Far Infrared Slab Lensing and Subwavelength Imaging in Crystal Quartz

We examine the possibility of using negative refraction stemming from the phonon response in an anisotropic crystal to create a simple slab lens with plane parallel sides, and show that imaging from such a lens should be possible at room temperature despite the effects of absorption that are inevitably present due to phonon damping. In particular, we consider the case of crystal quartz, a system for which experimental measurements consistent with all-angle negative refraction have already been demonstrated. Furthermore, we investigate the possibility of subwavelength imaging from such materials, and show that it should be possible for certain configurations.Comment: 12 pages, 10 figure

Comparative analysis of the sustainability and seismic performance of a social interest house using RC moment frames and bahareque as structural systems

This study compares the seismic performance and environmental impact of a social housing structure designed with reinforced concrete with a structure using Guadua angustifolia “Kunth” cane. The aim is to contrast the implementation of an ecological material such as the Guadua cane, which is an accessible alternative due to its cost and construction time, versus the traditional reinforced concrete (RC) construction method. Both applied to social housing structures. The seismic performance of both methods is analyzed through nonlinear static analysis (pushover) with the objective of establishing the performance; structural and nonstructural damage, performance point, maximum displacements, and structural elements that induce structural failure; and acting forces, against a design earthquake (established by the NEC DS 2015 Standard), with a return period of 475 years. The environmental impact is evaluated through a life cycle assessment of the structure (LCA). Thus, the embodied carbon obtained from each structural element (foundations, beams, columns, floors, and roof support elements) was determined, considering material manufacturing, transportation, and construction. The results obtained demonstrated a higher seismic performance, with 70% less environmental impact on the Guadua cane structure

Conformational polymorphism of the antidiabetic drug chlorpropamide

In this paper, the main features of Raman spectroscopy, one of the first choice methods in the study of polymorphism in pharmaceuticals, are presented taking chlorpropamide as a case of study. The antidiabetic drug chlorpropamide (1-[4- chlorobenzenesulphonyl]-3-propyl urea),which belongs to the sulfonylurea class, is known to exhibit, at least, six polymorphic phases. These forms are characterized not onlyby variations in their molecular packingbut also intheir molecular conformation. In this study, the polymorphism of chlorpropamide is discussed on the basis of Raman scattering measurements and quantum mechanical calculations. The main spectroscopic features that fingerprint the crystalline forms are correlated with the corresponding crystalline structures. Using a theoretical approach on the energy dependence of the conformers, simulated molecular torsion angles are plotted versus the formation energy,which provides a satisfactory agreement between the torsion angles at the energy minima and the experimental values observed in the different solid forms of chlorpropamide angles at the energy minima and the experimental values observed in the different solid forms of chlorpropamide angles at the energy minima and the experimental values observed in the different solid forms of chlorpropamide versus the formation energy,which provides a satisfactory agreement between the torsion angles at the energy minima and the experimental values observed in the different solid forms of chlorpropamide.Fil: Ayala, A. P.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil. Universidade Estadual do Ceará; BrasilFil: Caetano, M. W. C.. Universidade Estadual do Ceará; BrasilFil: Honorato, S. B.. Universidade Estadual do Ceará; BrasilFil: Mendes Filho, J.. Universidade Estadual do Ceará; BrasilFil: Siesler, H. W.. Universitat Essen; AlemaniaFil: Faudone, Sonia Nerina. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Cuffini, Silvia Lucia. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Martins, F. T.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Da Silva, C. C. P.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Ellena, J.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasi

Dating stalagmite from Caverna do Diabo (Devil'S Cave) by TL and EPR techniques

A cylindrical fragment of stalagmite from Caverna do Diabo, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, has been studied and dated by thermoluminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance techniques. The thermoluminescence glow curves of stalagmite samples and subsequently gamma irradiated, have shown rise of three peaks at 135, 180 and 265 degrees C. From electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of stalagmite was possible to clearly identify three paramagnetic centers in the g = 2.0 region: Centers I, II and III are due to, CO3- and CO33-, respectively. The additive method was applied to calculate the accumulated dose using thermoluminescence peak at 265 degrees C and the electron paramagnetic resonance signal at g = 1.9973 of CO2- radical. The ages of the different slices of stalagmite were determined from the D-ac-values and D-an-value, obtaining an average of 86410 for central slice, 53421 for second slice, 31490 for third slice and 46390 years B.P. for the central region of upper end.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Fis, Rua Matao,187 Cidade Univ, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Mar, Rua Doutor Carvalho de Mendonca 144, BR-11070100 Santos, SP, BrazilIPEN CNEN SP, Inst Pesquisas Energet & Nucl, Av Prof Lineu Prestes,2242 Cidade Univ, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Nacl San Agustin, Fac Ciencias Nat & Formales, Escuela Profes Fis, Av Independencia S-N, Arequipa, PeruUniv Sao Paulo, Escola Politecn, Dept Engn Met & Mat, Av Prof Mello Moraes 2463, BR-05508030 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilDepartamento de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Doutor Carvalho de Mendonça, 144, 11070-100 Santos, SP, BrazilFAPESP: 2014/03085-0CAPES: BEX-9612130Web of Scienc

Transmural Remission Improves Clinical Outcomes Up to 5 years in Crohn's Disease

Introduction: Evidence supporting transmural remission (TR) as a long-term treatment target in Crohn's disease (CD) is still unavailable. Less stringent but more reachable targets such as isolated endoscopic (IER) or radiologic remission (IRR) may also be acceptable options in the long-term. Methods: Multicenter retrospective study including 404 CD patients evaluated by magnetic resonance enterography and colonoscopy. Five-year rates of hospitalization, surgery, use of steroids, and treatment escalation were compared between patients with TR, IER, IRR, and no remission (NR). Results: 20.8% of CD patients presented TR, 23.3% IER, 13.6% IRR and 42.3% NR. TR was associated with lower risk of hospitalization (odds-ratio [OR] 0.244 [0.111-0.538], p < 0.001), surgery (OR 0.132 [0.030-0.585], p = 0.008), steroid use (OR 0.283 [0.159-0.505], p < 0.001), and treatment escalation (OR 0.088 [0.044-0.176], p < 0.001) compared to no NR. IRR resulted in lower risk of hospitalization (OR 0.333 [0.143-0.777], p = 0.011) and treatment escalation (OR 0.260 [0.125-0.540], p < 0.001), while IER reduced the risk of steroid use (OR 0.442 [0.262-0.745], p = 0.002) and treatment escalation (OR 0.490 [0.259-0.925], p = 0.028) compared to NR. Conclusions: TR improved clinical outcomes over 5 years of follow-up in CD patients. Distinct but significant benefits were seen with IER and IRR. This suggests that both endoscopic and radiologic remission should be part of the treatment targets of CD.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Recipient and donor thrombophilia and the risk of portal venous thrombosis and hepatic artery thrombosis in liver recipients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Vascular complications, such as HAT, are an important cause of graft loss and recipient mortality. We aimed to characterize post-transplant thrombotic events in a cohort of liver transplant recipients, and identify independent risk factors for these complications.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a thrombophilic study of 293 orthotopic liver transplants performed in the Digestive Surgery Department of the 12 de Octubre Hospital (Madrid, Spain) between January 2001 and December 2006.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The most frequent post-transplant thrombotic events were HAT (9%) and PVT (1.7%). The one variable associated with post-transplant thrombotic event was a high fibrinogen level in the global cohort of liver transplantation. But toxicity as event post-OLT has been associated with post-transplant thrombotic event in the retrospective group and high fibrinogen level and low protein C levels were associated post-transplant thrombotic event in the prospective group. Liver disease relapse (HR 6.609, p < 0.001), high levels of FVIII (HR 1.008, p = 0.019)) and low levels of antithrombin (HR 0.946, p < 0.001) were associated with poor overall survival (OS).</p> <p>In conclusion, high fibrinogen and decreased protein C levels were associated with allograft thrombosis. Further studies are required in order to assess the clinical relevance of these parameters in prospective studies and to study the effect of anticoagulation prophylaxis in this group of risk.</p