Further Improvements in Real-Time Load-Pull Measurement Accuracy

This letter proposes a new solution to improve the accuracy of real-time load-pull measurement systems. Since it is well known that load-pull measurement accuracy depends on the calibration residual uncertainty, the presented solution uses a new algorithm to reduce it. Measurement results that corroborate the proposed solution, with respect to the previous one, show the improvements that have been achieved

Parents And Children Thriving Together: A Framework For Two-Generation Policy And System Reform

This brief explores the lessons learned from the 2016 Parents and Children Thriving Together: Two Generation State Policy Network (PACTT Network), a collaboration between the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) with funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Through this initiative, five states explored how to use the two-generation approach to improve their state systems that serve children and parents. This brief summarizes the lessons learned from the two-year initiative and provides a framework to help guide state leaders trying to implement two-generation strategies

Treatment of Lower-GI Post-Surgical Fistulas With the Over-the-Scope Clip

AbstractPost-surgical colorectal leaks and fistulas are severe complications that dramatically increase morbidity and mortality. Over-the-scope clip (OTSC) application, introduced in clinical practice in 2007, represents an innovative technique to seal the visceral wall for acute and chronic colorectal post-surgical leaks and fistula management. Endoscopic closure of colorectal post-surgical leaks and fistulas with OTSC is a safe technique that accomplishes a high success rate in both acute and chronic cases, including rectovaginal, rectovesical, and colocutaneous fistulas. Overall success rate is higher than 80%, as reported in the literature, in both acute and chronic situations. No OTSC-related complications have been described in the lower gastrointestinal tract so far. This article is part of an expert video encyclopedia

MC-128: current commutator for silicon strip detector tests

The MC-128 is a CAMAC module designed to simplify routine tests of multichannel semiconductor detectors. It was developed at Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (BINP) Novosibirsk in collaboration with RD2 as part of the ATLAS SCT development program. The module provides 128 channels, offering sequential measurements of the currents flowing grom detector strips to a grounded Common Bus. Each input stays virtually connected to the Common Bus independently on whether its current is measured or not. Eight inputs are permanently connected to the Common Bus, allowing the connection of additional elements like guard ring structures. The total detector current can be measured as the current flowing through the Common Bus. Measurements are accessible via a CAMAC bus and in analog form via a front panel detector. Optionally, the MC 128 allows the measurement of the capacitance between each strip and the common (high voltage) electrode of the detector at 10 kHz frequency

Insights on a Hierarchical MFI Zeolite: A Combined Spectroscopic and Catalytic Approach for Exploring the Multilevel Porous System down to the Active Sites

The hierarchization of zeolites to overcome the major drawbacks related to molecular diffusion limitation in micropores is a popular concept in heterogeneous catalysis. Despite the constant increase of new synthesis strategies to produce such hierarchical systems, the deep knowledge of their structural arrangement and how the zeolitic lattice is organized in a multilevel porous system is often missing. This information is essential to design a structure, tuning the porosity and the distribution of easily accessible active sites, and successively controlling the catalytic properties. In the present work, the synthesis of one of the most sophisticated forms of the hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite has been reproduced, obtaining two multilevel porous materials with different crystallinity degrees, with the final aim of investigating and clarifying the finest features of their active sites. For this purpose, an extended characterization step by means of a unique multitechnique approach has been performed, thus revealing the active site nature, abundance, and distribution. IR spectroscopy with different molecular probes and a targeted catalytic test based on the hydroconversion reaction of n-decane were the toolbox for disclosing how the MFI lattice takes part in the hierarchical structure and how it, working in synergy with the mesoporous system, confers to this material a totally new shape-size selectivity. Merging the information obtained for the synthesized hierarchical zeolite with the characterization results of two reference materials (a mesoporous aluminum-containing MCM-41 and a microporous commercial ZSM-5), it was possible to define an internal and external map of the pore network of this complex and unique molecular sieve, where strong Bronsted acidic sites are located at the mouth of the MFI micropores and, at the same time, exposed at the surface of the mesoporous channels. Hence, the possibility of easily releasing bulky products is ensured and the application possibilities of the MFI lattice are expanded beyond cracking reactions