Tailoring an arbitrary large vectorial structured light beam array utilizing the tensor theory of multiplexed polarization holograms.

Vectorial structured light beams, characterized by their topological charge and non-uniform polarization distribution, are highly promising beam modes for several applications in different domains of optics and photonics. To harness its potential specifically in optical communication, data encryption, and optical trapping, it is necessary to tailor a multitude of these beams with arbitrary and large topological charge and polarization distribution. However, achieving the above-mentioned requires bulky optical setups that necessitate the superposition of two beams or involve complex material fabrication techniques that can directly generate these beams.

High-density polarization multiplexed holograms using azo-carbazole films for diverse applications.

In this study, we have demonstrated diverse applications of high-density polarization multiplexed holograms in an azo-carbazole polymer film. We investigate three distinct multiplexing methods, namely i) hybrid polarization-angular multiplexing for high-density data storage, ii) hybrid spatial-polarization multiplexing for a dynamic display, and iii) hybrid polarization-depth multiplexing for depth selective 3D display. Up to 24 images were successfully recorded and then retrieved individually from a single hologram without any cross-talk, using the first multiplexing scheme.

Photorefractivity and photocurrent dynamics of triphenylamine-based polymer composites.

The photorefractive properties of triphenylamine polymer-based composites with various composition ratios were investigated via optical diffraction, response time, asymmetric energy transfer, and transient photocurrent. The composite consisted of a photoconductive polymer of poly((4-diphenylamino)benzyl acrylate), a photoconductive plasticizer of (4-diphenylamino)phenyl)methanol, a sensitizer of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester, and a nonlinear optical dye of (4-(azepan-1-yl)-benzylidene)malononitrile. The photorefractive properties and related quantities were dependent on the composition, which was related to the glass transition temperature of the photorefractive polymers.

Generation of arbitrary vector vortex beams on a higher-order Poincaré sphere using a double-exposure polarization-multiplexed hologram.

The existing methods for the generation of arbitrary vector vortex beams often involve complex optical setups or intricate fabrication methods. In this Letter, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, and simplified approach for the efficient generation of vector vortex beams using a polarization-multiplexed hologram fabricated on an azo-carbazole polymer using a simple double-exposure technique. The hologram generates a vector vortex beam when simply illuminated by a collimated beam and also allows for a seamless traversal across the entire higher-order Poincaré sphere (arbitrary vortex beam generation) just by modulating the polarization of an illuminating beam.

Head cooling wrap could suppress the elevation of core temperature after cardiac surgery during forced-air warming in a pediatric intensive care unit: a randomized clinical trial.

Purpose: The main aim of the current trial was to explore our hypothesis that cooling head wraps lower the core temperature more effectively than ice packs on the head during forced-air warming after pediatric cardiac surgeries.

Methods: This study was a single-center Randomized Controlled Trial. Participants were children with a weight ≤ 10 kg and hyperthermia during forced-air warming after cardiac surgeries.

Spin Trapping Analysis of Radical Intermediates on the Thermo-Oxidative Degradation of Polypropylene.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the thermo-oxidative degradation behavior of polypropylene (PP) by comparing three types of pristine PP granules (consisting of homopolymer, random copolymer, and block copolymer) with their corresponding oxidized analogues. These analogues were intensely oxidized under oxygen at 90 °C for 1000 h by using the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping method that can detect short-lived radical intermediates during the degradation. The degrees of oxidation could be evaluated by chemiluminescence (CL) intensity, which was related to the concentration of hydroperoxide groups generated in the PP chain.

Spin-Trapping Analysis of the Thermal Degradation Reaction of Polyamide 66.

The radical mechanisms of the thermal degradation of polyamide 66 (PA66) occurring under a vacuum at a temperature range between 80 °C and 240 °C (which includes the temperature of practical applications) were investigated using a spin-trapping electron spin resonance (ST-ESR) technique, as well as FTIR, TG-DTA, and GPC methods. No significant weight loss and no sign of thermal degradation are observed at this temperature range under oxygen-free conditions, but a slight production of secondary amine groups is confirmed by FTIR. GPC analysis shows a small degradation by the main chain scission.

Cosmetic and shoulder functional outcomes in posterolateral minithoracotomy atrial septal defect closure: A retrospective study.

Background And Aim: Transcatheter device closure has become the first treatment option for atrial septal defects (ASD). Surgical ASD closure, although still implemented, is cosmetically inferior to transcatheter closure. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility as well as short- and long-term clinical outcomes of the right posterolateral minithoracotomy approach for surgical ASD closure.

Generation of Ince-Gaussian Beams Using Azocarbazole Polymer CGH.

Ince-Gaussian beams, defined as a solution to a wave equation in elliptical coordinates, have shown great advantages in applications such as optical communication, optical trapping and optical computation. However, to ingress these applications, a compact and scalable method for generating these beams is required. Here, we present a simple method that satisfies the above requirement, and is capable of generating arbitrary Ince-Gaussian beams and their superposed states through a computer-generated hologram of size 1 mm, fabricated on an azocarbazole polymer film.

Photorefractive Response Enhancement in Poly(triarylamine)-Based Polymer Composites by a Second Electron Trap Chromophore.

Photorefractive (PR) performances are affected by the components of the photoconductor, sensitizer, nonlinear optical dye, and plasticizer. A photoconductor with high hole mobility promises a faster response time, whereas it induces higher photoconductivity, which leads to easy dielectric breakdown. Adding a second electron trap is effective in controlling photoconductivity.

Obstructive shock due to tracheal perforation following long-term placement of a tracheostomy tube in a pediatric patient: a case report.

Background: Tracheal perforation, although rare, is a known late complication of tracheostomy tube placement.

Case Presentation: We present a 7-year-old boy with severe physical and mental disabilities under tracheostomy and long-term mechanical ventilation and steroid therapy who suddenly developed obstructive shock secondary to pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax. Prior bronchoscopy had shown the tip of the tracheostomy tube contacting the posterior tracheal wall, causing ulceration and subsequent tracheal perforation.

Compact and Scalable Large Vortex Array Generation Using Azocarbazole Polymer and Digital Hologram Printing Technique.

An integrated device capable of generating large number of multiplexed optical vortex beams with arbitrary topological charge is considered as one of the crucial requirement for driving information photonics forward. Here we report a simple method for simultaneous generation of 100 multiplexed optical vortex beams from a polymer film of size 1 mm and thickness of 30 μm. This is achieved through a combination of computer-generated holography, digital hologram printing and photoisomeric polymers.

Histone deacetylation regulates nucleotide excision repair through an interaction with the XPC protein.

The XPC protein complex plays a central role in DNA lesion recognition for global genome nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER). Lesion recognition can be accomplished in either a UV-DDB-dependent or -independent manner; however, it is unclear how these sub-pathways are regulated in chromatin. Here, we show that histone deacetylases 1 and 2 facilitate UV-DDB-independent recruitment of XPC to DNA damage by inducing histone deacetylation.

Absent pulmonary valve with double-outlet left ventricle: a case report.

Absent pulmonary valve syndrome and double-outlet left ventricle are rare congenital anomalies, with, to the best of our knowledge, no cases reported to date. We present the treatment course in a patient with an absent pulmonary valve, double-outlet left ventricle, dextrocardia, hypoplastic right ventricle, valvular aortic stenosis, and bronchomalacia.

Investigations into the efficacy of a novel extubation-aerosol shield: a cough model study.

Background: Physicians have had to perform numerous extubation procedures during the prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic. Future pandemics caused by unknown pathogen may also present a risk of exposure to infectious droplets and aerosols.

Aim: This study evaluated the ability of a newly developed aerosol barrier, "Extubation-Aerosol (EA)-Shield" to provide maximum protection from aerosol exposure during extubation via an aerosolised particle count and high-quality visualisation assessments.

Fabrication of silver helix microstructures in a large area by a two-photon absorption DLW method.

Large-area helix microstructures intended for metamaterials were fabricated using a negative photoresist, SU-8 using a two photon absorption direct laser writing (TPA-DLW). Two types of helix structures were fabricated. One type is those with no neighboring distance.

Chitosan-Functionalized Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Nanofibrous Membrane for Sustainable On-Demand Oil-Water Separation.

The preservation of marine ecosystems is one of the most severe challenges at present. In particular, oil-water separation from oil spills and oily wastewater is important. For this reason, a low-cost, effective, and sustainable polymeric solution is in high demand.

Safety of an improved pediatric epidural tunneling technique for catheter shear.

Background: Epidural tunneling could help with prolonged catheterization and be effective in preventing infection and dislodgement. However, epidural tunneling techniques carry a risk of catheter shear or needlestick injuries.

Aims: This study aimed to examine the safety of our epidural tunneling technique in terms of catheter shear.

Re-evaluation of the Energy Density Properties of VDF Ferroelectric Thin-Film Capacitors.

Large dielectric constants and small remanent polarization of the relaxor-ferroelectric (RFE) polymers are favored for energy-harvesting applications. Here, the energy harvesting of RFE thin films of vinylidene fluoride (VDF)-based terpolymers were re-evaluated. VDF-based terpolymers with trifluoroethylene (TrFE) and chlorofluoroethylene (CFE), CFE terpolymer, and those with TrFE and chlorotrifluoroethylene were used.

Functional impacts of the ubiquitin-proteasome system on DNA damage recognition in global genome nucleotide excision repair.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays crucial roles in regulation of various biological processes, including DNA repair. In mammalian global genome nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER), activation of the DDB2-associated ubiquitin ligase upon UV-induced DNA damage is necessary for efficient recognition of lesions. To date, however, the precise roles of UPS in GG-NER remain incompletely understood.

Metastases of soft tissue sarcoma to the liver: A Historical Cohort Study from a Hospital-based Cancer Registry.

Background: Hepatic metastasis of soft tissue sarcoma is rare compared to lung metastasis, and the literature is scarce. We examined the risk of hepatic metastasis according to the site of occurrence and histological type.

Methods: From a Hospital-based Cancer Registry, 658 patients registered between 2007 and 2017 with soft tissue sarcomas were evaluated.