Large-scale computer installations are severely limited by network-bandwidth constraints and energy costs that arise from architectural designs originally based on copper interconnects. ...Wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) photonic links can increase the network bandwidth but are sensitive to environmental perturbations and manufacturing imperfections that can affect the precise emission wavelength and output power of laser transmitters. Here, we demonstrate a new design of a three-terminal hybrid III-V-on-silicon laser that integrates a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor into the laser cavity. The MOS capacitor makes it possible to introduce the plasma-dispersion effect and thus change the laser modal refractive index and free-carrier absorption (FCA) loss to tune the laser wavelength and output power, respectively. The approach enables a highly energy efficient method to tune the output power and wavelength of microring lasers, with future prospects for high-speed, chirp-free direct laser modulation. The concept is potentially applicable to other diode laser platforms.
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IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Highlights • Soft tissue artifact (STA) was measured dynamically using dual fluoroscopy (DF). • Maximum STA was 5.4 cm for the greater trochanter marker during hip rotation. • Significant errors in ...joint angles occurred in all anatomical planes. • Range of motion was reduced for skin marker measurements relative to DF. • During walking RMS angle errors were unchanged by marker choice or hip constraints.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
•An innovative method has been applied to design plate finned tube evaporators.•The local behavior at the refrigerant and air sides have been obtained.•The air flow rate distribution through the ...evaporator has been determined.•The detected area with the highest heat transfer rate leads to system optimization.
A procedure for the design and rating of plate-finned tube evaporator is proposed, to overcome limitations of both numerical and experiment based available present methods. The hybrid method allows to achieve high accuracy without incurring excessive computational cost and provides overall performance predictions starting from local analyses. The domain is divided into control volumes, where heat transfer is modeled by means of predictor equations obtained by known data. An iterative analytical method is used to find at each control volume the convergence between the heat transfer rates on both sides, and to obtain the distribution of wall temperature in the heat exchanger and the spatial distribution of the air mass flow rate. A case study is shown where in the first row the refrigerant completely evaporates, while this doesn't happen for the last one where the vapor quality at the outlet is 28% lower.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Highlights • Hip joint center (HJC) errors and soft tissue artifact (STA) measured dynamically. • HJCs were generated from dual fluoroscopy (DF) and skin marker (SM) solutions. • HJC errors were 16.6 ...mm and 11.7 mm when using SM and DF solutions, respectively. • STA caused 2.2 mm (3.1 mm) of spurious HJC movement for 6 DOF (3 DOF) hip motion. • STA led to 17.2 ± 5.3 mm error in tracking the position of the pelvis.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
The study aimed at evaluating the concentration levels of organochlorine pollutants in donkey milk and their modulation on the intestinal strongyle infection. Risk evaluation for consumer health was ...also investigated.
We analyzed milk of grazing donkeys living in areas of Southern of Italy affected by organochlorine compounds environmental pollution and parasite infection. The presence of pollutants was assessed through summary statistics; regression analysis of intestinal strongyle on pollutant concentration was performed to investigate the relationship between the two variables.
PCB concentrations (mainly non-dioxin-like (ndl)-PCBs) were higher than OCP ones. Mean values of ndl-PCBs across areas ranged from 93.13 to 263.64 ng g−1. In all sample units we detected the six indicator PCBs with the prevalence of the PCB 153, followed by the PCB 28 and the PCB 101. Among the dioxin-like (dl)-PCBs, non-ortho PCB 169, 77 and 126 were assessed in some milk samples; in all areas we detected the mono-ortho PCB 118 and PCB 105. Positive correlation between infection level and six indicator PCBs as well as between the former and HCB, on WW and LW, were observed (at least statistically significant at 5 percent). In some cases, Dl-PCB concentrations emerged as dangerous given the EU maximum residue limit for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs.
Evidence supports the hypothesis of an immunosuppressive role of organochlorine pollutants; risk evaluation reveals the potential health impact of dl-PCB intake, particularly for major donkey milk consumers such as infants, children with cow milk and multiple food intolerance, and elders.
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•Intensity of intestinal strongyle infection positively related to OC concentration.•OCs affect immune response.•Dioxin-like PCB concentrations above the MRL fixed by EU.•Health hazard due to the consumption of donkey milk containing dl-PCB residues.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Highlights • We quantified the accuracy of dual-fluoroscopy to measure ankle arthrokinematics. • The dual-fluoroscopy system was situated adjacent to an instrumented treadmill. • Simulated gait and ...maximum range of motion exams were performed on cadavers. • Mean positional error was 0.03 ± 0.35 mm; mean rotational error was 0.25 ± 0.81°. • Our approach may elucidate mechanisms responsible for impaired function in ankles.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Klotho is an anti‐aging factor mainly produced by renal tubular epithelial cells (TEC) with pleiotropic functions. Klotho is down‐regulated in acute kidney injury in native kidney; however, the ...modulation of Klotho in kidney transplantation has not been investigated. In a swine model of ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), we observed a remarkable reduction of renal Klotho by 24 h from IRI. Complement inhibition by C1‐inhibitor preserved Klotho expression in vivo by abrogating nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐kB) signaling. In accordance, complement anaphylotoxin C5a led to a significant down‐regulation of Klotho in TEC in vitro that was NF‐kB mediated. Analysis of Klotho in kidneys from cadaveric donors demonstrated a significant expression of Klotho in pre‐implantation biopsies; however, patients affected by delayed graft function (DGF) showed a profound down‐regulation of Klotho compared with patients with early graft function. Quantification of serum Klotho after 2 years from transplantation demonstrated significant lower levels in DGF patients. Our data demonstrated that complement might be pivotal in the down‐regulation of Klotho in IRI leading to a permanent deficiency after years from transplantation. Considering the anti‐senescence and anti‐fibrotic effects of Klotho at renal levels, we hypothesize that this acquired deficiency of Klotho might contribute to DGF‐associated chronic allograft dysfunction.
The authors demonstrate a direct involvement of complement in regulating the expression of anti‐aging factor Klotho in a swine model of ischemia/reperfusion injury, and lower levels of renal and soluble Klotho in patients affected by delayed graft function years after transplantation.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Background:
Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) is a dynamic process, but its diagnosis is often based on static, supine images.
Purpose:
To couple 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) models with ...dual fluoroscopy (DF) images to quantify in vivo hip motion and the ischiofemoral space (IFS) in asymptomatic participants during weightbearing activities and evaluate the relationship of dynamic measurements with sex, hip kinematics, and the IFS measured from axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Study Design:
Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.
Methods:
Eleven young, asymptomatic adults (5 female) were recruited. 3D reconstructions of the femur and pelvis were generated from MRI and CT. The axial and 3D IFS were measured from supine MRI. In vivo hip motion during weightbearing activities was quantified using DF. The bone-to-bone distance between the lesser trochanter and ischium was measured dynamically. The minimum and maximum IFS were determined and evaluated against hip joint angles using a linear mixed-effects model.
Results:
The minimum IFS occurred during external rotation for 10 of 11 participants. The IFS measured from axial MRI (mean, 23.7 mm 95% CI, 19.9-27.9) was significantly greater than the minimum IFS observed during external rotation (mean, 10.8 mm 95% CI, 8.3-13.7; P < .001), level walking (mean, 15.5 mm 95% CI, 11.4-19.7; P = .007), and incline walking (mean, 15.8 mm 95% CI, 11.6-20.1; P = .004) but not for standing. The IFS was reduced with extension (β = 0.66), adduction (β = 0.22), and external rotation (β = 0.21) (P < .001 for all) during the dynamic activities observed. The IFS was smaller in female than male participants for standing (mean, 20.9 mm 95% CI, 19.3-22.3 vs 30.4 mm 95% CI, 27.2-33.8, respectively; P = .034), level walking (mean, 8.8 mm 95% CI, 7.5-9.9 vs 21.1 mm 95% CI, 18.7-23.6, respectively; P = .001), and incline walking (mean, 9.1 mm 95% CI, 7.4-10.8 vs 21.3 mm 95% CI, 18.8-24.1, respectively; P = .003). Joint angles between the sexes were not significantly different for any of the dynamic positions of interest.
Conclusion:
The minimum IFS during dynamic activities was smaller than axial MRI measurements. Compared with male participants, the IFS in female participants was reduced during standing and walking, despite a lack of kinematic differences between the sexes. The relationship between the IFS and hip joint angles suggests that the hip should be placed into greater extension, adduction, and external rotation in clinical examinations and imaging, as the IFS measured from static images, especially in a neutral orientation, may not accurately represent the minimum IFS during dynamic motion. Nevertheless, this statement must be interpreted with caution, as only asymptomatic participants were analyzed herein.
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FSPLJ, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract Hamstring strain injury is one of the most common injuries in athletes, particularly for sports that involve high speed running. The aims of this study were to determine whether muscle ...activation and internal morphology influence in vivo muscle behavior and strain injury susceptibility. We measured tissue displacement and strains in the hamstring muscle injured most often, the biceps femoris long head muscle (BFLH), using cine DENSE dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. Strain measurements were used to test whether strain magnitudes are (i) larger during active lengthening than during passive lengthening and (ii) larger for subjects with a relatively narrow proximal aponeurosis than a wide proximal aponeurosis. Displacement color maps showed higher tissue displacement with increasing lateral distance from the proximal aponeurosis for both active lengthening and passive lengthening, and higher tissue displacement for active lengthening than passive lengthening. First principal strain magnitudes were averaged in a 1 cm region near the myotendinous junction, where injury is most frequently observed. It was found that strains are significantly larger during active lengthening (0.19 SD 0.09) than passive lengthening (0.13 SD 0.06) ( p <0.05), which suggests that elevated localized strains may be a mechanism for increased injury risk during active as opposed to passive lengthening. First principal strains were higher for subjects with a relatively narrow aponeurosis width (0.26 SD 0.15) than wide (0.14 SD 0.04) ( p <0.05). This result suggests that athletes who have BFLH muscles with narrow proximal aponeuroses may have an increased risk for BFLH strain injuries.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK