From weak to strong coupling of localized surface plasmons to guided modes in a luminescent slab

We investigate a periodic array of aluminum nanoantennas embedded in a light-emitting slab waveguide. By varying the waveguide thickness we demonstrate the transition from weak to strong coupling between localized surface plasmons in the nanoantennas and refractive index guided modes in the waveguide. We experimentally observe a non-trivial relationship between extinction and emission dispersion diagrams across the weak to strong coupling transition. These results have implications for a broad class of photonic structures where sources are embedded within coupled resonators. For nanoantenna arrays, strong vs. weak coupling leads to drastic modifications of radiation patterns without modifying the nanoantennas themselves, thereby representing an unprecedented design strategy for nanoscale light sources

Substrate conformal imprint fabrication process of synthetic antiferromagnetic nanoplatelets

Methods to fabricate and characterize monodisperse magnetic nanoplatelets for fluid/bio-based applications based on spintronic thin-film principles are a challenge. This is due to the required top-down approach where the transfer of optimized blanket films to free particles in a fluid while preserving the magnetic properties is an uncharted field. Here, we explore the use of substrate conformal imprint lithography (SCIL) as a fast and cost-effective fabrication route. We analyze the size distribution of nominal 1.8 um and 120 nm diameter platelets and show the effect of the fabrication steps on the magnetic properties which we explain through changes in the dominant magnetization reversal mechanism as the size decreases. We show that SCIL allows for efficient large-scale platelet fabrication and discuss how application-specific requirements can be solved via process and material engineering

Generic nano-imprint process for fabrication of nanowire arrays

A generic process has been developed to grow nearly defect free arrays of (heterostructured) InP and GaP nanowires. Soft nanoimprint lithography has been used to pattern gold particle arrays on full 2 inch substrates. After lift-off organic residues remain on the surface, which induce the growth of additional undesired nanowires. We show that cleaning of the samples before growth with piranha solution in combination with a thermal anneal at 550 C for InP and 700 C for GaP results in uniform nanowire arrays with 1% variation in nanowire length, and without undesired extra nanowires. Our chemical cleaning procedure is applicable to other lithographic techniques such as e-beam lithography, and therefore represents a generic process.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures, 2 table

Childbirths and the Prevalence of Potential Risk Factors for Adverse Perinatal Outcomes among Asylum Seekers in The Netherlands:A Five-Year Cross-Sectional Study

This five-year cross-sectional study mapped the prevalence of several known risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes in asylum-seeking women in The Netherlands. Characteristics of 2831 registered childbirths among residents of asylum seekers centers (ASCs) in The Netherlands from 2016 to 2020 were included. Results showed a high general and teenage birthrate (2.15 and 6.77 times higher compared to the Dutch, respectively). Most mothers were pregnant upon arrival, and the number of births was highest in the second month of stay in ASCs. Another peak in births between 9 and 12 months after arrival suggested that many women became pregnant shortly after arrival in The Netherlands. Furthermore, 69.5 percent of all asylum-seeking women were relocated between ASCs at least once during pregnancy, which compromises continuity of care. The high prevalence of these risk factors in our study population might explain the increased rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes in asylum seekers compared to native women found in earlier studies. Incorporating migration-related indicators in perinatal health registration is key to support future interventions, policies, and research. Ultimately, our findings call for tailored and timely reproductive and perinatal healthcare for refugee women who simultaneously face the challenges of resettlement and pregnancy

Right ventricular recovery after bilateral lung transplantation for pulmonary arterial hypertension

OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and often fatal disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and right ventricular (RV) failure. End-stage PAH is often an indication for a lung transplant (LTX). Our goal was to study ventricular recovery using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging late after LTX. METHODS: We studied 10 patients with PAH who underwent isolated bilateral LTX. RV and left ventricular (LV) volumes, function and mass were measured. In addition, the RV stroke volume/end-systolic ratio (SV/ESV), the LV eccentricity index, the RV/LV volume ratio, the area of the tricuspid valve annulus and the severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) were calculated. RESULTS: The median age was 44 [30-54] years and the mean PVR was 1020 ± 435 dynes·s·cm â ' 5. Six patients had ≥ moderate TR. After LTX, the RV ejection fraction increased from 32 to 64% (P < 0.001) and both RV volume (from 118 to 51 ml/m 2, P < 0.001) and RV mass (from 69 to 33 g/m 2, P < 0.001) decreased. The mean SV/ESV ratio increased from 0.5 to 1.9 (P < 0.001) and the LV mass increased from 55 to 61 g/m 2 (P = 0.005). There was a decrease in both the LV eccentricity index (from 2.8 to 1.1, P < 0.001) and the RV/LV volume ratio (from 2.3 to 0.8, P < 0.001). The area of the tricuspid valve annulus also decreased (from 9.8 to 4.6 cm 2 /m 2, P < 0.001); no patient had ≥ mild TR post-LTX. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirms ventricular recovery after isolated bilateral LTX for end-stage PAH

Three Decades Single Center Experience of Airway Complications After Lung Transplantation

Post lung transplantation airway complications like necrosis, stenosis, malacia and dehiscence cause significant morbidity, and are most likely caused by post-operative hypo perfusion of the anastomosis. Treatment can be challenging, and airway stent placement can be necessary in severe cases. Risk factors for development of airway complications vary between studies. In this single center retrospective cohort study, all lung transplant recipients between November 1990 and September 2020 were analyzed and clinically relevant airway complications of the anastomosis or distal airways were identified and scored according to the ISHLT grading system. We studied potential risk factors for development of airway complications and evaluated the impact on survival. The treatment modalities were described. In 651 patients with 1,191 airway anastomoses, 63 patients developed 76 clinically relevant airway complications of the airway anastomoses or distal airways leading to an incidence of 6.4% of all anastomoses, mainly consisting of airway stenosis (67%). Development of airway complications significantly affects median survival in post lung transplant patients compared to patients without airway complication (101 months versus 136 months, p = 0.044). No significant risk factors for development of airway complication could be identified. Previously described risk factors could not be confirmed. Airway stents were required in 55% of the affected patients. Median survival is impaired by airway complications after lung transplantation. In our cohort, no significant risk factors for the development of airway complications could be identified.&lt;/jats:p&gt

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria disease pre-lung transplantation:A systematic review of the treatment regimens and duration pre- and post-transplant

Background: There is lack of consensus on non-tuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) treatment regimen and duration in patient listed for lung transplantation (LTx). We conducted a systematic review on treatment regimen and duration pre- and directly post-LTx, for patients with known NTM-PD pre-LTx. Additionally, we searched for risk factors for NTM disease development post-LTx and for mortality.Methods: Literature was reviewed on PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library, for articles published from inception to January 2022. Individual patient data were sought.Results: Sixteen studies were included reporting 92 patients. Most frequent used agents were aminoglycosides and macrolides for Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) and macrolides and tuberculostatic agents for Mycobacterium avium complex (M. avium complex). The median treatment duration pre-LTx was 10 months (IQR 6–17) and 2 months (IQR 2–8) directly post-LTx. Longer treatment duration pre-LTx was observed in children and in patients with M. abscessus. 46% of the patients with NTM-PD pre-LTx developed NTM disease post-LTx, related mortality rate was 10%. Longer treatment duration pre-LTx (p &lt; 0.001) and sputum non-conversion pre-LTx (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with development of NTM-disease post-LTx. Longer treatment duration pre-LTx (p = 0.004), younger age (p &lt; 0.001) and sputum non-conversion (p = 0.044) were risk factors for NTM related death.Conclusions: The median treatment duration pre-LTx was 10 months (IQR 6–17) and 2 months (IQR 2–8) directly post-LTx. Patients with longer treatment duration for NTM-PD pre-LTx and with sputum non-conversion are at risk for NTM disease post-LTx and for NTM-related death. Children were particularly at risk for NTM related death