplanar wires with microstrip wires, which minimize the cross talk from mutual inductance. From the measured electrical cross talk (ECT) map, the ECT of all pixels is carrier leakage dominated. Only five pixels show an ECT level higher than 1%. Second, we reduce the thermal response speed of the TES detectors by a factor of 20 by increasing the heat capacity of the TES, which allows us to bias all TES detectors below 50% in transition without oscillations. We compare the current-voltage curves and noise spectra of the TESs measured in single-pixel mode and multiplexing mode. We also compare the noise equivalent power (NEP) and the saturation power of the bolometers in both modes, where 38 pixels show less than 10% difference in NEP and 5% difference in saturation power when measured in the two different modes. The measured noise spectrum is in good agreement with the simulated noise based on measured parameters from an impedance measurement, confirming that our TES is dominated by phonon noise.

The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Interleukin-10 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Cytokines in Rattus norvegicus with Endometritis

BACKGROUND: Endometritis is a gynecological disease characterized by inflammation of the endometrial glands and stroma. Inflammatory stimuli or tissue injury induce inflammatory pain through the release of cytokines. Ascorbic acid (AA) is a water-soluble Vitamin that plays a role in inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines and increases the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. AIM: The purpose of this study was to find out the association between administration of AA and inflammatory cytokines in experimental animals Rattus norvegicus with endometritis. METHODS: The research was conducted using virgin female R. norvegicus laboratory mice weighing 250–300 g and aged 11–12 weeks with an estrus cycle of 5–6 days. Mice with regular oestrous cycles were randomly divided into three groups: group 1 was given 200 L of water orally without Escherichia coli inoculation and represented a negative control. Groups 2 and 3 were inoculated (50 L/rat) E. coli intravaginally, 106 colony-forming unit/mL, Group 2 was not given AA and the other side Group 3 was assigned AA. The interleukin (IL)-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α _cytokines examination was carried out by histopathological examination through a biopsy of the endometrial tissue. Hypothesis testing on the data was analyzed by the Kruskal Wallis test using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. RESULTS: Data from the current study revealed that the highest mean value of IL-10 was found in the negative control group (2.5) and the lowest value in the positive control group (1.3). Regarding TNF-α _the highest mean value (2.8) was found in the treatment group and the lowest mean value (2.1) was found in the treatment group. Using the Kruskal Wallis test, IL-10 and TNF-α _showed insignificant results (p = value 0.304 and 0.145 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of AA did not affect the decrease in TNF-α _or the upregulation of IL-10 as anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Electrical cross talk of a frequency division multiplexing readout for a transition edge sensor bolometer array

We have characterized and mapped the electrical cross talk (ECT) of a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) system with a transition edge sensor (TES) bolometer array, which is intended for space applications. By adding a small modulation at 120 Hz to the AC bias voltage of one bolometer and measuring the cross talk response in the current noise spectra of the others simultaneously, we have for the first time mapped the ECT level of 61 pixels with a nominal frequency spacing of 32 kHz in a 61 × 61 matrix and a carrier frequency ranging from 1 MHz to 4 MHz. We find that about 94% of the pixels show an ECT level of less than 0.4%. Only the adjacent pixels reach this level, and the ECT for the rest of the pixels is less than 0.1%. We also observe higher ECT levels, up to 10%, between some of the pixels, which have bundled long, parallel coplanar wires connecting TES bolometers to inductor-capacitor filters. In this case, the high mutual inductances dominate. To mitigate this source of ECT, the coplanar wires should be replaced by microstrip wires in the array. Our study suggests that an FDM system can have a relatively low ECT level, e.g., around 0.4% if the frequency spacing is 30 kHz. Our results successfully demonstrate a low electrical cross talk for a space FDM technology.

Efficient Excitation of Micro/Nano Resonators and Their Higher Order Modes

We demonstrate a simple and flexible technique to efficiently activate micro/nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) resonators at their fundamental and higher order vibration modes. The method is based on the utilization of the amplified voltage across an inductor, L, of an LC tank resonant circuit to actuate the MEMS/NEMS resonator. By matching the electrical and mechanical resonances, significant amplitude amplification is reported across the resonators terminals. We show experimentally amplitude amplification up to twelve times, which is demonstrated to efficiently excite several vibration modes of a microplate MEMS resonator and the fundamental mode of a NEMS resonator.

Is there a role for perfusion imaging in assessing treatment response following ablative therapy of small renal masses-A systematic review

Aims

Ablation therapies are an innovative nephron-sparing alternative to radical nephrectomy for early stage renal cancers, although determination of treatment success is challenging. We aimed to undertake a systematic review of the literature to determine whether assessment of tumour perfusion may improve response assessment or alter clinical management when compared to standard imaging.

Material and Methods

Two radiologists performed independent primary literature searches for perfusion imaging in response assessment following ablative therapies (radiofrequency ablation and cryotherapy) focused on renal tumours.

Results

5 of 795 articles were eligible, totaling 110 patients. The study designs were heterogeneous with different imaging techniques, perfusion calculations, reference standard and follow-up periods. All studies found lower perfusion following treatment, with a return of ‘high grade’ perfusion in the 7/110 patients with residual or recurrent tumour. One study found perfusion curves were different between successfully ablated regions and residual tumour.

Conclusions

Studies were limited by small sample size and heterogeneous methodology. No studies have investigated the impact of perfusion imaging on management. This review highlights the current lack of evidence for perfusion imaging in response assessment following renal ablation, however it suggests that there may be a future role. Further prospective research is required to address this.

A rare association of acute bacterial endocarditis with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) in an adult patient

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic, small vessel vasculitic disorder that mainly affects joint, skin, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. It is primarily a disease of children that is typically self-limited, but 10 percent of cases occur in adults where features and outcomes may vary. The underlying pathogenesis of HSP remains unknown. We report a case of HSP that occurred with the onset of acute bacterial endocarditis (ABE) in an otherwise healthy 37-year-old Native American male. The patient presented with fevers, fatigue, abdominal pain and renal failure and was found to have acute left-sided staphylococcal endocarditis. He subsequently developed small bowel perforation and purpuric rash. Initially he was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and small bowel resection. However, resolution of HSP and the associated signs and symptoms was only achieved after treatment with oral steroids and plasmapheresis.

Dipole-induced conductivity enhancement by n-type inclusion in a p-type system: α-Fe₂O₃-PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites

Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles of two different shapes but of same size (ca. 40 nm) were dispersed in PEDOT:PSS matrices in various concentration ranges (0-7 wt%) to study the consequent changes in conductivity in the dark and under solar illumination conditions. Within a distinct range of concentration, a distinct increase in the conductivity was observed for both spherical and cubical particle population. We ascribed this effect to the generalized Poole-Frenkel theory of conduction in conjunction with the basic depletion width properties of heterojunctions and electrostatic dipole moments, and verified our assumptions through data fitting. A difference in conductivity between sphere- and cube-based α-Fe2O3-PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites was also observed and ascribed to the electrostatic edge effect on the nanoparticles. The dispersion of α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals was confirmed by high-resolution electron microscopy, whereas the electrical properties and modulations thereof were followed by recording current-voltage characteristics.

Bacterial Canker (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis) of Tomato in Commercial Seed Produced in Indonesia

In 2002, Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Smith) Davis, the causal organism of bacterial canker of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), was isolated from two of six commercial asymptomatic tomato seed lots produced on Java in Indonesia. C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis has not been reported in Indonesia previously. Methods based on the protocol of the International Seed Health Initiative were used to extract and identify the presence of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in tomato seed. C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis was isolated with dilution plating on the semiselective media D2ANX and mSCM. The identity of the colonies was confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy, polymerase chain reaction (2), fatty methyl ester analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on monoclonal antibody 103 (1), and a pathogenicity test in which three replicate tomato plants were stem inoculated with 10⁸ cells ml^-1. Within 2 weeks, stripes on stems developed that split and exposed reddish brown cavities (stem cankers). The presence of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis poses a direct threat on tomato production, which is one of five economically most important vegetable crops in Indonesia. References: (1) A. Alvarez et al. Phytopathology 83:1405, 1993. (2) M. S. Santos et al. Seed Sci. Technol. 25:581, 1997.

The pedicled occipital artery scalp flap for salvage surgery of the neck

A small group of patients with complex head and neck cancer present with problems of wound healing following radiotherapy and reconstructive surgery. Provision of skin cover to the neck in these cases is often required and presents a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. We present the use of a pedicled scalp flap based on the occipital artery for such defects. This flap is an axial patterned scalp flap incorporating hair-bearing skin. It may be up to 15 cm wide and can reach beyond the midline of the chin. The anatomy of the flap is described and its use illustrated in three cases. This flap is a useful addition to the options for reconstruction of neck defects in patients with head and neck cancer.

Integrating low water potential seed hydration with other treatments to improve cold tolerance

Matriconditioning improved the performance of pepper, tomato, sweet corn, snap bean, table beet, sugar beet and watermelon seeds in early field plantings at suboptimal temperatures (averaged over 10 d after planting) ranging from 12 to 18 °C. Reduction in the time to 50% (T(50)) emergence in conditioned seeds ranged from 0·6 d in watermelon to 3·3 d in pepper and improvement in emergence from 10% in sugar beet to 30% in table beet. Further improvement in emergence occurred by inclusion of pesticides and/or gibberellin during conditioning. A 4 d conditioning of pepper at 25 °C was superior to 7 d conditioning at 15 °C in seeds germinated at 15 °C on filter paper, but 15 °C conditioning was superior in improving percentage emergence in early field plantings. Tomato seeds conditioned at 15 or 25 °C performed equally well in the field. A 2 d conditioning was superior to 1 d conditioning in improving the performance of supersweet sweet corn cultivars grown in a growth chamber at 10/20 °C. The water uptake rate in the presence of Micro-Cel E during matriconditioning of sweet corn seeds was slower than when the seeds were exposed to the same amount of water in absence of the carrier. Electrolyte leakage was greater in supersweet 'Challenger' sweet corn seeds carrying the sh(2) gene compared to the sugary type sweet corn 'More', and in both cases matriconditioning reduced the leakage. Lettuce seeds matriconditioned for 24 h had higher 1-aminocyclopropane-l-carboxylic acid (ACC) content, developed greater ACC oxidase activity and performed better at 10 °C (germinated earlier and had higher percentage germination) than the untreated seeds. Matriconditioning appears to bring about beneficial physical, physiological and biochemical changes that seemingly improve embryo growth potential and tolerance to low temperatures.

A comparison of the use of polythene sheet and Jelonet as temporary dressings for excised wounds

This paper reports our experience of the use of polythene sheet as a temporary dressing for excised wounds. A prospective randomised double-blind trial was conducted to see whether or not polythene dressing was less painful to remove than our traditional dressing of Jelonet. Polythene was found to be less painful (p less than 0.01). Other advantages of the use of polythene are presented.