Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Mask
Kinds of Mask Terms modified by Mask Selected AbstractsMaSK: A visualization tool for teaching and research in computational chemistryINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2009Yevgeniy Podolyan Abstract The number of researchers using computational chemistry tools is growing every year. There are multiple programs used for calculation of various molecular and electronic properties such as optimized geometry, energy, vibrational spectra, and so forth. Another set of programs is used for the visualization of these properties. However, such programs are either too complex for a beginner or too simple for an intermediate user for everyday use. Molecular Modeling and Simulation Kit (MaSK) is designed to fill this gap by presenting an easy-to-use intuitive interface to quantum chemical programs such as GAMESS and Gaussian with an array of advanced tools. The program can be used as a postprocessor to visualize calculated properties or as a preprocessor to prepare the input files for quantum chemical programs. In addition, some properties such as the surfaces of molecular orbitals, electron and spin densities, and molecular electrostatic potentials are actually calculated by MaSK. If MaSK is combined with PC GAMESS, the preparation of the input, running of the calculations, and the display of the results can all be done without leaving the program's interface. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009 [source] Randomized comparison of the SLIPA (Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway) and the SS-LM (Soft Seal Laryngeal Mask) by medical studentsEMERGENCY MEDICINE AUSTRALASIA, Issue 5-6 2006Cindy Hein Abstract Objective:, The aim of the study was to compare the Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway (SLIPA; Hudson RCI), a new supraglottic airway device, with the Soft Seal Laryngeal Mask (SS-LM; Portex) when used by novices. Methods:, Thirty-six medical students with no previous airway experience, received manikin training in the use of the SLIPA and the SS-LM. Once proficient, the students inserted each device in randomized sequence, in two separate patients in the operating theatre. Only two insertion attempts per patient were allowed. Students were assessed in terms of: device preference; success or failure; success at first attempt and time to ventilation. Results:, Sixty-seven per cent of the students preferred to use the SLIPA (95% confidence interval 49,81%). The SLIPA was successfully inserted (one or two attempts) in 94% of patients (34/36) and the SS-LM in 89% (32/36) (P = 0.39). First attempt success rates were 83% (30/36) and 67% (24/36) in the SLIPA and SS-LM, respectively (P = 0.10). Median time to ventilation was shorter with the SLIPA (40.6 s) than with the SS-LM (66.9 s) when it was the first device used (P = 0.004), but times were similar when inserting the second device (43.8 s vs 42.9 s) (P = 0.75). Conclusions:, In the present study novice users demonstrated high success rates with both devices. The SLIPA group achieved shorter times to ventilation when it was the first device they inserted, which might prove to be of clinical significance, particularly in resuscitation attempts. Although the Laryngeal Mask has gained wide recognition for use by both novice users and as a rescue airway in failed intubation, the data presented here suggest that the SLIPA might also prove useful in these areas. [source] Girl, Interrupted: Spenserian Bondage and Release in Milton's Ludlow MaskMILTON QUARTERLY, Issue 4 2003William Shullenberger First page of article [source] "Gums of Glutinous Heat" in Milton's Mask and Spenser's Faerie QueeneMILTON QUARTERLY, Issue 4 2003James W. Broaddus First page of article [source] Flow-dependent resistance of nasal masks used for non-invasive positive pressure ventilationRESPIROLOGY, Issue 4 2006Wolfram WINDISCH Objective and background: Endotracheal tube resistance is known to be flow-dependent and this understanding has improved the application of invasive ventilation. However, similar physiological studies on the interface between patients and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) have not been performed. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the resistance of nasal masks used for NPPV. Methodology: The flow-dependent pressure drop of the small (S), medium-small (MS) and medium (M) Contour Nasal Mask (Respironics Inc., Murrysville, PA, USA) was measured with and without a connecting tube (length 18 cm, internal diameter 1.5 cm) in a laboratory study. The resistance was calculated by Rohrer's equation using the standard least-squares-fit technique. The present study explicitly differentiated between the resistance of the nasal mask alone when measured against atmosphere and the additional resistance caused by the nasal mask when airtightly fitted to a model head (interaction with the face). Results: Higher flow rates resulted in a non-linearly increasing pressure drop across the interface. This flow-dependent resistance of the S/MS/M mask was comparably low when not interacting with the face, but increased when interacting with the face. This flow-dependent resistance of the mask was several-fold higher when adding the connection tube and tended to be higher during expiration. Conclusion: There is a non-linear flow-dependent pressure drop across the nasal mask which is low and independent of its size, but increases when interacting with the face. The connecting tube is the major determinant of the resistance originating from facial appliances used for NPPV. [source] In vitro study of magnetic resonance imaging artefacts of six supraglottic airway devicesANAESTHESIA, Issue 6 2010M. Zaballos Summary We investigated the artefacts created during magnetic resonance imaging by five different laryngeal mask airways: the Classic (cLMAÔ); the LMA ProSealÔ; the LMA UniqueÔ; the Ambu® Disposable Laryngeal Mask; the LMA SupremeÔ; and one other supraglottic airway device, the i-gel supraglottic airway. The devices were placed on top of and inside a phantom simulator to resemble the position in vivo. The artefacts with the cLMA, Unique and Supreme were similar and related to ferromagnetic material in the pilot balloon valve. Artefacts were more prominent with the ProSeal. There were no artefacts with the Ambu Disposable Laryngeal Mask or the i-gel. [source] Disposable Gold Electrodes with Reproducible Area Using Recordable CDs and Toner MasksELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 1 2006Denise Lowinsohn Abstract The fabrication and characterization of very cheap disposable gold disk electrodes with reproducible area is reported. The innovation of the proposed procedure is the use of toner masks to define reproducible areas on uniform gold surfaces obtained from recordable compact disks (CD-R). Toner masks are drawn in a laser printer and heat transferred to gold surfaces, defining exactly the electrodes area. The electrochemical behavior of these disposable electrodes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry in Fe(CN)64, solutions. The relative standard deviation for signals obtained from 10 different gold electrodes was below 1 %. The size of the disk electrodes can be easily controlled, as attested by voltammetric responses recorded by using electrodes with radii varying from 0.5 to 3.0,mm. The advantages of using this kind of electrode for analytical measurements of substances that strongly adsorb on the electrode surface such as cysteine are also addressed. [source] Patterned Synthesis of Pd4S: Chemically Robust Electrodes and Conducting Etch MasksADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 6 2010Boya Radha Abstract A simple, one-step process to synthesize Pd4S films is reported here along with their characterization using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and electrical measurements. The synthesis involves thermolysis of a single-source precursor, namely palladium alkanethiolate, in H2 atmosphere at 250,°C for 3,h. The films are highly conducting and resistant to strong acidic, alkali, and oxidizing environments. The precursor allows patterning of the Pd4S films by electron beam lithography and micromolding, an attribute that has been employed in making chemically resistant electrodes and etch masks. The conversion of palladium thiolate to other sulfide phases is also achieved. [source] Photolithography: Fabrication of Flexible Binary Amplitude Masks for Patterning on Highly Curved Surfaces (Adv. Funct.ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 20 2009Mater. The front cover image shows a photolithographically defined gold pattern on the curved surface of a cylindrical glass lens (12.5-mm radius) using a photomask made by using the soft lithography protocols reported by Bowen and Nuzzo on page 3243. The described methods provide highly flexible photomasks, of both positive and negative image contrasts, that serve as amplitude masks for large area photolithographic patterning on a variety of curved (and planar) surfaces. [source] Fabrication of Flexible Binary Amplitude Masks for Patterning on Highly Curved SurfacesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 20 2009Audrey M. Bowen Abstract This paper describes soft lithography methods that expand current fabrication capabilities by enabling high-throughput patterning on nonplanar substrates. These techniques exploit optically dense elastomeric mask elements embedded in a transparent poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix by vacuum-assisted microfluidic patterning, UV,ozone-mediated irreversible sealing, and chemical etching. These protocols provide highly flexible photomasks exhibiting either positive- or negative-image contrasts, which serve as amplitude masks for large-area photolithographic patterning on a variety of curved (and planar) surfaces. When patterning on cylindrical surfaces, the developed masks do not experience significant pattern distortions. For substrates with 3D curvatures/geometries, however, the PDMS mask must undergo relatively large strains in order to make conformal contact. The new methods described in this report provide planar masks that can be patterned to compliantly compensate for both the displacements and distortions of features that result from stretching the mask to span the 3D geometry. To demonstrate this, a distortion-corrected grid pattern mask was fabricated and used in conjunction with a homemade inflation device to pattern an electrode mesh on a glass hemisphere with predictable registration and distortion compensation. The showcased mask fabrication processes are compatible with a broad range of substrates, illustrating the potential for development of complex lithographic patterns for a variety of applications in the realm of curved electronics (i.e., synthetic retinal implants and curved LED arrays) and wide field-of-view optics. [source] Surface laser scanning to routinely produce casts for patient immobilization during radiotherapy*JOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING AND RADIATION ONCOLOGY, Issue 2 2007B McKernan Summary Immobilization casts are used to reduce patient movement during the radiotherapy of head and neck and brain malignancies. Polyethylene-based casts are produced by first taking a Plaster of Paris ,negative' impression of the patient. A ,positive' mould is then made, which is used to vacuum form an immobilization cast. Taking the ,negative' cast can be messy, stressful for patients and labour intensive. Recently, lightweight hand-held laser surface scanners have become available. These allow an accurate 3-D representation of objects to be generated non-invasively. This technology has now been applied to the production of casts for radiotherapy. Each patient's face and head is digitized using the Polhemus FastSCAN (Polhemus, Colchester, VT, USA) scanner. The electronic data are transferred to a computer numerical controlled mill, where a positive impression is machined. The feasibility of the process was examined, the labour required and radiation therapists' satisfaction with aspects of the produced masks assessed. The scanner-based method of mask production was found to be simple, accurate and non-invasive. There was a reduction in radiation therapist labour required. Masks produced with the scanner-based method were reported to result in improved mask fitting, daily reproducibility, patient immobilization and patient comfort. [source] Spirits Into Seabirds: The Role of the Evangelical Convenant Church of Alaska in the Stylistic Transformation of Nunivak Island Yup'ik [Eskimo] MasksMUSEUM ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 1 2000Professor Molly Lee [source] Large-Area Nanocontact Printing with Metallic Nanostencil Masks,ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 17 2010Hyung Lee Hochdichte Molekülmuster bestehend aus Goldfilmen mit Nanolöchern wurden auf Poly(dimethylsiloxan)-Stempeln (PDMS) erzeugt. Löchrige Filme unterschiedlicher Dicke ergaben entweder Ätz- oder 1:1-Muster (siehe die Beispiele; Maßstab je 2,,m). Hierarchische Muster wurden mit einer einzigen Nanoschablone unter Verwendung gemusterter PDMS-Stempel oder durch Kombination von Nanoschablonen- und Mikrokontaktdruck erhalten. [source] Reinterpretable Imager: Towards Variable Post-Capture Space, Angle and Time Resolution in PhotographyCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 2 2010Amit Agrawal Abstract We describe a novel multiplexing approach to achieve tradeoffs in space, angle and time resolution in photography. We explore the problem of mapping useful subsets of time-varying 4D lightfields in a single snapshot. Our design is based on using a dynamic mask in the aperture and a static mask close to the sensor. The key idea is to exploit scene-specific redundancy along spatial, angular and temporal dimensions and to provide a programmable or variable resolution tradeoff among these dimensions. This allows a user to reinterpret the single captured photo as either a high spatial resolution image, a refocusable image stack or a video for different parts of the scene in post-processing. A lightfield camera or a video camera forces a-priori choice in space-angle-time resolution. We demonstrate a single prototype which provides flexible post-capture abilities not possible using either a single-shot lightfield camera or a multi-frame video camera. We show several novel results including digital refocusing on objects moving in depth and capturing multiple facial expressions in a single photo. [source] Spatially resolved X-ray diffraction as a tool for strain analysis in laterally modulated epitaxial structuresCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2009A. Wierzbicka Abstract Spatially resolved X-ray diffraction (SRXRD) is applied for micro-imaging of strain in laterally modulated epitaxial structures. In GaAs layers grown by liquid phase epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) on SiO2 -masked GaAs substrates a downward tilt of ELO wings caused by their interaction with the mask is observed. The distribution of the tilt magnitude across the wings width is determined with ,m-scale spatial resolution. This allows measuring of the shape of the lattice planes in individual ELO stripes. If a large area of the sample is studied the X-ray imaging provides precise information on the tilt of an individual wing and its distribution. In heteroepitaxial GaSb/GaAs ELO layers local mosaicity in the wing area is found. By the SRXRD the size of microblocks and their relative misorientation were analyzed. Finally, the SRXRD technique was applied to study distribution of localized strain in AlGaN epilayers grown by MOVPE on bulk GaN substrates with AlN mask. X-ray mapping proves that by mask patterning strain in AlGaN layer can be easily engineered, which opens a way to produce thicker, crack-free AlGaN layers with a higher Al content needed in GaN-based laser diodes. All these examples show that high spatial and angular resolutions offered by SRXRD makes the technique a powerful tool to study local lattice distortions in semiconductor microstructures. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Mechanisms of genioglossus responses to inspiratory resistive load in rabbitsACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2002N. P. ALEKSANDROVA ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study has been to determine whether pharyngeal dilator muscles participate in inspiratory load compensatory responses and if so, to elucidate role of upper airway mechanoreceptors in these responses. The experiments were performed on anaesthetized rabbits. Each animal was tested in three ways by the imposition of inspiratory resistive load: (1) at upper airways via face mask, (2) at the tracheostomic cannula placed below larynx (all upper airway receptors were `bypassed') and (3) at the mouth after the section of the hypoglossus nerves (motor denervation of genioglossus muscle). The inspiratory load applied to the upper airways evoked significant increases in integrated genioglossus activity (to 129 ± 14.7% of control) and its inspiratory duration (to 113 ± 5% of control) already within the first loaded breath (P < 0.05). The increases in the inspiratory activity of musculius genioglossus were relatively greater than the simultaneous increases in the activity of the diaphragm. Motor denervation of the pharynx dilator muscles (including m. genioglossus) increased airway resistance to 184 ± 19% of control (P < 0.05) and induced obstructive alterations in the breathing pattern during unloaded breathing: decrease in maximal inspiratory flow (,13%) and increase in the level of negative oesophageal pressure (+14%) and the peak diaphragm activity (+6%). After nervi hypoglossus sections additional increases in motor and pressure outputs were required in order to maintain unaltered ventilation at the same degree of loading as before denervation. The results indicate that the pharyngeal dilator muscles have a role in compensation of added inspiratory load. Activation of these muscles facilitate the load compensating function of `pump' muscles by decreasing airway resistance. Tracheostomy did not reduce the genioglossus response to inspiratory loading, ruling out any role for upper airways receptors in the genioglossus response to inspiratory load compensations. [source] Intravenous lidocaine for status epilepticus during childhoodDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2006Shin-ichiro Hamano MD; The clinical efficacy of lidocaine for convulsive status epilepticus in 53 convulsive episodes was examined in 37 children (17 males, 20 females). Mean age of patients receiving lidocaine was 3 years 7 months (SD 3y 5mo). Lidocaine administration achieved control of status epilepticus in 19 of 53 convulsive episodes (35.8%). Seizures ceased within 5 minutes of lidocaine administration in all 19 patients who were responsive to the drug. Regarding aetiology of status epilepticus and types of seizures, there was no statistical difference in effectiveness. Mild decrease of oxygen saturation, monitored by pulse oximetry, was observed in one patient, which improved by oxygenation using a mask. Lidocaine is a useful anticonvulsive agent; however, the response rate to lidocaine appears to be quite low, as less than half of the seizures were effectively controlled by lidocaine. Favourable properties of the drug include prompt responses, less alteration of consciousness, and fewer adverse effects, including less respiratory depression. [source] The effects of acute exercise and high lactate levels on 35% CO2 challenge in healthy volunteersACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2002G. Esquivel Objective:, To test the possible antipanic effects of acute exercise in healthy volunteers exposed to an inhalation of 35% CO2 challenge. Method:, Twenty healthy subjects in a randomized separate group design, performed exercise in a bicycle ergometer reaching >6 mm of blood lactate and a control condition of minimal activity in the same fashion with no lactate elevation. Immediately afterwards an inhalation of a vital capacity using a mixture of 35% CO2/65% O2 through a mask was given on both conditions. Results:, Subjects under the exercise condition reported less panic symptoms than controls after a CO2 challenge on the diagnostic statistical manual-IV (DSM-IV) Panic Symptom List but no difference on the Visual Analogue Anxiety Scale. Conclusion:, Subjects under the exertion condition had lactate levels comparable with those of lactate infusions but an inhibitory rather than accumulative effect was seen when combined with a CO2 challenge. [source] Fine surface processing of LiNbO3 single crystals by maskless etching using NF3 system gas plasma RIEELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS IN JAPAN, Issue 2 2010Teruaki Omata Abstract The possibility of deep etching by plasma reactive ion etching (RIE) without an etching-mask (maskless) for ,Z and +Z parts formed on the same surface of a partially polarization reversed LiNbO3 single crystal polarized in the direction of the c -axis is investigated. A NF3/H2 gas mixture was used. The etching rates and depths and the profiles of the etched surfaces were evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy. The etching rate for the ,Z surface was larger than that for the +Z surface. Extension of the +Z domain by partial polarization reversal was observed. Applying the high voltage quickly for partial polarization reversal, the area of the +Z domain was extended compared with the result obtained by applying the voltage slowly. An apparent step at the boundary between ,Z and +Z parts formed on the same surface was observed. Using a NF3/H2 gas mixture, the segments were removed efficiently. It is concluded that RIE etching using a NF3/H2 gas mixture is suitable for processing of LiNbO3 crystal surfaces without an etching mask, in contrast with a CF4/H2 gas mixture. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(2): 39,49, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10168 [source] Dry film microchips for miniaturised separationsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 24 2009Rosanne M. Guijt Abstract In this work microfluidic devices were made from the dry film photoresist Ordyl SY330, characterised by optical and electron microscopy and used for electrophoretic separations. A simple and fast microfabrication process was developed for the fabrication of channels that are 50,,m wide and 30,,m in height, requiring only the use of an office laminator, a hot plate, an exposure source and mask and an electric drill to make four microdevices in less than 1,h. The optical properties of the photoresist were studied and the resist showed significant absorbance below 370,nm and 570,630,nm, and had an optical transmission of 80% between 400 and 550,nm. Fluorescence emission over the region of maximum transmission was low allowing these devices to be used for fluorescence detection at 488/512,nm. Electrophoretic separation of APTS and three derivatised sugars was performed in 20,mM phosphate buffer, pH 2.5 with efficiencies of the three sugars of 40,000 plates (2,100,000,plates/m) within 30,s at a field strength of 500,V/cm. The simple fabrication process also allowed microchannels to be easily filled with chromatography particles before sealing, avoiding the challenging task of slurry packing, and the potential of these devices for liquid chromatography was demonstrated by the extraction of fluorescein onto anion exchange particles. [source] Emergency department personal protective equipment requirements following out-of-hospital chemical biological or radiological events in AustralasiaEMERGENCY MEDICINE AUSTRALASIA, Issue 2 2007Guy W Sansom Abstract Recent events have led to a revision in ED equipment, preparedness and training for disasters. However, clinicians must still decide when, and what level of personal protection is required when a toxic threat exists. If possible, clear, simple and achievable protocols are required in such situations. Following an off-site Australasian chemical biological or radiological incident, current evidence indicates that the initial receiving ED staff will be adequately protected from all known chemical biological and radiological inhalational threats by wearing a properly fitted P2 (N95) mask, or its equivalent. Protection from serious contact injury is offered by wearing double gloves, disposable fluid-repellent coveralls or gown, eye protection, surgical mask, and ideally, a cap and shoe covers; in conjunction with universal precautions and procedures. [source] Nanopatterning by an Integrated Process Combining Capillary Force Lithography and Microcontact PrintingADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 4 2010Xuexin Duan Abstract A novel nanopatterning process was developed by combining capillary force lithography (CFL) and microcontact printing (µCP). Flat polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used as the substrate in CFL, and after chemical functionalization, as the stamp in µCP, which increased the resolution of both methods. The polymer patterns, produced by CFL on a thin polymer film on the flat PDMS substrate, acted as a mask to oxidize the uncovered regions of the PDMS. The chemical patterns were subsequently formed by gas phase evaporation of a fluorinated silane. After removal of the polymer, these stamps were used to transfer thiol inks to a gold substrate by µCP. Gold patterns at a scale of less than 100,nm were successfully replicated by these chemically patterned flat PDMS stamps. [source] Carotenoid and melanin-based ornaments signal similar aspects of male quality in two populations of the common yellowthroatFUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Peter O. Dunn Summary 1.,Female preferences for particular male ornaments may shift between populations as a consequence of ecological differences that change the reliability and detectability of the ornament, but few studies have examined how ornaments function in different populations. 2.,We examined the signalling function of male plumage ornaments in a warbler, the common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), breeding in New York (NY) and Wisconsin (WI), USA. Males have two prominent ornaments: a black facial mask pigmented with melanin and a yellow bib pigmented by carotenoids. Previous studies in WI indicate that the size of the mask, and not the bib, is primarily related to female choice and male reproductive success. In NY, however, the pattern is reversed and attributes of the bib (size and colour), and not the mask, are the target of sexual selection. 3.,We found that brightness of the yellow bib was the best signal of humoral immunity (immunoglobulin G) in NY and mask size was the best signal in WI, after controlling for breeding experience and capture date. Thus, similar aspects of male quality appeared to be signalled by different ornaments in different populations. 4.,There was no difference between populations in the level of plasma carotenoids or the prevalence of malarial parasites, which may affect the costs and benefits of choosing males with particular ornaments in each location. 5.,Even though females in different populations prefer different ornaments produced by different types of pigments, these ornaments appear to be signalling similar aspects of male quality. Our results caution against inferring the function of particular ornaments based simply on their type of pigment. [source] High-Density Periodically Ordered Magnetic Cobalt Ferrite Nanodot Arrays by Template-Assisted Pulsed Laser DepositionADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 21 2009Xingsen Gao Abstract A novel nanopatterning method using pulsed laser deposition through an ultrathin anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) membrane mask is proposed to synthesize well-ordered nanodot arrays of magnetic CoFe2O4 that feature a wide range of applications like sensors, drug delivery, and data storage. This technique allows the adjustment of the array dimension from ,35 to ,300,nm in diameter and ,65 to ,500,nm in inter-dot distance. The dot density can be as high as 0.21 Terabit in.,2. The microstructure of the nanodots is characterized by SEM, TEM, and XRD and their magnetic properties are confirmed by well-defined magnetic force microscopy contrasts and by hysteresis loops recorded by a superconducting quantum interference device. Moreover, the high stability of the AAO mask enables the epitaxial growth of nanodots at a temperature as high as 550,°C. The epitaxial dots demonstrate unique complex magnetic domains such as bubble and stripe domains, which are switchable by external magnetic fields. This patterning method creates opportunities for studying novel physics in oxide nanomagnets and may find applications in spintronic devices. [source] Fabrication of Flexible Binary Amplitude Masks for Patterning on Highly Curved SurfacesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 20 2009Audrey M. Bowen Abstract This paper describes soft lithography methods that expand current fabrication capabilities by enabling high-throughput patterning on nonplanar substrates. These techniques exploit optically dense elastomeric mask elements embedded in a transparent poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix by vacuum-assisted microfluidic patterning, UV,ozone-mediated irreversible sealing, and chemical etching. These protocols provide highly flexible photomasks exhibiting either positive- or negative-image contrasts, which serve as amplitude masks for large-area photolithographic patterning on a variety of curved (and planar) surfaces. When patterning on cylindrical surfaces, the developed masks do not experience significant pattern distortions. For substrates with 3D curvatures/geometries, however, the PDMS mask must undergo relatively large strains in order to make conformal contact. The new methods described in this report provide planar masks that can be patterned to compliantly compensate for both the displacements and distortions of features that result from stretching the mask to span the 3D geometry. To demonstrate this, a distortion-corrected grid pattern mask was fabricated and used in conjunction with a homemade inflation device to pattern an electrode mesh on a glass hemisphere with predictable registration and distortion compensation. The showcased mask fabrication processes are compatible with a broad range of substrates, illustrating the potential for development of complex lithographic patterns for a variety of applications in the realm of curved electronics (i.e., synthetic retinal implants and curved LED arrays) and wide field-of-view optics. [source] Cough after inhalation of corticosteroids delivered from spacer devices in children with asthmaFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 5 2003Jean-Christophe Dubus Abstract Children using a spacer device rather than another device for delivering inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) has been identified as a risk factor for cough immediately after inhalation. The aim of this study was to point out the different factors influencing the occurrence of such lateral side-effects. We studied this local side-effect in 402 asthmatic children (55.6 ± 34.9 months; 65.6% boys) treated for at least 1 month with beclomethasone dipropionate (n = 331), budesonide (n = 47) or fluticasone propionate (n = 24) delivered from pressurized metered-dose inhalers and small (75.1%) or large volume (24.8%) spacer devices mainly used with face mask (90.7%). A total of 219 patients (54.5%), treated with either high doses of ICS or ICS and long-acting ,2-agonist, were considered as having severe asthma. Cough was reported after each inhalation of corticosteroids in 216 patients (53.7%). Among them, about 30% also complained of cough with ,2-agonists. Despite different propellants and dispersants, all corticosteroids induced cough similarly. Cough was not linked with asthma severity, but was significantly related to therapy duration and use of long-acting ,2-agonist. Type and volume of the spacer device, use of a face mask or mouthpiece were not influencing factors. Cough after inhalation of corticosteroids delivered from spacer devices is a frequent local side-effect in children with asthma. This side effect can greatly alter compliance. A practitioner must be sought at each visit. [source] Nanoimprinted Polyethyleneimine: A Multimodal Template for Nanoparticle Assembly and ImmobilizationADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 18 2009Chandramouleeswaran Subramani Abstract Polyethyleneimine (PEI) is used as a scaffold for integrated top-down/bottom-up fabrication. In this synergistic strategy, patterned PEI surfaces are created using thermal nanoimprint lithography (NIL) using a sacrificial polystyrene (PS) overlayer. These imprinted surfaces act as versatile templates for assembling nanoparticles and dyes, with the amine groups of the PEI enabling electrostatic assembly, carbodiimide coupling, and dithiocarbamate attachment to the nanoimprinted features. The efficient assembly of particles and dyes is confirmed through fluorescence and atomic force microscopy. In these studies the PS overlayer serves two roles. First, the PS layer protects the PEI surface during the plasma-etch removal of the residual layer of the NIL process. Second, the PS overlayer serves as a mask, enabling sequential functionalization of the sides and the tops of the PEI features. [source] Quantifying the Effects of Mask Metadata Disclosure and Multiple Releases on the Confidentiality of Geographically Masked Health DataGEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 1 2008Dale L. Zimmerman The availability of individual-level health data presents opportunities for monitoring the distribution and spread of emergent, acute, and chronic conditions, as well as challenges with respect to maintaining the anonymity of persons with health conditions. Particularly when such data are mapped as point locations, concerns arise regarding the ease with which individual identities may be determined by linking geographic coordinates to digital street networks, then determining residential addresses and, finally, names of occupants at specific addresses. The utility of such data sets must therefore be balanced against the requirements of protecting the confidentiality of individuals whose identities might be revealed through the availability of precise and accurate locational data. Recent literature has pointed toward geographic masking as a means for striking an appropriate balance between data utility and confidentiality. However, questions remain as to whether certain characteristics of the mask (mask metadata) should be disclosed to data users and whether two or more distinct masked versions of the data can be released without breaching confidentiality. In this article, we address these questions by quantifying the extent to which the disclosure of mask metadata and the release of multiple masked versions may affect confidentiality, with a view toward providing guidance to custodians of health data sets. The masks considered include perturbation, areal aggregation, and their combination. Confidentiality is measured by the areas of confidence regions for individuals' locations, which are derived under the probability models governing the masks, conditioned on the disclosed mask metadata. [source] Tuning and Transcription of the Supramolecular Organization of a Fluorescent Silsesquioxane Precursor into Silica-Based Materials through Direct Photochemical Hydrolysis,Polycondensation and MicropatterningADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 3 2009Xavier Sallenave Abstract A new fluorescent silsequioxane precursor with tuned optical properties and controlled aggregation properties is designed. The two cyclohexyl moieties introduced in the molecular structure allow the formation of very good quality films. The J-aggregated structure is transcribed into the solid by photoacid-catalyzed hydrolysis,polycondensation. Aggregation of the chromophores is reduced and highly fluorescent materials are obtained. The photoacid generator lies on the surface of the homogeneous layer of the sol,gel precursor. This phase separation presents several advantages, including UV protection of the chromophore and easy removal of the PAG. The first example of chemical amplification in the photolithography of the conjugated silsesquioxane precursor is demonstrated. As hydrolysis,polycondensation could be achieved in a controlled way by UV exposure, chemically amplified photolithography is achieved by irradiating a composite film (,110,nm thick) on silicon wafer by using a copper TEM grid as shadow mask. The pattern is produced uniformly on a miscroscopic scale of 3,mm, the photopatterned pixels remaining highly fluorescent. The sizes of the photolithographed pixels correspond to the sizes of the rectangular holes of the 300,×,75 mesh grid (hole: 63,<$>,<$>m,×,204,<$>,<$>m). [source] Anaerobic thyroid abscess from a thyroid cyst after fine-needle aspirationHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 1 2002Jui-Hung Sun MD Abstract Background Anaerobic abscess formation within a thyroid cyst is rare but still possible, although aerobic thyroid abscess formation in the thyroid gland after fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has been observed in immunocompromised patients. Methods This study describes the clinical manifestations, thyroid echography, cytologic finding, culture outcome, and treatment course of an anaerobic abscess formation within a thyroid cyst after FNA in a healthy subject. Results A 53-year-old male subject had rapid enlargement of a left thyroid cyst develop after second FNA. Frank pus was obtained through third FNA. The culture outcome was Propionibacterium acnes, which was rich in saliva and one of the pathogens causing periodontitis and gingivitis. After adequate antimicrobial therapy, the abscess gradually diminished. Conclusions This article reported, for the first time, on the formation of an anaerobic thyroid abscess after FNA in a healthy subject. We recommended careful aseptic procedure and adequate isolation processes, such as wearing a mask to avoid an unfavorable outcome as a result of a bacterial infection. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 24: 84,86, 2002. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||