5,223 research outputs found
Exploring Low Internal Reorganization Energies for Silicene Nanoclusters
High-performance materials rely on small reorganization energies to
facilitate both charge separation and charge transport. Here, we performed DFT
calculations to predict small reorganization energies of rectangular silicene
nanoclusters with hydrogen-passivated edges denoted by H-SiNC. We observe that
across all geometries, H-SiNCs feature large electron affinities and highly
stabilized anionic states, indicating their potential as n-type materials. Our
findings suggest that fine-tuning the size of H-SiNCs along the zigzag and
armchair directions may permit the design of novel n-type electronic materials
and spinctronics devices that incorporate both high electron affinities and
very low internal reorganization energies.Comment: 25 pages, 6 figure
Strong Discontinuities in the Complex Photonic Band Structure of Transmission Metallic Gratings
Complex photonic band structures (CPBS) of transmission metallic gratings
with rectangular slits are shown to exhibit strong discontinuities that are not
evidenced in the usual energetic band structures. These discontinuities are
located on Wood's anomalies and reveal unambiguously two different types of
resonances, which are identified as horizontal and vertical surface-plasmon
resonances. Spectral position and width of peaks in the transmission spectrum
can be directly extracted from CPBS for both kinds of resonances.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, REVTeX version
PhyloFlu, a DNA Microarray for Determining the Phylogenetic Origin of Influenza A Virus Gene Segments and the Genomic Fingerprint of Viral Strains
Diagnostic procedures for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC): recommendations of the European Expert Group
Background There is currently no Europe-wide consensus on the appropriate preanalytical measures and workflow to optimise procedures for tissue-based molecular testing of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To address this, a group of lung cancer experts (see list of authors) convened to discuss and propose standard operating procedures (SOPs) for NSCLC. Methods Based on earlier meetings and scientific expertise on lung cancer, a multidisciplinary group meeting was aligned. The aim was to include all relevant aspects concerning NSCLC diagnosis. After careful consideration, the following topics were selected and each was reviewed by the experts: surgical resection and sampling; biopsy procedures for analysis; preanalytical and other variables affecting quality of tissue; tissue conservation; testing procedures for epidermal growth factor receptor, anaplastic lymphoma kinase and ROS proto-oncogene 1, receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1) in lung tissue and cytological specimens; as well as standardised reporting and quality control (QC). Finally, an optimal workflow was described. Results Suggested optimal procedures and workflows are discussed in detail. The broad consensus was that the complex workflow presented can only be executed effectively by an interdisciplinary approach using a well-trained team. Conclusions To optimise diagnosis and treatment of patients with NSCLC, it is essential to establish SOPs that are adaptable to the local situation. In addition, a continuous QC system and a local multidisciplinary tumour-type-oriented board are essential
Efficacy of the Combination of Pinaverium Bromide 100mg Plus Simethicone 300mg in Abdominal Pain and Bloating in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial
Goals: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PB+S (pinaverium bromide 100 mg plus simethicone 300 mg) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Background: IBS is a multifactorial disorder; thus, combination therapy with different mechanisms of action is expected to be useful. PB+S has shown effectiveness in an open-label clinical study in IBS. However, there are no placebo-controlled trials.
Materials and Methods: IBS-Rome III patients with abdominal pain/discomfort for at least 2 days within the week prior to baseline assessment were included in this 12-week, randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled study of PB+S versus placebo, bid. The primary endpoint was overall symptom improvement, evaluated weekly by the patient (Likert Scale). Secondary endpoints included the weekly improvement in the severity of abdominal pain and bloating assessed both by patients (10-cm Visual Analogue Scale) and investigators (Likert Scale); frequency of Bristol Scale stool types (consistency) evaluated by patients and the IBS Quality of Life scores.
Results: A total of 285 patients (female: 83%; 36.5±8.9 y old) received at least 1 dose of PB+S (n=140) or placebo (n=145). No difference was observed in overall symptom improvement between the groups (P=0.13). However, PB+S was superior in abdominal pain (effect size: 31%, P=0.038) and bloating (33%, P=0.019). Patients with IBS-C and IBS-M showed the best improvement in the frequency of stool types with PB+S. No differences were observed in IBS Quality of Life scores and adverse events
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