Squeezing the quantum noise of a gravitational-wave detector below the standard quantum limit.

The Heisenberg uncertainty principle dictates that the position and momentum of an object cannot be simultaneously measured with arbitrary precision, giving rise to an apparent limitation known as the standard quantum limit (SQL). Gravitational-wave detectors use photons to continuously measure the positions of freely falling mirrors and so are affected by the SQL. We investigated the performance of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) after the experimental realization of frequency-dependent squeezing designed to surpass the SQL.

Transition readiness and coping styles in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Purpose: Although promoting positive coping and reducing negative coping improves health, little research has examined how types of coping relate to transition readiness in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study aimed to clarify the direct and indirect relations between coping style and transition readiness. We first examined which coping styles predict transition readiness in adolescents with T1D and then explored whether diabetes distress mediates the relation between disengagement coping and transition readiness.

Oxygen saturation and work of breathing indices in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia compared to healthy preterm infants at discharge.

Background: Thoracoabdominal asynchrony (TAA) is commonly seen in preterm infants. Respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP) is a noninvasive way to objectively assess work of breathing (WOB) indices. The impact of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) on TAA at discharge has not been established.

PET Imaging of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 with a Fluorine-18 Labeled Tryptophan Radiotracer.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurocutaneous disorder. Plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs) are benign tumors commonly formed in patients with NF1. PNFs have a high incidence of developing into malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) with a 5-year survival rate of only 30%.

Successful Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Mice Utilizing Microcomputed Tomography Angiography.

Microcomputed tomography (microCT) angiography is an invaluable resource to researchers. New advances in this technology have allowed for high-quality images to be obtained of micro-vasculature and are high-fidelity tools in the field of organ transplantation. In this model of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in mice, microCT affords the opportunity to evaluate allograft anastomosis in real time and has the added benefit of not having to sacrifice study animals.

A Cost-Effective Microfluidic Device to Teach the Principles of Electrophoresis and Electroosmosis.

Electrophoresis is integral to analytical and biochemistry experiences in undergraduate education; however, fundamental principles of the method are often taught in upper-level laboratories through hands-on experiences. A laboratory activity is reported that teaches the concepts of electrophoretic mobility and electroosmotic flow. A single reuseable instrument, called a mini-E, costs 37 USD and consists of a DC power supply, a voltmeter, platinum electrodes, and a chip cast in polydimethylsiloxane.

Nature-inspired methylated polyhydroxybutyrates from C1 and C4 feedstocks.

Polyolefin plastics are widely used due to their low cost and outstanding properties, but their environmental persistence presents a major societal challenge. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biodegradable substitutes for polyolefins, but their high cost and thermal instability are impediments to their widespread application. Here we report a series of methylated polyhydroxybutyrates, poly(3-hydroxy-2-methylbutyrate)s, which are structurally inspired by natural PHAs.

Impact of intravenous fluid administration on cardiac output and oxygenation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Background: The effect of intravenous fluid (IVF) administration during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an unexplored factor that may improve cardiac output (CO) during CPR. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of IVF administration on CO and oxygenation during CPR.

Methods: This experimental animal study was performed in a critical care animal laboratory.

Peripheral T-cell receptor repertoire dynamics in small cell lung cancer.

Background: Identifying a circulating biomarker predictive of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) benefit in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains an unmet need. Characteristics of peripheral and intratumoral T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires have been shown to predict clinical outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recognizing a knowledge gap, we sought to characterize circulating TCR repertoires and their relationship with clinical outcomes in SCLC.

Radiances of Cerenkov-Emitting Isotopes on the IVIS.

Unlabelled: Cerenkov (or Cherenkov) luminescence occurs when charged particles exceed the phase velocity of a given medium. Cerenkov has gained interest in preclinical space as well as in clinical trials for optical visualization of numerous radionuclides. However, Cerenkov intensity has to be inferred from alternative databases with energy emission spectra, or theoretical fluence estimates.

The impact of kangaroo mother care on work of breathing and oxygen saturation in very low birth weight infants with respiratory insufficiency.

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is defined as prolonged skin to skin care between a mother and infant with the infant lying in prone position on mom's chest. KMC decreases morbidity and mortality and promotes physiologic stability. The aim of this study is to measure work of breathing (WOB) during KMC in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants on non-invasive respiratory support.

A Low-Cost and Simple Demonstration of Freezing Point Depression and Colligative Properties with Common Salts and Ice Cream.

A laboratory activity was developed to teach freezing point depression and colligative properties to introductory-level chemistry students. The laboratory uses food-grade reagents and is delivered in two units that can be taught in a single 2 hour session or two separate sessions. The total cost of the consumables is 1 USD.

A Novel Agnostic Respiratory Stimulant as a Treatment for Apnea of Prematurity: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Aim/objective: ENA-001 is a novel selective antagonist of large-conductance BK (big potassium) channels located in the carotid bodies, where they act as chemoreceptors that sense low arterial oxygen levels and establish a feedback loop to brainstem nuclei responsible for initiating spontaneous breathing and maintaining adequate oxygen to tissues. ENA-001 attenuates respiratory depression induced by a variety of chemical agents, essentially "agnostic" to the precipitating drug (e.g.

Nanoflow Sheath Voltage-Free Interfacing of Capillary Electrophoresis and Mass Spectrometry for the Detection of Small Molecules.

Coupling capillary electrophoresis (CE) to mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful strategy to leverage a high separation efficiency with structural identification. Traditional CE-MS interfacing relies upon voltage to drive this process. Additionally, sheathless interfacing requires that the electrophoresis generates a sufficient volumetric flow to sustain the ionization process.

Utilising pneuRIP device in determining the adequacy of respiratory support when weaning high-flow nasal cannula in paediatric patients with acute respiratory distress: A pilot study.

Aim: Recognition of paediatric respiratory distress and timely intervention is critical, especially during the weaning phase of support in paediatric acute respiratory failure, as weaning too aggressively can lead to further setbacks in a patient's recovery. We aimed to determine if pulmonary function measurements obtained with the pneuRIP device, a noninvasive pulmonary function testing device that provides measurements of labored breathing index (LBI), phase angle and %rib cage (%RC) contribution to breathing, will provide predictive values to assess the adequacy of respiratory support while weaning from HFNC.

Methods: We reviewed patients ages 0-18 years admitted to the PICU for respiratory distress due to respiratory infections receiving HFNC.

Administration of Drugs/Gene Products to the Respiratory System: A Historical Perspective of the Use of Inert Liquids.

The present review is a historical perspective of methodology and applications using inert liquids for respiratory support and as a vehicle to deliver biological agents to the respiratory system. As such, the background of using oxygenated inert liquids (considered a drug when used in the lungs) opposed to an oxygen-nitrogen gas mixture for respiratory support is presented. The properties of these inert liquids and the mechanisms of gas exchange and lung function alterations using this technology are described.

A Multimodal Approach to Quantify Chondrocyte Viability for Airway Tissue Engineering.

Objectives/hypothesis: Partially decellularized tracheal scaffolds have emerged as a potential solution for long-segment tracheal defects. These grafts have exhibited regenerative capacity and the preservation of native mechanical properties resulting from the elimination of all highly immunogenic cell types while sparing weakly immunogenic cartilage. With partial decellularization, new considerations must be made about the viability of preserved chondrocytes.

Design and evaluation of Raman reporters for the Raman-silent region.

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is proving to be a useful tool for biomedical imaging. However, this imaging technique can suffer from poor signal-to-noise ratio, as the complexity of biological tissues can lead to overlapping of Raman bands from tissues and the Raman reporter molecule utilized. Herein we describe the synthesis of triple bond containing Raman reporters that scatter light in the biological silent window, between 1750 cm and 2750 cm.

Point Absorber Limits to Future Gravitational-Wave Detectors.

High-quality optical resonant cavities require low optical loss, typically on the scale of parts per million. However, unintended micron-scale contaminants on the resonator mirrors that absorb the light circulating in the cavity can deform the surface thermoelastically and thus increase losses by scattering light out of the resonant mode. The point absorber effect is a limiting factor in some high-power cavity experiments, for example, the Advanced LIGO gravitational-wave detector.

PATET ratio by Doppler echocardiography: noninvasive detection of pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAT) and PAT: ejection time (PATET) ratio are echocardiographic measurements of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These noninvasive quantitative measurements are ideal to follow longitudinally through the clinical course of PAH, especially as it relates to the need for and/or response to treatment. This review article focuses on the current literature of PATET measurement for infants and children as it relates to the shortening of the PATET ratio in PAH.