Infrared routing and switching with tunable spectral bandwidth using arrays of metallic nanoantennas.

We study infrared routing and switching with tunable spectral bandwidth using in-plane scattering of light by flat Au nanoantenna arrays. The base dimensions of these nanoantennas are approximately 250 by 850 nm, while their heights vary from 20 to 150 nm. Our results show that, with the increase in height, the arrays become more efficient scatterers while their spectra broaden within the 1-1.

Embolization of De Novo Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations Using High-Volume Detachable Non-Fibered Coils: Propensity-Matched Comparison to Traditional Coils.

Embolization of de novo pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) using high-volume detachable non-fibered (HVDNF) coils was compared to traditional non-HVDNF coils. Persistent-occlusion rates were evaluated. A total of 272 de novo (previously untreated) PAVM treatments were retrospectively stratified into those treated with non-HVDNF coils only ( = 192) and those treated with HVDNF coils with or without other coils ( = 80).

Spin-polarization control of in-plane scattering in arrays of asymmetric U-shaped nanoantennas.

We study projection-enabled enhancement of asymmetric optical responses of plasmonic metasurfaces for photon-spin control of their far field scattering. Such a process occurs by detecting the light scattered by arrays of asymmetric U-shaped nanoantennas along their planes (in-plane scattering). The nanoantennas are considered to have relatively long bases and two unequal arms.

Comparison of Feeding-Artery-Only versus Nidus-Plus-Feeding-Artery Embolization of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations.

Purpose: To compare coil embolotherapy outcomes of feeding-artery-only versus nidus-plus-feeding-artery technique for treating pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs).

Materials And Methods: A total of 219 treatment-naïve PAVMs embolized in 90 patients at a single center from 2008 to 2018 met inclusion criteria for retrospective evaluation. Of the patients, 87% had a diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

Novel Dual-Lumen Drainage Catheter to Enhance the Active Evacuation of Complex Fluid Collections.

Purpose: To compare the performance of a dual-lumen flushable drainage catheter to a conventional catheter for complex fluid collection drainage.

Methods: Two prototype catheters (20- and 28-F) were created by incorporating a customized infusion lumen within the wall of a large-bore conventional drainage catheter, which facilitated simultaneous irrigation of the drainage lumen and the targeted collection via inward- and outward-facing infusion side holes. These were tested against unaltered 20- and 28-F conventional catheters to determine if the injection of a dedicated flush lumen improved rapidity and completeness of gravity drainage.

Persistence of antibiotic resistance genes from river water to tap water in the Yangtze River Delta.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) raise public concern as emerging contaminants. The abundance and variation of 11 ARGs, intI1 and 16S rRNA gene were deciphered using quantitative PCR (qPCR) in two drinking water treatment systems that include river, wetland, drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) and tap water from the Yangtze River Delta. The influencing factors for ARG abundance in river water were also explored.

Interventional Radiology Image-Guided Suprapubic Cystostomy Using Trocar versus Seldinger Technique: A Comparative Analysis of Outcomes and Complications.

Objective: To compare two techniques-trocar and Seldinger-for performing percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy.

Materials And Methods: 125 patients, mean age 71.8 ± 16.

Treatment of Recurrent Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations: Comparison of Proximal Versus Distal Embolization Technique.

Purpose: To examine the characteristics of recurrent pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) and compare the success of proximal versus distal embolization technique for treatment of recanalized PAVMs.

Materials: Between July 2007 and October 2018, 26 consecutive patients underwent embolization of 64 previously treated recurrent PAVMs at a single center with imaging follow-up. PAVM angioarchitecture was classified as either simple (1 feeding artery) or complex (≥ 2 feeding arteries).

Interventional radiology-operated percutaneous cholecystoscopy with ultrasonic lithotripsy and stone basket retrieval: A treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis in non-operative candidates.

Interventional radiology-operated percutaneous endoscopy has seen a recent resurgence with potential to return to the scope of Interventional Radiology practice. Endoscopy adds a new dimension to the Interventional Radiology armamentarium by offering a unique opportunity to diagnose and treat conditions under direct visualization with improved maneuverability. Cholecystoscopy (gallbladder endoscopy), as a method for percutaneous removal of gallstones, is an effective treatment option in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who are poor candidates for surgical cholecystectomy.

Recanalization of prostatic artery chronic total occlusion prior to prostatic artery embolization.

Urinary obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia is a late manifestation of the disease, and a poor prognostic sign for responding to conservative therapies. Prostatic artery embolization - when performed successfully - can be an effective treatment for reducing obstructive urinary symptoms. Outlined in this report is the successful recanalization of a prostatic artery chronic total occlusion prior to embolization in an 89-year-old man with benign prostatic hyperplasia, who initially presented with urinary obstruction.

Improving P300 Spelling Rate using Language Models and Predictive Spelling.

The P300 Speller Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) provides a means of communication for those suffering from advanced neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent literature has incorporated language-based modelling, which uses previously chosen characters and the structure of natural language to modify the interface and classifier. Two complementary methods of incorporating language models have previously been independently studied: predictive spelling uses language models to generate suggestions of complete words to allow for the selection of multiple characters simultaneously, and language model-based classifiers have used prior characters to create a prior probability distribution over the characters based on how likely they are to follow.

Online BCI Typing using Language Model Classifiers by ALS Patients in their Homes.

The P300 speller is a common brain-computer interface system that can provide a means of communication for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent studies have shown that incorporating language information in signal classification can improve system performance, but they have largely been tested on healthy volunteers in a laboratory setting. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the functionality of the P300 speller system with language models when used by ALS patients in their homes.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for the Treatment of Chronic Intractable Pain: A Systematic Review.

Background: Since the advent of neuromodulation, the role and efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for chronic pain has not been carefully scrutinized.

Objective: To perform a systematic review to evaluate the clinical efficacy, both short- and long-term, of SRS for the treatment of chronic intractable pain.

Methods: A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO was performed using keywords and controlled vocabulary.

A comparison of stimulus types in online classification of the P300 speller using language models.

The P300 Speller is a common brain-computer interface communication system. There are many parallel lines of research underway to overcome the system's low signal to noise ratio and thereby improve performance, including using famous face stimuli and integrating language information into the classifier. While both have been shown separately to provide significant improvements, the two methods have not yet been implemented together to demonstrate that the improvements are complimentary.

Enhancing image quality in cleared tissue with adaptive optics.

Our ability to see fine detail at depth in tissues is limited by scattering and other refractive characteristics of the tissue. For fixed tissue, we can limit scattering with a variety of clearing protocols. This allows us to see deeper but not necessarily clearer.

Optical Clearing of the Mouse Central Nervous System Using Passive CLARITY.

Traditionally, tissue visualization has required that the tissue of interest be serially sectioned and imaged, subjecting each tissue section to unique non-linear deformations, dramatically hampering one's ability to evaluate cellular morphology, distribution and connectivity in the central nervous system (CNS). However, optical clearing techniques are changing the way tissues are visualized. These approaches permit one to probe deeply into intact organ preparations, providing tremendous insight into the structural organization of tissues in health and disease.

Distribution and persistence of Escherichia coli and Enterococci in stream bed and bank sediments from two urban streams in Houston, TX.

The purpose of this research was to determine if Escherichia coli and enterococci in streambed and bank sediments from two urban bayous, Buffalo Bayou and White Oak Bayou, in Houston, TX, USA are a significant source of the chronically high levels of these bacteria in the overlying water. The watersheds of the bayous lie within highly urbanized areas of Greater Houston and there is primary recreational contact with the public. Extensive sampling of the watersheds was conducted from 2008 to 2010.

Gastric MALT lymphoma in the absence of Helicobacter pylori infection presenting as an upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Gastric MALT lymphoma is almost exclusively a sequelae of Helicobacter pylori infection and rarely presents with profuse bleeding. Gastric mucosa is not normally thought to contain lymphoid tissue, yet in the presence of H pylori reactive lymphoid follicles form which are possibly throught to predispose the patient to developing lymphoma. GI bleeding from these tumors is common during treatment as a consequence of tumor regression or necrosis.

Dropped gallstone as a nidus of intra-abdominal abscess complicated by empyema.

We describe a patient who developed an intra-abdominal abscess and empyema from a dropped gallstone at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy 1.5 years ago. As minimally invasive surgeries become conventional, clinicians should be aware of this increasingly common complication.